City helps with tree-limb cleanup

The city's Solid Waste Division reminds residents the city will collect broken tree limbs so long as they are cut and bundled properly.

"Branches thrown into alleys or over fences can present hazards for vehicles accessing the alley and the city considers it littering," said Solid Waste Division Manager Cindie Langston in a release. Residents will be given warnings and eventually charged fees for improperly handling branches.

Tree branches are collected by on each homeowner's extra trash pickup day. Branches should be cut to 5 feet in length and bundled with rope or twine. Bundles should weigh no more than 50 pounds and should be placed three feet from trash containers without blocking alley or street traffic.

Residents can find their next extra trash pickup day by visiting www.casperwy.gov or by calling (307) 235-8246.

The city also accepts branches at the Balefill free of charge.

Centennial hosts annual veterans' program

Centennial Junior High will host it's annual veteran's assembly at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 7 in the school's gymnasium, according to a release. Veterans are invited to attend.

All visiting veterans are asked to meet in the library between 8 and 8:30 for coffee and rolls. At 8:30, all guests will be escorted to the gym by mentor students. The program will consist of several guest speakers, including several veterans and Dr. Joel Dvorak, superintendent of Natrona County schools. Also featured will be the Centennial Music Department.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Delores Howell at (307) 577-4600.

College offers puppy kindergarten

Casper College will offer a class just for puppies from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday nights, according to a release. The class runs Nov. 3 through Dec. 15.

The class is designed for dogs age 6 months to 1 year old and their owners. Instruction will include socialization, house training, mouthing, good nutrition, come when called, good manners, and the importance of vet care.

For more information or to register, call (307) 268-2206 or visit www.caspercollege.edu.

NCSD, Mercer House plan '09 Bash

The Natrona County School District and Mercer House are planning the 2009 Back to School Bash, according to a release.

The event will take place at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, Natrona County Public Library, Beech Street and surrounding outside areas, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 15.

To reserve a booth or make a donation, call Community Relations at (307) 253-5225 or e-mail communication_team@natronaschools.org.

College awards LeDoux scholarships

Two Casper College rodeo team members - Josh Barker and Treva Bitterman - received the Chris LeDoux Rodeo Scholarship, according to a release.

Barker is a freshman welding major from Edgemont, S.D., and Bitterman is a freshman pre-vet major from Wheatland.

The scholarship is awarded each fall to one Casper College rodeo cowboy and one Casper College rodeo cowgirl. Each applicant's work in the classroom, leadership, and overall conduct is considered.

Library hosts final project meeting

Natrona County Public Library officials will hold a final meeting on its new facility project at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the library's Crawford room, according to a release.

Information about the new library will be presented, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

For more information, call (307) 577-READ.

KW, Dean Morgan promote reading

Kelly Walsh High School and Dean Morgan Junior High recently were recognized in a recent issue of the Wyoming Library Roundup for the work their libraries do to promote reading among students, according to a release.

Since 2006, Kelly Walsh has incorporated the One School, One Book program, where all students are encouraged to read the same book, chosen over the summer.

Dean Morgan has implemented the Morgan Reads a Million program, which was implemented as a school improvement goal for students to be able to read better, said Dean Morgan library media specialist Patty Cordonier.

Workshop covers individual credit

A workshop sponsored by the Small Business Administration and the Natrona County Public Library will include discussion about to use credit wisely, tactics for cleaning up your credit report, and information about predatory lending, according to a release.

The free workshop will be held in library's Crawford room at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Pre-register by calling 577-READ ext 2 or by stopping by the library's reference desk.

Judging team takes third in Dallas

The Casper College livestock sophomore judging team finished third out of 12 teams at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, according to a release.

The team finished second in cattle and sheep, third in reasons, and fourth in hogs.

Sammie Ufford, Kaylee Kerbs, Josh Johnson and Burt Andreen placed among the top eight in individual categories.

Aquatic Center hosts 'Spooky Swim'

The Casper Family Aquatic Center will host a special pre-Halloween swim event, "Spooky Swamp Swim,: from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, according to a release.

This activity will feature scary lifeguards and spooky decorations. Admission is $3 per person, and all children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

For more information, call (307) 235-8383 or visit www.casperwy.gov.

Wal-Mart awards grant to college

The Wal-Mart Foundation gave Casper College one of 20 nationwide grants to develop a model program to improve economic opportunity, according to a release.

Each college will receive an $86,000 grant to partner with its local workforce development community to improve the community's economic prosperity.