Man charged with beating pleads guilty

One of two men charged with beating another man near a Casper railroad bridge in August pleaded guilty Friday to reckless endangering.

A Natrona County district judge sentenced Shawn Woods to 11 months in jail, with credit for the 60 days the defendant had already served.

Marlin Greenwood, the other man charged in the assault, pleaded not guilty earlier this week.

The alleged victim, Terry Alan Weidner, told police Woods and Greenwood beat him at a campsite near a railroad bridge about 1,000 feet southwest of the Parkway Plaza Hotel.

Weidner suffered injuries to his head, mouth and left eye, police said at the time.

Arena plans learn-to-skate classes

The Casper Ice Arena is offering skating classes to anyone interested, ages 3 and up.

"Tots" is a lively setting for 3- to 5-year-olds to become familiar with the ice. "Pre-Alpha" through "Delta" classes give participants ages 5 and up a chance to advance progressively. Beginning hockey classes are also offered, as are home school classes, adult skating and coffee club.

Fall skating classes begin in October and are offered on either various weekday mornings or afternoons or on Saturday mornings. Some classes are offered twice a week for three weeks, while others are offered once a week for six weeks.

A $5 discount is available on all Ice Arena class registrations to participants who have current Casper Ice Arena season passes. Scholarships are also available through the Community Recreation Foundation, for those who qualify.

Registrations can be done at either the Casper Recreation Center or the Casper Ice Arena, online at www.casperw.gov or by phone. For additional information regarding any of these classes or if you would like to register, call 235-8484 or 235-8383.

Berst honored by 'Cambridge Who's Who'

Bruce Berst, head of the social studies department and at-risk coordinator at Natrona County High School, has been recognized as a VIP member by "Cambridge Who's Who" for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in education.

With 38 years of professional experience, Berst specializes in social studies education. In his current position at NCHS, he is responsible for teaching students, preparing grants, coordinating at-risk programs and consulting.

He is an adviser for NCHS's student council, president of the 3rd U.S. Volunteer Infantry, a volunteer for Casper's local historical foundation, a docent at the National Historical Trails Interpretive Center, and an active participant in Civil War re-enactments. He aspires to become a museum education director and consultant for school districts regarding at-risk programs.

"Cambridge Who's Who" recognizes and empowers executives, professionals and entrepreneurs throughout the world.

Snow spotter training in Casper

The National Weather Service will conduct a snow spotter training class in Casper at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Farm Service Agency, 951 Werner Court, Suite 130.

Trained observers will be asked to provide precipitation and snowfall reports in support of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. The NWS, state climatologist, and other governmental agencies utilize CoCoRaHS as a central location to obtain quality precipitation reports from trained volunteers.

The one-hour class is free of charge and open to anyone with an interest in reporting precipitation and snow amounts year-round. All course materials are provided to volunteers.

For weather and spotter information, visit the local National Weather Service website at http://www.weather.gov/riverton, or call the Riverton office at 800-211-1448.

CRC offers 'Living Healthy!' class

Beginning Oct. 21, on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Casper Recreation Center will hold "Living Healthy!"

Featuring instructor Kim Goblirsch, the class includes work to make improvements in physical condition and maintain a healthier fitness level through diet and exercise.

Cost for the six-session class is $29 for CRC members and $41 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, call the Casper Recreation Center at 235-8383.

NIC exhibits focus on folk art

The Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center will open four new contemporary folk art exhibits, including one featuring a Casper artist.

�Reviewing the West� will feature 40 to 50 detailed, jewel-like paintings by Casper native Bill Shepherd, who has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the country for more than three decades.

Also opening Oct. 17 will be three solo exhibitions by artists who hail from across the country: Tom Nussbaum from Montclair, N.J., Lucy Fradkin from Brooklyn, N.Y., and James Holmes from Santa Fe, N.M. All three of these contemporary artists are influenced by the unique stylized forms of folk artists or outsider artists, who create powerful artwork without any academic training.

The NIC will hold an opening reception for all four exhibitions beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 that will feature hors d�oeuvres and a cash bar presented by 303 Restaurant, plus live entertainment. All four artists will speak about their works beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reception admission is free for museum members and $10 for non-members.