We’re excited to celebrate your achievements.
Mills Police Department
Misdemeanor charges
David E. Contreras, 33, hold for probation and parole
New civil cases
- DFS v. Ryan L. Hilyard and Sarah M. Hilyard, child support/parental contribution
- Tawni J. Henry v. David Ogilvie, domestic register foreign judgment
- Mindy L. Blasingame v. Tyrel Neil Blasingame, domestic register foreign judgment
- Susan E. Brown v. Michael L. Pongah, domestic register foreign judgment
- Zachary Cole Heidrich v. Mattea Lynn Heidrich, divorce with children
- Jessie Lee Martin v. Paige N. Holmes, divorce no children
- Carrie Christine Rosburg v. Craig James Riess, divorce no children
- Reyna May Severe v. Dylan Emmery Wilcox, domestic register foreign judgment
- Susan Ray v. Douglas E. Kenney, domestic register foreign judgment
- Maria Alexandra Molina v. Jose Eddy Puente Alcala, divorce with children
- Mark Russell v. William T. Gossett, foreign judgment (2 cases)
- Bret Odell Schooner v. Cynthia Anne Schooner, divorce no children
- DFS v. Billie R. Gingrich and Sandy R. Chavez Jr., child support/parental contribution
- DFS v. Loretta M. Simmons and Michael S. Simmons, child support/parental contribution
- DFS v. Ashley R. Morgan and Phillip C. Beach, child support/parental contribution
- DFS v. Baylee M. Smith and Shawn O. McCormick, child support/parental contribution
- DS v. Isabel K. Reyes and Houston Reyes, child support/parental contribution
- Shawna Santistevan v. Michael Santistevan, di
- vorce no children
Civil disposition
- DFS v. Ryan M. Schroeder, judgment
- DFS v. Lydia L. Williams, default judgment
- DFS v. Kalee J. Felton and Matthew J. Morgan, order
- Courtney Carpenter v. Randall James Carpenter, order
- Melissa Miller v. Thomas Herbert II, order
- Anita Lutz v. Robert Mullen, order
New criminal cases
- Evan Aubrey Armstrong, attempt & conspire felony, manufacture or deliver meth or narcotic controlled substance, possess controlled substance, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense
- Veronica K. Hancock, possess controlled narcotic substance
- Michael Troy Sanders, attempt & conspire felony, robbery inflict bodily injury, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less
- Andrew Beau Barrett, aggravated assault & battery
- Samuel M. Garris, burglary
- Mandelyn Rae Hernandez, make writing that purports to be another’s, conspire to commit felony
- Tonya A. King, attempt to commit felony substantial step, theft deprive $1,000 or more or firearm/livestock regardless of value, child where meth stored, ingested or possessed; false written statement to pawnbroker
- Kenneth J. Latham, burglary, theft deprive $1,000 or more or firearm/livestock regardless of value, conspire to commit felony, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less.
Criminal disposition
- Yonathan Bernardino Islas, apply pressure on throat or neck, dismissed; domestic battery 1st offense, guilty
- Jose Jesus Alverado-Obrein, kidnap remove, confine by force, threat, deception not released (times 5), dismissed times 3; aggravated robbery deadly weapon (times 5), dismissed times 2; aggravated assault & battery threaten with drawn deadly weapon (times 5), dismissed times 5
- Clinton Steven Petersen, criminal entry, guilty; property destruction under $1,000, guilty
- Jason Waugaman, possess child porn (times 9), dismissed times 8
- Celia Kinion, attempt & conspire felony, guilty; possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense, dismissed; compulsory auto insurance 1st offense, dismissed
- Grant Phillip Bauer, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense, guilty
- Lucas Anthony Sanchez, aggravated assault & battery threaten with drawn deadly weapon, dismissed; robbery threaten, guilty; kidnap inflict bodily injury, terrorize—released, dismissed; possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, guilty
- Christopher Aaron Clark, apply pressure on throat or neck, guilty; domestic battery 1st offense, dismissed
- Ryan G. Shaffer, fail to register as sex offender 1st offense, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, dismissed
- Brandon Munguia, manufacture or deliver meth or narcotic controlled substance, guilty; possess controlled narcotic substance, dismissed; possess controlled substance, plant, 3 ounces or less, dismissed
- Trestin Michael Pierce, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense, guilty; possess controlled substance, plant, 3 ounces or less, 3rd plus offense, dismissed
- George Dean Jackson, burglary (times 3), guilty times 3
- Brandon Tyler Ensley, sex abuse minor 2nd degree, dismissed; sex abuse minor 3rd degree, guilty
- Skyler Christian Miles, sex abuse minor 2nd degree (times 2), dismissed times 2; sex abuse minor 3rd degree (times 2), guilty times 1, dismissed times 1; incest blood relationship (times 2), dismissed times 2
- Michael Allen Mayer, sex abuse minor 3rd degree (times 2), dismissed times 1
- Tashina B. Morgan, attempt & conspire felony, guilty
- Patrick V. Wilson, attempt & conspire felony, guilty; manufacture or deliver meth or narcotic controlled substance, dismissed
- Johnathon Wentz, possess controlled substance, plant, 3 ounces or less, guilty
- Cherica D. Apodaca, child where meth stored, possessed or ingested (times 3), guilty times 3; possess controlled substance, dismissed; possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense, dismissed
- Benjamin Kinghorn, manufacture or deliver meth or narcotic controlled substance, possess controlled narcotic substance (times 2), dismissed times 2.
Food for Thought needs drivers
Each week Wyoming Food for Thought Project puts together meals for kids, so that when they are away from school they are not going without. Each week, 1,200 food bags are distributed to schools and homes across the community.
Can you help? Drivers are needed each Thursday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to deliver food bags.
Call Michele at (307) 337-1703 or email volunteer@wyfftp.org
Help us, help others.
Online training for Hospice volunteers
If you’ve been thinking of becoming a Hospice volunteer, now is the time. Training is now ongoing, and partially conducted online so you don’t have to wait to join the caring team.
Volunteers are the heart of Hospice. These exceptional, caring individuals use their gifts and skills to help provide patients, caregivers and families with peace and comfort through the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions programs.
Volunteers offer a wide range of help including patient and administrative support, companionship visits, errand running, letter writing, light housekeeping, and other opportunities. There is also a need for veteran volunteers to help with the special needs and concerns of veteran patients.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can help, please call Dixie at 577-4832.
Bishop Home seeks board members
The Cadoma Foundation, owner of the Historic Bishop Home at 818 E. 2nd St., has openings for board members. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be come more involved in your community, and if you love history and historic preservation, this may be the spot for you. The board meets quarterly and is responsible for the development and sustainability of the historic site, as well as the promotion of Wyoming historic preservation. If you are interested, please email info@cadomafoundation.org or call 235-5277.
Thanks from Poverty Resistance
This is the time of year I usually write a “we’re still broke but we’re still here” letter. This year we are still broke but grateful that we are able to stay open and keep serving hungry people.
Thank you to everyone that has helped our little food pantry stay open during the horrific year of 2020. There are too many volunteers to name since the CST limits the length of these notices.
The Poverty Resistance Food Pantry distributed 715,567 pounds of food so far this year We put out more than 3,100 food boxes in November.
We provide food boxes to more than 100 families a day. We serve a hot lunch to more than 50 individuals a day. The pantry is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
For more information about Poverty Resistance Food Pantry email Mary Ann Budenske at mbudenske@aol.com, friend her on Facebook or phone her at 307-215-4732.
Klunkers wanted
Poverty Resistance is asking for donations of used cars, trucks and other vehicles, running or not. For more information call Mary Ann Budenske at 307-215-4732, email her at mbudenske@aol.com or PM her on Facebook.
Blue Envelope provides AED’s to CC
Casper College recently received $19,400 from the Blue Envelope Health Fund to purchase automated external defibrillator units.
According to John Becker, director of campus security and adjunct instructor, many buildings and other areas did not have an AED unit. However, the cost of one AED unit can run between $1,300 and $2,900. “We simply didn’t have the budget to buy the 22 units we needed to allow us to have one per floor in each building, one for the Casper College Ranch, and three traveling units for the athletic department,” said Becker.
Fortunately, Becker contacted the Blue Envelope to see if there was any help or ideas they could provide. “The board chair quickly acted on my request, and before I knew it, the college was provided with enough money to purchase 22 AED units, which brought our price down to about $850 for each. Without the generous funds given to us by the Blue Envelope Health Fund, we would be in need of the AED units, especially for the ranch and the athletic department,” Becker noted.
Thanks to the support of Blue Envelope, Casper College is only in need of five more units and can now better provide help to those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Sandwich ministry offers Saturday lunch to those in need
The Sandwich Ministry has resumed each Saturday. Lunches are distributed from 10 a.m. to noon in the breezeway at First United Methodist Church.
Help Yourself
BLM to host virtual meeting about Converse County raptors
The BLM is encouraging the public to attend a virtual meeting to begin development of the adaptive management plan for non-eagle raptor timing limitation stipulation (TLS) relief within the Converse County Oil and Gas Project area. The virtual meeting will be held with the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 25. The meeting will be conducted virtually through Zoom.
Traditionally, oil and gas TLS are conditions of approval to avoid surface disturbance or occupancy within a half-mile buffer of non-eagle raptor nests between Feb. 1 to July 31. During development of the Converse County final environmental impact statement, 98 incidents of TLS relief were approved for possible use over the 10-year construction phase of the project.
Register in advance for the webinar by visiting https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Akx0xerOTO-4I8B4uG8sVg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
As directed by the record of decision, this public meeting is part of the BLM Casper Field Office’s development of the adaptive management plan in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Make a quick scarf or cowl at CC, rec center
Knit or Crochet a Quick Scarf or Cowl on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Casper College. Contact Casper College community education at 268-3401 or continuingeducation@caspercollege.edu to sign up or with any questions.
Enjoy a 2-Hour Scarves Class at Casper Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn to knit or crochet a fun scarf or cowl in a couple of hours. The yarn and large size knitting needles or crochet hook are included in the registration fee. Some beginning knitting or crochet knowledge is helpful in completing the project during class.
Sign up at Active Casper or at Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E. 4th St., phone: 235-8383.
Parkinson's exercise group
This exercise class is open to anyone with Parkinson's Disease and focuses on improving balance, endurance, safety, and managing symptoms. It is open to all ages and the class can be tailored to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. The group meets Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 East 2nd Street, Building #500. If you have any questions call 577-5204 or 237-1200.
Art4Expression with Central Wyoming Hospice, Nic
Art4Expression is a unique collaboration between Central Wyoming Hospice and the Nicolaysen Art Museum and is designed for kids ages 11-15. The process of grief requires expression. The act of creation and the use of images draws out that expression. Art4Expression allows processing grief through art, along with other kids who have suffered the death of a loved one. The class is every third Saturday, October through May, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Please call 577-4832 or email toddv@cwhp.org.
Confidential Zoom suicide grief support groups
Due to COVID-19, there are no in-person suicide grief support groups at this time. However, there are Zoom support meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month that are announced and with invitation on J.R’s Hunt; for life Facebook support page. Join the page and watch for the announcement invitation and join. These are confidential and closed to the public. You must join via the Zoom application/invitation to attend. If you have problems, they can also FaceTime you into the meetings. Once you join the Facebook group you may message with any questions.
Child care food policy
Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc. announces the sponsorship of the Child Care Food Program. The same meals will be made available to all enrolled children at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap, and there is no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided at the facilities listed below: Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Casper, 301 West B; Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Early Head Start, 160. N. Washington, Casper and Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Mills, 4981 W. Buick St.
Updated food pantry list
- Casper Community Church food pantry, 249 N. Wolcott, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Eugene, 307-462-6821
- Oasis Food Pantry, College Heights community center food pantry, 1927 South Walnut, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 307-224-4104 (X 7)
- Faith Assembly of God food pantry, 4301 Casper Mountain Road, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 265-9121. Staff is providing pre-made boxes at the front door of the church during pandemic.
- First Church of the Nazarene food pantry, 2020 S. Jefferson, Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 258-9646
- First Christian Church, sandwich ministry begins Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon in breezeway at First United Methodist Church downtown. Info: debmestas@gmail.com.
- Holy Cross Center Inc. food pantry, 1030 N. Lincoln, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. 577-1041
- Mountain View Baptist food pantry, 4250 Poison Spider Road, Wednesday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 234-4381 or foodbank@mvbccasper.com
- Joshua’s Storehouse food pantry, 334 S. Wolcott St., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab and go format. 265-0242
- Wyoming Rescue Mission serves weekday breakfast, 6:30 to 7 a.m., lunch, noon to 12:30 p.m., dinner, 6 to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays brunch, 11 a.m., dinner 5 to 5:30 p.m.
- Glenrock, second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 506 West Birch, Ste. 15 (downtown), 1 to 5 p.m.
- Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free health coaching by phone
Natural Grocers is offering free one-on-one health coaching sessions right now (by phone or Microsoft Teams only) for anyone who is interested. Classes focus on nutrition as it relates to health. Examples of topics covered are general nutrition, nutrition and sleep, pregnancy, athletic performance, anxiety, weight loss, digestion issues (as they relate to nutrition) and more.
The way to sign up for these is by calling Natural Grocers (265-0909) during business hours and asking to schedule a coaching session with the nutritional health coach. Customers are also eligible to receive a $5 off coupon (one per quarter) after completing a coaching session, if they are signed up for the (also free) Natural Grocers rewards program. That's $20 off annually if they complete a session every quarter. The sessions are one hour long.
Food for Thought offers online marketplace
The Wyoming Food for Thought Online Marketplace will open at 5 p.m. on Mondays and close at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, with the Food for Thought Drive-Thru to take place on Fridays between 2 to 4 p.m. at the Food for Thought Program Center, 900 Saint John St.
Customers will start by selecting their drive-thru pick-up time via the Drive-Thru Time Window Registration form on the website. Upon receiving a confirmation email, a link to the Online Marketplace will be provided to shop.
SNAP users will also have access to this opportunity.
To learn more about the Food for Thought Online Marketplace and Drive-Thru, visit the website at www.wyfftp.org or call 307-337-1703.
Wyoming Food for Thought Project works to create a strong and vibrant local food system. This is an integral part of ending hunger in the community. When every person has access to good and healthy food, the community is better for it; health issues go down, mental health improves and the community becomes stronger.
Poverty Resistance open
Poverty Resistance Food Bank, 450 S. Wolcott, is committed to serving people in need throughout the county. They are maintaining their normal hours of operation 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
First, don’t come for food if you are sick. It is okay to have a non-sick friend or relative pick up for you during this outbreak.
Second, hand washing stand at the door. You must wash your hands prior to picking up food. This is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
Third, social distancing -- that means you need to stay about six feet away from others in the pantry. People might have to wait in their cars during times there are a lot of people coming in but, again this is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free online dance classes
Enjoy free online dance classes at https://facebook.com/yvonne.e.anderson.
Club plans Super Flea for May
The Casper Antique & Collector’s Club (CACC) has made every effort to survive the COVID pandemic, so members can continue to participate in and support the community and state of Wyoming. The club was “on hold” for most of 2020.
The CACC is planning a Super Flea Market for May 1 and 2, at the fairgrounds Industrial Building. For dealer information, please contact Chris or Dan at 234-2308 if you are interested in having a booth. The public is encourage to attend, COVID measures will be in place.
The board recently mailed a newsletter and membership form. If you did not receive one, and would like one, please send a request to P.O. Box 785, Casper, WY 82602 or call Ruth at 235-3141. The club is always seeking new members and/or dealers.
Regular monthly CACC meetings have not yet resumed. The club is working hard to make this happen. The club normally meets once a month to conduct business, have a guest speaker, and refreshments. Any person interested in collectibles, vintage items, restoration, or “history of the past” is invited to join the club. Reminder to current members, 2021 dues are now due and can be mailed to P O Box 785, Casper, WY 82602. Annual dues are $10 for singles and $15 per couple.
We send our sincere sympathy to members, families, and friends who have been affected by COVID, as some longtime club members have passed away during the past year.
The CACC is a non-profit organization run completely by volunteers, and donates proceeds to Wyoming museums and other local non-profit organizations.
Friday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 5:30 p.m., 1124 N. Elma; 7 p.m. 917 N. Beech; 8 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott (closed); 9 p.m., 1868 S. Poplar. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
Alcoholics Anonymous “A Sufficient Substitute:” 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, Speaker Meeting. Info: 266-2969.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8:30 p.m., 302 E. 2nd St., Methodist Church. Web site: urmrna.org.
Overeaters Anonymous: 10 a.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott. Info: Candace, 359-6225; Rebekah, 320-6779.
Al-Anon Family: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, Ste. 200, 12-24 Club, all ages welcome. Info: 377-7260 or 258-1444.
International Addictions Program: 7 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Conwell. Info: 266-5417.
Last day to order fresh flowers
The American Cancer Society is having its annual Daffodil Sales to benefit the local Relay for Life. An option to order cut tulips is available this year. Flowers may be ordered until Feb. 19, and they will be delivered around March 24. The cost for daffodils is still $10 for one bouquet of 10 buds, $40 for five bouquets of 10 buds, $70 for 10 bouquets of 10 buds. The cost for each bouquet of 10 tulip buds in assorted colors is $15. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. To order please contact either Jane Fisher at 267-1936 or Shirley Costopoulos at 267-8154.
Drive-thru family game night Feb. 19
The Natrona County Prevention Coalition and Mercer Family Resource Center invites the community to the 6th annual Free Family Game Night, The Game of Life: COVID Drive-Thru Edition from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 19, on the NOWCAP Campus, 345 N. Walsh Dr.
Each family will leave with one new board game, as well as a recipe to create dinner, an art project and other family-focused activities to enjoy all year, promoting strong families and healthy youth. The event is completely free.
Participants will enter through the south entrance of the campus between the NOWCAP and Parents As Teachers buildings, drive around the Parents As Teachers building where they will receive their bag, and exit through the north entrance between the Parents As Teachers and Kids Works East buildings.
For more information, call Shannon Decker at 233-4276 or email sdecker@mercercasper.com.
The event is made possibly by The Child Protection Team, Youth Empowerment Council, Mercer Family Resource Center, the Nic, Parents As Teachers, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Cent$ible Nutrition, Salon Centric and the generous community for donating board games.
College humanities festival concludes with full day
The topic for the 36th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture is “Celebration/Milestones.” The festival concludes Friday.
Critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist Mark Jenkins will present the second Demorest Lecture Friday, Feb.19. “The Future of Water in Wyoming: Global Warming, Drought and how Wyoming can Protect its Water” will address the problem of water in Wyoming. “The Colorado River Compact requires Wyoming to send the majority of its water to other states. When this agreement was signed in 1922, it was based on precipitation data that has radically changed in the past century,” said Jenkins. As one example of the problem, “The 100 glaciers in the Wind River Mountains, that feed the Green River, that feeds the Colorado River, are all expected to vanish by 2050,” he said.
All presentations for Friday, Feb. 19, will also take place in Wheeler Hall. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor. Frankland’s presentation, “Transitions in Political Power: Celebrations and Controversies,” will look at the tightrope walk that every country, including the U.S., has with the transition of power.
At 10 a.m., two presenters, Joshua R. Mietz, D.M.A. and Barry Smith, Ph.D., will provide a musical portrayal and historical background on one of the smallest and least understood particles of matter, according to Mietz, Casper College music instructor. “The Discovery and Celebration of the Neutrino” presentation will feature a clarinet performance by Mietz and a lecture by Smith.
Christopher Paden will give an artist talk on his current exhibition in the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery titled “September Dreams.” According to Innella Maiers, the sculptural installation celebrates one of the talented graduates from the Casper College Visual Arts Department.
At 11:30 a.m. Richard Burk, theater instructor, will present “Celebration: The 35th Anniversary of the Casper College Theatre and Dance Department.”
The festival will conclude at 2 p.m. with two presentations followed by a 20-minute discussion with historians McCormick and Rebecca Keays. Keays, a granddaughter of Wyoming flag designer Verna Keays Keyes, … is a Verna/Keays family historian and archivist.
McCormick will present “The Wyoming State Flag and the Women Who Made It Fly,” followed by Keays’ presentation “Celebrate Verna! A Granddaughter Shares Memories and Discoveries About Wyoming’s Flag Designer.”
A complete schedule for the festival can be found at caspercollege.edu/events/humanities-festival/schedule. The Goodstein Foundation Library, Wheeler Concert Hall, and the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery are located on the Casper College campus. The Natrona County Library is located at 307 E. 2nd. Street.
Continuing education units or PTSB credits are also available for attendees. For more information, contact Sarah Schneider, workforce training specialist at 268-3847 or at sarahschneider@caspercollege.edu.
Casper College and the Wyoming Humanities Council are partners in presenting the Humanities Festival along with major funding from the Casper College Foundation and the Margaret Demorest Endowment.
New class combines art and science
The Science Zone and the Nic have combined forces to create an awesome class for students in grades K-5 on Friday afternoons from 1 to 3:30. Students will investigate the intersections of art and science as they cultivate observational skills and learn techniques important to each discipline. We will explore new topics each month through hands-on experiences that are sure to excite and engage. Observe the prints by Salvador Dali and learn about the chemistry of lithography. Engage in a hands-on experiment and create your own prints inspired by Dali’s art while learning the observational and critical-thinking skills necessary for both disciplines. Sign up now at thesciencezone.org
Check the website at the Nic or the Science Zone to see the exciting classes that are scheduled for each month.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax iD number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
Following are the new additions in the Natrona County Detention Center at 6:17 a.m. Feb. 17, 2021. Along with the inmates’ names are their age, the arresting agency and the charges for which they have been detained. Outcomes of cases are not included in this report. For the complete inmate rosters dated Feb. 17, 2021, visit trib.com.
Wednesday additions:
- Louis Allen, 43, NCSO, serve jail time; Ronald Boggs, 61, CPD, serve jail time; Jodi Nickerson, 45, CPD, controlled substance possession meth; Phillip Diekemper. 39, CPD, controlled substance possession meth, fail to comply; Juston Jackett, 35, NCSO, hold for probation and parole.
Casper Police Department
Accident, personal injury
- Tuesday: 8:58 a.m., CY & W. 14th; 3:43 p.m., Bon & E. 15th
Accident, property damage
- Tuesday: 7:58 a.m., 1100 block CY; 12:46 p.m., 3500 block E. 12th; 12:52 p.m., St. John & E. F; 4:18 p.m., 200 block S. David; 11:25 p.m., SW Wyo & CY
Assault
- Tuesday: 8:04 a.m., 2900 block CY; 11:55 p.m., 900 block S. Wolcott
Burglary, auto
- Tuesday: 11:26 p.m., 3000 block Indiana Wednesday: 1:45 a.m., 5100 block Blackmore
Burglary, residential
- Tuesday: 8:38 a.m., 800 block S. Conwell; 2:02 p.m., 700 block W. 10th
Disturbance
- Tuesday: 10:41 a.m., 1800 block E. Yellowstone; 1:34 p.m., 200 block S. Fenway Wednesday: 3;45 a.m., 200 block W. 8th
Drugs
- Tuesday: 8:44 a.m., 1200 block N. Center; 10:37 a.m., 600 block S. Walsh; 4:59 p.m., 2300 block E. Yellowstone
EMS assist
- Tuesday: 11:12 a.m., 5300 block S. David
Family fight
- Tuesday: 4:14 p.m., 4100 block Talon
Fight
- Tuesday: 8:59 a.m., 800 block N. Poplar; 9:23 a.m., 300 block W. F
Fire assist
- Tuesday: 12:59 p.m., 1500 block Three Crowns Dr.; 3:22 p.m., 300 block W. F
Harassment
- Tuesday: 1:03 p.m., 4200 block CY
Hit and run
- Tuesday: 1:46 p.m., 1700 block Campus
Juvenile problem
- Tuesday: 7:44 a.m., 2900 block Cyclone
Runaway juvenile
- Tuesday: 10:45 a.m., 3900 block Dorset
Shots fired
- Tuesday: 1:10 p.m., College & W. 17th
Suicidal subject
- Tuesday: 3:10 p.m., 400 block E. A
Suspicious
- Tuesday: 10:47 a.m., 2900 block Pheasant; 11:44 a.m., 200 block N. Park; 12:14 p.m., 100 block N. Forest; 8:33 p.m., 100 block W. F
Traffic stops: 5 Weapon offense
- Wednesday: 1:20 a.m., 1900 block S. Missouri
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Accident, property damage
- Wednesday: 12:27 a.m., 4600 block W. Yellowstone
Burglary, residential
- Tuesday:6:51 p.m., 100 block Shamrock Dr.
Child abuse
- Tuesday: 6:50 p.m., 2100 block Hogadon
Fight
- Tuesday: 9 a.m., 800 N. Poplar
Runaway juvenile
- Tuesday: 8:19 p.m., 2200 block Omaha Tr.
Threatening
- Tuesday: 6:11 p.m., 4800 block W. Eisenhower
Traffic stops: 5
Mills Police Department
Accident, personal injury
- Tuesday: 7:37 a.m., 600 block Salt Creek
Accident, property damage
Tuesday:6:16 p.m., 4700 block W. Yellowstone Wednesday: 12:27 a.m., 4600 block W, Yellowstone
CO poisoning
- Tuesday: 3:29 p.m., 4200 block W. Yellowstone
Disturbance
- Tuesday:11:31 a.m., 300 block Wasatch
FVPA violation
- Tuesday: 1 p.m., 4800 block Lafayette
Traffic stops: 8
Symphony plans in-person March concert
The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s next Masterwork concert, Band Symphonica, is March 13 at 7:30 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m. Christopher Dragon will lead the WSO brass, wind and percussion through selections from Bach and Mozart, and then feature Friedrich Gulda’s wild Cello Concerto, with his fusion of rock, jazz, and classical styles. Cellist Seoyoen Min will join the WSO’s musicians to perform Gulda’s Cello Concerto; her naturally expressive and fiery musicality will add the artistic flair necessary for such a unique piece.
For the Saturday, March 13, concert, the WSO is opening the concert hall with a limited number of in-person seats. WSO Season/Pick 3 ticket subscribers from our previous season can purchase their in-person tickets now, with tickets available to the general public on February 16. Livestream options will be available on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon if you would like to enjoy the performance at home.
Safety precautions will be strictly observed in the auditorium including social distancing between parties, and masks being required for the duration of the performance. Visit the www.wyomingsymphony.org to purchase in person tickets and live stream access online. For more information or help with tickets, call the WSO Office at 266-1478.
February at the planetarium
The Planetarium has two shows on the schedule for February. “The Girl Who Walked Upside Down,” follows a very special little girl who loves the moon and the stars, and is committed to the fight against light pollution so that everyone can enjoy seeing them clearly. This show plays at 4:15 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays all month long. On Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., discover the mythological stories behind a series of constellations in “Astronomyths: Where the Sky Ends, The Myth Begins.”
Admission for all shows is $3 per person, cash or check only, please. Social distancing is in effect and masks are required. The planetarium gift shop is also open before and after each show. For details, show trailers, and more, visit casperplanetarium.com.
New class combines art and science
The Science Zone and the Nic have combined forces to create an awesome class for students in grades K-5 on Friday afternoons from 1 to 3:30. Students will investigate the intersections of art and science as they cultivate observational skills and learn techniques important to each discipline. We will explore new topics each month through hands-on experiences that are sure to excite and engage. The first class will take place on Feb. 12. Observe the prints by Salvador Dali and learn about the chemistry of lithography. Engage in a hands-on experiment and create your own prints inspired by Dali’s art while learning the observational and critical-thinking skills necessary for both disciplines. Sign up now at thesciencezone.org
Check the website at the Nic or the Science Zone to see the exciting classes that are scheduled for each month.
Children’s Chorale active despite pandemic
With smaller rehearsals, social distancing, masks, and Zoom meetings, the Casper Children’s Chorale is singing this season. The group is producing a video to submit to the National ACDA, since the conference will be virtual this year. Three songs will be included, all addressing themes of hope and diversity.
With the annual spring performance tour impossible due to COVID, the Children’s Chorale is holding a Casper Retreat, complete with music, activities, talent show, and community service projects. The chorale does all of their learning while wearing Broadway singer masks and social distancing. It is a challenge, but the group is happy it can still make music together.
The chorale will combine with alums from 42 years of song to record a virtual video of their signature song, “In His Eyes”. This is licensed so that it can be viewed on YouTube, and should be available early April. The group hopes to present its annual Mother’s Day Concert live, but if not there will be another video available, thanks to continued support from Casper patrons, as well as the Wyoming Arts Council CARES Funding and the McMurry Foundation.
New practical learning series kicks off at library
The Natrona County Library is offering a new series monthly presentations called “Things You Wish They Taught in School,” in partnership with local community organizations and businesses, to help fill some of those gaps. Each month, experts in the field will present on a different topic and answer your questions.
The series, targeted to teens and adults alike, kicks off with help from Hilltop Bank, who will go over important information to get you started on the right path to financial success. The online Zoom presentations (three in total) by Hilltop representatives will be every Tuesday night for the month of February at 5 p.m. Tune in at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87598954401.
On Feb. 23, Tara Bigalke and Mike Ramich will present “Budgeting in the Real World.”
The fun doesn’t stop at the end of February. The library is offering four more months of subjects and topics.
In March, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming representatives will present on health and health insurance.
In April, representatives from the Wyoming Housing Authority will offer three unique presentations on housing, mortgages, and real estate.
In May, representatives from Casper College will present two different sessions on higher education — preparing for it and conquering it.
Finally in June, the series will wrap up with multiple presentations on the importance of self-care and prioritizing one’s mental health.
You may attend one or all of the presentations, and there is no need to attend the first one in order to attend subsequent presentations. You may also view the recorded presentations on the Natrona County Library’s YouTube page for one week after the initial presentation.
As the situation permits, the library hopes to offer later presentations in person with simultaneous Zoom streaming.
To learn more about the series and other programming for teens and adults, call the Library at 577-7323 or visit www.natronacountylibrary.org/programs.
Drive-thru family game night Feb. 19
The Natrona County Prevention Coalition and Mercer Family Resource Center invites the community to the 6th annual Free Family Game Night, The Game of Life: COVID Drive-Thru Edition from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 19, on the NOWCAP Campus, 345 N. Walsh Dr.
Each family will leave with one new board game, as well as a recipe to create dinner, an art project and other family-focused activities to enjoy all year, promoting strong families and healthy youth. The event is completely free.
Participants will enter through the south entrance of the campus between the NOWCAP and Parents As Teachers buildings, drive around the Parents As Teachers building where they will receive their bag, and exit through the north entrance between the Parents As Teachers and Kids Works East buildings.
For more information, call Shannon Decker at 233-4276 or email sdecker@mercercasper.com.
The event is made possibly by The Child Protection Team, Youth Empowerment Council, Mercer Family Resource Center, the Nic, Parents As Teachers, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Cent$ible Nutrition, Salon Centric and the generous community for donating board games.
UU services, events online
The Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper is a doctrine-free spiritual community joining together to make a difference for the good and welcoming all who come with open hearts and open minds. Visit the “Attend an Online Service,” tab at uucasper.org for instructions on how to attend services and other online events.
On Feb. 21, Stuart Mackenzie and Athne Machdane present “The Essence of Compassion,” exploring the neuroscience of compassion and participate in a guided Tonglen meditation.
On Feb. 28, Cindy Wright will lead a discussion forum service on the February worship theme, “Compassion.”
On March 7, Rev. Leslie Kee will introduce the March worship theme, “Soul Work.”
The UU Casper weekly online meditation is held each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and online Coffee and Conversation is held each Thursday at 10 a.m.
The February Lunch With TED will be held online at noon on Sunday, Feb. 28, with the TEDx Talk “Demystifying Gender in Indian Culture,” by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.
For more events and information, and instructions on how to attend online, go to uucasper.org or visit UU Casper on Facebook.
Night at the Museums virtual trivia contest
Support your Casper museums by participating in the second “Night at the Museums,” virtual trivia series on Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The sponsor museums for this trivia evening are the Nicolaysen Art Museum, the Science Zone and the Bishop House. They will be joined by a guest museum, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Participation is simple. Gather a team (families, businesses, friends, etc.). Teams can get together in person (Covid safe households) or virtually. Register your team at www.thesciencezone.org. Any donation will give you access to the link. Get ready to test your trivia knowledge while supporting these museums.
Registration and donations can be taken care of through the Science Zone Web page (www.thesciencezone.org). Donations will be split between the sponsor museums. This will be a recurring event and will include multiple museums. Join now, get to know your museums, and start accumulating points for the Trivia Trophy.
Historic Bishop Home open for tours
The Historic Bishop Home, 818 E. 2nd St., continues to be open for tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff will continue to host small private events for a fee. The major restoration project for 2021 is a new drive-through to facilitate the home’s access. The front porch was successfully restored in 2020 and welcomes visitors with an ADA ramp and new steps. Visitors may access the home by either the front or back porches. Parking is available at the rear of the home off Jefferson Street. Members of the nonprofit Cadoma Foundation which administers the home are grateful for year-end support received by the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, the Wyoming Business Relief Fund, the Greenwood Foundation and private donors. For more information, visit www.cadomafoundation.org or call 235-5277.
A, B, C’s of Casper history at fort
Fort Caspar Museum presents “The A, B, C’s of Casper History,” an exhibit that takes a fun look at some of the people, places, and things that make Casper unique through rarely-seen objects from the Museum’s own collection. It will be on view through Nov. 6.
Organized by the staff of Fort Caspar Museum, the exhibit uses the 26 letters of the alphabet as a starting point. A piece from the collection that begins with each letter is highlighted, but the objects selected may not showcase the history that first comes to mind. For example: “V” is represented by a vase once owned by former NCHS teacher Kathleen Hemry, and “J” is for J.C. Penney and features an original Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps uniform shirt purchased at Casper’s old downtown J.C. Penney store in 1958. We encourage you to explore the exhibit and learn a bit of Casper history as told through these featured objects.
The museum’s current winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays thru Saturdays, with a special hour from 9 to 10 a.m., reserved for at-risk individuals. Winter admission fees are $2 for adults; $1.50 for youth (ages 13-18 years) and seniors (ages 62 and over); and free for children (12 years and younger) and FCMA members.
Art2Go kits from the Nic
The Nic offers Art2Go kits inspired by the contemporary culture and museum’s exhibitions. Students will work on basic art concepts and art skills, practice self-expression, and enhance art appreciation. Each kit includes everything your child needs to complete the art project. The prices vary depending on the project from $8 to $15. For more information, email zgallegos@thenic.org.
NCPL hours
The Natrona County Public Library is currently open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Masks are required of all patrons throughout the entire visit.
Art Club monthly at Nic
Children in first through fifth grades can enjoy monthly Art Club at the Nic on the second Saturday of every month, through May from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fees are $5 (members) and $10 (not-yet-member). Explore, create, and invent with a variety of art materials and projects including drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, and 3-D design. Students will be introduced to basic art vocabulary and explore different art concepts related to the current museum’s exhibitions. Pre-registration is required.
Art Studio at Nic
Children in 6th through 10th grades can enjoy Art Studio at the Nic on the first and third Saturdays of the month, through May, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Fees are $15 (member), $25 (non-yet-member) per student/per class. Discover, question, and solve problems as you create and interact with art in the museum exhibitions and collections. Learn skills and techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. All skill levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required.
Private lessons/small groups at Nic
The Nic offers private art instruction and small group classes tailored to your students’ needs. Students of all group ages (2+) and abilities are welcome. Schedule one lesson (1hour) or multiple classes session. For more information, please email zgallegos@thenic.org.
Winter hours at fort
Fort Caspar Museum is on winter hours, including the seasonal closure of the fort buildings. Through April, the fort buildings are locked, but the museum remains open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Also at this time, admission prices are cut in half: $2 for adults; $1.50 for youth (ages 13-18 years) and seniors (ages 62 and over); children (12 years and younger) and FCMA members are always free.
Guidelines remain in place to protect the health of visitors and staff such as extra cleaning and requesting face coverings and social distancing. An hour each morning from 9 to 10 a.m. is reserved for high-risk visitors only. For more information on COVID-19 precautions as well as current exhibits and special programs, please see the website or call the museum.
Reach the museum at 235-8462.
No fines for library
The Natrona County Library is clearing late fines from patron records. No questions asked. You are now fabulously fine-free.
“Fine-free” means that patrons will not be fined daily for overdue materials; however, the library will continue to recoup expenses related to lost and/or damaged items.
Of course, going fine-free doesn’t mean that you don’t have to bring your books back to the library. Items will still have a due date, and materials will be automatically renewed up two times if there are no holds. The library will continue to send out notices to remind patrons to bring their items back, and if an item is not returned or is returned damaged patron will be asked to pay for the item(s).
This change is in keeping with the library’s mission to advocate for literacy, education and a thriving community, and aligns with the goal of providing free and equitable access to everyone.
Art play on Saturdays
Art Play for ages 2 to 5 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum is the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers per child/adult duo.
Art Play is designed with younger children in mind to promote visual-spatial skills, increase pattern, shape and color recognition all the while your child is expressing creativity and having fun. All materials, including aprons, are provided.
Birthday pARTy at the Nic
Come celebrate your birthday at the Nic! Have an unforgettable birthday experience with three options: Birthday Bash (ages 2 to 15), Birthday pARTy (ages 5 to 12) or Birthday Partay (ages 18+). Visit the website, nic.org, to choose from a variety of fun art projects. To reserve a party date or for more information, please call 235-5247 or email zgallegos@thenic.org.
Veterans museum open
The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, 3740 Jourgensen Ave., is again open to the public. The WVMM will resume a slightly modified schedule and operational restrictions as the first part of a multi-phase reopening plan.
The museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. No more than 25 visitors will be allowed in the building at a time. Also, the museum will not be scheduling or providing any group tours or in-person public programs to ensure proper social distancing.
WVMM’s reopening plan is divided into several phases. While the initial phase contains heavy restrictions on operations, such as limiting programs and attendance, subsequent steps are less restrictive. Local health conditions and guidance from state leadership and health authorities will determine the pace of progressing through the reopening plan.
For current news and conditions, please call the WVMM at 472-1857 or visit the museum’s Facebook page.
Televised Catholic masses
A televised Catholic mass is presented from Casper each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on K2TV. In addition, EWTN presents daily Catholic masses on DirecTV channel 370, Dish channel 261 and many cable providers, including Spectrum.
St. Vincent de Paul open
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is able to serve the community Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The store is a great place to visit and shop. It is located at 301 E. H Street and can be reached at 237-2607. Local charities benefit from 100 percent of the profits. Consider donating unwanted items including but not limited to clothes, household item, books and jewelry. For the latest on hours, etc., see
Foreigner rescheduled to April
The Foreigner concert has been rescheduled to April 14, 2021 at the Casper Events Center. Fans are asked to hold tickets, as they will be honored for the rescheduled date. Please contact the point of purchase if you have any questions.
Nelly postponed to 2021
Spectra Venue Management at the Casper Events Center and Brava Enterprise regret to announce that the 4/2020 Spring Fest featuring Nelly with Chingy, Twista, Do or Die, and Sloan Boane, scheduled for October 30, 2020, has been postponed to October 30, 2021.
Currently held tickets will be honored for the new date, and no action is needed. Your ticket will be honored for the rescheduled date. For any further ticket inquiries please reach out to point of purchase.
Refunds are no longer available Please contact the point of purchase if you have any questions or to request a refund on your purchase.
Sunday breakfasts canceled
Sunday breakfasts open to the public at the Casper Elks Lodge are canceled for the foreseeable future.
Gumbo cookoff June 5
The annual Oil City Gumbo Cook-off will be held at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds on June 5. The open air cook-off combines competition with live music, a vendor fair, and a motorcycle and car show.
Each year the gates open at 11 a.m. with gumbo tasting at 11:30, and attendees are welcome to walk around and enjoy the live music, drink a beer, and even stay for the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
The admission fee for spectators is $10, with children 6 and under free; veterans will pay $5 with a military ID.
Proceeds benefit the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care.
Enter the gumbo competition to cook a seafood gumbo, meat gumbo, or both. Entry fee for participants is $150 for one or $225 for both.
For more information or to enter, contact Abigail Strube at wyfoundationcancercare@gmail.com or call 262-0749.
Rotary hears about Red Cross
On Monday, Feb. 22, the Rotary Club of Casper is pleased to welcome Janet Lewis, executive director of the American Red Cross of Wyoming, as presenter at its noon meeting. The program will be via Zoom. Members of Rotary and their guests are invited to attend.
Janet Lewis became Wyoming executive director of the American Red Cross in December 2020. Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Wyoming Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a role she took on when the chapter was established in 2014. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Communications and Political Science. She enjoyed a 40-year career in marketing and administration, primarily in healthcare.
Thursday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, closed; 7 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 8 p.m., 4600 S. Poplar, closed. Glenrock: 7 p.m., 412 4th St., Glenrock Recreation Center. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
Al-Anon: 7 p.m., A New Beginning, WBI, 2521 E. 15th.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Web site: urmrna.org.
Nic Anon: 6 p.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott. Call Pam M., (307-577-0518), or Todd A. (cell, 307-248-3089.)
Neverforgoten77 Suicide Loss Survivor Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Calvary Chapel, 1725 S. Jackson St. Open to anyone who has lost someone to suicide. Info: 307-251-8231/307-337-7763 or neverforgotten77@gmail.com.
College humanities festival underway
The topic for the 36th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture is “Celebration/Milestones.” The festival continues Thursday and Friday.
This year’s Demorest Lecture will feature two speakers. Thursday, Feb. 18, Matthew Spangler, Ph.D., will speak on “Between Celebration and Devastation: Theater Productions About Refugees.” A “proud” graduate of Natrona County High School, Spangler is an award-winning playwright and professor of performance studies at San Jose State University in California. Spangler’s plays have been produced throughout the world, and his teaching focuses on the relationship between immigration and the arts, according to Valerie Innella Maiers, Ph.D.
Critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist Mark Jenkins will present the second Demorest Lecture Friday, Feb.19. “The Future of Water in Wyoming: Global Warming, Drought and how Wyoming can Protect its Water” will address the problem of water in Wyoming. “The Colorado River Compact requires Wyoming to send the majority of its water to other states. When this agreement was signed in 1922, it was based on precipitation data that has radically changed in the past century,” said Jenkins. As one example of the problem, “The 100 glaciers in the Wind River Mountains, that feed the Green River, that feeds the Colorado River, are all expected to vanish by 2050,” he said.
The first day will begin with a presentation by Lance Jones at 9:30 a.m. titled “Double Diamonds: The Diamond Jubilees of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II.” The presentation will feature a contrast of the only two diamond jubilees in history, marking the monarch’s 60th year on the throne.
Barbara Mueller, Ph.D., will speak on “Contemporary ‘Coming of Age’ Celebrations Around the World” at 10:30 a.m. Mueller’s presentation will explore how economics, religion, and gender roles influence contemporary coming-of-age celebrations in the U.S. and worldwide.
At 11:30 a.m., Shannon Smith, executive director emeritus of the Wyoming Humanities Council, will present “Celebration: The 50th Anniversary of the Wyoming Humanities Council.” Smith, who led the WHC from 2013-2020, will share the history of the founding of the nation’s first state humanities councils and stories from the last 50 years.
The day will end with the 2 p.m. presentation by Kylie McCormick. McCormick, a Wyoming historian, will speak on the topic “Fifty-One Years of Freedom: Wyoming’s Suffrage Story,1869-1920.” According to McCormick, the presentation will provide critical new evidence to Wyoming’s suffrage story.
A complete schedule for the festival can be found at caspercollege.edu/events/humanities-festival/schedule. The Goodstein Foundation Library, Wheeler Concert Hall, and the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery are located on the Casper College campus. The Natrona County Library is located at 307 E. 2nd. Street.
Continuing education units or PTSB credits are also available for attendees. For more information, contact Sarah Schneider, workforce training specialist at 268-3847 or at sarahschneider@caspercollege.edu.
Casper College and the Wyoming Humanities Council are partners in presenting the Humanities Festival along with major funding from the Casper College Foundation and the Margaret Demorest Endowment.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax iD number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
Mills Police Department
Misdemeanor charges
Spencer R. Day, 27 county warrant/hold for agency—-
Following are the new additions in the Natrona County Detention Center at 6:17 a.m. Feb. 13 through Feb. 16, 2021. Along with the inmates’ names are their age, the arresting agency and the charges for which they have been detained. Outcomes of cases are not included in this report. For the complete inmate rosters dated Feb. 13 through Feb. 16, 2021, visit trib.com.
Saturday additions: Brandie Roland, 31, NCSO, serve jail time; Olga Varela Munoz, 19, NCSO, serve jail time; Douglas Esterline, 39, NCSO, serve jail time; Clinton Palmer, 23, NCSO, fail to comply; Daniel Riggs, 33, NCSO, courtesy hold/other agency; John Tucker, 55, MPD, hold for probation and parole; Matthew Treanor, 22, CPD, NCIC hit, domestic battery; John Mates, 33, CPD, criminal bench warrant; Gilbert Casias, 66, CPD, felon in possession of weapon; Matthew Geis, 47, CPD, domestic battery.
Sunday additions
:
Jason Ford, 30, NCSO, fail to comply, serve jail time; Guy Lucero, 58, CPD, public intoxication; Dovila Ramiro, 52, SDCI, DWUI; David Contreras, 33, CPD, DWUS, controlled substance possession meth, controlled substance possession, possession of meth with intent to deliver, possession with intent to deliver; Taylor Olson, 22, SDCI, DWUI; Edward Foster, 46, CPD, fail to comply.
Monday additions:Deandre Phillips, 38, CPD, hold for probation and parole; Matt Kimball, 64, CPD, domestic assault, strangulation of household member; Daniel Harris, 52, CPD, public intoxication, open container; Michael Mondle, 49, NCSO, fail to comply; Emmanuel Potter, 35, CPD, criminal warrant; Salvador Salas, 30, CPD, domestic battery; Joseph Teixeira, 2w2, CPD, DWUI, marijuana possession; Charles Woolsey, 33, CPD, trespassing.
Tuesday additions:Shayne Armajo, 34, NCSO, contract hold/billing; Zackariah Keller, 27, CPD, breach of peace; Natasha Jones, 43, CPD, under influence controlled substance; Brendon Rosebush, 22, EPD, criminal warrant, controlled substance possession meth; Kylee Joreski, 19, EPD, fail to appear, interference with peace officer, controlled substance possession; Devin Houser, 21, EPD, controlled substance possession meth, interference with peace officer; Derrick Jonas, 34, CPD, public intoxication; Michael Bell, 26, CPD, disturbing the peace; Cory Hudson, 34, CPD, interference with peace officer, criminal entry, controlled substance possession; Ernest Drake, 30, CPD, fail to comply, district court bench warrant; Amanda Lawson, 28, CPD, controlled substance possession, county warrant/hold for agency; Amber Wilson, 35, MPD, fail to appear (times 4); Ray Robinson, 24, NCSO, fail to comply (times 2).
Glenrock Police Department
Felony charges
Sylvia A. Cornell, 35, residential burglary and possession of burglar’s tools
Mills Police Department
Misdemeanor charges
John Kevin Tucker, 55, hold for probation and parole
Amber Don Wilson, 35, fail to appear (times 4)
Casper Police Department
Accident, personal injury
Saturday: 2:32 a.m., 1900 block Laramie; 6:25 p.m., CY & Poplar; 6:30 p.m., W. Collins & Poplar Sunday: 11:58 a.m., Country Club & E. 4th; 1:56 p.m., E. 2nd & Forest Monday: 7:31 a.m., Coulter & Brigham Young; 8:18 a.m., 2500 block CY Monday: 11:07 a.m., N. Poplar & W. 1st
Accident, property damage: 24
Assault
Friday: 1:37 p.m., 1300 block S. Pennsylvania Sunday: 8:31 p.m., 100 block S. Minnesota
Burglary, auto
Saturday: 9:30 a.m., 2900 block Zion; 9:44 a.m., 5100 block Blackmore Saturday: 7:08 p.m., 2300 block E. 18th
Burglary, business
Saturday: 10:33 a.m., 500 block Circle
Burglary, residential
Saturday: 11:07 a.m., 1800 block Fairdale Sunday: 11:14 p.m., 1900 block S. Missouri Monday: 4:12 p.m., 900 block N. Park
Disturbance: 18
Family fight
Friday: 8:06 p.m., 500 block Westshore Rd.; 11:05 p.m., 200 block Aster Sunday: 3:31 a.m., 2300 block E. 8th; 10:35 a.m., 4300 block Coffman Ct. Monday: 10:06 p.m., 5000 block E. 15th
Hit and run
Friday: 4:22 p.m., E. 13th & S. Mitchell Saturday: 1:22 p.m., S. Walsh & Gannett; 7:58 p.m., 100 block W. Midwest Sunday: 3:22 p.m., 20 block Sequoia Monday: 4:38 a.m., 200 block Junco; 7:46 a.m., 4500 block Westcott; 8:04 a.m., Indian Scout & Trevett; 2:06 p.m., 4600 block E. 2nd; 6:56 p.m., 100 block N. Kimball
Juvenile problem
Friday: 12:44 p.m., 3000 block E. 2nd Monday: 9:39 a.m., 500 block S. Beech; 1:34 p.m., 1000 block N. Elma
Public intoxication
Sunday: 4:25 p.m., E. A & N. Park; 9:05 p.m., 300 block E. E
Runaway juvenile
Monday: 4:35 p.m., 600 block W. Yellowstone; 7:47 p.m., 1600 block E. 12th; 9:11 p.m., 2200 block S. McKinley
Structure fire
Friday: 9 a.m., 100 block W. J; 12:01 p.m., 500 block Wind River Saturday: 8:37 p.m., 1900 block S. Beverly
Suicidal subject: 9
Suspicious: 9
Traffic stops: 42
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Accident, personal injury
Friday: 12:24 p.m., Wy 220 mp 63 Saturday: 3:43 p.m., I-25 mp 182 Monday: 11:08 a.m., N. Poplar & W. 1st
Accident, property damage
Friday: 12:57 p.m., E. 12th & Beverly Monday: 7:40 a.m., Six Mile & 6 WN
Assault
Saturday: 12:43 a.m., 1100 block Bruce Ln.
Disturbance
Friday: 3:45 p.m., 1300 block CY; 9:08 p.m., 1900 block Omaha Tr.
Family fight
Saturday: 9:53 a.m., 600 block Arrowhead Tr.
Fight
Sunday: 2:09 a.m., 1900 block Talc
Hit and run
Sunday: 12:08 a.m., 2100 block Forbes Rd.
Juvenile problem
Monday: 9:40 a.m., 500 block S. Beech; 6:52 p.m., 4700 block Glen Dr.
Public intoxication
Monday: 7:52 p.m., 4200 block W. Yellowstone
Structure fire
Friday: 9 a.m., 100 block W. J
Suicidal subject
Saturday: 11:38 p.m., 3400 block Concho Ct.
Suspicious
Monday: 11:33 a.m., 500 block Beatrice; 10:59 p.m., E. K & N. McKinley
Traffic stops: 5
Mills Police Department
Accident, property damage
Friday: 11:51 a.m., 3600 block W. Yellowstone Saturday: 3:18 p.m., W. Yellowstone & SW Wyo
Family fight
Friday: 7:28 p.m., S. 4th & Poison Spider; 11:40 p.m., 5000 block Oregon Tr. Saturday: 7:40 p.m., 700 block Fulton
Fight
Sunday: 2:09 a.m., 1900 block Talc
Public intoxication
Monday: 7:52 p.m., 4200 block W. Yellowstone
Runaway juvenile
Monday: 7:47 p.m., 1600 block E. 12th
Traffic stops: 7
Glenrock Police Department
Accident, property damage
Feb. 13, 1:17 p.m,. 2nd & Birch
Burglary
Feb. 8, 2:06 p.m., investigation led to arrest for home burglary
Disturbance
Feb. 8, 6:26 p.m., noise complaint; Feb. 11, 8:53 p.m., verbal between parents and juvenile son
Juvenile problem
Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m., aggressive with parents
Reverse Raffle & Auction May 22
You have an opportunity to celebrate So Much Good in our community and help support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at the annual Reverse Raffle & Auction to be held on Saturday, May 22, at the Ford Wyoming Center (formerly the Casper Events Center).
The annual Reverse Raffle & Auction features the opportunity to bid during a live auction on exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences, home and outdoor living packages, and more. In addition, a silent auction will include a variety of items including art, collectibles, and entertainment. Each ticket holder has a chance to win $5,000 cash.
A specific area of support this year is geared toward programs to help teens thrive and succeed in school and once they graduate. With each $250 donated, you will have a chance to win a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 truck donated by E & F Towing and Transport with upgraded enhancements by Sonny’s RV and Truck Outfitter.
Reserve tickets or a table online www.bgccw.org/somuchgood or by calling 235-4079. Tickets are $125 each or become a table sponsor for $1,000 (includes 8 tickets, company name in auction catalogue and displayed at event). Upgrade to VIP status for an additional $1,000/table.
Proceeds support operations of the 10 sites in four counties and the thousands of youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
Girl Scout cookie season
Girl Scouts in Wyoming will take cookie pre-orders until Feb. 21 with delivery in late March. Cookies can be ordered online from a Girl Scout through April 18. Cookies can be purchased during Cookie Booth Sales from March 26 to April 18. Girl Scout cookies remain $4 per box with the exception of S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastics, which are $5 per box. For more information on 2021 cookies, go to gsmw.org or email kristio@gsmw.org.
Jason’s Friends bowling moves date
Due to the current pandemic, Jason’s Friends Foundation and El Mark-O Lanes have made the difficult decision to postpone the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends. Since this is the only fundraiser annually, Jason’s Friends wants to make it the best it can be despite the challenges all are facing. COVID-19 has not stopped Wyoming families from hearing those dreaded words, “Your child has cancer,” so foundation volunteers cannot stop either.
Please mark your calendars for the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends on Saturday, April 24, at El Mark-O Lanes.
Bowling teams are five people. Limited space due to current state regulations. Register today at jasonsfriends.org/bowl/ or call 235-3421. Start fundraising for the 2021 Bowl for Jason’s Friends.
Want to participate virtually? There is a Phantom Bowling option. For more information, call 235-3421 or visit jasonsfriends.org.
Calendar celebrates MOW’s 50 years
2021 marks Natrona County Meals on Wheels 50th anniversary. The Meals on Wheels Foundation created a calendar to ignite a celebration of the recipients affected by the work of the organization. In the calendar, you will get to know some of these amazing people and all the talent that surrounds them. To purchase a calendar, call 265-8659 or head downtown to shop and grab your calendar at one of these participating businesses: Cadillac Cowgirl, Donnell’s Candies, White Lace & Promises-Galleria of Gifts, Ridley’s (East) and Shade Tree. Your purchase of the celebration calendar will help cover the cost of two to three meals. From all of us at Natrona County Meals on Wheels and the Meals on Wheels Foundation, we sincerely thank you for your support.
Order Relay for Life daffodils, tulips
The American Cancer Society is having its annual Daffodil Sales to benefit the local Relay for Life. An option to order cut tulips is available this year. Flowers may be ordered until Feb. 19, and they will be delivered around March 24. The cost for daffodils is still $10 for one bouquet of 10 buds, $40 for five bouquets of 10 buds, $70 for 10 bouquets of 10 buds. The cost for each bouquet of 10 tulip buds in assorted colors is $15. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. To order please contact either Jane Fisher at 267-1936 or Shirley Costopoulos at 267-8154.
Self Help Center moves fundraiser to May
The Self Help Center of Natrona County’s 4th Annual Lip Sync Battle, initially scheduled for March 5, has been rescheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021. The theme of this year’s event is “Lip Sync for Justice: Battle of the Attorneys.” Five local lawyers will be helping the Self Help Center raise funds in support of its mission toward eliminating the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assaults regionally. If there are questions regarding the event, please call the Self Help Center at 235-2814, or, for more information regarding services, go to www.shccasper.com or find us on Facebook. Details regarding tickets for the event can be found at www.auctria.com/auction/lipsync.
Self Help Center gets donation
Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union donated $500 to the Self Help Center in Casper recently. The donation comes as a thank you to the credit union’s membership for helping them reach $500 million in assets. Jennifer Dyer, executive director of the Self Help Center accepted the donation from Crystal Bratvold, branch manager at Meridian Trust’s Casper branch.
Ski history project on track
The Casper Mountain Ski History (CMSH) project is very pleased to announce that the CMSH book and documentary DVD is scheduled to be published by the end of 2021. Many grants and donations previously received have been acknowledged. Thanks to more recent donors Barbara Bogart, Ralph and Lucille Barton, Jackie and Pinky Ellis, Alan Vandeventer, and Sandy Nations (in memory of Gay Nations). Sincere thanks to all who have given their help financially or in the form of their time and effort.
Anyone interested in contributing their stories of skiing on Casper Mountain, photos, or other support are asked to please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
Donors acknowledged
In-Kind and other support for the Casper Mountain Ski History Project is most appreciated as our efforts to produce a book and video documentary continue. These products are based on interviews of 35 of Casper’s Nordic and Alpine ski pioneers. The following supporters, in addition to those already published in previous notices, have made this project possible by their hard work and sharing of their expertise: Kevin Anderson, Vince Crolla and Johanna Wickman of the Western History Center at Casper College; Karen Snyder, Bart Rea and Craig Smith in procuring grants; Diane Neste, Nathan Vondra, Rick Zimmer with letters of support; Sally Ann Shurmur and the Casper Star Tribune with publicity and Barbara Bogart with transcriptions, donating half her salary back to the project.
This project has been possible through the generous support of many donors. Sincere thanks. Input from the community is welcome; please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
Father Daughter Dinner
Father Daughter Dinner at the Casper Elks Lodge is Saturday, Feb. 27. No dance due to COVID. Keep the attendance streaks alive and bring your daughters down for dinner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. If you don’t have a daughter, borrow one and come for dinner, door prizes and get your picture taken. Tickets are fathers $10, daughters 14 & up $9, daughters 8 to 13 are $8 and 7 and under are free. Sign up at the Bar ASAP. For more information call 234-4839.
Model railroad clubhouse open
The Central Wyoming Model Railroad announces that operating hours in 2021 will be the same as has been the previous practice. The doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesdays, from 7 to 10 p.m., on Friday evenings and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. We will still have trains operating while doing maintenance work and even new construction. Our library will still lend books and magazines and our museum sections will still offer nostalgia to the viewer.
We have plenty of room to social distance along with the wide aisle spaces. We can show you how the HO layout looks on a wide TV screen.
We appreciate your support in these troubled times. Call for more information, Homer at 266-6439, Harry at 235-4950 (leave a message), or Nathan at 258-7869.
Retired teachers cancel breakfast
The Natrona County High School retired faculty and staff will not be meeting for breakfast at Perkins Restaurant until further notice due to the coronavirus. For more information call 237-1608.
German family history ideas
For now, the Casper German Stammtisch is not meeting due to the current need for social distancing.
Until we can gather together again, there are resources that provide some connection to German culture, history and heritage. Among these are DeutscheWelle (https://www.de.com/en), the Goethe Institut (https://goethe.de/en), Indiana German Heritage Society (https;//ighs.org) and German American Heritage Center & Museum (https://www.gahc.org), to name just a few.
Working on your family history? German is still the largest heritage group in the USA. Many families with German ancestors in Wyoming are “Germans from Russia.” Between 1762 and 1796, Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia, invited farmers to immigrate to Russia where they were offered farm land and the assurance that they could pray, educate their children and conduct village business in German. Their sons would not be drafted into the army. Another group are “Volga Germans” who migrated along the Volga River to find better opportunities for farming. There are many related resources online and groups on Facebook.
Did you know that “Pennsylvania Dutch” is actually “Pennsylvania German?” The German word for German is “Deutsch,” which created the confusion. The language they still speak in Pennsylvania today is a very old version of a dialect that was spoken long ago in the Rhineland Palatinate when these ancestors emigrated.
What interesting information can you find to share when the group can meet again?
In the meantime, Alles Gute!
Join Historical Society
If you are one who wants to know more about Wyoming, how the West was settled, why it was settled and all that has happened since, come join the Natrona County Historical Society on the fourth Thursday of the month. Members share a multitude of stories, films, power point presentations and hands-on exhibits about this 150 year history, much of it related to immediate ancestors only three generations past.
The Natrona County chapter is but one of 20 chapters in the state that comprise the Wyoming State Historical Society. Partnering with them, the American Heritage Center, the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources helps to share the fascinating story of Wyoming’s past and preserve her rich historical resources.
For more information about membership and events, please call Larry Steensland at 333-3745 or Kem Nicolaysen at 262-3972.
Republican women meet
Natrona County Republican Women will have their monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Ramkota hotel. The group will be voting on the 2021-2022 officers, renewing memberships for the 2021 year, discuss the 2021 schedule of meetings, as well as a few of the bills coming up for this session. When you are a member of Natrona County Republican Women, you are also a member of the Wyoming Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women. Please RSVP to ncrwmember@gmail.com or call 258-5936. Reservations are due Monday, Feb. 22, by noon please. Space is limited to 25 to 30 spots. Republican Women is open to any registered Republican.
Red Hats do lunch Feb. 25
There will be a Red Hat luncheon at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Silver Fox, 3422 Energy Ln. Your hostesses will be Shirley Gazdik, 277-1524; Ellen Jevne, 259-2535 and Naoda Adams, 259-0235. Please call one of the hostesses to confirm your reservation.
New info for Toastmasters
Start your new year by letting Toastmasters help you to give voice to your potential. Visit or join Casper Toastmasters Clubs at Zoom meetings. Virtual meetings have proven to be both productive and fun, and you can attend virtual meetings worldwide. Toastmasters can provide you with skills to open a world of possibilities through effective communication whether you are a professional, a student, a parent, a retiree, or other situation. You can achieve professional and well as personal goals as you develop your leadership skills. Toastmasters International has helped millions of men and women with their learn-by-doing, self-paced “Pathways” program. Go online to learn more at Toastmasters.org. Local contacts to check out or join a Zoom meeting are:
- Morning Tour Toastmasters, first and third Mondays, 6:30 to 7:40 a.m., Jennifer, 258-0572 or maryannhoff@yahoo.com;
- Pioneer Toastmasters, first and third Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., nicraeanderson@gmail.com or maribeth, 259-7365;
- Pathfinder Toastmasters, second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., sparker13@bresnan.net.
Sweetheart Bowl results
The Fireball 500 Club 2021 Sweetheart Bowl, a four-person, members only team handicapped tournament, was held Feb. 13, at The 307 Sunrise. The results are as follows:
Team: 1., The Misfits (Phyllis Rufenacht, Zelda Jensen, Alice Palmer, Marla Whitaker), 2,669; 2., Lo-Man (Lyla Harmon, Trish Pesek, Sallie Kusma, Laurie McNally), 2661; 3., Some Beeches (Renae Berlinger, Sierra Schamber, Donna Morton, Jaime Moler), 2,466; 4., Girls with Balls (Pat Jensen, Ann Robinson, Bonnie Wamsley, Julie Wamsley), 2,455. High series: Laurie McNally, 495. High game: Julie Wamsley, 187.
BLM to host virtual meeting about Converse County raptors
The BLM is encouraging the public to attend a virtual meeting to begin development of the adaptive management plan for non-eagle raptor timing limitation stipulation (TLS) relief within the Converse County Oil and Gas Project area. The virtual meeting will be held with the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 25. The meeting will be conducted virtually through Zoom.
Traditionally, oil and gas TLS are conditions of approval to avoid surface disturbance or occupancy within a half-mile buffer of non-eagle raptor nests between Feb. 1 to July 31. During development of the Converse County final environmental impact statement, 98 incidents of TLS relief were approved for possible use over the 10-year construction phase of the project.
Register in advance for the webinar by visiting https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Akx0xerOTO-4I8B4uG8sVg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
As directed by the record of decision, this public meeting is part of the BLM Casper Field Office’s development of the adaptive management plan in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Stock growers offer scholarship
The Clifford P. Hansen Memorial Scholarship was established in remembrance of Clifford Hansen, who was known as a Teton county rancher, past aresident of Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Governor of Wyoming and a U.S. Senator. The memorial scholarship was established through contributions received in memory of Senator Hansen and other departed WSGA leaders. It recognizes an outstanding college student pursuing an education related to Wyoming’s agriculture or natural resources. Two $1,000 cash scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year and sent to the scholarship winner the fall of 2021 semester.
To be eligible, students, parents or guardian must be a member in good standing of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The applicant must be a sophomore, junior or senior in college for the fall semester of 2021 or is a senior who is graduating in the fall of 2021 and is accepted into graduate school for the spring 2022 semester. The student must be enrolled full-time at the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college, have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and be majoring in agriculture or natural resource related field.
To apply for this scholarship, the applicant must submit an official transcript and essay of 500 words or less addressing the following questions.
What have you gained from your college experience? What leadership roles have you acquired since starting college? How have those leadership roles influenced you? How do your post-college plans involve agriculture or natural resources? What characteristics distinguish you as deserving this scholarship?
All applications will be due Friday, April 9, to Trenda Allen at P.O. Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003, or to trenda@wysga.org. The winner will be approved by the WSGA trustees based on a recommendation from the WSGA executive committee. The scholarship winner will be announced at the 2021 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in Sheridan June 3-5, 2021.
Wednesday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:09 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 8:23 p.m., 719 3rd St. (Evansville). Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards. Casper info: 266-9578.
Al Anon: 7 p.m., 302 E. 2nd St., First Methodist Church.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site: urmrna.org.
TOPS #162, weight loss support, 8:30 a.m., 1868 S. Poplar.
College humanities festival starts
The topic for the 36th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture is “Celebration/Milestones.” The festival will run Feb. 17-19.
The festival will begin Wednesday, Feb. 17, with an exhibition at the Natrona County Library about Verna Keays Keyes, the young Wyoming artist and designer of the Wyoming state flag. There will also be a virtual book club discussion of “Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West” by Heather Hansman. The discussion will be moderated by Gretchen Wheeler, retired Casper College communication instructor. Copies of the book are now available at the NCPL and limited quantities are available, noted Innella Maiers, humanities festival chair and art instructor.
A complete schedule for the festival can be found at caspercollege.edu/events/humanities-festival/schedule. The Goodstein Foundation Library, Wheeler Concert Hall, and the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery are located on the Casper College campus. The Natrona County Library is located at 307 E. 2nd. Street.
Continuing education units or PTSB credits are also available for attendees. For more information, contact Sarah Schneider, workforce training specialist at 268-3847 or at sarahschneider@caspercollege.edu.
Casper College and the Wyoming Humanities Council are partners in presenting the Humanities Festival along with major funding from the Casper College Foundation and the Margaret Demorest Endowment.
Free volunteer tax help in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax iD number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
The Wyoming Local Assistance State Team (LAST) is auctioning a rare 2021 Wyoming Game & Fish Commissioner’s Big Game Hunting License. The auction is live and accepting bids until midnight on March 6, 2021.
Proceeds from the auction go to directly support the operation of the Wyoming LAST Team. The Wyoming Local Assistance State Team (LAST) is a voluntary program and team administered by the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. The primary objective of the LAST team is to provide assistance and comfort to families and departments after a Wyoming Public Safety Officer line-of-duty death and to help with filing for Federal Public Safety Officer’s Benefit as well as for state and local benefits. The Line of Duty Death services offered by Wyoming LAST extend beyond just the facilitation of the PSOB paperwork, and can be as extensive or as limited as required depending on the needs of the family and agency of the fallen officer.
Some of these services include funeral arrangements and memorial services, coordinating and providing Honor Guard presence, coordinating and providing Pipes & Drums presence, graveside services, reception services, and arranging for large public safety processionals. Wyoming LAST also supports active non-line of duty deaths of Wyoming Public Safety officers, as well as families and departments of retired Wyoming Public Safety Officers.
To bid on the hunting license go to:
For more information, contact Mark Young, Wyoming LAST co-coordinator, at 307-277-0319 or at mark.young@wyo.gov.
Marriages
CASPER — These licenses were issued in Natrona County and released by the County Clerk’s office. All marriage licenses obtained in Natrona County are printed as a matter of public record. Engaged couples who prefer not to have a marriage license published should seek it out of county.
Marvin Edward Hatcher and Brandi Lee Reutzel
Jesus Esteban Barbosa Jr., and Alethea Ibau Oiterong
Mathew Christopher Archibeque and Heather Ashley Jones
Jason Alden Johnson and Mikki Jean M. May Burman
Joseph Emanuel Vlastos and Carol Jo Sloan Vlastos
Zachary Allen Michael and Katelyn Elaine Priddy
Russell Eugene Winslow and Amanda Diane Mench
Births
CASPER — These were recorded at Wyoming Medical Center. The Star-Tribune prints all births that occur at Wyoming Medical Center, released by the hospital with consent of the mother; as well as home births, and births that may take place outside of Casper to Casper and Glenrock residents because of military deployment, medical reasons or temporary employment. In the case of unmarried parents, a paternity form must be on file at the hospital for the father to be listed.
Feb. 1, 2021 Girl, Brooks Gabrielle, to Carole and Christopher Jackson, Casper
Feb. 2, 2021Girl, Octavia Jane, to Charlie Ogle, Casper
Feb. 3, 2021Boy, Archer James, to Megan and John Pokallus, Casper
Feb. 4, 2021Girl, Anora Mae, to Kara and Grant Anderson, Casper
Boy, Otto McCoy, to Whitney Carlson-Petersen and Bryan Petersen, Casper
Girl, Elliotte Irene, to Anna and Brian Burton, Casper
Boy, Mateo Lucas, to Alyssa and Omar Enriquez, Casper
After 43 years in banking, Todd Peterson, Pinnacle Bank regional president, has announced his intention to retire March 31. Wade Bruch, currently senior vice president, will become the market president for the Torrington branch.
Due to COVID-19, his retirement celebration will be quite different from the large, celebratory open house the bank had hoped to host in his honor. Instead, Pinnacle Bank is asking customers and community members to share their well wishes by either sending a card (2000 Main Street, Torrington) or submitting a 10 to 15 second video message to wyphotocontest@pinnbank.com. The video messages will be posted on the bank’s Facebook page, as well as compiled on a disc and given to Peterson.
Peterson started his career in banking in 1978 as a loan officer with Farm Credit in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. His early banking career would see him work for three different financial institutions, taking him across Nebraska and Wyoming, before making his final move to Pinnacle Bank.
In March of 1997, he joined the Pinnacle family as the president of the Mitchell, Nebraska, branch and returned to his hometown of Torrington in 1999. He would spend the next 22 years leading as the regional president. Throughout these years, the Torrington branch grew from $51 million in loans to $150 million in loans, establishing Pinnacle Bank as a premier banking team.
Peterson has spent the past year working with and preparing Bruch to continue his legacy of remarkable customer service, helping customers attain their dreams, and leading a staff who is committed to bettering Goshen County.
“Todd has set an extremely high bar,” said Doug Weedin, CEO and president of Pinnacle Bank — Wyoming. “He was not only instrumental in Goshen County development, but he was pivotal in Pinnacle Bank’s growth. We are grateful for his contributions throughout these two decades, and know Wade will continue to build on this success”
“Todd’s sense of humor, exceptional relationship building, and great cooking will be missed by all of us,” added Bruch. “I’m grateful to have had his mentorship, guidance and leadership, and I’m honored to follow in his footsteps.”
Throughout his four decades in the financial industry, Peterson always remained committed to playing an active, engaged role with his family. His retirement is going to allow him and his wife, Maggie, to spend more time with their four children and chasing their seven grandchildren.
Schools</&h1>
District sets pre-kindergarten screenings
The Natrona County School District has set dates for appointments for pre-kindergarten screenings. It is highly encouraged that all incoming kindergarteners complete the screening process.
Dates are Feb. 20, Feb. 23 to 25; March 2 to 4, March 9, 10 and 12, and March 16 to 18. To schedule a kindergarten screening, call 253-5434. Screenings will be held at NCSD Central Services, 970 N. Glenn Rd.
College sets humanities festival
The topic for the 36th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture is “Celebration/Milestones.” The festival will run Feb. 17-19.
This year’s Demorest Lecture will feature two speakers. Thursday, Feb. 18, Matthew Spangler, Ph.D., will speak on “Between Celebration and Devastation: Theater Productions About Refugees.” A “proud” graduate of Natrona County High School, Spangler is an award-winning playwright and professor of performance studies at San Jose State University in California. Spangler’s plays have been produced throughout the world, and his teaching focuses on the relationship between immigration and the arts, according to Valerie Innella Maiers, Ph.D.
Critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist Mark Jenkins will present the second Demorest Lecture Friday, Feb.19. “The Future of Water in Wyoming: Global Warming, Drought and how Wyoming can Protect its Water” will address the problem of water in Wyoming. “The Colorado River Compact requires Wyoming to send the majority of its water to other states. When this agreement was signed in 1922, it was based on precipitation data that has radically changed in the past century,” said Jenkins. As one example of the problem, “The 100 glaciers in the Wind River Mountains, that feed the Green River, that feeds the Colorado River, are all expected to vanish by 2050,” he said.
The festival will begin Wednesday, Feb. 17, with an exhibition at the Natrona County Library about Verna Keays Keyes, the young Wyoming artist and designer of the Wyoming state flag. There will also be a virtual book club discussion of “Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West” by Heather Hansman. The discussion will be moderated by Gretchen Wheeler, retired Casper College communication instructor. Copies of the book are now available at the NCPL and limited quantities are available, noted Innella Maiers, humanities festival chair and art instructor.
The first day will begin with a presentation by Lance Jones at 9:30 a.m. titled “Double Diamonds: The Diamond Jubilees of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II.” The presentation will feature a contrast of the only two diamond jubilees in history, marking the monarch’s 60th year on the throne.
Barbara Mueller, Ph.D., will speak on “Contemporary ‘Coming of Age’ Celebrations Around the World” at 10:30 a.m. Mueller’s presentation will explore how economics, religion, and gender roles influence contemporary coming-of-age celebrations in the U.S. and worldwide.
At 11:30 a.m., Shannon Smith, executive director emeritus of the Wyoming Humanities Council, will present “Celebration: The 50th Anniversary of the Wyoming Humanities Council.” Smith, who led the WHC from 2013-2020, will share the history of the founding of the nation’s first state humanities councils and stories from the last 50 years.
The day will end with the 2 p.m. presentation by Kylie McCormick. McCormick, a Wyoming historian, will speak on the topic “Fifty-One Years of Freedom: Wyoming’s Suffrage Story,1869-1920.” According to McCormick, the presentation will provide critical new evidence to Wyoming’s suffrage story.
All presentations for Friday, Feb. 19, will also take place in Wheeler Hall. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor. Frankland’s presentation, “Transitions in Political Power: Celebrations and Controversies,” will look at the tightrope walk that every country, including the U.S., has with the transition of power.
At 10 a.m., two presenters, Joshua R. Mietz, D.M.A. and Barry Smith, Ph.D., will provide a musical portrayal and historical background on one of the smallest and least understood particles of matter, according to Mietz, Casper College music instructor. “The Discovery and Celebration of the Neutrino” presentation will feature a clarinet performance by Mietz and a lecture by Smith.
Christopher Paden will give an artist talk on his current exhibition in the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery titled “September Dreams.” According to Innella Maiers, the sculptural installation celebrates one of the talented graduates from the Casper College Visual Arts Department.
At 11:30 a.m. Richard Burk, theater instructor, will present “Celebration: The 35th Anniversary of the Casper College Theatre and Dance Department.”
The festival will conclude at 2 p.m. with two presentations followed by a 20-minute discussion with historians McCormick and Rebecca Keays. Keays, a granddaughter of Wyoming flag designer Verna Keays Keyes, … is a Verna/Keays family historian and archivist.
McCormick will present “The Wyoming State Flag and the Women Who Made It Fly,” followed by Keays’ presentation “Celebrate Verna! A Granddaughter Shares Memories and Discoveries About Wyoming’s Flag Designer.”
A complete schedule for the festival can be found at caspercollege.edu/events/humanities-festival/schedule. The Goodstein Foundation Library, Wheeler Concert Hall, and the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery are located on the Casper College campus. The Natrona County Library is located at 307 E. 2nd. Street.
Continuing education units or PTSB credits are also available for attendees. For more information, contact Sarah Schneider, workforce training specialist at 268-3847 or at sarahschneider@caspercollege.edu.
Casper College and the Wyoming Humanities Council are partners in presenting the Humanities Festival along with major funding from the Casper College Foundation and the Margaret Demorest Endowment.
Apply at St. Anthony’s School
Applications are now being accepted for all grades preschool through 8th grade at St. Anthony School. Take advantage of half-price kindergarten and “frozen” 2020 tuition rates for first through eighth grades. St. Anthony School offers a God-centered approach to learning where students are welcome from all Christian denominations to apply. No child is ever denied admission due to an inability to pay. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Take advantage of small class sizes (18-1 or less), highly qualified educators, Spanish, art, and PE for all grade levels, the only preschool through 8th grade in-house program in Natrona County, and much more. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 234-2873.
Register for Shepherd of the Hills preschool
Registration for the 2021/2022 school year at Shepherd of the Hills Child Development Center will start Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. for families who have had children previously enrolled in our program. There is a $50 registration fee. Open registration begins March 1 and will be ongoing. It is a well established, nondenominational Christian based part time preschool for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. Music is incorporated in all classes, but what sets the curriculum apart from other programs are the Suzuki violin lessons in the Pre-K 5-year-old class. All teachers are degreed and experienced. Call 234-8522 to set up a time to observe the program in action and see if it is a good fit for your child.
Register for district preschools
NCSD preschool online application window for 2021-2022 opened January 4, 2021. Eight schools in Natrona County will host half-day TANF preschool programs during the 2021-22 school year. Elementary schools with preschool programs will include Bar Nunn, Cottonwood, Evansville, Journey, Lincoln, Midwest, Pineview, and Sagewood Elementary Schools. Preschool students must be 3 or older by August 1, 2021.
NCSD’s TANF preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and have certified teachers and classroom assistants in classes of 18 students. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. The preschool program is free to families and parents are encouraged to be involved. Families’ financial information is required, as the program is funded through federal grants. Priority enrollment is given to families who meet federal income guidelines.
The Natrona County School District also has a lab preschool program at the Pathways Innovation Center. This program is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and includes a half-day preschool program, early morning and afternoon childcare, and includes breakfast, lunch, and snack offerings. As this is a full-day offering, the NSCD Lab Preschool does have a tuition of $600 a month and follows the NCSD academic calendar.
New age requirement for kindergarten
Recently, the Wyoming State Legislature passed House Bill 174 – Kindergarten start date. Under this new change, all kindergarten students must be at least 5 years old by August 1 of the upcoming school year. This change goes into effect for the upcoming 2021 school enrollment period.
Families of students whose birthdays fall between August 1 and September 15 may submit an exception request, which requires a kindergarten readiness assessment process, for consideration of enrollment.
The Natrona County School District believes no single education style fits the needs of all children. During the School Choice Registration period, now through Jan. 24, families may go online for enrollment registration. School Choice provides families the opportunity to find the schools that are best for their individual children. Further information on the upcoming School Choice Registration enrollment process will be shared in the coming weeks. For specific questions on Kindergarten enrollment, please contact Marie Puryear, Director of Human Resources & District Services, at 253-5455.
NCSD provides a variety of Kindergarten opportunities for students and families. For more information on kindergarten opportunities at NCSD please contact Angie Hayes, Director of Differentiation and Early Childhood at 253-5434.
CC students earn scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of Crestwood Equity Partners LP, 13 Casper College students received a $2,500 scholarship for the 2021 spring semester.
To qualify, the students have to be pursuing a college degree in STEM or energy-related careers, show academic excellence, promising leadership skills, maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA, and be enrolled in at least six credit hours. “The scholarship is given to help alleviate the financial burden of college and is used for educational expenses only,” said Ann Dalton, associate director of development with the Casper College Foundation.
“Crestwood is an important part of the Wyoming community and is dedicated to supporting the communities where our employees live and work,” said Travis Wells, director of operations at Crestwood. “Hearing student stories of how this scholarship helps them in school encourages Crestwood to keep this going,” said Wells. “With COVID-19, we know this year has provided even more challenges and are excited to continue to provide scholarships to the deserving students at Casper College,” he added.
“This donation is part of our larger commitment to sustainability and giving back to the communities where we live and operate,” said Joanne Howard, vice president of sustainability and corporate communications. “One of our focus areas for our giving is education and workforce development. It is our goal to provide real, lasting, and sustainable benefits in education and workforce development that provide communities the broadest options for their future and build a highly-skilled employee base in the regions where we operate,” she noted.
The 13 students who were awarded a $2,500 scholarship include Lucas Patton, Lyle Hepworth, Zachary Tenney, Rachel Drake, Enrique Jimenez, Mindy James, Logan Moller, Trista Nyman, Garret Steinert, Tanesia Sternhagen, Tanner Stuart, Thomas Wallace, and Dillion Wol
New scholarship for nursing students
A new scholarship has been established at Casper College in honor of former instructor and administrator Judith S. Turner.
The Judith S. Turner Nursing Scholarship is open to any Casper College student majoring in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, who is enrolled full time, a resident of Wyoming, a single parent, and has a financial need.
Lisa Rode established the scholarship in honor of Turner, who began her career at Casper College as a nursing instructor on Aug. 26, 1974. “This scholarship is a tribute to her achievements in nursing science and education and her ongoing devotion to Casper College and its nursing students,” said Rode.
Turner moved from instructor to director of nursing on July 1, 1984. She held that position until June 30, 1999. In addition to her duties as director of nursing, she also held the position of division chair for the Casper College Division of Health Arts and Sciences from 1987-1989 and then again from 1995-1999. On July 1, 1999, she became Casper College’s associate dean of academic affairs, a position she held until her retirement June 30, 2001. “During (her) time (in the nursing department), she devoted herself to the provision of quality education to the program’s students and to the advancement of nursing and nursing education,” Rode noted.
“Committed to patient care, she continued to work part-time as a nurse at Wyoming Medical Center. Committed to nursing education, she served as an accreditation site visitor and a consultant for the National League for Nursing for many years, even after her retirement from Casper College,” said Rode. “While she still misses caring for others as a nurse and as a teacher, she enjoys retirement.”
The limited-time scholarship, worth $5,000, will be divided between one nursing student for the spring and fall 2021 semesters and one nursing student for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters, according to Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on the Judith S. Turner Nursing Scholarship, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
CC theater season
The Casper College Department of Theatre and Dance is celebrating its 35th year at the Gertrude Krampert Center for Theatre and Dance during the 2020-2021 season.
To coincide with the 2021 Humanities Festival and its theme “Celebration/Milestones,” the theater department will present “Cyrano de Bergerac” Feb. 25-28 and March 3-6. Edmond Rostand’s classic play looks at Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant poet and swordsman during the reign of Louis XIII, who is in love with the beautiful Roxane. “This is a classic tale of romance and a beautiful show that also features swordplay, so there is something for everyone,” Gray said.
The final production for the season will be “Bright Star, ” which is ” ... a heartwarming musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell,” said Gray. Inspired by a true story, the Tony award-nominated musical “ ... is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1940s and 1920s and uses charm, humor and bluegrass music to tell the story of love lost and found,” she said.
According to Gray, all four productions will take place on the Mick and Susie McMurry Stage in the Krampert Theatre. Due to COVID-19, all audience members will be required to wear a mask. “We are practicing social distancing between groups, so only a limited number of seats will be available each night. Tickets must be purchased through the box office either by phone or in person so that we may ensure seating with distance between groups,” Gray said. In addition, for added safety, hand sanitizer is available at the doors, and the theater is deep cleaned and sanitized between performances.
New scholarships available
Five new scholarships have been established at Casper College, thanks to the generosity of Lee and Felicia Castellow.
Four of the scholarships are directed specifically at the trades. They include the Lee and Felicia Castellow Diesel Mechanics Scholarship, the Lee and Felicia Auto Mechanics Scholarship, the Lee and Felicia Castellow Welding Scholarship and the Lee and Felicia Castellow Trades Scholarship. The fifth scholarship is the Lee and Felicia Castellow Adult Learning Center Graduate Scholarship.
The diesel mechanics, auto mechanics and welding scholarships are all worth $1,000 to be divided equally between the fall and spring semesters. Each scholarship is open to any nontraditional Casper College student majoring in that specific field with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, who is enrolled in six or more credit hours and is a Wyoming resident who can show financial need.
The trades scholarship is open specifically to Wyoming high school graduates who are enrolled in a trades industry program at Casper College, are single or a single parent and can show financial need. The scholarship is worth $1,000.
The fifth scholarship established by the Castellows is the Castellow Adult Learning Center Scholarship. The scholarship is specifically for a Wyoming student who has graduated from the Lee and Felicia Castellow Adult Learning Center at Casper College, earned their High School Equivalency certificate and is attending Casper College. To be considered for the $1,000 scholarship, students must be single, or a single parent, and show financial need.
“The Castellows wanted to give Wyoming residents the opportunity to attend Casper College. They also wanted to give back to the Casper community that has been so good to them,” noted Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on any of these scholarships, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
New scholarship at CC
A new scholarship has been established at Casper College in memory of former construction and welding instructor Mark Steinle who taught at the college for nearly 22 years before his retirement in 2016.
The Mark Steinle Scholarship in Construction, Drafting, and Engineering is open to any Casper College student majoring in construction, drafting, or engineering with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and who is enrolled in six or more credit hours.
“It is important to honor my husband, who enjoyed teaching in construction and business with this scholarship in his name,” said Steinle’s wife, Pam. “He was a great teacher and loved his students,” she added.
The scholarship, worth $500, will be awarded each spring to one student, according to Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on the Mark Steinle Scholarship in Construction, Drafting, and Engineering, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
Weston scholarship established
A new scholarship in the memory of Curtis Moore Weston has been established with the Casper College Foundation.
Curtis Moore Weston purchased Decker Auto Glass in 1978. As the owner of Decker, Weston built the business from one small shop to four shops and a wholesale glass warehouse with distribution in Wyoming and western Nebraska. Weston was named Wyoming Small Business Person of the year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2004. He owned Decker until he sold it in 2008 and retired.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have graduated from either a Natrona or Converse county high school and/or are residents of either Natrona or Converse county and be seeking either an associate or bachelor’s degree.
For more information about the Curtis Moore Weston Scholarship, contact Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation, at 268-2325.
New scholarship at CC for Wyoming resident
The newly established Bob I. and Edith Selby Scholarship will provide a Wyoming resident with a $2,000 scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year.
“Mrs. Selby earned her master’s degree from the University of Mary in North Dakota at the age of 52. She specifically told us that she wanted the scholarship to help a need-based Wyoming resident,” said Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation. Bob Selby was born and raised in Wyoming, and both he and Edith had careers in the oil and gas industry, while Bob also owned several companies, including one in construction. According to Dalton, Edith Selby believed that the second half of your life should be spent giving back.
Any nontraditional Wyoming resident who has a minimum 2.5 GPA, is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and is majoring in business, construction management or construction technology at Casper College can apply for the scholarship. The recipient will be awarded $1,000 for the fall 2020 semester and $1,000 for the spring 2021 semester.
For more information about the Bob I. and Edith Selby Scholarship, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
Food for Thought needs drivers
Each week Wyoming Food for Thought Project puts together meals for kids, so that when they are away from school they are not going without. Each week, 1,200 food bags are distributed to schools and homes across the community.
Can you help? Drivers are needed each Thursday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to deliver food bags.
Call Michele at (307) 337-1703 or email volunteer@wyfftp.org
Help us, help others.
Online training for Hospice volunteers
If you’ve been thinking of becoming a Hospice volunteer, now is the time. Training is now ongoing, and partially conducted online so you don’t have to wait to join the caring team.
Volunteers are the heart of Hospice. These exceptional, caring individuals use their gifts and skills to help provide patients, caregivers and families with peace and comfort through the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions programs.
Volunteers offer a wide range of help including patient and administrative support, companionship visits, errand running, letter writing, light housekeeping, and other opportunities. There is also a need for veteran volunteers to help with the special needs and concerns of veteran patients.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can help, please call Dixie at 577-4832.
Bishop Home seeks board members
The Cadoma Foundation, owner of the Historic Bishop Home at 818 E. 2nd St., has openings for board members. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be come more involved in your community, and if you love history and historic preservation, this may be the spot for you. The board meets quarterly and is responsible for the development and sustainability of the historic site, as well as the promotion of Wyoming historic preservation. If you are interested, please email info@cadomafoundation.org or call 235-5277.
Thanks from Poverty Resistance
This is the time of year I usually write a “we’re still broke but we’re still here” letter. This year we are still broke but grateful that we are able to stay open and keep serving hungry people.
Thank you to everyone that has helped our little food pantry stay open during the horrific year of 2020. There are too many volunteers to name since the CST limits the length of these notices.
The Poverty Resistance Food Pantry distributed 715,567 pounds of food so far this year We put out more than 3,100 food boxes in November.
We provide food boxes to more than 100 families a day. We serve a hot lunch to more than 50 individuals a day. The pantry is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
For more information about Poverty Resistance Food Pantry email Mary Ann Budenske at mbudenske@aol.com, friend her on Facebook or phone her at 307-215-4732.
Klunkers wanted
Poverty Resistance is asking for donations of used cars, trucks and other vehicles, running or not. For more information call Mary Ann Budenske at 307-215-4732, email her at mbudenske@aol.com or PM her on Facebook.
Blue Envelope provides AED’s to CC
Casper College recently received $19,400 from the Blue Envelope Health Fund to purchase automated external defibrillator units.
According to John Becker, director of campus security and adjunct instructor, many buildings and other areas did not have an AED unit. However, the cost of one AED unit can run between $1,300 and $2,900. “We simply didn’t have the budget to buy the 22 units we needed to allow us to have one per floor in each building, one for the Casper College Ranch, and three traveling units for the athletic department,” said Becker.
Fortunately, Becker contacted the Blue Envelope to see if there was any help or ideas they could provide. “The board chair quickly acted on my request, and before I knew it, the college was provided with enough money to purchase 22 AED units, which brought our price down to about $850 for each. Without the generous funds given to us by the Blue Envelope Health Fund, we would be in need of the AED units, especially for the ranch and the athletic department,” Becker noted.
Thanks to the support of Blue Envelope, Casper College is only in need of five more units and can now better provide help to those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Sandwich ministry offers Saturday lunch to those in need
The Sandwich Ministry has resumed each Saturday. Lunches are distributed from 10 a.m. to noon in the breezeway at First United Methodist Church.
Help Yourself
Book bag sale by appointment in February
The Friends of the Library is excited to announce an appointment only bag sale with no admission charge. We have an amazing selection of items including puzzles, media, games, and great books. Nothing will be held back.
The bag sale will be open to the public by appointment only, but fewer than 15 appointment slots remain. Walk-ins are not permitted. Masks will be required. All payments must be made by cash or check only.
The sale will take place at Natrona County Library from Monday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Appointments will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 6:30 with the last appointment scheduled for 5:30, except for Friday and Saturday when the last appointment will begin at 4 p.m.
Sessions will be one hour with one half hour between sessions. Customers must pay and remove all purchases at the end of their scheduled hour, even if they have scheduled an appointment for the next session. Eight customers will be permitted for each session.
Bags will sell for $3 for a grocery size bag, $6 for a standard size reusable bag, and $10 for larger totes. Excessively large totes or bags will be charged accordingly.
Appointments may be requested by emailing folncpl307@gmail or by messaging the Friends of the Natrona County Public Library on Facebook.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, 2021, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider's tax iD number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
Make a quick scarf or cowl at CC
Knit or Crochet a Quick Scarf or Cowl on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Casper College. Contact Casper College community education at 268-3401 or continuingeducation@caspercollege.edu to sign up or with any questions.
Make a scarf or cowl at rec center
Enjoy a 2-Hour Scarves Class at Casper Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn to knit or crochet a fun scarf or cowl in a couple of hours. The yarn and large size knitting needles or crochet hook are included in the registration fee. Some beginning knitting or crochet knowledge is helpful in completing the project during class.
Sign up at Active Casper or at Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E. 4th St., phone: 235-8383.
Parkinson's exercise group
This exercise class is open to anyone with Parkinson's Disease and focuses on improving balance, endurance, safety, and managing symptoms. It is open to all ages and the class can be tailored to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. The group meets Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 East 2nd Street, Building #500. If you have any questions call 577-5204 or 237-1200.
Art4Expression with Central Wyoming Hospice, Nic
Art4Expression is a unique collaboration between Central Wyoming Hospice and the Nicolaysen Art Museum and is designed for kids ages 11-15. The process of grief requires expression. The act of creation and the use of images draws out that expression. Art4Expression allows processing grief through art, along with other kids who have suffered the death of a loved one. The class is every third Saturday, October through May, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Please call 577-4832 or email toddv@cwhp.org.
Confidential Zoom suicide grief support groups
Due to COVID-19, there are no in-person suicide grief support groups at this time. However, there are Zoom support meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month that are announced and with invitation on J.R’s Hunt; for life Facebook support page. Join the page and watch for the announcement invitation and join. These are confidential and closed to the public. You must join via the Zoom application/invitation to attend. If you have problems, they can also FaceTime you into the meetings. Once you join the Facebook group you may message with any questions.
Child care food policy
Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc. announces the sponsorship of the Child Care Food Program. The same meals will be made available to all enrolled children at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap, and there is no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided at the facilities listed below: Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Casper, 301 West B; Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Early Head Start, 160. N. Washington, Casper and Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Mills, 4981 W. Buick St.
Updated food pantry list
- Casper Community Church food pantry, 249 N. Wolcott, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Eugene, 307-462-6821
- Oasis Food Pantry, College Heights community center food pantry, 1927 South Walnut, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 307-224-4104 (X 7)
- Faith Assembly of God food pantry, 4301 Casper Mountain Road, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 265-9121. Staff is providing pre-made boxes at the front door of the church during pandemic.
- First Church of the Nazarene food pantry, 2020 S. Jefferson, Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 258-9646
- First Christian Church, sandwich ministry begins Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon in breezeway at First United Methodist Church downtown. Info: debmestas@gmail.com.
- Holy Cross Center Inc. food pantry, 1030 N. Lincoln, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. 577-1041
- Mountain View Baptist food pantry, 4250 Poison Spider Road, Wednesday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 234-4381 or foodbank@mvbccasper.com
- Joshua’s Storehouse food pantry, 334 S. Wolcott St., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab and go format. 265-0242
- Wyoming Rescue Mission serves weekday breakfast, 6:30 to 7 a.m., lunch, noon to 12:30 p.m., dinner, 6 to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays brunch, 11 a.m., dinner 5 to 5:30 p.m.
- Glenrock, second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 506 West Birch, Ste. 15 (downtown), 1 to 5 p.m.
- Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free health coaching by phone
Natural Grocers is offering free one-on-one health coaching sessions right now (by phone or Microsoft Teams only) for anyone who is interested. Classes focus on nutrition as it relates to health. Examples of topics covered are general nutrition, nutrition and sleep, pregnancy, athletic performance, anxiety, weight loss, digestion issues (as they relate to nutrition) and more.
The way to sign up for these is by calling Natural Grocers (265-0909) during business hours and asking to schedule a coaching session with the nutritional health coach. Customers are also eligible to receive a $5 off coupon (one per quarter) after completing a coaching session, if they are signed up for the (also free) Natural Grocers rewards program. That's $20 off annually if they complete a session every quarter. The sessions are one hour long.
Food for Thought offers online marketplace
The Wyoming Food for Thought Online Marketplace will open at 5 p.m. on Mondays and close at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, with the Food for Thought Drive-Thru to take place on Fridays between 2 to 4 p.m. at the Food for Thought Program Center, 900 Saint John St.
Customers will start by selecting their drive-thru pick-up time via the Drive-Thru Time Window Registration form on the website. Upon receiving a confirmation email, a link to the Online Marketplace will be provided to shop.
SNAP users will also have access to this opportunity.
To learn more about the Food for Thought Online Marketplace and Drive-Thru, visit the website at www.wyfftp.org or call 307-337-1703.
Wyoming Food for Thought Project works to create a strong and vibrant local food system. This is an integral part of ending hunger in the community. When every person has access to good and healthy food, the community is better for it; health issues go down, mental health improves and the community becomes stronger.
Poverty Resistance open
Poverty Resistance Food Bank, 450 S. Wolcott, is committed to serving people in need throughout the county. They are maintaining their normal hours of operation 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
First, don’t come for food if you are sick. It is okay to have a non-sick friend or relative pick up for you during this outbreak.
Second, hand washing stand at the door. You must wash your hands prior to picking up food. This is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
Third, social distancing -- that means you need to stay about six feet away from others in the pantry. People might have to wait in their cars during times there are a lot of people coming in but, again this is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free online dance classes
Enjoy free online dance classes at https://facebook.com/yvonne.e.anderson.
Register for girls JO fast pitch
Girls age 8-18 years may register for the Junior Olympic Fast Pitch Softball League through May 8, 2021, online or in person at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 East 4th Street. Divisions offered for 8 years and under, 10 years and under, 12 years and under, 14 years and under and 18 years and under.
The registration fee is $60 per player. There is a $10 discounted fee for everyone registering at Bush-Wells Sporting Goods on Saturday, April 10 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bush-Wells Sporting Goods is located at the corner of 5th and Center Streets.
No prior playing experience is required. Players will need to have their own softball gloves. Practices for the league will get underway in May with games beginning June 7 at North Casper Softball Complex. League games and the league ending tournament will be scheduled weeknights in the evenings through mid-July.
Additional information is available at the Casper Recreation Center, 235-8383 or on the website, www.crlasports.com.
Summer camp registration underway
It’s all happening at the Casper Recreation Center this summer. Registration for the summer Adventure Camp program has begun.
Adventure Camp runs from June 9 to Aug. 21, with leaders available from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Kids age 5-13 will enjoy swimming, ice skating, field trips, sports, games, arts and crafts, and more at our safe, structured, and supervised full day camp program. Everyone enrolled in the full summer program also receives a 3-month Aquatic pass valid in June, July, and August outside of camp hours at all City of Casper indoor and outdoor pools.
The cost for the full summer of fun is $895 and includes field trips and special programs, lunch and afternoon snacks (provided by the Natrona County School District), and all activities. A very limited number of weekly registrations will be available for $100 per week. Scholarships of up to $100 per child are available for those who qualify and DFS assistance is also accepted.
Don’t delay, spaces are limited and fill quickly. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Skating lessons start
The Casper Skating School will be starting ice skating lessons on Monday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Casper Ice Arena. All ages and ability levels are welcomed to register on ActiveCasper.com or at the Casper Recreation Center.
The Casper Skating School creates a positive learning environment for individuals by teaching ice skating fundamentals, supporting their efforts, and praising their achievements. Each skater will receive five weeks of ice skating lessons from our Casper Skating School instructors. Additionally, each student will receive five public skating punch-passes to practice outside of their designated lesson plan. Skaters are encouraged to invite siblings and parents to join them on the last day of class for Celebrate Skate, a family-fun ice skating experience.
For additional information about the Casper Skating School or ice skating lessons, please call the Casper Ice Arena at 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.
Register for youth hoops tourney
The City of Casper Recreation Division, in conjunction with the Community Recreation Foundation and the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, will host the 31st Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament for boys’ and girls’ 4th through 8th grade on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, 2021 at several locations throughout Casper.
The deadline to register a team is Thursday, March 4. The team fee of $200 includes a three-game guarantee. This exciting tournament typically features 130 or more teams from Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Utah and Colorado. Proceeds generated from this event benefit the Community Recreation Foundation which provides scholarships for youth and seniors and free special events in the Casper area.
During the two-day basketball extravaganza, hundreds of games will be played at gyms throughout Casper. The tournament is bracketed in a modified consolation format; therefore, many teams play more than their guaranteed three games. All games are officiated by experienced referees.
Discounted hotel room rates are available for those attending the tournament. The Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center is the 31st Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament host hotel; the hotel’s reservation number is 266-6000. For Casper area information and lodging go to www.casperwyoming.info or call 1-800-852-1889.
Registration packets may be found at the Casper Recreation Center lobby, 1801 E 4th St., or online at www.crlasports.com. For questions or additional tournament information, call the Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383 or visit the official tournament website at www.crlasports.com.
Dance classes at rec
Dancing is a great way for people of all ages, shapes and sizes to improve physical and mental fitness, balance and flexibility, and increase muscular strength and endurance. Youth and adults alike will find a class to fit their needs whether it is for the joy and fun of moving to music, making new friends or improving health. Classes begin the week of Feb. 1 at the Casper Recreation Center. All of the youth classes will participate in a recital at the end of the session and fee includes $50 recital costume fee, $20 for Beginning Clogging.
Ballet introduces basic foundations of ballet including positions, proper body form and classical technique. The Beginning Ballet class for ages 5-10 includes footwork, barre, center and movement across the room and is held on Tuesdays from 4:25 to 5:15 p.m. Intermediate Ballet for ages 6-11 focuses on more difficult exercises, technique and combinations. Class meets on Wednesdays, 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. Advanced Ballet for ages 10 and up will be held on Mondays, 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. This class is for the serious student with more disciplined techniques, choreography, strength training and fine detail. Students must have permission of the instructor, Lucia Hill. Hill teaches all of the ballet classes and has over 30 years of experience.
Clogging for ages 7 through adults is an experience that is fun, energetic, and a great form of exercise. Students learn coordination, rhythm, performance skills and confidence. Beginning clogging for ages 7 & up meets on Tuesdays from 5:25 to 6:05 p.m. and is instructed by Lucia Hill. Intermediate clogging meets from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. and advanced class from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Both adult classes meet Mondays and are instructed by Lori Spearman.
Adults in the belly dancing class will learn basic posture, techniques, and movements used in American Oriental dance. Belly dancing improves self-confidence, poise and posture and is open to all regardless of experience, gender or body type. The class meets on Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will be instructed by Crystal St. Gelais.
For more information or to register, stop by the Casper Recreation Center at 1801 E. 4th Street, call 235-8383 or go online at www.activecasper.com.
Vintage snow machine race set for Casper Mountain
Riders from Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Illinois and more are set to compete in the Xtreme Mountain Racing (XMR) event on Casper Mountain Saturday, Feb. 27.
“We’re looking forward to having this adrenaline-pumping event in Casper,” said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Casper. “Casper Mountain is an incredible asset to our community and we can’t wait to welcome racers from around the region to compete here.”
The race will be held at Casper Mountain Biathlon Club, where riders will compete at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Registration will take place at the Ramkota Hotel on Friday, Feb. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The race is free to attend, with racers competing from surrounding states. Participants include all ages and models, from junior minis to outlaw mods. There are no specific spectator locations set up, but there is lots of room and space to naturally social distance along the race route. As always, please follow posted signage, keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering when appropriate.
Register for coed adult volleyball
Coed volleyball season is quickly approaching. The Casper Recreational Leagues Association (CRLA), in conjunction with the City of Casper Recreation Division, is offering adult coed volleyball leagues that will begin matches Monday, Feb. 22. Team packets including registration forms, league rules, season dates, fees and other important information are available in the Casper Recreation Center lobby or online at www.crlasports.com.
All adult teams interested in participating in this year’s Coed Volleyball league must register no later than Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 East 4th Street. The size of the league is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
If additional information is needed, contact the City of Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383.
Y encourages return to fitness routine
Physical activity is critical for physical health, and research suggests higher levels of physical activity may also help alleviate negative mental health symptoms. The YMCA of Natrona County can help with getting physical activity routines back into your daily routine through both in-person and virtual classes.
Since COVID-19, the YMCA has made extensive efforts to ensure the health and safety of members using the facility, such as temperature upon entry, requiring masks to be worn while not actively exercising, offering hand sanitizer throughout the building, limiting programming sizes, asking for group fitness and lap swim reservations, a 1 to 2 p.m., daily closure for deep cleaning, and more.
At the same time, the Y recognizes not everyone is ready to return to the facililty yet, and virtual opportunities are offered to make sure those who are more comfortable staying home can still achieve their activity goals.
To learn more about the Y’s efforts to keep you healthy, active and safe, visit www.casperymca.org.
Specialty class at rec center
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in February.
The kids are out of school on Feb. 15 and the Rec Center will be having fully supervised Super Fun Days for elementary aged children. Enjoy ice skating, sports, games, crafts, snacks, and more for only $19 per day. Leaders are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Recreation Center is taking extra measures to clean and sanitize each room to be compliant with the State of Wyoming orders. Our staff will be cleaning areas after each use as well as supplying hand sanitizer for good hand hygiene. Class sizes are limited, and students will be expected to keep their distance from other students and teachers and masks may be required.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today! Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Mile High Mites comes to ice arena
The Casper Ice Arena is partnering with the Colorado Avalanche’s Mile High Mites program to introduce youth athletes to ice hockey. The learn-to-play hockey program will meet each Saturday morning from March 6 to April 10 at the Casper Ice Arena. The Casper Ice Arena strongly encourages Learn-To-Skate classes and/or practicing forward skating at public skate to prepare for the Mile High Mite program.
Registration is now open through the Colorado Avalanche’s youth hockey webpage and accessible through the Casper Ice Arena at www.casperwy.gov. Each Saturday morning from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., the 4-10 year old players will learn from qualified Casper hockey coaches using USA Hockey’s approved station-based skill development which includes skating, shooting, stick-handling, and passing.
Participants receive a full set of CCM youth hockey gear and six weeks of one-hour sessions at the Casper Ice Arena.
For additional information about the Mile High Mites, please call the Casper Ice Arena at 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.
New fitness at rec center
The next session of fitness and TaeKwon-Do classes offered at the Casper Recreation Center has begun. Improve health, tone muscles, relieve stress, and have fun exercising with friends.
Looking for something a little different? Join instructor Lucia Hill in Ballet Barre for an amazing workout on Mondays or Wednesdays from 5:20 to 6:15 p.m. Inspired by traditional barre work, this class helps to gain strength and flexibility while toning the body without the ballet class. Light weights and floor work are included. Fees are $63 for non-members and $51 for those with a Rec Center pass for 10 classes.
RIP classes are offered Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. Weight-bearing exercise improves bone health and decreases the chance of developing osteoporosis. This 60-minute barbell workout challenges men and women of all ages and fitness levels by using traditional strength training to tone muscles and burn calories. Fees are $80 for non-members and $68 for Rec Center members for the 7-week class. Instructor is Mary Oster.
A new Early bird Boot camp meets Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 7 a.m. Boot camp is a freestyle cardio and strength class that incorporates intervals, circuits, drills, weights, core, and functional moves. Great for all levels of fitness! Fees are $80 for non-members and $68 for Rec Center members for the 7-week class. Instructor is Mary Oster.
Come and try out your first fitness class for FREE, just sign in at the front counter or with the instructor. Register for the full session of classes (the best deal), buy a Fitness Punch Pass ($65 for 10 classes), or pay $7 per class.
For further information, please call the Casper Recreation Center at 235-8383, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or visit us online at www.activecasper.com. See what’s happening on the Facebook page—search Casper Recreation Division.
Register for youth hockey
Want to know more about Casper Oilers youth hockey? Casper Amateur Hockey Club’s online registration is now open for the 2020-2021 season and they are accepting registrations for our 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and Girls 19U divisions. Did you know that the first time skater fee for the season is $200 and that they have an equipment rental program that includes almost all the gear needed to play? Please check out the website at http://casperhockey.com to find all the information you need under the Player Registration menu. For families that have new players interested in registering for hockey for the first time and have questions about the youth hockey program, please contact Diane at clubcasperhockey@gmail.com or 315-0188 for more information.
This Just In
Red Hats do lunch Feb. 25
There will be a Red Hat luncheon at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Silver Fox, 3422 Energy Ln. Your hostesses will be Shirley Gazdik, 277-1524; Ellen Jevne, 259-2535 and Naoda Adams, 259-0235. Please call one of the hostesses to confirm your reservation.
New info for Toastmasters
Start your new year by letting Toastmasters help you to give voice to your potential. Visit or join Casper Toastmasters Clubs at Zoom meetings. Virtual meetings have proven to be both productive and fun, and you can attend virtual meetings worldwide. Toastmasters can provide you with skills to open a world of possibilities through effective communication whether you are a professional, a student, a parent, a retiree, or other situation. You can achieve professional and well as personal goals as you develop your leadership skills. Toastmasters International has helped millions of men and women with their learn-by-doing, self-paced "Pathways" program. Go online to learn more at Toastmasters.org. Local contacts to check out or join a Zoom meeting are:
- Morning Tour Toastmasters, first and third Mondays, 6:30 to 7:40 a.m., Jennifer, 258-0572 or maryannhoff@yahoo.com;
- Pioneer Toastmasters, first and third Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., nicraeanderson@gmail.com or maribeth, 259-7365;
- Pathfinder Toastmasters, second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., sparker13@bresnan.net.
Sweetheart Bowl results
The Fireball 500 Club 2021 Sweetheart Bowl, a four-person, members only team handicapped tournament, was held Feb. 13, at The 307 Sunrise. The results are as follows:
Team: 1., The Misfits (Phyllis Rufenacht, Zelda Jensen, Alice Palmer, Marla Whitaker), 2,669; 2., Lo-Man (Lyla Harmon, Trish Pesek, Sallie Kusma, Laurie McNally), 2661; 3., Some Beeches (Renae Berlinger, Sierra Schamber, Donna Morton, Jaime Moler), 2,466; 4., Girls with Balls (Pat Jensen, Ann Robinson, Bonnie Wamsley, Julie Wamsley), 2,455. High series: Laurie McNally, 495. High game: Julie Wamsley, 187.
BLM to host virtual meeting re Converse County raptors
The BLM is encouraging the public to attend a virtual meeting to begin development of the adaptive management plan for non-eagle raptor timing limitation stipulation (TLS) relief within the Converse County Oil and Gas Project area. The virtual meeting will be held with the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 25, 2021. The meeting will be conducted virtually through Zoom.
Traditionally, oil and gas TLS are conditions of approval to avoid surface disturbance or occupancy within a half-mile buffer of non-eagle raptor nests between Feb. 1 to July 31. During development of the Converse County final environmental impact statement, 98 incidents of TLS relief were approved for possible use over the 10-year construction phase of the project.
Register in advance for the webinar by visiting https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Akx0xerOTO-4I8B4uG8sVg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
As directed by the record of decision, this public meeting is part of the BLM Casper Field Office’s development of the adaptive management plan in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Stock growers offer scholarship
The Clifford P. Hansen Memorial Scholarship was established in remembrance of Clifford Hansen, who was known as a Teton county rancher, past aresident of Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Governor of Wyoming and a U.S. Senator. The memorial scholarship was established through contributions received in memory of Senator Hansen and other departed WSGA leaders. It recognizes an outstanding college student pursuing an education related to Wyoming’s agriculture or natural resources. Two $1,000 cash scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year and sent to the scholarship winner the fall of 2021 semester.
To be eligible, students, parents or guardian must be a member in good standing of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The applicant must be a sophomore, junior or senior in college for the fall semester of 2021 or is a senior who is graduating in the fall of 2021 and is accepted into graduate school for the spring 2022 semester. The student must be enrolled full-time at the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college, have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and be majoring in agriculture or natural resource related field.
To apply for this scholarship, the applicant must submit an official transcript and essay of 500 words or less addressing the following questions.
What have you gained from your college experience? What leadership roles have you acquired since starting college? How have those leadership roles influenced you? How do your post-college plans involve agriculture or natural resources? What characteristics distinguish you as deserving this scholarship?
All applications will be due Friday, April 9, 2021 to Trenda Allen at P.O. Box 206, Cheyenne, WY 82003, or to trenda@wysga.org. The winner will be approved by the WSGA trustees based on a recommendation from the WSGA executive committee. The scholarship winner will be announced at the 2021 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in Sheridan June 3-5, 2021.
Tuesday’s Highlights</&h1>
Tuesday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 N. Elma; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 7 p.m., 520 CY; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott (closed); 7 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.
Sharing Meeting: 8 p.m., 328-1/2 E. A St. upstairs. Non-smoking. Featuring AA and Al Anon participation in the solution.
AARP hosts vaccine tele town hall
The Wyoming Department of Health and AARP Wyoming will team up to offer AARP Wyoming members the opportunity to speak to state experts on the rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 during an AARP TeleTown Hall.
Stephanie Pyle, Public Health Division administrator and State Public Health Officer Alexia Harrist, PhD, MD will join the call’s moderator, Bob Beck, to discuss the process Wyoming has followed for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and answer questions about vaccine recommendations, safety and effectiveness.
AARP Wyoming will start calling out to AARP members around 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 16. If you wish to listen in on the call, but don’t receive a phone call, you may listen by clicking on this link or going to: https://vekeo.com/aarpwyoming/#event-33495. The link will also be available on AARP Wyoming’s Facebook page.
COVID-19 vaccines started rolling into the state in December with individual vaccines being administered soon after. As of Feb. 4, more than 66,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been received in Wyoming along with 32,200 second doses.
Due to a limited vaccine supply, Wyoming is still administering the vaccine in a phased approach. Counties are administering their vaccine locally and Wyomingites are encouraged to contact their local county public health offices to see if they are eligible for the vaccine or call 1-800-438-5795.
For more information on the vaccine, visit: https://states.aarp.org/wyoming/covid-19-vaccine-distribution or https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/county-covid-19-vaccine-information/.
New practical learning series kicks off at library
The Natrona County Library is offering a new series monthly presentations called “Things You Wish They Taught in School,” in partnership with local community organizations and businesses, to help fill some of those gaps. Each month, experts in the field will present on a different topic and answer your questions.
The series, targeted to teens and adults alike, kicks off with help from Hilltop Bank, who will go over important information to get you started on the right path to financial success. The online Zoom presentations (three in total) by Hilltop representatives will be every Tuesday night for the month of February at 5 p.m. Tune in at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87598954401.
Today, John Johnson and Demetra Kidd will present “Protecting Your Identity,” with warnings to attendees about the dangers of identity theft. Finally, on Feb. 23, Tara Bigalke and Mike Ramich will present “Budgeting in the Real World.”
The fun doesn’t stop at the end of February. The library is offering four more months of subjects and topics.
In March, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming representatives will present on health and health insurance.
In April, representatives from the Wyoming Housing Authority will offer three unique presentations on housing, mortgages, and real estate.
In May, representatives from Casper College will present two different sessions on higher education—preparing for it and conquering it.
Finally in June, the series will wrap up with multiple presentations on the importance of self-care and prioritizing one’s mental health.
You may attend one or all of the presentations, and there is no need to attend the first one in order to attend subsequent presentations. You may also view the recorded presentations on the Natrona County Library’s YouTube page for one week after the initial presentation.
As the situation permits, the library hopes to offer later presentations in person with simultaneous Zoom streaming.
To learn more about the series and other programming for teens and adults, call the Library at 577-7323 or visit www.natronacountylibrary.org/programs.
Sign up deadline for free sewing kit
Fort Caspar Museum and the National Historic Trails Center are hosting free monthly Hands-on History Club programs and have adapted them to be COVID safe. Join us online Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time as we explore “Pioneer Stitches of Love.”
Keep your clothing intact by learning some basic needlework. Students will engage in simple projects while learning pioneer sewing skills. Interpreters will lead them through art projects that develop their ability to replace missing buttons and complete basic stitches. As a final project, the students will demonstrate their sewing mastery by monogramming a handkerchief. Lessons are targeted for 2nd through 5th graders, but all are welcome to participate.
If you would like join us for this virtual class, you must sign up in advance online: go to the Fort Caspar Museum website (fortcasparwyoming.com) to find a link. The first 25 local families to sign up before Tuesday, February 16 at 5 p.m. will receive a free kit of sewing essentials that will be delivered contact free to their homes on Friday, Feb. 19. (Note: In the event of inclement weather, we will only be able to deliver to plowed roads, and therefore a pick-up option will be available.)
Again, online registration is required in advance for this free program so we may send you an electronic invitation. The registration deadline to receive the activity box is February 16, but you may sign up to join the class as late as Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Contact Stacey Moore at samoore@blm.gov if you have questions or need help with registration.
Knitting & crochet for kids
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in January and February.
A new beginning Knitting and Crochet class will be offered Feb. 16 to March 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Ages 10 & up will learn basic skills while making an easy scarf or hat for yourself or a gift. Supplies will be available the first class and instructor, Lauren Tyson, will let students know what they will need for projects. Fee for the five-week class is $49.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Girls try hockey for free
Do you have a little lady interested in playing hockey? On Feb. 16 from 7 to 8 p.m., the Casper Amateur Hockey Club is hosting a Try Hockey for Free on ice session for girls ages 9 to 18 at the Casper Ice Arena. Pre-registration is required, so please send a note to Diane at clubcasperhockey@gmail.com or call 307-315-0188 for more information or to register your player.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, 2021, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax ID number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
Monday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m, 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
Alcoholics Anonymous “A Sufficient Substitute:” 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott. Info: 266-2969.
Al-Anon: Noon, 701 S. Wolcott, St. Mark’s Church, enter at the back of the church across from parking lot.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 302 E. 2nd, Methodist Church; 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.
Teen Addiction Anonymous: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. Info: 258-7439.
Adult Children of Alcoholics: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott St., Suite 200.
Super fun day at rec center
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in January and February.
The kids are out of school on Feb. 15 and the Rec Center will be having fully supervised Super Fun Days for elementary aged children. Enjoy ice skating, sports, games, crafts, snacks, and more for only $19 per day. Leaders are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Rotary hears about airport
On Monday, Feb. 15, the Rotary Club of Casper is pleased to welcome Glenn Januska, director of the Casper/Natrona County Airport, as presenter at its noon meeting. The program will be via Zoom. Members of Rotary and their guests are invited to attend. Januska attended Southern Illinois University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. After college he completed an internship with the Dane County Regional Airport (Madison, Wisconsin) prior to accepting a position as assistant airport director at Austin Straubel International Airport (Green Bay, Wisconsin). After four years in Green Bay, Januska became manager of the Waukesha County Airport (Waukesha, Wisconsin), a position he held for eight years prior to becoming the director of the Sioux Gateway Airport (Sioux City, Iowa) in December 2000. He also served as an associate professor for Southern Illinois University, holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Marquette University, and served as councilman for the City of Casper.
Summer camp registration starts Monday
It’s all happening at the Casper Recreation Center this summer! Registration for the summer Adventure Camp program will start on Monday, Feb. 15.
Adventure Camp runs from June 9-August 21, with leaders available from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Kids age 5-13 will enjoy swimming, ice skating, field trips, sports, games, arts and crafts, and more at our safe, structured, and supervised full day camp program. Everyone enrolled in the full summer program also receives a 3-month Aquatic pass valid in June, July, and August outside of camp hours at all City of Casper indoor and outdoor pools.
The cost for the full summer of fun is $895 and includes field trips and special programs, lunch and afternoon snacks (provided by the Natrona County School District), and all activities. A very limited number of weekly registrations will be available for $100 per week. Scholarships of up to $100 per child are available for those who qualify and DFS assistance is also accepted.
Don’t delay – spaces are limited and fill quickly. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Reverse Raffle & Auction May 22
You have an opportunity to celebrate So Much Good in our community and help support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at the annual Reverse Raffle & Auction to be held on Saturday, May 22, at the Ford Wyoming Center (formerly the Casper Events Center).
The annual Reverse Raffle & Auction features the opportunity to bid during a live auction on exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences, home and outdoor living packages, and more. In addition, a silent auction will include a variety of items including art, collectibles, and entertainment. Each ticket holder has a chance to win $5,000 cash.
A specific area of support this year is geared toward programs to help teens thrive and succeed in school and once they graduate. With each $250 donated, you will have a chance to win a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 truck donated by E & F Towing and Transport with upgraded enhancements by Sonny’s RV and Truck Outfitter.
Reserve tickets or a table online www.bgccw.org/somuchgood or by calling 235-4079. Tickets are $125 each or become a table sponsor for $1,000 (includes 8 tickets, company name in auction catalogue and displayed at event). Upgrade to VIP status for an additional $1,000/table.
Proceeds support operations of the 10 sites in four counties and the thousands of youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
Girl Scout cookie season
Girl Scouts in Wyoming will take cookie pre-orders until Feb. 21 with delivery in late March. Cookies can be ordered online from a Girl Scout through April 18. Cookies can be purchased during Cookie Booth Sales from March 26 to April 18. Girl Scout cookies remain $4 per box with the exception of S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastics, which are $5 per box. For more information on 2021 cookies, go to gsmw.org or email kristio@gsmw.org.
Jason’s Friends bowling moves date
Due to the current pandemic, Jason’s Friends Foundation and El Mark-O Lanes have made the difficult decision to postpone the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends. Since this is the only fundraiser annually, Jason’s Friends wants to make it the best it can be despite the challenges all are facing. COVID-19 has not stopped Wyoming families from hearing those dreaded words, “Your child has cancer,” so foundation volunteers cannot stop either.
Please mark your calendars for the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends on Saturday, April 24, at El Mark-O Lanes.
Bowling teams are five people. Limited space due to current state regulations. Register today at jasonsfriends.org/bowl/ or call 235-3421. Start fundraising for the 2021 Bowl for Jason’s Friends.
Want to participate virtually? There is a Phantom Bowling option. For more information, call 235-3421 or visit jasonsfriends.org.
Calendar celebrates MOW’s 50 years
2021 marks Natrona County Meals on Wheels 50th anniversary. The Meals on Wheels Foundation created a calendar to ignite a celebration of the recipients affected by the work of the organization. In the calendar, you will get to know some of these amazing people and all the talent that surrounds them. To purchase a calendar, call 265-8659 or head downtown to shop and grab your calendar at one of these participating businesses: Cadillac Cowgirl, Donnell’s Candies, White Lace & Promises-Galleria of Gifts, Ridley’s (East) and Shade Tree. Your purchase of the celebration calendar will help cover the cost of two to three meals. From all of us at Natrona County Meals on Wheels and the Meals on Wheels Foundation, we sincerely thank you for your support.
Order Relay for Life daffodils, tulips
The American Cancer Society is having its annual Daffodil Sales to benefit the local Relay for Life. An option to order cut tulips is available this year. Flowers may be ordered until Feb. 19, and they will be delivered around March 24. The cost for daffodils is still $10 for one bouquet of 10 buds, $40 for five bouquets of 10 buds, $70 for 10 bouquets of 10 buds. The cost for each bouquet of 10 tulip buds in assorted colors is $15. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. To order please contact either Jane Fisher at 267-1936 or Shirley Costopoulos at 267-8154.
Self Help Center moves fundraiser to May
The Self Help Center of Natrona County’s 4th Annual Lip Sync Battle, initially scheduled for March 5, has been rescheduled for Friday, May 14. The theme of this year’s event is “Lip Sync for Justice: Battle of the Attorneys.”
Five local lawyers will be helping the Self Help Center raise funds in support of its mission toward eliminating the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assaults regionally. If there are questions regarding the event, please call the Self Help Center at 235-2814, or, for more information regarding services, go to www.shccasper.com or find us on Facebook. Details regarding tickets for the event can be found at www.auctria.com/auction/lipsync.
Self Help Center gets donation
Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union donated $500 to the Self Help Center in Casper recently. The donation comes as a thank you to the credit union’s membership for helping them reach $500 million in assets. Jennifer Dyer, executive director of the Self Help Center accepted the donation from Crystal Bratvold, branch manager at Meridian Trust’s Casper branch.
Ski history project on track
The Casper Mountain Ski History (CMSH) project is very pleased to announce that the CMSH book and documentary DVD is scheduled to be published by the end of 2021. Many grants and donations previously received have been acknowledged. Thanks to more recent donors Barbara Bogart, Ralph and Lucille Barton, Jackie and Pinky Ellis, Alan Vandeventer, and Sandy Nations (in memory of Gay Nations). Sincere thanks to all who have given their help financially or in the form of their time and effort.
Anyone interested in contributing their stories of skiing on Casper Mountain, photos, or other support are asked to please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
Donors acknowledged
In-Kind and other support for the Casper Mountain Ski History Project is most appreciated as our efforts to produce a book and video documentary continue. These products are based on interviews of 35 of Casper’s Nordic and Alpine ski pioneers. The following supporters, in addition to those already published in previous notices, have made this project possible by their hard work and sharing of their expertise: Kevin Anderson, Vince Crolla and Johanna Wickman of the Western History Center at Casper College; Karen Snyder, Bart Rea and Craig Smith in procuring grants; Diane Neste, Nathan Vondra, Rick Zimmer with letters of support; Sally Ann Shurmur and the Casper Star Tribune with publicity and Barbara Bogart with transcriptions, donating half her salary back to the project.
This project has been possible through the generous support of many donors. Sincere thanks. Input from the community is welcome; please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
District sets pre-kindergarten screenings
The Natrona County School District has set dates for appointments for pre-kindergarten screenings. It is highly encouraged that all incoming kindergarteners complete the screening process.
Dates are Feb. 20, Feb. 23 to 25; March 2 to 4, March 9, 10 and 12, and March 16 to 18. To schedule a kindergarten screening, call 253-5434. Screenings will be held at NCSD Central Services, 970 N. Glenn Rd.
College sets humanities festival
The topic for the 36th Annual Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture is “Celebration/Milestones.” The festival will run Feb. 17-19.
This year’s Demorest Lecture will feature two speakers. Thursday, Feb. 18, Matthew Spangler, Ph.D., will speak on “Between Celebration and Devastation: Theater Productions About Refugees.” A “proud” graduate of Natrona County High School, Spangler is an award-winning playwright and professor of performance studies at San Jose State University in California. Spangler’s plays have been produced throughout the world, and his teaching focuses on the relationship between immigration and the arts, according to Valerie Innella Maiers, Ph.D.
Critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist Mark Jenkins will present the second Demorest Lecture Friday, Feb.19. “The Future of Water in Wyoming: Global Warming, Drought and how Wyoming can Protect its Water” will address the problem of water in Wyoming. “The Colorado River Compact requires Wyoming to send the majority of its water to other states. When this agreement was signed in 1922, it was based on precipitation data that has radically changed in the past century,” said Jenkins. As one example of the problem, “The 100 glaciers in the Wind River Mountains, that feed the Green River, that feeds the Colorado River, are all expected to vanish by 2050,” he said.
The festival will begin Wednesday, Feb. 17, with an exhibition at the Natrona County Library about Verna Keays Keyes, the young Wyoming artist and designer of the Wyoming state flag. There will also be a virtual book club discussion of “Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West” by Heather Hansman. The discussion will be moderated by Gretchen Wheeler, retired Casper College communication instructor. Copies of the book are now available at the NCPL and limited quantities are available, noted Innella Maiers, humanities festival chair and art instructor.
The first day will begin with a presentation by Lance Jones at 9:30 a.m. titled “Double Diamonds: The Diamond Jubilees of Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II.” The presentation will feature a contrast of the only two diamond jubilees in history, marking the monarch’s 60th year on the throne.
Barbara Mueller, Ph.D., will speak on “Contemporary ‘Coming of Age’ Celebrations Around the World” at 10:30 a.m. Mueller’s presentation will explore how economics, religion, and gender roles influence contemporary coming-of-age celebrations in the U.S. and worldwide.
At 11:30 a.m., Shannon Smith, executive director emeritus of the Wyoming Humanities Council, will present “Celebration: The 50th Anniversary of the Wyoming Humanities Council.” Smith, who led the WHC from 2013-2020, will share the history of the founding of the nation’s first state humanities councils and stories from the last 50 years.
The day will end with the 2 p.m. presentation by Kylie McCormick. McCormick, a Wyoming historian, will speak on the topic “Fifty-One Years of Freedom: Wyoming’s Suffrage Story,1869-1920.” According to McCormick, the presentation will provide critical new evidence to Wyoming’s suffrage story.
All presentations for Friday, Feb. 19, will also take place in Wheeler Hall. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with Erich Frankland, Casper College political science instructor. Frankland’s presentation, “Transitions in Political Power: Celebrations and Controversies,” will look at the tightrope walk that every country, including the U.S., has with the transition of power.
At 10 a.m., two presenters, Joshua R. Mietz, D.M.A. and Barry Smith, Ph.D., will provide a musical portrayal and historical background on one of the smallest and least understood particles of matter, according to Mietz, Casper College music instructor. “The Discovery and Celebration of the Neutrino” presentation will feature a clarinet performance by Mietz and a lecture by Smith.
Christopher Paden will give an artist talk on his current exhibition in the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery titled “September Dreams.” According to Innella Maiers, the sculptural installation celebrates one of the talented graduates from the Casper College Visual Arts Department.
At 11:30 a.m. Richard Burk, theater instructor, will present “Celebration: The 35th Anniversary of the Casper College Theatre and Dance Department.”
The festival will conclude at 2 p.m. with two presentations followed by a 20-minute discussion with historians McCormick and Rebecca Keays. Keays, a granddaughter of Wyoming flag designer Verna Keays Keyes, … is a Verna/Keays family historian and archivist.
McCormick will present “The Wyoming State Flag and the Women Who Made It Fly,” followed by Keays’ presentation “Celebrate Verna! A Granddaughter Shares Memories and Discoveries About Wyoming’s Flag Designer.”
A complete schedule for the festival can be found at caspercollege.edu/events/humanities-festival/schedule. The Goodstein Foundation Library, Wheeler Concert Hall, and the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery are located on the Casper College campus. The Natrona County Library is located at 307 E. 2nd. Street.
Continuing education units or PTSB credits are also available for attendees. For more information, contact Sarah Schneider, workforce training specialist at 268-3847 or at sarahschneider@caspercollege.edu.
Casper College and the Wyoming Humanities Council are partners in presenting the Humanities Festival along with major funding from the Casper College Foundation and the Margaret Demorest Endowment.
Apply at St. Anthony’s School
Applications are now being accepted for all grades preschool through 8th grade at St. Anthony School. Take advantage of half-price kindergarten and “frozen” 2020 tuition rates for first through eighth grades. St. Anthony School offers a God-centered approach to learning where students are welcome from all Christian denominations to apply. No child is ever denied admission due to an inability to pay. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Take advantage of small class sizes (18-1 or less), highly qualified educators, Spanish, art, and PE for all grade levels, the only preschool through 8th grade in-house program in Natrona County, and much more. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 234-2873.
Register for Shepherd of the Hills preschool
Registration for the 2021/2022 school year at Shepherd of the Hills Child Development Center will start Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. for families who have had children previously enrolled in our program. There is a $50 registration fee. Open registration begins March 1 and will be ongoing. It is a well established, nondenominational Christian based part time preschool for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. Music is incorporated in all classes, but what sets the curriculum apart from other programs are the Suzuki violin lessons in the Pre-K 5-year-old class. All teachers are degreed and experienced. Call 234-8522 to set up a time to observe the program in action and see if it is a good fit for your child.
Register for district preschools
NCSD preschool online application window for 2021-2022 opened January 4, 2021. Eight schools in Natrona County will host half-day TANF preschool programs during the 2021-22 school year. Elementary schools with preschool programs will include Bar Nunn, Cottonwood, Evansville, Journey, Lincoln, Midwest, Pineview, and Sagewood Elementary Schools. Preschool students must be 3 or older by August 1, 2021.
NCSD’s TANF preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and have certified teachers and classroom assistants in classes of 18 students. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. The preschool program is free to families and parents are encouraged to be involved. Families’ financial information is required, as the program is funded through federal grants. Priority enrollment is given to families who meet federal income guidelines.
The Natrona County School District also has a lab preschool program at the Pathways Innovation Center. This program is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and includes a half-day preschool program, early morning and afternoon childcare, and includes breakfast, lunch, and snack offerings. As this is a full-day offering, the NSCD Lab Preschool does have a tuition of $600 a month and follows the NCSD academic calendar.
NCSD reminds parents of new kindergarten age requirement
Recently, the Wyoming State Legislature passed House Bill 174 – Kindergarten start date. Under this new change, all kindergarten students must be at least 5 years old by August 1 of the upcoming school year. This change goes into effect for the upcoming 2021 school enrollment period.
Families of students whose birthdays fall between August 1 and September 15 may submit an exception request, which requires a kindergarten readiness assessment process, for consideration of enrollment.
The Natrona County School District believes no single education style fits the needs of all children. During the School Choice Registration period, now through Jan. 24, families may go online for enrollment registration. School Choice provides families the opportunity to find the schools that are best for their individual children. Further information on the upcoming School Choice Registration enrollment process will be shared in the coming weeks. For specific questions on Kindergarten enrollment, please contact Marie Puryear, Director of Human Resources & District Services, at 253-5455.
NCSD provides a variety of Kindergarten opportunities for students and families. For more information on kindergarten opportunities at NCSD please contact Angie Hayes, Director of Differentiation and Early Childhood at 253-5434.
New scholarship for nursing students
A new scholarship has been established at Casper College in honor of former instructor and administrator Judith S. Turner.
The Judith S. Turner Nursing Scholarship is open to any Casper College student majoring in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, who is enrolled full time, a resident of Wyoming, a single parent, and has a financial need.
Lisa Rode established the scholarship in honor of Turner, who began her career at Casper College as a nursing instructor on Aug. 26, 1974. “This scholarship is a tribute to her achievements in nursing science and education and her ongoing devotion to Casper College and its nursing students,” said Rode.
Turner moved from instructor to director of nursing on July 1, 1984. She held that position until June 30, 1999. In addition to her duties as director of nursing, she also held the position of division chair for the Casper College Division of Health Arts and Sciences from 1987-1989 and then again from 1995-1999. On July 1, 1999, she became Casper College’s associate dean of academic affairs, a position she held until her retirement June 30, 2001. “During (her) time (in the nursing department), she devoted herself to the provision of quality education to the program’s students and to the advancement of nursing and nursing education,” Rode noted.
“Committed to patient care, she continued to work part-time as a nurse at Wyoming Medical Center. Committed to nursing education, she served as an accreditation site visitor and a consultant for the National League for Nursing for many years, even after her retirement from Casper College,” said Rode. “While she still misses caring for others as a nurse and as a teacher, she enjoys retirement.”
The limited-time scholarship, worth $5,000, will be divided between one nursing student for the spring and fall 2021 semesters and one nursing student for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters, according to Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on the Judith S. Turner Nursing Scholarship, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
CC theater season
The Casper College Department of Theatre and Dance is celebrating its 35th year at the Gertrude Krampert Center for Theatre and Dance during the 2020-2021 season.
To coincide with the 2021 Humanities Festival and its theme “Celebration/Milestones,” the theater department will present “Cyrano de Bergerac” Feb. 25-28 and March 3-6. Edmond Rostand’s classic play looks at Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant poet and swordsman during the reign of Louis XIII, who is in love with the beautiful Roxane. “This is a classic tale of romance and a beautiful show that also features swordplay, so there is something for everyone,” Gray said.
The final production for the season will be “Bright Star, ” which is ” ... a heartwarming musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell,” said Gray. Inspired by a true story, the Tony award-nominated musical “ ... is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1940s and 1920s and uses charm, humor and bluegrass music to tell the story of love lost and found,” she said.
According to Gray, all four productions will take place on the Mick and Susie McMurry Stage in the Krampert Theatre. Due to COVID-19, all audience members will be required to wear a mask. “We are practicing social distancing between groups, so only a limited number of seats will be available each night. Tickets must be purchased through the box office either by phone or in person so that we may ensure seating with distance between groups,” Gray said. In addition, for added safety, hand sanitizer is available at the doors, and the theater is deep cleaned and sanitized between performances.
CC students earn scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of Crestwood Equity Partners LP, 13 Casper College students received a $2,500 scholarship for the 2021 spring semester.
To qualify, the students have to be pursuing a college degree in STEM or energy-related careers, show academic excellence, promising leadership skills, maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA, and be enrolled in at least six credit hours. “The scholarship is given to help alleviate the financial burden of college and is used for educational expenses only,” said Ann Dalton, associate director of development with the Casper College Foundation.
“Crestwood is an important part of the Wyoming community and is dedicated to supporting the communities where our employees live and work,” said Travis Wells, director of operations at Crestwood. “Hearing student stories of how this scholarship helps them in school encourages Crestwood to keep this going,” said Wells. “With COVID-19, we know this year has provided even more challenges and are excited to continue to provide scholarships to the deserving students at Casper College,” he added.
“This donation is part of our larger commitment to sustainability and giving back to the communities where we live and operate,” said Joanne Howard, vice president of sustainability and corporate communications. “One of our focus areas for our giving is education and workforce development. It is our goal to provide real, lasting, and sustainable benefits in education and workforce development that provide communities the broadest options for their future and build a highly-skilled employee base in the regions where we operate,” she noted.
The 13 students who were awarded a $2,500 scholarship include Lucas Patton, Lyle Hepworth, Zachary Tenney, Rachel Drake, Enrique Jimenez, Mindy James, Logan Moller, Trista Nyman, Garret Steinert, Tanesia Sternhagen, Tanner Stuart, Thomas Wallace, and Dillion Wol
New scholarships available
Five new scholarships have been established at Casper College, thanks to the generosity of Lee and Felicia Castellow.
Four of the scholarships are directed specifically at the trades. They include the Lee and Felicia Castellow Diesel Mechanics Scholarship, the Lee and Felicia Auto Mechanics Scholarship, the Lee and Felicia Castellow Welding Scholarship and the Lee and Felicia Castellow Trades Scholarship. The fifth scholarship is the Lee and Felicia Castellow Adult Learning Center Graduate Scholarship.
The diesel mechanics, auto mechanics and welding scholarships are all worth $1,000 to be divided equally between the fall and spring semesters. Each scholarship is open to any nontraditional Casper College student majoring in that specific field with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, who is enrolled in six or more credit hours and is a Wyoming resident who can show financial need.
The trades scholarship is open specifically to Wyoming high school graduates who are enrolled in a trades industry program at Casper College, are single or a single parent and can show financial need. The scholarship is worth $1,000.
The fifth scholarship established by the Castellows is the Castellow Adult Learning Center Scholarship. The scholarship is specifically for a Wyoming student who has graduated from the Lee and Felicia Castellow Adult Learning Center at Casper College, earned their High School Equivalency certificate and is attending Casper College. To be considered for the $1,000 scholarship, students must be single, or a single parent, and show financial need.
“The Castellows wanted to give Wyoming residents the opportunity to attend Casper College. They also wanted to give back to the Casper community that has been so good to them,” noted Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on any of these scholarships, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
New scholarship at CC
A new scholarship has been established at Casper College in memory of former construction and welding instructor Mark Steinle who taught at the college for nearly 22 years before his retirement in 2016.
The Mark Steinle Scholarship in Construction, Drafting, and Engineering is open to any Casper College student majoring in construction, drafting, or engineering with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and who is enrolled in six or more credit hours.
“It is important to honor my husband, who enjoyed teaching in construction and business with this scholarship in his name,” said Steinle’s wife, Pam. “He was a great teacher and loved his students,” she added.
The scholarship, worth $500, will be awarded each spring to one student, according to Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation.
For more information on the Mark Steinle Scholarship in Construction, Drafting, and Engineering, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
Weston scholarship established
A new scholarship in the memory of Curtis Moore Weston has been established with the Casper College Foundation.
Curtis Moore Weston purchased Decker Auto Glass in 1978. As the owner of Decker, Weston built the business from one small shop to four shops and a wholesale glass warehouse with distribution in Wyoming and western Nebraska. Weston was named Wyoming Small Business Person of the year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2004. He owned Decker until he sold it in 2008 and retired.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have graduated from either a Natrona or Converse county high school and/or are residents of either Natrona or Converse county and be seeking either an associate or bachelor’s degree.
For more information about the Curtis Moore Weston Scholarship, contact Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation, at 268-2325.
New scholarship at CC for Wyoming resident
The newly established Bob I. and Edith Selby Scholarship will provide a Wyoming resident with a $2,000 scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year.
“Mrs. Selby earned her master’s degree from the University of Mary in North Dakota at the age of 52. She specifically told us that she wanted the scholarship to help a need-based Wyoming resident,” said Ann Dalton, associate director of development for the Casper College Foundation. Bob Selby was born and raised in Wyoming, and both he and Edith had careers in the oil and gas industry, while Bob also owned several companies, including one in construction. According to Dalton, Edith Selby believed that the second half of your life should be spent giving back.
Any nontraditional Wyoming resident who has a minimum 2.5 GPA, is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and is majoring in business, construction management or construction technology at Casper College can apply for the scholarship. The recipient will be awarded $1,000 for the fall 2020 semester and $1,000 for the spring 2021 semester.
For more information about the Bob I. and Edith Selby Scholarship, contact Dalton at 268-2325.
Rachel Etoile Harrison Teet and Joseph Andrew Baran are engaged to marry on Sept. 25, 2021, at North Casper Clubhouse.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Donny Ray Teet of Cunningham, Tennessee and Etoile Dawn Harrison of Fairview, Tennessee.
The prospective groom is the son of Michael and Deborah Baran of Douglas.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and is employed by the Casper Star-Tribune.
The prospective groom graduated from Roosevelt High School and is employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
They met at Target, where the bride-elect was working at the time and the prospective groom was working for Coke merchandising.
AARP hosts vaccine tele town hall
The Wyoming Department of Health and AARP Wyoming will team up to offer AARP Wyoming members the opportunity to speak to state experts on the rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 during an AARP TeleTown Hall.
Stephanie Pyle, Public Health Division administrator and State Public Health Officer Alexia Harrist, PhD, MD will join the call’s moderator, Bob Beck, to discuss the process Wyoming has followed for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and answer questions about vaccine recommendations, safety and effectiveness.
AARP Wyoming will start calling out to AARP members around 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 16. If you wish to listen in on the call, but don’t receive a phone call, you may listen by clicking on this link or going to: https://vekeo.com/aarpwyoming/#event-33495. The link will also be available on AARP Wyoming’s Facebook page.
COVID-19 vaccines started rolling into the state in December with individual vaccines being administered soon after. As of Feb. 4, more than 66,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been received in Wyoming along with 32,200 second doses.
Due to a limited vaccine supply, Wyoming is still administering the vaccine in a phased approach. Counties are administering their vaccine locally and Wyomingites are encouraged to contact their local county public health offices to see if they are eligible for the vaccine or call 1-800-438-5795.
For more information on the vaccine, visit: https://states.aarp.org/wyoming/covid-19-vaccine-distribution or https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/county-covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Art on the Go brings art to you
Art on the Go is a new informal group of local artists who have banded together to present Pop-Up Art Shows sure to add an exciting element to special events or celebrations held by Casper groups and businesses. Art on the Go will also provide short-term art installations for any indoors spaces open to the public. We provide these delightful shows to the hosting organization free of charge and feature for-sale, original art by Wyoming artists. To see examples of what we can offer, please visit Oil City Beer Company or the Tate Pumphouse. For more information or to schedule a show, please contact Carol Chapman at hecoly@aol.com.
Casper Theater Company season continues
The Casper Theater Company season includes “The Business of Murder,” April 2-11 and closing the season with “Hanging With Ralph and Gladys,” the one-act dinner theater continuing the mini-series.
At the theater, patrons will enjoy new house lighting, and a darkening of the theater area for better perception and lighting of each production. They have sanitized everything from the front door to the bathrooms and will before and after each performance. There will be hand sanitizer, masks and disinfectant wipes at the door for your convenience. Intermission treats will be individually wrapped or covered, and beverage service will be contained in air pots. They have done their best to make it COVID-free for you to come in and be entertained and not have to worry. Seating will also be spaced to COVID-19 specifications.
Individual tickets, $15 adults or senior/student $13, will be available online, The Casper Senior Center (when it opens) and 30 minutes before curtain at the theater. If you have any questions, please call 267-7243 for answers or more information.
Free food for seniors
Adults aged 60 and over in Natrona, Platte and Laramie counties may be eligible to receive a monthly nutritious food box consisting of nonperishable and shelf-stable foods: protein, milk, juice, cereal, canned or dried fruits and vegetables and refrigerated cheese.
In Casper, distribution points are the Natrona County Meals on Wheels office and St. Anthony Manor (for residents only).
Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies (WFBR) and its partners want to make sure no senior goes hungry. For more information, seniors and their families can contact WFBR at 265-2172.
Symphony plans in-person March concert
The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s next Masterwork concert, Band Symphonica, is March 13 at 7:30 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m. Christopher Dragon will lead the WSO brass, wind and percussion through selections from Bach and Mozart, and then feature Friedrich Gulda’s wild Cello Concerto, with his fusion of rock, jazz, and classical styles. Cellist Seoyoen Min will join the WSO’s musicians to perform Gulda’s Cello Concerto; her naturally expressive and fiery musicality will add the artistic flair necessary for such a unique piece.
For the Saturday, March 13, concert, the WSO is opening the concert hall with a limited number of in-person seats. WSO Season/Pick 3 ticket subscribers from our previous season can purchase their in-person tickets now, with tickets available to the general public on Feb. 16. Livestream options will be available on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon if you would like to enjoy the performance at home.
Safety precautions will be strictly observed in the auditorium including social distancing between parties, and masks being required for the duration of the performance. Visit the www.wyomingsymphony.org to purchase in person tickets and live stream access online. For more information or help with tickets, call the WSO Office at 266-1478.
Online class features pioneer sewing techniques
Fort Caspar Museum and the National Historic Trails Center are hosting free monthly Hands-on History Club programs and have adapted them to be COVID safe. Join us online Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time as we explore “Pioneer Stitches of Love.”
Keep your clothing intact by learning some basic needlework. Students will engage in simple projects while learning pioneer sewing skills. Interpreters will lead them through art projects that develop their ability to replace missing buttons and complete basic stitches. As a final project, the students will demonstrate their sewing mastery by monograming a handkerchief. Lessons are targeted for 2nd through 5th graders, but all are welcome to participate.
If you would like join us for this virtual class, you must sign up in advance online: go to the Fort Caspar Museum website (fortcasparwyoming.com) to find a link. The first 25 local families to sign up before Tuesday, February 16 at 5 p.m. will receive a free kit of sewing essentials that will be delivered contact free to their homes on Friday, Feb. 19. (Note: In the event of inclement weather, we will only be able to deliver to plowed roads, and therefore a pick-up option will be available.)
Again, online registration is required in advance for this free program so we may send you an electronic invitation. The registration deadline to receive the activity box is February 16, but you may sign up to join the class as late as Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Contact Stacey Moore at samoore@blm.gov if you have questions or need help with registration.
February at the planetarium
The Planetarium has two shows on the schedule for February. “The Girl Who Walked Upside Down,” follows a very special little girl who loves the moon and the stars, and is committed to the fight against light pollution so that everyone can enjoy seeing them clearly. This show plays at 4:15 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays all month long. On Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., discover the mythological stories behind a series of constellations in “Astronomyths: Where the Sky Ends, The Myth Begins.”
Admission for all shows is $3 per person, cash or check only, please. Social distancing is in effect and masks are required. The planetarium gift shop is also open before and after each show. For details, show trailers, and more, visit casperplanetarium.com.
New class combines art and science
The Science Zone and the Nic have combined forces to create an awesome class for students in grades K-5 on Friday afternoons from 1 to 3:30. Students will investigate the intersections of art and science as they cultivate observational skills and learn techniques important to each discipline. We will explore new topics each month through hands-on experiences that are sure to excite and engage. The first class will take place on Feb. 12. Observe the prints by Salvador Dali and learn about the chemistry of lithography. Engage in a hands-on experiment and create your own prints inspired by Dali’s art while learning the observational and critical-thinking skills necessary for both disciplines. Sign up now at thesciencezone.org
Check the website at the Nic or the Science Zone to see the exciting classes that are scheduled for each month.
Summer camp registration starts Monday
It’s all happening at the Casper Recreation Center this summer! Registration for the summer Adventure Camp program will start on Monday, February 15.
Adventure Camp runs from June 9 to Aug. 21, with leaders available from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Kids age 5-13 will enjoy swimming, ice skating, field trips, sports, games, arts and crafts, and more at our safe, structured, and supervised full day camp program. Everyone enrolled in the full summer program also receives a 3-month Aquatic pass valid in June, July, and August outside of camp hours at all City of Casper indoor and outdoor pools.
The cost for the full summer of fun is $895 and includes field trips and special programs, lunch and afternoon snacks (provided by the Natrona County School District), and all activities. A very limited number of weekly registrations will be available for $100 per week. Scholarships of up to $100 per child are available for those who qualify and DFS assistance is also accepted.
Don’t delay — spaces are limited and fill quickly. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Children’s Chorale active despite pandemic
With smaller rehearsals, social distancing, masks, and Zoom meetings, the Casper Children’s Chorale is singing this season. The group is producing a video to submit to the National ACDA, since the conference will be virtual this year. Three songs will be included, all addressing themes of hope and diversity.
With the annual spring performance tour impossible due to COVID, the Children’s Chorale is holding a Casper Retreat, complete with music, activities, talent show, and community service projects. The chorale does all of their learning while wearing Broadway singer masks and social distancing. It is a challenge, but the group is happy it can still make music together.
The chorale will combine with alums from 42 years of song to record a virtual video of their signature song, “In His Eyes”. This is licensed so that it can be viewed on YouTube, and should be available early April. The group hopes to present its annual Mother’s Day Concert live, but if not there will be another video available, thanks to continued support from Casper patrons, as well as the Wyoming Arts Council CARES Funding and the McMurry Foundation.
New practical learning series kicks off at library
The Natrona County Library is offering a new series monthly presentations called “Things You Wish They Taught in School,” in partnership with local community organizations and businesses, to help fill some of those gaps. Each month, experts in the field will present on a different topic and answer your questions.
The series, targeted to teens and adults alike, kicks off with help from Hilltop Bank, who will go over important information to get you started on the right path to financial success. The online Zoom presentations (three in total) by Hilltop representatives will be every Tuesday night for the month of February at 5 p.m. Tune in at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87598954401.
On Feb. 16, John Johnson and Demetra Kidd will present “Protecting Your Identity,” with warnings to attendees about the dangers of identity theft. Finally, on Feb. 23, Tara Bigalke and Mike Ramich will present “Budgeting in the Real World.”
The fun doesn’t stop at the end of February. The library is offering four more months of subjects and topics.
In March, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming representatives will present on health and health insurance.
In April, representatives from the Wyoming Housing Authority will offer three unique presentations on housing, mortgages, and real estate.
In May, representatives from Casper College will present two different sessions on higher education — preparing for it and conquering it.
Finally in June, the series will wrap up with multiple presentations on the importance of self-care and prioritizing one’s mental health.
You may attend one or all of the presentations, and there is no need to attend the first one in order to attend subsequent presentations. You may also view the recorded presentations on the Natrona County Library’s YouTube page for one week after the initial presentation.
As the situation permits, the library hopes to offer later presentations in person with simultaneous Zoom streaming.
To learn more about the series and other programming for teens and adults, call the Library at 577-7323 or visit www.natronacountylibrary.org/programs.
Drive-thru family game night Feb. 19
The Natrona County Prevention Coalition and Mercer Family Resource Center invites the community to the 6th annual Free Family Game Night, The Game of Life: COVID Drive-Thru Edition from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 19, on the NOWCAP Campus, 345 N. Walsh Dr.
Each family will leave with one new board game, as well as a recipe to create dinner, an art project and other family-focused activities to enjoy all year, promoting strong families and healthy youth. The event is completely free.
Participants will enter through the south entrance of the campus between the NOWCAP and Parents As Teachers buildings, drive around the Parents As Teachers building where they will receive their bag, and exit through the north entrance between the Parents As Teachers and Kids Works East buildings.
For more information, call Shannon Decker at 233-4276 or email sdecker@mercercasper.com.
The event is made possibly by The Child Protection Team, Youth Empowerment Council, Mercer Family Resource Center, the Nic, Parents As Teachers, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Cent$ible Nutrition, Salon Centric and the generous community for donating board games.
UU services, events online
The Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper is a doctrine-free spiritual community joining together to make a difference for the good and welcoming all who come with open hearts and open minds. Visit the “Attend an Online Service,” tab at uucasper.org for instructions on how to attend services and other online events.
On Feb. 21, Stuart Mackenzie and Athne Machdane present “The Essence of Compassion,” exploring the neuroscience of compassion and participate in a guided Tonglen meditation.
On Feb. 28, Cindy Wright will lead a discussion forum service on the February worship theme, “Compassion.”
On March 7, Rev. Leslie Kee will introduce the March worship theme, “Soul Work.”
A special earth-centered service “Completion and Releasing Ritual,” will be held at 3 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 6, providing an opportunity for each participant to release the past to reclaim the power of their voice, making room for their vision and creation of their future.
The UU Casper weekly online meditation is held each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and online Coffee and Conversation is held each Thursday at 10 a.m.
The February Lunch With TED will be held online at noon on Sunday, Feb. 28, with the TEDx Talk “Demystifying Gender in Indian Culture,” by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.
For more events and information, and instructions on how to attend online, go to uucasper.org or visit UU Casper on Facebook.
Night at the Museums virtual trivia contest
Support your Casper museums by participating in the second “Night at the Museums,” virtual trivia series on Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The sponsor museums for this trivia evening are the Nicolaysen Art Museum, the Science Zone and the Bishop House. They will be joined by a guest museum, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
Participation is simple. Gather a team (families, businesses, friends, etc.). Teams can get together in person (Covid safe households) or virtually. Register your team at www.thesciencezone.org. Any donation will give you access to the link. Get ready to test your trivia knowledge while supporting these museums.
Registration and donations can be taken care of through the Science Zone Web page (www.thesciencezone.org). Donations will be split between the sponsor museums. This will be a recurring event and will include multiple museums. Join now, get to know your museums, and start accumulating points for the Trivia Trophy.
Historic Bishop Home open for tours
The Historic Bishop Home, 818 E. 2nd St., continues to be open for tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff will continue to host small private events for a fee. The major restoration project for 2021 is a new drive-through to facilitate the home’s access. The front porch was successfully restored in 2020 and welcomes visitors with an ADA ramp and new steps. Visitors may access the home by either the front or back porches. Parking is available at the rear of the home off Jefferson Street. Members of the nonprofit Cadoma Foundation which administers the home are grateful for year-end support received by the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, the Wyoming Business Relief Fund, the Greenwood Foundation and private donors. For more information, visit www.cadomafoundation.org or call 235-5277.
A, B, C’s of Casper history at fort
Fort Caspar Museum presents “The A, B, C’s of Casper History,” an exhibit that takes a fun look at some of the people, places, and things that make Casper unique through rarely-seen objects from the Museum’s own collection. It will be on view through Nov. 6.
Organized by the staff of Fort Caspar Museum, the exhibit uses the 26 letters of the alphabet as a starting point. A piece from the collection that begins with each letter is highlighted, but the objects selected may not showcase the history that first comes to mind. For example: “V” is represented by a vase once owned by former NCHS teacher Kathleen Hemry, and “J” is for J.C. Penney and features an original Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps uniform shirt purchased at Casper’s old downtown J.C. Penney store in 1958. We encourage you to explore the exhibit and learn a bit of Casper history as told through these featured objects.
The museum’s current winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays thru Saturdays, with a special hour from 9 to 10 a.m., reserved for at-risk individuals. Winter admission fees are $2 for adults; $1.50 for youth (ages 13-18 years) and seniors (ages 62 and over); and free for children (12 years and younger) and FCMA members.
Art2Go kits from the Nic
The Nic offers Art2Go kits inspired by the contemporary culture and museum’s exhibitions. Students will work on basic art concepts and art skills, practice self-expression, and enhance art appreciation. Each kit includes everything your child needs to complete the art project. The prices vary depending on the project from $8 to $15. For more information, email zgallegos@thenic.org.
Art Club monthly at Nic
Children in first through fifth grades can enjoy monthly Art Club at the Nic on the second Saturday of every month, through May from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fees are $5 (members) and $10 (not-yet-member). Explore, create, and invent with a variety of art materials and projects including drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, collage, and 3-D design. Students will be introduced to basic art vocabulary and explore different art concepts related to the current museum’s exhibitions. Pre-registration is required.
Art Studio at Nic
Children in 6th through 10th grades can enjoy Art Studio at the Nic on the first and third Saturdays of the month, through May, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Fees are $15 (member), $25 (non-yet-member) per student/per class. Discover, question, and solve problems as you create and interact with art in the museum exhibitions and collections. Learn skills and techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. All skill levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required.
Private lessons/small groups at Nic
The Nic offers private art instruction and small group classes tailored to your students’ needs. Students of all group ages (2+) and abilities are welcome. Schedule one lesson (1 hour) or multiple classes session. For more information, please email zgallegos@thenic.org.
NCPL hours
The Natrona County Public Library is currently open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Masks are required of all patrons throughout the entire visit.
Winter hours at fort
Fort Caspar Museum is on winter hours, including the seasonal closure of the fort buildings. Through April, the fort buildings are locked, but the museum remains open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Also at this time, admission prices are cut in half: $2 for adults; $1.50 for youth (ages 13-18 years) and seniors (ages 62 and over); children (12 years and younger) and FCMA members are always free.
Guidelines remain in place to protect the health of visitors and staff such as extra cleaning and requesting face coverings and social distancing. An hour each morning from 9 to 10 a.m. is reserved for high-risk visitors only. For more information on COVID-19 precautions as well as current exhibits and special programs, please see the website or call the museum.
Reach the museum at 235-8462.
No fines for library
The Natrona County Library is clearing late fines from patron records. No questions asked. You are now fabulously fine-free.
“Fine-free” means that patrons will not be fined daily for overdue materials; however, the library will continue to recoup expenses related to lost and/or damaged items.
Of course, going fine-free doesn’t mean that you don’t have to bring your books back to the library. Items will still have a due date, and materials will be automatically renewed up two times if there are no holds. The library will continue to send out notices to remind patrons to bring their items back, and if an item is not returned or is returned damaged patron will be asked to pay for the item(s).
This change is in keeping with the library’s mission to advocate for literacy, education and a thriving community, and aligns with the goal of providing free and equitable access to everyone.
Art play on Saturdays
Art Play for ages 2 to 5 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum is the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers per child/adult duo.
Art Play is designed with younger children in mind to promote visual-spatial skills, increase pattern, shape and color recognition all the while your child is expressing creativity and having fun. All materials, including aprons, are provided.
Birthday pARTy at the Nic
Come celebrate your birthday at the Nic! Have an unforgettable birthday experience with three options: Birthday Bash (ages 2 to 15), Birthday pARTy (ages 5 to 12) or Birthday Partay (ages 18+). Visit the website, nic.org, to choose from a variety of fun art projects. To reserve a party date or for more information, please call 235-5247 or email zgallegos@thenic.org.
Veterans museum open
The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, 3740 Jourgensen Ave., is again open to the public. The WVMM will resume a slightly modified schedule and operational restrictions as the first part of a multi-phase reopening plan.
The museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. No more than 25 visitors will be allowed in the building at a time. Also, the museum will not be scheduling or providing any group tours or in-person public programs to ensure proper social distancing.
WVMM’s reopening plan is divided into several phases. While the initial phase contains heavy restrictions on operations, such as limiting programs and attendance, subsequent steps are less restrictive. Local health conditions and guidance from state leadership and health authorities will determine the pace of progressing through the reopening plan.
For current news and conditions, please call the WVMM at 472-1857 or visit the museum’s Facebook page.
Televised Catholic masses
A televised Catholic mass is presented from Casper each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on K2TV. In addition, EWTN presents daily Catholic masses on DirecTV channel 370, Dish channel 261 and many cable providers, including Spectrum.
St. Vincent de Paul open
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is able to serve the community Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The store is a great place to visit and shop. It is located at 301 E. H Street and can be reached at 237-2607. Local charities benefit from 100 percent of the profits. Consider donating unwanted items including but not limited to clothes, household item, books and jewelry. For the latest on hours, etc., see
Foreigner rescheduled to April
The Foreigner concert has been rescheduled to April 14, 2021 at the Casper Events Center. Fans are asked to hold tickets, as they will be honored for the rescheduled date. Please contact the point of purchase if you have any questions.
Nelly postponed to 2021
Spectra Venue Management at the Casper Events Center and Brava Enterprise regret to announce that the 4/2020 Spring Fest featuring Nelly with Chingy, Twista, Do or Die, and Sloan Boane, scheduled for October 30, 2020, has been postponed to October 30, 2021.
Currently held tickets will be honored for the new date, and no action is needed. Your ticket will be honored for the rescheduled date. For any further ticket inquiries please reach out to point of purchase.
Refunds will be available at the point of purchase beginning on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 9 a.m., through October 30, 2020 at 10 p.m. Refunds will no longer be available after October 30, 2020. Please contact the point of purchase if you have any questions or to request a refund on your purchase.
Sunday breakfasts canceled
Sunday breakfasts open to the public at the Casper Elks Lodge are canceled for the foreseeable future.
Sunday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 10 a.m., City Park; 10:15 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
Alcoholics Anonymous “A Sufficient Substitute:” 10 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott. Info: 266-2969.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 6:30 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8 p.m., 15th & Melrose at the church. Web site: urmrna.org.
UU hosts virtual multi-state service
The Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper is a doctrine-free spiritual community joining together to make a difference for the good and welcoming all who come with open hearts and open minds. Visit the “Attend an Online Service,” tab at uucasper.org for instructions on how to attend services and other online events.
On Feb. 14, a multi-Wyoming/Colorado UU congregational service, “Hope and Love on the High Plains,” will be held, led by Rev. Leslie Kee, Rev. Hannah Villnave of Cheyenne, and Rev. Aaron Norris of Greeley, Colorado.
For more events and information, and instructions on how to attend online, go to uucasper.org or visit UU Casper on Facebook.
Following are the new additions in the Natrona County Detention Center at 6:17 a.m. Feb. 12, 2021. Along with the inmates’ names are their age, the arresting agency and the charges for which they have been detained. Outcomes of cases are not included in this report. For the complete inmate roster dated Feb. 12, 2021, visit trib.com.
Friday additions:
Richard Gutierrez, 54, CPD, DWUS, controlled substance possession, fail to comply, fail to appear (times 2); Moziha Madrid, 19, NCSO, serve jail time; Russell Hill, 27, CPD, controlled substance possession meth, county warrant/hold for agency (times 2); Raymond Boyles, 26, CPD, domestic battery; Viola Burd, 70, CPD, controlled substance possession meth; Barry Barrera, 37, CPD, contract hold/billing; Gregory Williams, 44, CPD, county warrant/hold for agency; Christopher Schultz, 37, CPD, domestic battery.
Casper Police Department
Accident, property damage
- Thursday: 12:25 p.m., 1100 block Crest Hill; 4:31 p.m., 4200 block CY
Assault
- Thursday: 11:23 p.m., 1100 block E. F Friday: 12:50 a.m., 1600 block Westridge Dr.
Burglary, auto
- Thursday: 2:36 p.m., 4700 block Tranquility Way
Disturbance
- Thursday: 8:45 p.m., 400 block E. A; 8:09 p.m., 2000 block Piney Creek Rd. Friday: 1:29 a.m., 3900 block E. 12th
Drugs
- Thursday: 10:05 a.m., 800 block E. F; 2:09 p.m., 3000 block Independence Ct.10:51 p.m., 2300 block E. 18th
EMS assist
- Thursday: 7:51 a.m., 3900 block Dorset; 5:17 p.m., 200 block N. Park
Family fight
Thursday: 4:37 p.m., 1300 block S. Pennsylvania; 6:15 p.m., 100 block Columbine; 6:28 p.m., 2400 block Grandview Friday: 2:49 a.m., 1300 block S. Pennsylvania
Fight
- Thursday: 7:54 a.m., S. Ash & CY
Fire assist
- Thursday: 6:30 a.m., 1000 block Granada; 8:44 a.m., 1500 block S. Walnut; 1:33 p.m., 1800 block E. Beverly; 3:26 p.m., 2400 block Mercy Ln.
Gas leak
- Thursday: 7:41 a.m., 1200 block S. Durbin
Juvenile problem
- Thursday: 6:38 a.m., 1600 block E. 12th; 1:30 p.m., 6300 block Buckboard
Public intox
- Thursday: 7:41 a.m., 100 block N. Wolcott 2:05 p.m., 200 block N. Center
Robbery
- Thursday: 6:12 p.m., 4100 block E. 2nd
Runaway juvenile
- Thursday: 6:37 a.m., 1700 block S. Jefferson; 10:01 a.m., 900 block S. Elm
Shooting
- Thursday: 8:56 p.m., 2300 block E. 18th
Suicidal subject
- Friday: 2:21 a.m., 200 block N. David
Suicide attempt
- Thursday: 5:59 p.m., 6300 block Buckboard
Suspicious
- Thursday: 2:21 p.m., 200 block N. David
Threatening
- Thursday 9:46 a.m., 1400 block S. Elm
Traffic stops: 16
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Accident, property damage
- Thursday: 3:21 p.m., Salt Creek & Antelope
Disturbance
- Thursday: 8:09 p.m., 2000 block Piney Creek Rd.
EMS assist
- Thursday: 5:27 p.m., 8900 block Turquoise Friday: 2:13 a.m., 2000 block Piney Creek Rd.
Suspicious
- Thursday: 2:21 p.m., 200 block N. David
Threatening
- Thursday: 11:08 a.m., 200 block N. David
Traffic stops: 8
Mills Police Department
Attempt to locate
- Thursday: 3:25 p.m., W. Yellowstone & Poison Spider; 8:34 p.m., CY & Robertson
Traffic stops: 2
Special classes for kids at rec center
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in January and February.
The kids are out of school on Feb. 15 and the Rec Center will be having fully supervised Super Fun Days for elementary aged children. Enjoy ice skating, sports, games, crafts, snacks, and more for only $19 per day. Leaders are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Mom and Me Cupcakes for ages 4-7 with an adult will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m., on Feb. 13. Students will learn basic decorating skills on mini-cupcakes to take home for Valentine’s Day. The $18 fee covers both the adult and child.
A new beginning Knitting and Crochet class will be offered Feb. 16 to March 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Ages 10 & up will learn basic skills while making an easy scarf or hat for yourself or a gift. Supplies will be available the first class and instructor, Lauren Tyson, will let students know what they will need for projects. Fee for the 5-week class is $49.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Girls try hockey for free
Do you have a little lady interested in playing hockey? On Feb. 16 from 7 to 8 p.m., the Casper Amateur Hockey Club is hosting a Try Hockey for Free on ice session for girls ages 9 to 18 at the Casper Ice Arena. Pre-registration is required, so please send a note to Diane at clubcasperhockey@gmail.com or call 307-315-0188 for more information or to register your player.
Skating lessons start
The Casper Skating School will be starting ice skating lessons on Monday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Casper Ice Arena. All ages and ability levels are welcomed to register on ActiveCasper.com or at the Casper Recreation Center.
The Casper Skating School creates a positive learning environment for individuals by teaching ice skating fundamentals, supporting their efforts, and praising their achievements. Each skater will receive five weeks of ice skating lessons from our Casper Skating School instructors. Additionally, each student will receive five public skating punch-passes to practice outside of their designated lesson plan. Skaters are encouraged to invite siblings and parents to join them on the last day of class for Celebrate Skate, a family-fun ice skating experience.
For additional information about the Casper Skating School or ice skating lessons, please call the Casper Ice Arena at 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.
Register for youth hoops tourney
The City of Casper Recreation Division, in conjunction with the Community Recreation Foundation and the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, will host the 31st Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament for boys’ and girls’ 4th through 8th grade on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, at several locations throughout Casper.
The deadline to register a team is Thursday, March 4. The team fee of $200 includes a three-game guarantee. This exciting tournament typically features 130 or more teams from Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Utah and Colorado. Proceeds generated from this event benefit the Community Recreation Foundation which provides scholarships for youth and seniors and free special events in the Casper area.
During the two-day basketball extravaganza, hundreds of games will be played at gyms throughout Casper. The tournament is bracketed in a modified consolation format; therefore, many teams play more than their guaranteed three games. All games are officiated by experienced referees.
Discounted hotel room rates are available for those attending the tournament. The Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center is the 31st Annual Casper Youth Basketball Tournament host hotel; the hotel’s reservation number is 266-6000. For Casper area information and lodging go to www.casperwyoming.info or call 1-800-852-1889.
Registration packets may be found at the Casper Recreation Center lobby, 1801 E 4th St., or online at www.crlasports.com. For questions or additional tournament information, call the Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383 or visit the official tournament website at www.crlasports.com.
Register for coed adult volleyball
Coed volleyball season is quickly approaching. The Casper Recreational Leagues Association (CRLA), in conjunction with the City of Casper Recreation Division, is offering adult coed volleyball leagues that will begin matches Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Team packets including registration forms, league rules, season dates, fees and other important information are available in the Casper Recreation Center lobby or online at crlasports.com.
All adult teams interested in participating in this year’s Coed Volleyball league must register no later than Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 East 4th Street. The size of the league is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
If additional information is needed, contact the City of Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383.
Dance classes at rec
Dancing is a great way for people of all ages, shapes and sizes to improve physical and mental fitness, balance and flexibility, and increase muscular strength and endurance. Youth and adults alike will find a class to fit their needs whether it is for the joy and fun of moving to music, making new friends or improving health. Classes begin the week of Feb. 1 at the Casper Recreation Center. All of the youth classes will participate in a recital at the end of the session and fee includes $50 recital costume fee, $20 for Beginning Clogging.
Ballet introduces basic foundations of ballet including positions, proper body form and classical technique. The Beginning Ballet class for ages 5-10 includes footwork, barre, center and movement across the room and is held on Tuesdays from 4:25 to 5:15 p.m. Intermediate Ballet for ages 6-11 focuses on more difficult exercises, technique and combinations. Class meets on Wednesdays, 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. Advanced Ballet for ages 10 and up will be held on Mondays, 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. This class is for the serious student with more disciplined techniques, choreography, strength training and fine detail. Students must have permission of the instructor, Lucia Hill. Hill teaches all of the ballet classes and has over 30 years of experience.
Clogging for ages 7 through adults is an experience that is fun, energetic, and a great form of exercise. Students learn coordination, rhythm, performance skills and confidence. Beginning clogging for ages 7 & up meets on Tuesdays from 5:25 to 6:05 p.m. and is instructed by Lucia Hill. Intermediate clogging meets from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. and advanced class from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Both adult classes meet Mondays and are instructed by Lori Spearman.
Adults in the belly dancing class will learn basic posture, techniques, and movements used in American Oriental dance. Belly dancing improves self-confidence, poise and posture and is open to all regardless of experience, gender or body type. The class meets on Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will be instructed by Crystal St. Gelais.
For more information or to register, stop by the Casper Recreation Center at 1801 E. 4th Street, call 235-8383 or go online at www.activecasper.com.
Vintage snow machine race set for Casper Mountain
Riders from Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Illinois and more are set to compete in the Xtreme Mountain Racing (XMR) event on Casper Mountain Saturday, Feb. 27.
“We’re looking forward to having this adrenaline-pumping event in Casper,” said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Casper. “Casper Mountain is an incredible asset to our community and we can’t wait to welcome racers from around the region to compete here.”
The race will be held at Casper Mountain Biathlon Club, where riders will compete at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Registration will take place at the Ramkota Hotel on Friday, Feb. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The race is free to attend, with racers competing from surrounding states. Participants include all ages and models, from junior minis to outlaw mods. There are no specific spectator locations set up, but there is lots of room and space to naturally social distance along the race route. As always, please follow posted signage, keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering when appropriate.
Y encourages return to fitness routine
Physical activity is critical for physical health, and research suggests higher levels of physical activity may also help alleviate negative mental health symptoms. The YMCA of Natrona County can help with getting physical activity routines back into your daily routine through both in-person and virtual classes.
Since COVID-19, the YMCA has made extensive efforts to ensure the health and safety of members using the facility, such as temperature upon entry, requiring masks to be worn while not actively exercising, offering hand sanitizer throughout the building, limiting programming sizes, asking for group fitness and lap swim reservations, a 1 to 2 p.m., daily closure for deep cleaning, and more.
At the same time, the Y recognizes not everyone is ready to return to the facility yet, and virtual opportunities are offered to make sure those who are more comfortable staying home can still achieve their activity goals.
To learn more about the Y’s efforts to keep you healthy, active and safe, visit www.casperymca.org.
Specialty class at rec center
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in February.
The kids are out of school on Feb. 15 and the Rec Center will be having fully supervised Super Fun Days for elementary aged children. Enjoy ice skating, sports, games, crafts, snacks, and more for only $19 per day. Leaders are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Recreation Center is taking extra measures to clean and sanitize each room to be compliant with the State of Wyoming orders. Our staff will be cleaning areas after each use as well as supplying hand sanitizer for good hand hygiene. Class sizes are limited, and students will be expected to keep their distance from other students and teachers and masks may be required.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today! Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Mile High Mites comes to ice arena
The Casper Ice Arena is partnering with the Colorado Avalanche’s Mile High Mites program to introduce youth athletes to ice hockey. The learn-to-play hockey program will meet each Saturday morning from March 6 to April 10 at the Casper Ice Arena.
The Casper Ice Arena strongly encourages Learn-To-Skate classes and/or practicing forward skating at public skate to prepare for the Mile High Mite program.
Registration is now open through the Colorado Avalanche’s youth hockey webpage and accessible through the Casper Ice Arena at www.casperwy.gov. Each Saturday morning from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., the 4-10 year old players will learn from qualified Casper hockey coaches using USA Hockey’s approved station-based skill development which includes skating, shooting, stick-handling, and passing.
Participants receive a full set of CCM youth hockey gear and six weeks of one-hour sessions at the Casper Ice Arena.
For additional information about the Mile High Mites, please call the Casper Ice Arena at 235-8484 or visit www.casperwy.gov.
New fitness at rec center
The next session of fitness and TaeKwon-Do classes offered at the Casper Recreation Center has begun. Improve health, tone muscles, relieve stress, and have fun exercising with friends.
Looking for something a little different? Join instructor Lucia Hill in Ballet Barre for an amazing workout on Mondays or Wednesdays from 5:20 to 6:15 p.m. Inspired by traditional barre work, this class helps to gain strength and flexibility while toning the body without the ballet class. Light weights and floor work are included. Fees are $63 for non-members and $51 for those with a Rec Center pass for 10 classes.
RIP classes are offered Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. Weight-bearing exercise improves bone health and decreases the chance of developing osteoporosis. This 60-minute barbell workout challenges men and women of all ages and fitness levels by using traditional strength training to tone muscles and burn calories. Fees are $80 for non-members and $68 for Rec Center members for the 7-week class. Instructor is Mary Oster.
A new Early bird Boot camp meets Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 7 a.m. Boot camp is a freestyle cardio and strength class that incorporates intervals, circuits, drills, weights, core, and functional moves. Great for all levels of fitness! Fees are $80 for non-members and $68 for Rec Center members for the 7-week class. Instructor is Mary Oster.
Come and try out your first fitness class for FREE, just sign in at the front counter or with the instructor. Register for the full session of classes (the best deal), buy a Fitness Punch Pass ($65 for 10 classes), or pay $7 per class.
For further information, please call the Casper Recreation Center at 235-8383, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or visit us online at www.activecasper.com. See what’s happening on the Facebook page—search Casper Recreation Division.
Register for youth hockey
Want to know more about Casper Oilers youth hockey? Casper Amateur Hockey Club’s online registration is now open for the 2020-2021 season and they are accepting registrations for our 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and Girls 19U divisions. Did you know that the first time skater fee for the season is $200 and that they have an equipment rental program that includes almost all the gear needed to play? Please check out the website at http://casperhockey.com to find all the information you need under the Player Registration menu. For families that have new players interested in registering for hockey for the first time and have questions about the youth hockey program, please contact Diane at clubcasperhockey@gmail.com or 315-0188 for more information.
Book bag sale by appointment in February
The Friends of the Library is excited to announce an appointment only bag sale with no admission charge. We have an amazing selection of items including puzzles, media, games, and great books. Nothing will be held back.
The bag sale will be open to the public by appointment only, but fewer than 15 appointment slots remain. Walk-ins are not permitted. Masks will be required. All payments must be made by cash or check only.
The sale will take place at Natrona County Library from Monday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 27. Appointments will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 6:30 with the last appointment scheduled for 5:30, except for Friday and Saturday when the last appointment will begin at 4 p.m.
Sessions will be one hour with one half hour between sessions. Customers must pay and remove all purchases at the end of their scheduled hour, even if they have scheduled an appointment for the next session. Eight customers will be permitted for each session.
Bags will sell for $3 for a grocery size bag, $6 for a standard size reusable bag, and $10 for larger totes. Excessively large totes or bags will be charged accordingly.
Appointments may be requested by emailing folncpl307@gmail or by messaging the Friends of the Natrona County Public Library on Facebook.
Make a quick scarf or cowl at CC, rec center
Knit or Crochet a Quick Scarf or Cowl on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Casper College. Contact Casper College community education at 268-3401 or continuingeducation@caspercollege.edu to sign up or with any questions.
Enjoy a 2-Hour Scarves Class at Casper Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn to knit or crochet a fun scarf or cowl in a couple of hours. The yarn and large size knitting needles or crochet hook are included in the registration fee. Some beginning knitting or crochet knowledge is helpful in completing the project during class.
Sign up at Active Casper or at Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E. 4th St., phone: 235-8383.
Parkinson’s exercise group
This exercise class is open to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease and focuses on improving balance, endurance, safety, and managing symptoms. It is open to all ages and the class can be tailored to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. The group meets Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 East 2nd Street, Building #500. If you have any questions call 577-5204 or 237-1200.
Art4Expression with Central Wyoming Hospice, Nic
Art4Expression is a unique collaboration between Central Wyoming Hospice and the Nicolaysen Art Museum and is designed for kids ages 11-15. The process of grief requires expression. The act of creation and the use of images draws out that expression. Art4Expression allows processing grief through art, along with other kids who have suffered the death of a loved one. The class is every third Saturday, October through May, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Please call 577-4832 or email toddv@cwhp.org.
Confidential Zoom suicide grief support groups
Due to COVID-19, there are no in-person suicide grief support groups at this time. However, there are Zoom support meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month that are announced and with invitation on J.R’s Hunt; for life Facebook support page. Join the page and watch for the announcement invitation and join. These are confidential and closed to the public. You must join via the Zoom application/invitation to attend. If you have problems, they can also FaceTime you into the meetings. Once you join the Facebook group you may message with any questions.
Child care food policy
Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc. announces the sponsorship of the Child Care Food Program. The same meals will be made available to all enrolled children at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap, and there is no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided at the facilities listed below: Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Casper, 301 West B; Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Early Head Start, 160. N. Washington, Casper and Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Head Start Mills, 4981 W. Buick St.
Updated food pantry list
- Casper Community Church food pantry, 249 N. Wolcott, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. Eugene, 307-462-6821
- Oasis Food Pantry, College Heights community center food pantry, 1927 South Walnut, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 307-224-4104 (X 7)
- Faith Assembly of God food pantry, 4301 Casper Mountain Road, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 265-9121. Staff is providing pre-made boxes at the front door of the church during pandemic.
- First Church of the Nazarene food pantry, 2020 S. Jefferson, Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. 258-9646
- First Christian Church, sandwich ministry begins Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon in breezeway at First United Methodist Church downtown. Info: debmestas@gmail.com.
- Holy Cross Center Inc. food pantry, 1030 N. Lincoln, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. 577-1041
- Mountain View Baptist food pantry, 4250 Poison Spider Road, Wednesday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 234-4381 or foodbank@mvbccasper.com
- Joshua’s Storehouse food pantry, 334 S. Wolcott St., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grab and go format. 265-0242
- Wyoming Rescue Mission serves weekday breakfast, 6:30 to 7 a.m., lunch, noon to 12:30 p.m., dinner, 6 to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and holidays brunch, 11 a.m., dinner 5 to 5:30 p.m.
- Glenrock, second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 506 West Birch, Ste. 15 (downtown), 1 to 5 p.m.
- Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free health coaching by phone
Natural Grocers is offering free one-on-one health coaching sessions right now (by phone or Microsoft Teams only) for anyone who is interested. Classes focus on nutrition as it relates to health. Examples of topics covered are general nutrition, nutrition and sleep, pregnancy, athletic performance, anxiety, weight loss, digestion issues (as they relate to nutrition) and more.
The way to sign up for these is by calling Natural Grocers (265-0909) during business hours and asking to schedule a coaching session with the nutritional health coach. Customers are also eligible to receive a $5 off coupon (one per quarter) after completing a coaching session, if they are signed up for the (also free) Natural Grocers rewards program. That’s $20 off annually if they complete a session every quarter. The sessions are one hour long.
Food for Thought offers online marketplace
The Wyoming Food for Thought Online Marketplace will open at 5 p.m. on Mondays and close at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, with the Food for Thought Drive-Thru to take place on Fridays between 2 to 4 p.m. at the Food for Thought Program Center, 900 Saint John St.
Customers will start by selecting their drive-thru pick-up time via the Drive-Thru Time Window Registration form on the website. Upon receiving a confirmation email, a link to the Online Marketplace will be provided to shop.
SNAP users will also have access to this opportunity.
To learn more about the Food for Thought Online Marketplace and Drive-Thru, visit the website at www.wyfftp.org or call 307-337-1703.
Wyoming Food for Thought Project works to create a strong and vibrant local food system. This is an integral part of ending hunger in the community. When every person has access to good and healthy food, the community is better for it; health issues go down, mental health improves and the community becomes stronger.
Poverty Resistance open
Poverty Resistance Food Bank, 450 S. Wolcott, is committed to serving people in need throughout the county. They are maintaining their normal hours of operation 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
First, don’t come for food if you are sick. It is okay to have a non-sick friend or relative pick up for you during this outbreak.
Second, hand washing stand at the door. You must wash your hands prior to picking up food. This is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
Third, social distancing — that means you need to stay about six feet away from others in the pantry. People might have to wait in their cars during times there are a lot of people coming in but, again this is as much for your health as for the volunteers.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Mary Ann Budenske: 307-215-4732 or mbudenske@aol.com.
Free online dance classes
Enjoy free online dance classes at https://facebook.com/yvonne.e.anderson.
Rotary hears about airport
On Monday, Feb. 15, the Rotary Club of Casper is pleased to welcome Glenn Januska, director of the Casper/Natrona County Airport, as presenter at its noon meeting. The program will be via Zoom. Members of Rotary and their guests are invited to attend. Januska attended Southern Illinois University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. After college he completed an internship with the Dane County Regional Airport (Madison, Wisconsin) prior to accepting a position as assistant airport director at Austin Straubel International Airport (Green Bay, Wisconsin). After four years in Green Bay, Januska became manager of the Waukesha County Airport (Waukesha, Wisconsin), a position he held for eight years prior to becoming the director of the Sioux Gateway Airport (Sioux City, Iowa) in December 2000. He also served as an associate professor for Southern Illinois University, holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Marquette University, and served as councilman for the City of Casper.
Reverse Raffle & Auction May 22
You have an opportunity to celebrate So Much Good in our community and help support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at the annual Reverse Raffle & Auction to be held on Saturday, May 22, at the Ford Wyoming Center (formerly the Casper Events Center).
The annual Reverse Raffle & Auction features the opportunity to bid during a live auction on exciting, one-of-a-kind experiences, home and outdoor living packages, and more. In addition, a silent auction will include a variety of items including art, collectibles, and entertainment. Each ticket holder has a chance to win $5,000 cash.
A specific area of support this year is geared toward programs to help teens thrive and succeed in school and once they graduate. With each $250 donated, you will have a chance to win a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 truck donated by E & F Towing and Transport with upgraded enhancements by Sonny’s RV and Truck Outfitter.
Reserve tickets or a table online www.bgccw.org/somuchgood or by calling 235-4079. Tickets are $125 each or become a table sponsor for $1,000 (includes 8 tickets, company name in auction catalogue and displayed at event). Upgrade to VIP status for an additional $1,000/table.
Proceeds support operations of the 10 sites in four counties and the thousands of youth served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
Register for girls JO fast pitch
Girls age 8-18 years may register for the Junior Olympic Fast Pitch Softball League through May 8, 2021, online or in person at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 East 4th Street. Divisions offered for 8 years and under, 10 years and under, 12 years and under, 14 years and under and 18 years and under.
The registration fee is $60 per player. There is a $10 discounted fee for everyone registering at Bush-Wells Sporting Goods on Saturday, April 10 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bush-Wells Sporting Goods is located at the corner of 5th and Center Streets.
No prior playing experience is required. Players will need to have their own softball gloves. Practices for the league will get underway in May with games beginning June 7 at North Casper Softball Complex. League games and the league ending tournament will be scheduled weeknights in the evenings through mid-July.
Additional information is available at the Casper Recreation Center, 235-8383 or on the website, www.crlasports.com.
Saturday support meetings
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 10 a.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 9 p.m., 1868 S. Poplar. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
- Al-Anon: 10 a.m., 4600 S. Poplar, Shepherd of the Hills Church, New Starts.
- Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club, closed meeting; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site:
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- NAMI Connections: 4 p.m., Iris Clubhouse, 239 E. H St.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics: 1:30-3 p.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott St., Suite 200. Open meeting.
Cupcake class for littles and parents
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in January and February.
Mom and Me Cupcakes for ages 4-7 with an adult will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m., on Feb. 13. Students will learn basic decorating skills on mini-cupcakes to take home for Valentine’s Day. The $18 fee covers both the adult and child.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
Sweetheart Bowl set
The Fireball 500 Club Sweetheart Bowl is Feb. 13, due to a conflict with The Casper Women’s City Tournament. The Fireball 500 Club will be hosting The 2021 Sweetheart Bowl, a 4-person members only team handicapped tournament, at 1 p.m., on Feb. 13, at The 307 Sunrise. The entry fee will be $22 per person. All bowlers must be sanctioned. Entry forms are available at El Mark-O Lanes and The 307 Sunrise. For more information, contact Donna Morton at 472-5506 or 259-1028.
UU hosts online discussion
The Unitarian Universalist Community of Casper is a doctrine-free spiritual community joining together to make a difference for the good and welcoming all who come with open hearts and open minds. Visit the “Attend an Online Service,” tab at uucasper.org for instructions on how to attend services and other online events.
The next UU Casper Freethinkers online discussion will be at 1 p.m., on Feb. 13, and will explore the topic of “Skepticism.”
For more events and information, and instructions on how to attend online, go to uucasper.org or visit UU Casper on Facebook.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax ID number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
New treasures at Methodist thrift
The United Methodist Thrift Shop invites you to visit and check out our marvelous selection of treasures. You’ll find a rainbow selection of jewelry. The fine jewelry includes diamonds, rubies, jade, pearls, tourmaline, and Black Hills gold. There is a wide variety of costume jewelry, so if you are feeling creative, many pieces can even be recycled and up-cycled. There is a huge selection of Salt City candles, glass accessories, meltables, the candle warming supplies, in a broad variety of scents. For hunters of really special opportunities, winter coats and all pants, excluding men’s jeans, are 50 percent off. So, come on in and help us continue to make room for all of the magnificent donations from our generous community.
You’ll find us at 2111 East 12th, in the Beverly Plaza Shopping Center, near Big Lots and the Dollar Store. The shop is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit Holy Cross and Interfaith, staying right here among our neighbors.
Family dance at Eagles
Family Valentine Dance is 7 to 11 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Eagles. Free to guests of DJ Machelle. Please use the back door. For more information, call Machelle at 259-2501. This is a great dance for father/daughter or mother/son because free dance lessons will take place throughout the night. Social distancing is in effect.
Following are the new additions in the Natrona County Detention Center at 6:17 a.m. Feb. 11, 2021. Along with the inmates’ names are their age, the arresting agency and the charges for which they have been detained. Outcomes of cases are not included in this report. For the complete inmate roster dated Feb. 11, 2021, visit trib.com.
Thursday additions:Maren Drake, 43, NCSO, serve jail time; Donald Ramsour, 25, NCSO, district court bench warrant, fail to appear; Jeret Mears, 27, MPD, hold for probation and parole; Brandon Johnson, 24, NCSO, serve jail time; Sherry Finch, 47, CPD, public intoxication; Bridgett Noe, 42, CPD, controlled substance possession, contract hold/billing; Daniel Urbanski, 56, CPD, DWUI, controlled substance possession (times 2); Wesley Dabbs, 34, CPD, controlled substance possession meth, controlled substance possession, possession with intent to deliver, criminal warrant, fail to comply, district court bench warrant (times 2).
Mills Police Department
Felony charges
- Jeret L. Mears, 27, hold for probation and parole
Misdemeanor charges
Matthew J. Sexton, 38, domestic assault
Casper Police Department
Accident, personal injury
- Wednesday: 1:44 p.m., American Way
Accident, property damage
- Wednesday: 11:56 a.m., E. 15th & S. Wilson; 3:48 p.m., 1400 block Wilkins; 3:57 p.m., N. Beverly & E. Yellowstone
Assault
- Wednesday: 1:49 p.m., 1900 block E. Yellowstone; 2:16 p.m., 2500 block E. 15th; 2:31 p.m., 1400 block S. Elm; 2:32 p.m., 1400 block S. Elm; 3:14 p.m., 4000 block S. Poplar; 8:29 p.m., 2500 block E. 15th
Burglary, residential
- Wednesday: 2:21 p.m., 1700 block W. 25th
Disturbance
- Wednesday: 6:53 p.m., 600 block S. Center; 9:50 p.m., 2400 block Grandview
Drugs
- Wednesday: 11:50 a.m., 4100 block E. 2nd
Found child
- Wednesday: 4:05 p.m., 1100 block N. Melrose
Juvenile problem
- Wednesday: 12:11 p.m., 2900 block Cyclone
Public intox
- Wednesday: 3:45 p.m., N. Poplar & English
Runaway juvenile
- Wednesday: 3 p.m., 900 block S. Elm
Shooting
- Wednesday: 11:31 p.m., 1200 block E. 2nd
Suicidal subject
- Wednesday: 1:37 p.m., 5000 block Blackmore
Suspicious
- Wednesday: 11:50 p.m., 1800 block E. 4th
Traffic stops: 27 Weapon offense
- Wednesday: 2:59 p.m., 2300 block Salt Creek Hwy
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Accident, personal injury
- Thursday: 12:39 a.m., 2200 block Garden Creek Heights
Juvenile problem
- Wednesday: 2:18 p.m., 2000 block Siebke
Suspicious
- Wednesday: 12:59 p.m., 1700 block Inca; 4:17 p.m., 1900 block Inca
Traffic stops: 5 Weapon offense
- Wednesday: 3 p.m., 2300 block Salt Creek Hwy.
Mills Police Department
Burglary, business
- Wednesday: 12:50 p.m., 3400 block W. Yellowstone
Family fight
- Wednesday: 5:42 a.m., 500 block Wasatch
Missing person
- Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., 4200 block W. Yellowstone; 11:19 p.m., 200 block N. 5th Ave.
Suspicious
- Wednesday: 8:23 p.m., 200 block Crescent Dr.
Traffic stop: 1
Criminal disposition
Jason John, murder first degree, dismissed
Andrew L. Holmes, attempt & conspire felony, guilty; manufacture or deliver meth or narcotic controlled substance, dismissed; possess controlled narcotic substance (times 2), dismissed times 1, guilty times 1
Amber Marie Carson, possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, 3rd plus offense, guilty
Danika Renee Harris, obtain property by false pretenses $1,000 or more, guilty; wrongful taking or disposing of property, venue of indictment $1,000 or more, dismissed; child where meth stored, ingested or possessed, guilty; conspire to commit felony, dismissed; possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, dismissed; possess controlled substance, plant, 3 ounces or less, dismissed
Shawn T. Borne, possess controlled narcotic substance, guilty
Shane Ray Perales, theft $1,000 or more, guilty
Jorge L. Aguirre, property destruction $1,000 or more, guilty; property destruction under $1,000, guilty; criminal trespass, dismissed; breach of peace, dismissed; endanger child 1st offense, guilty
John Jacob Webster, felonious restraint expose victim to risk, guilty
Kendra Lynn Largent, child where meth stored, ingested or possessed (times 3), guilty times 3; endanger child 1st offense (times 3), guilty times 3; possess controlled substance, powder or crystal, 3 grams or less, guilty.
Father Daughter Dinner
Father Daughter Dinner at the Casper Elks Lodge is Saturday, Feb. 27. No dance due to COVID. Keep the attendance streaks alive and bring your daughters down for dinner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. If you don’t have a daughter, borrow one and come for dinner, door prizes and get your picture taken. Tickets are fathers $10, daughters 14 & up $9, daughters 8 to 13 are $8 and 7 and under are free. Sign up at the Bar ASAP. For more information call 234-4839.
Model railroad clubhouse open
The Central Wyoming Model Railroad announces that operating hours in 2021 will be the same as has been the previous practice. The doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesdays, from 7 to 10 p.m., on Friday evenings and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. We will still have trains operating while doing maintenance work and even new construction. Our library will still lend books and magazines and our museum sections will still offer nostalgia to the viewer.
We have plenty of room to social distance along with the wide aisle spaces. We can show you how the HO layout looks on a wide TV screen.
We appreciate your support in these troubled times. Call for more information, Homer at 266-6439, Harry at 235-4950 (leave a message), or Nathan at 258-7869.
Retired teachers cancel breakfast
The Natrona County High School retired faculty and staff will not be meeting for breakfast at Perkins Restaurant until further notice due to the coronavirus. For more information call 237-1608.
Toastmaster clubs meeting online
The Casper Toastmasters Clubs have transitioned to ZOOM meetings, and all are invited. Virtual meetings have proved to be both productive and fun. Let Toastmasters help you give voice to your potential. Toastmasters can give you the skills you need to effectively communicate whether you are a professional, a student, a parent, a retiree or other situation. You can develop your communication and leadership skills and open a world of possibilities. Toastmasters International has helped millions of men and women with their learn-by-doing self-paced program. Go online to learn more at Toastmasters.org.
Local contacts to check out or join a ZOOM Meeting are:
Morning Tour Toastmasters, Mondays, 6:30 to 7:40 a.m. Jennifer, 258-0572
Pioneer Toastmasters, first and third Wednesdays, 12:15 to 1 p.m. Angela, 277-2793
Pathfinder Toastmasters, second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Tom, 262-3655.
German family history ideas
For now, the Casper German Stammtisch is not meeting due to the current need for social distancing.
Until we can gather together again, there are resources that provide some connection to German culture, history and heritage. Among these are DeutscheWelle (https://www.de.com/en), the Goethe Institut (https://goethe.de/en), Indiana German Heritage Society (https;//ighs.org) and German American Heritage Center & Museum (https://www.gahc.org), to name just a few.
Working on your family history? German is still the largest heritage group in the USA. Many families with German ancestors in Wyoming are “Germans from Russia.” Between 1762 and 1796, Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia, invited farmers to immigrate to Russia where they were offered farm land and the assurance that they could pray, educate their children and conduct village business in German. Their sons would not be drafted into the army. Another group are “Volga Germans” who migrated along the Volga River to find better opportunities for farming. There are many related resources online and groups on Facebook.
Did you know that “Pennsylvania Dutch” is actually “Pennsylvania German?” The German word for German is “Deutsch,” which created the confusion. The language they still speak in Pennsylvania today is a very old version of a dialect that was spoken long ago in the Rhineland Palatinate when these ancestors emigrated.
What interesting information can you find to share when the group can meet again?
In the meantime, Alles Gute!
Join Historical Society
If you are one who wants to know more about Wyoming, how the West was settled, why it was settled and all that has happened since, come join the Natrona County Historical Society on the fourth Thursday of the month. Members share a multitude of stories, films, power point presentations and hands-on exhibits about this 150 year history, much of it related to immediate ancestors only three generations past.
The Natrona County chapter is but one of 20 chapters in the state that comprise the Wyoming State Historical Society. Partnering with them, the American Heritage Center, the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources helps to share the fascinating story of Wyoming’s past and preserve her rich historical resources.
For more information about membership and events, please call Larry Steensland at 333-3745 or Kem Nicolaysen at 262-3972.
Girl Scout cookie season
Girl Scouts in Wyoming will take cookie pre-orders until Feb. 21 with delivery in late March. Cookies can be ordered online from a Girl Scout through April 18. Cookies can be purchased during Cookie Booth Sales from March 26 to April 18. Girl Scout cookies remain $4 per box with the exception of S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastics, which are $5 per box. For more information on 2021 cookies, go to gsmw.org or email kristio@gsmw.org.
Jason’s Friends bowling moves date
Due to the current pandemic, Jason’s Friends Foundation and El Mark-O Lanes have made the difficult decision to postpone the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends. Since this is the only fundraiser annually, Jason’s Friends wants to make it the best it can be despite the challenges all are facing. COVID-19 has not stopped Wyoming families from hearing those dreaded words, “Your child has cancer,” so foundation volunteers cannot stop either.
Please mark your calendars for the 23rd annual Bowl for Jason’s Friends on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at El Mark-O Lanes.
Bowling teams are five people. Limited space due to current state regulations. Register today at jasonsfriends.org/bowl/ or call 235-3421. Start fundraising for the 2021 Bowl for Jason’s Friends.
Want to participate virtually? There is a Phantom Bowling option. For more information, call 235-3421 or visit jasonsfriends.org.
Calendar celebrates MOW’s 50 years
2021 marks Natrona County Meals on Wheels 50th anniversary. The Meals on Wheels Foundation created a calendar to ignite a celebration of the recipients affected by the work of the organization. In the calendar, you will get to know some of these amazing people and all the talent that surrounds them. To purchase a calendar, call 265-8659 or head downtown to shop and grab your calendar at one of these participating businesses: Cadillac Cowgirl, Donnell’s Candies, White Lace & Promises-Galleria of Gifts, Ridley’s (East) and Shade Tree. Your purchase of the celebration calendar will help cover the cost of two to three meals. From all of us at Natrona County Meals on Wheels and the Meals on Wheels Foundation, we sincerely thank you for your support.
Order Relay for Life daffodils, tulips
The American Cancer Society is having its annual Daffodil Sales to benefit the local Relay for Life. An option to order cut tulips is available this year. Flowers may be ordered until Feb. 19, and they will be delivered around March 24. The cost for daffodils is still $10 for one bouquet of 10 buds, $40 for five bouquets of 10 buds, $70 for 10 bouquets of 10 buds. The cost for each bouquet of 10 tulip buds in assorted colors is $15. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. To order please contact either Jane Fisher at 267-1936 or Shirley Costopoulos at 267-8154.
Self Help Center moves fundraiser to May
The Self Help Center of Natrona County’s 4th Annual Lip Sync Battle, initially scheduled for March 5, has been rescheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021. The theme of this year’s event is “Lip Sync for Justice: Battle of the Attorneys.” Five local lawyers will be helping the Self Help Center raise funds in support of its mission toward eliminating the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assaults regionally. If there are questions regarding the event, please call the Self Help Center at 235-2814, or, for more information regarding services, go to www.shccasper.com or find us on Facebook. Details regarding tickets for the event can be found at www.auctria.com/auction/lipsync.
Self Help Center gets donation
Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union donated $500 to the Self Help Center in Casper recently. The donation comes as a thank you to the credit union’s membership for helping them reach $500 million in assets. Jennifer Dyer, executive director of the Self Help Center accepted the donation from Crystal Bratvold, branch manager at Meridian Trust’s Casper branch.
Ski history project on track
The Casper Mountain Ski History (CMSH) project is very pleased to announce that the CMSH book and documentary DVD is scheduled to be published by the end of 2021. Many grants and donations previously received have been acknowledged. Thanks to more recent donors Barbara Bogart, Ralph and Lucille Barton, Jackie and Pinky Ellis, Alan Vandeventer, and Sandy Nations (in memory of Gay Nations). Sincere thanks to all who have given their help financially or in the form of their time and effort. Anyone interested in contributing their stories of skiing on Casper Mountain, photos, or other support are asked to please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
Donors acknowledged
In-Kind and other support for the Casper Mountain Ski History Project is most appreciated as our efforts to produce a book and video documentary continue. These products are based on interviews of 35 of Casper’s Nordic and Alpine ski pioneers.
The following supporters, in addition to those already published in previous notices, have made this project possible by their hard work and sharing of their expertise: Kevin Anderson, Vince Crolla and Johanna Wickman of the Western History Center at Casper College; Karen Snyder, Bart Rea and Craig Smith in procuring grants; Diane Neste, Nathan Vondra, Rick Zimmer with letters of support; Sally Ann Shurmur and the Casper Star Tribune with publicity and Barbara Bogart with transcriptions, donating half her salary back to the project.
This project has been possible through the generous support of many donors. Sincere thanks. Input from the community is welcome; please contact Sean Ellis at seanbarbseano@juno.com.
Clunkers wanted
Poverty Resistance is asking for donations of used cars, trucks and other vehicles, running or not. For more information call Mary Ann Budenske at 307-215-4732, email her at mbudenske@aol.com or PM her on Facebook.
Online training for Hospice volunteers
If you’ve been thinking of becoming a Hospice volunteer, now is the time. Training is now ongoing, and partially conducted online so you don’t have to wait to join the caring team.
Volunteers are the heart of Hospice. These exceptional, caring individuals use their gifts and skills to help provide patients, caregivers and families with peace and comfort through the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions programs.
Volunteers offer a wide range of help including patient and administrative support, companionship visits, errand running, letter writing, light housekeeping, and other opportunities. There is also a need for veteran volunteers to help with the special needs and concerns of veteran patients.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can help, please call Dixie at 577-4832.
Sandwich ministry offers Saturday lunch to those in need
The Sandwich Ministry has resumed each Saturday. Lunches are distributed from 10 a.m. to noon in the breezeway at First United Methodist Church.
Blue Envelope provides AED’s to CC
Casper College recently received $19,400 from the Blue Envelope Health Fund to purchase automated external defibrillator units.
According to John Becker, director of campus security and adjunct instructor, many buildings and other areas did not have an AED unit. However, the cost of one AED unit can run between $1,300 and $2,900. “We simply didn’t have the budget to buy the 22 units we needed to allow us to have one per floor in each building, one for the Casper College Ranch, and three traveling units for the athletic department,” said Becker.
Fortunately, Becker contacted the Blue Envelope to see if there was any help or ideas they could provide. “The board chair quickly acted on my request, and before I knew it, the college was provided with enough money to purchase 22 AED units, which brought our price down to about $850 for each.
Without the generous funds given to us by the Blue Envelope Health Fund, we would be in need of the AED units, especially for the ranch and the athletic department,” Becker noted.
Thanks to the support of Blue Envelope, Casper College is only in need of five more units and can now better provide help to those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
New treasures at Methodist thrift
The United Methodist Thrift Shop invites you to visit and check out our marvelous selection of treasures. You’ll find a rainbow selection of jewelry. The fine jewelry includes diamonds, rubies, jade, pearls, tourmaline, and Black Hills gold. There is a wide variety of costume jewelry, so if you are feeling creative, many pieces can even be recycled and up-cycled. There is a huge selection of Salt City candles, glass accessories, meltables, the candle warming supplies, in a broad variety of scents. For hunters of really special opportunities, winter coats and all pants, excluding men’s jeans, are 50 percent off. So, come on in and help us continue to make room for all of the magnificent donations from our generous community.
You’ll find us at 2111 East 12th, in the Beverly Plaza Shopping Center, near Big Lots and the Dollar Store. The shop is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit Holy Cross and Interfaith, staying right here among our neighbors.
Food for Thought needs drivers
Each week Wyoming Food for Thought Project puts together meals for kids, so that when they are away from school they are not going without. Each week, 1,200 food bags are distributed to schools and homes across the community.
Can you help? Drivers are needed each Thursday morning between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to deliver food bags. Call Michele at (307) 337-1703 or email volunteer@wyfftp.org
Help us, help others.
Symphony plans in-person March concert
The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra’s next Masterwork concert, Band Symphonica, is March 13 at 7:30 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m. Christopher Dragon will lead the WSO brass, wind and percussion through selections from Bach and Mozart, and then feature Friedrich Gulda’s wild Cello Concerto, with his fusion of rock, jazz, and classical styles. Cellist Seoyoen Min will join the WSO’s musicians to perform Gulda’s Cello Concerto; her naturally expressive and fiery musicality will add the artistic flair necessary for such a unique piece.
For the Saturday, March 13, concert, the WSO is opening the concert hall with a limited number of in-person seats. WSO Season/Pick 3 ticket subscribers from our previous season can purchase their in-person tickets now, with tickets available to the general public on February 16. Livestream options will be available on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon if you would like to enjoy the performance at home.
Safety precautions will be strictly observed in the auditorium including social distancing between parties, and masks being required for the duration of the performance. Visit the www.wyomingsymphony.org to purchase in person tickets and live stream access online. For more information or help with tickets, call the WSO Office at 266-1478.
Online class features pioneer sewing techniques
Fort Caspar Museum and the National Historic Trails Center are hosting free monthly Hands-on History Club programs and have adapted them to be COVID safe. Join us online Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time as we explore “Pioneer Stitches of Love.”
Keep your clothing intact by learning some basic needlework. Students will engage in simple projects while learning pioneer sewing skills. Interpreters will lead them through art projects that develop their ability to replace missing buttons and complete basic stitches. As a final project, the students will demonstrate their sewing mastery by monograming a handkerchief. Lessons are targeted for 2nd through 5th graders, but all are welcome to participate.
If you would like join us for this virtual class, you must sign up in advance online: go to the Fort Caspar Museum website (fortcasparwyoming.com) to find a link. The first 25 local families to sign up before Tuesday, February 16 at 5 p.m. will receive a free kit of sewing essentials that will be delivered contact free to their homes on Friday, Feb. 19. (Note: In the event of inclement weather, we will only be able to deliver to plowed roads, and therefore a pick-up option will be available.)
Again, online registration is required in advance for this free program so we may send you an electronic invitation. The registration deadline to receive the activity box is February 16, but you may sign up to join the class as late as Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Contact Stacey Moore at samoore@blm.gov if you have questions or need help with registration.
Friday support meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 508 Wyoming Blvd.; 5:30 p.m., 1124 N. Elma; 7 p.m. 917 N. Beech; 8 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott (closed); 9 p.m., 1868 S. Poplar. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.
Alcoholics Anonymous “A Sufficient Substitute:” 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, Speaker Meeting. Info: 266-2969.
Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8:30 p.m., 302 E. 2nd St., Methodist Church. Web site: urmrna.org.
Overeaters Anonymous: 10 a.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott. Info: Candace, 359-6225; Rebekah, 320-6779.
Al-Anon Family: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, Ste. 200, 12-24 Club, all ages welcome. Info: 377-7260 or 258-1444.
International Addictions Program: 7 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Conwell. Info: 266-5417.
Sweetheart Dinner
Sweetheart Dinner is Friday, Feb. 12, at the Casper Elks dining room. No dance this year due to COVID restrictions in the ballroom. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., in the Dining Room. Menu will be announced shortly. Members, significant other and guest accompanied by a member. Sign up at the Bar ASAP. For more information, call 234-4839 or 237-2432.
Food box distribution Friday
Poverty Resistance Food Pantry, 450 S. Wolcott, along with Wyoming Food for Thought Project (which did most of the leg work) and a little help from Joshua’s Storehouse will distribute 1,000 USDA Farmer to Family food boxes on Friday, Feb. 12.
The truck is due to arrive around 10 a.m. Lots of help is needed to unload the truck. The target time to distribute the boxes is noon. It is going to be REALLY cold. If you can volunteer, show up around 10 a.m.
If you are not going to volunteer but want a food box don’t come until noon. This is a one-time opportunity. We are not asking for ID or income verification. If you can pick up extra for friends or relatives, that will be okay. If you are associated with an agency or housing program and want to distribute directly to your clients, contact Mary Ann. If you can volunteer or for more information, email Mary Ann Budenske at mbudenske@aol.com, call her at 307-215-4732 or PM her on Facebook.
Super Fun Day at rec center
The Casper Recreation Center is pleased to announce several new classes, as well as favorites, are being offered in February.
The kids are out of school on Feb. 12 and 15 and the Rec Center will be having fully supervised Super Fun Days for elementary aged children. Enjoy ice skating, sports, games, crafts, snacks, and more for only $19 per day. Leaders are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Don’t delay — class sizes are limited and also require a minimum number of participants to be held, so register today. Simple and speedy online registration is available at www.activecasper.com, stop by 1801 E. 4th Street, or call 235-8383.
New class combines art and science
The Science Zone and the Nic have combined forces to create an awesome class for students in grades K-5 on Friday afternoons from 1 to 3:30. Students will investigate the intersections of art and science as they cultivate observational skills and learn techniques important to each discipline. We will explore new topics each month through hands-on experiences that are sure to excite and engage. The first class will take place on Feb. 12. Observe the prints by Salvador Dali and learn about the chemistry of lithography. Engage in a hands-on experiment and create your own prints inspired by Dali’s art while learning the observational and critical-thinking skills necessary for both disciplines. Sign up now at thesciencezone.org
Check the website at the Nic or the Science Zone to see the exciting classes that are scheduled for each month.
Free volunteer tax assistance in dropoff mode
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offered through April 8, with a COVID safe process. Masks are required to pick up a tax packet and drop off completed packets. If you are unable to wear a mask, call ahead to discuss alternative options.
Stop in to pick up a tax packet at 851 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Follow the instructions provided, complete intake form and gather required documents.
Drop off completed packet.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.
What to take for free tax prep
If interested in using the free volunteer income tax assistance this year, please gather the following documents to be dropped off:
Government-issued photo ID, social security cards or ITIN letters for taxpayers and dependents, All W-2 and 1099 forms for the tax year, bank account numbers for direct deposit, evidence for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions and medical expenses, receipts for child care expenses and the provider’s tax iD number, and prior year tax return. Masks are required for drop-off and the follow-up 15-minute appointment.
Drop off at Energy One, 351 Werner Court, on the first floor across from Wyoming Workforce Services. The office is accessed by CATC/The Bus Green Bus route.
Volunteers will reach out within seven days of drop-off to schedule a 15-minute socially distanced appointment to review and sign your return.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.
For more information, call 307-333-6031 during hours above.