Good morning, Casper.

Entrepreneur Trinity Beck will open the Dreadful Bookshop—a used horror book store on the third floor of 118 E.

2nd St. in downtown Casper—on Friday, June 13. The shop will offer used horror books to give local fans a safe space to enjoy their favorite stories.

Casper’s new year started with higher unemployment and lower sales tax revenue, with Natrona County’s January data showing a 4.3% unemployment rate and a 17% drop in taxable sales — findings from the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division.

The report also noted that home values increased 6.6% to $298,200 — and total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 400 jobs to reach its highest level since December 2015.

Casper College announced that Neil Williams is now the head coach for its rodeo team effective immediately and will lead the team through the remainder of the season including Ropin’ and Riggin’ Days Rodeo and likely a qualification for the College National Finals Rodeo in June.

The college has begun a national search for a permanent coach — and will continue to support its student-athletes with academic and emotional guidance.

Federal officials froze Biden-era grant programs that cost Food Bank of Wyoming a promised $535,000 and paused funding for the Home Energy Savings program—leaving more than $100 million in potential funds in limbo.

State and community leaders warned that without new federal applications accepted, critical support for food security and energy projects will face long-term setbacks.

A temporary 1% sales and use tax increase will take effect in Casper on April 1 to fund four approved infrastructure projects — a new Metro Animal Shelter at $7.3 million, a fire station design at $4.4 million, 911 dispatch upgrades at $5 million, and Washington Park bandshell improvements at $1.5 million. The tax will last for two years or until the funds are raised and is expected to meet its goal in 13 months — city officials stated.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation reports dry and clear roads in Casper today with warm, summer-like temperatures in the 70s—Interstate‑25 has a closure for the Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center near Cheyenne.

A fire weather watch is in effect today from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. as Casper is forecast to reach a high of 74 with a low near 44.

Wyoming Fire Marshals Conference on Community Risk Reduction

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Ramkota Hotel — Registration required — Participate in workshops on fire safety and community risk reduction with industry experts.

Annual Cowboy State Spring Expo

11 AM – 6 PM — Eastridge Mall — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local vendors, face painting, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

The Wyoming Wayfinders

7:30-9 p.m. — The Lyric — Tickets available — Enjoy an intimate indie folk/alt-country show featuring local talent and original music that connects with the spirit of the wild.

Grey Reef Trout Unlimited Speaker Series

6 p.m. — Frontier Brewing Company and Taproom — Free entry — Engage with local interests in conservation and fishing during this informative speaker series.