Good morning, Casper.

On May 7th, the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce held its 122nd Excellence in Business Awards ceremony at Casper's tallest building — The M, where keynote speaker Frank J.

Kenny praised the chamber's support for local businesses. Awards honored local leaders with Committee Member of the Year to Tom Van Kleef, Emerging Leader to Amanda Flanagan, and Non-Profit of the Year to Dave Hulshizer — reflecting strong local business achievements.

A 15-year-old Casper resident, Marquis Hayman, was sentenced on Friday to eight to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two shootings at north Casper residences last summer—he may earn a sentence review if he completes boot camp and is ordered to pay $2,100 after serving about 260 days in jail.

After over 20 years of music and community fun, Beartrap Summer Festival will not be held this year so organizers can plan its return in 2026 at its original home on Casper Mountain.

The pause is meant to help preserve the festival’s traditions and allow for a refreshed event next year.

Casper College will hold its 79th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Ford Wyoming Center with over 230 students marching.

College instructor Paula Flynn will play the prelude and student Katie Baumstarck will sing the Star Spangled Banner (she is earning an associate degree in nursing and was named the college’s Shaping Wyoming’s Future winner), while graduating student Nolan Hornecker, picked through a speech contest, will be the commencement speaker.

Casper announced that fiber-optic cables will be installed in public rights-of-way from this summer into next year to upgrade internet speeds, and residents may notice temporary impacts on traffic and driveways during construction — approved providers will promptly repair any damage or address concerns around the clock.

A legislative committee voted eight to five Friday to keep studying a proposal to ban public money for lobbying groups—local officials and associations debated whether cost-sharing helps small towns while critics claim the funds are misused.

Lawmakers and local leaders provided different reasons to support their positions as the debate continues.

Four-year-old Cate beat leukemia and then enjoyed a magical trip to Disney World with her family through a Make-A-Wish Wyoming grant after finishing treatment.

She now attends preschool and has monthly checkups while she remembers meeting princesses, riding rides, and sharing special hugs—moments that helped her recovery.

Casper Wyoming Ink Masters Tattoo Expo 2025

1:00-2:30 p.m. — Ford Wyoming Center — Check event page for ticket prices — Celebrate artistry at the second annual tattoo expo featuring live tattooing and industry insights.

15 Cars Auction in Casper, WY

9:30 p.m. — 2305 Salt Creek Hwy, Casper — Free registration — Discover an exciting array of repairable and salvage Chevrolet Traverse cars at this massive auction.

Lumbar Spine Manual Therapy Workshop

6 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Wind City Physical Therapy — Registration required — Enhance your skills in managing low back pain using best evidence principles.