Good morning, Casper.

Natrona County District Court ended a week of criminal cases from June 2nd to June 6th by arraigning defendants and handing down sentences for crimes like drug possession, burglary, and assault—some cases involved plea deals with harsher penalties if conditions were broken.

Natrona County’s economic index rose to 105.7 in March from 105.5 last year — even though unemployment increased to 3.7% and sales tax collections fell 2.1% to $9 million.

Nonfarm payroll jobs rose slightly to 40,400 and average home values increased 6.7% to $305,000, according to the Casper Economic Indicators report.

The College National Finals Rodeo draws tens of thousands to Casper—boosting the local economy by $2.5 million compared to previous years.

A Game and Fish official said in a presentation before the Legislature that Wyoming now has about 213,000 mule deer—less than half of the nearly 500,000 seen during the 1960s to 1980s—with drought, roadkill, habitat loss, and disease all contributing to the decline.

Wyoming geologist Carol Frost and her colleagues identified a new record for the oldest rock in America by comparing samples from Michigan, Minnesota and Wyoming.

Their study found Michigan’s Watersmeet gneiss rock is 3.62 billion years old (Frost said Wyoming might yield older rocks in future studies).

College National Finals Rodeo

Various times — Ford Wyoming Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling competition as college rodeo athletes showcase their skills in Casper.

STARbecue 2025

5:30-10 p.m. — Stage III Community Theatre — RSVP by June 18th — Celebrate incredible volunteers with BBQ, sneak peeks of the season, and karaoke fun.