Good morning, Casper.

Casper's new Barnes & Noble bookstore will have its grand opening celebration on Friday at 10 a.m. with Wyoming author Craig Johnson cutting the ribbon & signing copies of his latest Longmire book while guests can take pictures with the Cat in the Hat amid weekend deals.

Casper’s feed store, operating for over a century, earns praise for its warm customer care that consistently surprises first-time visitors + its long tradition of service sets it apart from many modern businesses.

Casper’s Barnes & Noble at Blackmore Marketplace will hold its grand opening celebration Friday at 10 a.m. after a soft launch, featuring best-selling author Craig Johnson cutting the ribbon, signing his latest Longmire novel & offering a Cat in the Hat photo opportunity.

Wyoming’s iconic Lincoln Monument earned a National Register of Historic Places designation in July, celebrating sculptor Robert Russin’s legacy (the monument has greeted travelers since 1959).

Amid a heat dome, Wyoming’s coal share dropped to about 47% as utilities boost production at plants (such as Laramie River Station) to meet rising demand following a July 26 federal order for backup capacity.

Renewable and natural gas sources are growing as older coal units convert.

A Trace One analysis shows Wyoming’s food manufacturing sector employed 918 workers in 84 facilities in 2025, with a worker concentration of 3.3 per 1,000 compared with 11.4 nationally + highlighting its modest local scale.

Casper/Natrona County International Airport hit its highest July passenger count since 1981 with 10,900 travelers and is pursuing another commercial airline while planning infrastructure upgrades — a new control tower will break ground Friday, Aug.

14, and an apron project awaits a grant agreement by Aug. 15.

Natrona County School District announced its free and reduced-price meal policy for children today, outlining income criteria and options for direct certification through SNAP (families may contact the school for details).

A formal appeals process is available as needed (please review the policy at the school office).

A wildfire broke out near Harvey Place off Salt Creek Highway on Tuesday, Aug.

4 — local officials advised residents to steer clear to let firefighters work safely.

The Bureau of Land Management approved a 3D seismic survey on about 38,000 acres west of Casper that began Aug.

1 and will run until Oct. 31. Zavannah Resources will conduct daily operations (weather permitting) and post signage for public users.

Oil City News is hosting questionnaires online to help Casper voters learn about gubernatorial hopeful Megan Degenfelder and other candidates ahead of the Aug.

18 primary; responses to three standard questions are posted until Aug. 11 via the Election Tracker & offer insights into local challenges.

Casper City Council accepted two grants worth roughly $210,000 Tuesday to modernize Washington Park tennis courts and fund a riparian restoration project along the North Platte River.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the improved courts is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 6.

Dirty Heads Live in Casper

7-8:30 p.m. — The Gaslight Social — Tickets start at $143 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Dirty Heads at this local favorite venue.

Collective Soul Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Gaslight Social — Tickets from $76 — Experience an unforgettable night with the legendary band Collective Soul.