Good morning, Casper.

Local TV stations helped broadcast Townsquare Media’s live coverage — part of the annual Stuff the Van event promoting holiday giving at eastside Walmart this week.

CHA Cares will distribute gifts on Monday, Dec. 22 after the event runs daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Saturday, Dec. 20.

The Nicolaysen Art Museum will host its annual Holiday Open House on Dec.

20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum in Casper, offering festive music, hands-on art activities, and seasonal refreshments (with a donation of gently used warm clothing or canned goods requested).

Local educators told Natrona County commissioners this week that the skilled labor shortage has increased construction costs (up to 20% more) and reduced bids, prompting a local manufacturer to run a welding school as vocational classes have turned away students.

KWHS senior Emma Hager signed with Black Hills State on Wednesday, Dec.

17 to compete in volleyball and track and field. The athlete, who plans to major in Exercise Science (and will stay close to home), said she appreciated the support from family and teammates during the ceremony.

Extreme winds knocked down a barn built by a local family on Dec.

17 when gusts reached up to 144 mph in parts of the region; high wind warnings remain for Casper today (gusts are expected to ease later).

Casper College volleyball head coach Angel Sharman was named All-Region IX North Sub-Region Coach of the Year for the 2025 to 2026 season.

Her team won Region 9 North and District B Championships and finished 14th nationally in the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament.

KWHS senior Madyn Waring held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Dec.

16, and she signed to compete in track & field for Oregon State University next year in Corvallis. She chose OSU over other options for its all-women's team and strong track program.