Tom Kocal joined Townsquare Media as the LaramieLive.com Multimedia Reporter in February 2019 after a 40-year career in the newspaper business. After selling the Lanark, Carroll County, Illinois newspaper business in 2013, Tom was one of the founders of Carroll County’s only online news source. “Change is the one constant” is a mantra that motivated Tom to set out on a new adventure after his wife of 45 years passed away in early 2018. After a road trip in the summer of 2018, the lure of the west called, and Tom moved to Laramie in September 2018. “I’ve seen the newspaper and printing industries change tremendously in 40 years,” Tom said. “We started out with Ben Franklin-era hand-set type, Linotypes, and lead type printed on a hand-fed printing press, to producing news and photos for online readers that can be posted from my smart phone in my truck. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks!” Tom has two older children and 2 grandchildren. His interests include his fiancé, Julie, and her grandchildren; gardening, preserving, cooking and eating the vegetables they grow; and bicycling while enjoying the scenery and to stay in shape. Tom enjoys being an active member of the Laramie community, reporting for LaramieLive.com on the events that Laramie has to offer and meeting more unique personalities that make this community a very special place.
Thomas Kocal
Albany County Courthouse North Entrance Remodel Begins This Week
The North entrance of the Albany County Courthouse will be closed for construction beginning Thursday, Aug. 8.
Judged by the Past 10 Years, the Next 10 Look Good for Laramie
The July 23 work session saw Laramie council members updated on the 10-year Economic Development plan, with the priority that the plan includes action.
Hightower Convicted in the 2018 Death of Laramie’s Vidal Madera
Tonya Hightower was convicted by an Albany Co. jury Wednesday of aggravated homicide by vehicle for the 2018 death of 57-year-old Vidal Madera of Laramie.
Public Input Sought on Wyoming Air Ambulance Medicaid Waiver
Residents are invited by the WY Dept. of Health to offer their thoughts and perspectives on a proposed Medicaid waiver plan for Wyoming Air Ambulance Service.
ACCWA Want County Commission to ‘Say No’ to Tumbleweed Express
Re-opening this gas station means that 33,000 gallons of fuel will be constantly sitting right on top of our drinking water aquifer.
Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers at the UW Planetarium Saturday Night
It’s a brand-new show for 2019! Rock out with the Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers under the planetarium dome with psychedelic visuals bumping with the music.
Constellations As You’ve Never Seen Them Before at UW Planetarium
Constellations Across Cultures Program, Friday, July 26, from 8 to 9 p.m. at the UW Harry C. Vaughn Planetarium, 1000 E. Ivinson Ave. in Laramie.
UW, WBC Launch Network to Connect Entrepreneurs and Mentors
High Plains Mentor Network will increase the chance of success of WY entrepreneurs in their startup endeavors, providing free guidance from experienced mentors.
UW Chef Debe Brady Takes Silver at National Culinary Challenge
UW Dining Services Chef Debe Brady took home a silver medal against 36 universities during the NACUFS National Culinary Challenge in Denver July 11.
Laramie Municipal Band Offers Free Concerts in Washington Park
If you are a fan of live music, the Laramie Municipal Band offers free concerts throughout the month of July.
21 Old Trees Removed on Grand Ave., but Replacements are Planned
The Grand Ave. resurfacing project by WYDOT, the concern of many residents is that 21older trees have been removed, and they wonder if they will be replaced.
Justice Marilyn Kite Honored as Jubilee Days Parade Grand Marshal
The Laramie Jubilee Days parade on Saturday morning features a well-respected and accomplished Wyoming woman as the 2019 Grand Marshal - Justice Marilyn Kite.