CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A man convicted of striking his former girlfriend in the head with a hammer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. The Associated Press reports a judge also ordered LaShawn King on Thursday to pay medical expenses of his former girlfriend Melissa Benson. At King’s sentencing hearing, Benson said she still suffers from vertigo and has trouble sleeping.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Authorities say alcohol appears to have played a role in what they suspect was a murder-suicide involving a married Casper couple. The Associated Press reports 60-year-old Walt McMillin and his 55-year-old wife, Jodi McMillin, were found with gunshot wounds to the head Thursday morning by police. Police the couple had a history of family violence, but it remains unclear who fired the gun.

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — Four Northern Arapaho members from the Wind River Indian Reservation are the world champions of hand drum singing. The group known as North Bear claimed the title at the recent Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. North Bear singer Jermaine Bell tells The Riverton Ranger their unique singing style is being called a game-changer by some top performers in the Indian Country music.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Boat owners in Wyoming can now renew their state watercraft registration on the computer. People can complete an application on the Wyoming Game and Fish website. Boat owners can print off a receipt which will serve as valid registration until the sticker and official registration arrives from the Game and Fish in about two weeks.

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