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
‘Friends’ Host Annual Summer Book Sale to Support ACP Library
The Friends of the Albany County Public Library will hold its annual summer book sale from Wednesday, July 24 to Sunday, July 28.
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.
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.
6 Laramie Students Receive Prestigious Congressional Award
Six Laramie students were among 70 Wyoming students who received the 2019 Congressional Gold Medal Award, Congress’ most prestigious honor for youth.
150 Years of WY Women’s Suffrage: the Jubilee Days Parade Theme
The Laramie Jubilee Days Parade, set for Saturday morning at 9:30, is to further the promotion and celebration of Wyoming’s Statehood
BLMCC May Catch a Break and Get Aerial Mosquito Spraying Done
On Monday evening, July 8, Whitman said it looked like the BLMCC may get a weather reprieve and finally get the mosquito spraying completed.