WYOMING

Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas, a three-term conservative Republican who stayed clear of the Washington limelight and political catfights, died Monday. He was 74.

It would be the first deal of its kind where outside investors have completely funded a fiber optic network that will be municipally owned.

Part of the change, and a hot topic during the work force summit, relates to housing. The governor said the state has the resources to help towns build infrastructure to develop more housing and encourage growth.

Mark Northam, research science consultant with Saudi Aramco, will begin work at UW on July 17, according to an announcement from the school.

The company made wood molding products before closing May 11. The company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to a release given to the laid-off employees.

Visionary Communications recently won the 2007 Bravo! Award for the northeast Wyoming region – an award given to those who demonstrate the best traits of entrepreneurship. Those traits include vision, drive, perseverance and willingness to take risks. Six winners were named statewide.

As America’s work force ages, employers must think about the work force differently, work to retain older workers past retirement age and get rid of age discrimination in the workplace.

Wyoming afterschool programs need trained workers, links to schools and a network of professional support if they are to be successful in helping families, children and the economy develop, advocates say.

The high-speed network would offer telephone, TV and Internet services over a fiber optic connection, with data speeds 10 to 30 times faster than current offerings.

Idaho, along with Montana and Utah, had an index of over 95 percent – meaning it’s largely succeeding when it comes to growing new industries.