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
LCBA Highlights July Community Events in the Gem City
Melissa Ross, marketing and membership director of the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance, highlighted some upcoming Chamber events in July
Experience Creative Growth: An Art Festival and Mural Dedication
Experience some of Laramie’s creative expression when the Cooper Center for Creative Arts presents Creative Growth: An Art Festival and Mural Dedication.
Young Entrepreneurs Make the Best of Warm Wyoming Weather
Head down to the corner of S.15th and Steele Streets, where you'll find four young businessmen who want to keep busy and make a little extra money.
Kick-off the Weekend at the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market
The first Downtown Laramie Farmers Market of the summer season starts Friday, June 28 and runs every Friday thru Sept. 27 from 3 to 7 p.m.
BLV Mosquito Control Application Near Big Laramie River Delayed
Big Laramie Mosquito Control Corp. said due to a shortage of WY qualified pilots, aerial spraying for mosquitoes on the Big Laramie River delayed until July 1
Elk Migration Researcher Named RMEF Conservationist of the Year
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Matt Kauffman is the recipient of its Conservationist of the Year Award for 2018.
Power Outage Reported in West Laramie
A power outage in West Laramie has been reported at 4 p.m. in the area of West Madison, North Pierce, and Van Buren Streets.
Timeline Announced for MMFC George Hanson’s Return to Laramie
On June 26, WWII Veteran George Hanson's remains will be escorted from Denver Airport to Laramie, with burial on Saturday, June 29, at Green Hill Cemetery.
Aerial Mosquito Control Planned for Wednesday Around Laramie
Laramie Mosquito Control and BLMCC scheduled the aerial application of Dibrom for mosquito control in rural areas adjacent to the City at 8 p.m. on Wed., June 26.
Aerial Mosquito Control Planned for Wednesday in Laramie
City of Laramie Mosquito Control scheduled the aerial application of Dibrom for control of mosquitoes in rural areas adjacent to the City at 8 p.m. Wed., 6/26.