Good morning, Laramie.

Local buyers Robb and Jen Hicks and Rob Mortimore acquired eight Wyoming newspapers six days after News Media Corp. shut them down and rehired all staff to resume print editions immediately — the sale is expected to close by week's end.

The Laramie Recreation Center will close for annual maintenance from August 26 through September 1—its team will perform deep cleaning and repairs after serving 500 to 1,000 daily visitors.

Locals are encouraged to visit nearby parks and trails while the facility is closed.

Veteran Wyoming news execs Robb and Jen Hicks and Rob Mortimore announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement in principle with News Media Corporation to purchase eight newspapers—plans to resume publishing soon are in place.

Legislators and land management officials said Wyoming’s timber industry is set for a comeback as Canadian lumber tariffs and new federal and state policies are expected to increase local log volumes beyond the capacity of the state’s few sawmills – revised estimates now predict 7.5 million board feet in timber sales, which may also support forest management to reduce wildfire risk.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in place for a portion of Medicine Bow National Forest in southeast Wyoming—officials have not announced when the restrictions will be lifted.

Wyoming lawmakers rejected a proposed change to require state Supreme Court nominees to pass a Senate confirmation vote, with the measure failing by a narrow 3—2 vote on Tuesday in Casper.

Some legislators said they planned to keep the discussion going on how to give the public more insight into choosing judges.

State Sen. Eric Barlow announced his run for governor during a Tuesday speech at the Wright Centennial Museum in Campbell County.

He said he will lower property taxes, promote energy independence and defend local control + his campaign will focus on conservative issues like the Second Amendment and pro-life policies.