Casper Star-Tribune: A History of Journalism in Wyoming
The story of the Casper Star-Tribune is a reflection of the growth and evolution of Casper, Wyoming. From its humble beginnings as a weekly publication owned by a collective of local citizens to its current status as a primary news source under Lee Enterprises, the paper has navigated a century of mergers, ownership changes, and industry shifts.
The Early Years: From Natrona Tribune to Daily News
The publication first appeared on June 1, 1891, as the Natrona Tribune. It was launched by the Republican Publishing Co., a group of 20 men, and edited by J. Enos Waite. To establish the new weekly, Waite relocated the printing plant of the Bessemer Journal to Casper. Following Waite's nine-month tenure, Marion P. Wheeler took over as editor until 1893.
The late 19th century saw a period of rapid leadership turnover, with seven different editors—including Alex T. Butler and George P. Devenport—each serving for a year or less. This instability ended in June 1897 when Alfred J. Mokler, previously of the Platte Centre Signal, purchased the paper, which had been renamed the Natrona County Tribune.
In October 1914, J. Edwin Hanway acquired the publication. Under Hanway's leadership, the paper underwent significant expansion, becoming a daily publication on October 9, 1916, and rebranding as the Casper Daily Tribune. This growth led to the construction of the dedicated "Tribune Building" in downtown Casper, completed in 1920.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Consolidation and the Rise of the Star-Tribune
The mid-20th century was marked by strategic mergers. In December 1925, Hanway purchased the Casper Herald from Max Levand and merged it with his own paper to create the Casper Tribune-Herald. Following J.E. Hanway's death in 1946, his son, Earl E. Hanway, assumed leadership.
Competition arrived on September 29, 1949, with the founding of the Casper Morning Star by 25-year-old Alan Drey. After Drey suffered a heart attack due to extreme fatigue, he relinquished his post to Frank R. Wadell in December 1950, who was later succeeded by Earl J. Mason in 1951.
While the companies publishing the Morning Star and the Tribune-Herald merged in September 1953, the two newspapers continued to operate separately. This changed in October 1961 when Robert S. Howard purchased both entities. By June 1965, the two papers were fully merged to form the Casper Star-Tribune.
Modern Era and Lee Enterprises Ownership
The 21st century brought corporate acquisition and digital transformation. In 2002, Lee Enterprises acquired Howard Publications and its 16 newspapers for $694 million. Lee Enterprises further expanded its local footprint by acquiring The Casper Journal in 2004.
As the media landscape shifted, the Star-Tribune introduced a metered paywall (a system that allows a limited number of free articles before requiring a subscription) to its website in 2011. In 2018, the newsroom made history by voting to unionize under The News Guild, becoming the first newspaper in Wyoming and the first Lee Enterprises-owned paper to do so.
Recent years have seen significant operational changes. The Casper Journal ceased operations in August 2022. In June 2023, the Star-Tribune reduced its print schedule to three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) and transitioned from carrier delivery to postal delivery. Most recently, in April 2025, Lee Enterprises appointed John Mangalonzo as the executive editor.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: June 1, 1891, as the Natrona Tribune.
- Daily Transition: Became a daily paper on October 9, 1916.
- Major Merger: The Casper Tribune-Herald and Casper Morning Star merged in June 1965.
- Corporate Owner: Acquired by Lee Enterprises in 2002.
- Labor Milestone: First Wyoming newspaper to unionize (2018).
- Current Print Schedule: Three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
| Year | Event/Entity Name | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1891 | Natrona Tribune | Founded as a weekly publication |
| 1916 | Casper Daily Tribune | Transitioned to daily publication |
| 1925 | Casper Tribune-Herald | Merger with the Casper Herald |
| 1949 | Casper Morning Star | Founded by Alan Drey |
| 1965 | Casper Star-Tribune | Full merger of Tribune-Herald and Morning Star |
| 2002 | Lee Enterprises | Acquisition of Howard Publications |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Casper Star-Tribune become a daily newspaper?
The publication transitioned to a daily format on October 9, 1916, under the name Casper Daily Tribune.
Who currently owns the Casper Star-Tribune?
The newspaper is owned by Lee Enterprises, which acquired it in 2002 as part of the purchase of Howard Publications.
What is the current print delivery schedule?
As of June 2023, the paper is printed three days a week—Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—and is delivered via the postal service.
What was the significance of the 2018 union vote?
The newsroom staff voted to join The News Guild, making the Star-Tribune the first newspaper in Wyoming and the first Lee Enterprises property to unionize.
Who is the current executive editor?
John Mangalonzo was named the executive editor of the Star-Tribune in April 2025.