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The federal government announced Monday it’s approving $205 million for the first year of a five-year cycle for Wyoming’s rural health program. The plan has been dubbed “Bear Care” because it would cover catastrophic events like being attacked by a bear. State Rep. John Bear, however, says the program is inappropriate government competition against private insurance companies.

Feds Approve $205 Million For Wyoming, Including 'Bear Care’ Health Plan

The federal government announced Monday it’s approved $205 million for the first year of Wyoming’s rural health program. Part of the plan has been dubbed “Bear Care” because it would cover catastrophic events like being attacked by a bear.

Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2025

The judge overseeing a small claims dispute has dismissed the case in which the ex-boyfriend of state Rep. Nina Webber, left, accused her of cheating him out of $6,000 for a ticket to an African hunting safari she didn’t join.

Judge Dismisses Claim Against Lawmaker That She Cheated Ex Out Of African Safari

The judge overseeing a small claims dispute has dismissed the case in which the ex-boyfriend of state Rep. Nina Webber accused her of cheating him out of $6,000 for a ticket to an African hunting safari she didn’t join.

Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2025

Jackson Hole buyers often have to choose between grand valley views or seclusion. This home on Trader Road is that rare exception, being secluded with views. It’s listing for $15.9 million.

Even In Jackson Hole, This $15.9 Million Home Stands Out — Secluded With Views

Jackson Hole buyers often have to choose between grand valley views or seclusion. A home on Trader Road is that rare exception, being secluded with views. It’s listing for $15.9 million.

Renée JeanDecember 31, 2025

Kamra is a mama racoon that got into trouble when she trashed someone’s vehicle in Cheyenne. She was reunited with her four offspring at the Broken Bandit animal rescue east of Cheyenne.

Wyoming Animal Rescue Says Raccoon Reunion With Her Babies Favorite Story Of 2025

Patricia Wyer has seen many animals come and go at her wildlife rescue center near Cheyenne, but her most heartwarming tale of 2025 is that of a momma raccoon who lost her babies, trashed a pickup in her angst, but then got a second chance.

Mark HeinzDecember 30, 2025

Railroad man Dick Nelson witnessed the wild times at rowdy railroad towns and wrote about his adventures, preserving the history for future generations, including his own grandchildren who are honoring his legacy. (He is the furthest right man standing on the caboose deck.)

Wyoming History: Dick Nelson, The Pioneering Railroad Man With Ice In His Veins

Dick Nelson was 12 when he came to Wyoming Territory in 1887 and spent 45 years watching shootouts as a railroad man. He also earned a reputation early as having ice in his veins, not even flinching when Texas cowhands shot at him.

Jackie DorothyDecember 30, 2025

The Industrial Siting Division said Monday during a hearing on the Chugwater wind and solar project that a critic filed fraudulent documents to contest it. The critic, a news editor in southeast Wyoming, says the agency, rather, violated the law.

Wyoming Agency Says Opponent Of Wind Project Filed Fraudulent Documents

The Industrial Siting Division said Monday during a hearing on the Chugwater wind and solar project that a critic filed fraudulent documents to contest it. The critic, a news editor in southeast Wyoming, says it's the agency that violated the law.

Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2025

After at least two weekends of an aggressive advertising campaign that named no specific political office, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray declared Monday that he’s running for the state’s lone U.S. House seat.

Chuck Gray Announces Run For Wyoming's U.S. House Seat

After at least two weekends of an aggressive advertising campaign that named no specific political office, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray declared Monday that he’s running for the state’s lone U.S. House seat.

Clair McFarlandDecember 29, 2025

Steven Marler

Gordon Says Revoke National Adoption Award For Casper Man Who Abused Kids

Years of sexual and physical abuse of multiple adopted children in Casper should be enough for a federal agency to rescind a Wyoming couple’s National Adoption Excellence Award, Gov. Mark Gordon said Monday.

Greg JohnsonDecember 29, 2025

This silver coin is a piece of eight, so-named because it could be cut into eight pieces for trading. The coin's collectible value is still worth more than its mere metal value. The silver is worth $70 or so dollars, but as a collectible, the coin is worth about $600.

Record Prices Have Wyoming Silver Owners On Alert As Global Demand Surges

With prices for silver hitting record highs as the year closes out, some in Wyoming are selling their silver. But other silver bugs are holding on, expecting prices to continue climbing.

Renée JeanDecember 30, 2025

December was dominated by record-highs, but Yellowstone's Old Faithful plunged to -27 Sunday, the coldest spot in the Lower 48. That won’t last, however, with the weather expected to rebound with highs in the 40s, 50s, and maybe even 60s this week.

Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Plunges To -27, Coldest Spot In Lower 48

December was dominated by record-highs, but Yellowstone's Old Faithful plunged to -27 Sunday, the coldest spot in the Lower 48. That won’t last, however, with the weather expected to rebound with highs in the 40s, 50s, and maybe even 60s this week.

Andrew RossiDecember 29, 2025

Logan Gosselin

Former Boot Camp Inmate Sues, Claims Permanent Damage From Excessive Exercise 

A former inmate at Wyoming’s boot camp for youthful offenders is suing the state Department of Corrections and agency officials. He claims excessive exercise forced on inmates caused him to suffer permanent organ damage.

Scott SchwebkeDecember 29, 2025

One person is dead after a pickup hit a train Nov. 28, 2025, on County Road 154 north of Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne. A local resident who captured video at the scene describes it as “a pretty bad deal.”

Wyoming Plans Future Of Rail As Five-Year Streak Without Train V. Car Death Ends

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is updating its Statewide Rail Plan as a five-year streak of no train vs. vehicle deaths ended last month. Along with safety at crossings, the agency is considering the potential for a return of passenger rail.

David MadisonDecember 29, 2025

The Dry Gulchers gang ran their own agenda around Sheridan in the 1960s, robbing banks, hanging outlaws and harassing tourists. They paid $1,500 each to be part of the posse that staged fake Wild West adventures for visitors.

Wyoming History: Sheridan’s Dry Gulchers Gang Paid To Rob, Hang, And Harass Tourists

The Dry Gulchers gang ran their own agenda around Sheridan in the 1960s, robbing banks, hanging outlaws and harassing tourists. They paid $1,500 each to be part of the posse that staged fake Wild West adventures for visitors.

Jackie DorothyDecember 29, 2025

Hunting in Wyoming’s grizzly country is intimidating, but with the right mentality going in, it doesn’t have to be terrifying. Overcoming that fear of getting mauled is a big part of hunting where grizzlies live.

Overcoming Fear Of Getting Mauled A Big Part Of Hunting In Grizzly Country

Celia Easton of Thermopolis said being attacked by a grizzly last October while she was elk hunting alone in the Beartooth Mountains has left her shaken. “Until you go through something like that, you don’t understand what it does to you,” she said

Mark HeinzDecember 28, 2025

The stuffed emperor penguin on display at the Green River Little America started its journey to Wyoming from Antarctica alive and died during transport. The plan was to keep a living penguin at the hotel, but it was doomed from the start. The bird was taxidermied and arrived stuff, and it remains on display at the first Little America.

Little America Wyoming’s Plan To Keep A Living Penguin Was Doomed From The Start

Back in the 1930s, an ill-advised plan was hatched to keep a living penguin at the Little America hotel in southwest Wyoming. The emperor penguin started its journey from Antarctica alive but died during transport. The stuffed penguin is still on display there and another at the Little America hotel in Cheyenne.

Andrew RossiDecember 28, 2025

Cloud Nine on-mountain restaurant at Aspen

Forget Burgers And Pizza, High-End Ski Resorts Get Big Bucks For Wagyu And Caviar

Lift ticket prices have increased 3,600% since 1972, and now caviar, Wagyu beef, and $18 Budweisers are showing up on high-end ski lodge menus. But at Wyoming’s smaller resorts, skiers can still get $10 cheeseburgers.

David MadisonDecember 28, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Monday, December 29, 2025

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsDecember 29, 2025

Parts of a wind turbine blade had been installed off of Esterbrook Road south of Douglas as part of a sculpture and snow fence project by Casper artist Chris Navarro is calling “The Wall of Renewal.”

Why Chris Navarro Is Using Old Wind Turbine Blade To Make Snow Fence Sculpture

Celebrated Wyoming sculptor Chris Navarro has used a giant wind turbine blade to make a snow fence sculpture at the Wyoming Rescue Mission ranch near Casper. He says “Wall of Renewal” could prove the viability of repurposing old blades as snow fences across the state.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 28, 2025

Pear and cherry trees in Utah are covered with blossoms while lilacs in Colorado are blooming like it's spring in late December. Experts are concerned that the  warm, dry days are tricking trees and stressing them out. FILE PHOTO

Warm Winter Is Faking Out Fruit Trees, Forcing Blooms Like It’s Spring

Pear and cherry trees in Utah are covered with blossoms while lilacs in Colorado are blooming like it's spring in late December. Arborists are concerned that the warm, dry days are tricking trees and stressing them out.

Andrew RossiDecember 28, 2025

Sand Creek Road just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway is hugely popular with local residents, and this winter it’s getting plowed. But only logging trucks are allowed on it, as in this file photo.

Snowy Range Residents Pleased Sand Creek Road Getting Plowed For Winter Logging

Many locals in the Snowy Range are pleased that a logging road is getting plowed this year even though they can't use it. Because of the "ghost forests" (massive stands of dead trees killed by pine beetle epidemics), they're just happy for the winter logging.

Mark HeinzDecember 28, 2025

For years, Baggs, Wyoming, Deputy Sheriff Bob Meldrum had legally — and eagerly — killed accused rustlers and outlaws. A quick-draw artist, his bloodlust caught up with him in 1912 when he killed the wrong man and was nearly lynched by a mob. 

Wyoming History: The Baggs Quick-Draw Lawman Who Liked Killing Too Much

Bob Meldrum was known as "Wyoming’s mysterious badman” for his skill with a rifle — and eagerness to use it. He was hired as an assassin by the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association and later went on to kill a man just because he was annoyed by his singing.

Jackie DorothyDecember 29, 2025

Juli Cook of Cody grew up in the shadow of Yellowstone National Park watching its famous wildlife. Now an emerging photographer, her debut book marries her breathtaking wildlife images and the stories behind the photos.

Cody Photographer Who Grew Up In Yellowstone’s Shadow Debuts Wildlife Book

Julia Cook of Cody grew up in the shadow of Yellowstone National Park watching its famous wildlife. Now an emerging photographer, her debut book marries her breathtaking wildlife images and the stories behind the photos.

Wendy CorrDecember 29, 2025

Bill McMillan, a World War II and Korean War veteran, recently celebrated his 103rd birthday.

At 103, Casper Man Is One Of America’s Few Remaining Living WWII Veterans

William McMillan of Casper turned 103 on Dec. 19 and is one of America’s few remaining living World War II veterans. He also served in the Korean War and held a top-secret assignment with the Atomic Energy Commission. Plus, he's independent and lives in his own home.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 27, 2025

As the University of Wyoming struggles in the emerging name, image, likeness (NIL) age to fund its players, some wonder if dropping out of Division I makes sense. Meanwhile, UW boosters look for ways to fund NIL as lower FCS schools outspend them.

Can UW Sports Compete In Division I As Lower Divisions Offer More NIL Money?

Montana and Montana State, who compete in a tier below Wyoming, each spend $2.2 million on NIL, while Wyoming spends $1.4 million. "That's embarrassing," one Wyoming booster said. "Schools that don't sit on the wealth of money we do are outspending us."

David MadisonDecember 27, 2025

The County Road 104 bridge over the Salt River traces its design roots to World War II.

Crumbling Bridge Near Alpine Replaced In Days With WWII ‘Erector Set’ Tech

When a crumbling bridge over the Salt River near Alpine was failing, engineers turned to an “Erector Set” concept invented during WW II. It comes together in days, and could be used more across Wyoming with nearly half the state’s bridges past their prime.

David MadisonDecember 27, 2025

In the height of the gold rush, South Pass City was the place for men to strike it rich — and for 22 of them, get murdered if they did. That’s because Polly Bartlett, the “Deadly Damsel,” would seduce, poison, and rob them.

Wyoming History: The Deadly Damsel Of South Pass Who Seduced, Then Murdered 22 Men

In the height of the gold rush, South Pass City was the place for men to strike it rich — and for 22 of them, get murdered if they did. That’s because Polly Bartlett, the “Deadly Damsel,” would seduce, poison, and rob them.

Jackie DorothyDecember 27, 2025

A team of French researchers published a study claiming teddy bears are too cute and cuddly to give children a realistic view of the apex predators, or nature in general. Bear experts in Wyoming laughed at the study and said that seems ridiculous.

French Researchers Concerned Teddy Bears Give Children Unrealistic View Of Nature

French researchers published a study claiming teddy bears are "too cute" and give children the wrong view of nature. Bear experts told Cowboy State Daily that if people are idiots around grizzlies, it's not because they had teddy bears growing up.

Mark HeinzDecember 27, 2025

Laramie band Winston Creek will be one of the Wyoming acts performing at the first Outlaw Music Festival in Kaycee. The event was created to fill the void left by the ending of the popular Chris LeDoux Days.

No More Chris LeDoux Days? No Problem. Kaycee’s Outlaw Music Fest Takes Its Place

For 15 years, Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee was a mainstay of Wyoming's summer music scene. Now that it’s over, locals have organized a new Outlaw Music Festival to take its place.

Renée JeanDecember 27, 2025

The research happening at Wyoming’s supercomputer facility in Cheyenne is about much more than climate change. It’s led to fundamental breakthroughs that have made many pursuits safer, ranging from fighting wildfires to flying jets. 

Researchers Fight To Keep Wyoming's NCAR Supercomputer Alive

Researchers, many of whom are Trump supporters, say the president is getting bad advice about defunding Wyoming's NCAR supercomputer. They say NCAR is responsible for breakthroughs that have made many things safer, ranging from fighting wildfires to flying jets. 

Renée JeanDecember 27, 2025

While much of Wyoming is experiencing record warmth and dryness, the mountains in western Wyoming are buried in snow. The snowpack is between 90% and 143% of average in what meteorologists say is a pattern where record-breaking warmth is building stellar snowpack. 

Eastern Wyoming Is Hot And Dry, But Western Part Of State Is Buried In Snow

While much of Wyoming has record warmth and dryness, the mountains in western Wyoming are buried in snow. The snowpack is between 90% and 143% of average in what meteorologists say is a pattern where record-breaking warmth is building a huge snowpack. 

Andrew RossiDecember 27, 2025

Madeline Daly and Basil 12 26 25

Mom Says She Doesn’t Know Why She Shot 11-Month-Old, Was Too Slow To Kill Herself

A woman who fled Wyoming with her baby boy more than a month ago told authorities she doesn’t know why she shot and killed him Tuesday. She also said she “wasn’t fast enough” to kill herself before officers got to her.

Greg JohnsonDecember 26, 2025

Styrofoam snowman on brown lawn in Cheyenne on Friday, December 26, 2025

Wyoming Breaks 150-Year-Old High Temperature Records

Meteorologists are still analyzing Wyoming's Christmas temperatures, but it seems this was the warmest Christmas on record going back over 150 years. Temperatures on Christmas Day were up to 36 degrees higher than seasonal averages. 

Andrew RossiDecember 26, 2025

Shawn Norby holds a sign explaining the Star Plunge water park and hot springs in Thermopolis was closed Jan. 14, 2025, a day earlier than expected, as a dispute continues between the state and the facility's owners/operators.

One Year Later, Star Plunge Hot Springs Still Closed As Legal Stalemate Continues

Almost a year after the popular Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park abruptly closed, it remains shut. A legal stalemate over who will operate the attraction continues.

Renée JeanDecember 26, 2025

From expanding coal lease sales across the Powder River Basin to a new energy secretary with fracking credentials, Wyoming's oil and gas industry found the Trump administration a friendlier federal partner in 2025. 

How Trump's Energy Agenda Is Reshaping Wyoming's Oil And Gas Industry

From expanding coal lease sales across the Powder River Basin to a new energy secretary with fracking credentials, Wyoming's oil and gas industry found the Trump administration a friendlier federal partner in 2025. 

David MadisonDecember 26, 2025

The company proposing a 900-megawatt project at Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County claims that restrictions aimed at protecting big horn sheep there will make it too expensive, driving costs up by $1.6 billion.

Company Says Protecting Seminoe Bighorn Could Add $1.6B To Power Project Costs

The company proposing a 900-megawatt power generation project at Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County claims that restrictions aimed at protecting bighorn sheep there will make it too expensive, driving costs up by $1.6 billion.

Mark HeinzDecember 26, 2025

Tourists piling out of tour van parked in the middle of the road in Yellowstone National Park, which is against park rules. They also park in the flow of traffic.

Company Denies Claims That Yellowstone Tour Buses Routinely Block Roads

It's against the rules to stop in the middle of the road in Yellowstone National Park, but people do it anyway. Some claim big tour companies get away with it, but the park’s largest tour provider says that’s not the case.

Mark HeinzDecember 26, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Conrad Privateer. Conrad writes, "This sunrise was captured in Bondurant on the crunchy-cold morning of December 30th. The Gros Ventre mountain range is in the background. The morning clouds were highlighted by the rising sun; just beautiful."

Photo by Conrad Privateer

Today's question to Don Day

Mark James Mullins of Douglas
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
Don Day
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
DD

Sponsored

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Legacy 16

Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care

Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.

November 21, 2025

A volunteer with Food Bank of Wyoming helps sort and pack food at a mobile pantry in Pinedale in October 2025.

Government Shutdown Reveals Long Term Hunger Crisis in Wyoming

With the current hunger crisis stemming from the government shutdown, the Food Bank ramped up the amount of food it is sourcing and distributing, made possible thanks to donor support and emergency funds from the state.

November 17, 2025

John Hardee and Sean Michaels stand outside the Hilltop Bank branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Officers in Hilltop Bank’s Cheyenne Office Share an Uncannily Similar Career Story

Both Josh Hardee and Sean Michaels began their careers working in finance before they felt the calling to public service. Even if their day-to-day lives look a bit different these days—Hardee spent nearly two decades with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, while Michaels rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy during a decorated military career—the Hilltop officers say that calling to serve others has remained.

November 10, 2025

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Looking Back At 2025 – Prominent Deaths & Continuing Energy Boom

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “This past year was full of incredibly good economic news and a lot of horrible news with the many deaths of important people plus more than our share of tragic deaths.”

Bill SniffinDecember 27, 2025

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Chances Dimming For A Woman Governor

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The office of governor always has been regarded as the best political job in Wyoming. I always thought Lummis would be the one to become the first woman elected governor on her own merits. Even after her announcement, supporters are urging her to run."

Joan BarronDecember 27, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Federal Judge Vindicates Wyoming Family’s Rights

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “Teachers are hired to supplement the education that parents provide, not to supplant it. Now, a federal judge has ruled that supplanting parental rights violates Due Process, Free Exercise of Religion and Free Speech rights.”

Jonathan LangeDecember 26, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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