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Orion Schlesinger, 18, has pleaded guilty a plea deal in the arrow killing case of a 23-year-old man.

One Of Two Big Piney Men In Bow And Arrow Ambush Death Pleads Guilty 

Orion Schlesinger pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to ambush and kill his video gaming friend Dakota Farley the night of Feb. 1-2 in Big Piney. Rowan Littauer, who's accused of firing the fatal shot with a bow, is still on track for trial.

Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2025

The Wyoming Public Service Commission and Wyoming industrial electric consumers say they will appeal a recent ruling that Rocky Mountain Power customers owe the utility $23.5 million.

Public Service Commission To Appeal Ruling That RMP Customers Owe Utility $23.5M

The Wyoming Public Service Commission and Wyoming industrial electric consumers say they will appeal a recent ruling that Rocky Mountain Power customers owe the utility $23.5 million.

Renée JeanOctober 16, 2025

The foundation to install the Tumble Inn Cowboy sign is ready outside the Yellowstone Garage and Bull Horn Brewery at the corner of West Yellowstone Highway and South Elm Street in Casper.

New Casper Home Ready For 21-Foot Tumble Inn Cowboy, But Debut Unlikely This Year

Those restoring the historic Tumble Inn Cowboy sign that once stood in Powder River say its debut in downtown Casper will take a little longer. A new home for the 21-foot neon sign is ready, but it's unlikely it will go up this year.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 16, 2025

The man involved in a deadly crash in Cheyenne on Wednesday was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, local police report. Oliver Brit registered 0.30% on a breath test, more than three times the legal limit to drive.

Cheyenne Police Report Man Who Allegedly Killed Motorcycle Rider Was Drunk

The man involved in a deadly crash in Cheyenne on Wednesday was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, local police report. He registered 0.30% on a breath test, more than three times the legal limit to drive.

Jackson WalkerOctober 17, 2025

A Casper gravel mining developer has filed a second lawsuit in Natrona County District Court against the Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners. Prism Logistics was denied the renewal of two Casper Mountain leases by the board earlier this month. Above is Prism's Kyle True and the area of one of the leases.

Gravel Developer Sues State Board Again Over Denial Of Casper Mountain Leases

A Casper gravel mining developer has filed a second lawsuit in Natrona County District Court against the Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners. Prism Logistics was denied the renewal of two Casper Mountain leases by the board earlier this month.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 16, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon addresses the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit in Bozeman on Thursday.

Gordon Slams 'Ridiculous' Energy Permitting, Says Time To Innovate, Not Regulate

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon slammed "ridiculous" federal energy permitting delays Thursday at a Montana governors summit. He also praised state-backed stable coin and said it's time to innovate, not regulate, energy.

David MadisonOctober 16, 2025

This bull elk was among four illegally shot and left to rot in southern Colorado.

Four Trophy Bull Elk Illegally Killed, Colorado Poachers Could Face Lifetime Bans

In a poaching case that one wildlife official said is the worst he’s ever seen, four trophy-sized bull elk were shot and left to rot in southern Colorado in one of the state’s most prized hunting areas. Offenders could face lifetime hunting bans if caught.

Mark HeinzOctober 16, 2025

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office train to immobilize cars during high-speed pursuits by pushing and spinning a decommissioned jail transport van across the runway at Rawlins Municipal Airport.

Carbon County Deputies Use Retired Jail Van To Practice Immobilizing Moving Cars

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office trains to immobilize cars during high-speed pursuits by pushing and spinning a decommissioned jail transport van across the runway at Rawlins Municipal Airport.

Andrew RossiOctober 16, 2025

The accidental shooting deaths of two Idaho hunters in the past week highlights the dangers of unsafe hunting, say Wyoming outdoorsmen. It's also a reminder to be extra careful with more hunters out looking for game every season.

Two Idaho Hunters Killed In Two Days Highlights Dangers Of Unsafe Hunting

The accidental shooting deaths of two Idaho hunters in the past week highlights the dangers of unsafe hunting, say Wyoming outdoorsmen. It's also a reminder to be extra careful with more hunters out looking for game every season.

Mark HeinzOctober 15, 2025

A detective's account gives gruesome details about the stench and filth in the home of a man Cheyenne-area man accused of hoarding more than 100 animals. Michael Ohern appeared in court Wednesday and remains in jail facing 22 felony cruelty charges. 

Conditions For Animals ‘Abhorrent’ Inside Home Of Alleged Hoarder

A detective's account gives gruesome details about the stench and filth in the home of a Cheyenne-area man accused of hoarding more than 100 animals. Michael Ohern appeared in court Wednesday and remains in jail facing 22 felony cruelty charges. 

Jackson WalkerOctober 15, 2025

A Uinta County man accused of using AI to transform a teen’s photo into child pornography faces four felony charges. The case has reignited some Wyoming lawmakers’ push to curb "deepfake" deceptions and bolster AI-related law.

Uinta County Man Accused Of Using AI To Put Girl In Child Porn

A Uinta County man accused of using AI to transform a teen’s photo into child pornography faces four felony charges. The case has reignited some Wyoming lawmakers’ push to curb "deepfake" deceptions and bolster AI-related law.

Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Thursday, October 16, 2025

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

Jake NicholsOctober 16, 2025

When the Wyoming Cowboys football team takes the field Oct. 25 for the Border War rivalry game against Colorado State University, they'll be wearing a special coal-black alternative uniform. It's a tribute to Wyoming's coal industry.

UW Football Swaps Brown And Gold For Coal Black In Border War Tribute

When the Wyoming Cowboys football team takes the field Oct. 25 for the Border War rivalry game against Colorado State University, they'll be wearing a special coal-black alternative uniform. It's a tribute to Wyoming's coal industry.

Andrew RossiOctober 15, 2025

Rep. Bill Allemand says his fiery opposition to accepting nuclear waste storage in Wyoming has tarnished some political relationships. He also says the fallout is worth it with this week’s announcement that Radiant Nuclear has abandoned its Wyoming plans.

Legislator Leading Charge Against Nuclear Waste Says Political Fallout Is Worth it

Rep. Bill Allemand says his fiery opposition to accepting nuclear waste storage in Wyoming has tarnished some political relationships. He also says the fallout is worth it with this week’s announcement that Radiant Nuclear has abandoned its Wyoming plans.

Jackson WalkerOctober 15, 2025

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill Tuesday to end prosecution of diesel “delete” mechanics, free them from prison, and erase related penalties. She also supports a presidential pardon for Cheyenne Diesel "delete" mechancic Troy Lake.

Lummis Introduces Bill To End Diesel 'Delete' Rules, Free Imprisoned Mechanics

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill Tuesday to end emissions requirements and prosecution of diesel “delete” mechanics. An attorney defending a Wyoming mechanic said the idea supports rural America, but the bill's a "long shot" as written.

Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2025

Wyoming sheep jams are a reminder of the big struggles ranchers face. Rising costs and industry changes threaten family farms, prompting new efforts to protect them.

Wyoming Sheep Jams Reveal Mounting Pressures On Local Ranches And Farms

Wyoming sheep jams are a reminder of the big struggles ranchers face. Rising costs and industry changes threaten family farms, prompting new efforts to protect them.

David MadisonOctober 15, 2025

A 70-pound tortoise was singed but safe after it was rescued from a weekend greenhouse fire in Worland. Firefighters say the blaze was started when the tortoise knocked over its own heat lamp.

70-Pound Worland Tortoise Survives Greenhouse Fire It Started

A 70-pound tortoise survived a greenhouse fire in Worland that it was responsible for. Firefighters say the blaze was started when the tortoise knocked over its own heat lamp.

Andrew RossiOctober 15, 2025

Wyoming’s John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, plus most other Republicans in the U.S. Senate, are urging the FDA to cut nationwide access to abortion pills. Pro-choice advocates say ideology, rather than harm to women, is driving the senators’ message.

Lummis, Barrasso Target Abortion Pill At Federal Level

Wyoming’s John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, plus most other Republicans in the U.S. Senate, are urging the FDA to cut nationwide access to abortion pills. Pro-choice advocates say ideology, rather than harm to women, is driving the senators’ message.

Sean BarryOctober 15, 2025

Marissa Allen on life support in a Colorlado hospital after being shot in the head last week.

'I Shot Her': Gillette Woman Shot In Head Remains On Life Support, Man Charged

A Gillette woman remained on life support Tuesday after being shot in the head last week. Police say Javier Abeyta allegedly admitted to a witness "I shot her." He was arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault.

Scott SchwebkeOctober 14, 2025

Natrona County School District 1 Superintendent Angela Hensley barred two school board trustees from attending a meeting over restrictions put on new Turning Point USA chapters. The trustees had been invited to the meeting by the parents of a TPUSA student leader.

Natrona County Schools Chief Won’t Let Board Members Into Turning Point Meeting

The Natrona County School District 1 superintendent barred two school board trustees from attending a meeting over restrictions put on new Turning Point USA chapters. The trustees had been invited to the meeting by the parents of a TPUSA student leader.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 14, 2025

The Natrona County school district meeting room was packed on Monday night with many having an opinion on the district’s controversy involving Turing Point USA Club America chapters.

Natrona County Schools Accused Of Stifling Free Speech Over Turning Point Chapters

The Natrona County District No. 1 school board heard plenty Monday from people about the controversy over forming Turning Point USA chapters in the district. The Natrona County High TPUSA founder said the district has been stifling free speech.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 14, 2025

After Radiant Nuclear dumped Wyoming for Tennessee on Monday, questions surround the future of the state’s nuclear industry. Legislators and elected officials are pointing fingers of blame and speculation over the decision. Gov. Mark Gordon and state Sen. Ed Cooper, right, decry losing Radiant, calling legislators opposed to the project "Club No." Two of those are state Reps. Rachel Rodriguez-Willaims and Bill Allemand, left.

Legislators Pointing Fingers Over Radiant Nuclear Killing Wyoming Project

After Radiant Nuclear dumped Wyoming for Tennessee, state lawmakers are left pointing fingers at each other. Some legislators say the state made a catastrophic mistake in not embracing the industry.

David MadisonOctober 14, 2025

Wyoming's Joint Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced a bill seeking to criminalize "grooming," or pushing children toward sexual acts. As drafted, it would penalize grooming offenses with harsher penalties than statutory rape itself.

Wyoming Panel Advances Grooming Bill With Tougher Penalties Than Statutory Rape

Wyoming's Joint Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced a bill seeking to criminalize "grooming," or pushing children toward sexual acts. As drafted, it would penalize grooming offenses with harsher penalties than statutory rape itself.

Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2025

Michaelk Ohern is accused of hoarding more than 100 animals in Cheyenne. He was investigated — but not convicted — for similar allegations dating back to 2022. Shelter staffers are still scrambling to feed, clean and care for the massive influx of rescued pets.

Alleged Cheyenne Animal Hoarder Was Investigated For Cruelty Before

The man accused of hoarding more than 100 animals in Cheyenne was investigated — but not convicted — for similar allegations dating back to 2022. Shelter staffers are still scrambling to feed, clean and care for the massive influx of rescued pets.

Jackson Walker & Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2025

The sister of a man who was killed after fatally shooting a Sheridan police officer last year has dropped her lawsuit against law enforcement. She told Cowboy State Daily her lawsuit was never about money, but about unearthing answers about her brother’s death.

Sister Of Sheridan Cop-Shooter Drops Lawsuit, Says It Was About Answers, Not Money

The sister of a man who was killed after fatally shooting a Sheridan police officer last year has dropped her lawsuit against law enforcement. She said the lawsuit was never about money, but getting answers about her brother’s death.

Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2025

A group of 20 ranchers are getting ready to drill a test well in southeastern Wyoning for carbon storage. The project is pushing ahead despite federal funding delays.

Hot Carbon Markets Boost Wyoming Ranchers’ Capture Project

A group of Wyoming ranchers is building a massive carbon storage project on their land. The project aims to store carbon dioxide underground, creating new income and supporting the local economy.

Renée JeanOctober 14, 2025

People watch U.S. President Donald Trump address the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on a giant screen in Hostages Square on Oct. 13, 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has brought an end to the two years of war that followed the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. A condition of the deal was the immediate return of 48 hostages held in Gaza, around 20 of whom were believed to be alive.

Wyoming Delegation Applauds Release Of Israeli Hostages

Among the 20 living hostages released Monday as part of the Israel-Hamas peace deal is Avinatan Or, whose brother Chaim Or visited U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis in May. Lummis told Cowboy State Daily that it was unknown whether Avinatan Or was alive.

Sean BarryOctober 14, 2025

Dallas Smith, 46, of Casper pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, to setting 13 fires in Casper over the summer, including one at the Yellowstone Motel.

Man Pleads Not Guilty To Setting 13 Arson Fires Around Casper

A 46-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Tuesday to setting 13 fires in the city over the summer. He's accused of sparking blazes at a vacant building used by homeless people and at the Yellowstone Motel.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 14, 2025

Chase White and his wife Anna riding horses together. Chase was shot through the neck and lungs Oct. 4, and came home from the hospital Oct. 10

Crook County Man Randomly Shot In The Neck While Working Cattle 

A Crook County man was shot in the neck last week while out working cattle on a ranch near Sundance. Authorities have no idea where the bullet came from. He was hospitalized for a full week in South Dakota.

Clair McFarlandOctober 13, 2025

The Platte County Republican Party chose three finalists Monday to be the next county sheriff. They are Guernsey Police Chief Jay Harrison, left, Platte County Emergency Management Coordinator Tony Krotz, top right, and former law enforcement officer Curtis Hofrock.

Police Chief, Former Cop, Emergency Coordinator Finalists For Platte County Sheriff

The Platte County Republican Party chose three finalists Monday to be the next county sheriff. The commission now must choose between the Guernsey police chief, a former cop and the county's emergency management coordinator.

Jackson WalkerOctober 14, 2025

A rock hound found a human skull in a Carbon County cave Sunday, Oct. 13, 2025, prompting a sheriff’s investigation. Authorities say it may be decades old — or even date back to the 1800s — and are working with experts to identify it. Inset: File photo

Human Skull Found In Carbon County Cave Could Date Back To 1800s

A rock hound found a human skull in a Carbon County cave Sunday, prompting a sheriff’s investigation. Authorities say it may be decades old — or even date back to the 1800s — and are working with experts to identify it.

Scott SchwebkeOctober 13, 2025

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is scrambling to serve more than 100 animals following a “horrific” hoarding case. Many are dirty, skinny, and in need of veterinary care. A Laramie County man has been charged with animal cruelty.

Cheyenne Animal Shelter Scrambling After Saving More Than 100 Pets From Hoarder

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is scrambling to serve more than 100 animals following a “horrific” hoarding case. Many are dirty, skinny, and in need of veterinary care. A Laramie County man has been charged with animal cruelty.

Jackson WalkerOctober 13, 2025

After months of debate and amid regulatory uncertainty in Wyoming, Radiant Nuclear announced Monday that it’s ditching its controversial plan to build nuclear microreactors and store spent fuel in Natrona County.

Radiant Nuclear Picks Tennessee Over Wyoming To Build Nuclear Microreactor Facility

Radiant Nuclear announced Monday afternoon that it will build its first nuclear microreactor manufacturing facility in Tennessee, abandoning plans for the controversial project near Bar Nunn, after months of heated debate over spent nuclear fuel storage.

David MadisonOctober 13, 2025

Wyoming's rapidly growing data center sector has sparked concerns about rising power bills.

Wyoming’s Data Center Boom Sparks Fears Of Soaring Electric Rates

Wyoming’s growing sector of artificial intelligence and data centers have collectively announced 12.8 gigawatts worth of processing power so far. That has sparked concerns about rising power bills, but not everyone is worried.

Renée JeanOctober 14, 2025

The Wyoming Judiciary Committee on Monday adopted a bill letting residents of a given county or school district sue libraries or schools over sexually-explicit materials in children's sections of libraries.  

Committee Adopts Bill Greenlighting Lawsuits Over 'Sexually Explicit' Library Books

The Wyoming Judiciary Committee on Monday adopted a bill letting residents of a given county or school district sue libraries or schools over sexually-explicit materials in children's sections of libraries.  

Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2025

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Letter To The Editor: Why We Chose Tennessee Over Wyoming For Our Nuclear Generators

Dear editor: This week we had to make a very tough decision to site our first factory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee instead of Wyoming. We must build where the rules are clear, the government is predictable, and businesses are free to invest and grow."

October 13, 2025

A Yellowstone outfitter and guide loves exploring the most remote places in the national park. His horses and mules not only are hardy companions, they gang up to chase away interloping grizzlies.

Yellowstone Guide Loves The Backcountry, Where His Mules Chase Grizzlies Away

A Yellowstone outfitter and guide loves exploring the most remote places in the national park. His horses and mules not only are hardy companions, they gang up to chase away interloping grizzlies.

Mark HeinzOctober 14, 2025

This bull moose in Grand Teton National Park was known as Elk Antler, because of the unique shape of his antlers. He was stuck by a vehicle and killed Friday.

Four Moose Killed By Drivers In Grand Teton, Including Famed Bull 'Elk Antler'

Four moose, including famed bull “Elk Antler,” were killed by speeding drivers in Grand Teton National Park over the past couple of weeks. Authorities say increasing traffic is to blame as "shoulder seasons" are much busier than they used to be.

Mark HeinzOctober 13, 2025

Casper PD police Car 2

Casper Man Texts Murder Threat, Then Fires Four Shots Into Apartment Above

A Casper man is accused of texting a murder threat to the woman who lives in the apartment above him Friday. He then fired four shots into his ceiling and into her apartment above him, police say.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, October 17, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Sue Stilwell. Sue writes, "Captured this beautiful sunrise while elk hunting near Eagle Rock east of Laramie."

Photo by Sue Stilwell

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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Portrait photo of Charles Hoskinson

Announcing the Hoskinson Government and Policy Center

The Policy Center plans on taking an active role in the 2026 elections in Wyoming as well and will coordinate with its Wyoming Integrity Political Action Committee throughout the election cycle.

October 15, 2025

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Sponsored Guest Column: Standing with Israel: A Wyoming Reflection on October 7th and the Fight for Freedom

Reid Rasner writes, "On this solemn anniversary of October 7th, I call on every American, and especially my fellow Wyomingites, to renew our commitment to standing with Israel."

Guest ColumnOctober 06, 2025

Diane gore 8 14 25

Sponsored Guest Column: What You Need to Know About Changing Health Care Costs

Diane Gore, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, writes, "Health insurance premiums are set to rise and here's why."

Guest ColumnAugust 14, 2025

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Hard To Believe, Our State Was Once Part Of Texas, Y’all

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Parts of Wyoming were once owned by four different countries, France, Mexico, Great Britain, and even Texas, back in the day.”

Bill SniffinOctober 12, 2025

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Joan Barron: Chuck Gray vs. Mark Gordon – Wyoming's Cage Match

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The most recent squabble was a recurrence of the chronic rub between elected officials on the State Building Commission. It involved a rematch between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray with some input from State Treasurer Curt Meier."

Joan BarronOctober 11, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Columbus Day Celebrates Human Dignity

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “What Columbus brought to these lands was Christendom. It is a worldview that has at its heart the dignity of every single human being.”

Jonathan LangeOctober 10, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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