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Rick Milonas and green Rock Springs sign 4 6 26

City Worker Files Ethics Complaint Against Rock Springs Council Member

An ethics complaint has been filed against Rock Springs City Councilman Rick Milonas by a city employee, who says Milonas falsely accused him of “advancing a ‘gay agenda.’” The councilman also criticized the mayor and says the complaint is “retaliation.”

Kate MeadowsApril 07, 2026

The scene outside the National Weather Service office in Riverton, Wyoming, this past weekend.

April Snow Too Little, Too Late To Save Wyoming’s Historically Low Snowpack

The first week of April has so far brought a dump of heavy, wet snow across Wyoming’s high country. Meteorologists say it's needed, but also too little, too late to save the state’s historically low snowpack, which has been melting for weeks. 

Andrew RossiApril 06, 2026

Mule deer are pictured here on the move alongside Elkhart Road near Pinedale. Deer advocates say a proposed new trail system in the area would disrupt the animals’ migration.

Opponents Say Bike Trail Could Cut Off Migration Route For Prized Deer Herd

Opponents of a proposed Pinedale-area bike trail say they fear it will cut off “the bottleneck,” a migration route for the area’s prized Sublette mule deer herd. Supporters say it won’t, but will open more outdoor recreation opportunities.

Mark HeinzApril 07, 2026

Gillette police 5 31 23

Landlord Takes $100K In Tools While Tenant On Vacation, Claims It Was Abandoned

Police say a Gillette landlord admitted taking about $100,000 worth of tools from his tenants while they were on vacation. He also took guns and cash, claiming the tenants abandoned the property and their stuff was “his to do with as he saw fit.”

Greg JohnsonApril 06, 2026

Alejandro R. Behan

Riverton Man Gets 30-40 Years For Fatally Stabbing 14-Year-Old

A 23-year-old Fremont County man who admitted in court he "stabbed a guy in the back” was sentenced Monday to 30-40 years in prison. He'd pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for stabbing a 14-year-old in a brawl north of Riverton last August.

Clair McFarlandApril 06, 2026

Vincent Hackett

Gillette Man Who Shot Half-Sister In The Face Gets 25-45 Years In Prison

A Gillette man who shot his half-sister in the face, then turned to his mother and told her to “give me a hug, because I am going to jail,” will spend the next 25-45 years in prison. The mother of both pleaded with the court for leniency for her son.

Greg JohnsonApril 06, 2026

Desperation had overwhelmed Gillette resident Bruce Brown until he found himself on the side of a road thinking of using the .40-caliber Ruger in his car. Then the cowboy tough-raised Wyomingite heard a voice from the void that saved his life.

Desperate On The Side Of A Road With A Gun, A Voice From The Void Saved His Life

Desperation had overwhelmed Gillette resident Bruce Brown until he found himself on the side of a road thinking of using the .40-caliber Ruger in his car. Then the tough-raised Wyomingite heard a voice from the void that saved his life. I realized there's help out there," he said.

Zakary SonntagApril 05, 2026

Elwood Mead became Wyoming’s “godfather of measuring water” taming water chaos in the territory, then he built Hoover Dam that created his namesake Lake Mead. Experts say today’s Colorado River crisis could use his insight about now.

Engineers Say Colorado River Crisis Could Use Wyoming’s ‘Godfather Of Water’ About Now

Elwood Mead was known as Wyoming’s “godfather of measuring water." As head of the Bureau of Reclamation, he oversaw the building of Hoover Dam that created Lake Mead, which was named after him. Engineers say today’s Colorado River crisis could use his insight.

David MadisonApril 05, 2026

At the Chinook Winds Lodge in Dubois, guests share the motel with a flock of free-range chickens that produce eggs for the guests. “If you’ve eaten farm-fresh eggs, you know they have that beautiful yolk, and they’re very nutritious," says the owner.

Traveling Wyoming: At Dubois Lodge, Guests Share Motel With Free-Range Chickens

At the Chinook Winds Lodge in Dubois, guests share the motel with a flock of free-range chickens that produce eggs for the guests. “If you’ve eaten farm-fresh eggs, you know they have that beautiful yolk, and they’re very nutritious," says the owner.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2026

Inside the greenhouse where Wyoming's Drea Hineman simulates zero gravity for lettuces that shes growing. Her work will help astronauts grow their own food someday on the moon.

Space Farming: Wyoming Research Is Changing How We Farm The Arid West And The Moon

In a greenhouse perched a mile above sea level, a Wyoming researcher is helping lay the groundwork for a future where astronauts don’t just visit distant worlds but farm them. Her experiments in space-based agriculture earned her a top NASA rating.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2026

Chase Fisher installs a riser for new electrical service.

Data Centers Behind Huge Pay For Electricians, As High As $260,000 In Some Parts

An explosion of data centers across the U.S. has created an explosion in the need for electricians — and their pay can reach as much as $260,000 a year in some parts. In Wyoming, big six figure salaries are available too but it comes with tradeoffs.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2026

The Red Canyon Mine site after the explosion on March 20, 1895.

‘Voice’ Told 13-Year-Old Coal Miner To Get Out, Then 62 Other Miners Killed

In March 1895, a 13-year-old coal miner in Almy, Wyoming, was almost finished with his shift when he heard a “voice” tell him to “go home.” He did, then an explosion killed 62 of his coworkers.

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026

Hall of Fame right fielder Roberto Clemente was among the best pro baseball players of all time, with 3,000 hits and a lifetime .317 batting average. A Pinedale man helped produce the new documentary “Clemente,” which has been nominated for an Emmy.

Pinedale Man's Movie About Roberto Clemente Is Up For Emmy Award

Pinedale's John Scanlon is one of the producers for the sports documentary "Clemente," which has been nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Long Sports Documentary category. Scanlon also helped produce the movie "Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin."

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026

Del McOmie and his wife, Pat, have served the Lander community for many years. He first got into politics by running for Lander mayor to keep frogs and snakes from coming out of people’s water faucets. That led to a 30-year career that includes 14 years as mayor and seven terms in the Wyoming House of Representatives.

Wyoming People: Del McOmie’s 30-Year Political Career Began To Battle Frogs

90-year-old Del McOmie first got into politics by running for Lander mayor to keep frogs and snakes from coming out of people’s water faucets. That led to a 30-year career that includes 14 years as mayor and seven terms in the Wyoming House.

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026

Calamity Jane frequently visited her sister’s family at her Borner’s Garden homestead, despite clashes with Lena’s husband, John. After Lena’s early death, John moved the children to Greybull, leaving Borner’s Garden a ghost of frontier life.

Wyoming History: Calamity Jane’s Turbulent Visits To Her Sister’s Homestead

Calamity Jane frequently visited her sister’s family at her Borner’s Garden homestead near Lander, despite clashes with Lena’s husband, John. After Lena’s early death, John moved the children to Greybull, leaving Borner’s Garden a ghost of frontier life.

Jackie DorothyApril 05, 2026

A 375-foot replica of the Vietnam War Memorial will make its only Wyoming stop visit Afton this summer. Local officials call it a “once-in-a-lifetime” and “monumental milestone” for Western Wyoming.

Vietnam War Memorial Replica To Make Only Wyoming Stop In Afton

A 375-foot replica of the Vietnam War Memorial will make its only Wyoming stop in Afton this summer. “It’s the honor of a lifetime, and it’s something that has never happened in western Wyoming," said a local VFW official.

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026

The family of a Rock Springs college student who vanished without a trace two months ago is desperate for answers. “It's like he’s a ghost,” says a longtime friend of Steven Sanches, who was last seen leaving campus around noon on Feb. 5.

‘It’s Like He’s A Ghost’: Search On After Rock Springs College Student Vanishes

The family of a Rock Springs college student who vanished without a trace two months ago is desperate for answers. “It's like he’s a ghost,” says a longtime friend of Steven Sanches, who was last seen leaving campus around noon on Feb. 5.

Jen KocherApril 04, 2026

A couple moving from San Francisco to New York lost their cat 2 1/2 years ago near Cody, Wyoming. They lost all hope until they received a text from someone who caught the cat and noticed there was a number on its collar. They flew out the next day.

"It's Unreal!": New York Couple Who Lost Cat Near Cody Reunited After 2 1/2 Years

A couple moving from San Francisco to New York lost their cat 2 1/2 years ago near Cody. They lost all hope until they received a text last month from someone in Wyoming who caught the cat and noticed there was a number on its collar. They flew out the next day.

Andrew RossiApril 04, 2026

From Wyoming to Maine to Montana, residents are demanding answers to data center worries about water and power rates. At least one state is close to freezing all new data center construction.

Why There's A Growing Opposition to Data Centers Across Rural America

From Wyoming to Maine to Montana, residents are demanding answers to water and power rate concerns where data center are constructed. "We're not against data centers per se, but we do want to protect our water," said a concerned citizen in Cheyenne.

David MadisonApril 04, 2026

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during the taping of MTV Unplugged at Sony Studios in New York City, on Nov. 18, 1993.

Utah Investigator Says He Has New Evidence That Shows Kurt Cobain Was Murdered

A Utah investigator turned over new evidence to police, on top of a report by a team of forensic experts who say Kurt Cobain’s death wasn’t a suicide, it was was murder. A retired Seattle Police captain agrees and says original investigators botched the case

Jen KocherApril 04, 2026

At Wellborn Farms in Sheridan, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi make up about 70% of its business. Above, co-owner Allen Wellborn selling sauerkraut and other items at a farmers market.

Once Fringe, Fermented Foods Are Becoming Mainstream Across Wyoming

Fermented foods aren’t on the fringe of the culinary scene anymore, exploding into a $63.3 billion industry across the U.S. In Wyoming, more people are making and eating sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and just about anything else they can ferment.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2026

A Casper veteran is launching Wyoming’s version of Honor Flights — trips to the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. The goal is for vets to help each other while bonding over the largest private collection of military vehicles in the world.

Veteran Starts Program To Give Vets Free Overnight Trips to Military Vehicle Museum

A Casper veteran is launching Wyoming’s version of Honor Flights — trips to the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. The goal is for vets to help each other while bonding over the largest private collection of military vehicles in the world.

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2026

The cabin where Ted Kaczynski lived was on a 1.4-acre parcel of land that he and his brother, David, purchased from Jamie Gehring's grandfather in 1971 next to the property where her family owned a small lumber mill.

30 Years After Unabomber’s Arrest, FBI Still Has His Cabin — And It Still Stinks

Even 30 years after the arrest of Ted Kaczynski, aka the infamous Unabomber, his Montana recluse cabin is still intact. The FBI has it, and says even after three decades, it still smells. “It was quite smelly for some time," said FBI historian, Dr. John Fox.

Anna-Louise JacksonApril 05, 2026

A student playing pickup basketball at the University of Wyoming in 1998 went on to build an analytics empire that influences coaches, gamblers and sports writers. Ken Pomeroy has since built KenPom into a big-time data revolution for the college hoops. Above, Braylon Mullins of the UConn Huskies celebrates after making the game-winning three-pointer to upset No. 1-seeded Duke in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Washington, D.C., on March 29, 2026.

College Basketball's Big-Time Data Revolution Started By Student In UW Computer Lab

A student playing pickup basketball at the University of Wyoming in 1998 went on to build an analytics empire that influences coaches, gamblers and sports writers. Ken Pomeroy's "KenPom" is considered one of the most accurate sites for ranking college hoops.

David MadisonApril 04, 2026

Perhaps Glenn Randall Sr.’s most celebrated work was training the dozens of horses used in the Academy Award-winning 1959 classic movie “Ben Hur.” That includes training the horses for the film’s epic chariot race.

Legendary Trainer Behind Trigger And ‘Ben Hur’ Chariot Race Got His Start In Wyoming

Called “The Greatest Horse Trainer in the World,” Glenn Randall started training horses in Torrington and moved on to other Wyoming rodeos and county fairs. Then he left for Hollywood where he trained Trigger and the "Ben Hur" chariot horses.

Jackie DorothyApril 04, 2026

An exploding oil furnace destroyed 81 tour buses at Mammoth Hot Springs on March 30, 1925, threatening to cripple Yellowstone's transportation system with the summer season weeks away. A mammoth effort rebuilt the fleet in time for the park’s opening.

Wyoming History: The 1925 Fire That Burned Up 81 Yellowstone Tour Buses

An exploding oil furnace destroyed 81 tour buses at Mammoth Hot Springs on March 30, 1925, threatening to cripple Yellowstone's transportation system with summer season weeks away. It would require a mammoth effort to rebuild in time for the park’s opening.

David MadisonApril 04, 2026

Snow was reported across Wyoming on Friday, sending several semitrucks sliding off I-80, partially or completely closing several highways. It also brought several inches of much-needed moisture for the state’s snowpack.

'I Couldn't See 10 Feet In Front Of Me': April Snow Sends Semis Sliding Off I-80

Snow was reported across Wyoming on Friday, sending several semitrucks sliding off I-80. "I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me," a Rawlins truck driver said. It also brought several inches of much-needed moisture for the state’s snowpack.

Andrew RossiApril 03, 2026

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Cody temple during its first night at full illumination. Most LDS temples are lit 24 hours a day, which makes Cody residents concerned about its potential impacts on adjacent properties and the night sky. 

Cody Temple Lights Up For First Time, Neighbors Aren’t Happy

The exterior lights on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Cody temple were switched on for the first time this week. Neighbors who opposed the project say it shines into their homes.

Andrew RossiApril 04, 2026

A tour group watched a pack of wolves unsuccessfully try to take down a bison in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. A guide captured video of one of the wolves that was sent flying after taking a hard kick as the bison fled.

Yellowstone Wolf Goes Flying After Taking A Bison Kick During Hunt

A tour group watched a pack of wolves unsuccessfully try to take down a bison in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. A guide captured video of one of the wolves that was sent flying after taking a hard kick as the bison fled.

Andrew RossiApril 03, 2026

Construction is underway on a $1.2 billion Related Digital data center in the Cheyenne Business Parkway.

Data Center Boom Powers Cheyenne’s Push For Annexation

A boom of huge data centers racing to build out their billion-dollar projects is pushing the city of Cheyenne to annex land to manage the growth. “When a data center comes in, it helps us,” Mayor Patrick Collins said. “It helps the whole state.”

Kate MeadowsApril 04, 2026

Cassie Craven, left, and Artemis Langford

Lawyer Sued By Wyoming Transgender Sorority Member Settles Lawsuit

A lawyer who sued a transgender member of a University of Wyoming sorority chapter has settled a lawsuit filed by the member, claiming the lawyer went too far. The terms of the settlement have not been made public.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Nearly a month after an alleged physical altercation with a female student, a McCormick Junior High School teacher was charged Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court with unlawful contact.

Cheyenne Teacher Charged With Unlawful Contact For Altercation With Student

Nearly a month after an alleged physical altercation with a female student, a McCormick Junior High School teacher was charged Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court with unlawful contact.

Greg JohnsonApril 03, 2026

Reeves uw 4 3 26

Incoming University Of Wyoming President Wants To Build Bridges, Dissolve Drama

Incoming U.W. President Brigadier General Shane Reeves told Cowboy State Daily he wants to build bridges and dissolve drama at the university, as well as build trust and connections throughout the state by talking to state legislators and stakeholders.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Ethan Grasse

Prosecutor Wants Jury To Hear Evidence Accused Murderer Threw Dog Down Stairs

In the case of an Evanston man who claimed he acted in self-defense when allegedly killing his father last November, the prosecutor is asking to allow extra evidence of murder threats and violence. That includes a claim he threw a dog down the stairs.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Tensions between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray erupted again Thursday during a meeting of the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. At one point, Gordon told Gray to “shut up” during a debate over affordable housing.

Round 2: Gov. Gordon Tells Chuck Gray To 'Shut Up' At Fiery Land Board Meeting

Tensions between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray erupted again Thursday during a meeting of the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. Gordon told Gray to “shut up” during a debate and asked him to step out of the room.

David MadisonApril 03, 2026

Nearly 50 years after his death, Elvis remains forever 25 and the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll at the corner of East Lincolnway and Campbell Avenue in Cheyenne — despite never performing here. A new mural there features Elvis, stampeding bison and Devils Tower. Here, Molly and Radley Kopp take a selfie with the mural.

Cheyenne Fans Of The King Don’t Care That Elvis Never Performed In Wyoming

Nearly 50 years after his death, Elvis remains forever 25 and the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll on East Lincolnway in Cheyenne — despite never performing in Wyoming. A new mural there features Elvis, stampeding bison and Devils Tower.

Greg JohnsonApril 03, 2026

Gillette-based L&H Industrial built some of the massive hardware that helped the Artemis II rocket blast off Wednesday taking astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. It’s not the first time the company has built components for NASA.

Wyoming Company Helping US Astronauts Reach The Moon For First Time In 50 Years

Gillette-based L&H Industrial built some of the massive hardware that helped the Artemis II rocket blast off Wednesday taking astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. It’s not the first time the company has built components for NASA.

Renée JeanApril 02, 2026

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder has apologized for her department's release of unredacted student information in a public records request. She said the release was the result of "human error" and those involved have been reprimanded.

Megan Degenfelder Apologizes For 'Unredacted' Student Info Release

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder has apologized for her department's release of unredacted student information in a public records request. She said the release was the result of "human error" and those involved have been reprimanded.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2026

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock asked a court Tuesday to dismiss the Wyoming Attorney General’s effort to remove her from office. “The chain of events leading to the filing of this petition is tortured and petty,” Hadlock’s attorney Ryan Semerad wrote in the filing.

Now Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock To Be Arrested, Court Docs Say

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock may be arrested next week, as prosecutors form a new felony case over her handling of the 2024 election, her lawyer says. That would be in addition to a misdemeanor case, a civil action, and a legislative investigation.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2026

Big Betty, Evanston's neighborhood moose, as she appeared on April 1. The large parch of exposed skin on her side might look alarming, but Wyoming Game and Fish personnel didn't see anything to indicate the moose was ill, injured, or dying.

Oh No! Evanston Residents Worried About Big Betty, Their Friendly Neighborhood Moose

When Big Betty, a popular Evanston neighborhood moose, showed up Wednesday with a large, raw injury, locals were alarmed. After all, she had been visiting the neighborhood for three years. “We all love her very much," said resident Shasta Sharp.

Andrew RossiApril 02, 2026

American Rare Earths is weighing building a processing facility for hard-to-find heavy rare earth metals at its Halleck Creek mine near Wheatland. It’s a move that could boost Wyoming jobs as it helps cut U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals.

Wheatland Rare Earth Project Could Include Processing Hard-To-Find Heavy Metals

American Rare Earths is weighing building a processing facility for hard-to-find heavy rare earth metals at its Halleck Creek mine near Wheatland. It’s a move that could boost Wyoming jobs as it helps cut U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals.

Renée JeanApril 02, 2026

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Riverton Man Whose Mother’s Home Was Ripped Open During Standoff Gets Plea Deal

After he was accused of thrusting a sword through his bedroom door at police officers and sparking an 11-hour standoff during which law enforcement ripped open his mother’s Riverton home last spring, Ron Allington reached a plea agreement Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Jeane Stratton. Jeane writes, "Easter sunrise service on Rattlesnake Hill, Huntley, Wyoming."

Photo by Jeane Stratton

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

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Opinion

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Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."

Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”

Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”

Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026

Wyoming Life

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