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Actor Roy Rogers, the 'King of Cowboys', riding his horse Trigger in front of a group of school children at Harringay Stadium, London, March 20 1954. He's on his favorite of his own brand of plastic saddles.

Western Star Roy Rogers Preferred Plastic Saddles Made In Lusk, Wyoming

Roy Roger’s iconic red, white and blue saddle with its vibrant colors is not leather like many fans assume but a plastic saddle made in Lusk, Wyoming. The western star was so enthralled with them that he became a spokesman for the fledgling company.

Jackie DorothyMarch 01, 2026

Teton County has again been named the richest in the nation with the No.1 per capita income. That’s a huge turnaround for a county that once was listed as one of the nation’s neediest.

Teton County Continues As The Nation's Richest (And It's Not Even Close)

Teton County has again been named the richest county in the nation with a per capita income of $532,903. Not only is it six times greater than the national average of $73,204 but beats the second-highest county by more than $250,000.

Renée JeanFebruary 28, 2026

The Teton County Republican Party Chair Kat Rueckert and Rebecca Bextel at the Wyoming Republican Party's quarterly Central Committee meeting Saturday at Little America in Cheyenne. At one point during the meeting, Rueckert turned to the media and suggested they cover Wyoming’s connection to the Epstein files instead of CheckGate.

No CheckGate Reckoning At Wyoming GOP Meeting As Leaders Blast Media, Gordon

There was no dealing with the so-called “CheckGate” controversy at Saturday’s state GOP Central Committee meeting. Instead, party leaders blamed the media for its coverage and redirected attention on Gov. Mark Gordon’s campaign spending.

David MadisonFebruary 28, 2026

Sweetheart is a longhorn cow that's part of Jeff Ketcham's herd near Cheyenne. On Monday, she gave birth to a calf, keeping her streak of having at least one calf a year for 20 straight years.

Old Reliable: Sweetheart The Longhorn Cow Has Produced 20 Calves In 20 Years

Sweetheart, the longhorn cow, gave birth on Monday to her 20th calf in 20 years. Jeff Ketcham, a rancher near Cheyenne, says not only is Sweetheart reliable but easy to handle. “I’ve never had to pull a calf. I’ve never had to doctor them either," he said.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 28, 2026

Wildlife biologists examine a mountain lion during research into the interactions between mountain lions and wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Why Scientists Doped Up Mountain Lions And Climbed Down Trees With Them In Yellowstone

Faced with the quandary of how to get mountain lions out of trees for scientific analysis, researchers dosed them with ketamine, then climbed up to place harnesses on the still-conscious cats. “It’s definitely a little wild," one of the scientists said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2026

Former Rawlins Mayor Everett Mann on his 101st birthday at Cappy's Restaurant.

At 101, Former Rawlins Mayor, WW II Veteran And Candy Lover Is Living A Sweet Life

Everett Mann is a former mayor of Rawlins, a World War II veteran where he earned two Purple Hearts, and just celebrated his 101st birthday. He admits to being an optimist and said that the secret of his longevity "is eat everything you want … including candy.”

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 28, 2026

Dan Kinneman of Riverton has been hunting crows since he was 14. He’s says crows are harder to hunt than ducks and geese, because they’re smarter.

Wyoming Crow Hunters Can Blast All They Want, But Nobody Eats The Birds

Mention of bird hunting might conjure up images of hunters and dogs pounding the brush in hopes of kicking up pheasants. But crow hunting is a thing in Wyoming too. No license is required, and there’s no bag limit. Hunters can just blast away.

Mark HeinzMarch 01, 2026

Singer, songwriter Michael DeGreve played at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for 30 years

Former Cheyenne Icon Michael DeGreve Battling Terminal Illness, Wants To Create More Music

With a terminal illness tightening its grip, Michael DeGreve, an icon at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for decades, wants to finish his last major work before the music stops. "Some of my best songs I’ve never even recorded. I've got work to do, brother."

Zakary SonntagFebruary 28, 2026

Charles Cosby was a popular newspaperman in Wyoming when he ran for Albany County sheriff in 1927, winning easily. But just four months later, he was gunned after surprising a suspected car thief.

Wyoming History: Laramie Newspaperman-Turned-Sheriff Gunned Down In 1927

Charles Cosby was a popular newspaperman in Wyoming when he ran for Albany County sheriff in 1927, winning easily. But just four months later, he was gunned down after surprising a suspected car thief. The gunman did not shoot the deputy.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 01, 2026

A looming wave of huge Wyoming data centers, a nuclear plant and military upgrades is colliding with an already severe plumber shortage, driving wages sky-high. The crunch comes with new “earn while you learn” jobs.

Wyoming’s Plumber Shortage Collides With Massive Data Center Boom

Wyoming's plumber shortage is about to get worse. Already short on plumbers and pipefitters, creating delays for homeowners and businesses, a huge wave of data centers and mega-projects are sweeping into the state, which will require thousands more.

Renée JeanFebruary 28, 2026

A petition has hundreds of signatures calling for Cheyenne to remove is Flock license plate cameras because they invade privacy. The city's police department says the 23 cameras are solving cases and catching criminals. Here, a camera can be seen in the upper left on a traffic light crossbar at the interseciton of Del Range Boulevard and Windmill Drive.

Privacy Advocates Trying To Get Flock License Plate Cams In Cheyenne Removed

The license plate of a vehicle involved in a carjacking in Colorado turned up in Cheyenne last weekend. That's because a Flock camera picked up the license plate number. Privacy advocates, however, don't like it and are trying to get them removed.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 28, 2026

Pete’s Roc N Rye used to a popular stop near Evanston on the old Lincoln Highway. Now it’s abandoned and slowly fading, more of a “wonder what that was” for passing motorists. But longtime locals still have fond memories of the place.

Pete’s Roc N Rye Club Was An Iconic Evanston-Area Bar On Old Lincoln Highway

Pete’s Roc N Rye Club used to a popular stop near Evanston on the old Lincoln Highway. Now it’s slowly fading, more of a “wonder what that was” for passing motorists. But longtime locals still have fond memories of the place.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 28, 2026

A widespread bacteria called "soap scum" grows in Yellowstone National Park's thermal pools that on the surface doesn't seem that unique. Ongoing studies into this complex organism are revealing that how it survives might also help humanity survive.

How Yellowstone's 'Soap Scum' Bacteria Could Change The World

A widespread bacteria called "soap scum" grows in Yellowstone National Park's thermal pools that on the surface doesn't seem that unique. Ongoing studies into this complex organism are revealing that how it survives might also help humanity survive.

Andrew RossiFebruary 28, 2026

Wyoming state House leadership is “looking into” whether a Democratic representative may face consequences after complaints of legislative misconduct were filed, House Speaker Chip Neiman said Friday during a press conference in his office. 

Neiman: House Misconduct Complaints Filed, 'Maybe' Against Provenza, Yin

Discussing 'CheckGate' on Friday, House Speaker Chip Neiman said leadership is "looking into" whether Democratic Rep. Karlee Provenza may face consequences after taking the check-passing scandal to the media. He said complaints have been filed.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2026

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office caught 32 illegal immigrant truck drivers this week during a three-day crackdown called “Truck Around and Find Out.” They made 177 stops overall and wrote 51 tickets.

32 Illegal Drivers Turned Over To ICE During 3-Day Laramie County Truck Crackdown

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office caught 32 illegal immigrant truck drivers this week during a three-day crackdown called “Truck Around and Find Out.” They made 177 stops overall and wrote 51 tickets. "This is a continuing thing for us," the sheriff said.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 27, 2026

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Gillette Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Partner Shot During Fight

A 61-year-old Gillette woman was in court Friday, charged with attempted murder after police say she shot her longtime partner during a fight the day before. Investigators say the shooting was not in self-defense.

Jen KocherFebruary 28, 2026

Sen. Tara Nethercott on Friday, February 27, 2026

University Of Wyoming Budget Spared (For Now), Biz Council Reined In

Wyoming legislative negotiators drafted a budget Friday that could spare the University of Wyoming from a $40 million cut while funding the Wyoming Business Council for one year instead of two.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2026

With what locals say is an unprecedentedly mild winter, elk are bailing out of the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, apparently thinking it's spring already.

Mobs Of Elk Leave National Elk Refuge Near Jackson With ‘False Sense Of Early Spring'

With what locals say is an unprecedentedly mild winter, elk are bailing out of the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, apparently thinking it's spring already. "Because the snowpack is so low, there is little reason to be there," said one photographer.

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2026

A Wyoming Senate committee forwarded a trio of gun bills, including one sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, that would allow freshmen to carry concealed weapons on campus at the University of Wyoming while upperclassmen would no longer need permits.

Senate Panel Backs Bills Letting 18-Year-Olds Carry Guns On UW Campus

A Wyoming Senate committee forwarded a trio of gun bills Friday, including one that would allow freshmen to carry concealed weapons on campus at the University of Wyoming while upperclassmen would no longer need permits.

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2026

"You tell us what you need, and we'll do it," Sen. Bo Biteman said, describing the administration's posture toward energy. "And if you have any issues or bottlenecks, we need to know, and we'll get rid of those in 24 hours' notice."

"We're Sitting On A Gold Mine": Energy Optimism Overflows At Wyoming Capitol

Lawmakers advanced two bills Friday designed to position Wyoming at the center of America's energy future. Sen. Bo Biteman said the time to act is now as the administration is listening to Wyoming on energy and will get rid of any "issues or bottlenecks."

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2026

Rep. Kevin Campbell, R-Glenrock

Legislator’s Bill Would Push Wyoming Hydrogen Past California To World Markets

A Glenrock legislator pitched California on using Wyoming natural gas to make virtually CO2-free hydrogen, but was shot down. So, he’s pushing a bill that would allow the state to go past California to world markets.

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2026

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Casper Woman Pleads Not Guilty To DUI, Homicide Charges In November Wrong-Way Crash

A 34-year-old Casper woman pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Friday to DUI and vehicular homicide charges that stem from a Nov. 7 wrong-way crash that killed a mother of two and severely injured the woman’s father.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 27, 2026

The Thunder Plains mile-long horse racing track will be located 10 miles east of Cheyenne.

Bally’s Corp. Eyes Regional Circuit With Thunder Plains, Wyoming’s First 1-Mile Track

International Bally’s Corporation is taking a majority ownership of Wyoming’s new 1-mile track, Thunder Plains, and aims to open this fall near Cheyenne with a $1.6 million racing purse. Long-term, their vision includes a regional horse-racing circuit.

Renée JeanFebruary 27, 2026

Teton County GOP leader Rebecca Bextel testifies Thursday for the House investigative committee about checks she handed out to legislators on the House floor on Feb. 9, 2026.

CheckGate: Four Members Who Received Checks On House Floor Say It Wasn't Bribery

At the first CheckGate hearing in the Capitol on Thursday, the four members who received checks on the House floor said they never felt it was an act of bribery. Rebecca Bextel, who delivered the checks, said she just “wafted toward the House floor."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2026

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses Through Drive-Thru

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses, Wagon Through Drive-Thru

Powell resident Allen Hatch was banned from McDonald's earlier this week for driving his draft horses and wagon through the drive-thru. Although employees were excited to see them, the manager reportedly was not. “We've been 86ed from McDonald's,” he said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, stood on the Wyoming Senate floor Thursday morning and told her colleagues that the state's county clerks were afraid — not of election fraud, but of overblown calls for election reform.

Another Election Reform Bill Dies As Lawmaker Rejects National “Populism”

In speaking against an election audit reform bill Thursday, Sen. Tara Nethercott said the state's county clerks don't support the measure and that lawmakers should stop "pandering" to fears manufactured by national rhetoric. The legislation failed 21-9.

David MadisonFebruary 26, 2026

Bobby Maher, 14, was stabbed to death outside the Eastridge Mall in Casper in April 2024. His death “shocked” Casper and the state, Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen said.

30-75 Years For Casper Teen Who Held 14-Year-Old Bobby Maher Down During Stabbing

The now-17-year-old who held 14-year-old Bobby Maher down while a friend stabbed him was sentenced Thursday to 30-75 years in prison. The teen said he’s “found God,” while the prosecutor argued the murder “shocked the conscience of the community.”

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 27, 2026

Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, presented the bill and walked the committee through a new approach to property tax relief. "It's been a journey, ladies and gentlemen," Hicks said. "And I think we've refined what we're trying to do."

House Panel Advances Major Property Tax Cut For Homeowners


A House committee Thursday advanced a bill that would lower the tax rate on homes people live in and stop collecting school taxes on those properties, with the state picking up the tab instead of local governments. The bill passed 7-2.

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2026

Under a cloud of public questioning, Gillette Police Chief Chuck Deaton abruptly retired from the department on Thursday. Deaton’s reasoning for the retirement is that it was time “for me to move on.”

Details Scarce As Gillette Police Chief Abruptly Retires

Under a cloud of public questioning, Gillette Police Chief Chuck Deaton abruptly retired from the department on Thursday. Deaton said it a statement that it was time “for me to move on.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026

Representative Andrew Byron, R-Jackson, corner crossing on Thursday, February 26, 2026

Hunters, Ranchers Say Corner Crossing Bill Isn’t Ready As It Heads To Wyoming Senate

A corner-crossing bill received pushback from both hunters and ranchers Thursday but the committee still forwarded it to the Senate. One hunter said, “let’s just go out and corner-cross,” then write a new bill to address any problems that come up.    

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2026

Dozens of whistle stops have been revealed for the western leg of Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast tour. In Wyoming, that includes: Laramie, Medicine Bow, Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Green River.

Dozens Of Wyoming Stops Announced For New Big Boy Train Western Tour

Dozens of whistle stops have been announced for the western leg of Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast tour in 2026. In Wyoming, that includes: Laramie, Medicine Bow, Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Green River.

Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2026

The mother of a man who died in a workplace accident in 2024 has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the woodchopper involved.

Mother Sues Manufacturer Over Wyoming Son's Woodchipper Death

A Kentucky mother is suing Bandit Industries, claiming a Bandit Intimidator 18XP woodchipper without key safety features caused her son’s fatal 2024 workplace accident near Alpine, Wyoming. The complaint said her son “frantically” tried to stop the machine but couldn’t.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

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Ex-U.S. Army Ranger From Casper Jumps Into The U.S. House Race To Succeed Hageman

A former U.S. Army Ranger on Thursday formally entered Wyoming’s U.S. House race for the seat U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman is vacating to run for Senate. David Giralt said by necessity and desire, he will run a “grassroots” campaign.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 26, 2026

Janet Sanchez

Wyoming Inmate Sues, Claims Botched Health Care Led To Leg Amputation

A Rawlins woman claims her leg was amputated because of negligence by the Wyoming Department of Corrections’ former health care contractor. She’s serving 10-15 years in prison for selling meth.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026

Crago 2 26 26

Wyoming Senate Committee Doesn’t Want State Collecting Union Dues

Wyoming senators advanced a bill to ban most state entities from collecting union and political group dues, while dropping new reporting rules for those groups. “The intent is to bust unions and bust associations,” alleged a Wyoming Education Association representative.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, testifies at the House Judiciary Committee Meeting on the kratom product regulation bill on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Capitol in Cheyenne.

Bill To Ban Kratom From People Younger Than 21 Passes Wyoming House Committee

A bill to ban the delivery of kratom to people younger than 21 is another step closer to becoming Wyoming law. Even so, some express concern over the unregulated substance and a coroner said it’s “highly addictive and at high doses, can cause death.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

Sinkhole 1 26 26

Omaha Public Works Officials Say Broken Water Main Likely Caused Sinkhole

The sinkhole that generated international attention earlier this week for swallowing up two vehicles in Omaha may have been caused by a broken water main. City officials say a water main was broken and actively running water at the time of the collapse.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

Accused of torturing a wolf two years ago in a case that received global condemnation, Cody Roberts has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty. He will face prison time if he fails strict probation requirements.

Wyoming Man Cody Roberts Signs Plea Agreement In Notorious Wolf Torture Case

Accused of torturing a wolf two years ago in a case that received global condemnation, Cody Roberts has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty. He will face prison time if he fails strict probation requirements.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

A Laramie County rancher shot a roughly 2-year-old male wolf near Carpenter, Wyoming. Wildlife officials say it may be the first recorded legal wolf killing in the county, and its origin remains unclear.

"That Ain't No Coyote": Rancher Kills Wolf In Southeastern Wyoming Near Carpenter

A Laramie County rancher shot a roughly 2-year-old male wolf near Carpenter, Wyoming, where wolves are almost never seen. It may be the first recorded legal wolf killing in the county, and its origin remains unclear.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2026

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, March 2, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Penny Beckham. Penny writes, "Sunrise over Roundtop this amazing morning in Thermopolis. Taken from our porch we are building on our cabin."

Photo by Penny Beckham

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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Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau:  Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Disband the committee. Stop wasting time. Stop pretending the outcome is uncertain. What happened stinks. It may not be illegal, but it damaged the institution — and pretending otherwise only deepens the damage."

Tom LubnauFebruary 22, 2026

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Joan Barron: This Will Be 'The Check-Gate Session'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The check passing wasn’t just an amazing error of judgment. It was a monumental breach of protocol and the ethics of the Legislature."

Joan BarronFebruary 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Is This About 'Bad Optics,' Or A Witch Hunt?

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes,  “Maybe we should pass a rule that campaign donations can only be hand delivered on the House floor. That would give the people of Wyoming unprecedented transparency.”

Jonathan LangeFebruary 21, 2026

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