AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
Annexation 2 5 26

Cheyenne Is About To Swallow A Longtime Ranch With A Forced Annexation

WY fresh farm has been in the same location for 20 years, and a farmstead was added about four years ago. Now the couple faces a forced annexation that they say threatens not just their way of life, but their family’s business model.

Renée JeanFebruary 05, 2026

State Sen. Ed Cooper (left) is retracting a statement he made about the Freedom Caucus hinging campaign donations to its local members based on their voting records

State Sen. Retracts Statement Accusing Freedom Caucus Of Rewarding Votes

State Sen. Ed Cooper is retracting a statement he made last week, accusing the national Freedom Caucus network of hinging campaign donations to its local members on their voting records. "I spoke incorrectly on that because I can’t substantiate it," he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, February 6, 2026

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

Jake NicholsFebruary 06, 2026

University of Wyoming in winter.

Joint Approps Committee Votes To Protect Two More Institutions From UW Budget Cuts

The Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted to shield two more institutions from its proposed $40 million budget cut to the University of Wyoming. One of those institutions shares a financial backer with the campaign arm of the Freedom Caucus.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026

A makeshift crack-cooking station on a baby changing table at a gas station prompted a Wednesday warning from the Teton County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office. Even a Cheyenne gas station worker said that “there’s no way I’d ever put my baby on one of those.”

Sheriff: Public Baby Changing Tables Are For Babies, Not Cooking Crack

A makeshift crack-cooking station on a baby changing table at a gas station prompted a Wednesday warning from the Teton County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office. Even a Cheyenne gas station worker said that “there’s no way I’d ever put my baby on one of those.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 05, 2026

Wildlife photographer Marcela Herdova loves the remote areas of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Photographer Who Broke Leg In Remote Area Of Yellowstone, Is Grateful She Wasn't Alone

A wildlife photographer who broke her leg in a remote area of Yellowstone last Sunday said it taught her the importance of not venturing out alone, especially in areas without cellular service. Her companion was able to get her back to their car safely.

Mark HeinzFebruary 05, 2026

Cheyenne police used a fully armed SWAT team with an armored vehicle to breach a suspected drug house Thursday. One of two suspects arrested holed up in the home’s attic for two hours before finally giving up.

SWAT Team Coaxes Suspect From Attic During Cheyenne Drug Bust

Cheyenne police used a fully armed SWAT team with an armored vehicle to breach a suspected drug house Thursday. One of two suspects arrested holed up in the home’s attic for two hours before finally giving up.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026

Rendering of 18-foot clay prototype shown at the 399 monument installation site at the National Museum of Art

Gigantic Grizzly 399 Sculpture To Be Dedicated At Jackson Museum In September

The world-famous Grizzly 399 and her four cubs will be honored with a larger-than-life bronze sculpture at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. The piece by sculptor Jocelyn Russell will be dedicated on Sept. 9, 2026.

Andrew RossiFebruary 05, 2026

Biteman 3 3 25

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman 'Looking Seriously' At U.S. House Run 

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman told Cowboy State Daily he is considering a run for Wyoming's U.S. House and has formed an exploratory committee to look into a campaign. "I will have a decision after session – one way or another," he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Meteorologist Don Day stands on a snowdrift from the massive winter storm that dropped 30+ inches overnight in Cheyenne back in March, 2021

Wyoming To Gain 70+ Minutes Of Daylight In Feb.; Could Trigger Wet Heavy Snow Too

Wyoming will gain over 70 minutes of daylight in February as "solar spring" begins, which will make days longer and warmer. Meteorologists say that can lead to massive amounts of wet, heavy snow like the kind that paralyzed Cheyenne five years ago.

Andrew RossiFebruary 04, 2026

Jackson Hole and News and Guide settlement 2 4 26

$25M Lawsuit Against Jackson Newspaper Settled: "Should Have Never Been Published"

An Arizona man settled what was originally a $25M defamation suit vs. the Jackson Hole News & Guide over the paper claiming he'd abused his son. The paper wrote, "We acknowledge, plainly and without qualification, that this article should never have been published."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Groundhog 2 4 26

Wyoming Chef Says The Best Way To Cook Groundhog Is With A Pork Rub

Groundhogs don't have to be just ceremonial animals that allegedly predict when spring arrives. They can be good eating too. One of Wyoming’s top chefs says groundhog is best when cooked in a smoker with a pork rub.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2026

BioLife Plasma Services abruptly closed two of its three Wyoming locations Tuesday, including this one in Laramie. Cash-strapped clients who depend on the money from selling plasma say the no-notice move is a gut-punch to their budgets.

Cash-Strapped Donors Stunned By Sudden Closures Of Wyoming BioLife Plasma Centers

BioLife Plasma Services abruptly closed two of its three Wyoming locations Tuesday. Clients, who said they depend on the money from selling plasma, say the no-notice move is a gut-punch to their budgets. “For me, it was my truck payment,” one man said.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 04, 2026

Tom kelly 2 4 26

Tom Kelly Announces Run For Superintendent Of Public Instruction

Tom Kelly, a freshman lawmaker from Sheridan who is also a college professor, said Wednesday he is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. He arrived in Wyoming in 2019 leaving Illinois for Colorado, until Colorado became "just Illinois with mountains."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

William Autery, 25, is accused of stabbing an older Cheyenne man in the back while trying to steal his backpack and sunglasses. The suspect, who faces an attempted murder charge, claims the stabbing was in self-defense.

Transient Accused Of Stabbing Man In The Back Tells Police It Was Self-Defense

A 25-year-old transient accused of plunging a knife into the back of a Cheyenne man to steal his backpack and sunglasses will wait another week to enter a plea to charges of attempted second-degree murder. Police say he claimed the stabbing was self-defense.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 04, 2026

Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park.

Split Ruling Keeps Star Plunge Case Alive, Lets State Proceed With Improvements

A state judge’s mixed decision on Monday will allow redevelopment to continue at Hot Springs State Park and lets the Star Plunge lawsuit proceed. That leaves the popular amenity at the park in limbo.

Renée JeanFebruary 04, 2026

Ag farmland 2 4 26

Lawmakers Worried About Foreign-Owned Ag Land, Real Estate Agents Not So Much

The newly unveiled USDA portal that tracks foreign-owned ag land in the U.S. has been hailed by GOP lawmakers and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins as a good step in the right direction. Real estate agents, however, don't seem as concerned with the issue.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 04, 2026

Wyoming drivers gawked at a snowmobile strapped to the a broken-down Nissan Altima on Highway 26 near Casper over the weekend. The jerry-rigged setup failed and a friend's truck came to haul both the car and snowmobile away.

Snowmobile Strapped To A Nissan 'About As Backwoods Redneck As You Can Get'

Wyoming drivers gawked at a snowmobile strapped to a broken-down Nissan Altima on Highway 26 near Casper over the weekend. A passing motorist called the jerry-rigged setup "about as backwoods redneck as you can get."

Andrew RossiFebruary 03, 2026

Gov. Gordon said that as the University of Wyoming faces a proposed $40 million cut, it should “listen to the people of Wyoming.” He also fielded questions about K-12 funding and dismantling the Wyoming Business Council during a Tuesday forum in Lander.

Gordon Says Facing $40M Cut, UW Should ‘Listen To The People Of Wyoming'

Gov. Gordon said that as the University of Wyoming faces a proposed $40 million cut, it should “listen to the people of Wyoming.” He also fielded questions about K-12 funding and dismantling the Wyoming Business Council during a Tuesday forum in Lander.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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

Jake NicholsFebruary 04, 2026

Richard "Deak" Dollard, Richard Dollard, and Jesse Dollard.

BLM Officer, Family Members Plead Not Guilty In Fatal Lander Bar Fight

A BLM law enforcement officer and two members of his family pleaded “not guilty” to murder and manslaughter charges Tuesday in a shared arraignment hearing in Fremont County District Court. They’re accused of killing a man in a Lander bar brawl last month.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 03, 2026

Some Wyoming Freedom Caucus legislators question using $15 million in state lodging tax money to lure the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association from Colorado to Wyoming. It's a move supporters say will bring huge economic benefits.

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back On $15M Bid To Bring PRCA Headquarters to Cheyenne

Some Wyoming Freedom Caucus legislators question using $15 million in state lodging tax money to lure the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association from Colorado to Wyoming. “Business and industry should be able to stand on their own,” Rep. Scott Heiner said.

Renée JeanFebruary 03, 2026

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Feds Pushing Grizzly Rules To December Could Be Step Toward Delisting

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

The body of David Kelsey was found in Beck Lake and recovered Tuesday. The 50-year-old Cody man had been missing for more than a week.

Body Of Cody Man Missing Since Jan. 23 Found In Beck Lake

The body of David Kelsey was found in Beck Lake and recovered Tuesday. The 50-year-old Cody man had been missing for more than a week.

Jen KocherFebruary 03, 2026

Robert W. Vawdrey

'I Will Shoot You In The Head': Evanston Man Posts Video Threat To Kill Neighbors

A 62-year-old Evanston man faces felony charges after posting a video online threatening to shoot and kill his neighbors over a property dispute. Wearing a cowboy hat, he leans into the camera and says, “I will (expletive) shoot you in the head."

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 03, 2026

A request to dismiss an animal cruelty charge against accused wolf torturer Cody Roberts was denied Tuesday. The Sweetwater County judge in the case confirmed he won’t dismiss the case early and that Roberts’ case can go to trial, set to begin March 9.

No Dismissal For Cody Roberts In Wolf Torture Case, Trial Could Start Next Month

A request to dismiss an animal cruelty charge against accused wolf torturer Cody Roberts was denied Tuesday. The Sweetwater County judge in the case confirmed he won’t dismiss the case early and that Roberts’ case can go to trial, set to begin March 9.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 03, 2026

A recent grizzly bear study in Yellowstone National Park involved 120 remote cameras set up around the park, to capture photos of the bears’ activity.

From Bear Wrestling To Wildlife Monitoring, AI And Tech Evolution Fuels Research

Wildlife researchers are using technology to take a hands-off approach to studying wildlife, stressing animals less and saving researchers from eye-blurring data crunching. It's a huge leap from the days of wrestling bears in the name of science.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

Wyoming faces shortfall between $400 million and $600 million for road repair for the next two-year budget cycle. Repair robots could be the answer to paving and repairing roads for far less money in the long run.

Robots Could Be Answer To Wyoming’s Ever-Escalating Road Repair Costs

Although robots aren't ready to fix roads now and cut down on the $400 million to $600 million shortfall Wyoming faces in the next two years, they could help in the future. Robotic road repair is on the horizon and could save big money in the long run.

Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2026

Jerre, left, and Cheryl Gowdy at Curt Gowdy State Park in 2023.

Jerre Gowdy, Wife Of Sportscaster Curt Gowdy And Philanthropist, Dies At 101

Known for her charity work and devotion to Wyoming’s Curt Gowdy State Park, Jerre Gowdy, the wife of the late Hall of Fame sportscaster, died last week at age 101. She leaves a legacy of kindness and philanthropy. 

Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2026

Firearms suppressors, commonly called silencers, can greatly reduce noise and recoil – even in robust cartridges, such as the .500 Smith & Wesson.

Gun Silencers Go From Fringe To Mainstream After Tax Elimination

People with firearms suppressors or silencers no longer have to pay a $200 federal tax. That could be the tipping point that makes the devices the next big thing for hunters, gun sellers say.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

Outdoor adventure influencer Coyote Peterson found this bison skull in a remote “animal boneyard” in Yellowstone National Park. After admiring it, he left it there. It’s illegal to remove animal parts from Yellowstone.

Yellowstone’s Remote ‘Animal Boneyard’ Is Where Elk And Other Animals Go To Die

Bison, elk and other animals die in droves in Yellowstone's remote “animal boneyard.” Only a few know how to get there, wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson told Cowboy State Daily. Their carcasses provide a springtime buffet for grizzlies and wolves.

Mark HeinzFebruary 02, 2026

Wind river reservation sign 4 5 23

Riverton Man Accused Of Shooting And Killing Man In Moving Car 

Jose Benito Ocon, 34, faces federal first-degree murder charges for shooting a man in the head in a moving car on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation after asking if his girlfriend loved him. Witnesses said he also threatened two women with the gun.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 02, 2026

A Utah man driving the wrong way on Interstate 80 died over the weekend after colliding head-on with a semitrailer near Evanston. Witnesses said a pickup was driving eastbound in the westbound lane Saturday when the collision happened. 

Utah Man Dies In Wrong-Way Head-On Crash On I-80 Near Evanston

A Utah man driving the wrong way on Interstate 80 died over the weekend after colliding head-on with a semitrailer near Evanston. Witnesses said a pickup was driving eastbound in the westbound lane Saturday when the collision happened. 

Andrew RossiFebruary 02, 2026

The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday revived Cody-based Gunwerks’ $14 million lawsuit accusing a local agency and two businesses of spending $6 million from the Wyoming Business Council — to build a faulty facility.

State Supreme Court Revives Gunmaker's $14M Lawsuit Over Business Council Project

The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday revived Cody-based Gunwerks’ $14 million lawsuit accusing a local group and two businesses of spending $6 million from the Wyoming Business Council — to build a faulty facility.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 02, 2026

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak is calling out a social media post and photos incorrectly tagged “terrorism in action” by his department’s immigration task force. The photos were of a stolen car recovery and had nothing to do with ICE. This is a screenshot of part of one of the photos attached to the post by Joseph Ramirez.

Laramie County Sheriff Says Photos Of ‘Terrorism In Action’ Just A Stolen Car

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak is calling out a social media post and photos incorrectly tagged “terrorism in action” by his department’s immigration task force. The photos were of a stolen car recovery and had nothing to do with ICE, he said.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 02, 2026

Clair mark 2 2 26

Clair McFarland: Lander Lil Doesn't See Her Shadow, But Finds The Cougars On Groundhog Day

Clair McFarland writes, "My fellow Cowboy State Daily contributor Mark Heinz and I gathered on the southern slope of Lander this Groundhog Day, to see whether Lander Lil, Wyoming’s famed gargantuan prairie dog, would see her shadow."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 02, 2026

Jake Stoner is planning his son Basil’s funeral on his Nebraska ranch after his son was allegedly abducted and murdered by his mother during a custody fight. Stoner is also pushing Wyoming legislators to loosen strict Amber Alert criteria for faster child rescues.

Father Mourns Son Allegedly Killed By Mom By Planning Funeral And Seeking Reform

Jake Stoner is planning a funeral for his 11-month-old son on his ranch after the boy was allegedly murdered by his mother two days before Christmas. Stoner is also asking Wyoming legislators to loosen strict Amber Alert criteria for faster child rescues.

Jen KocherFebruary 01, 2026

Just south of Cheyenne, UW's Hydrogen Energy Research Center is developing a pilot plant with technology that could turn Wamsutter into a major hydrogen fuel supplier to the Pacific Northwest

Wamsutter Could Become A National Hydrogen Hub By Transforming Oil Field Waste

Wamsutter may not appear that exciting now but a pilot hydrogen production facility provides a window into its potential energy future. One where oil and gas waste streams could be transformed into hydrogen fuel destined for markets in the Pacific Northwest.

David MadisonFebruary 01, 2026

Yellowstone’s "secret" century-old Old Faithful stamp is available only by request and may be the last of its kind. The 40-year-old Passport to Your National Parks program offers modern stamps for eager collectors.

'Secret' Century-Old Yellowstone Old Faithful Stamp Might Be The Last Of Its Kind

Yellowstone’s "secret" century-old Old Faithful stamp is available only by request and may be the last of its kind. Before Instagram and smartphones, tourists marked their trips to Yellowstone and other national parks by getting a stamp.

Andrew RossiFebruary 01, 2026

During World War I and the Great Depression, regular staple pantry ingredients were scarce, so folks had to get creative. They came up with odd recipes such as tomato soup cake and water pie to stretch budgets and keep from starving.

Looking Back At Weird Depression Era Foods From Tomato Soup Cake To Water Pie

During World War I and the Great Depression, regular staple pantry ingredients were scarce, so folks had to get creative. They came up with odd recipes such as tomato soup cake and water pie to stretch budgets and keep from starving.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 02, 2026

In the 1850s, members of Congress thought the stories about “Yellow Stone" were too fantastic to be true. Politicians scoffed at the idea of geysers, boiling mud and petrified forests and refused to believe any of it.

When Congress First Heard Of 'Yellow Stone,' They Didn’t Believe It

Although the area was already called "Yellow Stone," back in the 1850s members of Congress thought the stories about the area were too fantastic to be true. They scoffed at geysers, boiling mud and petrified forests and refused to believe any of it.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2026

People gather for a protest after the killing of Renee Nicole Good on January 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Delegation Saddened By Deaths In Minnesota, Says State Should Cooperate With ICE

Wyoming’s congressional delegation last week all expressed sadness for the deaths in Minnesota and voiced support for investigations. They said violence is not likely in Wyoming because state and local officials here cooperate with federal efforts.

Coy KnobelFebruary 01, 2026

Wes Barron hitting Old Man Flats at Snow King Mountain during the annual Town Downhill, which is now known as the JH Downhill and runs at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Wyoming Speed Skiing Legacy Fueled By Legacy Of Jackson Legend Who Died In 2009

The Wes Barron Speed Series honors a Jackson skier who lost his thumb in a 2005 crash but lived for super-G speed until his 2009 death. Young racers carry on his legacy on Snow King Mountain's slopes during the speed series named for him.

David MadisonFebruary 01, 2026

Nathan Wallman, the owner of the 14 Lingle horses, is headed to trial in March on animal abuse charges involving 17 other horses that he kept at a rented Torrington location.

Rancher, Other Good Samaritans Rescue 14 Starving Horses In Goshen County

When 83-year-old Goshen County rancher Gary Hubert first saw the condition of 14 starving horses, he went to the sheriff. He then supplied 25 1,2000-pound bales of hay himself before others stepped up. The man who allegedly abandoned the horses is awaiting trial.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 31, 2026

Cannon Reimann, 13, of South Dakota shattered the National Western Junior Livestock Show record, selling her steer Boots for $320,000 — beating her brother’s 2024 record. Her father, a renowned cattle showman, died in a 2014 plane crash.

13-Year-Old South Dakota Rancher Sets Record With $320,000 Steer Named Boots

Cannon Reimann, 13, of South Dakota shattered the National Western Junior Livestock Show record, selling her steer Boots for $320,000 — beating her brother’s 2024 record. “My family, we worked really hard,” she said

Kate MeadowsJanuary 31, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise small 2 6 26 v2
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, February 6, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Diane Miller. Diane writes, "My boys enjoying the warm weather & beautiful sunrise with me. Good morning all from Cheyenne!"

Photo by Diane Miller

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

View all
Venezuelans holding up Bibles they received through Vision Beyond Borders.

Vision Beyond Borders Sends Bibles To The Nations

For over 30 years, the Vision Beyond Borders teams have carried Bibles—along with medicine, clothing, and necessary supplies—into places like Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela.

February 02, 2026

Two medical professionals are looking at an X-ray.

Hoskinson Health Brings Advanced Rheumatology Care to Gillette

Hoskinson Health’s rheumatology program offers diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune and arthritis conditions using in-house imaging, infusion therapy and specialty expertise, reducing the need for patients to travel out of state.

January 26, 2026

In a physical therapy office, a woman performs a procedure on a patient.

Hoskinson Premier Care Redefines How Wyoming Patients Get Healthcare

The Gillette clinic’s membership-based program is designed to simplify healthcare by bundling primary care, specialty services, and mental health support into one predictable monthly price.

January 26, 2026

Opinion

View all
Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”

Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

Scott clem 7 29 25

Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."

Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."

Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all