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47 Empty Spots: New Wyoming Highway Patrol Chief Says Hiring Is Main Priority
Wyoming Highway Patrol’s new chief Col. KC Ramsey will inherit 47 trooper vacancies, dispatch openings and an overtime crunch. “My main priority is to get to 208,” Ramsey says, referring to the agency’s authorized trooper force. He takes over Oct. 1.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 25, 2026
Conservationists Are Dragging Roadkill From Wyoming Roads Because Eagles Keep Getting Hit
Conservationists have a simple solution to keep eagles feasting on roadkill carcasses along Wyoming roads from becoming roadkill themselves — drag the carcasses away. Highway collisions have increasingly become a major cause of eagle deaths.
Mark HeinzSeptember 25, 2026
‘Total Chaos’: A Dozen Teens Could Be Charged In Cheyenne Football Game Brawl
Cheyenne police said Thursday that they're recommending criminal charges for a dozen teens ages 13-17 involved in a brawl at a Cheyenne Central High School football game earlier this month. “Total chaos,” is how a witness described the scene.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2026
Daredevil Oil Field Worker Who Died At Hobo Hot Springs Remembered As 'A Legend’
A daredevil oil field worker who died at Saratoga’s Hobo Hot Springs while on a back-to-nature road trip is being remembered by family and friends as a legend. He was known for his "naked downward doggin'" and standing on his motorcycle seat at 80 mph.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Laramie City Worker Caught Doing Epically Bad Curb Paint Job
A city worker caught doing an epically bad curb-painting job in Laramie’s downtown district has locals saying they’re “embarrassed," and the city apologizing for botching the job. “The employee obviously doesn’t give a (crap),” said a local resident.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 24, 2026
Day 3 Of Cheyenne Starvation Trial: Husband Blames Wife, Says He Was Deceived
On Day 3 of a Cheyenne man's trial for allegedly starving his son almost to death last year, Darrick Mittlestadt testified Thursday that the 13-year-old’s severe condition was his wife’s fault. “I know I was deceived, misled and lied to,” he said.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 24, 2026
Yellowstone Visitors Worried About 'Spinning Bison' As Bull Circles Endlessly In Pond
Visitors in Yellowstone are worried about what’s wrong with “the spinning bison” which is circling endlessly in a pond. A wildlife photographer said the bull has "either injuries from a fight, near total blindness, neurological damage, or all the above."
Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2026
New Uniforms Make It Clear That Many National Park Rangers Are Real Cops
New uniforms make it clear that many National Park Service rangers are real cops — with “police federal officer” printed on their ballistic vests. Some say that makes it seem they’ve merged with other federal police, while others like the new branding.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2026
Sheridan's Record 59-Game Win Streak Faces Biggest Test At Natrona On Friday
Sheridan High’s 59-game football winning streak is the longest in Wyoming history and second longest current streak in the nation. But the Broncs’ five-year run faces its biggest test Friday at co-No. 1-ranked Natrona County.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 24, 2026
Baggs Man Accused Of Breaking Woman’s Jaw, Punching Teen Who Tried To Save Her
Court records that became publicly available Thursday describe allegations that a 39-year-old man broke a woman’s jaw, punched a 15-year-old boy who tried to stop him assulting the woman, then threatened to kill them both during a confrontation in Baggs.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Sweetwater Schools Suspend Public Comment, Face Threat Of First Amendment Lawsuit
Sweetwater County School District 1 has shut down spoken public comment at board meetings. A national group is now threatening a First Amendment suit, saying the district can't block out criticism of employees while allowing praise.
Kate MeadowsSeptember 24, 2026
Beartooth Highway To Close For Season Oct. 13 — If Snow Doesn't Shut It First
The Beartooth Highway will close Oct. 13, though snow is likely to shut it down earlier than that, says Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day. The summit would have snow already if it weren't for the Super El Niño.
Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2026
Sheridan Man's Elk Hunt Ruined When Helicopter Dumps Water On Top Of Him
A Sheridan man says his elk hunt was ruined when a helicopter appeared above him in the Bighorn Mountains and dumped huge plumes of water on top of him. The Forest Service said it was a training flight and the crew probably didn't know he was there.
Mark HeinzSeptember 24, 2026
Casper Residents Angry With Unauthorized And Obnoxious Door-To-Door Magazine Sellers
Casper residents are angry with obnoxious and unauthorized door-to-door magazine sellers who won’t take “no” for an answer. “I had to shut the door in his face," one local man said. The city said there are no authorized active permits for solicitors.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Meth Pipe In Baby’s Crib, Guns Under Bed: Two Charged In Mills Bust
A Mills, Wyoming, couple were in court this week facing felony child endangerment charges after a cracked meth pipe was found in a baby’s crib and two guns under a bed. All the drug stuff was “at least 2 feet away,” the mom told police.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 23, 2026
Hot Springs County Chair Switches From Republican To Constitution Party
Hot Springs County Commission Chair Bob Aguiar has switched from Republican to Constitution Party, as did his wife, a top staffer for unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Brent Bien. This comes as the Constitution Party fields Rebecca Bextel for governor.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
Wyoming Industry Leaders Oppose Reported Trump Plan To Ban Diesel Exports
Wyoming industry leaders and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis oppose a 90-day ban on diesel exports reportedly proposed by Trump’s White House. Critics fear cutting off the supply could backfire and drive fuel prices even higher.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 24, 2026
Teton County GOP Tells Donors How To Give More Than Max, Then Says Not To Do It
The Teton County Republican Party corrected itself this week after telling people how to donate above the legal limit for candidates. A local elections attorney said he finds it "refreshing" that the party chair took accountability.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
Ex-Gillette Coach Charged With Lying About Montana Residency For Hunting Tags
A former Gillette baseball coach is charged with lying about his residency to get hunting tags in Montana and killing a black bear, mountain lion, and white-tailed deer buck. If convicted, he could lose hunting privileges in all 50 states for life.
Mark HeinzSeptember 23, 2026
Casper Man ‘Practically In Tears’ When Missing Falcon Returns After A Week
A Casper man had given up hope of ever seeing his beloved falcon, named Kevin, after the raptor went missing for a week. He was “practically in tears” reuniting with the bird when Kevin turned up at a local hospital.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 23, 2026
Oregon Man Loses Argument That Yellowstone Superintendent's Power Is Unconstitutional
An Oregon man who fished without a license in Yellowstone National Park lost an argument that the superintendent wields crime enforcement power unconstitutionally. He then pleaded guilty and was fined $500 last week.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
Cheyenne Man On Trial For Starving Son Says, ‘I’m Not A Good Dad’
Accused of starving his adopted teenage son almost to death last year, Darrick Mittlestadt of Cheyenne testified Wednesday that he didn’t see or talk to the boy for “three or four months” despite living in the same house. “I’m not a good Dad," he said.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 24, 2026
Doctor Says 50-Pound Cheyenne Teen Looked Like A ‘Concentration Camp Survivor’
A doctor testifying on the first day of Darrick Mittlestadt’s aggravated child abuse trial Tuesday said the 50-pound 13-year-old boy looked like a “concentration camp survivor” when he examined him. Mittlestadt claims his wife was the abuser, not him.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 23, 2026
Cody Woman Accused In Murder-For-Hire Plot Avoids Life Sentence With Plea
A Cody woman accused to trying to hire a hitman to kill her son-in-law avoids life in prison with her Monday no contest plea, agreeing to 5-7 years. “Works for me,” she told a DCI agent posing as the hitman when he said he’d prefer to shoot the man.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 23, 2026
Mutilated Bear Found On Northern Cheyenne Reservation Missing Paws and Head
A Northern Cheyenne woman feared she had found a missing man. Instead, it was a dead black bear missing its paws and head. With few officers on the reservation about 50 miles north of Wyoming, she says she has little hope of an investigation.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 23, 2026
Cody Hit-And-Run Driver Demolishes Homeowner’s Fence, Hit With Felony Charge
A hit-and-run driver accused of demolishing a Cody homeowner’s wooden fence just after midnight Wednesday has been hit with a felony charge. “I could not believe the damage and amount of fence that had been destroyed,” said a neighbor.
Andrew RossiSeptember 23, 2026
Barrasso Endorses Cody Republican For State House, Libertarian Opponent OK With It
Wyoming’s U.S. Sen. John Barrasso turned his attention briefly from Washington, D.C., politics to the state legislative races Tuesday to endorse Cody-based attorney David Hill for state House. Hill's libertarian opponent isn't bothered by the move.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
Man Faces Murder Charge After Pickup Plunged Off Wyoming Cliff With Wife Inside
A Colorado man whose phone contained searches for “cliffs near me” before his pickup plunged off a Wyoming mountain road with his wife inside is now wanted in Wyoming for first-degree murder. Investigators say their truck went over the cliff at 57 mph.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 22, 2026
Remains Of Gillette Man Missing More Than Three Months Found In Rugged Terrain
The remains of a 43-year-old Gillette man missing more than three months were found Saturday by a K-9 named Taz during an extensive search of the Weston Hills Recreation Area. “I wouldn’t have seen the guy without (Taz),” said the K-9's handler.
Jen KocherSeptember 22, 2026
Cody Bowhunter Says He Did Nothing Wrong By Leaving Elk Partly Devoured By Grizzly
A Cody bowhunter said he did nothing wrong by leaving an elk that was partly devoured by a grizzly. Although he was charged by Game and Fish, he said skinning and quartering an elk with likely-tainted meat wasn't worth the risk of a grizzly confrontation.
Mark HeinzSeptember 22, 2026
Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsSeptember 23, 2026
‘Big Teddy Bear’: Truck Driver Killed In Snake River Canyon Leaves Wife, 2 Girls
A truck driver killed when his car plunged 50 feet into Wyoming’s Snake River Canyon on Friday leaves a wife and two small daughters. He was a “big teddy bear,” his wife said about the man who couldn’t go more than a few hours without talking to his kids.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 22, 2026
Douglas Man Finally In Court, Pleads Not Guilty To 80 Child Sex Abuse Charges
Nearly two months after he fled to California while skipping his arraignment on dozens of child sex abuse and exploitation charges, John C. Smallbone was finally in a Converse County courtroom Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to 80 child sex abuse charges.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 22, 2026
Trump Order Could Finally Settle Heated Corner-Crossing Debate In Hunters’ Favor
President Trump has moved to settle the corner-crossing issue with an executive order that appears to favor hunters, supporters say. A fact sheet released by the White House says it will include efforts to “unlock checkerboarded and landlocked parcels.”
Mark HeinzSeptember 23, 2026
Fremont County Ambulance: Maybe We Don't Have To Go On Strike After All
The president of the union representing Fremont County's ambulance workers said their planned strike is now delayed to Oct. 1 - the day their company's contract expires anyway. But he was optimistic Tuesday that local governments will soon have a way to keep the service running.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
Wyoming Consumer Advocate Office Will Fight Rocky Mountain Power's 8.8% Rate Hike
Wyoming's Office of Consumer Advocate on Tuesday said it will fight Rocky Mountain Power's proposed 8.8% rate hike — its third in three years. They say they will recommend a significant reduction or an elimination of the proposed increase altogether.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 22, 2026
Game And Fish Confirms No Mollie's Pack Wolves Killed As Hunt Quota Reached
It took five days for hunters to reach the four-wolf quota in the Shoshone National Forest hunt areas where the famous Mollie’s Pack denned over the summer. Wyoming Game and Fish confirms that no wolves from Yellowstone's oldest pack were killed.
Mark HeinzSeptember 22, 2026
Outspoken Veterinarians Kill Bill To Let Non-Vets Do Livestock Pregnancy Checks
Large-animal veterinarians pleaded for their livelihoods Tuesday when discussing a bill that would have let non-vets pregnancy-check livestock. One rancher cried during the hours-long debate. In the end, the bill died by an 8 to 5 vote.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 22, 2026
Cheyenne City Council to Consider 1,200-Acre Solar Project On Belvoir Ranch
Months after the City of Cheyenne cut the ribbon on its new Belvoir Ranch trail system, the city council is set to consider the addition of a 140-megawatt solar and battery storage project on a different part of the 18,800-acre property.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 22, 2026
Urban Farm In Cheyenne Annexation Crosshairs Says Changes Could Shut Them Down
A 49-acre working farm the City of Cheyenne wants to annex says proposed changes to agricultural ordinances within the city limits could shut down operations like theirs. City officials say the changes are intended to be friendlier to urban farming.
Kate MeadowsSeptember 22, 2026
Pinedale Search And Rescue Pulls Bucked Horseback Rider Out Of Tight Crevice
Pinedale’s Tip Top Search and Rescue rescued an injured horseback rider out of a tight crevice recently using sophisticated short-haul helicopter rescue training. The man became wedged after his horse bucked him near Mount Darby in Sublette County.
Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2026
‘Those Brothers Loved Each Other’: Casper Family Grieves After Fatal Shooting
A Casper family is mourning a 24-year-old killed in a shooting Saturday involving his brother, who has since been released from custody. “Those brothers loved each other,” said their great-aunt, who is grieving one nephew and worried for the other.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 21, 2026
Wyoming Group Bashes Hageman Bill Capping Conservation Easements At 30 Years
A Wyoming federal lands group is bashing a bill U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman has unveiled that would cap government conservation easements at 30 years. Hageman says it will balance landowners’ rights, while opponents claim it will harm conservation efforts.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 22, 2026
“The Gloves Are Off:” Angry Town Council Meeting In Guernsey Spills Into Parking Lot
Guernsey Town Councilman Jeremiah Fields told candidate Sue Fronapfel “the gloves are off” in the town hall parking lot after they clashed during a council meeting earlier this month. "It's not a threat, but a promise," Fields reportedly told Fronapfel.
Kate MeadowsSeptember 21, 2026
Facing Electricity Shortages, Wyoming Legislators Say Make Utilities Compete
Some Wyoming legislators are pushing a bill that would let independent power suppliers compete with utilities by selling to companies like trona mines and data centers. Four House members killed the effort, but it's coming back next week.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 21, 2026
Illegal Driver Going Wrong Way In Front Of Sheriff’s Office Was On ICE Watch List
The 17th and final illegal driver arrested during the latest Laramie County traffic safety enforcement operation was going the wrong way on a one-way street in front of the sheriff’s office. He almost hit a deputy and was on the ICE watch list.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 21, 2026
Casper Mountain Residents Clash Over Rocky Mountain Power Coming Onto Their Land
Casper Mountain residents are clashing over Rocky Mountain Power’s wildfire mitigation work on their land. One refuses to let a subcontractor cut down the pine tree where her father's ashes are buried, but a neighbor is thrilled to see her own trees go.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 22, 2026
Family Of Gillette Man Sues Co-op, Claims It Caused His Stress-Related Death
A Gillette family is suing a South Dakota cooperative after a 62-year-old businessman died of stress-related ulcers in February. They claim the company deliberately bankrupted the man and ultimately caused his death, allegations the company denies.
Julie MankinSeptember 21, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Bill Haley. Bill writes, "Sunrise in Centennial."
Today's question to Don Day
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.
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
Opinion
Rod Miller: My Big Empty Book List
Opinion by Rod Miller
Tom Lubnau: No One Gets To Steal Our Beauty
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Ken Buck: Schools Are Teaching Young People to Embrace Big Government, Hate Capitalism
Opinion by Ken Buck
Fred Harrison: Wyoming's Silent Tax Heist — Vote Yes on Proposition 1
Opinion by Fred Harrison
Dave Simpson: Do 70 Percent Of Us Still Like Trump?
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Sponsored
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Trusting God to Provide: Miracles in Cuba
Vision Beyond Borders has been supporting pastors in Cuba for over 30 years. As conditions in Cuba worsen, Christians are leaning on God, helping their communities, and seeing miraculous provision.
September 24, 2026
Wyoming Has Powered America, We’re Ready for What Comes Next
Wyoming can help power America’s next chapter. Getting it right means listening to local voices, protecting existing utility customers, and creating opportunities that endure long after construction ends.
September 21, 2026
Buffalo Bill’s Rifle, Rare Winchesters and Western Treasures Headline Three-Day Cody Auction
Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions will bring more than 1,500 lots to the historic Cody Auditorium Oct. 23–25, offering Wyoming collectors a chance to handle history, swap stories and enjoy three days of live auction excitement.
September 16, 2026
Opinion
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Gail Symons: Hey Maybe Campaign Like Voters Are Human Beings
Columnist Gail Symons writes, "The audience had given Bextel its time and attention. A closing statement is a chance to tell voters why they should support her. She spent much of hers attacking other people."
Gail SymonsSeptember 21, 2026
Joan Barron: 'L-Triple C' Out, 'Wyoming State College' In, Like It Or Not
Columnist Joan Barron writes, “I think Wyoming State College is kind of lame. I find more appeal in “College of the High Plains.” Or something with “Frontier” in it. The college has a new brand, but it has no boots or lace. It has just a plain cotton frock.”
Joan BarronSeptember 19, 2026
Bill Sniffin: What To Do When Weather Closes Roads Here In Big Wonderful Wyoming
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “There are some places in Wyoming I call ‘pinch points’ like South Pass and Wind River Canyon. When they are closed you are screwed. You are just stranded. So, what to do? Weather reports are very accurate. It is best to pay attention and plan ahead.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 19, 2026
Wyoming Life
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Top 11 Selling Art From Cody's $1 Million Buffalo Bill Art Show And Sale
Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2026
Country Music Star Chancey Williams Says Success Rooted In Wyoming
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Mysterious 1811 Pitchfork Ranch Rocks Change Timeline Of White Men In Bighorn Basin
Jackie DorothySeptember 20, 2026
Forgotten Lander Cabin Discovered To Be Historic 140-Year-Old Chinese Laundry
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Savery Rancher Won’t Stop Searching For Jim Baker’s Long Lost 1841 Battle Site
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Outdoors
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Morrison Jeep Trail Blasted To Open Its 27 Rugged Switchbacks After 4 Years Closed
Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2026
To Protect Harem, Yellowstone's ‘King Of Mammoth’ Elk Will Fight Anything — Even Cars
Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2026
Feds Fed Up With Whoever Trashed Bridger-Teton Campsite With 500 Pounds Of Garbage
Kolby FedoreSeptember 20, 2026
Slowly But Surely, Wyoming's Once-Stunning Aspen Alley Making A Comeback
Andrew RossiSeptember 19, 2026
Non-Residents Willing To Shell Out Up To $30,000 For A Wyoming Elk Hunt
Mark HeinzSeptember 19, 2026
Crime & Courts
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‘Go Get ’Em Boys!’: Fugitive Arrested In Laramie After 100 MPH, Bare-Rim Chase
Kolby FedoreSeptember 21, 2026
Manhunt Suspect Hit With Attempted Murder Charge For Shooting At Weston Co. Deputy
Kolby FedoreSeptember 21, 2026
Cheyenne Mom Admits Starving 50-Pound 13-Year-Old Son To Point Of Near Death
Greg JohnsonSeptember 21, 2026
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To 2018 Saratoga Fishing Derby Scam, Faces 20 Years
Renée JeanSeptember 21, 2026
Early-Morning Shooting In Casper Leaves One Man Dead, Another In Custody
Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2026
Wyoming Life
View allTop 11 Selling Art From Cody's $1 Million Buffalo Bill Art Show And Sale
Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2026
Country Music Star Chancey Williams Says Success Rooted In Wyoming
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Mysterious 1811 Pitchfork Ranch Rocks Change Timeline Of White Men In Bighorn Basin
Jackie DorothySeptember 20, 2026
Forgotten Lander Cabin Discovered To Be Historic 140-Year-Old Chinese Laundry
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Savery Rancher Won’t Stop Searching For Jim Baker’s Long Lost 1841 Battle Site
Renée JeanSeptember 20, 2026
Outdoors
View allMorrison Jeep Trail Blasted To Open Its 27 Rugged Switchbacks After 4 Years Closed
Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2026
To Protect Harem, Yellowstone's ‘King Of Mammoth’ Elk Will Fight Anything — Even Cars
Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2026
Feds Fed Up With Whoever Trashed Bridger-Teton Campsite With 500 Pounds Of Garbage
Kolby FedoreSeptember 20, 2026
Slowly But Surely, Wyoming's Once-Stunning Aspen Alley Making A Comeback
Andrew RossiSeptember 19, 2026
Non-Residents Willing To Shell Out Up To $30,000 For A Wyoming Elk Hunt
Mark HeinzSeptember 19, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all‘Go Get ’Em Boys!’: Fugitive Arrested In Laramie After 100 MPH, Bare-Rim Chase
Kolby FedoreSeptember 21, 2026
Manhunt Suspect Hit With Attempted Murder Charge For Shooting At Weston Co. Deputy
Kolby FedoreSeptember 21, 2026
Cheyenne Mom Admits Starving 50-Pound 13-Year-Old Son To Point Of Near Death
Greg JohnsonSeptember 21, 2026
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty To 2018 Saratoga Fishing Derby Scam, Faces 20 Years
Renée JeanSeptember 21, 2026
Early-Morning Shooting In Casper Leaves One Man Dead, Another In Custody
Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2026