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Remembering Jara: The Wyoming K-9 Officer Who Had A Cartel Hit On Her
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jara was so good at sniffing out drugs, a Mexican cartel put out a hit on her. The K-9 also saved lives and was on the “Dr. Phil” show. She received a hero’s sendoff when she died earlier this month.
Jackie DorothyApril 19, 2026

Former Wyoming Legislator Revives Long-Lost Guide To Tribal Government
Scotty Ratliff worked for two decades to get an updated edition of “Tribal Government: Wind River Indian Reservation” available to the public and Wyoming schools. Teaching tribal government should be included in all Wyoming government classes, he says.
Jackie DorothyApril 19, 2026

Someone Went To A Lot Of Trouble To Dump A Yellow Boat In The Middle Of Desert
A yellow boat dumped in the middle of the desert north of Rock Springs stands out to a 30-year trash removal veteran as unusual and head-scratching. Someone went to a lot of trouble to dump it there, but they could’ve taken it to the landfill for free.
Andrew RossiApril 19, 2026

160-Megawatt Laramie Solar Project Makes Deal With Black Hills To Get Power On Grid
A 160-megawatt solar project on Laramie city-owned land has reached a milestone with NextEra Energy Inc. signing an agreement with Black Hills Power Inc. to deliver electricity to the power grid.
Kate MeadowsApril 19, 2026

Rawlins Wants To Shake Reputation As Drive-Thru Town For I-80 Travelers
Rawlins is trying to shake its reputation as a drive-thru town for travelers on Interstate 80 who don't stop except for gas and a bathroom break. A push is on to show those visitors that there's plenty to see if they’d stay overnight.
Renée JeanApril 19, 2026

Meet John L. Blair: Wyoming’s Mozart Of Saddlemaking And Virtuoso With Leather
John L. Blair of Shell, Wyoming, is a master saddlemaker who commands more than $45,000 for a saddle, $15,000 for a leather bowl or $8,500 for a custom purse. He works listening to Mozart, one virtuoso inspiring another to create stunning leather art.
Renée JeanApril 18, 2026

War Games On Wyoming Highway Helped Prepare For Daring Iran U.S. Pilot Rescue
A high-risk special forces rescue of a U.S. fighter pilot in Iran earlier this month echoed war games held in Wyoming in 2023, when the military turned a remote, windswept stretch of highway near Rawlins into a simulated rescue mission for a downed pilot.
Renée JeanApril 18, 2026

Postal Ping Pong: Letter Addressed To Woman In Alabama Gets Sent To Man In Wyoming
A letter mailed to Lisa in Alabama was instead delivered to Roger in Torrington, Wyoming, in what Postal Service called a “rare” error. It was a head-scratcher for Roger who said the name and address on the envelope were both clear and legible.
Renée JeanApril 18, 2026

Old Photos Reunite New York And Wyoming Branches Of Whaley Family After 125 Years
The Whaley family arrived in Shell, Wyoming, in 1890, and remains in the Big Horn Basin. A son moved to New York in the early 1900s, and his line disappeared until a great-grandson posted old photos, reuniting the Wyoming and New York Whaleys.
Jackie DorothyApril 18, 2026

Kansas Man Wants To Bag One Last Elk Hunt In Wyoming Before Retiring From Sport
A Kansas man who’s hunted all over the West says he wants his final “retirement" elk hunt to be in Wyoming. “It’s still one of the great Western states that's untouched and unspoiled,” he said.
Mark HeinzApril 18, 2026

Beef And Whiskey: Celebrity Chef Hosts $295-A-Plate ‘Wyoming Night’ At New York Pop-Up
Celebrity chef Marc Murphy hosted a $295-a-plate "Wyoming Night" featuring Jackson Beef and Wyoming Whiskey at his restaurant in Manhattan. “Everybody wants to be a cowboy, especially in New York,” said Wyoming Whiskey co-founder David DeFazio.
Anna-Louise JacksonApril 18, 2026

New Jersey Family Claims It Has 2 Billy The Kid Photos From Before His Outlaw Days
A New Jersey family says it has two photos of Billy the Kid from before he was a notorious outlaw. If true, it would be historic as there has only been one verified image of Billy the Kid, a damaged tintype that sold at auction for $2.3 million.
Jackie DorothyApril 18, 2026

TV Host Dan Patrick Shows Off Colorful Cow Skull Painted By Wyoming’s Ned LeDoux
When he’s not climbing the country music charts, Wyoming’s Ned LeDoux paints wildlife skulls. Dan Patrick, host of “The Dan Patrick Show,” liked one LeDoux sent him so much he showed it off on national television.
Renée JeanApril 18, 2026
Casper's First Home, Built In 1888, Is Barely Standing; Historian Trying To Save
The first home in Casper was built in 1888, but now is barely standing. The plan when it was moved 57 years ago was to restore the house, but never happened. Now with fears it may not survive another winter, a historian is trying to save it.
Dale KillingbeckApril 18, 2026

Attorney Says Chuck Gray Lost Privacy On Voter Info By Texting News Outlet
The Cheyenne attorney asking authorities to prosecute Chuck Gray for handing over voter information to the feds now says Gray lost attorney-client privacy by texting a news outlet. Gray calls the new allegation “more lunacy ... from a radical leftwing attorney."
Clair McFarlandApril 18, 2026

Artemis II Astronauts Credit Wyoming-Based NOLS For Prepping Them For Moon Mission
In their first interview Thursday since returning from a trip around the moon, the Artemis II astronauts credited their training at Wyoming-based NOLS for helping prepare for their mission. NASA has contracted NOLS for more than 45 wilderness expeditions.
Kolby FedoreApril 17, 2026

Opponents Say Turbines On Way To Turning Laramie Range Into A ‘Wyoming Wind Wall’
Opponents of a growing number of wind energy projects say they fear the Laramie Range is on its way to becoming a “Wyoming wind wall.” Supporters say the projects mean more than $40 million in annual lease payments for landowners and can be developed responsibly.
Kate MeadowsApril 17, 2026

Casper Angler Named World’s Best Fly-Fishing Guide By Orvis
Dustin White, a guide for the Ugly Bug Fly Shop in Casper, was named the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide of the Year, regarded in the industry as recognition of the best guide in the fly-fishing world. He said making people happy through his job is better than any award.
Mark HeinzApril 17, 2026

Iowa Man Sued By Reid Rasner Admits Calling Him Names, Says It’s Protected Speech
An Iowa man being sued for defamation by Reid Rasner admits calling him names on social media, but says it’s protected free speech. Rasner’s lawsuit claims he called him a “pedo creep,” while Cooley says Rasner’s “a cookie-cutter Trump cutout.”
Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2026

Crews Battle 15-Foot Snowdrifts As Road-Clearing Begins On Beartooth Highway
Despite the warmer than normal winter, road crews are still battling 15-foot snowdrifts as the annual clearing of the Beartooth Highway begins. The 64-mile stretch of highway, with elevations reaching 10,947 feet, isn’t expected to open until May 22.
Andrew RossiApril 17, 2026

Grizzly Transplanted To Yellowstone Has Cubs, Raising Hopes For Genetic Exchange
A female grizzly transplanted from near Glacier National Park to Yellowstone has emerged with two cubs, initiating genetic exchange between bear populations. Some say it’s not enough to impact the debate over delisting grizzlies from federal protection.
Mark HeinzApril 17, 2026

‘Change Is Hard’: American Legion Baseball Officials Defend Combining Divisions
Wyoming American Legion Baseball officials say they’ve had “maybe even thousands” of texts, calls and emails about combining divisions into one 23-team league. “Change is hard,” they say, adding that it will increase competition and draw college scouts.
Andrew RossiApril 17, 2026

Cheyenne Coin Shop Killer Dies In Prison 8 Months After Getting 2 Life Sentences
Eight months after drawing two life sentences for killing two men at a Cheyenne coin shop in 2015, Douglas Smith died in a Wyoming prison Thursday. Smith claimed he walked in on the killings, but was arrested in 2023 when his stories didn’t add up.
Greg JohnsonApril 17, 2026

People ‘Freaking Out’ Over ‘Elkosaurus,’ Wheatland’s Sinclair Dino With Antlers
“Elkosaurus” started out as some harmless fun, but has turned into a selfie-trap along Interstate 25 in Wheatland. People are "freaking out about our little Elkosaurus,” says the manager of the Sinclair station about its green dinosaur with elk antlers.
Kolby FedoreApril 17, 2026

Cody Man Missing Since April 5 Found Dead In Parked Car At Airport
The body of Cody resident Shawn Hughes, who had been missing since Easter, was found on Thursday afternoon in a parked car at Yellowstone Regional Airport. “He was so full of life,” said his sister, adding that the family is in shock.
Jen KocherApril 16, 2026

Owners Alarmed, Want Answers After Two Dogs Shot In Drive-Bys In Rural Wyoming
Residents in tiny Emblem, Wyoming, are alarmed and looking for answers after two dogs were shot in two days in drive-by incidents this past week. “He’s lucky to have a thick skull,” says the owner of a pit bull that took a shotgun blast to the face.
Andrew RossiApril 16, 2026

Tourists Try To Ride Elk Which Are Taking Over Beaches In Coastal Oregon Town
As herds of elk have overtaken a beach in a small Oregon coastal town, tourists have tried to put their children on them to ride and others attempt to feed them carrots. “We have visitors who don't know elk are wild animals,” said the local chamber.
Mark HeinzApril 16, 2026

Steve Harshman, Longest Serving House Member, Runs For Wyoming Schools Chief
Casper state Rep. Steve Harshman, the longest-serving Wyoming House member, is running for state superintendent of public instruction. "Bottom line, I love Wyoming schools and spent all my life in Wyoming schools," the longtime teacher and coach said.
Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

Former House Speaker Albert Sommers Wants His Seat In The Legislature Back
Former House Speaker Albert Sommers is running to win back his Sublette County House District 20 seat. The Legislature needs “less political theater and theatrics,” he said about what he’s observed in Cheyenne the last two years.
Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2026

Suspicious Package Left At F.E. Warren Gate Prompts Evacuation, Including Capitol
A suspicious package left near Gate 1 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday prompted an evacuation of nearby homes and the Wyoming State Capitol. “They came in and whispered in the governor’s ear,” then cleared the building, said a meeting attendee at the Capitol.
Greg JohnsonApril 16, 2026
Woman Charged With Stealing $200K From Special Olympics Has ‘Care And Love’ For Group
The Bar Nunn woman accused of stealing more than $200,000 from Special Olympics Wyoming has “care and love” for the group, her attorney says. “The victims in this case are the community’s most vulnerable,” the judge said during her first court appearance Thursday,
Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

Gordon Orders Agency To Start Food Welfare Program, Lawmaker Says 'Stay In Your Lane'
Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday ordered a state agency to start a new summertime food welfare program for students after lawmakers repeatedly rejected the $3 million endeavor. “Stay in your lane, governor,” Rep. Ken Pendergraft warned.
Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

Wheatland Woman Who Allegedly Asked Friend To Kill Husband Pleads Not Guilty
A Wheatland woman accused of trying to hire a friend to kill her husband — out of fear he would take their three children — pleaded not guilty Thursday in district court. Authorities say Molly Hamby asked a friend to make her husband “disappear.”
Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

Ella Langley, Other CMA Nominees This Year Played Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Many of this year’s Country Music Award nominees, including Entertainer of the Year Ella Langley, have played Jackson’s Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Not only is it a place for up-and-coming stars but country music legends keep coming back.
Kolby FedoreApril 16, 2026

Brush Creek Ranch Sommelier: Ultra-Rare 1870 Wine Will Get More Than $50K At Auction
The sommelier at Wyoming’s 5-star Brush Creek Ranch says the Friday auction of two bottles of ultra-rare 1870 Chateau Lafite discovered in an ancient castle should get more than $50,000 each. “This wine is in the category of never-to-be-seen-again," she said.
Renée JeanApril 16, 2026

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon Will Not Seek Third Term
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday announced he will not seek a third term in office. Wyoming law limits the governor to two terms, but Wyoming Supreme Court precedent suggests that law could be overturned easily. “We have just come off a solid legislative win," Gordon said.
Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026

Wyoming Guard Says Lasers Are Targeting Military Aircraft Over Guernsey
The Wyoming Army National Guard says someone is targeting military aircraft with lasers at its Camp Guernsey training center. Not only is it dangerous for pilots, it can get whoever’s doing it prison time and up to $250,000 in fines.
David MadisonApril 16, 2026

Gillette Woman Accused Of Plotting To Have Husband Kill Her Brother Back In Jail
A Gillette woman charged with plotting to have her husband kill her brother is back in jail in Washington state after an off-duty police officer saw her drinking at a Gillette bar. Her husband got 39 years in prison last month for stabbing the other man.
Kolby FedoreApril 15, 2026

Bar Nunn Woman Accused Of Embezzling $200,000 From Special Olympics Wyoming
A Bar Nunn woman and longtime employee of Special Olympics Wyoming was arrested on suspicion of embezzling more than $200,000 from the organization. Casper police say it took months to unravel a scheme that involved “sophisticated methods."
Kolby FedoreApril 15, 2026

Wyoming Reporter Makes Initial Court Appearance For Second Set Of 10 Felonies
A Wyoming reporter was in a Wheatland courtroom again Wednesday to face 10 felony forgery charges. That’s on top of 10 other felonies she's been charged with for allegedly submitting forged documents and lying under oath while opposing a wind farm.
Dale KillingbeckApril 16, 2026

Freezing Cold Front To Bring Snow, 60 MPH Winds Across Much Of Wyoming
A fast-moving, freezing cold front will bring blizzard conditions with snow and 60 mph winds across much of Wyoming from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. “Folks need to be ready for a shock to the system,” meteorologist Don Day says.
Andrew RossiApril 15, 2026

Oregon Man Challenges Yellowstone's Rules As Unconstitutional Overreach
An Oregon man accused of violating Yellowstone National Park’s fishing restrictions and a road closure is challenging the park’s rules as unconstitutional overreach. If he wins, it could upend the park’s ability to enforce many of its rules.
Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Alison Hazel of Saratoga. Alison writes, "We were heading east on Highway 130 to look for moose this morning. Suddenly the pink in the sky changed into a flaming orange and yellow."
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
Gail Symons: Make Wyoming Stoic Again
Opinion by Gail Symons
Bill Sniffin: So Little Time. So Much To Do. Here Is My 2026 Wyoming Bucket List
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: If You Can’t Hear, You Can’t Communicate
Opinion by Joan Barron
Dennis Sun: America's Meat Products are the Best
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Scott Clem: We've Been Here Before — Wyoming's New Energy Moment
Opinion by Scott Clem
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Wyoming Honors National Donate Life Month This April
Wyoming celebrates National Donate Life Month, spotlighting the power of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Lesley Steplock of Casper lost her mother in 2019, who went on to save multiple lives as a donor. Lesley now works for Donor Alliance, honoring her mother's legacy every day as an organ clinical coordinator.
April 13, 2026

Family Fun Awaits This Summer in Southwest Wyoming
Sweetwater County’s abundant natural playgrounds offer all kinds of opportunities to get out and play. Beyond outdoor escapades, you’ll find exciting summer shows, chances to see desert wildlife and a historic look at the Great American West at a variety of museums.
April 09, 2026

Western Americana & Firearms Collecting Resurges in Cody, Wyoming with Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions
Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions is working to restore Cody, Wyoming as a premier destination for Western and firearms collectors with its upcoming May 1–3 auction featuring over 1,200 lots. The catalog is now live, offering a wide range of historic arms and collectibles with multiple bidding options available.
April 09, 2026
Opinion
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Bill Sniffin: So Little Time. So Much To Do. Here Is My 2026 Wyoming Bucket List
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “When we moved here 56 years ago, I made a vow: I am going to see it all! So far, so good. Here are my bucket list goals for 2026.”
Bill SniffinApril 18, 2026

Joan Barron: If You Can’t Hear, You Can’t Communicate
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Dan Furphy of Casper may be retired as a lawmaker, but his legacy lives on. His bill created the 'Adult Hearing Aid Program.' Before that, Wyoming was the only state in the nation without a program to represent the hard-of-hearing community."
Joan BarronApril 18, 2026

Scott Clem: We've Been Here Before — Wyoming's New Energy Moment
Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The question before us is not whether nuclear energy is perfect or risk free. The question is whether Wyoming will approach this moment with the same seriousness that allowed us to harness coal and build decades of prosperity."
Scott ClemApril 16, 2026
Wyoming Life
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Vintage Ford Broncos Are Still All The Rage, Easily Selling For $50,000 Or More
Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026
Smaller Wyoming American Legion Baseball Teams Worry They Can No Longer Compete
Andrew RossiApril 14, 2026
Aircraft Pilot Walks Away from Upside-Down Landing on Mountain near Cody
Andrew RossiApril 13, 2026
Remembering Dot: Cheyenne’s Canine Art Ambassador Who Loved People & French Fries
Dale KillingbeckApril 13, 2026
Wyoming Baby Dinosaur Skull — Second Of Its Kind Ever — Unveiled In Swiss Museum
Andrew RossiApril 13, 2026
Outdoors
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Laramie County Man Declares War On Killer Raccoons, Builds ‘Chicken Fortress'
Mark HeinzApril 15, 2026
Yellowstone Wolf Steals Sign Warning Tourists About Hungry Grizzly Bears
Andrew RossiApril 15, 2026
A Moose Totaled Laramie Couple's Car, Then Somebody Took Their Roadkill
Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026
Huge Wyoming Turkey Season Expected On Heels Of Warm Winter
Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026
Wyoming High School Teams Compete In Newest Club Sport — Fly-Fishing
Mark HeinzApril 14, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Lummis Says Congress Should Set Major Climate Change Rules, Not EPA
Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2026
Cheyenne 14-Year-Old Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ To First-Degree Murder In Mom’s Shooting
Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2026
Motorcyclist Trapped Under Bike In Lincoln County Rescued After Texting Wife
Kolby FedoreApril 13, 2026
Gillette Junior High Worker Charged With Felony In Alleged Assault Of Student
Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2026
No Show Construction Boss Gets 8-10 Years For Cheating Niobrara County Customers
Clair McFarlandApril 13, 2026


