Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
Wild Video Shows I-80 Semi Wreck That Has Left Rawlins Bridge Closed For Two Months
Dramatic dashcam video has emerged which shows a semi crashing into a Rawlins bridge on I-80 in July. A safety engineer said had the truck not hit the median cable barrier, the result would have been disastrous. "We would have had multiple fatalities.”
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026

Teton County Tells Homebuilders To Give $3.5 Million For Nearby Roads Projects
Teton County officials told developers of a non-luxury neighborhood to pay $3.5 million toward off-site road construction. After voicing objections about paying the unprecedented "tax" on a largely philanthropic project, the developers now say they'll compromise.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 29, 2026

Grizzly Advocates Hope Bear Spotted In North Idaho Means Territory Is Expanding
Grizzly recovery advocates are hoping that a bear spotted near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, means its territory is expanding. It's the third time this year one has been spotted in the area. "It gives a glimmer of hope," one advocate said.
Mark HeinzSeptember 29, 2026

National Group Rallies Against Data Centers Outside Cheyenne City Hall
A national group opposed to artificial intelligence parked its rally bus in front of Cheyenne’s city hall on Monday to rally against data centers. “Americans are not going to take these data centers being shoved down our throats,” said an organizer.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 29, 2026

Alleged Drunk Brothers Call DoorDash During Six-Hour Standoff With Gillette Police
In the middle of a nearly six-hour standoff with Gillette police last week, a pair of alleged drunk brothers got a little hungry and ordered food from DoorDash. “What drunks will do has never ceased to impress me,” said a retired cop.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026

As Wyoming Tries Again To Build Out EV Charging Network, Trump Goes The Other Way
As Wyoming moves to finally spend nearly $18 million in federal money to build fast-charging EV stations, the Trump administration is making clear that it wants the country to move the other way. Trump called the Biden-era policy a "backdoor" EV mandate.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 29, 2026

Nevada Man Accused Of Blasting Jackson Tour Bus Driver In Face With Bear Spray
A 63-year-old Nevada man was tracked down with Flock cameras after allegedly blasting a Jackson tour bus driver in the face with bear spray. The suspect says he was acting in self-defense, while the victim says he was road raging.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026

Kozak Campaign Signs On Cheyenne Corner Sprayed With Swastikas, Phallic Graffiti
Some of Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak's campaign signs were vandalized Sunday night. Someone spray-painted three swastikas, a giant penis, and an obscenity. By Monday, the signs were covered with plywood. "This is unacceptable," Mayor Collins said.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026

No, The Town Of Shoshoni Is Not Closed Down Despite What Google And Apple Maps Say
Shoshoni Mayor Joel Highsmith is blaming AI for Google and Apple Maps telling travelers on Monday that the entire town is closed down. The messaging caused drivers to end up on isolated dirt roads which can be impassable for large trailers and campers.
Jackie DorothySeptember 28, 2026

After Nearly 90 Years, Snow King Resort Hotel No Longer Called Snow King
Since 1938, Snow King Mountain Resort has been one of Jackson Hole’s most recognizable ski destinations. Now after nearly 90 years, the hotel at its base has been rebranded as “Trailborn Jackson Hole.” The resort hotel has traded its 1970s chalet vibe for high-end boutique amenities and a new restaurant.
Renée JeanSeptember 28, 2026

Witnesses Say Fremont County Man Used Both Hands To Choke 7-Months Pregnant Woman
A Fremont County man accused of wrapping both hands around the neck of a 7-month-pregnant woman in the parking lot of the Riverton child development center faces up to 20 years in prison. At least three witnesses said they saw the alleged assault happen.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026

While Road Hunters Get Sneered At As Lazy, ‘Everybody Gets Old,’ Outdoorsman Says
While some might regard road hunters as the lazy bums of the outdoors world, seeking wildlife from a climate-controlled cab has its place, advocates said. “We all get old,” avid hunter Buzz Hettick of Laramie told Cowboy State Daily.
Mark HeinzSeptember 28, 2026

After Multiple Fatalities, Truck/RV Drivers Must Take Course To Drive Teton Pass
After a brutal summer of fatalities, wrecks and near-misses on Teton Pass, RV and truck drivers are now required to take a course before driving the road. The Wyoming Trucking Association says it's not just a truck problem, and every driver should take it.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026

How A Trophy Bondurant Ranch Used Pre-Auction Panic To Force A $15 Million Sale
After 14 months without a buyer, a Bondurant ranch played a high-stakes game of real estate poker by putting the property up for a no-reserve auction. The resulting panic prompted a buyer to make a preemptive $15 million offer the ranch couldn’t refuse.
Renée JeanSeptember 27, 2026

MLB's Pitch To Build Baseball Park In Grand Teton National Park Will Backfire, Locals Say
Major League Baseball’s idea of building a baseball park in Grand Teton National Park will backfire, local residents said Sunday. MLB has approached the Trump administration about hosting a game in the national park but locals say the idea is "abhorrent."
Clair McFarlandSeptember 27, 2026

Wildlife World Grieves Photographer Known For Iconic Images Of Yellowstone's Oldest Wolf
The wildlife world is grieving the loss of Yellowstone photographer Sylvia Borgonovo who captured some of the most famous images of Yellowstone's oldest known living wolf. She was a stalwart advocate for wolves, grizzlies, and other wildlife.
Mark HeinzSeptember 27, 2026

Grand Teton National Park In Autumn: A Perfect Time For Wildlife-Watchers And Stargazers
For travelers who want to pair wildlife viewing with stargazing, autumn is hard to beat in Grand Teton National Park. Crowds are thinning, elk are in the rut, astronomical darkness comes earlier, and moonless evenings make the Milky Way easier to see.
Renée JeanSeptember 27, 2026
Crumbling Rural Campbell County Community Hall Fading Fast Despite Push To Save It
A rural building once was used by ranching families for church, dances, and school in southern Campbell County is fading fast despite efforts to save it. About 90 years old, it hasn't been used since a minister from Casper held a service there in 1976.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 27, 2026

Rising Gillette Rodeo Star Who Broke His Back During Bareback Ride Turns To Music
Gillette College bareback rider Cooper Filipek was a rising star when his career was abruptly interrupted in August after a horse rolled over him and broke his back during a bareback ride. Now he’s turning to his other passion — music — during his rehab.
Julie MankinSeptember 27, 2026

Meet The Pardoned Delete Mechanic Who Wants To Stop Your Car From Spying On You
Pardoned mechanic Matt Geouge has built a device that blocks vehicles from spying on their drivers, because in 2018 his fiancée realized investigators were following her. Now he braces for steep opposition from manufacturers as he unveils his new product.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 26, 2026

Visiting Crazy Horse Memorial: Larger Than Mount Rushmore And Still Under Construction
Crazy Horse Memorial, about 40 miles from the Wyoming border, is larger than Mount Rushmore and after nearly 80 years of blasting, drilling, carving and hauling untold tons of granite off a Black Hills mountainside, still isn’t finished. It's worth a visit.
Kate MeadowsSeptember 26, 2026

Wyoming History: Cody Man’s Romantic Rivals Were Murdered & His Story Became A Movie
Wyoming sheepherder and oil field worker Albert “Bert” Lampitt never got the girl. But when his romantic rivals got the girl, they got murdered. One by a rigged shotgun and the other through dynamite. He was never convicted and his story became a movie.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 27, 2026

Who Knew? University Of Wyoming Has Original Script And Score For ‘Sound Of Music’
The original script and music score for the 1965 classic “The Sound Of Music” are part of the American Heritage Center’s collection at the University of Wyoming. That's because associate producer Saul Chaplin donated them to the university in 1972.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 27, 2026

University Of Wyoming Trying To Save Lost Lakota Language Through Video Game
University of Wyoming developers and their Standing Rock Sioux tribal partners are trying to save the Lakota language, now spoken fluently by only about 2,000 people in North America. They hope a video game guided by a canine character will help.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 27, 2026

Auction Raises $100K After Artists Recreate Pronghorn Sculptures Smashed By Wind
After a truck full of painted pronghorn sculptures was demolished on a windy Wyoming highway last year, artists regrouped and recreated 10 more sculptures for a Gillette Rockpile Museum Association fundraiser. The auction earlier this month raised more than $100,000.
Jen KocherSeptember 27, 2026

Goat Yoga And High Tech Healing: Inside Wyoming's Booming Wellness Tourism Trend
Wyoming visitors are saying they want more than Yellowstone, skiing and roughing it in the outdoors. They want a reset, and that demand is fueling a booming health tourism industry with everything from goat yoga to high-tech thermal experiences.
Renée JeanSeptember 27, 2026

Wyoming Hunter Bags Antelope Buck With Supersized Double Set Of Horns
A pronghorn buck shot by a hunter in southeast Wyoming this week had a supersized double set of horns. That's because Instead of shedding last year’s horn sheaths, he just grew a new set right behind them. "I've Never seen anything like this," said one taxidermist.
Mark HeinzSeptember 26, 2026

Lucy Rose Was Lonely, So She Started A Road Trip And A Public Health Initiative
Lucy Rose is walking across 17 states, including Wyoming, to confront loneliness. The founder of a public health initiative to combat chronic loneliness, she says the condition is caustic to our health. “We lose years of our life when we don’t connect."
Renée JeanSeptember 27, 2026

Lander Silver Star Hero Reunited With Sniper Rifle He Used In Iraq 22 Years Ago
A Lander Marine, Silver Star hero and Iraq War vet was reunited with the sniper rifle he used during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004. He said it was surreal to hold it again after losing the rifle when he was severely wounded by mortar rounds.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 26, 2026

Inside Centennial Valley’s Deerwood Ranch, First-Of-Its-Kind Wild Horse Sanctuary
Longtime Wyoming ranchers have converted their Centennial Valley spread into the nation’s only BLM-certified wild horse sanctuary on private land. Now the Deerwood Ranch and its 350 mustangs are a big draw for guided tours, weddings and Airbnb stays.
Renée JeanSeptember 26, 2026

British Tour Company Raves About Cheyenne After AI Told Them To Visit
Cheyenne wasn’t on the itinerary for a British tour group recently on its way to an Alaska cruise. Then AI told them to hit Wyoming’s capital city. Now, the company is looking at making Cheyenne the starting city on its Wonders of the Wild West tour.
Renée JeanSeptember 26, 2026

Wyoming History: Buffalo’s Stately 1880 Occidental Hotel Started As Frontier Tent
Buffalo's stately Occidental Hotel didn’t begin that way, starting as a frontier tent hosting early Wyoming miners. Eventually, the tent became a shack, then the two-story Occidental by 1880. For nearly 150 years, it’s been the social center of Buffalo.
Jackie DorothySeptember 26, 2026
Streak Over: Natrona Snaps Sheridan’s Historic 59-Game Run With 38-0 Shutout
Sheridan High School’s varsity football team experienced something it hasn’t for nearly five years Friday night in Casper — the Broncs lost. The longest football win streak in Wyoming high school athletics history ended with a 38-0 loss to Natrona County.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 26, 2026

Wyoming People: Reba Teran Keeps Alive The Art Of Making Shoshone Woman’s Saddle
Reba Teran is resurrecting a nearly forgotten Shoshone art that's often depicted wrong in Western art. The traditional women's saddles are made of wood and covered in rawhide. Frederic Remington is one artist called out for putting male warriors in high-horned women’s saddles.
Jackie DorothySeptember 26, 2026

Casper Couple On A Mission To Visit Every Place Named ‘Paris’ In The U.S.
A Casper couple is on a mission to visit every place named “Paris” in the U.S. It’s a flashback 61 years to when as a young couple, they eloped to tiny Paris, Idaho, to get married. So far, “I probably enjoyed Paris, Illinois, the most," she said.
Jackie DorothySeptember 26, 2026
Wyoming Tough: Casper Vet Killed While Barrel Racing Remembered As ‘Human Tornado’
Well-known Casper veterinarian Gail Mahnke died earlier this month after a barrel racing accident in Gillette. For friends who had spent decades trying to keep up with her, she was known as "Wyoming Tough." “She was like a human tornado,” one friend said.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 26, 2026

Popular Cooking With Congress Creator Hosts Cheyenne Presidential Dinner Party
The creator of the popular Cooking With Congress series that delves into American history through food hosted a recent Cheyenne presidential dinner party. Diners ate bison steak like Teddy Roosevelt, drank a Kennedy and nibbled jelly beans like Reagan.
Renée JeanSeptember 26, 2026

Wyoming's Newest Fossils Are Chunky Jurassic Squids And Named After Ten Sleep Man
Wyoming's newest fossils are chunky 160-million-year-old squids found in northern Wyoming and named after Cliff Linster of Ten Sleep, who discovered them, and died in June. "I'm honored to have an extinct giant squid bear our family name," his son said.
Andrew RossiSeptember 26, 2026

Ex-Wyoming Family OK'd For Wind Farm Over Objections From Neighbors With Oil Wells
Scott Salo spent years watching neighbors collect oil checks from wells drilled off his ranch just south of the Wyoming line. On Wednesday, commissioners approved a wind project on his land, giving him the first time he had a say in his land's energy future.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 25, 2026
Dolly Look-Alikes Take Over Downtown Casper To Say Wyoming Will Always Love You
Downtown Casper honored the late country music legend Dolly Parton on Friday evening. Buffie LaRocca, the woman behind Dolly Day, said it's because everyone loved her. "You might be the worst person in the world, but you still love Dolly," she said.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 26, 2026

Cheyenne Woman Asks Court To Overturn 3,500-Acre Microsoft Data Center Annexation
A Cheyenne woman who helped gather more than 3,000 signatures to put a 3,500-acre Microsoft data center annexation to a vote is asking a judge to overturn the City Council’s approval of the annexation. “Let the people decide,” she said.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 25, 2026

Former Cheyenne Fire Chief Found Guilty Of Starving His Adopted Teenage Son
A jury deliberated for less than 90 minutes before convicting Darrick Mittlestadt, former fire chief of Laramie County Fire District No.1, on two counts of aggravated child abuse for starving his adopted 13-year-old son to near death.
Kerry DrakeSeptember 25, 2026

Mystery Orbs Are Back Over Cody, And UFO Expert Can't Explain Them
A Cody man watched nearly two dozen glowing orbs rise over Cedar Mountain west of town every night last winter. Then they vanished for months. Now they're back, and Wyoming's Mutual UFO Network director says he has no explanation for the video.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 26, 2026

"That Thing Was Strong": Cody Man Fights Mountain Lion To Save Dog
When a mountain lion attacked his dog Diesel, Adam Borkhus of Cody kicked it in the face and the lion turned on him. The cat “knocked me on my ass,” he said, which resulted in a 20-second ground battle — and excruciating rabies shots later.
Mark HeinzSeptember 25, 2026

Meet Scrappy, Lander Family’s Hyperactive Pet Red Fox Who’s An Attention Hog
Lander resident Adrian Zuniga turns heads everywhere he goes when walking his 6-month-old pet red fox Scrappy, who’s a hyperactive attention hog that loves to be petted. And yes, it’s legal to have a fox as a pet in Wyoming — if your county allows it.
Andrew RossiSeptember 25, 2026

E. Coli In Jackson Water Closes Schools, Sends Residents Scrambling
E. coli found in untreated well water in Jackson on Thursday prompted a boil-water advisory, closing schools and sending residents scrambling for bottled water. “Everybody had that deer in the headlights look,” one shopper told Cowboy State Daily.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 25, 2026

ATF Serves Search Warrant In Casper Cul-De-Sac; One Person Taken Into Custody
Federal agents serving a search warrant drew neighbors to their windows Friday morning as law enforcement vehicles filled the area and a man was taken into custody. One neighbor said the activity didn't bother her. "Obviously, it's a drug bust," she guessed.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 25, 2026

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
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Bruce McCormack. Bruce writes, "Sunrise through Split Rock, near Muddy Gap."

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Clouds, chance of rain in south central and southeast Wyoming on Tuesday, otherwise mostly sunny. Chance of rain overnight in the southeast. Highs in the 60s and 70s. Lows from the low 30s to near 50.

Daily Cartoon 2: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
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
Dave Simpson: A Pending Blue Wave? God Help Us!
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: I'm Voting No On Proposition One And Here's Why
Opinion by Gail Symons
Bill Sniffin: ‘Spoil’em And Sugar’em Up’ Is Primary Goal Of Great Grandparents
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: When Gov. Ed Herschler Dubbed Reporters 'Persona Non Grata'
Opinion by Joan Barron
Jonathan Lange: The Money Behind The Mailers May Surprise You
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Sponsored
View all
For A Small Population State, Prediction Markets Sure Do Like Wyoming
Wyoming has fewer than 600,000 residents, but prediction markets are putting serious money behind its elections, economy, sports, and local events.
September 29, 2026

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
Opinion
View all
Dave Simpson: A Pending Blue Wave? God Help Us!
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “The current price of gasoline is a burden to us all, but it's small price to pay to keep the lunatic leaders of Iran from getting the bomb. What's the Democrat policy for preventing a nuclear-armed Iran?"
Dave SimpsonSeptember 29, 2026

Gail Symons: I'm Voting No On Proposition One And Here's Why
Columnist Gail Symons writes, "Property tax relief sounds appealing when you're the one writing the check. The question is what happens to the services your taxes pay for when those checks get smaller. I'm voting no on Prop. 1 and here's why."
Gail SymonsSeptember 27, 2026

Joan Barron: When Gov. Ed Herschler Dubbed Reporters 'Persona Non Grata'
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The White House ban on three major news organizations raises the question: Can it happen here? Yes, but it hasn’t. Ed Herschler was the governor in recent history who had the most difficult relationship with the press."
Joan BarronSeptember 26, 2026
Wyoming Life
View all
The Pumpkin Drop Is Back! 1,551-Pound Pumpkin Dropped From 200-Foot Crane Explodes
Andrew RossiSeptember 27, 2026
Daredevil Oil Field Worker Who Died At Hobo Hot Springs Remembered As 'A Legend’
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Sheridan's Record 59-Game Win Streak Faces Biggest Test At Natrona On Friday
Leo WolfsonSeptember 24, 2026
Beartooth Highway To Close For Season Oct. 13 — If Snow Doesn't Shut It First
Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2026
Casper Residents Angry With Unauthorized And Obnoxious Door-To-Door Magazine Sellers
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Outdoors
View all
New Uniforms Make It Clear That Many National Park Rangers Are Real Cops
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2026
Sheridan Man's Elk Hunt Ruined When Helicopter Dumps Water On Top Of Him
Mark HeinzSeptember 24, 2026
Trump Order Could Finally Settle Heated Corner-Crossing Debate In Hunters’ Favor
Mark HeinzSeptember 23, 2026
Pinedale Search And Rescue Pulls Bucked Horseback Rider Out Of Tight Crevice
Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2026
Morrison Jeep Trail Blasted To Open Its 27 Rugged Switchbacks After 4 Years Closed
Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all
‘Total Chaos’: A Dozen Teens Could Be Charged In Cheyenne Football Game Brawl
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2026
Baggs Man Accused Of Breaking Woman’s Jaw, Punching Teen Who Tried To Save Her
Kolby FedoreSeptember 24, 2026
Day 3 Of Cheyenne Starvation Trial: Husband Blames Wife, Says He Was Deceived
Kerry DrakeSeptember 24, 2026
Cheyenne Man On Trial For Starving Son Says, ‘I’m Not A Good Dad’
Kerry DrakeSeptember 24, 2026
Oregon Man Loses Argument That Yellowstone Superintendent's Power Is Unconstitutional
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2026
