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After a devastating head injury nearly ended her life, barrel racer Anita Ellis is on an inspiring comeback trail that runs through Cheyenne Frontier Days. “I don’t really get intense or worry about stuff now. It’s in God’s hands,” she said.

A Head Injury Nearly Killed Her, Now She’s Competing At Cheyenne Frontier Days

After a devastating head injury nearly ended her life, barrel racer Anita Ellis is on an inspiring comeback trail that runs through Cheyenne Frontier Days. “I don’t really get intense or worry about stuff now. It’s in God’s hands,” she said.

Renée JeanJuly 25, 2026

It’s been more than four years since Cromwell Island on the west side of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana went on the market. Will anyone buy their own private island for the $72 million asking price? The 45,000-square-foot French-style villa is unfinished inside.

Maybe This Is The Year Someone Will Finally Buy $72 Million Montana Private Island

It's been four years without a buyer for Montana’s most expensive luxury estate, a 350-acre private island with a huge unfinished 45,000-square-foot villa. The $72 million property also features a boat dock that can accommodate a 70-foot yacht.

Anna-Louise JacksonJuly 25, 2026

John Smallbone

Colorado Court Releases Wyoming Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex Abuse Charges

A Douglas man wanted on 72 felony charges alleging sex abuse of minors was released on his own accord by a Colorado court Thursday instead of being held for Wyoming authorities. “We’re out looking for him again,” said the Converse County undersheriff.

Greg JohnsonJuly 24, 2026

A 12-foot-long dinosaur nicknaed Dino that usually stands outside a Sinclair gas station near Gardiner, Montana, was stolen Sunday night. It reappeared bolted to a 100-foot cliff face overlooking the Yellowstone River.

Stolen 12-Foot Sinclair Dinosaur Bolted To 100-Foot Cliff Over Yellowstone River

A 12-foot-long dinosaur nicknaed Dino that usually stands outside a Sinclair gas station near Gardiner, Montana, was stolen Sunday night. It reappeared bolted to a 100-foot cliff face overlooking the Yellowstone River.

Andrew RossiJuly 24, 2026

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‘Rain Makers’ Say They Can Boost Wyoming’s Water Supply, Wyo Lawmakers Want Proof

A Colorado “rain maker” company claims it has used electricity to boost water supplies in two western states by 10-15% and can do it for Wyoming if lawmakers don't conflate their methods with cloud seeding. Two legislators say they want proof first.

Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2026

U.S. House candidates Chuck Gray (left) and Steve Friess (right)

Steve Friess Says Wyoming U.S. House Race A 'Two-Man Race' Now

U.S. House candidate Steve Friess concluded the Thursday-night debate by saying polling shows the Wyoming GOP race is really between two people — himself and Chuck Gray. "[Gray's] unfavorable ratings are astronomically high," a campaign spokesman said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2026

Emergency crews respond to a motocycle crash on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.

Dramatic Rise Of Motorcycle Crashes On Chief Joseph, Beartooth Highways

Agencies in Wyoming and Montana say they have been responding to an unusually high number of motorcycle crashes on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph highways. They blame speed, weather, distracted driving and lack of experience on winding roads.

Andrew RossiJuly 24, 2026

Hudson Bolton, center, with his girlfriend Kennedy, drops off a load of laundry with Drop N Dash during Cheyenne Frontier Days while Jessica Snider, left, looks on.

Cowboys, Crap And 1,900 Pounds Of Laundry: The Dirty Side Of Cheyenne Frontier Days

Behind the scenes, Cheyenne's Courtney Shillenn and her Drop N Dash laundry crew are washing away the dust, the mud, the blood, and the poop at Cheyenne Frontier Days. A half-month's worth of dirty clothes have spun through their machines in five days.

Renée JeanJuly 24, 2026

The sound of pounding hammers and children giggling rang at the Old West Museum during Cheyenne Frontier Days — a symphony to Cheyenne’s leatherman, Rob Underwood, there to demonstrate an old-world skill to a brand-new generation.

Meet The Cheyenne Leatherman Repairing Heirlooms — And Reviving A Lost Skill

In an era of mass-produced, throwaway goods, Cheyenne craftsman Rob Underwood is different. Amid a surge in western culture popularity, he demonstrated old-world leatherman skills during Cheyenne Frontier Days, hoping to keep a dying trade alive.

Renée JeanJuly 24, 2026

A float in the 2026 Gillette Fourth of July Parade that promotes the Bible and U.S. Constitution.

Unpacking The Campbell County Parade Fallout Over Bibles But Not Condoms

When a state lawmaker asked why Campbell County parade floats couldn't hand out Bibles but a Lander float could hand out condoms, the Lander float organizers said they did no such thing. Campbell County's Bible saga is much more complicated.

Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2026

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Case Against Shoshoni Senior Center Worker Accused Of Exploiting 93-Year-Old Advances

A judge has sent to district court the case against a Shoshoni Senior Center assistant director accused of taking more than $33,000 from a 93-year-old woman who lives alone. "We take these allegations seriously," the senior center's board wrote.

Kolby FedoreJuly 24, 2026

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, right, hosts U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burbum and many of his top-level staff Thursday at Cheyenne Frontier Days. They took time out of their visit to address federal issues that impact Wyoming.

In Cheyenne, Interior Secretary Says He'll Act On Colorado River Crisis, If He Has To

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Thursday that he'll intervene in the Colorado River crisis — if he has to. “We have one-fourth the water and four times the people,” he said during a visit to Cheyenne Frontier Days with many of his top-level staff.

Greg JohnsonJuly 23, 2026

For the first time since it was homesteaded 138 years ago, the Hoback River Homestead — a legacy Sublette County, Wyoming ranch that brokers say has the largest privately owned stretch of the Hoback River — has hit the market for $59.5 million.

2,000-Acre Wyoming Homestead On Market For First Time Ever At $59.5 Million

For the first time since it was homesteaded 138 years ago, the 2,000-acre Hoback River Homestead is on the market. The legacy Wyoming ranch has the largest privately owned stretch of the Hoback River and is listed at $59.5 million.

Renée JeanJuly 23, 2026

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Skeletal Remains Found In Abandoned Building West Of Cheyenne

Skeletal human remains found in an abandoned building west of Cheyenne on Wednesday could take months to identify, investigators say. The discovery has renewed hope and fear among families of Wyoming's missing.

Kolby FedoreJuly 23, 2026

Harriet Hageman was one of seven Republicans who voted against the Trump-backed $1.5 trillion National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House on Wednesday. She said Congress “must stop writing blank checks with zero accountability."

Hageman One Of 7 Republican No Votes For $1.15 Trillion Trump-Backed Defense Act

Harriet Hageman was one of seven Republicans who voted against the Trump-backed $1.5 trillion National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House on Wednesday. She said Congress “must stop writing blank checks with zero accountability."

Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2026

Moments after lightning struck, Casper missionaries watched the Fish Creek Fire explode to life and rushed 20 teen campers to safety.

20 Teenage Campers Evacuated As Fish Creek Fire Explodes; Ranchers Won't Leave

Moments after lightning struck, Casper missionaries watched the Fish Creek Fire explode to life and rushed 20 teen campers to safety. Meanwhile, residents stayed behind to look after neighbors and horses. "It's Wyoming. That's how it is," one said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 23, 2026

Wolf 1090F is a member of the Mollie's Pack. At age 12, she is thought to be the oldest living wolf in the Yellowstone area.

Mollie's Wolf Pack Was Just 'Looking For Food' When It Left Yellowstone

The famed Mollie’s Pack was just “looking for food” when it left Yellowstone to den on the Shoshone National Forest, a biologist says. But in doing so, the wolves kicked off a tempest of controversy over whether they should be hunted.

Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2026

A driver pulled away from Wapiti's Red Barn gas station with a nozzle and hose still connected to the gas tank, then drove off without telling anyone. The Red Barn's owner said it's the fourth time this summer, and she's frustrated.

Wyoming Gas Station Owner Upset That Another Person Drives Away With Gas Nozzle

The owner of a gas station in Wapiti is frustrated that for the fourth time this summer, a driver pulled away from the gas pump with the nozzle and hose still connected to the car. "They fill up, forgot they were filling up, and drove off," the owner said.

Andrew RossiJuly 23, 2026

Left, Chris LeDoux performs in Nashville in 1993. Right, his son Ned LeDoux points to heaven while performing on stage at the 2021 Watershed music fesival in Washington state.

‘Bareback Jack’ Rides Again: Ned LeDoux Launching Tribute Tour For Dad In Cheyenne

Fifty years after Ned LeDoux’s dad, Chris, won the PRCA bareback championship, his son is launching the “Bareback Jack” Tribute tour in Cheyenne, the city that helped start both his dad’s rodeo and music careers. The tour starts Friday, July 24.

Renée JeanJuly 23, 2026

Teton County rancher Frank Chapman dropped out of the 10-candidate race for the Republican nomination in Wyoming's U.S. House race on Thursday. "There’s too much clutter," in that crowded race, Chapman told Cowboy State Daily.

Frank Chapman Drops Out Of 10-Person Wyoming GOP House Race

Teton County rancher Frank Chapman dropped out of the 10-candidate race for the Republican nomination in Wyoming's U.S. House race on Thursday. "There’s too much clutter" in that crowded race, Chapman told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2026

Julio James Angeles

Multi-State Drug Raid Shows Kids Slept in Home With Hidden Meth, Cocaine

A monthslong investigation ended with coordinated raids in southwest Wyoming and southeast Idaho, where investigators found meth, cocaine and two AR-15s. They also allege children ages 6 and 9 stayed overnight in an Etna home where drugs were hidden.

Kolby FedoreJuly 23, 2026

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'It's Brutal': Wyoming Can't Grow Hay, So Ranchers Pay Big Bucks Or Sell Livestock

Wyoming ranchers are struggling with an existential problem out of their control. Hay has become harder to find, harder to grow, and more expensive to buy. Some say this will hasten the end of family farms and ranches that can’t afford to feed their animals.

Andrew RossiJuly 22, 2026

Sgt. Zach Burns waves to people in Rawlins who turned out Wednesday to welcoming him home about six weeks after he was shot three times by a gunman in Baggs, Wyoming.

Hero’s Welcome In Rawlins: Deputy Nearly Killed In Baggs Shootout Comes Home

Sgt. Zach Burns — shot three times by a gunman in Baggs last month — got a hero’s welcome in Rawlins after a 230-mile escort from a Colorado hospital Wednesday. “On the scale of heroism, that’s pretty far up there,” said the Rawlins police chief.

Greg JohnsonJuly 23, 2026

Biteman Gray 7 22 26

Biteman Criticizes GOP Endorsements, Says Chuck Gray "Chuckie-Boy" Is Establishment

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman is one of many criticizing the Republican Party's decision to endorse candidates. He called Chuck Gray, who sought and received the endorsement, the establishment. "Well Chuckie-boy you’re the insider, buddy," he said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2026

This grizzly was photographed on May 6 in Glacier National Park in Montana. There was a fatal bear attack in the park on May 3.

"Nightmare Scenario": Victim Of Glacier Grizzly Attack Likely Surprised Bear In The Dark

Officials concluded Tuesday that a 33-year-old man likely surprised a grizzly in the dark before he was killed in Glacier National Park in May. Running into a bear in the dark is a “nightmare scenario,” said an outdoorsman who was in the park at the time.

Mark HeinzJuly 22, 2026

A view to a kill — Cheyenne Frontier Days new skybox experience offers a commanding view of the action. Sound is wired directly into the skyboxes as well,, making it an immersive rodeo experience.

Cheyenne Frontier Days' New Skybox Delivers Luxury — And An Over The Top View

Soft seats, catered food, and a commanding view — Cheyenne Frontier Days’ premium skybox experience already has fans. “The view above Chute 9 is incredible,” one said. “I think it’s going to be harder and harder to get these as people find out.”

Renée JeanJuly 22, 2026

Bicyclists slowing down to take photos of a bison in Yellowstone

Bison Biologist: Yellowstone Bulls Are Extra Ornery Because They're In A Rut

Ornery Yellowstone bull bison have now tossed a grandpa 8 feet in the air, chased a man around cabins and popped a car tire, because they're in their annual rut, says one bison biologist. A bison rancher says one solution is a face full of bear spray.

Mark HeinzJuly 22, 2026

Numerous law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing were clustered near athletic fields east of Ace Hardware, where officers appeared to be investigating and searching vehicles.

Three Arrested After Reported Armed Robbery Outside Cheyenne Ace Hardware

A reported armed robbery outside of an Ace Hardware in east Cheyenne sparked a major police response Wednesday. Three people were arrested and multiple firearms recovered. "I saw someone in handcuffs and cops looking through the vehicle," a witness said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 22, 2026

Christine rodriguez special olympics 7 22 26

Woman Accused of Stealing $200K From Special Olympics To Plead Guilty To Six Felonies

A Bar Nunn woman has agreed to plead guilty to six felonies for embezzling $206,000 from Special Olympics Wyoming. Her attorney told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that she is "very remorseful for her actions and deeply regrets them."

Kolby FedoreJuly 22, 2026

A police sergeant urged the Green River City Council Tuesday to reconsider license plate reader cameras, two weeks after vocal residents blocked the project. He said they are a valuable tool in helping find missing and vulnerable people.

Green River Police Sergeant Urges Reconsideration Of License Plate Cameras

A police sergeant urged the Green River City Council Tuesday to reconsider license plate reader cameras, two weeks after vocal residents blocked the project. He said they are a valuable tool in helping find missing and vulnerable people.

Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2026

A black bear sow pauses atop a granite boulder after a July 11 encounter with runner Kaitlin Leonard on Casper Mountain.

Seeing More Bears On Casper Mountain? Drought Might Be The Reason

Black bear sightings have stirred conversation on Casper Mountain this summer, but wildlife officials say the bear population hasn't grown. Instead, drought and a poor berry crop are sending them farther in search of food.

Kolby FedoreJuly 22, 2026

The Eric Barlow gubernatorial campaign released an internal poll Tuesday showing a significant lead over both Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien. According to his internal polling numbers, 42% of voters support Barlow while Degenfelder is at 19% and Bien at 14%.

Barlow Campaign Releases Poll Claiming Big Lead Over Degenfelder And Bien

The Eric Barlow gubernatorial campaign released an internal poll Tuesday showing a significant lead over both Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien. According to his internal polling numbers, 42% of voters support Barlow while Degenfelder is at 19% and Bien at 14%.

Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2026

Lincoln county drug guy 7 22 26

One Man Charged After Sweeping Drug Raids Across Western Wyoming, Eastern Idaho

A 42-year-old man is facing five felony drug charges and another count of child endangerment after the DEA and DCI launched drug raids in Lincoln County, Teton County and Victor, Idaho. Investigators said they seized large quantities of meth and cocaine.

Kolby FedoreJuly 22, 2026

Jory Thomas, 14, practices his roping, which came in handy over the Fourth of July weekend when he roped a man who fell into the Yellowstone River.

14-Year-Old Ranch Kid Ropes Drowning Man On Yellowstone River, Saves Life

A 14-year-old ranch kid from Big Timber, Montana, had a rope in his hand when cries for help erupted from the Yellowstone River. He sprinted into the water, threw one loop and caught a struggling man around the arm and neck, pulling him safely to shore.

Kolby FedoreJuly 21, 2026

A tourist caught on video climbing one of the Mormon Row buildings in Grand Teton Park broke the law and disrespected “my family’s heritage,” said the grandson of T.A. Moulton who, along with his brother, built the most famous homesteads on Mormon Row.

Grand Teton Tourist Caught Illegally Climbing On Famous Mormon Row Building

A tourist caught on video climbing one of the famous Mormon Row buildings in Grand Teton Park broke the law and disrespected “my family’s heritage,” said the grandson of T.A. Moulton who, along with his brother, built the most park's famous homesteads.

Andrew RossiJuly 21, 2026

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Doctor Who Lobbied Against Child Sex Changes Wins Second Chance In Court

The doctor Gov. Gordon sought to remove from the Wyoming Board of Medicine for advocating a ban on child sex changes has won his appeal – halfway. A Tuesday ruling sent the case back to federal court, reviving First Amendment claims against Gordon.

Clair McFarlandJuly 21, 2026

Foundations for nations 7 21 26

After Church Blowup, Arapaho Tribe Says No 'Ministries' Without Permission

Days after a religious clash exploded on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the Northern Arapaho Tribe’s government says it has adopted a new policy requiring ministry and charitable groups to get tribal authorization for their work on the reservation.

Clair McFarlandJuly 21, 2026

Mia, a German shepherd, was trying to take a bathroom break during a road trip with her owners when Yellowstone tourists mistook her for a bear. 

Tourists Stop To Look At Yellowstone Bear — But It Was Only A Pooping Dog

Tourists driving through Yellowstone thought they had spotted a bear, so they stopped their cars to look at it. They were disappointed to learn it was only a pooping German shepherd. "She looked very much like a small bear,” said the dog’s owner.

Mark HeinzJuly 21, 2026

Eva Martinez

Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Murdering Newborn 38 Years Ago Wants New Hearing

Attorneys for a former Cheyenne woman accused of murdering her newborn boy 38 years ago say there’s not enough evidence for a trial and want a judge to order a new preliminary hearing. She's also out of jail on a lower bond granted last week.

Greg JohnsonJuly 21, 2026

The Wyoming Republican Party’s leadership committee endorsed Brent Bien for governor, Chuck Gray for U.S. House, and Harriet Hageman for U.S. Senate during a virtual meeting Monday evening.

Wyoming GOP Endorses Brent Bien, Chuck Gray, And Harriet Hageman

The Wyoming Republican Party leadership endorsed Brent Bien for governor, Chuck Gray for U.S. House, and Harriet Hageman for U.S. Senate on Monday evening. The controversial move breaks current tradition and maybe state law.

Clair McFarlandJuly 21, 2026

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Jackson Man Accused Of Blasting Driver With Bear Spray In Road Rage Showdown

A Jackson man is accused of blasting another driver twice with bear spray during a Sunday road rage showdown, leaving the victim struggling to breathe. He admitted using bear spray on the other driver, but told police it was self-defense.

Kolby FedoreJuly 21, 2026

Aggressive elk attack far more people than grizzlies, black bears, coyotes and mule deer, according to an extensive study. Elk "can inflict serious damage with those stomps and kicks,” said a wildlife specialist. Here, an elk gets aggressive with a car near Mammoth, Wyoming.

Study: In Tourist Areas, Aggressive Elk Attack Far More People Than Grizzly Bears

Aggressive elk attack far more people than grizzlies, black bears, coyotes and mule deer — especially in tourist areas, according to an extensive study. Elk "can inflict serious damage with those stomps and kicks,” said a wildlife specialist.

Mark HeinzJuly 21, 2026

Grizzly advocates in Montana want bear spray to be mandatory for hunters like wearing fluorescent orange is now.

Montana Grizzly Advocates Want Bear Spray Mandatory for Hunters, Trappers

Grizzly advocates in Montana submitted a petition Tuesday to make bear spray mandatory for hunters like wearing fluorescent orange is now. Guy Eastman of Cody has hunted numerous times in grizzly country and said the idea “isn’t going to fly with hunters.”

Mark HeinzJuly 21, 2026

Two tourists were seen getting dangerously and illegally close to Grand Prismatic Spring on Sunday in Yellowstone National Park, enraging hundreds of spectators and millions of internet onlookers.

Tourists Again Illegally Walk On Dangerous Grand Prismatic Spring In Yellowstone

Two tourists got dangerously and illegally close to Grand Prismatic Spring on Sunday in Yellowstone. Montana resident Tanya Saueressig, who filmed them taking selfies right next to the scalding water, said she "was so furious" she had tears in her eyes.

Andrew RossiJuly 20, 2026

Rep. Daniel Singh, an incumbent Republican from Cheyenne who was once a member of the Freedom Caucus, says he's changed since identifying as a pro-choice progressive atheist in a recently surfaced 2021 podcast interview. "People change their minds," he said.

GOP Rep Says He's Changed Since He Identified As Progressive, Pro-Choice, Atheist

Rep. Daniel Singh, an incumbent Republican from Cheyenne who was once a member of the Freedom Caucus, says he's changed since identifying as a pro-choice, progressive atheist in a recently surfaced 2021 podcast interview. "People change their minds," he said.

Clair McFarlandJuly 20, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, July 25, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Alan Peryam. Alan writes, "View toward Snowy Range from my front yard on Peryam Ranch in Riverside Wy. The lovely lighting and the sun view were in constant change."

Photo by Name

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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Cowboy on a bucking horse

Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?

Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go

July 08, 2026

Three teens and one adult volunteering, holding boxes at a Food Bank of Wyoming Mobile Pantry in May 2026.

The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities

From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.

July 07, 2026

American flag flying out of the back of a pick up.

AAA Urges Drivers to Keep Wyoming Roads Safe This Fourth of July

With 61.4 million travelers expected to drive to celebrate the Fourth of July, AAA calls on Wyomingites to protect everyone on the road by planning a safe ride home, and slowing down and moving over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder.

June 29, 2026

Opinion

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Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Sombrero Etiquette for Politicians

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Nothing says 'dude' or 'drugstore' more than a politician wearing a hat that makes them look they are cos-playing. So please consider this screed as a helpful primer on the proper wearing of a cowboy hat – a Stetsons for Dummies, if you will."

Rod MillerJuly 10, 2026

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Bill Sniffin: July’s Parades Are Coming Out Parties For Our Wyoming Politicians

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Early in the year, most politicians operate in obscurity. But once July’s parade season hits, political competition rises to the top of favorite activities.”

Bill SniffinJuly 11, 2026

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Joan Barron: 'Property Tax Initiative’ May Be Too Generous

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Property taxpayers like me are confused. Property taxes pay a large share of the cost of public schools. That lost property tax money will need to be replaced — back-filled — most likely by sales taxes."

Joan BarronJuly 11, 2026

Wyoming Life

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