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A winter storm is expected to dump 1-2 feet of snow — or more — on Wyoming's western mountains this weekend. That could make travel "difficult to impossible," the National Weather Service reports.

Storm To Dump On Western Wyoming Mountains, Could Make Travel “Impossible”

A winter storm will dump 1-2 feet of snow, or more, on Wyoming’s western mountains this weekend. That could make travel “difficult to impossible,” the National Weather Service warns.

Andrew RossiDecember 13, 2024

Jacob Meyer

Sheridan Assistant Principal Convicted For Having Sex With 18-Year Old Student

A now-former Sheridan High School assistant principal was found guilty by a jury Tuesday of having sex with an 18-year-old student. That's illegal in Wyoming when there's an age gap of more than four years.

Clair McFarlandDecember 13, 2024

Saddle Bronc rider Brody Wells rides Resistol's Pretty Woman of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo for 90 points to win Round 2 of the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Dec 6, 2024.

Powell Saddle Bronc Rider Brody Wells On A Tear At National Finals Rodeo

Powell, Wyoming, saddle bronc competitor Brody Wells has been on a tear at the National Finals Rodeo this week, including a massive 90-point ride. He’s placed four times and has earned nearly $90,000 so far.

Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024

The commute over Teton Pass this winter will be a lot steeper and curvier for drivers this winter.

Teton Pass Commuters Have To Navigate A Steeper, Curvier Drive This Winter

A steeper grade and sharper turns have some rethinking driving over Teton Pass between Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming, this winter. But most regulars say they feel the fix is good enough and they’re ready when the road turns icy.

Renée JeanDecember 13, 2024

Colorado will use range riders to help ranchers protect their livestock from that state's reintrocuded wolves.

Ranchers Skeptical Range Riders Will Save Colorado Livestock From Wolves

As Colorado prepares to release more wolves, the state will use range riders to help protect livestock. Unless they’re allowed to kill interloping wolves, ranchers are skeptical range riders could make a difference.

Mark HeinzDecember 13, 2024

Charlie Lawrence

Riverton Firefighter Charged With Sexually Attacking Women Faces More Accusers

A retired Riverton, Wyoming, firefighter accused of sexually attacking multiple women when he offered them rides asked Monday for more time to prepare for trial. He needs the time to contest claims from more women who have come forward to accuse him.

Clair McFarlandDecember 13, 2024

Gov. Mark Gordon is suing the BLM over its resource management plan that calls for the end of coal production in the Powder River Basin by 2041.

Wyoming Sues BLM Over “Narrow-Minded” Plan To End Coal In Powder River Basin

Gov. Mark Gordon has made good on a threat to sue the BLM over what he calls its “narrow-minded” plan to end coal in the Powder River Basin by 2041. Filed Wednesday, the lawsuit claims the plan is illegal and ignores the state’s concerns.

Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024

A group of Cowboy Joe Club donors took a trip in a state of Wyoming jet to watch a UW basketball game in Texas in November.

Freedom Caucus Upset Over Using State Jet To Fly Around Major UW Donors

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is upset the University of Wyoming flew some major donors in a state-owned jet last month. The trip to watch the UW men’s basketball team play Texas Tech was a perk for donors who give more than $10,000 to the Cowboy Joe Club.

Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024

Jake in studio

Morning Show with Jake — Friday, December 13, 2024

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

Jake NicholsDecember 13, 2024

The "World Famous" Astro Lounge in Rock Springs is one of a handful of strip clubs in Wyoming.

A Strip Club Outside Yellowstone? Not Yet, But New Rules Could Open The Door

There are no plans to put a strip club or other adult business outside Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. But new Park County development standards could open the door.

Leo WolfsonDecember 13, 2024

Myron Chatwin

Worland Police Officer Charged With Child Sex Crimes

A former Washakie County Sheriff's deputy and recent hire of the Worland Police Department has been accused of sex crimes with multiple children. He was charged Monday with two felonies.

Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024

This bronze cannon recently unearthed in Arizona is the oldest firearm ever found in the continental United States. It was used during a Spanish expedition in the 1540s.

1540s Bronze Cannon Dug Up In Arizona Is The Oldest Gun Ever Found In The U.S.

A nearly 500-year-old bronze cannon used by Spanish conquistadors was recently unearthed in Arizona, making it the oldest firearm ever found in the continental U.S. It’s also more than 200 years older than the first guns in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzDecember 12, 2024

State Rep. Bob Davis, R-Baggs

Legalizing Online Gambling In Wyoming Could Rake In Nearly $900M, Study Says

The Wyoming Legislature will consider a bill to legalize online gambling, like slots, poker, blackjack and other games. A study for the Wyoming Gaming Commission says iGaming could rake in nearly $900 million over five years.

Sydnee ChapmanDecember 12, 2024

Fairview Elementary School at 2801 E. 10th St. in Cheyenne is one of eight elementaries targeted for closure.

Parents Sue Over State Plan To Shutter Eight Cheyenne Elementary Schools

A plan to shutter eight Cheyenne elementary schools will “irreparably harm students” and families, claims a lawsuit filed by two local parents. They also say the closures will drive down property values.

Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024

Lander Bar at 126 Main St. in Lander, Wyoming.

Police Arrest Man Suspected Of Trying To Burn Down Lander Bar

The Lander Police Department on Wednesday evening apprehended a 33-year-old Lander man suspected of trying to burn down the popular Lander Bar two days earlier. 

Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024

Cattle roam the Millikin Ranch near Glendo, Wyoming. The Wyoming rancher says he has no leads on his missing cattle. In Western Colorado, ranchers there are missing nearly 200 head.

Western Colorado Ranchers Missing Nearly 200 Head Of Cattle

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office on Colorado's Western Slope is investigating nearly 200 cattle missing from federal grazing land reported by ranchers. The cattle is worth an estimated $300,000 to $400,000.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 12, 2024

Cassie's, a Cody staple since 1933, is closed as a new owner evaluates the potential of the historic restaurant.

After 91 Years, Cassie’s Restaurant In Cody Is Closed, And May Not Reopen

Cassie's Supper Club, a Cody staple since 1933, is closed as a new owner evaluates the potential of the historic restaurant. The recent demolition of other historic restaurants has the community concerned about its future.

Andrew RossiDecember 11, 2024

Patrons play the games at the new Horse Palace off I-25 south of Cheyenne.

Proposal Would Give Wyoming Cities And Towns More Control Of Gaming Machines

The Joint Appropriations Committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would allow cities in Wyoming to decide if they want historical horse racing in their communities. Another bill would allow operators to broadcast local horse racing nationwide.

Leo WolfsonDecember 12, 2024

Eduardo Sales has been ordered to be deported after he was caught illegally in the Unites States hauling more than 170 pounds of marijuana in Wyoming.

Feds Deporting Three Illegal Immigrants Who Committed Crimes In Wyoming

Federal authorities are deporting three illegal immigrants out of Wyoming after one was caught with 170 pounds of marijuana and the other two were driving drunk.

Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024

War Memorial Stadium during a home University of Wyoming football game.

UW Wants $1.5M From State For Its Share Of $2.7B NCAA Settlement To Pay Athletes

The University of Wyoming asked legislators Tuesday for $1.5 million more to help run the athletics department. The school is facing a shortfall after paying out its share of a massive $2.7 billion NCAA settlement with student-athletes.

Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024

Albertsons grocery store at 3355 E. Pershing Blvd. in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Albertson’s Breaks Off $25B Grocery Merger, Now Wants Billions From Kroger

After two judges blocked a $25 billion merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, Albertsons has called it off. It's also pointing fingers at Kroger for the merger’s failure and wants billions of dollars in compensation.

Renée JeanDecember 11, 2024

James Mavigliano was found guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday Dec. 11, 2024, for the strangulation and beating of a 28-year-old man at a Casper motel on March 5.

Casper Man Who Blurted Out “I Killed Somebody” In Court Found Guilty

A jury took two hours to convict a 44-year-old Casper man who blurted out “I killed somebody” in a prior court hearing of second-degree murder Wednesday. James Mavigliano was found guilty of beating and strangling a man at a local motel.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024

Grizzlies fight in wate 12 11 24

Top Bear Biologist Argues For More Grizzlies; Wants Them To Roam Freely All Over The West

A top bear biologist is arguing against delisting grizzlies from federal protection and hunting them. Instead, he says there should be more — a “meta-population” of grizzlies from Canada to the southern end of Yellowstone National Park.

Mark HeinzDecember 11, 2024

Montana State Capitol

Montana Supreme Court Keeps Child Sex Changes Legal During Lawsuit

The Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court’s decision blocking a state ban on child sex-change treatments. Sex change treatments on children will remain legal while a lawsuit plays out.

Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024

Alexander Tuttle

Illinois Trucker Rams Gillette Man's Pickup Off The Road, Police Say

A semitruck driver from Illinois is accused of side-swiping a Gillette man's pickup so hard he crippled it and drove it off the road west of Gillette, Wyoming. His case rose to felony-level court Monday.    

Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024

Chinese-owned cryptocurrency mine near F.E. Warren Air Force Base just west of Cheyenne in this file photo.

Wyoming Bitcoin Company Gets $4.1 Million In Chinese Crypto Mine Settlement

Wyoming-based Bison Blockchain will receive $4.1 million in a settlement over a Chinese-owned cryptocurrency mine in Cheyenne. The Chinese company was shut down by President Joe Biden earlier this year over national security risks.

Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024

Casey W. Jackson, 47, of Casper, right, pleaded not guilty to seven charges stemming from crossbow bolts being sent through a window and into the side of a north Casper home in September.

Casper Man Denies Firing Crossbow Bolts Through Ex’s Window

A Casper man accused of firing crossbow bolts at his ex-girlfriend’s home, including through a window, pleaded not guilty Wednesday. He also reportedly texted a threat, saying he was going to do something that “will definitely be in the news.”

Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024

A grizzly sow and her cubs in Yellowstone.

Feds Under Deadline To Decide On Delisting Grizzlies By Jan. 20

A judge’s order has ratcheted up the pressure on federal officials to decide whether Wyoming’s grizzlies should be delisted. Montana and Idaho are clamoring for delisting as well, with a Jan. 20 deadline looming.

Mark HeinzDecember 11, 2024

Albertsons 10 20 22

Judges in Two States Block $25 Billion Kroger-Albertsons Merger

Judges in Washington and Oregon blocked the huge $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger Tuesday. That bodes well for a lawsuit the Federal Trade Commission and Wyoming have against the merger.

Renée JeanDecember 11, 2024

James Franklin Mavigliano

Casper Murder Suspect Told Police He Wanted Victim To “Chill,” Not Die

Testimony continued Tuesday in the murder trial of a 44-year-old Casper man accused of killing a man at a local motel. In a video interview with police, James Mavigliano said he just wanted the victim to “chill.”

Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024

Drive into dealership 12 10 24

Wyoming Car Dealers Not Surprised By Utah Man Who Drove New Car Into Dealership

When a Utah Mazda dealership wouldn’t take back a new car, the angry customer drove it through the front doors. While extreme, Wyoming car dealers say they’re not surprised.

Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024

The small, rural Wyoming town of Dayton could only watch and pray as the Elk Fire burns across the mountain face of the Bighorns above in this October 2024 file photo.

Legislators Say They’re Not Going To Give Gordon A Blank Check For Wildfires

The Joint Appropriations Committee grilled members of Gov. Mark Gordon’s staff Monday about how much it will cost to fix the damage caused by Wyoming’s historic wildfire season. They also said they’re not willing to give Gordon a blank check.

Leo WolfsonDecember 10, 2024

Cheyenne City Council has implemented a ban on parking large RVs and trailers on city streets.

Cheyenne Council Passes Controversial Ban On Huge RVs Parking On City Streets

Despite vocal — and at times emotional — opposition, Cheyenne City Council on Monday passed a ban on parking huge RVs and other “oversized” vehicles on city streets. The only exceptions are during the summer months or with a permit.

Leo WolfsonDecember 10, 2024

Someone wanted a misspelled road sign along the Beartooth Highway, so cut it off.

People Steal Wyoming’s Road Signs Because They Think They’re “Cool”

People steal road signs from around Wyoming because they think they’re “cool.” Along with people also shooting, painting and otherwise vandalizing them, WYDOT expects to replace more than 100 in just one small corner of the state.

Hunter McDaniel for Cowboy State DailyDecember 10, 2024

Joshua Hayden-Ali, 43, aka "Wisdom," is known around Cheyenne for throwing "hexes" at people, threatening them with a staff and making death threats.

Cheyenne’s “Voodoo Man,” Known For Hexing Businesses, Has Felony Dismissed

Cheyenne’s “Voodoo Man,” known for terrorizing local businesses by throwing curses and threats at them, had a felony charge dropped Monday. He’ll instead face a lesser charge for charging through an election center from which he was banned.

Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024

Wind River Indian Reservation sign 5 20 24

Bureau Of Indian Affairs Agent In Crash On Reservation, Agency Not Talking

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs did not respond to questions Tuesday about one of its own agents involved in a car crash on the Wind River Indian Reservation early Sunday. The BIA is investigating the incident "internally," authorities say. 

Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024

Daily Features

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Sunrise 12 14 24 v2
PinToday's Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Today's Wyoming sunrise was submitted by Roger Groves. Roger writes, "Gorgeous sunrise view of the Tetons from our home near the Jackson airport. Rhonda, my wife, took the picture and said 'this is why we live here!'"

Photo by Roger Groves

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

Opinion

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Sally ann headshot 12 28 23

Sally Ann Shurmur: The Wyoming Cowboys Season Is Over For Some, But Not For Me

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “The Wyoming football season may be over, but there is still much to watch for and think about.”

Sally Ann ShurmurDecember 05, 2024

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau:  The Wyoming House Stalling Committee Appointments Is A Bad Idea

Tom Lubnau writes: "The Speaker of the House should appoint committees based on the strengths of his members, not some perceived fear of what the Senate might do. The Senate is going to do what the Senate does, and they don’t give a damn what the House thinks."

Tom LubnauDecember 05, 2024

Fort bridger historic site 12 3 24

Candy Moulton: A Return to Christmas Past at Wyoming’s Frontier Forts

Three of Wyoming’s pioneer trail historic sites are hosting special Christmas events this month that give visitors the opportunity to step back in time to see and experience a time long past.

Candy MoultonDecember 03, 2024

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