Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
As It Turns 150, Centennial Is Growing But Not By People Who Plan To Live Here
Centennial has endured 150 years of change, from timber and mining booms to tourism. Now residents of the Snowy Range town say people buying homes and turning them into short-term rentals squeeze local businesses because employees can't afford to live here.
Renée JeanOctober 03, 2026

1,289-Year-Old Whitebark Pine — World's Oldest — Found In Grand Teton, But It Was Dead
Two University of Wyoming scientists were excited and dejected discovering the world's oldest whitebark pine in Grand Teton National Park recently. That's because the 1,289-year-old tree had died in 2024. “Every tree has its limit," said a UW researcher.
Andrew RossiOctober 03, 2026

'It's My Dad, And Then It's My Kid': A Diamondville Family's Unthinkable Two Days
A 16-year-old Diamondville boy died Thursday in a firearm-related hunting accident. One day earlier, his grandfather survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound. "I'm heartbroken," said mother and daughter Ashley Stiles. "It's my dad, and then it's my kid."
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 03, 2026

Pregnant Photographer Mooed At By Tourist Mob Talks About Viral Grand Teton Video
9 million people on TikTok have watched a pregnant Rock Springs photographer lose her temper at a line of tourists who taunted and mooed at her last week in Grand Teton. “Wyoming might be your vacation destination, but it’s also our home," she told them.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 02, 2026

Strangers Rally For Miracle Rescue Of Great Horned Owl Impaled On Barbed-Wire Fence
When Sharon and Scott Jacobs saw a great horned owl tangled and impaled in a barbed wire fence, they didn't look the other way. Thanks to their efforts and other caring strangers, the owl was saved. The Black Hills Raptor Center calls it a miracle.
Kate MeadowsOctober 02, 2026

Now Retired, Wyoming Sheriff Still Haunted 29 Years After Camper Went Missing
David Crouch, 27, went missing while camping in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in August 1997. He was last seen on the banks of Island Lake with a fishing rod in hand. His disappearance has haunted retired Sublette County Sheriff Hank Ruland for nearly three decades.
Jen KocherOctober 02, 2026

The Taco Bell Ultramarathon 50K: Where Runners Eat 10 Taco Bell Items In 31 Miles
The 31-mile Taco Bell ultramarathon Saturday in Denver that requires runners to eat Taco Bell throughout is almost the worst idea in America. "We’re hoping so,” said race organizer Dan Zolnikov with a laugh Friday morning.
Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2026

Judge Ignores Plea Agreement, Gives Ex-Brand Inspector Jail Time For Moose Torture
A Uinta County judge gave former brand inspector Justin Martin 30 days in jail for his role in the 2021 torture of a cow moose on his ranch, ignoring a plea agreement to “send a message.” The judge noted that was stronger than what Cody Roberts got.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 03, 2026

Torrington To Decide Whether To Have Residents Pay $800,000 Electricity Spike
The Torrington City Council will decide Tuesday whether to pass along an $800,000 spike in electricity costs to residents or pay for it from an emergency fund. “They’re telling us it’s on us," says a business owner whose power bills have doubled.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 02, 2026

Massive Estes Park Bull Elk Nicknamed 'Smash' Fights Cars And Chases Golf Carts
A notorious bull elk in Estes Park known as Smash rammed a Colorado reporter's car recently as part his autumn-rut ritual of chasing golf carts and vehicles. Bull elk are "perpetually angry" this time of year, a wildlife biologist explains.
Mark HeinzOctober 02, 2026

Because No One Stops At Stop Sign, Casper Family Enlists 12-Foot Skeleton To Help
The newest traffic cop stationed near Casper's Dean Morgan Middle School is about 12 feet tall, never sleeps and is dying for drivers to stop. “Tomb Petty” was installed by a Casper family weary of drivers running their neighborhood stop sign.
Kolby FedoreOctober 02, 2026

Judge: Worland Boys' School Solitary Confinement Case Should Go To Trial
A federal judge ruled Friday that, for one of the young men suing the Wyoming Boys’ School, there’s at least enough proof that staffers violated his rights with unconstitutional solitary confinement and physical force to send the case to trial.
Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2026

Cops: Gillette Man Admits Truck Used To Take $50K Worth Of Copper, But It Wasn’t Him
A Gillette man accused of stealing $50,000 worth of copper wire admitted to police his truck was used in the heist, but that he’d loaned it to a buddy. And he claims the $3,000 check he got that same day from a salvage yard was for other copper.
Greg JohnsonOctober 02, 2026

Rawlins Man, Six Others, Get Prison After Bust Of Major Wyoming Drug Ring
Seven members of a major drug ring, including a man from Rawlins who was its leader, have received prison sentences ranging from eight to 18 years. Thirty more were prosecuted at the state level. The drug ring was spread across five Wyoming counties.
Kerry DrakeOctober 02, 2026

Calif. Gov. Newsom Puts Up Hurdle To Wyoming Coal Moving Through Oakland Port
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Wednesday that adds environmental reviews that will slow progress on a planned coal terminal at the Port of Oakland. Gov. Mark Gordon says Wyoming’s considering “all options” in response, including a legal fight.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 01, 2026

MLB Drops Plan For Baseball In Grand Teton National Park After Public Backlash
Major League Baseball's commissioner sent a letter to officials in Jackson on Thursday saying they have dropped the idea of staging a game in Grand Teton National Park. "It's become clear the community does not want us to continue," the letter reads.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2026

Hours After Cheyenne Woman Posts Video, Police Arrest Suspected Porch Pirate
When a thief stole packages from her mother’s porch in Cheyenne on Wednesday, Lindsey Carter posted video of the crime. Within hours, a suspect was arrested. "I’m gonna find out who this person is,” Carter said about why she shared the video.
Kolby FedoreOctober 01, 2026

Feds: Man Accused Of Trafficking 174 Pounds Of Meth Tried To Eat Drugs During Chase
Federal agents say that a Casper man suspected of trafficking drugs took exit after exit on I-25, then started eating the drugs as agents closed in on him. His drug network moved 174 pounds of meth and 2,000 fentanyl pills in one run, said a source.
Kolby FedoreOctober 01, 2026

Lawmakers Trying For The Third Time To Get Foreign-Licensed Doctors To Wyoming
Legislators are hoping for success this time as they advance a bill to bring foreign-licensed doctors to Wyoming, to ease a severe shortage. That bill has died in two different legislative sessions, both times in the Majority Floor Leader Scott Heiner's drawer.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2026

Beef Imports Haven’t Lowered Prices As Hoped. ‘I Told You So,’ Says Wyo Rancher
Wyoming ranchers say they aren't surprised that a month after President Trump increased beef imports to bring down high U.S. prices, that hasn't happened. "It does no good to say, 'I told you so,'" says a Crook County rancher.
Kate MeadowsOctober 01, 2026

Police Looking For Thieves Who Stole 1,400 Gallons Of Diesel From Utah Gas Station
How thieves made off with 1,400 gallons of diesel from a small Utah gas station last month remains a mystery, as does who’s behind the thefts. “They’re across state lines before anyone knows what hit them,” says an industry insider about fuel theft rings.
Kate MeadowsOctober 01, 2026

Colorado Backs Off Killing Wolves That Attack Cattle As Population Stalls At 45
Colorado's wolf population has leveled off at 45, half of them pups. With no new wolves coming because states won't send them and Canada is no longer an option, the state says it will be more selective about killing wolves that attack cattle.
Mark HeinzOctober 01, 2026

Is Wyoming Going Electric? EV Registrations Surge Tenfold In Two Years
Registered EVs and hybrids have grown tenfold in Wyoming since 2024 in a state that once turned down federal charger money. A Cheyenne mom says she bought her daughter a Tesla because it “drives itself.” She also hosts Tesla light show parties at her house.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 01, 2026

Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Helping 2-Time Convicted Sex Offender Avoid Arrest
A Cheyenne woman is accused of lying to investigators and helping a two-time convicted child sex offender evade arrest while wanted on four new charges of sexual abuse of a minor. They texted 2,417 times in two weeks after she learned he was wanted.
Greg JohnsonOctober 01, 2026

Wyoming Supreme Court Upholds Crossover Voting Ban
The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a law banning voters from switching parties once political candidates register to run for office is constitutional. Candidates and voters had argued it hurts people's access to the ballot box.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2026

Feds: Illegal Immigrant Started Dumpster Fire That Torched Cheyenne Body Shop
A Mexican man federal prosecutors say is illegally in the U.S. is accused of deliberately setting a fire at a Cheyenne collision repair shop. The man told authorities that someone named "Olivia" — who lives in his head — directed him to do it.
Kolby FedoreOctober 01, 2026

Forget 8.8% Increase — Watchdog Group Tells Rocky Mountain Power To Lower Rate
Wyoming’s Office of Consumer Advocate is telling regulators that consumers should be paying less for electricity instead of accepting an 8.8% price increase. "We look to make sure they don’t get a dollar more than they are entitled to," a spokesman said.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 01, 2026

Mysterious Liberty Bell Appears Outside Campbell County Courthouse
A Liberty Bell mysteriously appeared next to the Campbell County Courthouse in Gillette, and, for days, no one knew how it got there. "Nobody seemed to know where it came from, but we think it's a delight," said one Campbell County employee.
Andrew RossiOctober 01, 2026

Heartbreak: Photog Finds 3 Grizzly Cubs Killed By Vehicle On Highway Near Wapiti
A Cody photographer heading to Yellowstone found three dead grizzly cubs on the North Fork Highway on Tuesday morning. The photographer said the bears were stuck along a curve and the driver probably didn’t see the bears until it was too late.
Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2026

A Horse Is Living With Bison In Yellowstone And Is Not Interested In Coming Home
A 6-year-old horse named Evie has taken up with a herd of bison in Yellowstone since July. The Park Service wants her evicted before winter and her owner wants her back, but the horse has resisted all attempts to wrangle her. "She's not interested in being captured," one photographer said.
Andrew RossiSeptember 30, 2026

Wyoming Lawmakers Warned That Besides License Plates, Tech Can Track Faces, Phones
A proposed partial ban of license plate readers is a first step at regulating the devices, but may already fall short, a researcher told Wyoming lawmakers Tuesday. He said devices also can now track faces, cellphones and radio frequencies.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2026

Montana Wildlife Officials Kill 14 Black Bears On One Property Near Bozeman
Wildlife officials this week killed 14 black bears that were reportedly being fed on a property near Bozeman, Montana. Locals say Bozeman is overrun with bears this year. “They poop in my yard every night,” one resident said.
Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2026

Cheyenne Golf Pro Says Driver Tried To Run Him Down After Tearing Up Course
Branden Burbank still doesn’t know why the driver of the blue GMC pickup tried to run him down while tearing up the Cheyenne Country Club golf course Monday. “I have no clue what set him off,” the assistant golf pro told Cowboy State Daily.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 30, 2026

Rush For More Electricity Dominates Wyoming Legislative Meetings
Power demands by data centers, energy and manufacturers have spawned multiple proposed Wyoming law changes, spread to three legislative committees and filled hours of testimony. Some lawmakers vow to make power utilities compete with independent suppliers by 2027.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 30, 2026

Jackson Bookkeeper Gets Four Years For Stealing $1.48 Million From Hotel Family
A trusted friend who stole nearly $1.5 million from a family-owned Jackson hotel company has been sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to repay the money. The scheme started coming apart when the owner of the hotel, Clarene Law, died in 2022.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 30, 2026

Lummis Blocks Dem’s Push In Senate To Condemn Taxpayer-Funded Pro-Trump Ads
Wyoming U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis blocked a motion by a New Hampshire Democrat on Tuesday to condemn a series of taxpayer-funded pro-Trump ads. “American values are worth defending,” Lummis said from the Senate floor.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2026

In Battle Of Rutting Colorado Elk, Bull Pulls Rival Under Water And Steals Harem
Two bull elk staged a furious fight in Colorado’s Lake Evergreen on Sunday, with the bigger bull using his antlers to hold his opponent underwater. To add insult to injury, the larger bull then walked over and stole the smaller elk's harem.
Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2026

Hilltop Bank Customers Report Unexpected Charges After Cyber Breach
A week after accounts were restored at Hilltop Bank following a massive cyber security breach, customers are reporting unauthorized and unfamiliar charges on their accounts as well as balances that don't match what they expected to have available.
Kate MeadowsSeptember 30, 2026

Chinese EVs Are Getting Closer To The U.S., But Would Wyomingites Drive One?
As Chinese EVs head to Canada and President Trump signals openness to domestic production, Wyoming EV owners and industry insiders are mixed on whether they could get traction in the Cowboy State. "It'd have to be a better ride," one Tesla owner says.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 30, 2026

Barrasso, Lummis Slam Senate Democrats for Sinking Data Center Power Bill
Wyoming’s GOP senators voiced frustration that the Ratepayer Protection Act failed Wednesday because it aimed to make large data centers cover their own electricity costs. “Even AOC and Hakeem Jeffries voted for it in the House,” Barrasso said.
Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 30, 2026

Powell Police Have So Many Random Guns, The City Is Auctioning Them To The Public
Powell’s annual city auction includes a hodgepodge of old firearms and suppressors accumulated over the years. One national expert on police evidence said in California he’d advise against selling the weapons, but in Wyoming, “it’s what they do.”
Kolby FedoreSeptember 30, 2026

Billionaire Joe Ricketts Revives Plan To Build Bondurant Valley Resort
Billionaire Joe Ricketts has filed a permit application for a 94,141-square-foot resort called The Confluence at his ranch near Bondurant, reviving an idea he abandoned in 2024. The new resort would be 59% smaller than his previous Homestead Resort.
Renée JeanSeptember 29, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Wednesday's headlines include: * Man Loses Leg In Mud * Bizarre Police Chase On Golf Course * Billionaire Joe Ricketts Tries Another Resort
Mac WatsonSeptember 30, 2026

Rothfuss: Don’t Let Wyoming Governments Use AI To Make Decisions Without Humans
A legislative committee didn’t advance a bill by Laramie Sen. Chris Rothfuss on Tuesday that would bar Wyoming governmental agencies from using AI to make decisions without humans. People are "expecting the robot overlords to come and get us," he said.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 29, 2026

Slow-Speed Chase Starts On Cheyenne Golf Course, Ends With Arrest Of Armed Felon
A Colorado man is accused of driving across a Cheyenne golf course, through a fence and then leading police on a slow-speed chase through town. “He was just chilling back, sitting back in his truck in his seat,” a witness told Cowboy State Daily.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 29, 2026

Evanston Man Wants To Know Who Keeps Trashing Memorial To His Dad
An Evanston man says he’s tired of people trashing the rock memorial he made for his late dad and stealing the cross and flag he puts there. Last week, he discovered someone took the rocks, made a fire pit out of them and left their beer cans behind.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 29, 2026

Rock Springs Public Transit Supervisor Accused Of Skimming Bus Fares From Drivers
Prosecutors allege a 16-year employee of a Rock Springs public transit company was skimming cash from the fare envelopes of bus drivers and gassing up her own vehicle with a company credit card. “She had a lot of trust,” said a STAR Transit official.
Kolby FedoreSeptember 29, 2026

Last-Minute $5 Million Deal Saves Fremont County’s Ambulance Service
Fremont County was bracing to lose ambulance service by Thursday, but officials in a Tuesday meeting announced a last-minute, $5 million deal to keep the wagons running. “Everybody relax, you have jobs,” said the president of the EMT union.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 30, 2026
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Terry Mackey in East Powell. Terry writes, "Waiting for breakfast, they can see when I am moving in the house."
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
Jonathan Lange: Let’s Govern With The Courage, Foresight of Henry Hyde
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: The Dairy Industry is Growing
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Rod Miller: Populism – Or – Fear & Loathing In The Big Empty
Opinion by Rod Miller
Tom Lubnau: Wyoming Anarchists, Redefining Words One Political Cause at a Time
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Ken Buck: The $40 Trillion Question — Should We Reelect Losers?
Opinion by Ken Buck
Sponsored
View all
Will the Next Generation Choose Wyoming?
Wyoming’s next generation needs more than a love for Wyoming to establish a future here. They need opportunities that give them a reason to continue calling the state home. NC Means Business is helping create more opportunities for our young by bringing Natrona County together through informed dialogue and support for economic development.
October 01, 2026

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
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
Alpine Fire Rescues Man In Mud, Reunites Him With Prosthetic Leg
Andrew RossiSeptember 29, 2026
'Hate And Discontent': Alpine's Temporary Roundabout Lambasted By Critics
Andrew RossiSeptember 29, 2026
After Multiple Fatalities, Truck/RV Drivers Must Take Course To Drive Teton Pass
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026
Wild Video Shows I-80 Semi Wreck That Has Left Rawlins Bridge Closed For Two Months
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026
Crumbling Rural Campbell County Community Hall Fading Fast Despite Push To Save It
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 27, 2026
Outdoors
View all
While Road Hunters Get Sneered At As Lazy, ‘Everybody Gets Old,’ Outdoorsman Says
Mark HeinzSeptember 28, 2026
Wildlife World Grieves Photographer Known For Iconic Images Of Yellowstone's Oldest Wolf
Mark HeinzSeptember 27, 2026
Wyoming Hunter Bags Antelope Buck With Supersized Double Set Of Horns
Mark HeinzSeptember 26, 2026
"That Thing Was Strong": Cody Man Fights Mountain Lion To Save Dog
Mark HeinzSeptember 25, 2026
New Uniforms Make It Clear That Many National Park Rangers Are Real Cops
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all
Diamondville Shocked, Devastated After Teen Dies In Hunting Accident
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 02, 2026
Witnesses Say Fremont County Man Used Both Hands To Choke 7-Months Pregnant Woman
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026
Kozak Campaign Signs On Cheyenne Corner Sprayed With Swastikas, Phallic Graffiti
Kolby FedoreSeptember 28, 2026
Nevada Man Accused Of Blasting Jackson Tour Bus Driver In Face With Bear Spray
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026
Alleged Drunk Brothers Call DoorDash During Six-Hour Standoff With Gillette Police
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2026


