Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View allStorm 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Morning Show with Jake — Friday, December 13, 2024
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsDecember 13, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
California Transient Who Called Machete Attack Self-Defense Gets Probation
A California man who was passing through Green River, Wyoming, when he had a fight with four transients and cut two of them with a machete was sentenced Friday to probation. He maintained during the case that he was acting in self-defense.
Clair McFarland & Hunter McDaniel for Cowboy State DailyDecember 11, 2024
Casper Police Searching For Source Of Shots Fired That Put Schools In Lockdown
Casper law enforcement agents are investigating shots fired near a handful of local schools Tuesday. The schools were put into lockdown for several hours as a precaution.
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Daily Features
View allOpinion
Jonathan Lange: Lawfare Against Sorority Sisters’ Attorneys Tries To Stifle Debate
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: Farm Bill Needs To Get Passed
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Sally Ann Shurmur: It's An Obsession Rooted In Flour, Sugar And Butter
Opinion by Sally Ann Shurmur
Tom Lubnau: Military Academy Candidate Interviews Were An Inspiration
Opinion by Tom Lubnau
Candy Moulton: Hooray for Wyoming History at UW
Opinion by Candy Moulton
Opinion
View allSally 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
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
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
Wyoming Life
View allWyoming "Blue" Christmas Services Happening For People In Holiday Misery
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Wyoming Forest Rangers And Hotshots Spread Cheer With “Charlie Brown” Trees
Jackie DorothyDecember 09, 2024
Storm To Bring Up To 9 Inches Of Snow, 50 MPH Winds Across Parts Of Wyoming
Andrew RossiDecember 09, 2024
Casper Fireman Is Wyoming’s Pinball Wizard Who Has Spent 20 Years Restoring Vintage Games
Amber SteinmetzDecember 08, 2024
What The Heck … Are Those Giant Snowballs That Seem To Roll Themselves?
Greg JohnsonDecember 07, 2024
Outdoors
View allSome Eagles' Nests Weigh More Than 1,000 Pounds & Can Fit Several People
Mark HeinzDecember 12, 2024
Ethyl, The Grizzly That Wandered 5,000 Miles, Was Likely Trying To Get Back Home
Mark HeinzDecember 10, 2024
Area Where Lewis And Clark Once Camped Could Be Montana’s Next State Park
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyDecember 09, 2024
Despite What Wildlife Experts Say, Wyoming Has Plenty Of Opossums -- And They Reek
Mark HeinzDecember 08, 2024
Made In Wyoming: Gunsmith Gets Back To Basics Making Custom “Scout Rifles”
Mark HeinzDecember 08, 2024
Crime & Courts
View allPolice Seek Whoever Tried To Burn Down Lander Bar
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Murder Trial Starts For Casper Man Who Blurted Out “I Killed Someone” In Court
Dale KillingbeckDecember 10, 2024
In Brief: Casper Escapee Nabbed After Nearly Four-Hour Manhunt
Dale KillingbeckDecember 10, 2024
Wyoming Transgender Sorority Member’s Lawsuit Against Attorneys Headed To Trial
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Jelly Seller Accused Of Hauling 35 Pounds Of Drugs From Las Vegas To Shoshoni
Clair McFarlandDecember 09, 2024