AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
The "Survivor 50 Challenge" is a celebration of the 50th season of the reality show “Survivor,” and Monday is Wyoming’s turn to find a hidden immunity idol. Whoever wins will need a snowmobile to find it hidden near “a town named for David Edward."

Survivor TV Show Gives Hint Where Scavenger Hunt Will Be Held In Wyoming On Monday

Wyoming's turn to play the "Survivor 50 Challenge" is on Monday. The celebration of the 50th season of the reality show "Survivor" means people in every state are given clues to find a hidden "immunity idol." Clues for Wyoming were released over the weekend.

Andrew RossiFebruary 08, 2026

Investigators found special‑education violations at Sweetwater County School District No. 1. Now a Rock Springs mother is calling for the censure of the school board chair months after the board publicly censured her husband.

Parents Demand Apology From Sweetwater County School District Over Censure

Investigators found special‑education violations tied to student privacy and parental rights at Sweetwater County School District No. 1. Now a Rock Springs mother is calling for the censure of the school board chair — months after he publicly censured her husband.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 07, 2026

Deloris “Dee” Arps of Worland is 108 years and 6 months old. She attributes her long life to hard work and determination. She kept going even when it was tough and personal tragedy came her way.

Meet Dee Arps: The 108-Year-Old Who Owned The First Drive-Thru Liquor Store In Wyoming

108-year-old Deloris “Dee” Arps of Worland owned the first drive-thru liquor store in Wyoming -- and had to work the legislature to make it legal. She arrived in Wyoming more than 80 years ago as a new bride with $25 and went straight to work.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 07, 2026

Mike “Moose” Dabich of Hudson was minding his own business 50 years ago when the 7-foot-tall former pro basketball player in a fur coat sparked a Bigfoot panic while fishing in Fremont County, Wyoming.

7-Foot Man In A Fur Coat Sparked A Bigfoot Panic In Wyoming 54 Years Ago

“Moose” Dabich of Hudson, a 7-foot-tall former pro basketball player, was fishing in a fur coat in 1972 when two boys reported they saw Bigfoot. It caused a panic but Dabich didn't clear it up because he was fishing without a license and didn't want to get in trouble.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 07, 2026

The Cheyenne Police Department announced Friday the completion of a “comprehensive” internal investigation into the suicide of a handcuffed man — 22-year-old Aiden Hall — secured in the back of a cop car. A policy violation was identified, and more training for officers ordered.

Cheyenne Police Say Policy Violated In Suicide Of Handcuffed Man In Cop Car

The Cheyenne Police Department announced Friday the completion of a “comprehensive” internal investigation into the suicide of a handcuffed man secured in the back of a cop car. A policy violation was identified, and more training for officers ordered.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 07, 2026

The Horse Palace in Cheyenne just north of the Wyoming-Colorado state line along Interstate 25.

Wyoming And Montana Casino Boom Hides A Surprisingly Small Gambling Market

Montana’s small “casinos” create the appearance of a huge gambling industry, but strict limits on machines, stakes, and licenses keep revenues relatively modest. Wyoming’s smaller — yet fast-growing — market is pushing lawmakers to consider tighter rules.

Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 08, 2026

During the winter, the Wyoming Game and Fish contracts with helicopter companies and pilots to capture and transport bighorn sheep and animals for research.

Blindfolded Wyoming Bighorns Ride Helicopters For Research

Until about March, folks might see blindfolded bighorn sheep or deer flying around, slung in harnesses under helicopters. They aren’t being nabbed by well-equipped poachers but are transported for population studies, disease testing and other research.

Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2026

Driving cattle to winter pasture near Hulett, Wyoming.

U.S. Cattle Population At 75-Year Low Creates Demand, Profit For Wyoming Ranchers

Low cattle numbers have resulted in Wyoming ranchers finally turning a profit after years of breaking even. “This is the first run we’ve had of really solid profits for a number of years,” rancher and state Sen. Ogden Driskill told Cowboy State Daily.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 07, 2026

Corner cross magagna provenza 2 7 26

Proposed Bill Would Legalize Corner-Crossing On Wyoming Public Lands

Rep. Karlee Provenza, an outspoken advocate for public land access has introduced a bill legalizing corner-crossing in Wyoming. But Jim Magagna, of the Stock Growers Assoc. says it's too vague. “It almost isn’t a serious piece of legislation,” he said.

Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2026

Hell’s Half Acre, an otherworldly alien landscape, in a remote section of central Wyoming is reopening in May. The area was most-recently made famous by the cult classic movie "Starship Troopers," but access has been restricted since 2005.

Hell’s Half Acre To Reopen, Showcasing Wyoming’s Otherworldly Alien Landscape

Hell’s Half Acre, an otherworldly alien landscape in a remote section of central Wyoming is reopening in May. The area was most-recently made famous by the cult classic movie "Starship Troopers," but access has been restricted since 2005.

Renée JeanFebruary 07, 2026

A growing wildfire just south of Riverton reported Saturday afternoon has jumped the Wind River and has prompted an immediate evacuation order for residents in its path. The fire is well over 100 acres and in an area near houses.

Riverton Residents In Path Of Growing Wildfire Ordered To Leave

A growing wildfire just south of Riverton reported Saturday afternoon has jumped the Wind River and has prompted an immediate evacuation order for residents in its path. The fire is well over 100 acres and in an area near houses.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 08, 2026

People across Wyoming are trying to help a Montana bronc rider find her stolen horse trailer. Brittany Miller told Cowboy State Daily her "entire life is in that trailer." Online sleuths have been combing through Wyoming webcams to help in the search effort.

"My Entire Life Is In That Trailer": Online Sleuths Helping Cowgirl Find Stolen Trailer

People across Wyoming are trying to help a Montana bronc rider find her stolen horse trailer. Brittany Miller told Cowboy State Daily her "entire life is in that trailer." Online sleuths have been combing through Wyoming webcams to help in the search effort.

Andrew RossiFebruary 06, 2026

Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell told Cowboy State Daily on Friday they've launched a myth-busting campaign to save the agency from its potential destruction. "I was hoping to give a little bit of a reality check," he said.

Wyoming Business Council Launches 'Myth-Busting' Campaign In Effort To Save Itself

Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell told Cowboy State Daily on Friday that it's launched a myth-busting campaign to save the agency from potential destruction. "I was hoping to give a little bit of a reality check," he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2026

Mike Lepore is the golf pro at the Airport Golf Course in Cheyenne.

With Record-Breaking Warm Weather, Why Aren't Most Wyoming Golf Courses Open?

With unseasonably warm weather continuing in most of Wyoming this winter, why aren't golf courses filled with people? Golf pros told Cowboy State Daily if they could open their courses, they would. It's just not that easy.

Jimmy OrrFebruary 07, 2026

State Sen. John Kolb, R-Rock Springs, said he disagrees with a proposed Colorado bill that would allow people hurt by ICE agents during protests to sue the agents. "It's not even a no for me," he said, "it's a hell no."

Wyoming Officials Say Colorado Bill To Sue ICE Agents Would Have Zero Chance Here

Wyoming officials say a bill in Colorado targeting qualified immunity for ICE and other law enforcement would have no chance in Wyoming. “It’s not even a no for me, it’s hell no,” Sen. Jon Kolb said. “It’s an insane bill, and thank God I live in Wyoming.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026

Wyoming outdoorsman Guy Eastman says that hunting trophy-sized animals puts the hunters’ skills and abilities to the test.

Why The Outrage Over Trophy Hunting?

"Trophy hunting" has become a loaded term as the possible delisting of Wyoming’s grizzlies looms. Hunters say it represents the pinnacle of their sport. Critics say it’s all about ego.

Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2026

Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer, left, and Rep. Bill Allemand.

'No-Nuclear’ State Rep. Bill Allemand Has Challenger For House Seat

One of Wyoming state Rep. Bill Allemand’s biggest critics, Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer, is running for Allemand's seat in the Legislature. Allemand has made headlines as an opponent of nuclear storage facilities, including one near Casper.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2026

Concealed carry and University of Wyoming Union 2 6 26

Wyoming Bill Could Let 18-Year-Olds Carry Concealed Guns On UW Campus

Wyoming Legislature voted last year to allow concealed firearms on the University of Wyoming campus. Bills this year would allow 18-year-old students to carry, while those 21 and older could do so without permits.

Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2026

Cody McCalla

Supreme Court Rejects Sheridan Man's Self-Defense Claim In Hockey Coach's Death

A Sheridan man who fatally punched a local hockey coach during a 2024 fight will not have his four-to-six-year prison sentence overturned, since the Wyoming Supreme Court concluded Thursday that he failed to show he acted with self-defense.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026

A district fireball was reported over Utah, Colorado and Wyoming on Thursday night by dozens of people — similar to this one seen during a previous meteor shower in a file photo. While Thursday's fireball was widely reported, no photos or video of it could be found.

Fireball Lights Up Night Sky Over Flaming Gorge In Southwest Wyoming

Dozens of people across Wyoming, Colorado and Utah saw a colorful fireball streak through the sky Thursday night. Experts say it likely faded over Flaming Gorge with a chance fragments reached the ground.

Andrew RossiFebruary 07, 2026

Racines degenfelder 2 5 26

By 3-2 Margin, Wyoming Top Officials Vote For Process To Halt Wind Leases

The State Land Board on Thursday voted 3-2 to begin a legal process that could cancel two controversial state wind leases in Converse and Niobrara counties. Secretary Chuck Gray, Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, and Auditor Kristi Racines all voted in favor while Gov. Gordon and Treasurer Meier voted against.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2026

Sheridan Police Department 2 6 26

Sheridan Man Accused Of Threatening To ‘Charlie Kirk’ Musician

After allegedly threatening to assassinate a country music artist on tour like Charlie Kirk, a Sheridan man found himself behind bars this week. He warned the musician “don’t come to Rapid City” and that “a 30-06 would blow your head off.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026

A large staging area for wind turbines along Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie in this file photo.

Ranchers Say Don’t Bash Us For Using Our Private Property Rights For Wind Energy

Two Wyoming ranchers say diversification of their land is key to their survival and that property owners should have the freedom to decide what to do with their land. That includes allowing wind farms and other energy development.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 05, 2026

Annexation 2 5 26

Cheyenne Is About To Swallow A Longtime Ranch With A Forced Annexation

WY fresh farm has been in the same location for 20 years, and a farmstead was added about four years ago. Now the couple faces a forced annexation that they say threatens not just their way of life, but their family’s business model.

Renée JeanFebruary 05, 2026

State Sen. Ed Cooper (left) is retracting a statement he made about the Freedom Caucus hinging campaign donations to its local members based on their voting records

State Sen. Retracts Statement Accusing Freedom Caucus Of Rewarding Votes

State Sen. Ed Cooper is retracting a statement he made last week, accusing the national Freedom Caucus network of hinging campaign donations to its local members on their voting records. "I spoke incorrectly on that because I can’t substantiate it," he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026

University of Wyoming in winter.

Joint Approps Committee Votes To Protect Two More Institutions From UW Budget Cuts

The Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted to shield two more institutions from its proposed $40 million budget cut to the University of Wyoming. One of those institutions shares a financial backer with the campaign arm of the Freedom Caucus.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2026

A makeshift crack-cooking station on a baby changing table at a gas station prompted a Wednesday warning from the Teton County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office. Even a Cheyenne gas station worker said that “there’s no way I’d ever put my baby on one of those.”

Sheriff: Public Baby Changing Tables Are For Babies, Not Cooking Crack

A makeshift crack-cooking station on a baby changing table at a gas station prompted a Wednesday warning from the Teton County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office. Even a Cheyenne gas station worker said that “there’s no way I’d ever put my baby on one of those.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 05, 2026

Wildlife photographer Marcela Herdova loves the remote areas of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Photographer Who Broke Leg In Remote Area Of Yellowstone, Is Grateful She Wasn't Alone

A wildlife photographer who broke her leg in a remote area of Yellowstone last Sunday said it taught her the importance of not venturing out alone, especially in areas without cellular service. Her companion was able to get her back to their car safely.

Mark HeinzFebruary 05, 2026

Cheyenne police used a fully armed SWAT team with an armored vehicle to breach a suspected drug house Thursday. One of two suspects arrested holed up in the home’s attic for two hours before finally giving up.

SWAT Team Coaxes Suspect From Attic During Cheyenne Drug Bust

Cheyenne police used a fully armed SWAT team with an armored vehicle to breach a suspected drug house Thursday. One of two suspects arrested holed up in the home’s attic for two hours before finally giving up.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 06, 2026

Rendering of 18-foot clay prototype shown at the 399 monument installation site at the National Museum of Art

Gigantic Grizzly 399 Sculpture To Be Dedicated At Jackson Museum In September

The world-famous Grizzly 399 and her four cubs will be honored with a larger-than-life bronze sculpture at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. The piece by sculptor Jocelyn Russell will be dedicated on Sept. 9, 2026.

Andrew RossiFebruary 05, 2026

Biteman 3 3 25

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman 'Looking Seriously' At U.S. House Run 

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman told Cowboy State Daily he is considering a run for Wyoming's U.S. House and has formed an exploratory committee to look into a campaign. "I will have a decision after session – one way or another," he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Meteorologist Don Day stands on a snowdrift from the massive winter storm that dropped 30+ inches overnight in Cheyenne back in March, 2021

Wyoming To Gain 70+ Minutes Of Daylight In Feb.; Could Trigger Wet Heavy Snow Too

Wyoming will gain over 70 minutes of daylight in February as "solar spring" begins, which will make days longer and warmer. Meteorologists say that can lead to massive amounts of wet, heavy snow like the kind that paralyzed Cheyenne five years ago.

Andrew RossiFebruary 04, 2026

Jackson Hole and News and Guide settlement 2 4 26

$25M Lawsuit Against Jackson Newspaper Settled: "Should Have Never Been Published"

An Arizona man settled what was originally a $25M defamation suit vs. the Jackson Hole News & Guide over the paper claiming he'd abused his son. The paper wrote, "We acknowledge, plainly and without qualification, that this article should never have been published."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Groundhog 2 4 26

Wyoming Chef Says The Best Way To Cook Groundhog Is With A Pork Rub

Groundhogs don't have to be just ceremonial animals that allegedly predict when spring arrives. They can be good eating too. One of Wyoming’s top chefs says groundhog is best when cooked in a smoker with a pork rub.

Mark HeinzFebruary 04, 2026

BioLife Plasma Services abruptly closed two of its three Wyoming locations Tuesday, including this one in Laramie. Cash-strapped clients who depend on the money from selling plasma say the no-notice move is a gut-punch to their budgets.

Cash-Strapped Donors Stunned By Sudden Closures Of Wyoming BioLife Plasma Centers

BioLife Plasma Services abruptly closed two of its three Wyoming locations Tuesday. Clients, who said they depend on the money from selling plasma, say the no-notice move is a gut-punch to their budgets. “For me, it was my truck payment,” one man said.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 04, 2026

Tom kelly 2 4 26

Tom Kelly Announces Run For Superintendent Of Public Instruction

Tom Kelly, a freshman lawmaker from Sheridan who is also a college professor, said Wednesday he is running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. He arrived in Wyoming in 2019 leaving Illinois for Colorado, until Colorado became "just Illinois with mountains."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

William Autery, 25, is accused of stabbing an older Cheyenne man in the back while trying to steal his backpack and sunglasses. The suspect, who faces an attempted murder charge, claims the stabbing was in self-defense.

Transient Accused Of Stabbing Man In The Back Tells Police It Was Self-Defense

A 25-year-old transient accused of plunging a knife into the back of a Cheyenne man to steal his backpack and sunglasses will wait another week to enter a plea to charges of attempted second-degree murder. Police say he claimed the stabbing was self-defense.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 04, 2026

Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park.

Split Ruling Keeps Star Plunge Case Alive, Lets State Proceed With Improvements

A state judge’s mixed decision on Monday will allow redevelopment to continue at Hot Springs State Park and lets the Star Plunge lawsuit proceed. That leaves the popular amenity at the park in limbo.

Renée JeanFebruary 04, 2026

Ag farmland 2 4 26

Lawmakers Worried About Foreign-Owned Ag Land, Real Estate Agents Not So Much

The newly unveiled USDA portal that tracks foreign-owned ag land in the U.S. has been hailed by GOP lawmakers and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins as a good step in the right direction. Real estate agents, however, don't seem as concerned with the issue.

Kate MeadowsFebruary 04, 2026

Wyoming drivers gawked at a snowmobile strapped to the a broken-down Nissan Altima on Highway 26 near Casper over the weekend. The jerry-rigged setup failed and a friend's truck came to haul both the car and snowmobile away.

Snowmobile Strapped To A Nissan 'About As Backwoods Redneck As You Can Get'

Wyoming drivers gawked at a snowmobile strapped to a broken-down Nissan Altima on Highway 26 near Casper over the weekend. A passing motorist called the jerry-rigged setup "about as backwoods redneck as you can get."

Andrew RossiFebruary 03, 2026

Gov. Gordon said that as the University of Wyoming faces a proposed $40 million cut, it should “listen to the people of Wyoming.” He also fielded questions about K-12 funding and dismantling the Wyoming Business Council during a Tuesday forum in Lander.

Gordon Says Facing $40M Cut, UW Should ‘Listen To The People Of Wyoming'

Gov. Gordon said that as the University of Wyoming faces a proposed $40 million cut, it should “listen to the people of Wyoming.” He also fielded questions about K-12 funding and dismantling the Wyoming Business Council during a Tuesday forum in Lander.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2026

Richard "Deak" Dollard, Richard Dollard, and Jesse Dollard.

BLM Officer, Family Members Plead Not Guilty In Fatal Lander Bar Fight

A BLM law enforcement officer and two members of his family pleaded “not guilty” to murder and manslaughter charges Tuesday in a shared arraignment hearing in Fremont County District Court. They’re accused of killing a man in a Lander bar brawl last month.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 03, 2026

Some Wyoming Freedom Caucus legislators question using $15 million in state lodging tax money to lure the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association from Colorado to Wyoming. It's a move supporters say will bring huge economic benefits.

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back On $15M Bid To Bring PRCA Headquarters to Cheyenne

Some Wyoming Freedom Caucus legislators question using $15 million in state lodging tax money to lure the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association from Colorado to Wyoming. “Business and industry should be able to stand on their own,” Rep. Scott Heiner said.

Renée JeanFebruary 03, 2026

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Feds Pushing Grizzly Rules To December Could Be Step Toward Delisting

Delisting grizzlies could be imminent, hunting advocates say, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers regulations for bear hunting. They say pushing the deadline for the agency's decision on bears to December could be a step toward delisting.

Mark HeinzFebruary 03, 2026

The body of David Kelsey was found in Beck Lake and recovered Tuesday. The 50-year-old Cody man had been missing for more than a week.

Body Of Cody Man Missing Since Jan. 23 Found In Beck Lake

The body of David Kelsey was found in Beck Lake and recovered Tuesday. The 50-year-old Cody man had been missing for more than a week.

Jen KocherFebruary 03, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise small 2 9 26
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, February 9, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Poppy Keller. Poppy writes, "Looking east towards Wild Bill Reservoir."

Photo by Poppy Keller

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

Sponsored

View all
Venezuelans holding up Bibles they received through Vision Beyond Borders.

Vision Beyond Borders Sends Bibles To The Nations

For over 30 years, the Vision Beyond Borders teams have carried Bibles—along with medicine, clothing, and necessary supplies—into places like Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela.

February 02, 2026

Two medical professionals are looking at an X-ray.

Hoskinson Health Brings Advanced Rheumatology Care to Gillette

Hoskinson Health’s rheumatology program offers diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune and arthritis conditions using in-house imaging, infusion therapy and specialty expertise, reducing the need for patients to travel out of state.

January 26, 2026

In a physical therapy office, a woman performs a procedure on a patient.

Hoskinson Premier Care Redefines How Wyoming Patients Get Healthcare

The Gillette clinic’s membership-based program is designed to simplify healthcare by bundling primary care, specialty services, and mental health support into one predictable monthly price.

January 26, 2026

Opinion

View all
Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Get Our Court Docs On The Internet

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Our courts are still operating as if ‘Al Gore’ never invented ‘the internets,’ as Dubya would say. Luddite rules suppress free access to public information.”

Jonathan LangeJanuary 16, 2026

Scott clem 7 29 25

Scott Clem: Like Miley Cyrus, The Legislature Is Coming In Like A Wrecking Ball

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "The legislature has a problem. Maybe their actions really are good for Wyoming. Maybe our state is being set up for success for years to come. But that's not how it's coming across."

Scott ClemJanuary 16, 2026

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: It’s The Legislature’s Fault That Abortion Ban Was Unconstitutional

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "This abortion law mess didn’t erupt from nowhere. It came from years of incompetent legislating, blame shifting and political grandstanding, while lawmakers dodged the harder work required to pass a constitutional amendment."

Tom LubnauJanuary 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all