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Like Wolves, Wyoming’s Stray Cats Aren’t Protected From Torture

Wyoming’s stray cats could end up benefiting from a push to protect wolves from torture. Like wolves, they’re considered predators, and some advocate for controlling their numbers through spaying or neutering rather than shooting them.

Mark HeinzFebruary 02, 2025

Dr. Joe McGinley has climbed the tallest mountains on six of seven continents and invents medical devices. But before that, he had a passion for motocross, giving it for medical school. Now he’s back in the sport in a big way.

Casper Doctor Now Official Orthopedic Partner, Provider For Pro Motocross Racing

Dr. Joe McGinley has climbed the tallest mountains on six of seven continents and invents medical devices. But before that, he had a passion for motocross, giving it up for medical school. Now the Casper doctor is back as the official orthopedic partner and provider for Pro Motocross racing.

Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2025

Curtis Carle Arnall was born and raised in Cheyenne, but became famous as the radio voice of Buck Rogers. During World War II, he led a yacht crew against German U-boats.

Wyoming History: Cheyenne Man Was Radio’s Buck Rogers, Scouted German Subs In WWII

Curtis Arnall was raised a cowpuncher in Cheyenne but became famous as the voice of Buck Rogers during the 1930s. The Wyoming native also scouted out German U-boats during World War II, which led to being lost at sea for 21 days.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 02, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman talks with students at Wind River Job Corps in Riverton, Wyoming.

Learning Trades Isn’t Just Landing Wyoming Youth Good Jobs, It’s Saving Lives

The teens and young adults in the Wind River Job Corps in Riverton usually get there out of desperation. But the trades there can lead to great-paying jobs. Plus, it's the only job corps in America that offers training for petroleum technicians.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 02, 2025

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Rod Miller: A Couple Freedom Caucus Bills I Support

Rod Miller writes, "Voila! Hidden in the pile of pointless culture-war pontificating and goofball populist pipe dreams, I found a couple Freedom Caucus bills I support, and can suggest with a straight face that they’ll be good for Wyoming."

Rod MillerFebruary 02, 2025

A driver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, uses the large internet-connected system on his Tesla Cybertruck in this file photo.

Like With Smartphones And Tablets, There Are Many Ways Your Car Spies On You

Your smartphone, tablet and other devices are spying on us. Your car does the same thing. You may want to read the user agreement. Nissan, for example, includes things like: “sexual activity, health diagnosis data and genetic information."

Aaron TurpenFebruary 02, 2025

Sagebrush act as natural snow fences, holding moisture that allows for regeneration of plants come spring, while providing forage in the depths of winter for sage grouse.

Sagebrush Murder Mystery Reveals Two Potential Killers Of Range Plant

In Montana’s Centennial Valley, a sagebrush die-off triggered an investigation into what was killing this anchor species of the open range. The killers turned out to be insects native to the sagebrush seas of the West.

David MadisonFebruary 02, 2025

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The American West: Western Farmers Used Wind For Power Long Before Green Energy

For hundreds of years in America, the most important application of windmills was to provide power to pump for water and it became an essential of life on the Western plains and prairies.

Linda WommackFebruary 02, 2025

First Chair student Sawyer watches on as fellow student Ronin Wichern struggles to get into his skis. This is the first part of the lesson of learning to ski.

Kiddos On Skis: How Wyoming's Antelope Butte Ski Resort Teaches Littles How To Ski

At Antelope Butte, the youngest students are just three years old and when they are first put on the skis. But it doesn’t take long for them to start grasping the basic concepts and take off in controlled chaos.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 02, 2025

Shawn Robin Chape, originally from Rozet, Wyoming, roping a calf in the first round in 1.9 seconds flat to win the 2024 Australian breakaway roping title.

A Wyoming Cowgirl Is Australia’s Newest Breakaway Roping Champion

A cowgirl from Rozet, Wyoming, named Shawn Robin Chape is Australia’s newest breakaway roping champion. She lassoed the title in a blazing fast 1.69 seconds, setting a new arena record. She credits her Wyoming roots as a huge part of her success.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

Students in the Manufacturing Industrial and Technology Department at Western Wyoming Community College.

Nuclear Power Tech Poised To Explode As Wyoming’s Next Six-Figure “It” Job

The wages for nuclear power techs are expected to range into the six figures, and it’s a good thing because Wyoming will soon need hundreds of these techs. Western Wyoming Community College is training people for this emerging career.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

A scene from "Americanville," a documentary on Jackson Hole, China. A Christian church at the end of this street that looks every bit as if it could be in Jackson, Wyoming.

Wild West In The Far East: Welcome To China’s Knockoff Jackson Hole

Did you know that there is an exact replica of Jackson Hole in China? Not only does the downtown look the same but the community -- two hours from Beijing -- has 1,500 homes. A filmmaker spent three months in the town for his documentary "Americaville."

Jake NicholsFebruary 01, 2025

Shelby Forbes was thrilled to get her grandmother's wedding ring back after fearing it could be lost for good. Dave Hays and Fred Harvey, avid metal detecting hobbyists, were called in found it quickly. It was a rare instance of being able to return a treasure to the person who lost it.

Metal-Detecting Duo Find Wedding Ring Gillette Woman Feared Lost Forever

Shelby Forbes of Gillette was “crying my eyes out” when she lost her grandmother’s wedding ring while throwing hay to her horses. Fearing it could be lost forever, a pair of metal-detecting pals found it, and Forbes burst into tears again.

Andrew RossiFebruary 01, 2025

The Lou Taubert sign really stands out at night when its neon in in its full glory.

Race On To Save Lou Taubert Neon Sign, Last Remnant Of Casper’s “Little Las Vegas”

The Lou Taubert neon sign that towers over Center Street in Casper, Wyoming, is in desperate need of repair. It’s the last remnant of Casper's historic street of neon that earned it the nickname “Little Las Vegas.”

Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2025

Zack Ivie poses with his family showing off the colors for the fall and Thanksgiving season.

Wyoming Pharmacist’s Gaudy Suit Jackets Are So Bad They’re Awesome

A Thayne pharmacist’s collection of suit jackets is becoming local legend, looking like the leftover rack of a garage sale. The pharmacist has well over 100 jackets and his collection is growing. People now call him in the morning to ask which one he’ll wear that day.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 01, 2025

Bernadette Blacketer, 83, was killed when she was hit by a vehicle Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025, while walking to open St. Francis Catholic Church on Arapahoe Street in Thermopolis.

No Charges Filed So Far In Fatal Thermopolis Hit And Run

No criminal charges have been filed so far against a juvenile involved in a fatal hit and run that killed an 85-year-old woman in Thermopolis last week, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said on Saturday.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 01, 2025

Students at Casper College study first study anatomy on models before being accepted into the actual cadaver lab.

Want To Donate Your Body To Science? It’s A Challenge In Wyoming

Want to donate your body to science? Although there’s a shortage of human cadavers for students to learn on, donating your body after you die can be a challenge, especially in a rural state like Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2025

Grand Prismatic Spring has become the second most popular Yellowstone National Park feature behind only Old Faithful. Much of that has happened in the 21st century as its become a social media darling.

How Grand Prismatic Spring Became Yellowstone's Social Media Darling

In two decades, Grand Prismatic Spring ascended from a beautiful backwater spot to the second most popular destination in Yellowstone National Park. Grand Prismatic’s profile has exploded as Yellowstone’s social media darling.

Andrew RossiFebruary 01, 2025

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The American West: Mountain Man Joe Meek Arrived In Wyoming in 1829 As Greenhorn Teenager

The roar of the grizzly, war cries of the Blackfeet, and the lonesome song of the wind ushered 18-year-old Joe Meek to a world of the mountain men. Death was a constant companion and if you weren’t at the Rendezvous, it was assumed you had met the grim reaper along the way either by beast, enemy, or harsh weather.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2025

“The Galloping Gourmet” on PBS had nothing on Buffalo Bill Cody, who was the OG foodie of the West. He brought tamales to New York, popcorn to Europe, and gourmet dining experiences to the masses.

Eating Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Was The World’s Original Galloping Gourmet

“The Galloping Gourmet” on PBS had nothing on Buffalo Bill Cody, who was the original foodie of the West. He brought Mexican food to New York, popcorn to Europe and gourmet dining experiences to the masses.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

Layne, left, and Liam Jordan are joined by Tom Webb. A flatbed trailer acts as an improvised stage in Hyattville in October 2024.

Wyoming Twin Teens Grew Up In The Middle Of Nowhere, But Have Huge Music Dreams

Liam and Layne Jordon, 14, have grown up in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. That hasn’t stopped the young musicians from pursing some big dreams of writing and performing their music for the masses.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2025

A pilot program in Casper’s Municipal Court aims to divert people with mental health issues and substance disorders to a treatment program. City Attorney Eric Nelson said it’s getting kudos from the Wyoming State Supreme Court. Central Wyoming Counselling Center is collaborating on the project.

Supreme Court Backs Non-Volent Offenders Getting Treatment Instead Of Jail

The Wyoming Supreme Court is supporting a pilot Casper Municipal Court program to get non-violent offenders mental help instead of jail. The program can save the city money and become a model for the rest of the state.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 01, 2025

Curt Gowdy State Park was one of Joel Parker's stops visiting all of Wyoming's state parks in summer 2024.

Tourist Visits Every Wyoming State Park In A Week: Here Are His Favorites

A tourist from Montana visited all 12 of Wyoming’s state parks in a whirlwind weeklong road trip last summer. He also hit all of Montana’s in 2023, and says Wyoming's are "higher quality, on average, in terms of scenery." Here are his favorites.

Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 01, 2025

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Apparently, Few Knew It’s Illegal To Blast Wyoming Prairie Dogs From A Vehicle

A Casper-area man said it took him by surprise to learn that shooting prairie dogs from a vehicle is illegal. Another avid hunter said he also didn’t know because it’s such a common practice in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzFebruary 01, 2025

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Wyoming Could Become First State To Ban Electronic Voting Machines

A House committee considered a bill on Friday that could make Wyoming the first state to ban electronic voting machines. If it passes, the bill would force ballots to be hand-counted.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 31, 2025

U.S. Rep. Hariett Hageman, R-Wyoming, addresses Wyoming legislators from the floor of the state House at the Capitol in Cheyenne on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

Hageman Tells Legislature It’s An “Incredibly Exciting” Time To Be On Capitol Hill

Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman spoke to Wyoming legislators Friday at the Capitol in Cheyenne. She described President Donald Trump’s first two weeks in office as an “incredibly exciting” time on Capitol Hill.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 01, 2025

Robert William Hoover

Former Bar Nunn Fire Chief Accused Of Stealing From Fill The Boot Fundraiser

The former fire chief for Bar Nunn, Wyoming, was in court Thursday to face multiple felony charges. He’s accused of using a department credit card for personal purchases and stealing more than $2,600 from an MDA Fill the Boot fundraiser.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 31, 2025

Charles Hoskinson talks about Wyoming's process for bidding vendors for its new stable token.

Wyoming Blockchain Billionaire Has Big Political Plans, To Launch PAC

Wyoming billionaire blockchain mogul Charles Hoskinson, who owns a ranch in Wheatland, has his eye on becoming a player in Wyoming politics. He told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that he’s launching a PAC and has big plans.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2025

Frontier Arms and Supply owner Ryan Allen, right, conducts a credit card transaction with a customer at the Cheyenne gun shop in this file photo.

Lobbyist: Tracking Sales Part Of ESG Scheme To Put Gun Stores Out Of Business

A Second Amendment advocate says Wyoming’s law against tracking credit card sales of guns and ammunition is “weak” and plays into an ESG scheme to put gun stores out of business. He also says it could put people at risk of getting on a federal registry.

Mark HeinzJanuary 31, 2025

Campbell county sheriff suv

Accused Gillette Kidnapper Doesn't Help Case By Apologizing In Court

A Gillette man accused of kidnapping a woman and leading deputies on a high-speed chase up to 170 mph didn’t help his case by apologizing in court Thursday. Although warned by the judge not to incriminate himself, he said, “I feel sorry for what I did."

Clair McFarlandJanuary 31, 2025

President Donald Trump talks with the press about imposing tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico "starting tomorrow" while in the Oval Office on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

Barrasso Says Trump's Tariffs — Or Just Threats — Could Be "Effective Tactic"

John Barrasso says Trump’s promised tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico — or just threats of them — could be an “effective tactic.” Tariffs also could impact Wyoming because its largest export market is Canada.

Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 31, 2025

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Montana Drug Trafficker Who Wouldn’t Flip Accused Of Bear Spraying Girlfriend

When a drug smuggler busted in Butte, Montana, wouldn’t flip and become an informant, he went on the run. Then a domestic violence call revealed the true scope of his crime spree, including bear-spraying a girlfriend.

David MadisonJanuary 31, 2025

The Wyoming Legislature is considering a bill that would revamp the state's property tax system.

Property Tax Relief Bill Called For 25% Cut, Was Boosted To 50%, Now Back To 25%

A bill to slash residential property taxes in Wyoming is yo-yoing its way through the state Senate. It called for a 25% tax cut, then was boosted to 50%, and is now back to 25% after a Friday vote.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 31, 2025

Allen Thompson, executive director for Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, testifies in favor of Senate File 114, which would establish protocols for law enforcement in taking missing persons reports.

Wyoming One Of 6 States Without Missing Person Protocols; New Law Would Change That

Wyoming is one of six states without protocols for when people go missing. A bill that passed to the state Senate on Thursday would change that, requiring timely reporting and listing on national databases.

Jen KocherJanuary 31, 2025

State Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle.

Senate Committee Advances Bill Banning DEI Mandates In Wyoming Government

A Wyoming legislative committee advanced a bill Thursday that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion mandates across the state's agencies and colleges. It would also ban UW and colleges from using most money, even private donations, on DEI.  

Clair McFarlandJanuary 31, 2025

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Guest Columnist Ray Hunkins: The Whirling Dervish President

Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "Donald Trump is off to the most incredible start of any president in my lifetime and unlike his first term, he knows what he is doing and how to do it."

CSD StaffJanuary 31, 2025

Daily Features

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"As beautiful as this image is, the camera could not adequately record the stunning vision from Upper Warm Springs above Dubois this morning."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, February 3, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Tiffany Novotny. Tiffany writes, "As beautiful as this image is, the camera could not adequately record the stunning vision from Upper Warm Springs above Dubois this morning."

Photo by Tiffany Novotny

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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Tom Lubnau: The Wyoming House Needs To Think, Not Grandstand

Tom Lubnau writes, "The consequences of House Bill 164 are stunning. If a doctor injects a dementia patient with a muscle paralyzer with the intent of paralyzing the patient’s lungs so they can’t breathe and they die, the doctor can’t lose his job or lose his license for killing patients. It's euthanasia legalized."    

Tom LubnauJanuary 29, 2025

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Candy Moulton: The Creative Circle Of Joseph Marshall III

Columnist Candy Moulton writes: “Joseph Marshall III, a member of the Sicangu Oyate tribe, grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, in South Dakota, on his grandmother’s land. As a child he spoke only Lakota; now he is a member of the Western Writers Hall of Fame. ”

Candy MoultonJanuary 28, 2025

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Dave Simpson: Does A Wet Blanket Await In The Wyoming Senate?

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "It's my hope that the wise and august state senators heed the tone of the electorate expressed last August, and proceed right away to the Five and Dime bills, so there's plenty of time to override pesky gubernatorial vetoes if need be, unlike last year."

Dave SimpsonJanuary 27, 2025

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