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Guns for Christmas owner of Frontier Arms IMG 1905 12 23 copy

Wyoming Shooters Say They Don’t Support Eliminating Sales Tax On Guns, Ammo

A proposal to eliminate sales tax on guns and ammo in Wyoming is a nice gesture, some sportsmen say, but cutting taxes across the board would be better.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025

State Rep. Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton, advocates for his bill that would ban sanctuary cities in Wyoming.

Sanctuary Cities One Step Closer To Being Banned In Wyoming

There are no designated “sanctuary cities” to protect illegal immigrants in Wyoming, and it will stay that way if a bill banning them in the state passes into law. It took a step closer to that when it passed a House committee 7-1 Friday.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025

Wyoming U.S. Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman talks at a March for Life event in Washington, D.C.

Wyoming Delegation Shows Out To Support National March For Life

Wyoming’s congressional delegation expressed support for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday, vowing to continue the fight to end abortion. Barrasso thanked the thousands of marchers for their “remarkable dedication.”

Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 25, 2025

Wyoming capitol stairs 1 24 25

Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 9

The ninth day of the Wyoming Legislature on Friday saw the Freedom Caucus meet its “Five and Dime” plan goal, biological sex bathroom bills pass and legislators killing an immigration bill Wyoming sheriffs hated.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 25, 2025

A pack of gray wolves in Wyoming.

Bills Could Help Wyoming's Image After Wolf Abuse, Say Retired Wildlife Officers

In response to the abuse of a wolf near Daniel last year, Wyoming aims to outlaw allowing animals to suffer. Some retired wildlife officers say the state's image is still tarnished, and that running wolves down with snowmobiles should also be banned.

Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025

James Martin

Casper Man Caught Fleeing With 14-Year-Old Gets 37-45 Years

A Casper, Wyoming, man caught transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sex acts faces 37-45 years in federal prison. The then-36-year-old was caught with his 14-year-old victim in Arizona.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 25, 2025

State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, left, and Dr. Rene Hinkle testify on oposite sides of a bill Bear proposed that targets abortion drugs in Wyoming water supplies.

Bill To Keep Abortion Drugs Out Of Water Supply Passes House Committee

A bill requiring testing of Wyoming water supplies for the presence of abortion drugs passed a House committee Friday. Rep. John Bear, the bill’s sponsor, says it’s to protect women, while opponents say it’s to shame them.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025

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Even Sheriffs Who Work With ICE Hate Legislation To Make Them Work With ICE

Wyoming sheriffs who work well with immigration authorities on Thursday torched two bills that would force them to sign federal immigration contracts. They characterized the bills as government overreach and short-sighted.  

Clair McFarland & Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025

State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, right, and Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, discuss the state budget in the Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

Freedom Caucus Making Good On Promises Of Cuts, Has Slashed $195M From Budget

The Joint Appropriations Committee has slashed $195 million from Wyoming’s supplemental budget, cutting energy projects, state employees and raises. Made up of Freedom Caucus members, the committee is making good on campaign promises to cut spending.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025

State Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, debates gun-free zones on the House floor Jan. 23, 2025.

Bill Banning Gun-Free Zones Blasts Through Wyoming House

A bill that would eliminate gun-free zones in places such as the Wyoming Capitol building, K-12 schools and on the University of Wyoming campus blasted through the House on third reading Thursday by a 50-10 vote.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025

Tony Aaron Shaw

Montana Pastor Used His “Karate Lessons” To Sexually Assault At Least One Child

A small-town Montana church pastor was convicted last week of sexually assaulting a child and has been accused of another. He used the self-defense “karate lessons” he taught to get close enough to abuse his victims, court documents say.

David MadisonJanuary 23, 2025

State Rep. Bill Allemand, R-Midwest, wants to close a loophole in Wyoming's wildlife laws that technically makes it illegal to trap and kill a mouse in your vehicle. You could get a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Killing A Mouse In Your Truck Can Get You A Year In Jail In Wyoming

A Wyoming legislator wants to close some loopholes in Wyoming wildlife laws. That includes eliminating one that technically could get someone a year in jail and fined $10,000 for killing a mouse inside a vehicle.

Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025

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More Than Just Fishing Guides May Need To Be Regulated, Legislators Say

A bill calling for more regulation of fishing guides in Wyoming prompted a broader discussion about whether all forms of outdoor recreation need more oversight here -- including rock climbers, mountain bikers and others, legislators said Thursday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 24, 2025

State Reps. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, and J.D. Williams, R-Lusk.

Freedom Caucus Chair Blasts Fellow Republican For Leaking Vote Stance Spreadsheet

State Rep. J.D. Williams says he made a mistake leaking a Moms For Liberty and Honor Wyoming voting stance spreadsheet to Democrats and county commissioners on Thursday. But that’s not enough for the leader of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, who blasted him as “untrustworthy.”

Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025

Brandon Kidgell

Former Wyoming Police Chief Accused Of Helping Girlfriend Elude Cops Arrested Again

The former Manderson, Wyoming, police chief is in trouble again, accused of violating a judge’s order and texting a woman investigators say he helped elude a drug investigation. He bonded out of jail Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 24, 2025

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will all be out and visible in the planetary parade Friday and Saturday.

Six Planets, Including Uranus, Will Line Up Across Wyoming's Night Sky This Weekend

From west to east, Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will make an arc across Wyoming’s night sky in a parade of planets Friday and Saturday nights. And this time, light from the moon won't interfere with the spectacle.

Andrew RossiJanuary 24, 2025

Campbell County Courthouse in Gillette, Wyoming.

Wyoming Public Defender Held In Contempt Fights Charge, Quits

A Wyoming public defender quit his job last fall after a judge held him in contempt and fined him for being late to a hearing. In an ongoing public defender shortage, the attorney is fighting the charge, saying he was held up at another hearing.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2025

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance swears in newly confirmed CIA Director John Ratcliffe while his wife, Michele Ratcliffe looks on during a ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House on Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Senate Confirms Ratcliffe for CIA As Democrats Still Holding Up Noem, Hegseth

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed President Donald Trump’s choice of John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, but Democrats continued to draw out Trump’s nominations of Pete Hegseth to run the Pentagon and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head up the Department of Homeland Security.

Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 23, 2025

State Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, right, is the sponsor of the "Homeschool Freedom Act" moving througn the Wyoming Legislature.

Bill Allowing Wyoming Homeschool Parents More Freedom Heads To Senate

The Wyoming House overwhelmingly passed the “Homeschool Freedom Act” over to the state Senate for discussion. The bill would eliminate requirements for homeschool parents to check in with their local school districts.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2025

Randy Jay Nelson

Green River Man Walks Into Sheriff’s Office, Admits Molesting Child 30 Years Ago

A 72-year-old Green River, Wyoming, man walked into his local sheriff's office, said he "needed to confess" and told a detective he sexually abused a child 30 years ago, court documents say. He now faces up to 25 years in prison. 

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2025

Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso, left, with President Donald Trump's pick for head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin.

Barrasso, Lummis Help Advance Trump Picks on Energy, Interior and EPA

Wyoming U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis helped push through a group of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks Thursday. Nominees to for the Departments of Energy, Interior and EPA sailed through their committees.

Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 23, 2025

The building at 2279 Six Mile Road in Natrona County near Casper where a shooting happened Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.

Man Shoots Coworker, Then Gives First Aid, Natrona County Sheriff Says

Natrona County deputies are investigating a shooting at a business Wednesday night that sent a man to the hospital in reportedly critical condition. The coworker who allegedly shot the man also gave him first aid, the sheriff’s office reports.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2025

Gillette police 5 31 23

Report: “Give Me A Hug Now,” Gillette Man Tells Mom After Shooting Sister In Head

A Gillette, Wyoming, man has been charged with second-degree murder on claims he killed his sister. Police report that after he shot his sister in the head, he told his mother, “Give me a hug, because I am going to jail.”  

Clair McFarland & Jen KocherJanuary 22, 2025

Casper PD Car 2

Cheyenne Teen Cops Plea, Could Get 10 Years For Pistol-Whipping And Shooting

A 19-year-old Cheyenne teen admitted pistol-whipping one person and threating others with a gun Thursday. In a plea deal, he could get up to 10 years in prison, or he could get Boot Camp.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2025

The Wyoming Senate unanimously passed a bill to the House that would close loopholes in the state's protection orders regulations.

Wyoming Legislators Unanimous On Closing Protection Order Loopholes

Protection orders are getting a makeover by the Wyoming Legislature this session. Sailing through are bills to close loopholes that can leave victims unprotected and allow for permanent protection orders.

Jen KocherJanuary 23, 2025

State Rep. Bob Ide, R-Casper, lobbies on the House floor against all property taxes, calling them immoral, as the group debates property tax relief bills.

Significant Property Tax Cuts Sailing Through Wyoming Legislature

The Wyoming Legislature has been advancing a series of property tax relief bills that will significantly cut tax bills for most residential property owners. Even so, legislators who support them still say they fall short of “real reform.”

Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025

Sous chef Eric Walker engages in a snowball fight outside the Bourbon House Restaurant in the French Quarter on Jan. 21, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As Locals Freak Out, Transplanted Wyomingite In The South Loves The Record Snow

While many people in the U.S. South are freaking out over a winter storm that brought record snowfall across Alabama, Florida and Louisiana, a transplanted Wyomingite is loving it. He's having too much fun showing neighbors how to handle the snow.

Andrew RossiJanuary 23, 2025

After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.

Inspired By ‘Little Siberia’ Schoolhouse, Support Grows For Rural Wyoming Schools

After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.

Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray tells legislators he thinks ballot drop boxes are illegal and should be banned in Wyoming.

Gray, County Clerks Accuse Each Other Of “Gaslighting” Over Ballot Drop Boxes

Emotions were high on Wednesday during a debate over the legality of ballot drop boxes, with Secretary of State Chuck Gray and some of Wyoming’s county clerks accusing each other of “gaslighting” the issue. A bill to ban the boxes passed a House committee 8-1.

Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, talks about Democrats' efforts to stall President's Trumps Cabinet picks from the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.

Barrasso Promises Weekend Sessions If Dems Keep Holding Up Trump Cabinet Picks

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, on Wednesday called Democrat efforts to hold up Trumps Cabinet picks “Shameful.” He promised to keep senators there through the weekend if they don’t move quickly to confirm.

Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 22, 2025

Wind has always been a concern for semis driving on Wyoming highways, as shown in this file photo.

Wild Winds Up To 90 MPH Blow Over At Least 9 Semis On Wyoming Highways

Tuesday’s wild winds across Wyoming gusted to nearly 90 mph in some spots, closing some stretches of I-25 and I-80. But not everyone observed the closures, because at least nine semis were blown over, WYDOT reports, the most in at least two decades.

Andrew RossiJanuary 22, 2025

Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service.

Hageman Blasts Feds For “Weaponized” Intimidation Of Ranch Family Over Fence

Harriet Hageman is calling out federal officials for an armed federal agent in tactical gear showing up on a South Dakota ranch over a fence line dispute. She condemns the “weaponized” response and wants the feds to explain themselves.

Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2025

Bill Gates was in Kemmerer in June 2024 for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the TerraPower Natrium nuclear plant.

Kemmerer Officials Hope TerraPower Deal Could Attract AI Data Center

As Bill Gates-backed TerraPower continues building a first-of-its-kind nuclear plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, it has struck a deal with the nation’s largest independent data center provider. Local officials hope that could lead to an AI data center there.

Renée JeanJanuary 22, 2025

Daily Features

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"Beautiful sunrise over northern Cheyenne."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Deborah Cessna. Deborah writes, "Beautiful sunrise over northern Cheyenne."

Photo by Deborah Cessna

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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Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: The Big Empty Needs One Good Lawless County

Rod Miller writes, “The legislature can set aside a few hundred-thousand acres in Wyoming for the malcontents and the ungovernable. Let them fend for themselves on their own little piece of heaven.”

Rod MillerJanuary 12, 2025

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Joan Barron: Freedom Caucus Calling For Unity Is “The Big Switcheroo.”

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The biggest surprise to me was the declaration that the Freedom Caucus will strive for unity this session. This is a real switcheroo for a group that banned traditional Republican lawmakers from their caucuses."

Joan BarronJanuary 11, 2025

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Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Fans Love Josh Allen – Bills Play Broncos In Playoffs Sunday

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Can you believe Josh Allen has been gone from UW for seven years? I never saw a player like him. He was super-human. He was our superman.”

Bill SniffinJanuary 11, 2025

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