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Hundreds of swallows are swarming and nesting in Angie Pitts' lean-to in Mountain View. She didn't mind until she saw the bird droppings covering her vehicles. “I don’t want to kill them, but I want them gone,” she said. "It's just gross."

Oh, The Humanity! Hundreds Of Swallows Pooping Everywhere In Mountain View, Wyoming

Hundreds of swallows are pooping all over the place in Mountain View, Wyoming, including on Angie Pitts' property. She didn't mind that much until she saw her vehicles caked in poop. “I don’t want to kill them, but I want them gone,” she said.

Andrew RossiJune 17, 2026

An albino robin visits a bird bath in a Cheyenne-area yard. The young bird has become a daily attraction for homeowners Heather and Eric Wiseman.

Rare 1-In-30,000 Albino Robin Hangs Out In Yard Of Cheyenne-Area Couple

With its stark white feathers and red eyes, what Audubon Rockies says looks like a rare 1-in-30,000 albino robin has been hanging out in the yard of a Cheyenne-area couple. "It's following its mother around and begging for food,” said the homeowner.

Kolby FedoreJune 16, 2026

Cody Volunteer Fire Department at the Cody Stampede Parade in a file photo.

Cody Fire Department Back In Stampede Parade, Allowed To Throw Water Balloons

After missing last year’s Stampede Parade for not being able to throw water balloons, the Cody Volunteer Fire Department is back this year — and allowed balloons. “They love throwing water balloons, and people love throwing them back,” said an organizer.

Andrew RossiJune 16, 2026

Service dogs are trained to interrupt an anxiety or stress moment when they see it in their masters.

Wyoming Group Trains Dogs To Interrupt Veterans’ PTSD Attacks

A nonprofit in Mills, Wyoming, is training dogs to interrupt military veterans’ PTSD attacks, led by a woman who lost her Green Beret son to suicide. “When I lost him, I knew I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how,” she said.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2026

The WYO Rodeo Parade draws huge crowds to downtown Sheridan each year, as seen in this file photo.

Sheridan Bans Claiming Spots Too Early Along WYO Rodeo Parade Route

After years of watching lawn chairs and coolers appear earlier and earlier along the WYO Rodeo parade route, the Sheridan City Council on Monday banned people claiming spots too early. "I expect that the first year will be a little rough,” said the mayor.

Kate MeadowsJune 16, 2026

A daylong power outage shut down businesses and government in Cokeville for much of Tuesday, but it couldn’t halt a weekly seniors dice game moved beneath the shade trees. "I just tried to make the best of the situation," one senior center staffer said.

Lengthy Power Outage Darkens Cokeville, Disrupts Businesses And Seniors

The power went out across Cokeville on Tuesday, forcing the Town Hall to close and disrupting business during an extended outage. At the local senior center, "I just tried to make the best of the situation," said a staffer.

Kolby FedoreJune 16, 2026

A former Wyoming Boys' School resident strapped down to a restraint chair with a mask over his head. A court filing claims he was put in the chair with a mask for up to eight hours a day.

Court Filings Say Wyoming Boys' School Staffers Restrained, Attacked Boys

A group of young men suing the Wyoming Boys’ School claim they were attacked, confined in a chair and made to wear a mask. “The best part of the chair is watching the kids cry and scream,” a security guard is alleged to have said.

Clair McFarlandJune 15, 2026

A Wyoming man named Aron Snyder confirms he’s the person seen tossing, kicking and stabbing a coyote in a video. The video is “a very bad optic,” he says while apologizing in a weekend social media post.

‘A Very Bad Optic’: Wyoming Man Apologizes For Controversial Coyote Killing Video

A Wyoming man named Aron Snyder confirms he’s the person seen tossing, kicking and stabbing a coyote in a video. The video is “a very bad optic,” he says while apologizing in a weekend social media post.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2026

Wyoming’s coal sector is startled at Republican candidates who oppose data centers. They say the revival of coal is largely due to projected demand for energy from data centers "It's frustrating," said Travis Deti, of the Wyoming Mining Association.

Coal Industry Frustrated With GOP Candidates Who Want To Kill Data Centers

Wyoming’s coal sector is startled at Republican candidates who oppose data centers. Industry leaders say the revival of coal is driven by demand for energy from data centers.  "It's frustrating," said Travis Deti, of the Wyoming Mining Association.

Clair McFarlandJune 15, 2026

Geno Stecks received the first ticket for violating Cheyenne’s new vehicle noise ordinance. He was driving this 2006 Subaru with a modified muffler.

Meet The First Driver To Get A Ticket Under Cheyenne’s New Noise Ordinance

Mechanic Geno Stecks got the first ticket under Cheyenne’s new noise ordinance while delivering a car part in the middle of the day. When the officer told him he couldn't hear his radio because of the exhaust, Stecks said, "Turn your volume knob up."

Kerry DrakeJune 16, 2026

A full house turned out to hear debate about a 3,500-acre annexation for future Microsoft data center expansions. Cheyenne’s Public Services Committee narrowly recommended approval, while Councilman Larry Wolfe urged postponement, to give the city time to negotiate a $50M community benefits agreement.

Cheyenne Committee Backs Microsoft Annexation While Councilman Pushes $50M Deal

Despite calls to delay or deny a 3,500-acre annexation for Microsoft data centers, Cheyenne’s Public Services Committee narrowly recommended approval Monday. A councilman urged them to postpone to give the city time to negotiate a $50 million agreement.

Renée JeanJune 16, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsJune 16, 2026

Two young bighorn sheep rams ventured into Cheyenne, it’s thought they might have come from either he Iron Mountain herd in southeast Wyoming, or a herd near Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Wyoming Game And Fish Kills Bighorns That Wandered Into Cheyenne

A pair of young bighorn sheep rams that wandered into Cheyenne were killed by Wyoming wildlife officials. However, one biologist and wildlife researcher says it's not necessary. He said they should be quarantined instead.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2026

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Gillette Welder Accused Of Stealing Identity, Leaving Man Owing Child Support

A Minnesota man says a stranger spent years building a life in Wyoming using his identity — earning more than $500,000, fathering a child and leaving the man owing child support. "I don't even know him nor have I ever been to Wyoming,” the man said.

Kolby FedoreJune 15, 2026

Casper Police escort a man identified as the homeowner’s father off the property where he lived on Monday morning.

Two Left Homeless After ‘Suspected Arson’ Of North-Side Casper Home

Casper's police and fire department report they are investigating a "suspected arson" at a north-side home on Friday evening that left two people homeless. “My dad had asked her to leave,” then the fire started, said a woman about someone staying at the house.

Dale KillingbeckJune 15, 2026

Cows graze in a field near the Naughton power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, in a file photo.

Nothing Goes To Waste: Nebraska Builds Plant To Turn Cow Manure Into Natural Gas

A first-of-its-kind renewable natural gas facility under construction in central Nebraska will convert cattle manure into pipeline-quality natural gas from the poop produced by a huge feedlot. 

Kate MeadowsJune 15, 2026

So far, nobody’s claimed a renegade Russian tortoise found wandering around in Thermopolis's Riverside Cemetery. “I’m hoping someone didn’t abandon it, because that’s not cool,” said the cemetery worker who found it.

‘I Saw Something Moving’: Renegade Russian Tortoise Found In Thermopolis Cemetery

So far, nobody’s claimed a renegade Russian tortoise found wandering around in Thermopolis's Riverside Cemetery. “I’m hoping someone didn’t abandon it, because that’s not cool,” said the cemetery worker who found it when he “saw something moving."

Andrew RossiJune 15, 2026

A detective was about to fly to Wisconsin to arrest Roger Durkee when he got the news: Durkee was dead. He believes Durkee killed the “Shafter Jane Doe” 32 years ago, who spent 7 months in Wyoming shortly before her body was dumped along I-80.

After 32 Years, Suspected ‘Shafter Jane Doe’ Killer Avoided Justice By Dying

A detective was about to fly to Wisconsin to arrest the lead suspect in the 32-year cold case of a woman whose nude body was dumped along I-80 when he got the news the suspect was dead. The woman's time in Wyoming led to the breakthrough in the case.

Jen KocherJune 14, 2026

When a motorcyclist crashed through a fence into a Green River yard last summer, Hunter and Matt Rushing didn’t hesitate. “Holy crap, instinct kind of kicked in,” said Hunter, an Eagle Scout, about applying a tourniquet to stem the man’s bleeding.

Green River Father And Son Credit Scout Training In Saving Injured Motorcyclist

When a motorcyclist suffered life threatening injuries after a crash in Green River, 17-year-old Eagle Scout Hunter Rushing didn't hesitate. “Instinct kind of kicked in,” he said. He and his father credit Boy Scouts for knowing what to do.

Zakary SonntagJune 14, 2026

Paranormal investigator Tami Currie bought a stolen 1880s Old West grave marker from a Meeteetse antiques shop she says has “energy attached to it.” “I will collect anything that has an odd energy attached to it,” she added.

Meeteetse Woman Adds Old West Grave Marker To Haunted Collection

Meeteetse resident and paranormal investigator Tami Currie legally obtained an 1880s grave marker with a criminal history to her collection of haunted objects. “People on the other side have stories they want told, and they're willing to talk to you,” she said.

Andrew RossiJune 14, 2026

The closest most of the Gillette high-schoolers got to sheep wagons was playing the classic video game “The Oregon Trail.” Now they can travel the trail themselves in the period sheep wagons they spend two years building as class projects.

Gillette Teens Spend 2 Years Building Sheep Wagons As Class Project

Gillette high school students spent the last two years building sheep wagons as a class project. Teacher Pete Stocker said it was a challenge to keep everyone motivated. “It was a long project, and as a society, we are instant-gratification people."

Julie MankinJune 14, 2026

Presley Whitaker takes a walk weeks after being thrown off a horse and losing her right hand.

Steer Wrestlers Rally To Raise $40,000 For Woman Who Lost Hand In Rodeo Accident

Steer wrestlers raised nearly $40,000 last week for the Montana woman who lost her hand in a rodeo accident. “It’s pretty neat that a college kid could organize something like that,” said the woman's husband, who is the Montana State rodeo coach.

Kate MeadowsJune 14, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon, center, listens as a Related Digital employee talks about the closed-loop system used to cool Related's data center east of Cheyenne.

Inside The $1.2 Billion Data Center Campus Being Built In Cheyenne

Work is nearing completion on the first 184,000-square-foot phase of the Related Digital data center campus in Cheyenne, which is expected to be finished in late 2026. The company says because of its closed-loop system, there’s no ongoing water required.

Renée JeanJune 14, 2026

Two cowboys tying their horses outside a Powell bar and going in for a beet caused people to appreciate a Western vibe that “definitely feels right.” The horses also love it, said one rider, adding that “they like to get out and do dumb stuff, too.”

Even In Powell, Wyoming, Riding Horses To A Bar Surprises Some

Even in Powell, Wyoming, people stopped and took photos of horses tied up outside of a bar while their cowboys were inside grabbing a beer last week. "We didn't think anybody would notice," said 26-year-old cowboy Nick Mundy. "We just thought it'd be fun."

Kolby FedoreJune 14, 2026

Move over ATVs and e-bikes, powered exoskeletons are giving people cyborg-like abilities in the Wyoming backcountry.

Powered Exoskeletons Could Turn Wyoming Hikers, Hunters Into Backcountry Cyborgs

Forget about e-bikes, ATVs and other wheeled vehicles. The latest powered outdoor trend is people strapping on powered exoskeletons and becoming faster, stronger cyborg versions of themselves. One company says it can boost climbing power by 30%.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2026

A skier hits one of the many natural features at Beartooth Basin.

Inside North America's Only Summer-Only Ski Area: Wyoming's Beartooth Basin

Beartooth Basin, located at nearly 11,000 feet of elevation in northern Wyoming, is North America’s only ski area open exclusively during the summer months. “People who go up there for the first time are always blown away," co-owner Justin Modroo said.

Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJune 14, 2026

A rally at the Wyoming Capitol on Saturday, May 16, 2026, calling for the Legislature to plug holes the Wyoming Food Freedom Act.

Legislators Vow To Fix Food Freedom Act After Months Of Controversy

Wyoming lawmakers Friday vowed to rework the Food Freedom Act after months of controversy at small-time food producers and family-owned shops. “Reasonableness [has]gone out the window,” said a business owner who was ordered to stop selling raw milk lattes.

Clair McFarlandJune 14, 2026

Cody special ed Mix Collage 14 Jun 2026 07 55 AM 3625 6 14 26

Special Education Students in Cody Create Guide To Every Playground In Community

Special education students at Cody Middle School turned a school project into a unique community resource now available at the Cody Chamber of Commerce. The students spent two months using a variety of academic subjects to create a Cody playground guide.

Andrew RossiJune 15, 2026

Anyone who’s been to a parade in Wyoming in the past 25 years knows the Powder River Percherons, teams of dapple-gray draft horses that tower over crowds. They bring "a ‘wow’ factor” at up to 2,600 pounds each and 6 feet tall at the withers.

Up To 2,600 Pounds Each, Powder River Percherons Are Huge At Wyoming Parades

Anyone who’s been to a parade in Wyoming in the past 25 years knows the Powder River Percherons, teams of dapple-gray draft horses that tower over crowds. Also called the "war horse of France," they're 2,600 pounds each and 6 feet tall at the withers.

Renée JeanJune 13, 2026

What happened to the racy painting titled “Bottoms Up" that hung for decades in the Cody Holiday Inn hotel? “The number of rumors, stories, and lies about that painting is unbelievable,” said its owner, adding it’s “where nobody will know where it's at.” Here, their bottms have been blurred.

What Happened To Racy ‘Bottoms Up’ Painting That Hung For Decades In Cody Hotel?

Whatever happened to the racy painting titled “Bottoms Up" that hung for decades in the Cody Holiday Inn hotel? "The number of rumors, stories, and lies about that painting is unbelievable,” said its owner, adding it’s “where nobody will know where it's at.”

Andrew RossiJune 13, 2026

At the R&B Cafe in Cheyenne, weekends are packed with hungry breakfast crowds in a file photo.

From Cafés To Clinics, Wyoming’s Labor Crunch Is Holding The Economy Back

Wyoming business owners say they are leaving a lot of money on the table because they can’t fill open jobs, forcing them to turn away customers and reduce hours. “I keep banging my head against the wall,” said one owner.

Renée JeanJune 13, 2026

When Iranian forces brought down a U.S. Army helicopter Monday, Dillon Jackson’s reaction wasn't shock so much as recognition. “There’s a lot of ways that could have gone differently,” said the Kemmerer native, who spent 22 years flying Navy helicopters.

Wyoming Navy Pilot Flew Missions Over Strait Of Hormuz, Now Watches War From Home

Dillon Jackson, a Kemmerer native, spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy flying helicopters over some of the world’s most volatile waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. “The thing most people don’t understand is just how narrow it is," Jackson said.

Zakary SonntagJune 13, 2026

David and Jennifer Sinclar were leaving a gas station in Canada when the tow base plate on their RV broke. A video of them dragging their Chevy Colorado's bumper down the road has gone viral.

Oh No! Full-Time RV Couple Lose Truck When Front Bumper Tears Off While Towed

Longtime Yellowstone RV travelers David and Jennifer Sinclair were leaving a gas station in Canada when the front bumper of their truck tore off while being towed. A video of them dragging the bumper down the road has been viewed millions of times. 

Andrew RossiJune 13, 2026

Ken Wige holds a pistol in a holster that he took out of the Colorado River. He estimates it was there at least 10 years. Divers who plunge the depths of the Colorado River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir find all kinds of treasure, from Old West six-shooters to cellphones. One woman burst into tears when given her phone back that had her grandchild’s birth video on it.

Six-Shooters And Cellphones: Divers Find All Kinds Of Treasure In Colorado River

Divers who plunge the depths of the Colorado River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir find all kinds of treasure, from antique six-shooters to cellphones. One woman burst into tears when given her phone back that had her grandchild’s birth video on it.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

A Casper radiologist and adrenaline junkie who’s climbed the tallest peaks on six of the world’s seven continents took on the brutal Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon last week. It starts with a grueling swim from The Rock to San Francisco — twice.

Casper Man Tackles Brutal Alcatraz Triathlon For 8th Time, Sets Personal Swim Best

Casper radiologist Dr. Joe McGinley last week took on the brutal Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon for his eighth time. At age 51, McGinley finished in the top half of the field for all ages involved and set a personal best in the icy swim across the bay.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

Photos taken at the time of the Teton Dam disaster show how water started leaking and then waters surging through the dam site.

‘Scariest Day Of My Entire Life': 50 Years After Living Through Teton River Flood

It was June 5, 1976, whe a dam on the Teton River collapsed, sending a torrent of water into the Idaho towns below. “It was one of scariest days of my entire life,” said a survivor, adding that 50 years later, the memories of the disaster are still vivid.

Dale KillingbeckJune 13, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Todd Jones of Hyattville, Wyoming.

Photo by Todd Jones

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

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Opinion

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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Let’s Give Kids What They Need Most

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Ask a kid, any kid, what he or she wants the most. When you get past the cotton candy and the shiny objects, boys and girls alike want to live with their own mothers and fathers in homes filled with love."

Jonathan LangeJune 06, 2026

Ray hunkins headshot 10 4 24

Ray Hunkins: Finish The Job Mr. President

Columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "There are no doubts US forces are capable of achieving victory. Victory as the goal should be presented to the Pentagon and then the President should step back and let the military do its job. Micro-managing battle plans by our political leaders didn’t work in Vietnam and it won’t work in Iran."

Ray HunkinsJune 05, 2026

Rex arney headshot scaled

Guest Column: Calm Down And Make Data Centers Play By The Rules

Guest columnist Rex Arney writes, "Data centers bring substantial capital investment, generate tax revenues, support construction employment, and help diversify Wyoming's economy. The economic benefits are real."

Guest ColumnJune 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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