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Grand Tetons climbing Cavan Images via Alamy 1 2 26

Researchers Say 'Biophobia' — An Irrational Terror Of Nature — Is A Thing Now

A crippling fear of nature called “biophobia” is becoming more common, researchers say. A Wyoming backcountry guide said he’s skeptical, and conversely has seen exposure to nature change lives for the better.

Mark HeinzJanuary 02, 2026

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After Judge Tosses Wind Project, State Land Board To Discuss Leasing Rules

The Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners will hold a special meeting next week in Douglas to discuss wind leasing. That comes a month after a district court judge reversed the board's approval of controversial Converse County wind energy lease.

David MadisonJanuary 02, 2026

The Wild Mustang Restaurant in Rock Springs has been searching for the source of a putrid odor for the last year. They finally found and fixed it this week and are excited to start a new year without that old smell.

After A Year, Rock Springs Restaurant Finds Source Of Mysterious Putrid Odor

The Wild Mustang Restaurant in Rock Springs is celebrating because they found the source of a horrible odor that has stunk up the place for the last year. “We found the source of the unwanted smell and fixed it once and for all," the manager said.

Andrew RossiJanuary 02, 2026

It’s estimated 25% to 35% of Wyoming’s forests are now dominated by “ghost forests” — standing dead timber from beetle epidemics and disease. Researchers say it's time to start paying attention to limber pine before it follows the whitebark into crisis.

Up To 35% Of Wyoming's High Country Is Dead 'Ghost Forest’ — And It's Spreading

It’s estimated 25% to 35% of Wyoming’s forests are now dominated by “ghost forests” — standing dead timber from beetle epidemics and disease. Researchers say it's time to start paying attention to limber pine before it follows the whitebark into crisis.

David MadisonJanuary 01, 2026

David Kellett

Former House Candidate From Powell Accused Of Child Abuse, Molestation

A Powell man who ran two unsuccessful campaigns for a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives faces up to 215 years in prison on charges he physically and sexually abused at least one child for years.

Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2025

Microsoft built Cheyenne’s first data center.

Wyoming Officials Say World Depends On America Winning AI Race With China

America’s arms race over artificial intelligence with China is about more than technology and gaining economic advantage, say Wyoming lawmakers and an industry watchdog. It’s about which nation's values will guide the rest of the world.

Greg JohnsonDecember 31, 2025

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, January 2, 2026

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

Jake NicholsJanuary 02, 2026

For some, prairie dog hunting isn’t as simple as driving around until they find the rodents. Serious hunters hire guides to take them to target-rich prairie dog towns.

Group Says Prairie Dog ‘Massacre’ Litters Plains With Lead-Riddled Carcasses

People who “massacre” prairie dogs in Colorado should have to pick up the lead-riddled carcasses, says a group calling for more regulation of hunting the rodents. The hunting also leads to other wildlife getting lead poisoning, it says.

Mark HeinzDecember 31, 2025

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Human Remains Found At Well Site On BLM Land In Carbon County

The Carbon County sheriff said Wednesday that human remains have been discovered near a well site. Just who those remains are hasn’t been determined, but a leading missing persons advocate wonders if it may be David Williams, who disappeared 45 years ago.

Andrew RossiDecember 31, 2025

Sublette County opened its first hospital in September, a $73.8 million complex, in September and has been “burning” through cash since. It hopes to get some of the $205 million in federal health care money Wyoming was given this week.

Sublette County’s New Hospital Hopes To Get Some Of $205 Million From Feds

Sublette County opened its first hospital, a $73.8 million complex, in September and has been “burning” through cash since. It hopes to get some of the $205 million in federal health care money Wyoming was given this week.

Kate MeadowsJanuary 01, 2026

A Daniel man accused of running over a wolf with a snowmobile, bringing it injured into a bar, taunting it, then shooting it pleaded not guilty Monday. The hearing unfolded via virtual link with 54 attendees, and untold quantities listening on another streaming service.

Prosecutor Says Wyoming Wolf ‘Capture’ Rule Doesn’t Apply To Cody Roberts

Sublette County’s top prosecutor argued in a Tuesday court filing that Wyoming’s law allowing people to “capture” wolves doesn’t excuse Cody Roberts. Tormenting the animal was a separate act, he said.

Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2025

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made a pit stop in the Bighorn Basin overnight Sunday. Her Coast Guard jet landed in Worland and Noem spent the night at a ranch near Ten Sleep. She was gone early Monday before most people knew she was there.

Kristi Noem Lands In Worland, Spends Night On Ranch Near Ten Sleep

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made a pit stop in the Bighorn Basin overnight Sunday. Her Coast Guard jet landed in Worland and Noem spent the night at a ranch near Ten Sleep. She was gone early Monday before most people knew she was there.

Jackie DorothyDecember 30, 2025

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center has logged reports of 32 avalanches in the Tetons since Dec. 19. In those, two skiers have survived being caught, including one Sunday in No Name Bowl who avoided getting buried by wearing an airbag pack, circled.

Skiers Caught In Two Of 32 Teton Avalanches In 11 Days

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center has logged reports of 32 avalanches in the Tetons since Dec. 19. In those, two skiers were caught in them, including one Sunday in No Name Bowl who avoided getting buried by wearing an airbag pack.

Andrew RossiDecember 30, 2025

Wyoming state Rep. Bill Allemand, R-Midwest, was arrested Sunday afternoon Dec. 28, 2025, on suspicion of drunk driving. He says the DUI is a “false charge" and he’ll fight it. “I got a deputy who did not like me knowing my rights,” he said.

Wyoming House Rep. Bill Allemand Charged With DUI, Says He Will Dispute It

Wyoming state Rep. Bill Allemand, R-Midwest, was arrested Sunday afternoon on suspicion of drunk driving. He says the DUI is a “false charge" and he’ll fight it. “I got a deputy who did not like me knowing my rights,” he said.

Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2025

The federal government announced Monday it’s approving $205 million for the first year of a five-year cycle for Wyoming’s rural health program. The plan has been dubbed “Bear Care” because it would cover catastrophic events like being attacked by a bear. State Rep. John Bear, however, says the program is inappropriate government competition against private insurance companies.

Feds Approve $205 Million For Wyoming, Including 'Bear Care’ Health Plan

The federal government announced Monday it’s approved $205 million for the first year of Wyoming’s rural health program. Part of the plan has been dubbed “Bear Care” because it would cover catastrophic events like being attacked by a bear.

Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2025

The judge overseeing a small claims dispute has dismissed the case in which the ex-boyfriend of state Rep. Nina Webber, left, accused her of cheating him out of $6,000 for a ticket to an African hunting safari she didn’t join.

Judge Dismisses Claim Against Lawmaker That She Cheated Ex Out Of African Safari

The judge overseeing a small claims dispute has dismissed the case in which the ex-boyfriend of state Rep. Nina Webber accused her of cheating him out of $6,000 for a ticket to an African hunting safari she didn’t join.

Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2025

Jackson Hole buyers often have to choose between grand valley views or seclusion. This home on Trader Road is that rare exception, being secluded with views. It’s listing for $15.9 million.

Even In Jackson Hole, This $15.9 Million Home Stands Out — Secluded With Views

Jackson Hole buyers often have to choose between grand valley views or seclusion. A home on Trader Road is that rare exception, being secluded with views. It’s listing for $15.9 million.

Renée JeanDecember 31, 2025

Kamra is a mama racoon that got into trouble when she trashed someone’s vehicle in Cheyenne. She was reunited with her four offspring at the Broken Bandit animal rescue east of Cheyenne.

Wyoming Animal Rescue Says Raccoon Reunion With Her Babies Favorite Story Of 2025

Patricia Wyer has seen many animals come and go at her wildlife rescue center near Cheyenne, but her most heartwarming tale of 2025 is that of a momma raccoon who lost her babies, trashed a pickup in her angst, but then got a second chance.

Mark HeinzDecember 30, 2025

Railroad man Dick Nelson witnessed the wild times at rowdy railroad towns and wrote about his adventures, preserving the history for future generations, including his own grandchildren who are honoring his legacy. (He is the furthest right man standing on the caboose deck.)

Wyoming History: Dick Nelson, The Pioneering Railroad Man With Ice In His Veins

Dick Nelson was 12 when he came to Wyoming Territory in 1887 and spent 45 years watching shootouts as a railroad man. He also earned a reputation early as having ice in his veins, not even flinching when Texas cowhands shot at him.

Jackie DorothyDecember 30, 2025

The Industrial Siting Division said Monday during a hearing on the Chugwater wind and solar project that a critic filed fraudulent documents to contest it. The critic, a news editor in southeast Wyoming, says the agency, rather, violated the law.

Wyoming Agency Says Opponent Of Wind Project Filed Fraudulent Documents

The Industrial Siting Division said Monday during a hearing on the Chugwater wind and solar project that a critic filed fraudulent documents to contest it. The critic, a news editor in southeast Wyoming, says it's the agency that violated the law.

Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2025

After at least two weekends of an aggressive advertising campaign that named no specific political office, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray declared Monday that he’s running for the state’s lone U.S. House seat.

Chuck Gray Announces Run For Wyoming's U.S. House Seat

After at least two weekends of an aggressive advertising campaign that named no specific political office, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray declared Monday that he’s running for the state’s lone U.S. House seat.

Clair McFarlandDecember 29, 2025

Steven Marler

Gordon Says Revoke National Adoption Award For Casper Man Who Abused Kids

Years of sexual and physical abuse of multiple adopted children in Casper should be enough for a federal agency to rescind a Wyoming couple’s National Adoption Excellence Award, Gov. Mark Gordon said Monday.

Greg JohnsonDecember 29, 2025

This silver coin is a piece of eight, so-named because it could be cut into eight pieces for trading. The coin's collectible value is still worth more than its mere metal value. The silver is worth $70 or so dollars, but as a collectible, the coin is worth about $600.

Record Prices Have Wyoming Silver Owners On Alert As Global Demand Surges

With prices for silver hitting record highs as the year closes out, some in Wyoming are selling their silver. But other silver bugs are holding on, expecting prices to continue climbing.

Renée JeanDecember 30, 2025

December was dominated by record-highs, but Yellowstone's Old Faithful plunged to -27 Sunday, the coldest spot in the Lower 48. That won’t last, however, with the weather expected to rebound with highs in the 40s, 50s, and maybe even 60s this week.

Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Plunges To -27, Coldest Spot In Lower 48

December was dominated by record-highs, but Yellowstone's Old Faithful plunged to -27 Sunday, the coldest spot in the Lower 48. That won’t last, however, with the weather expected to rebound with highs in the 40s, 50s, and maybe even 60s this week.

Andrew RossiDecember 29, 2025

Logan Gosselin

Former Boot Camp Inmate Sues, Claims Permanent Damage From Excessive Exercise 

A former inmate at Wyoming’s boot camp for youthful offenders is suing the state Department of Corrections and agency officials. He claims excessive exercise forced on inmates caused him to suffer permanent organ damage.

Scott SchwebkeDecember 29, 2025

One person is dead after a pickup hit a train Nov. 28, 2025, on County Road 154 north of Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne. A local resident who captured video at the scene describes it as “a pretty bad deal.”

Wyoming Plans Future Of Rail As Five-Year Streak Without Train V. Car Death Ends

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is updating its Statewide Rail Plan as a five-year streak of no train vs. vehicle deaths ended last month. Along with safety at crossings, the agency is considering the potential for a return of passenger rail.

David MadisonDecember 29, 2025

The Dry Gulchers gang ran their own agenda around Sheridan in the 1960s, robbing banks, hanging outlaws and harassing tourists. They paid $1,500 each to be part of the posse that staged fake Wild West adventures for visitors.

Wyoming History: Sheridan’s Dry Gulchers Gang Paid To Rob, Hang, And Harass Tourists

The Dry Gulchers gang ran their own agenda around Sheridan in the 1960s, robbing banks, hanging outlaws and harassing tourists. They paid $1,500 each to be part of the posse that staged fake Wild West adventures for visitors.

Jackie DorothyDecember 29, 2025

Hunting in Wyoming’s grizzly country is intimidating, but with the right mentality going in, it doesn’t have to be terrifying. Overcoming that fear of getting mauled is a big part of hunting where grizzlies live.

Overcoming Fear Of Getting Mauled A Big Part Of Hunting In Grizzly Country

Celia Easton of Thermopolis said being attacked by a grizzly last October while she was elk hunting alone in the Beartooth Mountains has left her shaken. “Until you go through something like that, you don’t understand what it does to you,” she said

Mark HeinzDecember 28, 2025

The stuffed emperor penguin on display at the Green River Little America started its journey to Wyoming from Antarctica alive and died during transport. The plan was to keep a living penguin at the hotel, but it was doomed from the start. The bird was taxidermied and arrived stuff, and it remains on display at the first Little America.

Little America Wyoming’s Plan To Keep A Living Penguin Was Doomed From The Start

Back in the 1930s, an ill-advised plan was hatched to keep a living penguin at the Little America hotel in southwest Wyoming. The emperor penguin started its journey from Antarctica alive but died during transport. The stuffed penguin is still on display there and another at the Little America hotel in Cheyenne.

Andrew RossiDecember 28, 2025

Cloud Nine on-mountain restaurant at Aspen

Forget Burgers And Pizza, High-End Ski Resorts Get Big Bucks For Wagyu And Caviar

Lift ticket prices have increased 3,600% since 1972, and now caviar, Wagyu beef, and $18 Budweisers are showing up on high-end ski lodge menus. But at Wyoming’s smaller resorts, skiers can still get $10 cheeseburgers.

David MadisonDecember 28, 2025

Parts of a wind turbine blade had been installed off of Esterbrook Road south of Douglas as part of a sculpture and snow fence project by Casper artist Chris Navarro is calling “The Wall of Renewal.”

Why Chris Navarro Is Using Old Wind Turbine Blade To Make Snow Fence Sculpture

Celebrated Wyoming sculptor Chris Navarro has used a giant wind turbine blade to make a snow fence sculpture at the Wyoming Rescue Mission ranch near Casper. He says “Wall of Renewal” could prove the viability of repurposing old blades as snow fences across the state.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 28, 2025

Pear and cherry trees in Utah are covered with blossoms while lilacs in Colorado are blooming like it's spring in late December. Experts are concerned that the  warm, dry days are tricking trees and stressing them out. FILE PHOTO

Warm Winter Is Faking Out Fruit Trees, Forcing Blooms Like It’s Spring

Pear and cherry trees in Utah are covered with blossoms while lilacs in Colorado are blooming like it's spring in late December. Arborists are concerned that the warm, dry days are tricking trees and stressing them out.

Andrew RossiDecember 28, 2025

Sand Creek Road just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway is hugely popular with local residents, and this winter it’s getting plowed. But only logging trucks are allowed on it, as in this file photo.

Snowy Range Residents Pleased Sand Creek Road Getting Plowed For Winter Logging

Many locals in the Snowy Range are pleased that a logging road is getting plowed this year even though they can't use it. Because of the "ghost forests" (massive stands of dead trees killed by pine beetle epidemics), they're just happy for the winter logging.

Mark HeinzDecember 28, 2025

For years, Baggs, Wyoming, Deputy Sheriff Bob Meldrum had legally — and eagerly — killed accused rustlers and outlaws. A quick-draw artist, his bloodlust caught up with him in 1912 when he killed the wrong man and was nearly lynched by a mob. 

Wyoming History: The Baggs Quick-Draw Lawman Who Liked Killing Too Much

Bob Meldrum was known as "Wyoming’s mysterious badman” for his skill with a rifle — and eagerness to use it. He was hired as an assassin by the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association and later went on to kill a man just because he was annoyed by his singing.

Jackie DorothyDecember 29, 2025

Juli Cook of Cody grew up in the shadow of Yellowstone National Park watching its famous wildlife. Now an emerging photographer, her debut book marries her breathtaking wildlife images and the stories behind the photos.

Cody Photographer Who Grew Up In Yellowstone’s Shadow Debuts Wildlife Book

Julia Cook of Cody grew up in the shadow of Yellowstone National Park watching its famous wildlife. Now an emerging photographer, her debut book marries her breathtaking wildlife images and the stories behind the photos.

Wendy CorrDecember 29, 2025

Bill McMillan, a World War II and Korean War veteran, recently celebrated his 103rd birthday.

At 103, Casper Man Is One Of America’s Few Remaining Living WWII Veterans

William McMillan of Casper turned 103 on Dec. 19 and is one of America’s few remaining living World War II veterans. He also served in the Korean War and held a top-secret assignment with the Atomic Energy Commission. Plus, he's independent and lives in his own home.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 27, 2025

As the University of Wyoming struggles in the emerging name, image, likeness (NIL) age to fund its players, some wonder if dropping out of Division I makes sense. Meanwhile, UW boosters look for ways to fund NIL as lower FCS schools outspend them.

Can UW Sports Compete In Division I As Lower Divisions Offer More NIL Money?

Montana and Montana State, who compete in a tier below Wyoming, each spend $2.2 million on NIL, while Wyoming spends $1.4 million. "That's embarrassing," one Wyoming booster said. "Schools that don't sit on the wealth of money we do are outspending us."

David MadisonDecember 27, 2025

The County Road 104 bridge over the Salt River traces its design roots to World War II.

Crumbling Bridge Near Alpine Replaced In Days With WWII ‘Erector Set’ Tech

When a crumbling bridge over the Salt River near Alpine was failing, engineers turned to an “Erector Set” concept invented during WW II. It comes together in days, and could be used more across Wyoming with nearly half the state’s bridges past their prime.

David MadisonDecember 27, 2025

In the height of the gold rush, South Pass City was the place for men to strike it rich — and for 22 of them, get murdered if they did. That’s because Polly Bartlett, the “Deadly Damsel,” would seduce, poison, and rob them.

Wyoming History: The Deadly Damsel Of South Pass Who Seduced, Then Murdered 22 Men

In the height of the gold rush, South Pass City was the place for men to strike it rich — and for 22 of them, get murdered if they did. That’s because Polly Bartlett, the “Deadly Damsel,” would seduce, poison, and rob them.

Jackie DorothyDecember 27, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, January 3, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Carin Nolz. Carin writes, "Crisp, glowing, and promising dawn of a new day south of Sheridan."

Photo by Carin Nolz

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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Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care

Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.

November 21, 2025

A volunteer with Food Bank of Wyoming helps sort and pack food at a mobile pantry in Pinedale in October 2025.

Government Shutdown Reveals Long Term Hunger Crisis in Wyoming

With the current hunger crisis stemming from the government shutdown, the Food Bank ramped up the amount of food it is sourcing and distributing, made possible thanks to donor support and emergency funds from the state.

November 17, 2025

John Hardee and Sean Michaels stand outside the Hilltop Bank branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Officers in Hilltop Bank’s Cheyenne Office Share an Uncannily Similar Career Story

Both Josh Hardee and Sean Michaels began their careers working in finance before they felt the calling to public service. Even if their day-to-day lives look a bit different these days—Hardee spent nearly two decades with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, while Michaels rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy during a decorated military career—the Hilltop officers say that calling to serve others has remained.

November 10, 2025

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Looking Back At 2025 – Prominent Deaths & Continuing Energy Boom

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “This past year was full of incredibly good economic news and a lot of horrible news with the many deaths of important people plus more than our share of tragic deaths.”

Bill SniffinDecember 27, 2025

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Joan Barron: Chances Dimming For A Woman Governor

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The office of governor always has been regarded as the best political job in Wyoming. I always thought Lummis would be the one to become the first woman elected governor on her own merits. Even after her announcement, supporters are urging her to run."

Joan BarronDecember 27, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Federal Judge Vindicates Wyoming Family’s Rights

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “Teachers are hired to supplement the education that parents provide, not to supplant it. Now, a federal judge has ruled that supplanting parental rights violates Due Process, Free Exercise of Religion and Free Speech rights.”

Jonathan LangeDecember 26, 2025

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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