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Sweetwater County School District 1 Superintendent Joseph Libby during a Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, school board meeting. At the end of the meeting, the board voted to put Libby on paid administrative leave.

Sweetwater School Officials Not Saying Much After Superintendent Placed On Leave

Sweetwater County School Board members said Wednesday that due to personnel rules they can't discuss Superintendent Joseph Libby's suspension. A recent investigation by the Wyoming Department of Education describes a culture of mistrust in the district.

Kate MeadowsSeptember 16, 2026

California Gov Gavin Newsom (left) and CNN anchor Jake Tapper attempt to go fly fishing

C.J. Box Says Everything About Newsom And Tapper Fly Fishing Is “Wrong”

Wyoming-based author and longtime angler C.J. Box on Wednesday lampooned CNN's video of California Gov. Gavin Newsom fly fishing with news anchor Jake Tapper. "Everything about it is performative and wrong,” he said, of their casting techniques. 

Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2026

Sugar beets being harvested near Lovell, Wyoming.

Wyoming Farmers And Ranchers Worry Farm Bill Won’t Get Senate Vote Before Deadline

Wyoming farmers and ranchers say they worry about whether the 2026 Farm Bill will reach the full Senate in time for a vote before it expires Sept. 30. Once there, the Farm Bill will need 60 votes to pass.

Kate MeadowsSeptember 17, 2026

Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel derided her Republican opponent Sen. Eric Barlow throughout a presentation at the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce forum Monday, and cast Gov. Mark Gordon as unintelligent.

Bextel Bashes Gordon And Barlow At Sheridan Candidate Forum

Constitution Party gubernatorial nominee Rebecca Bextel bashed her Republican opponent Sen. Eric Barlow throughout a presentation Monday at a candidate forum. She also cast Gov. Mark Gordon as unintelligent and claimed to have more "balls" than him.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2026

A semi-truck driver accused of running an Idaho family off Interstate 80 near Rawlins, then pulling alongside their pickup and opening fire with a handgun, is now being sued along with a trucking company the family says was responsible for putting him behind the wheel.

Idaho Family Sues Trucker, Company Over I-80 Road-Rage Shooting Near Rawlins

An Idaho family is suing a trucker and a trucking company after a bullet struck their pickup with their 2-year-old inside in November. The suit says J&A Logistics was negligent in retaining the driver, who faces attempted second-degree murder charges.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 16, 2026

Republican Dan McIntosh, from left, libertarian Ryan Shollenberger, and Democrat Britney Tennant are all running for Wyoming House District 11, one of the state's rare politically "purple" districts.

Republican, Democrat, And Libertarian All Vie For Cheyenne's 'Purple' House District

The three-way race for Wyoming's House District 11 pits libertarian Ryan Shollenberger against Republican Dan McIntosh and Democrat Britney Tennant. That's one of Wyoming's rare "purple" districts, where the libertarian's run for office is a wildcard.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2026

Twenty-five years ago, a drunk driver killed eight members of the University of Wyoming cross country team on U.S. Highway 287, rocking the state five days after 9/11. Families, friends and the university are making sure the eight are always remembered.

Wyoming Hasn't Forgotten 8 Cross-Country Runners Killed By Drunk Driver 25 Years Ago

Twenty-five years ago, a drunk driver killed eight members of the University of Wyoming cross-country team on U.S. Highway 287, rocking the state five days after 9/11. Families, friends and the university are making sure the eight are always remembered.

Kerry DrakeSeptember 16, 2026

A truck driver allegedly stabbed a man 17 times inside an I-80 rest-area bathroom near Rock Springs on Sunday before fleeing in his semi. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Witnesses heard “grunting and screaming” inside the men's restroom.

Truck Driver Accused Of Stabbing Man 17 Times In I-80 Restroom Before Fleeing 

A truck driver allegedly stabbed a man 17 times inside an I-80 rest-area bathroom near Rock Springs on Sunday before fleeing in his semi. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Witnesses heard “grunting and screaming” inside the men's restroom.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 15, 2026

Coal trains from Wyomin's Peabody mine are now headed to the Port of Guaymas in Mexico for shipments across the Pacific Ocean to Asia.

'A Huge Step': Wyoming's Largest Coal Mine Finds New Route To Asia Through Mexico

Peabody Energy, Union Pacific, and Mexican rail partner Ferromex have shipped coal from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin to the Port of Guaymas, opening a Pacific export route for America's largest coal mine. A mining official calls it "a huge step."

Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 16, 2026

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Cheyenne Mom Agrees To Plead Guilty To Starving 50-Pound, 13-Year-Old Son

Facing up to 50 years in prison on accusations she starved her then-50-pound, 13-year-old adopted son, a Cheyenne woman has agreed to plead guilty in return for a sentence of 15-17 years. A trial for her husband is still set to begin Tuesday.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 16, 2026

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Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Wednesday's headlines include: * Brutal Stabbing At I-80 Rest Stop * Will Star Plunge Now Be Demolished? * Buffalo Women Attacked On Popular Trail

Mac WatsonSeptember 16, 2026

A white pickup swerved head-on toward a Wyoming family with two sleeping children, struck the camper they call home and fled into the dark. Now they're searching for the driver. “You almost killed my entire family,” the Cheyenne man said.

Cheyenne Man Says Hit-And-Run Driver Nearly Killed Family: "He Was Playing Chicken"

A Cheyenne man said a white pickup swerved head-on toward his vehicle with his wife and two sleeping children inside and hit their camper before fleeing in the dark. Now they're searching for the driver. “You almost killed my entire family,” he said.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 15, 2026

The Mollie’s Pack is Yellowstone's oldest wolf pack and includes the famous Wolf 1090F. The pack is safe, for now, after returning to Yellowstone National Park just before the start of Wyoming's hunting season Tuesday.

Just As Wyoming Wolf Season Begins, Famous Mollie's Pack Returns To Yellowstone

The famous Mollie’s wolf pack is safe, for now, after returning to Yellowstone National Park just before the start of Wyoming's hunting season Tuesday. But hunters are hopeful they will stray back out of the park before hunting season closes in December.

Mark HeinzSeptember 15, 2026

Mitchell Wilcox, a 30-year-old Buffalo man, is accused of randomly attacking two women with a rock on the Clear Creek Trail and is jailed on $2 million bond.

Buffalo Man Held On $2 Million Bond After Attack On Two Women On Popular Trail

A Buffalo man accused of randomly attacking two women with a rock Sunday on the popular Clear Creek Trail is in jail on a $2 million bond. Both women were taken to a hospital, and Sheriff Rod Odenbach says prosecutors are preparing “serious charges.”

Kolby FedoreSeptember 15, 2026

Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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

Jake NicholsSeptember 16, 2026

Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Superintendent Dr. Joseph Libby was placed on paid administrative leave Monday, Sept. 15, 2026

Sweetwater School Board Places Superintendent On Paid Leave After Tense Meeting

Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Superintendent Joseph Libby was placed on administrative leave Monday night after a tense school board meeting that included police presence. The board also eliminated the assistant superintendent position.

Kate MeadowsSeptember 15, 2026

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. and Cyntha Lummis, R-Wyo.

Lummis Slams Senate Democrats For Blocking Huge Crypto Bill

Sen. Cynthia Lummis derided Democrats Tuesday after they blocked a sweeping cryptocurrency bill she pushed for months. It wouldn’t restrain Trump's conflicts of interest, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 15, 2026

Human remains were found near a Colorado River rapid on Monday, more than two weeks after a flash flood in the Grand Canyon left Wyoming’s Timothy Smith missing. “We ask that you continue to pray alongside us,” his wife wrote Tuesday on Facebook.

Human Remains Found In Grand Canyon Yet To Be Identified As Wyoming Family Waits

Human remains were found near a Colorado River rapid on Monday, more than two weeks after a flash flood in the Grand Canyon left Wyoming’s Timothy Smith missing. “We ask that you continue to pray alongside us,” his wife wrote Tuesday.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 15, 2026

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Green River Man Accused Of Abusing Nonverbal Wheelchair-Bound Boy, Flashing Kids

A Green River man was in court Monday, accused of repeatedly choking and roughing up a nonverbal, wheelchair-bound Rock Springs boy, then dropping his pants and flashing the boy’s siblings. “Oh, life is so hard,” he also allegedly mocked the disabled boy.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 15, 2026

“What will happen in Sheridan this winter is likely going to be different than what happens in Laramie and Cheyenne," Meteorologist Don Day said.

Don Day's Winter Forecast For Wyoming: More Snow In The South, Dry In The North

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day says El Niño will dominate the next nine months, likely bringing a lot of moisture and less wind to southern Wyoming. Meanwhile, northern Wyoming might have to endure "two bad years" of snowpack in a row. 

Andrew RossiSeptember 15, 2026

The State of Wyoming paid $1.8 million for Star Plunge in Hot Springs State Park. Now it might need to spend $1 million to demolish it.

Wyoming Paid $1.8 Million For Star Plunge — And Might Spend $1 Million To Demolish

Wyoming spent two years and $1.8 million in public money to buy the historic Star Plunge water park in Hot Springs State Park. Now severe electrical problems and gas leaks mean it might have to spend another $1 million just to tear down the property.

Renée JeanSeptember 15, 2026

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Kemmerer Surveillance Cameras Mistaken For Flocks Spark Angry Privacy Debate

A social media post about alleged Flock cameras and the police chief's response set off a firestorm that went before the Kemmerer city council Monday. Turns out they are standard surveillance equipment but residents are expressing privacy concerns.

Kate MeadowsSeptember 15, 2026

Dr. Joe Schaffer, Laramie County Community College President, shares the recommended new name for the college — Wyoming State College — on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at LCCC in Cheyenne.

Central Wyoming College Opposes LCCC Rebrand To "Wyoming State College"

Officials at Central Wyoming College in Riverton say they are opposed to Laramie County Community College's plan to rename itself "Wyoming State College." But community college chairs in Casper and Torrington say they're just focused on their own work.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 15, 2026

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National High School Finals Rodeo Is Returning To Gillette Cam-Plex A Year Early

The National High School Finals Rodeo will be returning to Gillette in 2027, giving it three consecutive years before the event moves to Oklahoma in 2030. The NHSFR has a $25 million economic impact on Gillette, which has hosted it more than any city.

Renée JeanSeptember 15, 2026

Elizabeth Barrett's father said she loves spending time outdoors with her family, including camping and searching shorelines for old fishing lures.

Pavillion Family Desperate To Find Teen Who Climbed Out Window Nearly A Week Ago

Pavillion 17-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Barrett has been missing for a week since climbing out her bedroom window the night of Sept. 8. She took some clothes and a backpack, but left her active cellphone. "We just need her home," says her father, Charles.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 14, 2026

Snow, one of Yellowstone’s favorite grizzlies, appears to have been piling on the pounds. One of her fans described her as “bootylicous.”

Yellowstone's Famous Grizzly Snow Gets A Motorcade Escort On Dark Highway

Fans of the famous Yellowstone grizzly Snow gave her a motorcade escort Sunday to save her from being hit on a highway on the park's east side. Snow ambled behind and in front of flashing hazard lights for roughly a mile before heading into the woods.

Mark HeinzSeptember 15, 2026

A loaded coal train rolls past the Dry Fork Station power plant about 10 miles north of Gillette, Wyoming.

Blockbuster EPA Move Gets Rid Of Biden-Era Limits On Power Plant Emissions

Monday’s blockbuster EPA move to repeal most of the Biden-era limits on power plant emissions removes a federal mandate that impacted coal production in Wyoming. “The war on coal is over,” said EPA regional administrator Cyrus Western.

Emma Jane JacksonSeptember 14, 2026

Luis “Lue” Elizondo, right, author of “Imminent: Inside The Pentagon’s Hunt For UFOs,” filed a lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court for Wyoming against his former best friend, Tucker Alger, left.

Former Department Of Defense UFO Whistleblower Sues Wyoming Business Partner

A former Department of Defense insider who wrote a book calling for government transparency about UFOs is suing his Buffalo, Wyoming, business partner. He accuses his partner cheating and trying to threaten him out of their vintage military-themed bar.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 14, 2026

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Police Declare Investigation Into Rasner Claim That He Was Threatened "Inactive"

Torrington police say an investigation into an alleged threat against unsuccessful U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner is “inactive,” after Rasner’s attorney didn't give the agency requested documentation. Rasner claimed a former deputy threatened him.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 14, 2026

Hannah Holtmeier, one of three plaintiffs suing Kappa Kappa Gamma over its transgender membership rule, addresses a crowd at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sorority Back In Court Over Trans Member, Says Historic Definition Of 'Woman' Not Relevant

The women suing Kappa Kappa Gamma for inducting a transgender member went back to court Monday, arguing the sorority betrayed them. The sorority says its council can interpret the bylaws, regardless of what 'woman' meant historically.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 14, 2026

Campbell County sign and sheriffs office 7 14 26

Wyoming Woman Charged With Putting Signs On Pole Calling Sheriff's Office 'Lazy'

A Campbell County woman accused of attaching signs to a utility pole on her property — including one stating “Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is Lazy" — faces a rarely-prosecuted charge. “I haven’t seen that one ever,” said a retired law officer.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 14, 2026

A medical condition may have lead to an early morning vehicle crash on Front Street in Evanston on Monday, Sept. 13, 2026. Uinta County Fire and Ambulance crews reported that a person was extricated from the vehicle and transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

Evanston Restaurant Owners Vow To Stay Open Despite Truck Blasting Through Storefront

An Evanston restaurant owner says the popular eatery will remain open despite a truck crashing through the building early Monday. The owner clarified they will not be operational in the area with the gaping hole. “We are still opening,” a spokesman said.

Kolby FedoreSeptember 14, 2026

Yellowstone National Park's staff recovered more than 20,000 pieces of trash from thermal basins this summer.

20,000 Pieces of Trash Recovered From Yellowstone Geothermal Areas This Summer

Yellowstone National Park's staff recovered more than 20,000 pieces of trash from thermal basins this summer. Among the items were AirPods, Polaroid pictures, Pokémon cards, a single snowshoe, and over 280 hats that will be donated to local organizations. 

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2026

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Former Commissioner: Game and Fish Caused Its Own Financial Woes by Overspending

Former Game and Fish commissioner Mike Schmid said the organization's looming financial crisis could be because of unnecessary spending and he's skeptical of a trust fund. “I think there was some self-inflicted pain there,” Schmid said.

Mark HeinzSeptember 14, 2026

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Lander Man Accused Of Putting Gun To Woman’s Head And Yelling, ‘Pull The Trigger’

A 72-year-old Lander man is accused of holding a gun to the head of a terrified woman and shouting at her to “pull the trigger,” then later telling police he wasn’t really going to shoot her because “it would make a mess of his house.”

Greg JohnsonSeptember 14, 2026

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Camporee, Giant Youth Camping Event That Brought 60,000 To Gillette, Won't Return

International Pathfinder Camporee, a youth camping event that brought more than 60,000 people to Gillette in 2024, is headed back to its longtime home in Wisconsin, leaving a $1.6 million amphitheater and a $125,000 deposit behind.

Renée JeanSeptember 14, 2026

A pair of AI Wyoming Border Patrol agents named Buford and Rip are turning lessons for Coloradans to "become a productive member of Wyoming society” into a real business for a Laramie group. It works because it's so absurd and over the top, observers say.

How Wyoming Border Patrol Turned Coloradan Jokes Into A Viral Business Sensation

Wyoming Border Patrol is a hit on social media. Viral videos with millions of views lampooning Colorado have turned the Laramie apparel company into a media brand. "Even a Coloradan can become a productive member of Wyoming society," its latest video says.

Zakary SonntagSeptember 13, 2026

What began as Dwight Koehn's desperate attempt to help feed his cattle nearly a decade ago by growing hydroponic lettuce has ballooned into a new business. Now Greybull Valley Produce sells its produce to stores, restaurants and schools.

Struggling Greybull Cattle Rancher's Gamble On Hydroponic Lettuce Pays Off Big Time

What began as a Greybull rancher’s desperate attempt to help feed his cattle by growing hydroponic lettuce has ballooned into a new business. Now his company produces tons of greens every year and distributes them to stores, restaurants and schools.

Jackie DorothySeptember 13, 2026

A tour inside Hell’s Half Acre reveals an otherwordly labyrinth of stone, an alien landscape shaped by millions of years of wind and water. It's a rare perspective of the sharp canyons because the public generally isn't allowed on the valley floor.

What It’s Like Inside The Fragile Maze Of Hell’s Half Acre, Wyoming’s Alien Canyon

A tour inside Hell’s Half Acre reveals an otherwordly labyrinth of stone, an alien landscape shaped by millions of years of wind and water. It's a rare perspective of the sharp canyons because the public generally isn't allowed on the valley floor.

Renée JeanSeptember 13, 2026

Left, Boo the bull elk is shown here in his prime, circa 2016, sporting an impressive set of antlers. Right, now nearly age 18, he no longer grows antlers and has lived several years longer than bull elk typically survive in the wild.

Popular Elk Named Boo At Bear River State Park Is So Old He Stopped Growing Antlers

Boo, a popular bull elk at Bear River State Park near Evanston, Wyoming, has grown so old at age 18 that he no longer grows antlers. Bull elk in the wild rarely live past 12 and almost never long enough to hit the antlerless stage.

Mark HeinzSeptember 13, 2026

Big Horn County Search and Rescue Director Jeff Schmidt and Custer County Search and Rescue's second longest-serving acting member Jim “Buzz” Laverick, met at Saturday's awards ceremony in Temecula, California.

Overextended Big Horn County Search & Rescue Team Wins Much-Needed New Vehicle, $30K

Big Horn County Search and Rescue won a new emergency vehicle and $30,000 on Saturday, a prize volunteers say they need after rescue calls have quadrupled and county funding was cut almost in half. It is second only to Teton County in emergency calls.

Kate MeadowsSeptember 14, 2026

Modern X-ray technology has proven that a pair of rare Lewis and Clark peace medals in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s collection for decades are the real deal. One is one of only three of its size given out during the explorers’ 1804 expedition.

Buffalo Bill Center Confirms It Has Rare 1804 Lewis & Clark Expedition Peace Medals

Modern technology has confirmed that two rare Jefferson peace medals in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West collection are authentic artifacts from the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition. "It’s a profoundly significant find," museum curators said.

Renée JeanSeptember 13, 2026

The Mammotion Luba 2 can be scheduled to cut the lawn at any time and will start and finish completely autonomously. 

Robot Mowers Cut Wyoming Lawns and a Golf Course. Owners Say the Payoff Is Time

You may not see a lot of robot lawnmowers in Wyoming now. But people who use the robots, swear by them. They get a lot of compliments and it's a big timesaver. “I don’t mind mowing, but when I'm home, I want to hang out with my family,” one owner said.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 13, 2026

Calves are rounded up for branding just below the Wyoming border on the Ladder Ranch’s cattle operation. The ranch also runs extensive sheep grazing on generational land that straddles the Wyoming-Colorado border just down the road from Savery.

How Savery’s 145-Year-Old Ladder Ranch Is Beating The 'Third-Generation Curse’

Legacy ranches across Wyoming are folding, and many of those remaining struggle to survive the "third-generation curse." Then there's the historic 145-year-old Ladder Ranch in the Little Snake River Valley with its fifth and sixth generations lined up.

Renée JeanSeptember 13, 2026

A study by a Colorado company shows that people who are willing to poop in plastic bags and pack it out of the wilderness are also willing to pay for the privilege. They’ll buy the bags at trailheads to maintain a “leave no trace” footprint.

Study: People Who Pack Their Poop Out Of Nature Will Also Pay For The Privilege

A study by a Colorado company shows that people who are willing to poop in plastic bags and pack it out of the wilderness are also willing to pay for the privilege. They’ll buy the bags at trailheads to maintain a “leave-no-trace” footprint.

Andrew RossiSeptember 13, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Joe Gilbert. Joe writes, "Looking towards Black Mountain from the PK cow camp. Another beautiful Bighorn mountain sunrise."

Photo by Joe Gilbert

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

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Lock Stock & Barrel Auction October 23-25.

Buffalo Bill’s Rifle, Rare Winchesters and Western Treasures Headline Three-Day Cody Auction

Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions will bring more than 1,500 lots to the historic Cody Auditorium Oct. 23–25, offering Wyoming collectors a chance to handle history, swap stories and enjoy three days of live auction excitement.

September 16, 2026

Aerial view of Legacy Institute Dentals state of the art Facility in Casper, Wyoming. 

A Year of Transformation. A Lifetime of Smiles.

From life-changing dental implants to full-mouth restoration, Legacy Institute Dental is celebrating a year of helping patients rediscover the power of a healthy smile.

September 14, 2026

Eric Schlidt, Director, Build Wyoming

The Prometheus Hyperscale Falls Ranch Project: Why This Matters for Natrona County

A data center project in Natrona County could create thousands of jobs and $80–115M in annual tax revenue. More importantly, it means opportunity for young people to stay and build their futures here. A local weighs in.

August 27, 2026

Opinion

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Tom Lubnau: The Wyoming GOP Aims A Gun At Its Own Foot

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Elected Republican officials used Republican Party social media to advertise the gubernatorial candidacy of the Checkgate figure who handed campaign checks to legislators on the House floor. What the hell were they thinking?"

Tom LubnauSeptember 17, 2026

Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Proposition 1 And Rolling The Dice For Lives

Columnist Rod Miller says county search and rescue organizations shouldn't have to win contests to function, like Big Horn County Search and Rescue did, because property tax cuts wiped out their budget. "It amounts to rolling the dice for people’s lives."

Rod MillerSeptember 16, 2026

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Dave Simpson: Just Like That, There's A Data Center Next Door

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Last time I wrote about our new data center neighbor, a critic up in Jackson wrote on Facebook that with my pro-business background, a huge data center in the back yard couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Ouch.”

Dave SimpsonSeptember 15, 2026

Wyoming Life

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Outdoors

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Crime & Courts

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