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Jake in studio small

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake — Monday April 21, 2025

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

Jake NicholsApril 21, 2025

Most students in Laramie County Community College's cybersecurity program have a job in the industry after graduating.

As AI Threats Grow, Wyoming Gets A Certified Cyber Defense Training Center

Laramie County Community College is the only institution in Wyoming to hold a cyber defense certification from the National Security Agency. The certification comes as threats from artificial intelligence grow every minute.

Amber SteinmetzApril 20, 2025

A car drives past the Green Mountain Motel.

Video: In Jeffrey City, One Son Cleans Out A Motel And Makes Peace With The Past

The son of a late motel owner in Jeffrey City is sorting through the unexpected inheritance his father left behind with memories scattered everywhere. Randy Robinett returns almost every weekend to fix and clean it up, despite the painful memories of his dad’s unexpected death in May 2024.

Hannah Brock & Reilly StrandApril 19, 2025

The Porter family in Gillette Frankensteined together a huge six-door 2015 F-350 truck, and it’s a monster. Now they’re selling their custom creation that has four rows of heated seats, a tow-behind truck bed and plenty of great memories.

Gillette Family Builds A Frankensteined Six-Door F-350, And It’s A Monster

The Porter family in Gillette Frankensteined together a 2015 F-350 truck with an Excursion, and it’s a six-door monster. Now they’re selling the custom creation that has four rows of heated seats, a tow-behind truck bed and plenty of great memories.

Andrew RossiApril 20, 2025

John Horan accepts his weekly lottery tickets from Maverik Adventure's First Stop cashier Kyle Rutherford in Cheyenne.

Mega Millions Makes Odds Better, But They’re Still Not As Good As Winning WyoLotto

The multistate Mega Millions lottery is charging more to play, but promises bigger jackpots with better odds of winning. But state lotteries like WyoLotto still offer better chances.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

The practice is for both rider and bull. Dalton Willis rides Stev, one of the family’s rodeo bulls that will compete at the Hell on Wheel Rodeo in Cheyenne and other rodeos across the season this year.

Wyoming Ranch Family Learns Raising Rodeo Bulls Nearly As Tough As Riding Them

Dallas Willis grew up in Wyoming around rodeo and was a bull rider through college. Now his family raises bulls for rodeo, and he’s learned that’s nearly as tough as riding them. And the best bulls don’t like people.

Jackie DorothyApril 20, 2025

Even though it’s been 12 years since a herd of 39 blue metal sculptures of horses first appeared on a hillside along Highway 287 north of Three Forks in central Montana, people are still surprised to find out they’re not real. They're the work of artist Jim Dolan.

What The Heck … Is That Herd Of 39 Blue Steel Horses On A Montana Hillside?

Even though it’s been 12 years since a herd of 39 blue metal sculptures of horses first appeared on a hillside along Highway 287 north of Three Forks in central Montana, people are still surprised when they get close to find out they’re not real.

Anna-Louise JacksonApril 20, 2025

In 1922, an open-cockpit airmail bi-plane crashed on the way to Rock Springs. The pilot, Henry Boonstra, somehow survived, but it took more than 40 years to recover the wrecked plane. Now it hangs in the National Postal Museum.

How Pilot Survived Crashing Airmail Plane On Way To Rock Springs In Winter 1922

In 1922, an open-cockpit airmail bi-plane crashed on the way to Rock Springs in winter. The pilot somehow survived, but it took more than 40 years to recover the wrecked plane. Now it hangs in the National Postal Museum.

Dale KillingbeckApril 20, 2025

Josiah Harlow checked out a Robin Hood novel from the Cheyenne Central High School library 31 years ago, and never returned it. It’s still a treasured part of his collection, and he promises to “swing by to pay my overdue fees” the next time he’s in town.

Man Promises To Pay Fines On Wyoming Library Book He Checked Out 31 Years Ago

Josiah Harlow checked out a Robin Hood novel from the Cheyenne Central High School library 31 years ago, and never returned it. It’s still a treasured part of his collection, and he promises to “swing by to pay my overdue fees” the next time he’s in town.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Alex Nichols demonstrates an automatic gate at Picasso Gate in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Company Builds Tough-As-Tank Security Gates For A-List Stars

Picasso Gate in Cheyenne may not be a household name, but its tough-as-a-tank security gates are coveted by A-list stars like Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner. It’s owned by a father-son duo who love Wyoming.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance, the entire town of Pray, Montana, is for sale for $2.6 million. That includes its 100-year-old general store, post office, home and cabins.

A Whole Town Near Yellowstone Is For Sale For Less Than $3 Million

Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance, the entire town of Pray, Montana, is for sale for $2.6 million. That includes its 100-year-old general store, post office, home and cabins.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

Marc Greenleaf of Casper has been stretching his earlobes with increasingly larger hoops since he was 13. After 26 years, Guiness World Records made it official last April — he has the world’s “largest earlobe flesh tunnel.”

It’s Official: Guinness Says Casper Man Has World’s Largest Earlobes

Marc Greenleaf of Casper has been stretching his earlobes with increasingly larger hoops since he was 13. After 26 years, Guiness World Records made it official last April — he has the world’s “largest earlobe flesh tunnel.”

Anna-Louise JacksonApril 20, 2025

Berry Bryant's gravestone at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton.

Murder Of Wyoming College Student Still Raw For Family After Nearly 30 Years

In 1996, 18-year-old Berry Bryant of Riverton was murdered by a fellow Northwest College student. Her brother, Ryan, says her death is still raw for the family and he wants to keep Berry’s memory alive — even if it means laughing about it on a podcast.

Jen KocherApril 19, 2025

The same cold front that crippled Wyoming with winter thunderstorms caused tornadoes, 80 mph winds and baseball- to softball-sized hail in eastern Nebraska. It left a huge swath of destruction behind. This is damage to a house in Fremont, Nebraska.

Softball-Sized Hail Leaves Path Of Destruction Across Eastern Nebraska

The same cold front that blasted Wyoming with winter thunderstorms caused tornadoes, 80 mph winds and baseball- to softball-sized hail in eastern Nebraska. It left a huge swath of destruction behind.

Andrew RossiApril 19, 2025

Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park is huge, but it’ll take some work to get there. There are no roads to it, which makes it the largest backcountry lake in the Lower 48. But it’s worth the effort to get there for a serene, secluded experience.

Yellowstone's Shoshone Lake Is The Largest Backcountry Lake In The Lower 48

Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park is huge, but it’ll take some work to get there. There are no roads to it, which makes it the largest backcountry lake in the Lower 48. But it’s worth the effort to get there for a serene, secluded experience.

Andrew RossiApril 19, 2025

Ethan Page shows off some of the kale and bib lettuces growing in Central Wyoming College's shipping container greenhouse.

Wyoming Students Turn Shipping Container Into High-Tech Greenhouse

Central Wyoming College has engineered a shipping container into a high-tech greenhouse that’s like something out of “The Jetsons." It creates its own sunshine and rain to grow all kinds of produce.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

A new study from a group that wants grizzlies reintroduced to California claims the state could handle nearly 1,200 bears. Wildlife officials say that’s unrealistic.

Group Wants Nearly 1,200 Grizzlies In California, But Could It Actually Happen?

A new study from a group that wants grizzlies reintroduced to California claims the state could handle nearly 1,200 bears. Wildlife officials say that’s unrealistic.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2025

A special blend of barley has been grown by hundreds of farmers in Wyoming and three other Western states exclusively to brew Coors beer. That includes Jim Miller’s family near Worland, who thinks the crop is going to be “tremendous” this year.

There’s Something In Wyoming That Makes It Perfect To Grow Coors’ Special Barley

A special blend of barley has been grown by hundreds of farmers in Wyoming and three other Western states exclusively to brew Coors beer. That includes Jim Miller’s family near Worland, who thinks the crop is going to be “tremendous” this year.

Jackie DorothyApril 19, 2025

The “Path of the Pronghorn,” one of Wyoming’s most-used antelope travel routes, could be designated as an official migration corridor, possibly restricting energy development.

Protecting Wyoming Pronghorn A Balancing Act Of Conservation, Energy Development

The “Path of the Pronghorn,” one of Wyoming’s most-used antelope travel routes, could be designated as an official migration corridor, possibly restricting energy development.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2025

Pushroot Brewing Company offers space for sitting indoors and out. The outside is dog and bike friendly, too.

Drinking Wyoming: At Lander’s Pushroot Brewing, It’s All About The Foam

Pushroot Brewing Company in Lander brings unique Czech pours to Wyoming that put a luxurious twist on beer. It’s all about big heads, and even a beer pour that’s all foam.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

It was 20 years ago on April 18, 2005, when Evanston, Wyoming, firefighters Robert Henderson and Jacob Cook ran into a burning apartment building to rescue children they though were inside. The children had gotten out, but they died in the attempt. The local fire department honors their sacrifice every year.

It’s Been 20 Years Since Two Evanston Firefighters Died Trying To Save Children

It was 20 years ago on April 18, 2005, when Evanston, Wyoming, firefighters Robert Henderson and Jacob Cook ran into a burning apartment building to rescue children they thought were inside. The children had gotten out, but they died in the attempt.

Dale KillingbeckApril 18, 2025

Colonel Roosevelt and his Rough Riders at the top of the hill which they captured in the Battle of San Juan.

The American West: The Birth Of The Rough Riders

Each recruit had to be a good shot be able to ride anything in the line of horseflesh, a rough and ready fighter, and above all must absolutely have no understanding of the word fear.

James A. CrutchfieldApril 19, 2025

It’s been decades since Casper resident Bob Cook served in the Army during World War II and Korean War. Now 96, he finally got to visit his memorials in Washington, D.C., a trip that was extremely emotional and meaningful.

Visit To War Memorials Emotional For Casper Vet, 96, Who Served In WWII, Korea

It’s been decades since Casper resident Bob Cook served in the Army during World War II and Korean War. Now 96, he finally got to visit his memorials in Washington, D.C., a trip that was extremely emotional and meaningful.

Jackie DorothyApril 19, 2025

Changing the definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act, as the Trump administration proposes, could overhaul the ESA. It’s also long overdue, Wyoming’s delegation says, saying its “a great solution” to a problem caused by federal overregulation.

Wyoming Delegation Says Trump’s Overhaul Of Endangered Species Act Long Overdue

Changing the definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act, as the Trump administration proposes, could overhaul the ESA. It’s also long overdue, Wyoming’s delegation says, saying its “a great solution” to a problem caused by federal overregulation.

Sean BarryApril 19, 2025

Bigfoot came out of wherever he hides out in the woods to make a rare public appearance Wednesday night in Fort Collins, Colo. Going by the stage name Saxsquatch, the baddest sax-blowing bigfoot in the forest, came out of hiding to play a concert.

Saxsquatch, The Baddest Sax-Blowing Bigfoot, Comes Out Of Hiding For Concert

Bigfoot came out of wherever he hides in the woods to make a rare public appearance Wednesday night in Fort Collins, Colo. Going by the stage name Saxsquatch, the baddest sax-blowing bigfoot in the forest, put on a monstrous concert.

Leo WolfsonApril 19, 2025

Bill Sniffin Old Faithful 4 19 25

Bill Sniffin: Telling A Bunch Of Texans About The Yellowstone Supervolcano

Bill Sniffin writes: “Yellowstone is huge, over 2.2 million acres. Almost 5 million people visited it last year. It's the world’s first national park — and I love it!”

Bill SniffinApril 19, 2025

PacifiCorps owns two-thirds of the Jim Bridger coal-fired power plant in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.

Politically Red Wyoming, Utah And Idaho Talk Break From Power Giant PacifiCorp

Officials in politically red states Wyoming and Utah are talking about teaming up with Idaho to rely more on fossil fuels to meet future electricity demands. They could break from PacifiCorps and its base in politically blue West Coast states.

David MadisonApril 18, 2025

Measles getty 4 18 25

Montana Measles Outbreak Triggers Emergency Response Near Wyoming Border

Five cases of the measles confirmed Thursday are the first in Montana since 1990. They’ve prompted an emergency response in Gallatin County near the Wyoming border and Yellowstone's West Entrance.

David MadisonApril 19, 2025

Joan Barron

Joan Barron: National Groups Scripting State Lawmaking Is On The Rise Again

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, said he attended a National Confrence of State Legislatures, but was not impressed. The discussion was on marijuna, a topic he had no interest in, he said, noting he felt the organization had a liberal bias."

Joan BarronApril 19, 2025

Ronald Allington barricaded himself inside home for 11 hours this week thrust a Samurai-style katana sword through a door at cops, police say. He also brandished a BB gun that looked like a Sig Sauer pistol.

Standoff Suspect Thrust Katana Sword Through Door, Pointed BB Pistol, Police Say

The Riverton man who barricaded himself inside home for 11 hours this week thrust a Samurai-style katana sword through a door at cops, police say. He also brandished a BB gun that looked like a Sig Sauer pistol.

Clair McFarlandApril 18, 2025

Wyoming Democrats plan to rally Saturday across Wyoming against President Donald Trump and his policies — even if they are appealing to folks in the most Trump-friendly state in the nation.

Protestors To Rally Against Trump Across Wyoming, Nation’s Most Trump-Friendly State

Wyoming protestors plan to rally Saturday across Wyoming against President Donald Trump and his policies — even if they they're appealing to folks in the most Trump-friendly state in the nation.

Clair McFarlandApril 19, 2025

When the warm air of spring mixes with the cold air of winter, it can create intense winter thunderstorms across Wyoming that cause snow to fall faster than it can melt, which can quickly make driving dangerous.

Wyoming's Spring Could Be Full Of Fast, Furious Winter Thunderstorms

When the warm air of spring mixes with the cold air of winter, it can create intense winter thunderstorms across Wyoming that causes snow to fall faster than it can melt, which can quickly make driving dangerous.

Andrew RossiApril 18, 2025

Luke Talich (28) closes in on a ball carrier during last weekend's spring game for the University of Notre Dame football program. Talich was a walk-on to the powerhouse team as a freshman and earned a scholarship and playing time last season as a sophomore. He's on track to be a starter on the Irish defense in the fall.

Cody’s Luke Talich Dominates Spring Game, Could Start For Notre Dame Football

Cody native Luke Talich has gone from a walk-on to full scholarship football player for the University of Notre Dame. After dominating on defense in the annual spring game, Talich is a strong contender to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

Leo WolfsonApril 18, 2025

While nine law firms have made deals to avoid President Donald Trump’s orders targeting them, the one that works for Wyoming’s largest federally recognized Indian tribe is continuing to fight the federal government in court.

Wyoming Tribe's Law Firm One Of The Few Fighting Trump's Big-Law Orders

While nine law firms have made deals to avoid President Donald Trump’s orders targeting them, the one that works for Wyoming’s largest federally recognized Indian tribe is continuing to fight the federal government in court.

Clair McFarlandApril 18, 2025

This mamma black bear was sluggish as she emerged from her hibernation den in Yellowstone National Park on Monday with at least one, and possibly two tiny cubs.

Momma Black Bear, Tiny Cub Caught Crawling Out Of Their Yellowstone Den

Female bears with cubs usually don’t emerge from hibernation until May. But a lucky photographer got photos when one momma black bear was "like a sloth" venturing out of the den early with at least one tiny cub Monday in Yellowstone National Park.

Mark HeinzApril 18, 2025

Wyoming has been giving up huge fossil finds for well over a century. Those discoveries have inspired an artist to recreate Wyoming’s ancient landscapes, which in many ways are nothing like they are today.

Wyoming’s Huge Fossil Finds Inspire Artist To Recreate Its Ancient Landscapes

Wyoming has been giving up huge fossil finds for well over a century. Those discoveries have inspired an artist to recreate Wyoming’s ancient landscapes, which in many ways are nothing like they are today.

Jackie DorothyApril 18, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon meets with members of Wyoming's military stationed in the Middle East.

Gordon On Middle East, Asia Tour To Build Wyoming’s International Business Profile

Gov. Mark Gordon is piling up the frequent flier miles on a Middle East and Asia tour to build Wyoming’s international business profile. He’s also meeting with Wyoming military stationed overseas.

Leo WolfsonApril 18, 2025

Gillette, Wyoming, police investigated the death of an 88-year-old assisted living patient found dead outside in a courtyard of the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.

Former Gillette Nursing Assistant Charged In Freezing Death Of 88-Year-Old Dementia Patient

A 57-year-old nursing assistant at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette has been charged with manslaughter in the freezing death of a resident. The 88-year-old woman with dementia was found frozen in an outdoor courtyard of the facility.

Jen KocherApril 17, 2025

The back of the home on Pinecrest Street in Riverton that Ron Allington shares with his mother - after an 11-hour law enforcement standoff Wednesday and Thursday.

Riverton Standoff Suspect Was Supposed To Get Probation, Then Skipped Court

A Riverton man who prompted an 11-hour police standoff Wednesday and Thursday was wanted because he skipped a court hearing. At that hearing, he was supposed to receive probation on a felony-level charge for threatening to shoot up the local hospital.  

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Bozeman Tenants United, one in a growing number of groups organizing in the face of rising rents in places like Bozeman, Montana.

Residential Rents Skyrocket In Idaho And Montana, Remain Stable In Wyoming

While residential rents for people in Wyoming remain relatively stable, they’re skyrocketing by more than 30% in neighboring Montana and Idaho.

David MadisonApril 18, 2025

Steven Marler, left, consults with his attorneys following a morning court session earlier this week.

Judge Closes Courtroom To Casper Foster Dad Trial

A judge closed the Casper courtroom Thursday where Steven Marler is on trial for multiple sexual abuse charges involving his adopted children and former foster children. The pause was to deal with legal issues.

Dale KillingbeckApril 17, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation says people shouldn’t be concerned with the Trump administration’s criticism of judges. Instead, they should be worried about judicial activism.

Wyoming Delegation Strikes Back Against Judicial Activism, Criticism Of Trump

Wyoming’s congressional delegation says people shouldn’t be concerned with the Trump administration’s criticism of judges. Instead, they should be worried about judicial activism.

Leo WolfsonApril 17, 2025

Limpy, aka Tripod or Chester, is a coyote that lives in the Lamar area of Yellowstone National Park. He tries to sucker tourists out of snacks by looking pathetic along the roadside.

Limpy, Yellowstone’s Infamous Coyote Con Artist, Is At It Again

Limpy the coyote is Yellowstone National Park’s greatest con artist. He hangs out along the roadside, greatly exaggerating a leg injury, hoping to get snacks from soft-hearted tourists.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2025

Flaggers and other road work crews are busy during the spring and summer season making repairs and upgrades.

Oregon Man Charged With Assault Says Yellowstone Flagger Jumped In Front Of Jeep

An Oregon man faces the felony charge of attacking a government employee after authorities say he hit a Yellowstone National Park flagger with his Jeep. The man counters, saying the flagger jumped in front of his Jeep and tried to stop it with his hands.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Jurassic Fireworks is one of two Colorado-owned fireworks stands just north of the Wyoming-Colorado border in a dispute with Laramie County.

‘Obnoxious’ Fireworks Outlets Near Cheyenne Can Reopen, But Dad Has To Stay Away

The Laramie County Commission has finally approved fireworks permits for a pair of businesses near the Colorado border it had said were too “obnoxious.” But the owner’s father has to stay away from her businesses as part of the agreement.

Renée JeanApril 17, 2025

Gillette police 5 31 23

Brief: Gillette Man Didn’t Know Gun Was Loaded When He Shot Pet Cat Dead

A 19-year-old unintentionally killed an 8-year-old pet tabby cat while using it for what he thought was dry-fire, or unloaded, target practice inside a Gillette home Wednesday morning, police say.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Josh Coursey

Prominent Wyoming Mule Deer Advocate Picked To Serve In Trump Administration

Prominent Wyoming wildlife conservationist Josh Coursey has been tapped to serve in President Donald Trump’s administration in a role he can't yet disclose. He joins a number of people with Wyoming ties picked by the administration.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2025

Riverton standoff IMG 0853 4 16 25

Wanted Riverton Man Tear-Gassed, Arrested To End 11-Hour Armed Standoff

A Riverton man wanted on a warrant for allegedly threatening to "shoot up" a hospital barricaded himself inside a house for about 11 hours before being tear-gassed and arrested just before 4 a.m. Thursday. He was armed with a knife and gun, police report.

Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonApril 17, 2025

Daily Features

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"Sunrise services at Kendrick Mansion in Sheridan."
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Tuesday, April 22, 2025​

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Elaine Henry. Elaine writes, "Sunrise services at Kendrick Mansion in Sheridan."

Photo by Elaine Henry

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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Clair 5 5 24 v2

Clair McFarland: World’s Most Coddled Crime Reporter, Ready For Duty

Columnist Clair McFarland writes: "I have found after several years of covering crime, that where the capacity for violence is greatest, chivalry is also at its peak. It’s the most certain correlation I’ve found in this job."

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Bill Sniffin Old Faithful 4 19 25

Bill Sniffin: Telling A Bunch Of Texans About The Yellowstone Supervolcano

Bill Sniffin writes: “Yellowstone is huge, over 2.2 million acres. Almost 5 million people visited it last year. It's the world’s first national park — and I love it!”

Bill SniffinApril 19, 2025

Lubnau head 2

Tom Lubnau: The Wyoming Republican Party Should Fix Its Own Election Integrity Issues

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "The Republican Party's dispute resolution committee, in one last stroke of arrogance, said its conclusion is 'the Party’s sole remedy and is full, final and not appealable.' If the party were a private club, this whole process would be no big deal. But the party is a creation of law."

Tom LubnauApril 15, 2025

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