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Ashley Trudo feeds the chickens.

Modern Homesteading: Self-Sufficiency Doesn’t Mean Being A Loner

Homesteading doesn’t mean living like folks on “Little House on the Prairie.” A Cody woman teaches how homesteaders in Wyoming use technology and innovation to achieve self-sufficiency, and it doesn’t mean you have to be a loner.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2025

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and his deputies spent a week bring back the mounted patrol for parades and events on the streets of Cheyenne.

Laramie County Sheriff Brings Horse Patrol Back To Cheyenne

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said he hopes reinstating the mounted patrol will bring back authentic Western hospitality and law-and-order during major events in the state capital. “We value our Western culture and heritage in Cheyenne and Laramie County," he said.

Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2025

Wyoming sheep baron J.B. Okie, bottom, was throwing an opulent high-society party when it was crashed by Sheriff Frank K. Webb, above, and his prisoner. That prisoner was Otto Chenoweth, an outlaw horse thief who escaped and charmed the ladies as a dashing gentleman.

Wyoming History: Otto Chenoweth, The Gentleman Outlaw Of Lost Cabin

Sheep baron J.B. Okie was throwing a high-society party at his opulent mansion in Lost Cabin, Wyoming, when it was crashed by the sheriff and his prisoner. That prisoner was Otto Chenoweth, an outlaw horse thief who escaped and charmed the ladies as a dashing gentleman.

Jackie DorothyJuly 06, 2025

Kamari Barth, 12, is the first girl from Wyoming to participate in the Susan Polgar Girls' Chess Tournament Invitational, a national tournament recently held in St. Louis, Missouri.

12-Year-Old Chess Master Is First Wyoming Girl Invited To National Tournament

Kamari Barth is like most 12-year-old girls in Sheridan, Wyoming, but in one way she isn’t. Barth also is a chess master, and recently was the first Wyoming girl to compete in the national invitation-only Susan Polgar tournament.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 06, 2025

Broken Water fires at a target that is a thin silver chain, swinging in the wind.

You Can Walk In Jim Bridger’s Footsteps At 1838 Rendezvous In Riverton

The 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Riverton isn’t just held near a historic rendezvous site, it’s the actual site. It's where Jim Bridger and Kit Carson walked when they met in 1838 for the annual end-of-season blowout.

Renée JeanJuly 06, 2025

State Sen. Ed Cooper (left), Nashville musician Bobby Randall (right)

Nashville Musician Bobby Randall Grateful For Wyoming Hospitality During Storm

State Sen. Ed Cooper opened his garage to a group of Harley riders seeking shelter from a severe thunderstorm on Friday. One of the bikers was a very grateful Bobby Randall, a longtime Nashville musician who was a founding member of country group Sawyer Brown and guitarist for Confederate Railroad.

Wendy CorrJuly 06, 2025

Mix Collage 05 Jul 2025 11 43 AM 9634

Her Parents Fled Vietnam. These Veterans Fought There. Now They Eat Together

People have told V Cafe Owner KimChi Vu that her Vietnamese restaurant inside the Dubois VFW post is surprising or ironic. This short documentary explores how the cafe owners, veterans, and the community forge strong bonds over delicious food.

Reilly Strand & Hannah BrockJuly 05, 2025

A stoat, or small member of the weasel family, invaded Warren Meyer’s garage north of Cheyenne. It was loose inside for about 20 hours before Meyer caught it and then set it free outside, unharmed.

Rural Cheyenne Garage Invaded By Stoat With Active Anal Glands

When Warren Meyer briefly opened his garage door this week, a stoat — or small weasel — darted-in unbeknownst to him. Meyer quickly found out that stoats have active and powerful anal glands.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

A mare named Barmaid escaped from its corral near Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and ran loose in the park for about two weeks before finally being captured, safe and sound.

Trail Horse Named Barmaid Escapes, Runs Free in Grand Teton For Two Weeks

A trail riding mare named Barmaid escaped from a corral and ran free in Grand Teton National Park for about two weeks. She was finally rounded up last weekend without having suffered a single scratch.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

A Park County, Colorado, search and rescue team went 11 miles and spent 10 hours rescuing a dog that was overcome with exhaustion during a hike on June 24. Wyoming search and rescue teams aren’t willing to do that, you’d have to carry your dog out yourself here.

Colorado Search And Rescue Saves Dog, Something Wyoming Teams Can't Do

A Colorado search and rescue team spent 10 hours last week rescuing an exhausted dog from the backcountry. But in Wyoming, dogs are on their own as humans are the only priority. "We don't have the resources," one rescuer said.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2025

Kid Nichols with a horse in Cody during his early years in town taken from the book “The Candy Kid” written by his daughter, Lucille Patrick.

Wyoming History: The Fascinating Life Of James Calvin ‘Kid’ Nichols

James Calvin “Kid” Nichols was a champion wrestler who was befriended by Buffalo Bill Cody, did boxing exhibitions with Milward Simpson and was a one-time outlaw. He also was a successful businessman who hobnobbed with Admiral Nimitz and Arthur Godfrey.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2025

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Gillette Woman In Jail After Allegedly Running Over Boyfriend With SUV

A woman who was trying to drive away from the scene of a verbal argument in Gillette early Saturday ran over her boyfriend in the process, police say. The man was taken to an out-of-state hospital with critical injuries.

Clair McFarlandJuly 05, 2025

It may be great to fantasize about “Ranching Rich,” but that’s not real ranching in Wyoming, says Cody singer-songwriter Kalyn Beasley. Buddy Ned LeDoux is featured in his new song, an ode to real ranching in the West.

Ned LeDoux Featured On Wyoming Singer-Songwriter’s Ode To Real Ranching

It may be great to fantasize about “Ranching Rich,” but that’s not real ranching in Wyoming, says Cody singer-songwriter Kalyn Beasley. His friend Ned LeDoux is featured in the new song, an ode to real ranching in the West.

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2025

When an 18-year-old Joe Meek arrived in the wilderness of Wyoming in 1829, the greenhorn had to toughen up fast to survive bears and hostile tribes. When he fell asleep on guard duty, he also survived the wrath of Capt. William Sublette.

Wyoming History: Mountain Man Joe Meek Survived Bears And Blackfeet Raids

When an 18-year-old Joe Meek arrived in the wilderness of Wyoming in 1829, the greenhorn had to toughen up fast to survive bears and hostile tribes. When he fell asleep on guard duty, he also survived the wrath of Capt. William Sublette.

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2025

Valerie Hovland just misses a connection with Steve Tobi in a practice session. She was wearing a safety line.

Can't Run Off To Join The Circus? You Can Still Join Wyoming's Only Trapeze Club.

A couple in Big Horn, Wyoming, gives those seeking adventure and thrills an option beyond running off to join a circus. Trained by a Circus Ring of Fame trapeze artist, they now run Wyoming’s only trapeze club.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2025

Sweetwater Memorial Hospital Medical Imaging Director Tracie Soller says the challenges in the radiology field today include finding technologists to work the imaging devices.

As Medical Imaging Tech Advances, Wyoming Has A Shortage Of People To Operate It

Technology for medical imaging is advancing at a frantic pace, but there aren’t qualified experts to put them to use in Wyoming. A new study shows Wyoming has 9 radiologists per 100,000 people, well below the national average of 13.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2025

Chef Petrina Peart talks about her journey on the "Yes Chef!" reality cooking series which featured Chef Jose Andres and Martha Stewart, during a Monday night watch party at Brownie's Tasting Bar in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Chef Petrina Peart Celebrates ‘Yes, Chef!’ Finale With Celebrity Chef T

Chef Petrina Peart celebrated the end of her “Yes, Chef!” television culinary competition with fellow contestant and celebrity, Chef T. The collaborative cook-off featuring Martha Stewart showcased Appalachian and Wyoming foods.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2025

Grizzlies are a common sight out on the prairie flatlands near Augusta, in north-central Montana.

Tiny Montana Towns Adjust To Prairie Grizzlies And Attacks On Livestock

Grizzly bears continue to move back into prairie country in Montana. Near tiny rural communities, they’ve been attacking livestock and eating deer fawns. They've become so prevalent that "the cows didn't even seem to notice" them.

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

This yellow tank is a tiger tank, used in the Korean War, playing off of superstitions about such powerful symbols.

Dubois Cheers As 24 Vintage Military Tanks Rumble Through On The Fourth Of July

Dubois triples in size for the Fourth of July as thousands fill the tiny Wyoming town to celebrate. The main attraction is 24 vintage military tanks that rumble through, anchoring the annual parade as monuments to freedom in America.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2025

President Donald Trump celebrates signing the Big Beautiful Bill at the White House on the Fourth of July. Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis says there are plenty of "Wyoming wins" in the massive budget bill.

Lummis: Wyoming Wins Big With Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill

Amidst a huge ceremony at the White House, complete with a soaring B-2 bomber overhead, President Trump signed the Big, Beautiful Bill into law on Friday. U.S. Cynthia Lummis says the bill is a huge win for Wyoming.

Sean BarryJuly 04, 2025

C J Box and Don Day part 2 7 4 25

Appearing In A C.J. Box Book Is Dicey, You Could End Up Dead Or A Serial Killer

Bestselling author C.J. Box is well-known for putting names of real Wyoming people in his novels, but many end up dead, a serial killer — or both. Meteorologist Don Day, who appeared as himself in Joe Pickett book is safe, for now. Box says he has no immediate plans to kill him off.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2025

Baggs

Cowboy State Daily Morning Show — Saturday, July 5, 2025

It's the Saturday morning show with John Baggett from 6-10AM.

Jake NicholsJuly 05, 2025

Andrew Rossi, right, giving a thumbs-up with Mack Frost atop the Irma Hotel during the 2025 Cody Stampede Parade.

Reporter's Notebook: What It's Like To Announce Cody's Famous Stampede Parade

Reporter Andrew Rossi writes, "Announcing the Cody Stampede from the rooftop porch of the Irma Hotel is a rare honor. It’s amazing a nerd like me gets to be one of the voices of the famous parade. How’d that happen? I wondered."

Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2025

A young bull that escaped the Snowmass Village, Colorado, rodeo grounds Wednesday is still free and independent on the Fourth of July. He ran into an upscale residential neighborhood, where he’s eluded searchers for two days.

Independence Day: Bull Still On The Run 2 Days After Escaping Colorado Rodeo

A young bull that escaped the Snowmass Village, Colorado, rodeo grounds Wednesday is still free and independent on the Fourth of July. He ran into an upscale residential neighborhood, where he’s eluded searchers for two days.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

The Historic Cato Ranch is a working Black Angus cattle ranch.

Historic Sheridan Rodeo Ranch, Now A Working Angus Operation, For Sale

The P.K. Ranch hosted a rodeo that went head-to-head with Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1928 and still attracted 17,000 people from 28 states. The historic property, today known as the Cato Ranch, is going up for sale.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2025

TerraPower has begun construction on portions of its Kemmerer nuclear facility that don't require approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

TerraPower’s Kemmerer Nuclear Plant In Fast Lane With Accelerated Permit Review

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will complete its review of TerraPower's construction permit application for its Kemmerer nuclear plant by the end of the year. That’s six months early and has local officials scrambling to keep up.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

Camille, a mixed breed cattle dog rescued from near Hardin, Montana, turned to Xanax and the power couple of 1970s soft rock in an effort to calm her fireworks-induced anxiety.

Xanax Helps, But No ‘Magic Bullet’ For Dogs Freaked Out Over Weekend Of Fireworks

While many people love the flash and fireworks that come with the Fourth of July, a lot of dogs don’t. For some of them, Xanax helps, but a veterinarian says drugs aren’t a “magic bullet” to ease their anxiety.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

Wyoming native Ian Munsick is one of country music’s fastest rising stars. He’ll headline Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time this summer, and his new line of buckles, bolos and other Western accessories has sold out in Nashville.

Ian Munsick’s Line Of Western Accessories Sells Out In Nashville

Wyoming native Ian Munsick is one of country music’s fastest rising stars. He’ll headline Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time this summer, and his new line of buckles, bolos and other Western accessories has sold out in Nashville.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2025

Artillery is still the queen of the battlefield, and new business venture in Cody aims help meet the demand for ammunition by churning out 155-millimeter high explosive shells. A company called US Ballistic Laboratories plans to set shop in the former Cody Laboratories pharmaceuticals building on Road 2AB at the northern edge of town.

US Ballistic To Start Churning Out 155-mm Military Artillery Shells In Cody

A building in Cody that was once used for pharmaceuticals, then eyed by Kanye West as a shoe factory, is on track to start assembling artillery shells. US Ballistic Labs says it picked Wyoming for its patriotic and firearms-friendly culture.

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

Rangers Jaret Carpenter, Rob Stevenson, Robert Cuvas and Jaeger Held fire blanks during a 38-gun salute held during Fourth of July celebrations at Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Fort Laramie Rings In The 4th With Cannons, 38-Gun Salute

Historic Fort Laramie partied like it was 1876 on Friday, celebrating the Fourth of July as folks at the fort did nearly 150 years ago. The celebration was punctuated by cannon fire and a 38-gun salute, representing the 38 states in the Union then.

Matthew ChristianJuly 04, 2025

Flag 7 4 25

There’s No Official Design For The Bison On The Wyoming State Flag

State statutes spell out many details about the Wyoming flag: colors, sizing, placement of the elements. But not for the large bison that dominates it. That’s why you’ll see many different bison depending on who makes the flag.

Anna-Louise JacksonJuly 04, 2025

A batter strikes a ball during a demonstration of the National Pastime under the rules of the 1860s during the Fort Laramie National Historic Site Independence Day celebration.

Underhanded Pitches, No Gloves And A Soft Ball: 1860s Baseball Nothing Like Today

America’s pastime and the Fourth of July go together like peanuts and Cracker Jacks, but the game in the 1860s was nothing like today. Vintage baseball was a highlight at Fort Laramie on Friday, where players didn’t have gloves and pitched underhanded.

Matthew ChristianJuly 05, 2025

When a Cheyenne restaurant owner posted a PG-rated gay joke on his roadside sign, Wyoming’s top LGBTQ advocacy group decided to run with the joke — and call for more.

Cheyenne Restaurant Owner Makes A Gay Joke On Sign — LGBTQ Group Borrows It

When a Cheyenne restaurant owner posted a PG-rated gay joke on his roadside sign, Wyoming’s top LGBTQ advocacy group decided to run with the joke — and call for more.

Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025

Wyoming truckers are cheering a new Trump administration rule reversing a Biden-era agenda which would have put governors (speed limiting devices) on semi trucks. Truckers say the Biden rule would have been a safety hazard.

Full Speed Ahead: Trump Kills Biden Rule Limiting How Fast Trucks Can Go

Wyoming truckers are cheering a new Trump administration rule reversing a Biden-era agenda that would have put speed limiting devices — called governors — on semitrucks. Truckers say the Biden rule would have been a safety hazard.

Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025

Summit Fire & Security at 435 N. McKinley in Casper is one of the five locations where a suspected arsonist struck. Employee Jason Thomas said when he arrived at work Thursday morning the grass was smoking around the gas meter behind their business.

Casper Police Looking For Arsonist Who Touched Off Five Fires In 12 Hours

The Casper police are looking for whoever intentionally set five fires around town in less than 12 hours Wednesday night and early Thursday. A man at one of the fire locations said police told him they’re “looking for a dude on a scooter.”

Dale KillingbeckJuly 03, 2025

In what’s become an Independence Day tradition, Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw. Happy Fourth of July!

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ On A Chainsaw

In what’s become an Independence Day tradition, Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw. Happy Fourth of July!

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson holds up a card showing the final vote tally to pass the massive budget bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill on Thursday, July 3, 2024.

Wyoming Delegation, GOP Finish Massive Budget Bill By Fourth Of July Deadline

With the help of Wyoming Republican Harriet Hageman, the U.S. House crossed the finish line Thursday on the federal budget bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She called it “a major win for Wyoming and the entire nation.”

Sean BarryJuly 03, 2025

Jaycee Morgan Cherny

Judge Says Rock Springs Woman Accused Of Making Child Porn Has To Stay In Jail

A Green River judge did not hesitate Thursday to deny a woman accused of making child pornography a chance to get out of jail and go to a treatment center. She’s also accused of smuggling meth into jail hidden in a genital orifice.

Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025

Local departments and the Bureau of Land Management responded in force to the Powder River Fire near Arvada.

Lightning Sparks 11 Wildfires In One Night Across Northeast Wyoming

Fire departments across three counties in northeast Wyoming were stretched thin Wednesday night when a thunderstorm rolled through and left 11 lightning-caused wildfires in its path.

David MadisonJuly 03, 2025

Residents living in a neighborhood just north of Cheyenne are lobbying the Laramie County Commission to reverse its approval of a 150-foot cell tower in the field to the left. They say there are health concerns and the tower will drop property values.

Citing RFK Jr., Residents Want Laramie County To Reverse OK Of 150-Foot Cell Tower

Residents living just north of Cheyenne are lobbying the Laramie County Commission to reverse approval of a 150-foot cell tower. Citing RFK Jr., they say there are health concerns with the tower and they worry property values will drop.

Renée JeanJuly 03, 2025

There are a number of areas around Cheyenne that are already home, or will be, to data centers. That includes the High Plains Business Park in the south part of the city, which is where Meta is building an $800 million data centedr.

Wyoming Being Considered For Location Of Another Huge New Data Center

A partnership between OpenAI and Oracle could lead to the construction of another large data center in Wyoming.  Cheyenne is a very popular location for national data centers because of its location and the availability of the necessary power.

Matthew ChristianJuly 03, 2025

Multiple agencies responded to a mobile home park at 530 Beaufort St. in Laramie, Wyoming, on July 2, 2025, to a home containing fireworks making materials.

Federal Agents Help ID Explosives That Sparked Evacuation In Laramie Neighborhood

ATF and FBI agents were part of a large response to “potential explosives” in a Laramie home Tuesday that prompted an hourslong evacuation. It turned out to be the fireworks-making materials discovered after the man who lived there died.

Matthew ChristianJuly 03, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, July 7, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ken Smith. Ken writes, "The calm after the storm. This is the sunrise from Thermopolis the morning after the Coyote Run Fire."

Photo by Ken Smith

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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Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Posterity Will Judge Us By Principles, Not Pragmatism

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “The deleted paragraph demonstrates how kicking the can down the road never solves the problem. More often, it makes the problem worse and its solution more costly.”

Jonathan LangeJuly 04, 2025

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Bill Sniffin: If You Had Your Life To Live Over, What Would You Change?

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Folks a certain age start looking back on their lives and wonder just how much differences they could have made. What if you could live your life over?”

Bill SniffinJuly 01, 2025

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Tom Lubnau: Tour Of Sunrise Should Be On Your Bucket List.

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Last Saturday, the Sunrise Historic and Prehistoric Preservation Society offered a sample of Wyoming’s rich, diverse and amazing history. Put next year’s annual tour of Sunrise on your bucket list."

Tom LubnauJuly 02, 2025

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