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A pair of mountain bikers were surprised when a bear showed up to chase them on a trail.

Bells On Mountain Bikes Could Help Cyclists Avoid Grizzly Maulings

Mountain bikers and grizzlies aren’t a good combination, as a Montana cyclist learned in 2016 when he surprised a bear and was killed. With more mountain bikes than ever in the backcountry, bells, shouting and carrying bear spray might help.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2025

Unlike Colorado, which just got its sixth area code, Wyoming's cherished 307 is safe as the state’s only area code for at least another 20 years. That’s good news for Wyomingites and the more than 900 businesses with names that start with “307.”

307 Safe As Wyoming’s Only Area Code For At Least Another 20 Years

Unlike Colorado, which just got its sixth area code, Wyoming's cherished 307 is safe as the state’s only area code for at least another 20 years. That’s good news for Wyomingites and the more than 900 businesses with names that start with “307.”

David MadisonJuly 12, 2025

In December 1966, 9-year-old Robert Hendry, son of historian Mary Hendry, posed with the mysterious Boot Map. Some prospectors believe that this carving is a map to the Lost Cabin Gold Mine along the Badwater Creek in central Wyoming.

160 Years After It Was Lost, Treasure Hunters Still Search For Lost Cabin Gold Mine

Hidden away in the Bighorns is a mysterious drawing carved on the surface of a massive granite boulder. Dubbed the “Boot Map,” old-timers have theorized for decades that the drawing, which resembles a Spanish boot, is a map leading to the Lost Cabin Gold Mine. 

Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2025

Teton County Search and Rescue transport a trail runner who went down with an injury in Phillips Canyon on June 22.

Teton County Search And Rescue Responding To More Calls Than Ever

Teton County Search and Rescue had its busiest six months ever from December 2024 through May 31. They had more calls in this six-month stretch than the team used to get in an entire year.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

A giant 15-foot buffalo skull made by Vic Lemmon from fiberglass forms the entry of the Laundromat and Carwash in Dubois, Wyoming. It will also be a temporary art gallery when it hosts a unique exhibit.

Fluff And Fold With Culture: Dubois Buffalo Skull Laundromat To Host Art Exhibit

A pair of artists in Dubois are planning an art show in an unusual space. Instead of a gallery, their show is going inside the town’s famous laundromat, the one with the giant buffalo skull entrance.

Renée JeanJuly 13, 2025

This photo shows the devastating aftermath of an accidental fireworks explosion inside the South Hall building in Torrington on July 1, 2020. Firefighters were preparing the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display. An unexpected ignition set off a chain reaction. Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt.

Kaboom! Since Explosion In 2020, Torrington Hasn’t Had Fourth Of July Fireworks

There were city fireworks displays all over Wyoming last week to celebrate the 4th of July. But not in Torrington. Ever since an accident set-off all the fireworks at once which blew the roof off a building, they've passed on an annual celebration.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

A Fox Business reporter listens with the press pool as Gov. Mark Gordon, from left, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright center and Ramaco CEO Randall Atkins talk about the rare earth potential at the Brook Mine near Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday, July 11, 2025..

First U.S. Rare Earth Mine In 70 Years Opens In Wyoming

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright was in Ranchester, Wyoming, on Friday for the ribbon cutting to open the first U.S. rare earth mine in 70 years. He said the Brook Mine and Wyoming are critical to breaking China’s stranglehold on rare earth processing.

David MadisonJuly 11, 2025

Edmond Berseghian, above, and Zane Marcus Goodwin are two of six people accused of racing high-end luxury sports cars in Grand Teton National Park.

Supercar YouTuber Among 6 Accused Of Racing Luxury Cars In Grand Teton

A YouTuber who features high-priced supercars is one of six people accused of racing luxury cars in Grand Teton National Park last month. The drivers allegedly were racing up to speeds of 111 mph, a park official says.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

Before (background) and after (inset) views of the Second Tower on Grand Teton shows a dramatic difference after part of if fell off last weekend.

Another Chunk Of Grand Teton’s Second Tower Falls Off

The Jenny Lake Rangers report that another chunk of the Second Tower on Grand Teton fell off over the Fourth of July weekend. It’s the second major collapse involving Second Tower since 2022, leaving experienced climbers saying “just stay away from it.”

Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2025

Keeping Wyoming hiking and biking trails clear of fallen trees often falls to volunteers from local organizations. One such group is the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance – which maintains the Casper Mountain trail network.

Trees Are Blocking Wyoming Trails, And They Can’t Be Cleared Fast Enough

Dead trees keep falling over onto trails across Wyoming. With federal trail crews in short supply, the work of clearing the trails is increasingly falling on private companies or local volunteer groups.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2025

Pinedale sign 8 18 23

One Dead In Pinedale Shooting, Possible Self-Defense Situation

One person is dead after a shooting Friday in Pinedale, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office reports. Self-defense is being investigated as a possible factor, the sheriff told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

Douglas Smith faces two counts of first-degree murder for the July 20, 2015, killing of two men at The Coin Shop in downtown Cheyenne.

10 Years After Cheyenne Coin Shop Double Murder, Trial To Begin

Trial begins with jury selection on Monday a decade after the brutal July 20, 2015, murder of two men at The Coin Shop in Cheyenne. The suspect, Douglas Smith, called 911 that day and wasn’t initially a suspect.

Greg JohnsonJuly 11, 2025

A luxury Jackson, Wyoming, home built for an avid golfer and once frequented by Payton Manning, has hit the market for $9.95 million. The upscale area comes with neighbors like Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock and Judge Judy Scheindlin.

$9.95M Jackson Home Perfect For Golfers With Harrison Ford As A Neighbor For Sale

A luxury Jackson, Wyoming, home perfect for an avid golfer and once frequented by Peyton Manning has hit the market for $9.95 million. The upscale area comes with neighbors like Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock and Judge Judy Scheindlin.

Renée JeanJuly 11, 2025

Alice Ione Halstead

Rock Springs Mother Accused Of Shooting Son In The Neck

A woman could face up to life in prison after Sweetwater County detectives say she shot her son in the neck last month. The mother was arrested Friday, and told authorities her son was going to hit her with a guitar, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

William "Bill" John Duncan

Green River Man Guilty Of Encouraging Child Into Sex Acts

A jury took about four hours Wednesday to convict a 50-year-old Green River man on multiple counts of child exploitation. William John Duncan was found guilty of encouraging a preteen child into sex acts.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

Ezekiel Hernandez and Melinda Hurt

Cheyenne Man Who Made Courthouse Bomb Threat To Testify Against Accomplice

A 44-year-old Cheyenne man pleaded guilty Thursday to calling in a bomb threat to the Laramie County court complex. He did it on the advice of a female friend, who was allegedly trying to disrupt her jury trial.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 11, 2025

Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner, left, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard, right, claiming he was defamed and jeopardized his $47.5 billion bid to buy TikTok. He also said China is blocking his group from buying the social media app.

Reid Rasner Sues Anthony Bouchard, Claims He Jeopardized TikTok Deal

Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner filed a lawsuit Tuesday against former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard, claiming he was defamed and jeopardized his reported $47.5 billion bid to buy TikTok.

Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon talks about the restoration of Wyoming's Liberty Bell. All 50 states have Liberty Bells, but not every state kept theirs. Wyoming's required significant restoration to save it for future generations.

Liberty Bell Rings Again In Wyoming Ahead of Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Wyoming rang its Liberty Bell and unveiled an amped-up tour of the restored state Capitol on Thursday. It was all part of a kickoff to the nation’s 250th anniversary next year — on the 135th for Wyoming statehood.

Renée JeanJuly 11, 2025

Charles Massie

Two More Girls Say Accused Moorcroft Church Molester Also Touched Them

Two more girls have come forward to say a Moorcroft man accused of molesting little girls also allegedly abused them. Charles Massie, who reportedly confessed to a counselor that “I’m the terrible one,” pleaded not guilty Thursday to nine criminal charges.

Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025

Here’s an area in southeastern Montana near the Wyoming border where a wildfire burned through and ignited a coal seam.

Dozens Of New Burning Coal Seams Revealed Across Wyoming’s Northern Border

After an epic 2024 wildfire season burned vast areas across northern Wyoming and southern Montana, dozens of new burning coal seams are being revealed. In Montana, the Remington Fire burned almost 200,000 acres and left more than 100 new coal seam fires.

David MadisonJuly 10, 2025

A pair of state senators sparred at length Wednesday about whether an agency under the governor should audit the Legislative Services Office. Sen. Chris Rothfuss says it violates separation of powers protocols, while Sen. Darin Smith says it doesn't.

Legislators Spar Over Whether Governor’s Agency Should Audit Legislature

A pair of state senators sparred at length Wednesday about whether an agency under the governor should audit the Legislative Service Office. Sen. Chris Rothfuss says it violates separation of powers protocols, while Sen. Darin Smith says it doesn't.

Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson, Wyoming, on July 29. He’ll attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. He's pictured here with wife Usha at a black-tie event in Washington, D.C.

Vice President J.D. Vance To Hobnob In Jackson At Fundraiser For RNC

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Jackson on July 29 to attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee. The announcement came as a surprise to Katherine Rueckert, chair of the Teton County Republican Party.

Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2025

Prometheus Hyperscale, a new data center project in western Wyoming, has hired Wyoming Public Service Commissioner Mary Throne to help it navigate the regulatory environment. Throne starts Aug. 1 and will step down from her role at the PSC.

Wyoming Data Center Hires Public Service Commissioner Mary Throne

Prometheus Hyperscale, a new data center project in western Wyoming, has hired Wyoming Public Service Commissioner Mary Throne to help it navigate the regulatory environment. Throne starts Aug. 1 and will step down from her role at the PSC.

Renée JeanJuly 10, 2025

A Wyoming legislative committee subpoenaed officials from two small towns and a special district Wednesday, over slow progress after problematic audits. Some lawmakers objected to deploying the rarely-used subpoena power.

Wyoming Lawmakers Use Subpoena Power To Demand Answers For Faulty Town Audits

A Wyoming legislative committee voted to subpoena officials from Bear River, Manderson and a special district Wednesday, over slow progress after problematic audits. Some lawmakers objected to deploying the rarely-used subpoena power.  

Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025

The imaging device used during an EP procedure.

Casper’s $7.3M Cardio Lab Will Save People Hours Of Travel For Simple Treatments

A new $7.3 million lab has opened at Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper that targets the electrical part of the heart. It will save central Wyoming heart patients hours of travel, sometimes out of state, to get 15-minute procedures.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 10, 2025

John W. Goodman

Murder Charge Filed 2 Years After Man Found On Reservation With Throat Cut

Two years after a man was found dead with his throat cut on the Wind River Reservation, a Riverton man has been charged in his death. John Goodman, 31, was already in prison when evidence surfaced that he killed Gustave Yellowhair with a machete.

Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025

Casper Mountain Preservation Alliance Chairperson Carolyn Griffith, with megaphone, talks with Casper Mountain supporters opposed to gravel mining during a hike on the state school section last year.

Gravel Mine Developer Appeals State Land Board Denial Of Casper Mountain Leases

The company pushing to mine gravel on state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain isn’t giving up. After the State Land Board denied renewing the leases for Prism Logistics, the company this week filed a judicial appeal of the land board’s decision.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2025

Green River is one of the only places in Wyoming to find midget faded rattlesnakes, which seem to invade the town about this time each year. It’s smaller and rarer than Wyoming’s other species with potent venom. But you can’t kill them; they’re protected.

Venomous — And Legally Protected — ‘Midget’ Rattlers Moving Into Green River

Green River is one of the only places in Wyoming to find midget faded rattlesnakes, which seem to invade the town about this time each year. It’s smaller and rarer than Wyoming’s other species with potent venom. But you can’t kill them; they’re protected.

Andrew RossiJuly 09, 2025

A herd of cattle stand in a pasture as a lightning bolt strikes behind them in this file photo.

Lightning Not Only A Wildfire Threat, It Also Kills A Lot Of Cows And Livestock

People were stunned by the death of a local animal celebrity, Larry the camel, who was stuck and killed by lightning last week but animal deaths from lightning are more common than many people might think. 

Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2025

Phillip Angel Gaspar, 20, of Casper on Wednesday pleaded guilty Wednesday to being drunk and leading police on a high-speed chase at more than 100 mph. He then crashed, nearly killing himself and two passengers.

Casper Man Admits Being Drunk, Fleeing Police At 100 MPH And Crash That Hurt 2

A 20-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Wednesday to being drunk and leading police on a high-speed chase at more than 100 mph. He then crashed, nearly killing himself and two passengers.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2025

Devils Tower is the most famous site in the Bear Lodge Mountains in northeast Wyoming. But the region also is rich in rare earth minerals, attracting mining companies to develop and produce the valuable commodities.

Wyoming’s Exploding Rare Earth Industry Attracts 21 Claims From New Player

Wyoming’s exploding rare earth industry continues to attract attention. The latest is Argyle Resources Corp., which has filed 21 mineral claims in the Bear Lodge Mining District of northeast Wyoming.

David MadisonJuly 09, 2025

Wyoming’s delegation, governor and top education official are hailing a bill that would give the state more options to invest its $5.4 billion education trust fund. Sen. Cynthia Lummis is sponsoring what officials call “a game-changer” for schools.

Lummis Wants To Give Wyoming More Control Of Investing Its $5.4B Education Fund

Wyoming’s delegation, governor and top education official are hailing a bill that would give the state more options to invest its $5.4 billion education trust fund. Sen. Cynthia Lummis is sponsoring what officials call “a game-changer” for schools.

Sean BarryJuly 09, 2025

The last surviving cub of Grizzly 1063 in Grand Teton National Park, seen here with its mom, was trapped and relocated because it was hanging around a settled area. A bear expert said the yearling has good odds of surviving on its own.

Grizzly 1063’s Last Surviving Cub Trapped, Relocated Off On Its Own

The last surviving cub of Grizzly 1063 in Grand Teton National Park was trapped and relocated because it was hanging around a settled area. A bear expert said the yearling has good odds of surviving on its own.

Mark HeinzJuly 09, 2025

A 48-year-old Casper man who vowed “revenge” on an ex-girlfriend, then shot a crossbow bolt through her window, was sentenced Wednesday to up to eight years in prison. Casey Jackson told the court he was sorry, while the prosecutor pointed out he’s a 10-time felon.

Casper Man Who Shot Crossbow Through Ex’s Window Gets Up To 8 Years In Prison

A 48-year-old Casper man who vowed “revenge” on an ex-girlfriend, then shot a crossbow bolt through her window, was sentenced Wednesday to up to eight years in prison. He told the court he was sorry, while the prosecutor pointed out he’s a 10-time felon.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2025

Two women are suing a former Wyoming cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Stewart, on claims they were left mutilated and disfigured. One suffered with a necrotic, ruptured breast and maggots, the lawsuit says, while another had her infected wound “burst open" at work.

Lawsuit Claims Wyoming Cosmetic Surgeon Left Women Mutilated And Disfigured

Two women are suing a former Wyoming cosmetic surgeon and others on claims they were left mutilated and disfigured. One suffered with a necrotic, ruptured breast and maggots, the lawsuit says, while another had her infected wound “burst open" at work.

Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2025

Mary Couch, 70, of Alabama, was identified as the victim in a crash on Interstate 80 outside Rawlins on March 15, 2025.

Ukrainian Trucker Who Killed Another Trucker In Crash Gets 90 Days

A Ukrainian trucker who slid on black ice and crashed into another truck, killing a 70-year-old woman in its sleeper cab, was sentenced Tuesday to 90 days in jail. He also was fined $1,000 under a plea agreement.

Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025

Big Drug Bust Rock Springs 4 7 8 25

2 Men Wanted By ICE Arrested In Wyoming With 80 Pounds Of Illegal Drugs

Two men wanted by ICE were arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol on Saturday with what authorities identified as 80 pounds of illegal drugs. They also had Ecuadorian passports.  

Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025

Raspberry has for years been a favorite among Yellowstone National Park’s grizzlies. Her fans worry that she might have been killed by another bear in June.

Fans Of Popular Yellowstone Grizzly Raspberry Fear Another Bear Killed Her

Fans of Raspberry, one of Yellowstone National Park’s most beloved and popular grizzly bears, fear she’s dead, perhaps killed by another bear.

Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2025

Flames engulf the Wulf family’s shop on Saturday.

Fire Destroys Glenrock Family Shop — And 4-H Supplies For Kids Week Before Fair

The Glenrock, Wyoming, community has rallied around two 4-H families left stunned after a Saturday fire burned a family’s shed to the ground. Everything in the shed was lost, including the feed and supplies for another family’s 4-H kids.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2025

Gabriel Seth Rodgers was caught in Mexico and sent back to Wyoming to face drug-related charges. His eyes were blocked out in these photos by Mexican authorities.

Wyoming Drug Cartel Suspect Who Hid Out In Mexico Gets Plea Deal

A Wyoming man suspected in a sprawling cartel conspiracy accepted a plea deal last week, according to his court file. Authorities say the suspect was hiding out in Mexico after years on the run.

Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2025

A proposal to raise the amount of land Wyomingites must own to qualify for landowner hunting tags is apparently off the table. But hunters worry it could come back for consideration by the Legislature.

Game And Fish Backs Off Unpopular Changes To Landowner Hunting Tags

A proposal to raise the amount of land Wyomingites must own to qualify for landowner hunting tags is apparently off the table. But hunters worry it could come back for consideration by the Legislature.

Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2025

Kay Pope's 7-year-old Palomino Blondie shortly before it disappeared from her pasture near Wheatland. Given how horses behave and the fact nobody's seen her missing horse, she believes someone stole the horse and its newborn colt.

Wheatland Woman Says Very Pregnant Palomino Stolen From Pasture

A very pregnant palomino in a Wheatland pasture may have already given birth when she vanished from her 46-acre pasture. The horse’s owner is convinced the horse didn’t just run off, it — and possibly the foal — were stolen.

Andrew RossiJuly 08, 2025

Daily Features

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First one on the lake. The early bird catches the sunrise on Glendo Reservior 7/9/25
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Kathy Solomon. Kathy writes, "First one on the lake. The early bird catches the sunrise on Glendo Reservior 7/9/25."

Photo by Kathy Solomon

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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Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Can We Get Rid Of Prison Gerrymandering?

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Although the inmates are convicted felons and cannot vote, they are counted as part of the overall population. They have been called 'Wyoming’s ghost constituents.'"

Joan BarronJuly 12, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: The Flood Shows Why We Protect Parental Rights

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “In the real world, parents will fight to the death rather than give up their children to a system that harms them - physically, mentally, or spiritually.”

Jonathan LangeJuly 11, 2025

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Wyoming's Red Desert Is A Vast Deep Sea – It Will Swallow You

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, “Wyoming’s Red Desert is so unique. And it is huge! It can swallow you up. And you will love every minute of it.”

Bill SniffinJuly 10, 2025

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