AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson Dies Unexpectedly

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson died unexpectedly Wednesday. He had served as mayor since 2019. The City Council will meet Tuesday to appoint an interim mayor.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, poses for a photo in her office.

Wyoming’s Influence In Trump’s Energy Plan Grows With Lummis As Western Caucus Chair

A GOP-controlled Congress and Trump administration is paving the way for expanded fossil fuel and energy production. It also paves the way for Wyoming’s influence to grow with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis chairing the Senate Western Caucus.

Sean BarryFebruary 12, 2025

Sheriffs deputies described walking in on a nightmare scene Monday in a home where a mother is suspected of shooting her four children, then herself. A next-door neighbor says they were blindsided and never saw any outward signs the mom was struggling.

No Outward Signs Byron Mom Suspected Of Shooting Kids Was Struggling, Neighbors Say

Sheriffs deputies described walking in on a nightmare scene Monday in a home where a mother is suspected of shooting her four children, then herself. A next-door neighbor says he was blindsided and never saw any outward signs the mom was struggling.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon greets legislators at the begining of the 2025 session at the Capitol in Cheyenne.

Bill Would Create Runoff Elections In Wyoming, Including For Governor

The Wyoming House passed a bill on second reading Tuesday that would create separate runoff elections for the state’s highest elected officials, including governor. A runoff would be triggered if no candidate gets 50% or more of the vote in a primary.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025

The University of Wyoming spending $2 million to run a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl featuring newly minted NFL MVP and UW alum Josh Allen created quite a buzz. But it’s still “too early to say” whether it will pay off in higher enrollments .

UW Says It's “Too Early To Say” Return On $2 Million Josh Allen Super Bowl Ad

The University of Wyoming spent $2 million to run a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl featuring newly minted NFL MVP and UW alum Josh Allen to create a buzz. The university says it's “too early to say” whether the strategy will pay off in higher enrollments.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 11, 2025

Four Rolls-Royce Cullinans and a Spectre were turning heads around Sheridan, Wyoming, this past weekend. Not everyone is a fan of the different kind of high-society cowboy attracted by the town’s annual WYO Winter Rodeo.

Rolls-Royces In Snow Tires: Sheridan Winter Rodeo Attracts Different Kind Of Cowboy

Four Rolls-Royce Cullinans and a Spectre were turning heads around Sheridan, Wyoming, this past weekend. Not everyone is a fan of the different kind of high-society cowboy attracted by the town’s annual WYO Winter Rodeo.

Andrew RossiFebruary 11, 2025

Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, talks about the crumbling La Prele Dam on the House floor Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Legislators: If State’s Paying $90M For New La Prele Dam, Public Needs Access

If $90 million of Wyoming taxpayer money is going toward rebuilding the LaPrele Dam near Douglas, the public should have recreational access to the reservoir, legislators say.

Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025

Temple supreme court 2 11 25

LDS Church Admits Cody Official Gave Bad Advice That Led To Approval Of Temple

An attorney representing the LDS church told the Wyoming Supreme Court on Tuesday that a city official gave bad advice that led to approving a controversial 101-foot steeple for the temple the church is building there.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025

This office building used by Registered Agents Inc. in Sheridan is the official address for about 120,000 LLCs registered in Wyoming, Fremont County Assessor Tara Berg estimates.

Already No. 1 For LLCs, Can Wyoming Attract The Huge Companies Leaving Delaware?

Tesla, Meta, Dropbox are a few of the huge tech companies leaving Delaware for other states like Texas and Nevada. Why not Wyoming, which has surpassed Delaware for No. 1 in business incorporations per capita?

Renée JeanFebruary 11, 2025

Dylan Short faces three felonies and a misdemeanor charge stemming from actions on Feb. 8 where he tried to set himself on fire, blow up gunpowder on a stove, and cut himself with a knife.

Casper Man Who Tried To Blow Himself Up Faces Felony Charges

A 28-year-old Casper man who unsuccessfully tried to blow himself up and challenged a police officer to “shoot me” was charged with three felonies Monday.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 11, 2025

What a pilot sees during a laser strike. A Montana man has been given prison time for pointing lasers at aircraft.

Paranoid Montana Man Draws Prison Time For Pointing Laser At Aircraft

When a Kalispell, Montana, man became convinced he was being followed by low-flying aircraft, he laser-blasted a flight instructor. She used her plane to help police make an arrest, and now he’ll spend 2.5 years in prison.

David MadisonFebruary 11, 2025

During an interview with Cowboy State Daily on Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon said he’d “never say never” about what his political future may hold after finishing his second term in 2026.

Gordon Says “Never Say Never” About Political Future After Second Term

During an interview with Cowboy State Daily on Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon said he’d “never say never” about what his political future may hold after finishing his second term in 2026.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025

A bill that would lift the protected status of Wyoming otters was expanded and advanced Tuesday by a state Senate committee. The new proposal would remove protections for other species, like the pika, black-footed ferret and wolverines.

Lifting Protection For Otters Expanded To Other Species By Senate Committee

A bill that would lift the protected status of Wyoming otters was expanded and advanced Tuesday by a state Senate committee. The new proposal would remove protections for other species, like the black-footed ferret and wolverines.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025

Photo outside home of shooting in Byron, Wyoming, on February 10, 2025

Five Gunshot Victims, Some Dead In Byron Shooting

Law enforcement agents found five gunshot victims at a home in Byron, Wyoming, the Big Horn County sheriff's office announced on Monday. Some were found dead; two were taken to medical care.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2025

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming (left), poses with President Donald Trump along with fellow Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee (second from right) and Katie Britt of Alabama during Trump's trip to the Super Bowl.

Barrasso Says Crowd Loved President Trump At Super Bowl; Taylor Swift -- Not So Much

Sen. John Barrasso went to the Super Bowl with President Trump on Sunday. “One of the highlights was when they showed President Trump on the screen and people cheered, and then they showed Taylor Swift on the screen and people booed," Barrasso told Cowboy State Daily.

Sean BarryFebruary 10, 2025

Troopers 2 10 25

Razor Wire, Drugs And 'Coyotes' - Wyoming Troopers Say Texas Border Problems "Massive"

Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers who went to Texas last summer to assist state patrol and enforce the U.S. border told legislators on Monday that their experiences were eye-opening. “The problems Texas is facing are massive,” one trooper said.  

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2025

Mix Collage 10 Feb 2025 12 47 PM 2889

Steve Harshman Calls Out John Bear For Labeling Legislators as "Lobbyists"

Rep. Steve Harshman criticized fellow lawmaker Rep. John Bear on Monday for an op-ed where Bear labeled some legislators as "lobbyists." Harshman said it was a "reprehensible" accusation and could file a formal complaint.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 10, 2025

Ice agent in jackson 11 26 24

Jackson Newspaper Gives Community A Heads-Up During Active ICE Investigation

A Jackson newspaper announced that an ICE raid was taking place Friday in Jackson Hole, while it was still occurring. One former ICE official called it "bullshit" and a breach of safety and trust. Another said the media is going to report what it thinks is news.  

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2025

Jd williams 2 10 25

Legislator Concerned Property Tax Cuts Will Hurt Wyoming’s Future Generations

State Rep. J.D. Williams, R-Lusk, says he's concerned that his fellow lawmakers aren’t considering Wyoming’s future generations with the way they’re making property tax cuts in this year’s legislative session.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025

Kevin cox 2 10 25

‘Shot Heard ‘Round The World’ Observance To Honor 250th Anniversary Of Revolutionary War

Kevin Cox has organized an event on April 19 where gun owners in all 50 states will fire their guns at the same time on the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, otherwise known as the "Shot Heard 'Round The World."

Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025

Rep. Mike Schmid urged lawmakers to drop the cloud seeding program until it can be studied further

State House Dumps Wyoming Cloud Seeding Program

Citing a lack of evidence that it works, the Wyoming House slashed all funding for the state’s cloud-seeding program on Monday.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 10, 2025

Lost chance 1

The Cabin That’s Almost A Mansion On Last Chance Road In Jackson Hole

For a mere $11.5 million, resort-style life awaits in a cabin that’s almost a mansion in Jackson Hole. With a 720 credit rating and a $2.7 million downpayment, financial calculators put your monthly payments at just $54,000, for a 30-year loan.

Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2025

Carlisle 2 10 25

The American West: Bill Carlisle – Wyoming’s Most Affable Train Robber

Bill Carlisle managed four solo robberies (three in a few months) in his extensive life of crime without injuring anyone. The train robberies promoted him from a common criminal to a newsworthy commodity.

Terry A. Del BeneFebruary 11, 2025

Super cold 1 19 25

Some Daytime High Temperatures In Wyoming This Week Will Be Well Below Zero

Some of the coldest temperatures of the 2024 - 2025 season are heading to Wyoming this week. Some areas of the state will see daytime high temperatures of 20 below zero while overnight low temps could hit negative 30.

Andrew RossiFebruary 10, 2025

Snowplow accident FILE PHOTO

Don’t Crowd The Snowplow During Wyoming’s Whiteouts

So far there have been nine incidents of motorists running into snowplows this year. With big winter storms converging on Wyoming this week, WYDOT is asking drivers to slow down and steer clear of snowplows.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 10, 2025

Freedom Bar, LaBarge, Wyoming

Wyoming: A State For Single Dudes

Wyoming ranks as the state with the third highest ratio of bachelors in the United States. For every 100 single women, 106 unmarried men are milling around. In the early 1900s, there were proposals considered that would tax bachelors to encourage them to get married.

Jen KocherFebruary 09, 2025

A three-month-old baby was returned to its frantic mother on Sunday night in Riverton after a vehicle was stolen, and then abandoned, with the baby in it.

Baby Safe After Car Thief Abandons Vehicle Near Riverton

A three-month-old baby who was in the back of a stolen Ford Escape was returned to its mother on Sunday evening near Riverton after the car thief abandoned the vehicle. The perpetrator has not yet been located.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2025

Wind turbines in Carbon County, Wyoming.

Despite Chilly Climate, It’s Business As Usual For Wind, Solar Energy In Wyoming

Wind and solar energy projects in Wyoming are moving ahead with their projects, despite the recent chill from both federal and state lawmakers. Most of the projects are on private property, project managers say, which helps de-risk the projects.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

Wild Bill Hickok (left), and David Tutt (right)

The American West: Wild Bill Hickok Invents the Old West Showdown

The walk-down, faceoff, quickdraw, showdown gunfight in the street has become an iconic image of the Old West. As far as history can tell us, the whole idea started with one of the Old West’s most famous gunfighters — Wild Bill Hickok.

R.B. MillerFebruary 09, 2025

Sammie Cyrus, a senior at Dubois High School, with wrestling coach Brock Baker.

Dubois Double-Amputee Wrestler Has Made The Most Of His Disadvantages

Sammie Cyrus, a senior at Dubois High School, has won over 100 matches and become an exceptional wrestler despite losing the lower halves of both his legs as a child. With the right mentality and attitude, anything can be overcome, he says.

Andrew RossiFebruary 09, 2025

Debbie Neves is one of many mountain lion hunters who succeeded with the help of hounds. Pursuing mountain lions with hounds remains the most effective way to hunt them.

Are Wyoming Mountain Lions Better At Killing Each Other Than Hunters Are At Killing Them?

The best hunters of mountain lions? Mountain lions. A study of mountain lions in the Snowy Range Mountains suggests that the big cats can control their own population just as well, or better, than hunters can.

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025

Mix Collage 09 Feb 2025 04 16 PM 4476

Special Op Is Being Planned To Rescue An 1893 Tree That’s Part Of Wyoming History

Deep in the most remote area of the Shoshone National Forest is a unique piece of 1893 history, inscribed on a beetle-killed tree and it's is in danger of being lost. A rescue mission is being attempted, but some money might be needed for a helicopter to sling the artifact out.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

Geno 2 9 25

Wyoming Redneck Chronicles, Part 2: Cheyenne Mechanic's .50 Caliber Black Powder Cannon

A fully-functional miniature black powder cannon sounds like the dream of many a Wyoming man’s inner 14-year-old. Cheyenne mechanic Geno Stecks agrees his .50 caliber piece – modeled after a Revolutionary War Naval gun – is an absolute hoot. 

Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2025

Deemo’s Meats in Ennis, Montana, displays its own brand of fresh-made jerky in the meat case.

It's Not Your Imagination: The Jerky Meat Industry Is Exploding

Riverton's Brian Tucker saw the writing on the wall in the booming jerky industry. His company, which focuses on the do-it-yourself jerky-makers, is one of the largest in the world. It's a $6 billion industry and could grow to $10 billion in the next 7 years.  

David MadisonFebruary 09, 2025

Mikenna and ticks – Mikenna Smith, an entomologist at Teton County Weed and Pest in Jackson, holds an American dog tick.

Oh Yay. There's A New Type Of Tick In Wyoming.

Wyoming already had three well-known ticks that are harmful to humans in the state: The Rocky Mountain wood tick, brown dog tick and a soft tick. Now, it's got a fourth. The American Dog Tick is here and seems to be concentrated in Sheridan County.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 09, 2025

When LeAnn Baker of Worland, Wyoming, found this stone in her gravel that was hauled in, Google told her it was a magic hag stone. However, local archaeologist, Mike Bies, said it might be an artifact called a spindle whorl.

A Rock Found In Worland Could Be Magic Or An Ancient Tool 

When LeAnn Baker found a rock with a smooth hole in the middle, she was told it was a magic hag stone. However, archaeologist Mike Beis said it was most likely a spindle whorl, a simple tool used by Indian tribes for centuries. 

Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2025

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise 2 12 25
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Francis Grupp in Alpine. Francis writes, "Watching the sky burn with color, I felt a deep sense of peace. The mountains stood dark against the fire of morning, a reminder of Wyoming’s raw beauty."

Photo by Francis Grupp

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

View all
Rod miller campfire 4 23 24

Rod Miller: Goat Ropin’ In Gaza For Trump – A Campfire Parable

The sultry Mediterranean night made the cowhands sit waaay back from the campfire. The hot hamoun wind made them swap their Tony Lamas for sandals, and their sweaty stetsons for sweaty keffiyehs. All in all, they were not pleased to be herding goats in Gaza.

Rod MillerFebruary 09, 2025

Cassie craven 8 22 24

Cassie Craven:  A Wild Week in the Wyoming Legislature

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “A few remnants of the failed and governor-supported ‘Wyoming Caucus’ are kicking and screaming while the majority of the House pushes toward government reform.”

Cassie CravenFebruary 09, 2025

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: A Revised Tax Reform Bill Is A Test For Local Governments

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "What stood out was the lack of trust many legislators have with their local governments in regard to spending. There were no claims of fraud, just overspending or maybe not being transparent about where the money goes."

Joan BarronFebruary 08, 2025

Newsletter

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all