Features Reporter

Andrew Rossi

Andrew Rossi is a features reporter for Cowboy State Daily based in northwest Wyoming. He covers everything from horrible weather and giant pumpkins to dinosaurs, astronomy, and the eccentricities of Yellowstone National Park.

Previously, Rossi was the News Director for Big Horn Basin Media in Cody. He earned several awards from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, including multiple awards for Best News Reporter and Best News Talk Show.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Rossi previously worked at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. He has collaborated with Disney/Pixar, the BBC, The Washington Post, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and several other national and international media outlets. He is also a cofounder of The Cody Theatre Company in Cody.

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Latest from Andrew Rossi

Crews have been working 24/7 on a permanent fix for Teton Pass, which had a catastrophic failure this past summer.

WYDOT Working 24/7 To Rebuild Mountain Under Teton Pass

The new Teton Pass will look just like the old one before it collapsed this past summer. WYDOT is working 24/7 to rebuild the mountain underneath Highway 22, this time with steel reinforcements set in bedrock and several drain systems.

Andrew RossiNovember 18, 2024

Powell resident Dave Varkony got this photo of a “ridiculously cool” rope could hovering over Heart Mountain on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.

“Ridiculously Cool” Rope Cloud Spotted Hovering Over Heart Mountain

When Powell resident Dave Varkony stepped outside at sunrise Sunday, he saw a "rope cloud" hovering over Heart Mountain. Meteorologist Don Day says these clouds are usually much wider and are a well-known source of turbulence.

Andrew RossiNovember 18, 2024

Jessica Lippincott grew up as an only child in Wyoming and didn't know she was "donor-conceived" until she did a DNA test in 2017. Now, she's one of 50 half-siblings who have embraced each other as an extended family.

Thermopolis Woman Grew Up As Only Child, Now She’s One Of 50 Siblings

Jessica Lippincott grew up as an only child in Wyoming and didn't know she was "donor-conceived" until she did a DNA test in 2017. Last week, she told an audience for the first time that she is one of 50 half-siblings who have embraced each other as an extended family.

Andrew RossiNovember 17, 2024

Wyoming Whiskey Celebrating Life Of Grizzly 399 With New Limited Edition Bourbon

To commemorate the life of Grizzly 399, Wyoming Whiskey is creating a new limited edition bourbon. They say the dominant flavor is white chocolate mocha, with notes of red fruit and rich brown sugar while the finish has lingering hints of candied ginger and soft vanilla. Less than 720 bottles will be made.

Andrew RossiNovember 17, 2024

The annual Stop Sign Snow Challenge is on again. Over the coming months, participants will watch as snow creeps up this stop sign on Togwotee Pass. Left, the sign as of Friday. Right, late in the season during a past contest.

When Will Remote Stop Sign On Togwotee Pass Get Buried By Snow?

Guessing if and when snow will bury a remote Wyoming stop sign on Togwotee Pass has become an annual winter spectator sport. The contest is on again, and people have until midnight Sunday to submit their guesses.

Andrew RossiNovember 16, 2024

Mark and Mary Nelson with their grandchildren and daughters, Maggie Haron and Sadie Howard. Hippie Cow Creamery has become a full-time family business selling raw, unpasteurized milk to families in Cody and northwest Wyoming.

Cody's Hippie Cow Creamery Started With 1 Cow And Off-The-Wall Attitude

Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody started with one Jersey cow and an off-the-wall attitude. Their raw, unpasteurized milk business is exploding, and the family is as quirky as ever -- singing to their cows, dancing with their cows, and making farm-inspired music videos.

Andrew RossiNovember 16, 2024

A woman in Salt Lake City climbed onto a high-voltage transformer, prompting power to be shut off to more than 800 homes.

Utah Woman Climbs On High-Voltage Substation, Causes Power Outage

800 homes in Salt Lake City lost power on Thursday when a woman bypassed security fencing and climbed onto the high-voltage bushings of a substation transformer. A similar incident happened in Cody, Wyoming, except it was caused by raccoons.

Andrew RossiNovember 15, 2024

The new Swinging Bridge over the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming, is open to traffic nine months early.

Jackson's New Swinging Bridge Open 9 Months Early, Still Doesn’t Really Swing

A new replacement of the historic Swinging Bridge crossing the Snake River south of Jackson, Wyoming, is finished nine months early. And like the original, the bridge doesn’t actually swing.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2024

A supermoon hovers low to the horizon with Devils Tower in the foreground in this file photo.

Last Of Rare 4 Straight Supermoons In 2024 To Hover Over Wyoming

Friday night's beaver moon will be the last of four consecutive supermoons to loom over Wyoming in 2024. There won't be another for nearly a year, so see it while it's still bigger and brighter.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2024

No More Funky, Worn-Out Mattresses Allowed In The Rock Springs Landfill

The trashman in Rock Springs, Wyoming, won’t pick up old, worn-out and funkified mattresses anymore, and the local landfill won’t take them. People now have to drop them off for recycling.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2024

By the time he died in 1917, Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody was actually a general.

By The Time He Died, Col. Buffalo Bill Cody Was Actually A General

Wyoming Gov. John Kendrick promoted Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody to the rank of general in 1915. One of the world’s most famous self-promoters, he never hyped up his promotion before he died in 1917.

Andrew RossiNovember 11, 2024

A model of a saber-toothed cat attacking a giant ground sloth the George C. Page Museum. Both of these Ice Age mammals lived in areas with leafy trees and bushes, which didn't grow in the arid climate that existed in northern Wyoming 30,000 years ago.

Ground Sloths And Saber-Toothed Cats Didn't Like Wyoming 30,000 Years Ago

Natural Trap Cave near Lovell is one of the best Ice Age fossil sites in the world, but its lack of saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths tells paleontologists that those Californians never relocated to Wyoming.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2024

Other Authors

"The Green Machine" prototype Cody, Wyoming, native Thomas E. Osborne invented in 1964. It became known as the world's first personal computer and led to a line of breakthroughs in bringing computing power to the masses, getting smaller and more powerful with each generation of machines.

World's First "Personal Computer" Was Built By A Cody High School Grad

Hewlett-Packard's 9100A, the world's first personal computer, was based on a prototype built by Tom Osborne of Cody. Called “The Green Machine,” it became fully functional on Christmas Eve, 1964. His prototype revolutionized the industry.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2024

Even more than a decade after coming across a creepy abandoned complex in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming's Red Desert, Kenneth Driese says he's still creeped out by the almost horror movie-like vibes it exudes.

Creepy Abandoned Complex In Wyoming’s Red Desert Could Be Out Of A Horror Movie

Wyoming photographer Ken Driese has come across a lot of abandoned places in his treks across the Red Desert. But one place left him spooked. He stayed just long enough to get photos and then "got the hell out of there."

Andrew RossiNovember 09, 2024

About a month before it was close, Wyoming photographer Tim Doolan hiked to the deck of the Black Mountain Lookout, at 9,400 feet elevation one of the highest points in the Bighorn Range. He captured stunning drone video and photos of the panoramic view. The lookout itself, however, has been shuttered for decades, and now the deck also is closed for repairs.

Black Mountain Lookout: The Best View In The Bighorns Has Seen Better Days

The 84-year-old Black Mountain Fire Lookout sits at an elevation of 9,400 feet and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Wyoming’s northern Bighorns. Although it's been boarded up for decades, the Forest Service is hoping it can be fixed and opened to the public.

Andrew RossiNovember 09, 2024

The marquee on the historic Cody Theatre would fall off the face of the building if it weren't wired on. It needs some serious repair, but needs clearance from the city and state to do it.

Marquee On Historic 87-Year-Old Cody Theatre Is Slowly Falling Off

The historic 87-year-old Cody Theatre’s slumping marquee is slowly falling off and is being held in place with wires. To fix it permanently, the building’s owner needs permits from the city of Cody and state of Wyoming.

Andrew RossiNovember 06, 2024

House District 29: Incumbent Pendergraft Has Big Lead In Sheridan County

Republican Ken Pendergraft was on his way to winning another term representing House District 29 in Sheridan County late Tuesday. He had 72% of the vote with more than a third of the votes counted.

Andrew RossiNovember 06, 2024

House District 4: Haroldson Easily Reelected, Gets 76% Of Platte County Vote

Republican Jeremy Haroldson was easily reelected to the Wyoming House District 4 seat, getting 76% of the vote in Platte County on Tuesday.

Andrew RossiNovember 06, 2024

The Orionid meteor shower is one of four that will be visible over Wyoming throughout November.

Wyoming's Night Skies Will Be "Bombarded" With Four November Meteor Showers

Four meteor showers are all active or reaching their peaks during the month of November. That means Wyoming’s night skies will be “bombarded” with meteors and fireballs for the entire month.

Andrew RossiNovember 05, 2024

Cloud Of Cold To Envelop Wyoming, Plunge Temperatures Into Single Digits

A winter weather system enveloping Wyoming won't cover the Cowboy State with a lot of snow. But overnight temperatures could plunge into the single digits overnight Tuesday and Wednesday.

Andrew RossiNovember 05, 2024

The water in a thermal pool bubbles in Yellowstone National Park, which sits atop a supervolcano.

Why A Far-Fetched NASA Idea To Cool Yellowstone’s Supervolcano Would Never Work

NASA scientists concocted an idea a decade ago to save the world from a civilization-ending eruption of the supervolcano underneath Yellowstone National Park. Although volcanologists shot it down, scientists are still talking about it.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Abyss Pool in the West Thumb Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park is getting hotter and changing colors, which scientists say may indicate it's building up to violently erupt. Then again, it may not.

Yellowstone’s Abyss Pool Is Getting Hotter, Changing Colors And Could Explode

Abyss Pool in the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is getting hotter and changing colors. Scientists say the pool, where a human foot was found floating two years ago, could erupt violently in the near future.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Lynnette Turner-Parry sings "What A Wonderful World" during a candlelight vigil for Grizzly 399 on Nov. 2, 2024, in Jackson, Wyoming.

Mourners From Across Country Attend Candlelight Vigil For Grizzly 399 In Jackson

Mourners gathered in Jackson's Public Square on Saturday night to attend a candlelight vigil for Grizzly 399. “I’ve cried every night since she died,” said a woman who traveled from Oregon.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Steam rises from the various hydrothermal features at the Fountain Paint Pots geyser basin on July 31, 2024, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

If Iceland Can Tap Volcano For Energy, Would That Work In Yellowstone?

Scientists will be drilling a 1.3-mile-deep borehole into an active volcano to tap into the potentially limitless energy from the magma underneath Iceland. The same could work in Yellowstone but will likely never happen.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Work progresses on a massive $118 million project to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge in the national park. The new bridge will be 180 feet tall and 1,285 feet long.

Yellowstone's New 180-Foot-Tall, 1,285-Foot-Long Bridge Set To Open In 2025

The $118 million project to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge requires "an orchestra of coordination." But the new 180-foot-tall, 1,285-foot-long bridge could be open to traffic by the end of 2025.

Andrew RossiNovember 02, 2024

An image from a panel discussion with the makers of the "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons" documentary livestreamed by PBS Nature on Oct. 30, 2024. They discussede the life and legacy of the world's most famous bear.

"Queen of the Tetons" Team Celebrates Grizzly 399 As A Pioneer And Teacher

The biologists and filmmakers behind the Nature documentary "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons" celebrated her life and legacy during Wednesday livestream.

Andrew RossiOctober 31, 2024

The wet snow that fell overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday was too much for some tree branches around Gillette.

Wyoming Storm Dumps Wet, Heavy Snow, Sets Moisture Records

A winter weather system that moved across Wyoming through Wednesday dumped a lot of wet, heavy snow across much of Wyoming. In Wright, 13 inches fell, while Casper and Worland set moisture records.

Andrew RossiOctober 30, 2024

These giant skeletons in front of a house on 9th Street don't seem to mind the snow falling in Casper on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Wyoming Weather: Expect Halloween To Be Bone-Chilling And Breezy

The forecast for Halloween isn't too scary, although temperatures after sunset will be in the 20s and 30s once trick-or-treating starts. There also will be mild breezes and a low chance of witch-melting precipitation.

Andrew RossiOctober 29, 2024

Daniel Cantone is a super fan of the blockbuster movie "The Hunt for Red October." He now owns the Red October, the title Soviet attack submarine featured in the movie — at least an 11-foot model used to make the film. He's pictured here with his son, Thomas.

Powell Man Buys Model Submarine Used In The Hunt For Red October

A Powell man got into a bidding war in an online auction but was ultimately successful in purchasing the 11-foot model of the Red October used in the 1990 blockbuster movie “The Hunt For Red October." He also purchased a model of the Soviet submarine and another prop used in the movie.

Andrew RossiOctober 28, 2024

Traffic drives through a Wyoming snowstorm on Interstate 80.

Blast Of Winter Will Dump Several Inches Of Snow Across Parts Of Wyoming This Week

The latest weather system will diagonally slice from southwest to northeast Wyoming beginning Monday night. The blast of winter weather will dump several inches of snow across parts of the state this week.

Andrew RossiOctober 28, 2024

Greg and Tammy Poley of Cody are selling this historic cabin on their property that may have once been part of Marquette, aka "Wyoming Atlantis," which now is submerged under Buffalo Bill Reservoir.

Cody Couple Selling Historic Cabin Thought To Be Part Of "Wyoming Atlantis"

The couple was told the small, historic cabin on their Cody property came from Marquette, aka "Wyoming Atlantis,” a town submerged under Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The couple will only sell it to someone who respects the cabin’s history.

Andrew RossiOctober 27, 2024

Yellowstone To Remove 1,375 Bison, But Some Say It Should Be More, Not Less

Yellowstone will remove 1,375 bison through its Interagency Bison Management Plan. It's part of an ongoing effort to limit bison numbers that some say is driven by political pressure, and that the park should have more bison, not less.

Andrew RossiOctober 27, 2024

After it was dug up near Shell, Wyoming, in the early 1990s, Ardetosaurus viator, a 74-foot-long dinosaur, survived a fire at a German museum before finally being revealed as a new species.

74-Foot-Long Wyoming Dino Burned In A Fire Revealed As A New Species

The newest Wyoming dinosaur, an Ardetosaurus viator which was discovered near Shell, had to cross an ocean and go through a fire before being recognized as a new species. Luckily, after 147 million years, its time has come.

Andrew RossiOctober 26, 2024

There's another month until Thanksgiving, but a Nevada rancher is giving thanks after totaling a wild Wyoming turkey near Devils Tower. That’s because the bird that got stuck in his grill didn’t cause any serious damage.

Nevada Rancher Totals Wild Turkey With Toyota Near Devils Tower

There's another month until Thanksgiving, but a Nevada rancher is giving thanks after totaling a wild Wyoming turkey near Devils Tower. His truck didn’t suffer any serious damage. The same can't be said for the turkey.

Andrew RossiOctober 25, 2024

Could Grizzly 399 be cremated, if that's what's determined to be done with her body? Absolutely, says Paul Davis, owner of Yellowstone Pet Cremations in Powell, Wyoming. He's cremated animals of all sizes, including horses. Above is 399 and a crematorium apparatus at Davis' operation.

Grizzly 399 Could Be Cremated; Cody Crematorium Explains How It's Done

Paul Davis, owner of Yellowstone Pet Cremations in Powell, said he has the capacity to cremate Grizzly 399 — if that’s what’s decided to be done. His business has worked with the Fish & Wildlife Service to dispose of the remains of other protected species.

Andrew RossiOctober 25, 2024

Fish And Wildlife Service Has Grizzly 399’s Body, Now Determining What To Do With It

The Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday said it has possession of Grizzly 399’s body and is in the "early stages of determining the next steps.” Fans of the fallen grizzly told Cowboy State Daily they want some kind of memorial for the bear.

Andrew RossiOctober 24, 2024

This huge Quarter Pounder was installed at a McDonald's in Rapid City, South Dakota, in February 2020. It was created by Utah artist Raymond Gibby.

Wyoming-Made Pedestal Holds Up Mammoth 11.50-Ton Quarter Pounder

A mammoth 11.5-ton Quarter Pounder outside a South Dakota McDonald’s was made by a Utah sculptor and is a selfie magnet. It’s held up by a huge Wyoming-made granite pedestal, and both artists say it’s the weirdest project they’ve ever done.

Andrew RossiOctober 23, 2024

Father and son hunters Jason and Ben Koperski, right, saved Phil Bollinger after he became stuck under his motorcycle in a culvert.

Man Stuck Under Crashed Motorcycle Near Encampment Saved By Hunters

Two hunters saved a man's life last week near Encampment when they spotted the tip of a cowboy boot being waved from a culvert. It was a motorcyclist who had crashed and was trapped under his bike. "I’m alive to talk about it today because they stopped," he said.

Andrew RossiOctober 22, 2024

The auroras over Wyoming this year have been stunning and plentiful. And Pinedale photographer Dave Bell loves it. He said there's not aurora overload for him.

Astrophotographers, Climatologists Say 2024 Best Year Ever For Auroras And Best Is Yet To Come

Although it's been a bumper year for aurora activity, astrophotographers and climatologists aren't bored with the activity. Anything but. They still get thrilled by the northern lights and say the best is yet to come.

Andrew RossiOctober 22, 2024

After a cold front moved through much of Wyoming near the end of last week, meteorologist Don Day says to expect "roller coaster" weather for the rest of October, and a chilly Halloween. It was near 70 in Cheyenne on Monday, and people were out enjoying the sun at Sloan Lake.

Don Day Says Expect A “Roller Coaster” Of Weather, And A Chilly Halloween

Meteorologist Don Day says that after last week's blast of winter weather, Wyoming can expect a “roller coaster rebound” of weather for the rest of October. And a cold Halloween will likely mean kids will have to bundle up for trick-or-treating.

Andrew RossiOctober 21, 2024

Spirit Cave Went From National Attraction To An Abandoned Hole In A Mountain

Buffalo Bill Cody wanted Spirit Mountain Cave to be a huge draw for Wyoming, and President Taft made it a national monument. But the labyrinth of caverns never reached its potential and now is just an abandoned hole in a mountain.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2024

A dead pack rat dubbed Packy Le Pew found in Wyoming's Natural Trap Cave in 2015, a year after the rodent corpse was discovered.

Scientists Learn A Lot Watching A Pack Rat Rot In Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave

When paleontologists uncovering Ice Age fossils in Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave found the remains of a modern pack rat, they didn’t throw it away. Instead, they gave it a name "Packy Le Pew,” and studied it as it decomposed.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2024

Paleontologists examine the Allosaurus snout in the fossil preparation lab at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Perfectly Preserved Wyoming Allosaur Snout Excites Dinosaur Researchers

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is all smiles after recovering an Allosaurus snout from the Jurassic Mile near Lovell, Wyoming. What has them most excited is its 150-million-year-old perfectly preserved teeth.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

Glenn Storrs stands in front of a Triceratops skull in the fossil prep lab at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Fossils of unknown horned dinosaurs have been found by his students doing fieldwork in the Almond Formation in southwest Wyoming and could potentially belong to new species.

Cincinnati Museum Searching For Dinosaurs In Little-Known Almond Formation In SW Wyoming

The Cincinnati Museum Center has spent several summers combing through the Almond Formation in southwest Wyoming. Tiny pieces of dinosaurs are being found in an overlooked and untapped formation from 71 million years ago.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

Veterinarian Ray Acker with Sheldon, a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise, after he rescued the fugitive tortoise and drove him a mile back to his home in Wapiti.

Wapiti Tortoise Escapes, Makes It A Mile Uphill Before Jailbreak Is Discovered

Sheldon, a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise, escaped his outdoor habitat in Wapiti, Wyoming. He trudged a mile uphill into the mountains before his jailbreak was discovered and he was brought home.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

The least-used entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Southwest Entrance (aka Cascde Corner or the Bechler Entrance) is a dirt road that leads to some spectacular waterfalls and a historic Army outpost.

Yellowstone’s Least-Used Entrance Leads To Waterfalls, Historic Army Outpost

Yellowstone refers to the Bechler region as the park’s least traveled entrance because it is so far from any developed areas inside or outside the park. The dirt road barely shows up on some maps, but leads to stunning waterfalls, fields of blue meadows, and an historic Army outpost.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

A new “Welcome to Wyoming” sign is being installed along highways around the state. The new signs are bold, colorful and designed to look like a post card — perfect for photos and selfies.

New “Welcome to Wyoming” Signs Going Up; Old Signs Will Be Sold At Auction

A new “Welcome to Wyoming” sign is being installed along highways around the state. The old signs will be sold at an upcoming auction and, in the past, have sold for as high as $10,000 per sign.

Andrew RossiOctober 17, 2024

Snow is falling on the Pack Trail Fire and Togwotee Pass on Highway 26 west of Dubois in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Winter Storm Expected To Bring Snow To Most Of Wyoming By The Weekend

A winter storm moving across Wyoming is already dropping snow on the massive Pack Trail and Elk fires in northern Wyoming. By the time it’s done, most of Wyoming is expected to see some snow.

Andrew RossiOctober 17, 2024

A crew of firefighters working the Pack Trail Fire in northwest Wyoming.

Winter Finally Coming, With Desperately Needed Snow For Huge Wyoming Wildfires

A wave of winter weather will finally hit Wyoming to close out the week. It will bring some desperately needed snow to help the 1,500 firefighters battling the huge Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Andrew RossiOctober 14, 2024

"Sunrise in Wapiti, Wyoming, on October 10, 2024."

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, October 13, 2024

Sunny across Wyoming on Sunday. Smoky in some areas. Highs from the low 60s to the mid 70s. Lows mostly in the 30s.

Andrew RossiOctober 13, 2024

The Great Turtle Shield petroglyph that was carved out of the rock face at the Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site in Fremont County in 1940. It was surprisingly and mysteriously donated to the Wyoming State Museum a year later.

How Wyoming Ranchers Rescued A 1,500-Year-Old Petroglyph Vandals Chiseled Out Of Cliff Wall

The Great Turtle Shield, a priceless 1,500-year-old rock carving was chiseled away from Wyoming's Castle Garden Petroglyph Site in 1940. Furious ranchers let it be known if it wasn't found, "legs would be broken." Shortly thereafter, it was anonymously recovered.

Andrew RossiOctober 12, 2024

Two Ocean Creek in Wyoming's Teton Wilderness is the only body of water on the planet that splits and flows into both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Wyoming's Two Ocean Creek Is Only Body Of Water That Flows Into Atlantic And Pacific

Parting of the Waters deep in the Teton Wilderness is a uniquely Wyoming wonder where Two Ocean Creek splits, flowing into both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It’s the only body of water on the planet to do that.

Andrew RossiOctober 12, 2024

Once-In-Humanity Comet Will Look Brighter Than Venus And Mercury On Saturday

Comet Tsuchinshan – ATLAS, aka "the green comet," will make its closest approach to Earth 30 minutes after sunset Saturday. It’ll be brighter than Venus and Mercury over Wyoming, and it could be a once-in-humanity chance to see it.

Andrew RossiOctober 10, 2024

Sun coming up over Skyline Drive in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Cooler Temps Ahead As Autumn Weather Will Finally Arrive On Oct. 18

Cowboy State Daily metereologist Don Day says Oct. 18 is the day when the jet stream will get un-stuck and bring Wyoming much cooler temperatures and maybe even some precipitation.

Andrew RossiOctober 10, 2024

Jill Valley of KPAX news in Missoula, Montana, was at Steamboat Geyeser in Yellowstone National Park to capture video of one of its infrequent eruptions on Oct. 7, 2024.

Steamboat, World’s Largest Geyser, Erupts For Fifth Time This Year

Steamboat Geyser, the largest in Yellowstone and the world, erupted for the fifth time this year Monday. After six years of active eruptions, volcanologists say Steamboat seems to be losing some steam.

Andrew RossiOctober 09, 2024

A glitch in the software of this electronic sign at Alpine Animal Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming, shows it's minus 196 degrees there in January 2024. If true, it would by far be the coldest place ever recorded on the planet.

No More “Wind Chill” In Wyoming’s Winter Weather Warnings, It’s “Extreme Cold”

The National Weather Service is getting rid of “wind chill” in its winter weather warnings, which sounds like good news for windy Wyoming. But it’s not going away, it’s just renaming the index as “extreme cold.”

Andrew RossiOctober 08, 2024

The windshield of this Chevy Suburban caved in but otherwise withstood the impact of a 20-pound turkey at 70 mph.

What Happens When A 20-Pound Turkey Flies Into A Car Going 70MPH

Clara Maslak and her family were driving from Powell to Cody when a 20-pound turkey flew across the highway and smashed into their Suburban. A windshield repairman said he's never seen that level of devastation caused by a turkey. RIP bird.

Andrew RossiOctober 06, 2024

Old Faithful swimming pool and bath house as it appeared from 1914 through 1933.

For Decades, Visitors Could Swim In Old Faithful Waters For 50 Cents

From 1914 through 1951, the Old Faithful bathhouse and swimming pool was a huge attraction. Visitors could swim in the same geothermal waters erupting from Yellowstone geysers for 50 cents.

Andrew RossiOctober 06, 2024

October has started like September ended across most of Wyoming — hotter and drier than it's been in decades on average. Wednesday it still felt like summer for people enjoying the sunshine in Cody.

September Was Hottest, Driest In Decades, But Wyoming Can Still Expect A Cold Winter

September was the hottest, driest in decades across much of Wyoming. But Don Day says to still expect a colder, snowier than average winter.

Andrew RossiOctober 02, 2024

Ralph and Juana Laub celebrate their Utah record 2,289-pound pumpkin.

Utah Couple Grow Record-Breaking 2,289-Pound Pumpkin From A Wyoming Seed

Ralph and Juana Laub set a new Utah record over the weekend with a giant 2,289-pound pumpkin. The humongous squash was grown from a Wyoming seed provided by Cheyenne’s Andy and Amy Corbin.

Andrew RossiSeptember 30, 2024

Balloons get ready to launch for the 2024 Gordon Bennett Cup in Munster, Germany.

Wyoming Weather Guru Don Day Helps Team USA At Europe’s Oldest Aviation Race

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day was part of Team USA in the oldest gas balloon race in the world. His job was to read and predict the weather so the balloonists could catch the best wind currents.

Andrew RossiSeptember 29, 2024

Fall colors peaking along Barber Lake Road in Albany County on Sept. 26, 2024

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, September 29, 2024

Sunny in Wyoming on Sunday with Red Flag Warnings across most of the state. Highs from the low 80s to the high 90s and lows from the mid 30s to the mid 50s.

Andrew RossiSeptember 29, 2024

The restored "Nifty Niner" diner on a private ranch near Cody. The diner sits among several pieces of automotive history collected and restored by Ken Quintiliani, a vintage vehicle enthusiast who spends his days repairing and restoring cars and collecting vintage signs.

Classic Cody Diner Had Become A Chicken Coop, Now Restored To Its 1950s Glory

A classic Cody, Wyoming, stainless steel diner spent decades feeding people under many owners and names. Now it’s been restored to its 1950s glory after it was rescued from being someone’s chicken coop.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

The annual Wyoming Pumpkin Drop is Oct. 5, and this year's target isn't a vehicle. It's a giant 8-foot Wile E. Coyote.

This Year’s Wyoming Giant Pumpkin Drop To Obliterate 8-Foot Wile E. Coyote

The highlight of the annual Wyoming State Champion Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is dropping 1,000-pound pumpkins from 200-feet up and watching them explode -- and destroy things like cars, RVs and pianos. At this year’s event on Oct. 5, an 8-foot Wile E. Coyote will be obliterated.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

Belgian Pool in Yellowstone National Park.

Inside Yellowstone: Belgian Pool Named For Tourist From Belgium Who Fell In And Died

When Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, Belgian Pool was known as Oyster Spring. It was renamed to Belgian Pool in 1929, when a newspaper editor from Belgium fell in the 180 degree water and died.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

Hunters take heed: Bears with huge appetites are roaming the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem eating everything and anything they can get. It’s more than just the bears being gluttons, because not bulking up enough this time of year can mean life or death for the bruins.

Yellowstone Bears Are In Pig-Out Mode, Eating 20,000 Calories A Day

With hibernation right around the corner, the bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are in full-on pig-out mode, eating 20,000 calories a day. That means it's more dangerous for people visiting their habitat. Nobody wants to run into a hangry grizzly in the fall.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

The plains burned after the House Draw Fire moved through the area off Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road.

Nearly 600,000 Acres Have Burned During Wyoming’s Powder-Keg Summer

Much of Wyoming has been a powder keg for wildfires this summer, with nearly 600,000 acres burned in the northeast part of the state — 13 times more than last summer.

Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiSeptember 27, 2024

Cody Museum Gets One-Of-A-Kind Andy Warhol Custer Portrait

The museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody has acquired a one-of-a-kind portrait of Gen. George Armstrong Custer created by pop artist Andy Warhol. The colorful portrait is a huge get for the Whitney Western Art Museum.

Andrew RossiSeptember 26, 2024

UPS driver Cary Lambert found this suitcase along I-80 near Buford, Wyoming. He took it home and tracked down who lost it, a Colorado kid who got some of his prized possessions back.

UPS Driver Tracks Down Colorado Kid Who Lost Suitcase Along I-80 In Wyoming

When UPS driver Cary Lambert saw a suitcase along I-80 near Buford, Wyoming, on his daily route, he stopped to pick it up. When he saw it was full of a child's belongings including a shirt from an elementary school in Colorado, he was able to get in touch with the child's family and get it back to them.

Andrew RossiSeptember 26, 2024

Along the Bighorn River, four miles north of Thermopolis.

Wyoming Simmering In September With Temps 20 Degrees Above Average

Most of Wyoming is flirting with record high temperatures in the 80s and 90s, as much as 20 degrees above average. Meteorologist Don Day says this weekend will be the "peak opportunity" to view fall foliage.

Andrew RossiSeptember 25, 2024

Climbing Community Hit “Hard” By Death Of Devils Tower Climber

News of a climber falling to his death Sunday at Devils Tower has hit the climbing community “pretty hard.” A Gillette climber who’s tackled Devils Tower nearly 150 times says even “easy” routes take skill and attention.

Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2024

Climber Dies After Fall From Devils Tower, Partner Rescued

A 21-year-old climber from Wisconsin died after a fall while climbing Devils Tower on Sunday. He was climbing with a partner, who became stranded and was rescued.

Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2024

Auctioneer Troy Black goads a patron into taking another look (and making another bid) at "The Things We've Handed Down" by David Dibble. The painting sold for $18,000. Angela M. "Gigi" Hawks holding painting.

Here’s The Top-Selling Art From The $1.25 Million Buffalo Bill Art Show And Sale

After two days of live and silent auctions, this past weekend’s Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale brought in at least $1.25 million. Here are the top-dollar pieces that sold for the most.

Andrew RossiSeptember 23, 2024

A bid comes in for "Red Cliffs" by Blake Neubert. The painting sold for $9,000.

Cody's Buffalo Bill Art Show Sale Hits $1 Million In One Night

The Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody, Wyoming, hit $1 million in sales on Friday night, a first for the 43rd annual event. During Friday’s auction, the two highest-selling pieces each sold for $42,500.

Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2024

The Crossings assisting living resident Marklyn Lynn turned 100 this past spring, so as a late birthday presnent the facility arranged for her to check off her last bucket list item — to go ziplining.

100-Year-Old Woman Celebrates Birthday By Ziplining In Montana Mountains

Douglas resident Chris Lynn went to Red Lodge, Montana, to celebrate his mother’s 100th birthday in April. Last weekend, he received a video showing his mother's belated birthday present: ziplining high above the forest floor outside of Gardiner.

Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2024

Morning Glory Pool Used To Be Brilliant Blue Until Tourists Ruined It

Morning Glory Pool near Old Faithful was once one of the most beautiful thermal pools in Yellowstone National Park. It was a brilliant clear blue, but lost its color after decades of tourists throwing stuff in it.

Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2024

Brief: Man Survives Bear Attack In Glacier National Park, Then Walks A Mile To Helicopter

A 35-year-old man was attacked by a bear while hiking in Glacier National Park on Thursday. The injured man then walked a full mile to where a helicopter extricated him to safety.

Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2024

California House Cat Lost In Yellowstone Makes It Home 800 Miles Away

Only Rayne Beau, a house cat from Salinas, California, knows how he survived 60 days on his own and traveled 800 miles from Yellowstone National Park to a shelter in Roseville, California, about 200 miles from home.

Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2024

Winter hit the Beartooth Highway in northwest Wyoming full-force overnight Wednesday, with 4-5 inches of snow that drived to 4 feet in spots. The highway had been closed in anticipation of the storm.

Wacky Wyoming Weather: 4-Foot Snowdrifts On Beartooth Highway, 80 In Cheyenne

Snowplows cleared 4-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway on Thursday morning after a storm dropped 5 inches in Wyoming’s high country. Meanwhile, the forecast calls for sun and a high of 80 in Cheyenne.

Andrew RossiSeptember 19, 2024

Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway Is A Great September Drive — When It’s Open

The Beartooth Highway that snakes through northwest Wyoming and southern Montana is a spectacular drive during September — when it’s open. Weather makes it the best, and worst, month for people searching for stunning scenic views.

Andrew RossiSeptember 18, 2024

A supermoon shines bright over the shoulder of the Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne on Tuesday night, Sept. 17, 2024.

Huge Supermoon Peaks Over Wyoming, Still Time To See It

Tuesday night's huge supermoon peaked over Wyoming with a partial lunar eclipse to boot. But it's not over. There's still time to see it over the next couple of nights.

Andrew RossiSeptember 17, 2024

Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, is considering rebranding as Yellowstone College.

Renaming Northwest College For Yellowstone A Marketing ‘Gold Mine,’ But Locals Not Sure

From a marketing standpoint, renaming Northwest College Yellowstone College could be a marketing “gold mine.” But locals aren’t sold on changing a name that’s been part of the community for decades.

Andrew RossiSeptember 16, 2024

Keeping drivers informed of issues along Intersgtate 80, like crashes and traffic jams, is made proactive with V2X technology.

Wyoming Has Been Quietly Testing Technology That Connects Vehicles To Roads

Wyoming has been quietly testing highway safety technology called V2X -- an acronym for "vehicle-to-everything," for a decade now. The technology connects roads, traffic lights, and other infrastructure that could enable advanced vehicle safety features to prevent crashes and improve traffic flows.

Andrew RossiSeptember 15, 2024

Harvey Deselms at his haunted art gallery in Cheyenne in this Cowboy State Daily file photo.

Wyoming Art Dealers Experience Massive Slump Each Presidential Election Year

It hits like clockwork every four years — as the presidential election season heats up, sales for Wyoming artists and dealers cool off. Although the famed Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody seems to be immune to the pattern.

Andrew RossiSeptember 15, 2024

Andrew Rossi chiseling and isolating a jacket of dinosaur fossils at the Nail Quarry near Medicine Bow.

Reporter’s Notebook: The Good, Bad And Ugly Of Digging Wyoming's Dinosaurs

When people ask reporter Andrew Rossi how he ended up in Wyoming, his answer is simple — dinosaurs. From his first discovery in 2012 — what he calls “the ugliest, least exciting piece of dinosaur possible” — he’s been hooked.

Andrew RossiSeptember 15, 2024

Earl Durand is infamous for his last 11 days, when he was arrested for poaching, escaped jail, killed four people, tried to rob a bank the finally shot himself. He even left a last note, listing the undertaker's office as a forwarding address.

There’s More To “Wild Man” Earl Durand Than His Murderous Final 11 Days

Wyoming's “Wild Man” Earl Durand killed four people after escaping a Cody jail and trying to rob a bank in Powell during an 11-day rampage back in 1939. Before that, he also “was a good neighbor,” says an author and scholar on Durand’s life.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

Believe it or not, Falling Rock in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains is a giant 75-foot square boulder that is all natural. No human or alien influences shaped this huge cube.

How The Heck … Can That 75-Foot Square Boulder In The Bighorns Be Natural?

A huge 75-foot-tall square boulder deep in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains has been baffling people since it was discovered. Called Falling Block, it’s all natural even if it looks like it was cut from a quarry.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

The falll colors on Wyoming's famous Aspen Alley in September 2020.

Wyoming’s Famous Aspen Alley Ain't What It Used To Be

Wyoming’s famous Aspen Alley in the Sierra Madre Range near Encampment is still stunning, but not what it used to be. Horticulturists say the grove of aspens is merely slowing down in its senior years, but there's a lot of new growth which should bring the autumn spectacle back.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

Wyoming photographer Dave Bell got caught in a blizzard on the Beartooth Highway on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. It left a distinct wintery scene all around the Wyoming high country.

Right On Schedule, Blizzard On Beartooth Highway With A Week Left In Summer

There may still be a week left in Summer going by the calendar, but that didn’t mean anything for those caught in a blizzard on Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway on Thursday. The storm was right on schedule, typical for this time of year.

Andrew RossiSeptember 13, 2024

A child on a bicycle was hit by a vehile on the way to school in Cody on Thursday morning, Sept. 12, 2024.

Cody Middle-Schooler OK After Running Into Vehicle With Bicycle

A Cody Middle School student is home and "doing good" after a scary incident Thursday morning. Coming fast down a hill on his bicycle, the boy ran into a vehicle, prompting an ambulance response.

Andrew RossiSeptember 12, 2024

A brief, but intense, thunderstorm produced damaging winds and sparked wildfires in and around Thermopolis on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

Thermopolis Thunderstorm Generates Damaging Wind, Sparks Fires

An intense, but brief, thunderstorm blew through Thermopolis, Wyoming, on Monday afternoon. Strong winds peeled away parts of buildings and lightning sparked fires near town.

Andrew RossiSeptember 09, 2024

A long line of cars and commercial trucks were stuck for more than eight hours on I-80 east on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Hundreds Learn The Hard Way If They’re Prepared To Be Stuck On I-80 For 8 Hours

Saturday’s fatal semitrailer crash on I-80 closed the eastbound lanes for more than eight hours. The hundreds of drivers stuck there learned the hard way if they’re prepared for one of Wyoming’s more frustrating highway hazards — the closure.

Andrew RossiSeptember 09, 2024

J.P. Cavigelli with the Tate Geological Museum in Casper teaches the jacketing process at the Nail Quarry. Strips of burlap are soaked in "pancake batter consistency" plaster and put over the top, around the edge, and underneath islands of rock containing Late Jurassic dinosaur fossils.

Why Dinosaur Diggers Get Plastered All Day Long Near Medicine Bow

The Nail Quarry is one of the only active dinosaur sites on the famous Como Bluff near Medicine Bow. Every summer, the last trips are spent encasing fossils in huge blobs of rock and plaster and safely transporting them to the Tate Geological Museum in Casper.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

Oxbow Bend in the shadow of Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park is one of Wyoming's famous spots for spectacular fall colors.

When And Where To Find Wyoming’s Fall Colors At Their Peak

It's not too soon to start thinking about where to see Wyoming's fall foliage. Autumn moves fast in the Rocky Mountain West and by Sept. 23, the colors of fall should be visible across the entire state. If you're a leaf-peeper, it's time to set your strategy.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

Don Day Forecasts A Colder, Snowier Winter Ahead For Wyoming

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day has released his long-range outlook for Winter 2024-2025. The short version is it'll be colder and snowier. "The signs strongly suggest that Wyoming has a real winter on the way," Day says.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

Pinedale photographer Dave Bell set up three cameras to get images of an intense lightning storm south of the town, which he calls the most spectacular he's ever seen.

Spectacular Lightning Storm Over Pinedale Might Be Best (And Last) Of Summer

Wyoming photographer Dave Bell was about to go to bed, but the thunderstorm wouldn’t let him sleep. Instead, he set up three cameras earlier this week and captured the most spectacular lightning storm he’s ever seen.

Andrew RossiSeptember 07, 2024

Along with the roadside sign, the Moorcroft Motel's parking lot sign also is unique and retro.

Gillette Auto Museum Rescuing, Restoring Vintage Signs For Retro “Neon Park”

The old neon Moorcourt Motel sign is the latest in the growing collection of vintage roadside signs for Gillette’s Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette. The vision is to create a colorful retro “neon park.”

Andrew RossiSeptember 07, 2024

Anthrax Outbreak In Carbon County Kills At Least 50 Cattle, Also Found In Moose

An outbreak of anthrax in Carbon County has killed at least 50 cattle, the Wyoming state vet reported Wednesday. It’s the first such outbreak since the 1970s. A moose also has been confirmed with anthrax, the first wildlife case since 1956.

Andrew RossiSeptember 04, 2024

This 8-foot bronze casting of Leonardo da Vinci's famous Horse, appropriately dubbed The Wyoming Horse, stands in Sheridan.

Sheridan’s 8-Foot “Wyoming Horse” Is Actually Leonardo da Vinci’s

Sheridan is one of the few places in the world with a bronze casting of Leonardo da Vinci’s horse. Kim Love, who spearheaded the effort to bring da Vinci’s horse to Wyoming, said “I thought it would grab people’s attention."

Andrew RossiSeptember 02, 2024

"Nate Champion's Last Run," a bronze sculpture by D. Michael Thomas, in Buffalo. Champion was surrounded in a cabin and held up the progress of the "invaders" before getting shot 28 times on April 9, 1892.

Johnson County War Remains The Brutal Showdown That Changed Wyoming Forever

The Johnson County War is one of the most brutal, vicious and pivotal chapters in Wyoming's history, when the state’s powerful cattle barons used terror and murder to drive off homesteaders. What they didn’t expect was how determined and tough those homesteaders would be.

Andrew RossiSeptember 01, 2024

People around Powell, Wyoming, know Charles Orville Moore even if they don't know him. He's the guy who's been spraying crops forever.

80-Year-Old Pilot Has Been Spraying Crops Since 1976, And Has No Plans To Stop

Charles Orville Moore of Powell, Wyoming, says he loves flying his biplane and has been spraying crops for 48 years. And the 80-year-old has no plans yet to stop. "If my body holds up, I don't see any reason to quit," he says.

Andrew RossiAugust 31, 2024

A satellite image showing no clouds over any part of Wyoming.

Not A Cloud Anywhere Over Wyoming In “Unusual” Satellite Photo

The National Weather Service office in Riverton noticed something “unusual” Tuesday — there wasn’t a cloud anywhere over Wyoming all day Tuesday. A satellite photo shows an unusually clear view of Wyoming, including scars left by large wildfires.

Andrew RossiAugust 28, 2024