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

Cody's Bighorn Basin Towing wants to get a Ford F-250 down off the rocky cliff it got stuck on after a windstorm blew it over the edge, and hopes that "Ole Blue" can be resurrected from the wreck.

Cody Towing Co. Parks Truck, Returns To Find It Rolled Off A Cliff

A Cody towing company is facing its most difficult recovery job ever — and it’s for its own Ford F-250 truck. It was left with the parking brake on, but not in gear, and rolled down a rocky cliff overnight last weekend.

Andrew RossiMarch 27, 2025

It was a "humbling experience" when WYDOT heavy equipment operator Shaun Emmett got his snowplow stuck on the Chief Joseph Highway on Monday, the first time he’s been totally stuck in 22 years of plowing Wyoming highways.

After 22 Years, A First For WYDOT Snowplow Driver — He Gets Stuck In A Drift

In what he calls a "humbling experience,” a veteran WYDOT snowplow driver got his plow stuck for the first time in 22 years Monday. He was trying to get through a 4-foot-deep drift blocking both lanes.

Andrew RossiMarch 25, 2025

Images from a video taken by the Steve and Vlada March family shows a violent eruption of Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park on July 23, 2024.

Yellowstone Pool That Exploded Last Summer Is Still Closed — And Still Exploding

Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park has been closed since it violently exploded last July. As the park prepares for the summer tourism season, it remains closed — and is still exploding.

Andrew RossiMarch 25, 2025

After an anonymous complaint about its bingo night, the Wyoming Gaming Commission ended the game at three Cody bars, including Brewgards.

State Shuts Down Bingo Nights At Cody Bars After ‘Illegal Gambling’ Complaint

Popular bingo nights at three Cody bars have been shut down by the Wyoming Gaming Commission after an anonymous complaint of “illegal gambling.” The agency says it’s following the law, while the bars call the move “absolutely ridiculous.”

Andrew RossiMarch 24, 2025

Mount Coffin in the mountains of Lincoln County, Wyoming, is one of the windiest places in the state, which could be why it appears flat, hence it's comparison to a coffin.

Another Wild Windy Wyoming Weekend: 116 MPH Winds On Mount Coffin

It was another windy weekend in Wyoming, with winds hitting more than 100 mph in western parts of the state. Mount Coffin experienced the highest wind gust hitting 116 mph.

Andrew RossiMarch 24, 2025

There Hasn't Been A New Name In Yellowstone In 25 Years (And May Never Happen Again)

Even when new thermal features appear in Yellowstone National Park, they are unlikely to get named. Getting a new name in Yellowstone is a lengthy process that hasn't happened in two decades — and might never happen again.

Andrew RossiMarch 23, 2025

Media hype that Mount Adams, a Washington volcano, is about to blast off after 1,000 years is “a bunch of garbage,” says a Wyoming expert. Because Yellowstone sits on a huge, active supervolcano, someone’s always watching for what might trigger it.

Yellowstone Volcanologist Says Claims Of 1,000-Year Volcano Eruption "A Bunch Of Garbage"

Media hype that a volcano in Washington is about to blow up after 1,000 years is “garbage,” says Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Because Yellowstone sits on an active supervolcano, scientists monitor what might trigger it, and he says this isn't it.

Andrew RossiMarch 23, 2025

Neon is a big part of the culture at Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette, Wyoming, and it's building a new Neon Park to celebrate the art of neon signage. The museum has been rescuing iconic signs from around the state that would otherwise have been trashed.

Gillette Museum Rescues Iconic Signs From Around Wyoming For New Neon Park

Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette is building a Neon Park to house neon signs it’s rescuing from around Wyoming. They already have the Holiday Lodge sign from Lander, the Cheyenne Motel sign, Fox Theater sign in Casper, and the Moorcroft Motel sign. More will be added when restored.

Andrew RossiMarch 22, 2025

Why Bighorn Sheep Heads Don’t Explode When They Violently Smash Into Each Other

The violence of bighorn sheep smashing their heads together, focusing 2,000 pounds of pressure delivered at 30 mph, can make one wonder how their heads don’t explode. The basic answer is their thick horns and skulls are basically crash helmets.

Andrew RossiMarch 22, 2025

A weather balloon is launched in this file photo.

Wyoming Meteorologist Says Cutting Weather Balloon Launches "Dumb And Unacceptable"

Wyoming meteorologist Don Day said the federal government's decision to cut balloon launches across the country - including Rapid City and Riverton - is "dumb and unacceptable." He said the launches are a critical facet meteorologists use every day to make forecasts.

Andrew RossiMarch 21, 2025

First Yellowstone Film Fest Features Eclectic Lineup, Including Communist Santa

The first Yellowstone International Film Festival in Cody, Wyoming, begins Friday screening 78 films over eight days. Its eclectic lineup includes premieres of “When Santa Was a Communist” and “Nobody Wants to Shoot a Woman.”

Andrew RossiMarch 20, 2025

Wyoming Stop Sign ‘As Close As Ever’ To Being Buried With Days Left In Contest

The stop sign on Togwotee Pass has another 12-16 inches to go to be fully buried, and the snow to finish the job could fall this weekend. Those in the 2025 Stop Sign Snow Challenge have only days left until the contest’s end-of-March deadline.

Andrew RossiMarch 19, 2025

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The windows of Jill Siggins' home in Cody are covered in mud after a windy rainstorm.

Muddy Rainstorm Blows Through Cody, Leaves Town Covered In Crud

Wind and rain worked together to plaster dirt all over Cody on Monday, covering windows and cars in a layer of hard-to-clean crud. It’s just a precursor to a storm that could drop up to 10 inches of snow in spots around Wyoming on Tuesday.

Andrew RossiMarch 17, 2025

The Flash asks immortal caveman Vandal Savage why he delivered a heart to his Brooklyn apartment in 1987’s The Flash (Volume 2) #2: “Savage Showdown!” In the previous comic, Flash ran from NYC to Seattle to deliver a human heart to a hospital, and saw Savage kill the heart's owner while he zoomed through Wyoming.

Why Did An Immortal Caveman Kill A Thermopolis Detective In A 1987 Flash Comic?

Thermopolis turns up in odd places. In a 1982 film, Daffy Duck fought Bugs Bunny for the right to sell books there and in 1987, one of the biggest villains in the DC Universe traveled to Thermopolis to tear someone's heart out.

Andrew RossiMarch 16, 2025

A quirk of planetary positions will make Saturn's 200,000-mile-around rings disappear for one night March 23. But NASA research also suggests the rings are disappearing for real and will be gone forever in 100 million to 300 million years.

Saturn's Rings Will Disappear Next Week (And Then Completely A Few Years Later)

A quirk of planetary positions will make Saturn's 200,000-mile-around rings disappear for one night on March 23. Plan ahead, however, because NASA predicts they will completely disappear -- forever -- in about 100 million years.

Andrew RossiMarch 16, 2025

Giant pumpking grower Jay Richard of Worland, Wyoming, in the end zone at Lambeau Field.

Wyoming Pumpkin Kings Geek Out With World’s Biggest Growers At Lambeau Field

There’s big money and a degree of "fame" for growers of giant pumpkins. That’s why Worland's Jay Richard and "pumpkings" of the world gathered at the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth International Grower’s Convention at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Andrew RossiMarch 16, 2025

When Gillette resident Wes Johnson posted a video of himself "dancing it out" on TikTok, it started a wave of viral videos that have generated more than 30 million views. He hopes to spread his platform of positivity across Wyoming and the world.

Wyoming's "Just Dance It Out Guy" Has Over 30 Million Views On Social Media

When Gillette resident Wes Johnson posted a video of himself "dancing it out" on TikTok two months ago, it started a wave of viral videos that have generated more than 30 million views. Now he's in demand in Europe, Africa, and New Zealand to "dance it out" overseas.

Andrew RossiMarch 15, 2025

Construction vehicles outfitted with snowplows and blowers spend months clearing Yellowstone National Park roads. Crews also use chainsaws and avalanches to move massive amounts of snow.

Crews With Trucks And Chainsaws Have Begun Months-Long Process Of Clearing Yellowstone Roads

Construction vehicles outfitted with snowplows and blowers have started the months-long process of clearing roads in Yellowstone National Park. Crews also use chainsaws and avalanches to move massive amounts of snow.

Andrew RossiMarch 15, 2025

First Grizzly of 2025 Awake, Hungry And Cranky In Yellowstone

The National Park Service on Wednesday reported fresh grizzly tracks have been spotted in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park. That's the first sign grizzlies have emerged from winter hibernation and are likely very hungry.

Andrew RossiMarch 14, 2025

Don Day's Advice For Watching The Lunar Eclipse In Wyoming: Drive To Kansas

Meteorologist Don Day's best advice for watching the blood-red lunar eclipse Friday morning in Wyoming is to drive to Kansas. Lots of clouds will make it hard to view in the Cowboy State but UW astronomer Max Gilbraith says Casper Mountain and Togwotee Pass might work.

Andrew RossiMarch 13, 2025

Jackson Hole High School teacher Collin Binko reacts to the surprise of being announced Wyoming's only 2015 Milken Award winner on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Jackson Teacher Surprised With National Milken Educator Award, $25,000 Prize

Jackson Hole High School fine arts teacher Collin Binko was surprised Wednesday with a national Milken Education Award. As the only 2025 recipient from Wyoming, he also won a $25,000 prize.

Andrew RossiMarch 12, 2025

A nighttime photo of Devils Tower taken from Devils Tower National Monument. Photographers won’t be able to get shots like this for the discernible future, since the monument announced it will be closed to visitors overnight starting on March 13.

Driskill Calls Closure Of Devils Tower “Stupidity At Highest Levels”

State Sen. Ogden Driskill on Wednesday said the overnight closure of Devils Tower “stupidity at its highest level.” The lawmaker who lives next to the monument said Devils Tower has been open 24 hours a day for more than 50 years.

Andrew RossiMarch 12, 2025

Spalding was starving, gravely hurt and hypothermic when he wandered into a Gillette home looking for help. Now, folks in northern Wyoming have rallied to help him recover and find a home.

Sheridan Cat Rescue Raises $1,500 To Save Sad Cat Spalding

Spalding was starving, hypothermic, and life-threateningly ill when he wandered into a Gillette home looking for help. Animal advocates across northern Wyoming have rallied and raised more than $1,500 to give him a second chance and get him to a loving home.

Andrew RossiMarch 11, 2025

Polaris is promoting its latest lineup of snowmobiles by putting them through their paces in the pristine snow of Wyoming’s Teton Range. The company uses the Cowboy State to showcase the machines as the ultimate toy for backcountry adventure.

Polaris Showcases New 2026 Snowmobile Lineup In Wyoming’s Teton Range

In January, Polaris held a marketing photo shoot showcasing its 2026 snowmobile lineup. They've been doing shoots in Wyoming for years, but this one was different -- it's all Wyoming: four Wyoming snowmobilers shot by a Wyoming photographer.

Andrew RossiMarch 09, 2025

For those who aren’t fans of the new Wyoming license plate — a big field of dark blue with white lettering — there’s another new choice. This one has plenty of color, at least the only colors that matter to University of Wyoming fans: brown and gold.

Don't Like The New Wyoming License Plate? There’s Another Option

For those who aren’t fans of the new Wyoming license plate — a big field of dark blue with white lettering — there’s another choice. You don't have to be a graduate of the University of Wyoming to get it either.

Andrew RossiMarch 09, 2025

A massive decade-long research study into the 5,000-year history of Wyoming prehistoric people is complete. Known as Paleoindians, they have a lot in common with Wyomingites today — fiercely independent, adaptable to harsh environments and adept hunters.

Massive 10-Year Effort Compiles 5,000 Years Of Wyoming’s Prehistoric People

Now we know more than ever about the Paleoindians after an exhaustive 10-year effort to compile 5,000 years of Wyoming’s prehistory into a book. It's the most comprehensive compilation of knowledge about Wyoming's prehistoric people.

Andrew RossiMarch 08, 2025

An 85-foot-tall eastern cottonwood in Nebraska is the biggest of its kind in the United States. Wyoming doesn't have a champion yet, the giant in a neighbor state is inspiring Wyoming tree growers.

85-Foot Cottonwood In Nebraska Named National Champ For Being Largest In Country

Yes, national champion trees are a reality. An 85-foot-tall eastern cottonwood in Nebraska has been named the national champion for being the largest of its kind. It's tougher to compete in Wyoming because of the climate although we've had some national champions in the past.

Andrew RossiMarch 08, 2025

Evergreen Fire Rescue thought they were rescuing a bison calf from a frozen pond outside Evergreen, Colorado, on March 5, 2025. But the victim was actually a yak that needed a 10-foot path back to shore.

Colorado Firefighters Save Drowning Yak Which Fell Through Frozen Pond

Firefighters in Evergreen, Colorado, say they take every ice rescue seriously. So when they received a call on Wednesday about a yak which fell through the ice at a local pond, they were able to get it saved and mark the first time they ever rescued a yak.

Andrew RossiMarch 06, 2025

Full Lunar Eclipse Directly Over Wyoming Will Make Moon Look Blood-Red

A total lunar eclipse just after midnight March 14 will be positioned directly over Wyoming, which means Wyomingites will have an excellent view of the all-night event. It’ll be hard to miss — the moon will look blood-red.

Andrew RossiMarch 05, 2025

A South Pass slowdown during a winter storm in early February. South Pass and other high elevation areas could get over 20 inches of wet, heavy snow between Wednesday night and Friday morning.

Winter Surge Could Dump 20 Inches Of Snow On Parts Of Wyoming

Nearly all of Wyoming will see snow sometimes between Wednesday night through Friday from an incoming wet winter storm. The surge could dump as much as 20 inches on Casper Mountain and South Pass, and a foot in central and northwest Wyoming.

Andrew RossiMarch 05, 2025

Dubois Double-Amputee Wrestler Wins State Championship

Sammie Cyrus, a senior double-amputee wrestler from Dubois High School, capped his career as a state champion. Cyrus won the Class 2A 106-pound division during this past weekend at the Wyoming state tournament in Casper.

Andrew RossiMarch 04, 2025

Record-breaking snowstorm in Cheyenne on March 14, 2021

Southeast Wyoming To Get Blasted By Heavy Snow And 55MPH Winds On Monday

A fast-moving low-pressure system centering on southeast Wyoming could dump several inches of snow in Cheyenne and Laramie late Monday. Winds could top 55 mph during the snowstorm. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2025

When they roamed the earth, Tyrannosaurs and Triceratops would’ve been mortal enemies. But millions of years later at an international museum in Canada, they’re working out their differences over their own larger-than-life tea party.

It's A Real Job: “Dinosaur Erection Specialist” Positions Dino Skeletons At Museum

Ry Williams is a self-described “dinosaur erection specialist” who’s a lot like a window dresser at a department store, except instead of arranging mannequins he poses and positions delicate, huge and ancient dinosaur skeletons -- many of which are from Wyoming.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2025

Opening day at the East Entrance at Yellowstone National Park on May 3, 2024. The National Park Service will install two new webcams at the East Entrance by May 2, 2025, when the summer season begins.

Yellowstone Hack: You Can Save A Lot Of Time By Using The East Entrance

In planning your next trip to Yellowstone, you may want to consider the East Entrance. It could be a time-saver. For example, in 2024, 773,144 vehicles passed through Yellowstone’s West Entrance while only 36,948 vehicles passed through the East Entrance.

Andrew RossiMarch 02, 2025

At 84 inches by 84 inches, the Wyoming king bed is more than the size of two queen-sized mattresses combined. Few people have heard of the Wyoming king, but that's changing.

So What Exactly Is A Wyoming King Bed And How Big Is It?

Everyone knows about California King beds, but there’s a relatively new item in oversized mattresses. The Wyoming King is in the middle of the oversized mattress variants. It's bigger than a Texas King but smaller than an Alaskan or Alberta King.

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2025

White Mountain Handprints Near Rock Springs Unlike Any Other Petroglyphs

While there are hundreds of inscribed petroglyphs at the White Mountain Petroglyph Site north of Rock Springs, the deep handprints gouged into a sandstone pillar are unlike anything else. Scientists are struggling to understand them.

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2025

In this screenshot from video, a Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Detention Center employee reacts after his can of soda slides on the desk without being touched.

Boooo! Soda Can Moving On Its Own Captured On Video At Sweetwater County Jail

A soda can moving on its own was caught on video earlier this week at the Sweetwater County Detention Center in Rock Springs. Workers there say it's the latest evidence that the facility is haunted.

Andrew RossiMarch 01, 2025

Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will all be visible in the night skies of Wyoming after sunset Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, an alignment that only occurs once every 144 years.

Rare 144-Year Seven-Planet Parade Lines Up Over Wyoming This Week

Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will all be visible in the night skies over Wyoming after sunset Friday, an alignment that only happens once every 144 years.

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2025

Parts of northern Wyoming that broke records for cold on Thursday were pushing 60s on Sunday. That’s a huge 83-degree swing in just four days.

Northern Wyoming Swings 85 Degrees — From Minus 27 To 58 — In Four Days

Parts of northern Wyoming that broke records for cold on Thursday hit 58 on Sunday. That’s a huge 85-degree swing in just four days.

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2025