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.
Latest from Andrew Rossi
Need A Last-Minute Gift? How About A Shaggy Hippie-Cow?
Highlands are the cute, shaggy hippies of cattle, and it seems everyone wants one or two. One Wyoming ranching family says they’re also cleaner, love people and taste great.
Andrew RossiDecember 21, 2024
Saturday Is The Darkest Day Of The Year -- Especially If You Live Up North
Saturday is the shortest day of the year, but that’s relative to where you are in Wyoming. Folks in the northern reaches, like Sheridan, will have more than 30 minutes less sunlight than those in Cheyenne, Rock Springs or Pine Bluffs.
Andrew RossiDecember 20, 2024
Locals Shellshocked After Historic Wyoming Union Pacific Water Tower Torn Down
A historic water tower along the Union Pacific line near the Wyoming-Colorado state line was a local landmark for about 80 years. Now it’s gone, torn down Tuesday without notice or discussion, leaving locals and railroad buffs shellshocked.
Andrew RossiDecember 19, 2024
Report That Wyoming Lost Winter Days To Climate Change Is Misleading, Says Don Day
A non-profit environmental group's claim that Wyoming has lost two days of winter because of climate change is misleading and incorrect, says Wyoming meteorologist Don Day. “I almost laughed when I saw that,” Day told Cowboy State Daily.
Andrew RossiDecember 18, 2024
Tiny Box In Southern Wyoming Can Detect Earthquakes Around The World
A new seismograph technology has positioned a tiny box in southern Wyoming capable of monitoring earthquakes around the world. It's expected to reveal answers to mysterious smaller quakes in the region.
Andrew RossiDecember 15, 2024
Douglas “Frost Artist” Creates Intricate Snowscapes On Wyoming Storefronts
Moving to Wyoming has inspired Douglas resident Dan Downs to return to doing his “frost art.” Now he creates intricate snowscapes and winter scenes on storefronts.
Andrew RossiDecember 15, 2024
Wyoming Dinosaurs Sold For $15 Million In Europe, But How Legitimate Are They?
Collectors might want to beware when bidding on dinosaurs at auction houses. A recent trio of Wyoming dinosaurs sold for more than $15 million at an auction in London, but how much of the dinosaur skeletons are legitimate vs 3D printed material?
Andrew RossiDecember 14, 2024
Wyoming License Plate Collector Makes “Holy Grail” Find
Collin Townsend has spent 12 years collecting a complete run of license plates from Weston County. His latest acquisition is a “Holy Grail” find — a rare 1945 plate with its original wartime wrapper.
Andrew RossiDecember 14, 2024
Storm To Dump On Western Wyoming Mountains, Could Make Travel “Impossible”
A winter storm will dump 1-2 feet of snow, or more, on Wyoming’s western mountains this weekend. That could make travel “difficult to impossible,” the National Weather Service warns.
Andrew RossiDecember 13, 2024
After 91 Years, Cassie’s Restaurant In Cody Is Closed, And May Not Reopen
Cassie's Supper Club, a Cody staple since 1933, is closed as a new owner evaluates the potential of the historic restaurant. The recent demolition of other historic restaurants has the community concerned about its future.
Andrew RossiDecember 11, 2024
Storm To Bring Up To 9 Inches Of Snow, 50 MPH Winds Across Parts Of Wyoming
A winter storm is expected to bring up to 9 inches of snow and 50 mph winds across northeast Wyoming through Wednesday morning. Cold continues to settle in across the rest of the state, with snow flying in the higher elevations.
Andrew RossiDecember 09, 2024
Wyoming Starts December Warmer Than Normal, But Expect Snow By Christmas
Temperatures will be between 10 and 15 degrees above average this first week of December in Wyoming. But that doesn’t mean a white Christmas isn’t on the way. Don Day says there’s a good chance for snow then.
Andrew RossiDecember 02, 2024
Why Duke University's Lemur Center Travels To Wyoming Every Summer
Scientists from the Duke Lemur Center at Duke University come out to Wyoming every summer to find fossils from the earliest ancestors of modern-day lemurs and primates. They say the Bridger Basin is the Madagascar of the Eocene Period.
Andrew RossiDecember 01, 2024
Cody's Prehistoric Mammoth Was A Big Discovery — And A Federal Crime Scene
The discovery of a mammoth at Buffalo Bill Reservoir in April 2018 was a big deal for Cody. It also became the focus of a federal investigation when it was discovered the mammoth was found on federal land — after it was already dug up.
Andrew RossiNovember 30, 2024
Eastern Wyoming College One Of 8 Teams In National Fortnite Tournament
Within a year, Eastern Wyoming College’s esports team has become one of the best in the nation, earning a top seed at next month’s national Fortnite championiship. Teammate Ryder Tillard is among the best Fortnite players in the world.
Andrew RossiNovember 30, 2024
Yes, Wyoming Power Linemen Still Rescue Cats From Power Poles
Wyoming power linemen still rescue cats and other critters that get themselves stuck on power poles. That's lucky for one black cat near Cody that spent hours atop a pole before Rocky Mountain Power lineman Jeff Matthews rescued it.
Andrew RossiNovember 30, 2024
How Sean Cooper Came To Be Northwest Wyoming's "Rat Guy"
Everyone has those “go-to” people in their lives — their mechanic, butcher, or hair stylist. They’re dependable, honest and never let you down. When it comes to rats in northwest Wyoming, there's no one better than Sean Cooper.
Andrew RossiNovember 29, 2024
Carbon County Man Found Dead In Remote Area South Of Rawlins
Bruce Baugh was supposed to be back home in Rawlins by 11 a.m. Wednesday after an early-morning elk. Carbon County Search and Rescue volunteers found his body on Thursday afternoon, over a mile away from his vehicle, which had become stuck.
Andrew RossiNovember 29, 2024
Barrasso Spends Thanksgiving With Wyoming Troops In The Middle East
Sen. John Barrasso visited Wyoming service members deployed in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Thanksgiving Day. There are over 360 Wyomingites in the battalion, representing over 40 different hometowns in the Cowboy State.
Andrew RossiNovember 28, 2024
Wyoming All-State Marching Band Leads The Way In Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Parade
The first band in the 124th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia was the Wyoming All-State Marching Band, made up of 160 high school students from the Cowboy State. They played Ghost Riders in the Sky as they marched past the iconic Rocky Steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Andrew RossiNovember 28, 2024
New Study Says Time Is Now For Thorough Probe Of Uranus
Most of humanity’s knowledge about Uranus came from a 1986 Voyager 2 flyby on “a particularly windy day.” A new study says the time for a new, more accurate probe of Uranus is necessary.
Andrew RossiNovember 28, 2024
Just In Time For Thanksgiving, Storm Icing Over I-80, Dumps On Colorado And Utah
A winter storm is hitting just in time to gum up travel plans, icing over parts of the I-80 corridor in Wyoming. It’s also dumping on Colorado and Utah, prompting meteorologist Don Day to advise people not to drive in those states if they can avoid it.
Andrew RossiNovember 26, 2024
Utah Officials Tell People To Stop Brining Turkeys In The Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake State Park in Utah has issued a Thanksgiving week message telling people to stop brining turkeys in the Great Salt Lake. Monday’s warning was prompted by finding a wayward bird on a beach that may have been brining in the lake.
Andrew RossiNovember 26, 2024
Thanksgiving Week Travelers Can Expect Snowy, Icy Highways Around Wyoming
Mother Nature won’t make the busiest travel week of the year any easier for people across Wyoming leading up to Thanksgiving. Don Day says to expect snowy, icy highways around Wyoming, especially Interstate 80.
Andrew RossiNovember 24, 2024
Earth Has A Second Moon For A Few More Days
A 36-foot-wide asteroid pulled into Earth’s orbit has become a second "mini-moon" for almost two months. But this multibillion-year-old chunk of space debris will soon be pulled out by the sun.
Andrew RossiNovember 22, 2024
Man Tapes Banana To Wall, Sells It For $6.2 Million; Wyoming Artists Baffled
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $6.2 million Wednesday, leaving some in Wyoming’s art community baffled and bewildered. Sculptor Chris Navarro called it “a head-scratcher” and said it looks like it took the artist “10 minutes” to create.
Andrew RossiNovember 21, 2024
Wyoming Meteorologist Don Day Helps YouTube's Mr Beast Float A Store With Balloons
There is no one bigger on YouTube than Mr Beast who has more than 330 million subscribers. He recently used 550 balloons to lift a T-Mobile store off the ground. To do it, he teamed up with Wyoming meteorologist Don Day who is a world expert in balloon weather.
Andrew RossiNovember 19, 2024
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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