Clair McFarland
Clair McFarland is a general assignment reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Riverton, Wyoming. She specializes in crime and court reporting and social issues coverage. Clair also writes a twice-monthly column on motherhood and country living.
Previously, Clair wrote for The Ranger, the Lander Journal and the Wind River News. She is an award-winning journalist, columnist and poet, who joined Cowboy State Daily on Valentine's Day, 2022.
Latest from Clair McFarland
![This Pilatus PC-12/47E single-engine aircraft crashed just south of the Montana border in Campbell County, Wyoming, while on its way to Billings, Montana, on July 26, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Crashed-plane-N357HE-Peachair-Brian-Gore-7.26.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
'Super, Super Nice People': Plane Fueled Up In Nebraska Before Crashing In Wyoming
A single-engine aircraft that crashed in northeast Wyoming on Friday afternoon had fueled up in Nebraska. The manager of the airfield said they were regular customers and just "super, super nice people." There were no survivors.
Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonJuly 26, 2024
![Jennifer Elizabeth Lynch](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jennifer-Elizabeth-Lynch-and-supreme-court-2-7.26.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
New Trial For Rawlins Woman Who Crushed Sleeping Pills Into Kids’ Milk
The Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a new trial for a Rawlins woman who admitted crushing up prescription sleeping pills into her children’s milk. Because no one proved the kids were injured, the high court ruled it wasn’t necessarily abuse.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2024
![Bank robber 7 25 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/bank-robber-7-25-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Police Dog Brings Down Suspected Bank Robber In Cheyenne
The Cheyenne Police Department credited one of their police dogs with apprehending a man suspected of robbing two banks in the city Thursday. Before his arrest, the suspect reportedly assaulted an officer by throwing a hammer at him.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2024
![Missoula County emergency response personnel were hunting for broken trees Thursday after a 109 mph windstorm wracked the region Wednesday night so that no trees fall on bystanders.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/downed-power-lines-2-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Montana Officials Warn Residents That Streams Might Be Electrified After Violent Windstorm
After a violent windstorm knocked down power lines into waterways in western Montana, officials are warning people to stay out of the water, which they fear are electrified.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![The Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Roosevelt-Lodge-waltarrrrr-via-Flickr-7.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
In Brief: Yellowstone Contract Worker Who Threatened Mass Shooting Gets Probation
A worker for a Yellowstone contractor was sentenced to five years of probation Tuesday for threatening a “mass shooting” a day after another died in a shootout with park rangers.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![Jackson wyoming hospital](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jackson-wyoming-hospital.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wife Claims Husband Died From Gangrene After Doctors Found He Was Illegal Immigrant
Ociel Perez died of flesh-eating gangrene after being discharged from St. John's Health in Jackson, Wyoming, according to a lawsuit. His wife alleges doctors didn't treat him properly after finding he was an illegal immigrant.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![Edwina Leman](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Edwina-Leman-Mugshots-1.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Douglas Woman Accepts Plea Deal For 10 Years Prison For Killing Mother
Edwina "GiGi" Leman has admitted to abusing her 81-year-old mother, and didn't argue that the elderly woman's injuries led to her death. Leman has struck a plea deal stipulating between 10 and 20 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2024
![Brian John Manderfeld](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Brian-John-Manderfeld-7.23.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
After Brother Opens Fire On Him, Meeteetse Man Gets Away In Shooter’s Truck
A Meeteetse, Wyoming, man made a harrowing getaway last week when his brother shot out his window with a handgun. He escaped by getting into the shooter’s truck and driving off.
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2024
![Israel Melvin](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Israel-Melvin-1.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Sheridan Man Accused Of Bludgeoning Mother To Death Not Sane Enough For Trial
A Sheridan man accused to bludgeoning is mother to death and hiding her body under gas-soaked blankets isn’t sane enough to stand trial. A Circuit Court judge has ordered an evaluation to see if he can ever be made competent to be prosecuted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2024
![A mix-up at this Kim & Go station in Rock Springs had diesel fuel coming out of the regular unleaded pump, and regular gas from the diesel pump.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Rock-Springs-Bad-Gas.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Uh-Oh: Rock Springs Gas Station Mixes Up Diesel And Gasoline
A Rock Springs gas station contaminated many cars last week after pumping diesel fuel from its premium pump and vice versa. One mechanic said the damage could mean entire fuel systems will need to be replaced.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2024
![The Campbell County Courthouse was evacuated Tuesday after a report of a hazardous material was received.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Campbell-County-Courthouse-evacuated-1-4.30.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gillette Man Accused Of Stealing Thousands In Ex-Wife’s DraftKings Winnings
A Gillette man faces a felony theft charge after thousands of dollars his ex-wife won betting on DraftKings was accidentally deposited into his bank account. The man has denied taking the money, although evidence shows it was later moved into his savings account.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2024
![Chloe tullis 7 19 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/chloe-tullis-7-19-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Yellowstone Contract Worker Charged With Attacking Parks Officer After Traffic Stop
A contract worker in Yellowstone National Park is facing a potential eight years in prison on claims she jumped onto a park ranger and punched him repeatedly when he tried to separate her from her boyfriend. She was indicted on a federal charge Thursday.
Clair McFarlandJuly 19, 2024
![Waldner micki 720](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/waldner__micki_720.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gillette Woman Arrested After Roommate Found Dead Next To Safe Filled With Drugs
A Gillette woman was arrested for felony drug possession after police found her 60-year-old roommate dead next to an open safe with methamphetamines inside.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2024
![Casper Police File Photo](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/casper-police-file-photo-6-4-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Casper Police Help Capture 14-Year-Old Denver Murder Suspect
Casper Police on Wednesday helped capture a 14-year-old male of Denver who went on the run after the July 10 killing of an adult male. Surveillance video and witness accounts helped identify Marquez as the suspect.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2024
![Volkswagen file 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/volkswagen-file-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Volkswagen Bug Breaks Down So Alleged Drug Dealer Can't Finish Meth Run
A Gillette drug dealer couldn’t finish his methamphetamine run from Colorado last month because his Volkswagen bug slowed to a smoke-spewing crawl when he hit Chugwater, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![Supreme court building 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/supreme-court-building-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Casper Millionaire's Son Loses Inheritance For Suing Co-Heirs
A Casper millionaire’s son lost his portion of a $4 million inheritance for suing co-beneficiaries of his father’s estate, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![The aftermath of a train wreck in which a semitruck containing two Wyoming men tried to clear a crossing ahead of a freight truck in Nebraska.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/dundy-county-train-wreck-photo-courtesy-sheriff.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Man Dead In Nebraska Semi Vs. Freight Train Crash
One Wyoming man died and one was injured Tuesday after a semi truck reportedly tried to beat a train to a temporary crossing on a curved Nebraska highway.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![Shelby klamer](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/shelby-klamer-cropped.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Rock Springs Woman Accused Of Stealing Ex's Gun While Texting Him About It
A Rock Springs woman accused of breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home to steal a gun while sending him suspicious text messages about it faces up to 25 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
![Serafina day 7 16 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/serafina-day-7-16-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Sheridan 4-Year-Old Defies Medical Odds, Awakes From Coma And Is Recovering
Doctors said 4-year-old Serafina Blue Day might not be able to talk or hear after she suffered brain damage in a two-story fall last month. But then she woke from 10-day coma and by Sunday, she'd regained her spunky personality.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
![James Botkin, left, was allegedly caught sexually attacking a Texas couple's mare early Sunday morning in Evanston, Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Botkin-and-horse.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Evanston Horse Molester Gets Maximum Sentence For Bestiality
James Botkin on Monday accepted a plea agreement giving him the maximum sentence for bestiality after he was arrested for sexually violating a horse at the Uinta County fairgrounds. He was sentenced to a year in jail.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
![James Botkin, left, was allegedly caught sexually attacking a Texas couple's mare early Sunday morning in Evanston, Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Botkin-and-horse.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Man Arrested In Alleged Sexual Abuse Of Horse In Evanston
A Texas couple said they caught a man early Monday in a stall at the Uinta County fairgrounds violating their horse. The man has been charged with one count of bestiality and faces one year in jail, if convicted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2024