Crime and Courts Reporter

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.

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Latest from Clair McFarland

Judge Orders Wyoming Republican Party To Follow State Law

In a setback to the Wyoming Republican Party’s long mission to gain independence from state law, a Uinta County judge Friday upheld multiple Wyoming election laws, dismissing the state Party’s claims that its rights trump them.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

Riverton State Rep. Doesn't File By Friday Deadline To Run After Residency Issue

A Riverton-based state House representative who lived outside his district for at least seven months of the past year did not file to run for reelection by Friday’s deadline, after the local county clerk opined he was ineligible.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

Despite His Videos, Wyoming Politicos Say Reid Rasner Campaign Is Not A Parody

Despite a series of bizarre, controversial and sometimes outrageous campaign videos, Wyoming politicos say Reid Rasner’s campaign for U.S. House is not a parody. “Why would somebody spend this much money on a joke?” said state Rep. John Bear.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Gillette-based attorney Steve Titus is so sick of hearing of local governments debating or denying grants to Gillette Reproductive Health, he cut the group a $25,000 check of his own money.

Gillette Lawyer Gives $25K To Reproductive Clinic, Calls Commission ‘Ass-Backward’

A Gillette-based attorney is so sick of Gillette Reproductive Health being denied money, he wrote a scathing letter and cut the group a check for $25,000. “I’m so sick and tired of the ass-backwards bull**** in the commissioners’ office,” he wrote.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Wyoming Democrats in a file photo from the Democratic National Convention in 2024, casting their votes for Kamala Harris.

Democrats Now Have Parties In All Wyoming Counties For First Time In Modern Memory

For the first time in modern memory, Democrats have parties in all 23 Wyoming counties with Niobrara and Lincoln counties finally reviving theirs. "A lot of people are concerned with the Freedom Caucus," a spokesman for the Democrats said.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

State Rep. Scott Smith, R-Lingle, left, and Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier.

Freedom Caucus Member Scott Smith Challenging Curt Meier For Wyoming Treasurer

Lingle-based state Rep. Scott Smith, a member of the Freedom Caucus, is challenging Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier for his seat. Smith says he wants to increase Wyoming's wealth, while Meier said that, "He says he's going to do the same thing I am."

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Former Weston County Clerk Gets $720 Fine, No Jail As Prosecutor Ditches Felonies

The former Weston County Clerk who admitted to causing errors in the 2024 election was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to a lesser charge in a deal that includes no jail time. That she resigned was “one of the main goals,” said the prosecutor.

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman was quick to share a letter from the White House thanking him for his work in the state Senate. "I’m honored to receive recognition from the White House for helping advance President Trump’s priorities,” Biteman said.

Biteman Touts Letter From White House Thanking Him, Senate For Their Work

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman was quick to share a letter from the White House thanking him for his work as state Senate president. "I’m honored to receive recognition from the White House for helping advance President Trump’s priorities,” Biteman said.

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Another Birth Certificate Sex Change Case Hits Wyoming Supreme Court

Another case of a transgender person asking for an altered birth certificate showing a different sex hit the Wyoming Supreme Court. There are now at least two cases where applicants are asking courts to order the Dept. of Health to issue new birth certificates.

Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2026

Sheriff Kozak, far left, and 25 Laramie County deputies were sworn in by ICE and authorized to enforce immigration law under Title 8, Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act during the an October 2025 press conference announcing a new 25-officer ICE force for Laramie County.

ACLU Helps Church, Nonprofit Group Sue Laramie County Sheriff Over ICE Agreements

The ACLU is helping a Cheyenne-based church, barbershop and nonprofit group sue Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak over his three agreements with ICE. “Wyoming sheriffs do not have limitless authority,” the complaint says.

Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2026

Vallory Dodson is suing police and child protection officials for malicious prosecution. Prosecutors charged her with child abuse, then dismissed the charge seven months later, saying they did not want to re-traumatize the child in court.

Green River Woman Sues Cops, DFS For Malicious Prosecution In Child Abuse Case

A Green River woman is suing police and child protection officials for malicious prosecution. Prosecutors charged her with child abuse, then dismissed the charge seven months later, saying they did not want to re-traumatize the child in court.

Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2026

State Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, left, and Secretary of State Chuck Gray.

Mike Yin Bristles At Chuck Gray Plan To Ban Political Party Changes After Jan. 1

State Rep. Mike Yin argued against a proposal by Chuck Gray to ban political party changes after Jan. 1 in election years. “Why are you interested in making it harder for people?” Yin asked. “I view it as an election integrity issue,” Gray answered.

Clair McFarlandMay 26, 2026

Other Authors

Fremont Clerk Says Guggenmos Ineligible For Reelection But Up To Chuck Gray

Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese told Rep. Joel Guggenmos that he's not eligible to run for reelection this year because he lived outside his district. However, Secretary of State Chuck Gray must make the final decision.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

Fiery Reception For Chuck Gray As Lawmakers Punt On Racial Gerrymandering Dispute

Protestors carried signs criticizing Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday at a committee meeting in Lander, as the secretary urged lawmakers to address potential racial gerrymandering. Legislators declined to take action on the issue.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

People are blaming — and crediting — the Wyoming Freedom Caucus for the Wyoming Legislature’s nearly $4 billion school spending package. Whether the caucus deserves either depends on whom you ask. It had “overwhelming support” across the Legislature. Above, Freedom Caucus members outside the state Capitol in Cheyenne during the 2026 legislative session.

Why Are People Blaming The Freedom Caucus For $4 Billion School Funding Package?

People are blaming — and crediting — the Wyoming Freedom Caucus for the Legislature's nearly $4 billion school spending package. Whether the caucus deserves either depends on whom you ask, but the package had "overwhelming support" from both parties.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

After Attorney General Says Don't, Converse County Won’t Fast-Track Data Centers

Converse County this week rescinded an order that could have fast-tracked data centers and given the county more control in the process. It's a legal issue. But people also "lost their minds” when they heard “fast-track,” said a local legislator.

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2026

Former Wyoming Minister 'Unequivocally Denies’ Claims Of Sex Abuse Against Boys

A former Wyoming minister “unequivocally denies” in a Wednesday court filing claims that he sexually abused three boys in the 1990s. "He has never hurt a young person,” his attorney says, adding that despite the lawsuit, “he is praying for all involved."

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2026

State politicos told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that the Trump-driven ousting of Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie sends a message to Wyoming and the nation. “Don’t step out of line,” says a former legislator. “If you do, you’ll get the boot.”

‘Don’t Step Out Of Line’: Massie Loss A Message To All Republican Candidates

State politicos told Cowboy State Daily that the Trump-driven ousting of Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie sends a message to Wyoming and the nation. “Don’t step out of line,” says a former legislator. “If you do, you’ll get the boot.”

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2026

Darin Smith was sworn in Monday as interim U.S. Attorney, leaving his state Senate seat vacant.

Judges Won't Disqualify U.S. Attorney's Office Despite Smith Misconduct

Three federal judges ruled Tuesday there's no proof the U.S. Attorney's Office of Wyoming covered up Darin Smith's misconduct with a grand jury. The conduct “was isolated and limited” to Smith’s “inappropriate and improper remarks," they ruled.

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2026

An industry lawyer calls last week's unanimous Supreme Court decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Crackdown On Sketchy Trucking Practices Continues With Supreme Court Decision

An industry lawyer calls the Supreme Court's unanimous decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026

Looks Like Feds Won't Let Wyoming Invest Trump-Backed Health Care Grants

The federal government looks likely to reject Wyoming's plan to invest roughly $1 billion in projected Trump-backed grants for rural medical services. Wyoming has to spend the money quickly instead, which leaves one economist full of questions and concerns.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026