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
Wyoming Senators Cheer Trump’s Order Against Flag-Burners, But Is It Legal?
President Trump’s new order calls for stricter prosecution for people who burn American flags while committing other crimes. It drew praise from Wyoming’s U.S. Senators while getting strong criticism from a leading First Amendment expert.
Clair McFarlandAugust 26, 2025
Wyoming Democrats Lead Statewide Listening Tour On Public Lands, Hot-Button Issues
Democratic state Reps. Karlee Provenza and Mike Yin are holding town halls across Wyoming to learn which issues trouble people most. They're also riding the momentum of a public lands outcry Provenza led this summer.
Clair McFarlandAugust 25, 2025
After Fatal Wyoming Incident, Sig Sauer M18 Pistol Back In Use At Air Force Bases
The section of the U.S. Air Force that oversees the military branch’s bases is putting the Sig Sauer M18 handgun back in use, the USAF announced Sunday. It had paused the M18’s use for a month after the July shooting death of a Wyoming-based airman.
Clair McFarlandAugust 25, 2025
Death Along Road Near Prison Farm North Of Riverton
A death Saturday morning on Honor Farm Road near the prison farm just north of Riverton brought at least a dozen law enforcement vehicles and prompted an hourslong investigation. In an update, the sheriff's office reported that a juvenile male was stabbed fatally.
Clair McFarlandAugust 23, 2025
Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Sorority Over Wyoming Trans Member — Again
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority Friday for allowing a transgender member into its University of Wyoming chapter. It's the second time the judge has tossed the claim.
Clair McFarlandAugust 23, 2025
Wyoming Highway Patrol, Truckers Support Trump's Work Visa Pause For Drivers
Wyoming officials and industry leaders support the Trump administration’s pause on issuing work visas for commercial truck driving, but critics say the move targets a small group and overlooks broader trucking safety issues.
Clair McFarlandAugust 23, 2025
Rock Springs State Legislator Has Missed All Interim Meetings To Date
A state legislator from Rock Springs has not attended any meetings of the two interim committees he's on. Darin McCann told Cowboy State Daily on Friday that he didn’t realize the interim is so active and meetings are on days he can’t get away from work.
Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2025
Judge Allows Claim That Large Investors Conspired To Drive Up Coal, Energy Costs
A lawsuit by Wyoming and 10 other states can continue against giant investment companies, on claims they conspired to drive up coal and energy costs. They used their pull as coal shareholders to push “a climate activist agenda,” Gov. Mark Gordon has said.
Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2025
Lyman Man To Plead Guilty In Fort Bridger Murder, Faces 50-75 Years In Prison
A Lyman man accused of killing another man by shooting him about 10 times last August has agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder. If the judge accepts the plea agreement, Gray will be sentenced to 50-75 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2025
Why It Took 18 Months And A Grand Jury Indictment To Charge Cody Roberts
Difficulties with evidence and a murder case delayed the investigation into Cody Roberts, the Daniel man accused of abusing a wolf last year. Now, Sublette County’s top prosecutor faces walking a legal tightrope if he wants to convict.
Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2025
Federal Appeals Court Says Waiting Periods To Buy Guns Are Unconstitutional
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Wyoming, has ruled that waiting periods to buy guns are unconstitutional. The ruling makes New Mexico's waiting-period law "likely" unconstitutional and casts doubt on a similar law in Colorado.
Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2025
Wyoming National Guard Feeling Money Pinch From Inauguration, ICE Missions
The Wyoming National Guard is preparing to help ICE, and provided $250,000 worth of security for President Trump’s inauguration. Now the Guard is bracing to cut back on normal "business," saying those responses could cause a budget shortfall if Congress doesn't help.
Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2025
Cody Roberts, Accused Daniel Wolf Abuser, Indicted For Felony Cruelty To Animals
A Sublette County grand jury on Wednesday greenlit the indictment of Daniel man Cody Roberts for cruelty to animals, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of $5,000, the county’s top prosecutor says.
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2025
Counselor's Sexual Harassment Case Against Casper Psychiatrist Is ‘Resolved’
The lawsuit filed by a licensed counselor accusing a Casper-based psychiatrist of sexual harassment has been resolved and dismissed without a trial. Along with making sexually-charged comments to women, he allegedly would joke about his own genitals.
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2025
Man Killed By Shot Through Bedroom Wall With Pistol Also A Cheyenne Airman
The man killed in a Saturday shooting in Cheyenne was, like the alleged shooter, an airman stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the military branch said Tuesday. The suspect is accused of firing a pistol through a wall, striking the victim.
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Consider 43% Fuel Tax Hike, WYDOT Warns Of $400M Shortfall
The transportation committee on Wednesday contemplated a bill to raise Wyoming's fuel tax 43% — from 23 cents to 33 cents by the summer of 2028. But it's challenging, lawmakers said, because constituents hate the word "tax."
Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2025
Wyoming Highway Patrol Backs State Bill To Ban Non-English Speaking Truckers
The Wyoming Highway Patrol on Tuesday said it supports legislation to pull non-English-speaking commercial truck drivers from the roads. During testimony, a trooper referenced a high-profile crash in Florida where an illegal truck driver killed three people last week.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2025
Cheyenne Airman Charged With Shooting Man Through Bedroom Wall With AK-47
An airman stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force base appeared in court Tuesday on an involuntary manslaughter charge on claims he shot another man through a bedroom wall with an AK-47-style pistol. It’s the second recent shooting involving a local airman.
Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2025
43-Year-Old Riverton Woman Found Dead In Burned-Out Trailer
Authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a trailer house north of Riverton on Friday evening. A 43-year-old woman was found dead in the ruins.
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2025
ICE Says It Doesn't Have Attempted Murder Victim Who Vanished, Blowing Up Case
Campbell County had to drop attempted murder charges against three Mexican nationals when their alleged victim vanished, court documents say. The three men were handed over to ICE, but the agency says it hasn’t had contact with the potential murder victim.
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2025
Drug Dog Sniffing Out Meth After Illegal Turn Was Fair, High Court Rules
It was lawful for a deputy to call in a drug dog and make a meth bust on a driver who made a premature right-hand turn in Gillette, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Friday. The driver is also serving 8-14 years for setting his home on fire.
Clair McFarlandAugust 18, 2025
Lummis, Neiman Back Pardon Effort For 65-Year-Old Mechanic EPA Put In Prison
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman support a pardon for a mechanic in prison for deleting emissions systems from diesel engines. Troy Lake's family seeks a presidential pardon, saying the Biden administration was over-zealous prosecuting him.
Clair McFarlandAugust 16, 2025
Man Who Once Blew Up Cop’s Car With Dynamite Accused Of Hauling 4 Pounds Of Meth
A 71-year-old Riverton man who blew up a Fremont County undersheriff’s patrol car with dynamite 52 years ago was arrested again this week — this time on felony-level drug charges. Investigators say they caught him with four pounds of meth in an F-150.
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2025
Committee Tables Bill That Would Fine Libraries $50,000 When Kids Access Sex Books
A bill that would create penalties for when kids access sex books and obscene materials in school or public libraries was tabled this week by a Wyoming legislative committee. Among the penalties is $50,000 for each time a kid accesses explicit materials.
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2025
Despite Being Booted From Committee Agenda, Columnist Gets Half-Hour Testimony
Despite a lawmaker removing him from a legislative meeting’s official schedule over his controversial column, former Wyoming House Speaker Tom Lubnau was allowed to testify Thursday — for 28 minutes.
Clair McFarlandAugust 15, 2025
Gerry Spence, Famed Defense Attorney And Wyoming Native, Dies At 96
One of the most famous trial attorneys of the 20th century and a proud son of Wyoming, Gerry Spence, died overnight Wednesday, at the age of 96. Spence was a legend among the trial bar — especially for his civil practice and criminal defense work.
Clair McFarlandAugust 14, 2025
Arrest In Wyoming Base Death That Prompted Air Force To Ground M18 Handguns
An airman’s death at F.E. Warren Air Force Base prompted the Air Force to ground Sig Sauer M18 pistols, which have been linked to accidental discharges. Now someone has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and obstruction.
Clair McFarlandAugust 14, 2025
Committee Says Bill That Targets Child 'Grooming' In Wyoming Needs More Work
Wyoming lawmakers tabled a bill Wednesday that could impose harsher prison sentences for grooming kids than for molesting kids, in some cases. Judiciary Committee members decided to revisit the proposal at their October meeting.
Clair McFarlandAugust 14, 2025
Former House Speaker Booted From Committee Schedule Over Column
A Wyoming legislative committee chair booted former House speaker and public records expert Tom Lubnau from a committee agenda, citing Lubnau's confrontational political columns and concerns over maintaining decorum.
Clair McFarlandAugust 13, 2025
Judge Denies Wyoming Request For School-Choice Payouts During Appeal
A Cheyenne-based judge on Tuesday denied a request by the state of Wyoming to let a new school-choice program operate while a legal challenge against it continues. The program would allocate to qualifying families $7,000 per child.
Clair McFarlandAugust 13, 2025
Wyoming Board OKs 50% Battery Storage Increase For Laramie County Solar Project
In a 4-2 vote, state regulators approved Canadian energy company Enbridge’s request to expand battery storage for a massive solar farm project near Cheyenne. The OK came despite objections from a local rancher who said the land will never be the same.
Clair McFarlandAugust 13, 2025
Wyoming Lawmakers Scrap Plan To Have Senate Confirm State Justices
A proposed change to the Wyoming Constitution that would make state Supreme Court nominees clear senate confirmation died Tuesday – after numerous attorneys brought fierce debate to the Judiciary Committee.
Clair McFarlandAugust 12, 2025
Rock Springs Councilman Cries Foul Over Contract For Wife Of Another Councilman
The nuclear industry debate has reached the city of Rock Springs, which just hired a contractor to educate the public about it. That the wife of a city councilman got that contract has another councilman crying foul, but the mayor says she's qualified.
Clair McFarlandAugust 12, 2025
Darin Smith Sworn In As Interim U.S. Attorney For Wyoming
Darin Smith was sworn in Monday as interim U.S. Attorney, leaving his state Senate seat vacant. State Republican Party precinct committee people in his region have 15 days to send three nominees to the Platte and Laramie County commissions.
Clair McFarlandAugust 11, 2025
Man Pleads Guilty To Child Sex Acts After Confessing To Church Members
A Casper man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty earlier this month to sex acts with young girls. He confessed to the girls' fathers and members of their church, asking for forgiveness and detailing his own rough upbringing.
Clair McFarlandAugust 11, 2025
Clair McFarland: Don’t Worry, Middleborn Is Here To Save Absolutely Everyone
Columnist Clair McFarland writes: “When he saw my tears, Middleborn realized that he’d done a good thing. ‘Yeah,’ he said, brightening, ‘I SAVED all those people.”
Clair McFarlandAugust 09, 2025
Man Sentenced To 24+ Years for Deadly DUI Crash That Dismembered Motorcyclists
A 26-year-old Mexican national whose pickup “catastrophically dismembered” two motorcycle riders in Goshen County two years ago while driving while under the influence of methamphetamine was sentenced Thursday, to between 24.25 and 27 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandAugust 07, 2025
Wyoming Man Sues Ski Resort After Roller Coaster Seatbelt Allegedly Fails
Juan Camacho claims he was ejected from a roller coaster at a Jackson resort when his seatbelt failed, leading to injuries. He is suing Snow King Mountain Resort and manufacturer Wiegand Sports for alleged negligence and defective equipment.
Clair McFarlandAugust 07, 2025
Reservation Meth Dealer With ‘Probable’ Cartel Ties Gets 15 Years, Deportation
A Mexican national the FBI said has “probable” Cartel ties was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison Thursday for trafficking meth and firearms on the Wind River Reservation.
Clair McFarlandAugust 07, 2025
Woman Who Fell At Afton Park Bathroom Wanted $3 Million From Town, A Jury Say No
An Afton woman who fell at a public restroom in a local park in 2023 has lost her $3 million lawsuit against the town. A jury last week found the town wasn’t negligent in the fall that caused her “severe leg fracture.”
Clair McFarlandAugust 06, 2025
Woman, 61, Fires at Deputies in Wapiti, Park County Sheriff Reports
Deputies responded to a 911 call in Wapiti last week after a person called in a woman for firing a gun into the neighborhood. The suspected shooter, a 61-year-old woman, then allegedly fired toward deputies once they arrived.
Clair McFarlandAugust 06, 2025
Laramie County Scraps Controversial Permitting Plan After Food Freedom Outcry
More than 200 residents showed up to a Laramie County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday to protest a proposed home business rule that they said ran violated the state's Food Freedom Act. The commissioners subsequently dropped the rule.
Clair McFarlandAugust 06, 2025
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires At Rock Springs Dump Could Signal Bigger Disasters
A surge in garbage fires linked to lithium-ion batteries at the Rock Springs Landfill has officials warning of bigger, future hazards. One expert said he's working out a plan to shut down grid portions and cordon off areas if an electric car ignites.
Clair McFarlandAugust 05, 2025
Brother Of Yellowstone Shooter Can’t Keep ‘Getaway’ Car, Federal Magistrate Says
The brother of a Yellowstone concession worker who died in shootout July 4, 2024, can’t get the shooter’s car. With a federal magistrate's Friday order, the government can keep the 2021 Nissan that Lucas Fussner reportedly intended as his "getaway" car.
Clair McFarlandAugust 05, 2025
Gillette Nursing Home Sued For Woman's Overdose Death Wants Lawsuit Dismissed
The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette denies any wrongdoing in Rhonda Parker’s fatal opioid overdose in a Friday court filing. The center is asking a judge to throw out a wrongful death lawsuit.
Clair McFarlandAugust 04, 2025
Cheyenne Man Not Guilty In Stabbing Death Of Estranged Wife’s Boyfriend
A jury found a Cheyenne man not guilty Friday in the stabbing death of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. The man told Cowboy State Daily on Monday that the boyfriend had consumed a large amount of meth and charged him during a confusing scuffle.
Clair McFarlandAugust 04, 2025
Wyoming Man In Prison For Removing EPA-Mandated Filters Seeks Trump Pardon
A 65-year-old Wyoming man is in federal prison for pulling EPA-mandated emissions systems from ailing diesel engines. As the Trump administration inches toward reversing those mandates, Troy Lake's family is pushing for the president to pardon him.
Clair McFarlandAugust 02, 2025
As Corp. For Public Broadcasting Shuts Down, Wyo. PBS and Public Media Press On
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced Friday it’s shutting down after Congress stripped it of the next two years' federal funding. What that means for Wyoming PBS is less money, but not a shutdown, CEO Joanna Kail says.
Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2025
Worland Man Guilty Of Shooting HIs Dog Six Times To ‘Put It Out Of My Misery’
A Worland man was found guilty this week of shooting his own dog six times, with court documents saying he wanted to “put it out of my misery.” The dog’s new owner said Friday that the 1-year-old border collie mix is still recovering.
Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2025
Man Dubbed The ‘High Country Harasser’ Has Mental Health Issues, Mother Says
A man accused of harassing hikers along the Continental Divide Trail in Wyoming needs mental help, his mother says. She also takes issue with his being dubbed the “High Country Harasser,” but agrees he could pose a danger to others and himself.
Clair McFarlandAugust 01, 2025
Grand Jury For Cody Roberts Over Wolf Torture A Rare Route In Wyoming
A grand jury is being convened for Cody Roberts, the Daniel, Wyoming, man who ran down a wolf, taped its mouth shut and showed it off before killing it in 2024, according to a Wyofile report. Convening a grand jury is rare in Wyoming, but not unheard of.
Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2025
One Dead, Another Hurt In Head-On With Semi On Highway 220 Near Muddy Gap
“You need to get people coming,” a commercial truck driver said he told the 911 operator Wednesday night about a head-on crash between a car and a semi. Authorities confirm one person was killed in the crash on Wyoming Highway 220 near Muddy Gap.
Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2025
Trump Nominates Cheyenne Legislator To Be U.S. Attorney For District Of Wyoming
Trump on Wednesday nominated state Sen. Darin Smith for the U.S. Attorney post in Wyoming. If confirmed, Smith would lead federal prosecutions across Wyoming, including national parks and the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Clair McFarlandJuly 31, 2025
Cody Police Say Man Wielded Knife Before Officer Shot Him
The man shot by a Cody Police Department officer Monday evening was wielding a knife, the agency reported Wednesday. The 22-year-old Gillette man also was wanted on warrants for alleged domestic abuse, including assaulting a pregnant woman.
Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2025
Cheyenne Fifth Grade Teacher Arrested, Accused Of Molesting Girls
An elementary school teacher in Cheyenne has been arrested on suspicion of touching multiple female students inappropriately during the past school year. Brian Wrhel, 55, remains in the Laramie County Detention Center.
Clair McFarlandJuly 30, 2025
Supreme Court Sides With Wyoming Public Defender Who Quit Over Contempt Order
A Gillette-based state judge didn’t take the proper steps when holding a tardy public defense attorney in contempt, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The lawyer quit after the judge punished him, worsening a critical shortage of public defenders.
Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2025
One Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting East Of Cody
A man who led Cody police on a chase through the town Monday night was killed in an officer-involved shooting after he stopped. The incident began with police trying to pull the man over for not having a license plate, police say.
Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2025
Hageman's Popularity Has Many Uncertain If They’ll Run For Governor
Harriet Hageman’s potential bid for Wyoming governor has put other candidates on hold. Only two have officially declared and others, including Secretary of State Chuck Gray, wait for her decision.
Clair McFarlandJuly 29, 2025
Former Lusk Domestic Violence Center Director Accused Of Stealing $65K From Group
The former director of a domestic violence center in Lusk is facing a felony theft charge on claims she stole more than $65,000 from the nonprofit group. An investigative report alleges Sabrina Kruse had a secret debit card linked to the center’s account.
Clair McFarlandJuly 28, 2025
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers To Take On ICE Functions
Wyoming Highway Patrol has joined a growing list of agencies that have agreed to do some ICE enforcement. Gov. Mark Gordon announced the agreement Monday for WHP troopers to “assist ICE with immigration enforcement while performing their regular duties.”
Clair McFarlandJuly 28, 2025
Clair McFarland: Sure, Let The 11-Year-Old Drive. It'll Be Fine
Clair McFarland writes: "The little, feisty twin gripped the wheel and stared down our neighborhood of empty dirt roads and winding canals. I threw a goodbye kiss to my home and thanked the Lord for the 35 good years he gave me on this earth."
Clair McFarlandJuly 27, 2025
ICE Grabs Illegal Immigrants In Western Wyoming As Agency Eyes Massive Expansion
ICE officers arrested multiple foreign nationals in a coordinated early-morning operation across Western Wyoming this week. They also discussed implanting teams and offices across Wyoming with a massive new funding increase.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2025
Evanston’s Hillcrest Motel, A Sanctuary For Squatters, Catches Fire Again
One of the buildings of the defunct Hillcrest Motel in Evanston, Wyoming, was destroyed Saturday in an early-morning fire. There have been about eight fires in three years with a persistent squatter inhabitation at the motel complex.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2025
'High-Country Harasser' Arrested on Continental Divide Trail In Carbon County
Nicholas “Cottonmouth” Sampson — aka the “High-Country Harasser” — was arrested in Carbon County on Thursday after allegedly threatening and attacking hikers along the Continental Divide Trail for years, authorities report.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2025
Wyoming Freedom Caucus Opposes More Nuclear Waste Storage Sites
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is pushing back against expanding nuclear waste storage in the state, opposing efforts supported by some Republicans, the state’s Libertarian Party and others. It also follows a Trump order to fast-track nuclear production.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2025
Officer Who Set Off Fatal Shootout Gives Up Certification, Can’t Be A Wyoming Cop
The former Thermopolis police sergeant who triggered a fatal shootout when he unlawfully entered a suspect’s home surrendered his state policing certification Thursday. That means Mike Mascorro can’t be a cop in Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2025
Man Who Walked Into Sheriff's Office And Confessed To Molesting Child Makes Plea
A 73-year-old Green River man who walked into the local sheriff’s office last summer and announced he’d fondled a preteen girl decades earlier pleaded “no contest” on Thursday. Prosecutors agreed to cap their prison sentence request at five years.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2025
Mom Of Missing Cody Woman Believed Murdered Asks For Help Looking For Evidence
Park County authorities and a grieving mother urge hikers to look out for a pink tote and a Dodge Durango seat. They are potential evidence in the 2023 disappearance and suspected murder of Cody woman Katie Ferguson.
Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2025
Airman Who Died In Air Force Gunshot Incident Identified As Kentucky 21-Year-Old
The airman who died in an on-duty incident Sunday at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne has been identified as a 21-year-old from Kentucky. In a Thursday statement, the U.S. Air Force also confirms his death involved a gunshot and a Sig M18 pistol.
Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Debate Whether To Let Nuclear Waste Sites Multiply
Wyoming lawmakers are wrestling with whether to green light potentially numerous nuclear waste sites throughout the state. Some say it’s good for the economy, while others say it’s not worth the risk.
Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2025
Air Force Division Grounds M18 Handguns After Airman Dies On Wyoming Base
A day after the death of an F.E. Warren Air Force Base airman on Sunday, the Air Force suspended the use of the M18 modular handgun. A Wyoming gunsmith said M18 has a history of reported unintentional firings.
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2025
5-Year-Old Shot In Belly By 9-Year-Old Brother At Cody Gas Station Recovering
The child shot Tuesday outside a Cody gas station was 5, and the shooter was his 9-year-old brother, police announced Wednesday morning. The family also reports “a positive prognosis for the injured juvenile.”
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2025
Removal Of Arrested Mayor From Jail Roster Was Error, Sheriff's Office Says
A Park County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy removed the Cody town mayor from a list of jail inmates, shielding her arrest from the public, for reasons unknown last weekend. That was a mistake and has been addressed, the sheriff’s office says.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025
Child Shot Tuesday In Cody After “Negligent Discharge,” Cody Police Say
Cody police said a child is being treated at Cody Regional Health after being shot at a gas station early Tuesday afternoon. Authorities are calling it a “negligent discharge" of the gun.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025
Judge Throws Out Challenge To New Wyoming Voter Registration Law, Gray Cheers
A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a voting-advocacy group’s lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s new law that requires proof of citizenship and Wyoming residency before someone can register to vote. Secretary of State Chuck Gray celebrated the ruling.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025
Gillette Woman Now Charged With Homicide After Boyfriend Dies In Car Strike
Criminal charges against a Gillette woman were upgraded to vehicular homicide after her boyfriend died last week from injuries he suffered when run over by an SUV on July 5. Dana Johnson could now face up to 32 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025
Colorado ICE Facility Sends Dozens Of Detainees To Wyoming Jails
Out-of-state immigration detainees are entering Wyoming in high volumes, including a batch of 44 transported Friday to Casper. That’s to alleviate the over-capacity ICE facility in Aurora, Colorado, the agency said Monday.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2025
University Of Wyoming President Ed Seidel Says He’ll Step Down
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has announced that he will step down when his contract expires on June 30 next year. The decision follows a controversy involving the distribution of money and demotion of a professor, who is now suing UW.
Clair McFarlandJuly 21, 2025
Cody Woman Accused In Murder-For-Hire Claims Entrapment By Undercover Agent
A Cody woman accused of soliciting a man she thought was a hitman to kill her daughter’s boyfriend in late 2023 says in a Thursday court filing she plans to tell a jury that the “hitman” — an undercover law enforcement agent — entrapped her.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Guilty: Jury Says Douglas Smith Gunned Down 2 Men In Cheyenne Coin Shop In 2015
A 69-year-old California man is guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for killing two men in a Cheyenne coin shop 10 years ago, a jury decided Friday afternoon. Douglas Smith now faces two mandatory life sentences.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Sued By Ousted Library Director, Campbell County Says She's No LGBTQ Hero
In a scathing court filing Wednesday, Campbell County denies wrongdoing in the 2023 firing of the local library director, who is suing. The county says her claims are full of bogus “self-praise” and that she's no LGBTQ hero.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Massive Recovery Mission Planned For Yellowstone Hiker Who Vanished 10 Months Ago
A team of private-sector outdoorsmen and another of Yellowstone National Park personnel and volunteers are preparing missions next month to recover Austin King. He’s the 22-year-old hiker who vanished after summiting Eagle Peak last September.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Accused Serial Killer Suspected Of Murdering 2 Women In Wyoming Dies In Tennessee
Clark Perry Baldwin, a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer linked to the deaths of two women in Wyoming, died Friday in Tennessee. His death leaves a Wyoming prosecutor frustrated he won’t stand trial here for the decades-old murders.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Friday Or Bust: House Under Legal Deadline For PBS, NPR Cuts
The U.S. House of Representatives has a legal deadline of Friday at 11:59 p.m. to vote on the proposed $1.1 billion in cuts to public television and radio. Wyoming's congressional delegation is firmly in favor of the cuts.
Sean Barry & Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2025
Degenfelder Fighting Judge's Block On School Choice Program
Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder announced Thursday the State of Wyoming is challenging a judge’s order that blocks the state’s new school-choice program. “I am grateful for the Attorney General’s swift action,” Degenfelder said.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2025
Laramie County Jail To Open Wyoming’s First In-House Mental Health Sections
Nearly half of the inmates in the Laramie County jail have some sort of mental illness, and about 11% are “extremely” ill. That’s why the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office created Wyoming’s first in-house jail pods specifically for mentally ill inmates.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2025
‘I-90’ Jane Doe, Suspected Victim Of Serial Killer, Identified After 33 Years
A young, petite, pregnant woman found dead with beating and strangulation injuries 33 years ago in a borrow ditch 15 miles north of Sheridan has been identified as Cindi Arleen Estrada. She’s one of two alleged Wyoming victims of an accused serial killer.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2025
Wyoming Senators Say Their Votes To Defund Public Media Due To Left-Wing Bias
In statements and interviews with Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday, Sens. Lummis and Barrasso said their votes for massive cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting are warranted because of what they call a left-wing bias of its public media outlets.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025
Man Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting ID'd As 37-Year-Old Worland Resident
The man killed in an officer-involved shooting Monday in Worland was 37-year-old Derek Fyffe, the coroner confirmed Wednesday. He reportedly shot at officers as they approached him near a bridge, who returned fire.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025
Wyoming Judge Blocks School-Choice Program, This Time For Months
A Wyoming judge on Tuesday blocked Wyoming's school-choice program from going into effect, for a period of months or years during a legal challenge against it. The program is likely unconstitutional, wrote the judge.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025
Now A Legislative Committee Investigating Weston County Clerk's Election Errors
The Management Audit Committee is forming a task force to investigate the Weston County clerk's handling of the 2024 election, where multiple errors warped uncontested races. Secretary of State Chuck Gray applauds the move, while others question it.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2025
One Man Dead, Officer Wounded In Shootout With Police In Worland
A man is dead and an officer wounded after a Monday shootout on a bridge in Worland, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Worland Police Department confirmed Tuesday. The officer sustained non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.
Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2025
Former Thermopolis Police Sergeant Claims He Can't Be Sued For Fatal Shootout
A former Thermopolis police sergeant in a Monday court filing denied any wrongdoing in a fatal April 2023 shootout that left a local man dead. Former Sgt. Mike Mascorro also says he's protected by qualified immunity, therefore can't be sued.
Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2025
Man Gets 4.5 Years For Stealing $14M In Gold And Silver From 90-Year-Old Dad
A 61-year-old New Zealand man was sentenced Monday to 4-4.5 years in a Wyoming prison after stealing $14 million in gold and silver from his 90-year-old father’s house in Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2025
Man Killed In Pinedale Alley Was Shot From 2-3 Feet Away
The Sublette County Coroner confirmed Monday the identify of the 67-year-old local man shot to death Friday in a Pinedale, Wyoming, alley. The man was shot from about 2-3 feet away, the Sublette County Coroner says.
Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2025
Suspected Green River Bomber To Have His Sanity Checked
The man accused of injuring his ex-wife with a bomb in 1982, then running from the law for 43 years, will have his sanity checked. Stephen Campbell also is accused of stealing $140,000 in Social Security benefits using the name of a dead college classmate.
Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2025
One Dead In Pinedale Shooting, Possible Self-Defense Situation
One person is dead after a shooting Friday in Pinedale, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office reports. Self-defense is being investigated as a possible factor, the sheriff told Cowboy State Daily.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025
Rock Springs Mother Accused Of Shooting Son In The Neck
A woman could face up to life in prison after Sweetwater County detectives say she shot her son in the neck last month. The mother was arrested Friday, and told authorities her son was going to hit her with a guitar, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025
Green River Man Guilty Of Encouraging Child Into Sex Acts
A jury took about four hours Wednesday to convict a 50-year-old Green River man on multiple counts of child exploitation. William John Duncan was found guilty of encouraging a preteen child into sex acts.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025
Supercar YouTuber Among 6 Accused Of Racing Luxury Cars In Grand Teton
A YouTuber who features high-priced supercars is one of six people accused of racing luxury cars in Grand Teton National Park last month. The drivers allegedly were racing up to speeds of 111 mph, a park official says.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025
Legislators Spar Over Whether Governor’s Agency Should Audit Legislature
A pair of state senators sparred at length Wednesday about whether an agency under the governor should audit the Legislative Service Office. Sen. Chris Rothfuss says it violates separation of powers protocols, while Sen. Darin Smith says it doesn't.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2025
Reid Rasner Sues Anthony Bouchard, Claims He Jeopardized TikTok Deal
Wyoming entrepreneur Reid Rasner filed a lawsuit Tuesday against former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard, claiming he was defamed and jeopardized his reported $47.5 billion bid to buy TikTok.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025
Two More Girls Say Accused Moorcroft Church Molester Also Touched Them
Two more girls have come forward to say a Moorcroft man accused of molesting little girls also allegedly abused them. Charles Massie, who reportedly confessed to a counselor that “I’m the terrible one,” pleaded not guilty Thursday to nine criminal charges.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025
Wyoming Lawmakers Use Subpoena Power To Demand Answers For Faulty Town Audits
A Wyoming legislative committee voted to subpoena officials from Bear River, Manderson and a special district Wednesday, over slow progress after problematic audits. Some lawmakers objected to deploying the rarely-used subpoena power.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2025
Murder Charge Filed 2 Years After Man Found On Reservation With Throat Cut
Two years after a man was found dead with his throat cut on the Wind River Reservation, a Riverton man has been charged in his death. John Goodman, 31, was already in prison when evidence surfaced that he killed Gustave Yellowhair with a machete.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025
2 Men Wanted By ICE Arrested In Wyoming With 80 Pounds Of Illegal Drugs
Two men wanted by ICE were arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol on Saturday with what authorities identified as 80 pounds of illegal drugs. They also had Ecuadorian passports.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025
Ukrainian Trucker Who Killed Another Trucker In Crash Gets 90 Days
A Ukrainian trucker who slid on black ice and crashed into another truck, killing a 70-year-old woman in its sleeper cab, was sentenced Tuesday to 90 days in jail. He also was fined $1,000 under a plea agreement.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2025
Wyoming Drug Cartel Suspect Who Hid Out In Mexico Gets Plea Deal
A Wyoming man suspected in a sprawling cartel conspiracy accepted a plea deal last week, according to his court file. Authorities say the suspect was hiding out in Mexico after years on the run.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2025
Lawsuit Claims Wyoming Cosmetic Surgeon Left Women Mutilated And Disfigured
Two women are suing a former Wyoming cosmetic surgeon and others on claims they were left mutilated and disfigured. One suffered with a necrotic, ruptured breast and maggots, the lawsuit says, while another had her infected wound “burst open" at work.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2025
Lander Man Gets 25-50 Years For Bludgeoning House Guest To Death
A 40-year-old Lander man was sentenced Monday to 25-50 years in prison for bludgeoning a house guest to death last April. One of the victim’s daughters said deeper societal issues are partly to blame in this case.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2025
Former Police Chief Who Tipped Off Girlfriend To Drug Search Gets 9 Days In Jail
The former police chief of Manderson, Wyoming, convicted of interfering with police and shirking his duty will spend nine days in jail and a year on probation, a judge ruled Monday. He was accused of alerting his girlfriend to a drug search.
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2025
Billings Man Suspected Of Killing Girlfriend Arrested On Riverton Roadside
A Billings, Montana, man suspected of killing his girlfriend was arrested along a road in Riverton on the Fourth of July. He reportedly was lying in front of an RV “yelling” that he had killed his girlfriend, and asking people to call 911.
Clair McFarlandJuly 07, 2025
Gillette Woman In Jail After Allegedly Running Over Boyfriend With SUV
A woman who was trying to drive away from the scene of a verbal argument in Gillette early Saturday ran over her boyfriend in the process, police say. The man was taken to an out-of-state hospital with critical injuries.
Clair McFarlandJuly 05, 2025
Judge Says Rock Springs Woman Accused Of Making Child Porn Has To Stay In Jail
A Green River judge did not hesitate Thursday to deny a woman accused of making child pornography a chance to get out of jail and go to a treatment center. She’s also accused of smuggling meth into jail hidden in a genital orifice.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025
Full Speed Ahead: Trump Kills Biden Rule Limiting How Fast Trucks Can Go
Wyoming truckers are cheering a new Trump administration rule reversing a Biden-era agenda that would have put speed limiting devices — called governors — on semitrucks. Truckers say the Biden rule would have been a safety hazard.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025
Cheyenne Restaurant Owner Makes A Gay Joke On Sign — LGBTQ Group Borrows It
When a Cheyenne restaurant owner posted a PG-rated gay joke on his roadside sign, Wyoming’s top LGBTQ advocacy group decided to run with the joke — and call for more.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025
Thermopolis Woman Gets 24-30 Months For Stealing $25K From FFA Group
A Thermopolis woman who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $25,000 from a Future Farmers of America fundraising group was sentenced Wednesday to 24-30 months in prison. Cody Dyan Stewart cheated kids of their scholarships, the group said.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025
Laramie Homes Evacuated After Materials To Make Fireworks Discovered In House
Several homes in a Laramie mobile home park was evacuated Wednesday as authorities responded to a situation that involved “potential explosives in the area.” Emergency officials say materials to make fireworks were found in a home.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2025
Jackson Man Accused Of Killing Bicyclist While Driving Drunk Sent To Higher Court
A Jackson man accused of killing a bicyclist and local photographer will be tried in felony-level court, a judge ruled Wednesday. The judge also kept the man’s bond at $300,000 and forbade him from driving if he makes bail.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2025
Trump Administration Seeks To Defend Wyoming’s New Citizenship Voter Law
The U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump filed a brief in court Tuesday to help defend Wyoming’s new voter citizenship law. Secretary of State Chuck Gray says he’s “extremely grateful” to the department and Trump.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2025
UPenn Bans Trans Athletes From Women's Sports Same Day Wyoming Law Goes Into Effect
Wyoming State Sen. Wendy Schuler said Tuesday’s decision by the University of Pennsylvania to ban trans athletes from participating in women's sports marks “a great victory for our women and girls.” It happened the same day Wyoming's law that does the same thing went into effect.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2025
Trans Woman Breaks Wyoming’s New Bathroom Ban In State Capitol, Nothing Happens
Nothing happened Tuesday when a transgender woman flagrantly violated a newly implemented Wyoming law restricting people to the restroom corresponding to their birth sex in public buildings.
Matthew Christian & Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025
Wyoming’s New Laws: No Gun-Free Zones, Prove Citizenship To Vote And A Bathroom Ban
In all, 106 new Wyoming laws became active Tuesday. Now, most gun-free zones are gone, voters must prove citizenship and residency to register and people born male can’t use women’s bathrooms in government buildings.
Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025
Deal For Manderson Police Chief Charged With Helping Girlfriend Avoid Drug Arrest
The former police chief of Manderson, Wyoming, accused of helping his girlfriend avoid a drug arrest has agreed to a plea deal. He’ll get probation and has to give up his policing certification.
Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025
Judge Green-Lights Off-Label Prescribing Of Abortion Drugs
Lawmakers may have had Ivermectin in mind when they passed a law to safeguard doctors who prescribe off-label. But a judge on Monday ruled that, at least for now, that protection must apply to abortion-inducing drug providers as well.
Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2025
Riverton Man In 130 mph Car Chase Faces Up To 7 Years In Prison
The Riverton man accused of leading Fremont County law enforcement on a 130-mph car chase through a construction zone last week could face up to seven years and 40 days in prison. His preliminary hearing is Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandJune 30, 2025
Court Gives $15K Back To Man Who Bailed Out Fake Jackson 'Bitcoin Billionaire'
The man who posted a $50,000 bond to free the alleged “Bitcoin Billionaire” scammer from Teton County’s jail can have $15,000 of it back, a judge has ruled. The prosecution argues the suspect's promise to pay the bond back is another of his bogus promises.
Clair McFarlandJune 30, 2025
Cassie Craven: School Choice Is About Helping Students, Not Systems
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “The Wyoming Education Association plays victim in its lawsuit. It decries the scholarship with fundamental critique of how the capitalist system has this inherent tendency toward inequality and exploitation. How very Marxist.”
Clair McFarlandJune 29, 2025
Sen. Mike Lee Waves White Flag And Gives Up Public Lands Sell-Off Plan
Utah Sen. Mike Lee waved the white flag on Saturday evening and dropped his controversial public lands-selloff plan. Wyoming State Rep. Karlee Provenza said she was pleased but was concerned with the Wyoming congressional delegation's "lack of leadership."
Sean Barry & Clair McFarlandJune 29, 2025
Chuck Gray Asks Judge To Dismiss Lawsuit Against Proof-Of-Citizenship Voting Law
Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s new proof-of-citizenship voting law. He claims the complaint is brought by “radical left” groups that haven’t shown it could harm them.
Clair McFarlandJune 28, 2025
Supreme Court Upholds Porn Age Verification Days Before Wyo Law Takes Effect
A Supreme Court ruling upholding a Texas law that requires porn websites to verify visitors are adults protects Wyoming’s new age-verification law as well, its sponsor says. “The ruling is a complete win,” says Worland Republican Rep. Martha Lawley.
Clair McFarlandJune 28, 2025
Wyoming Judge Blocks School Choice Money Days Ahead Of First Payouts
A Cheyenne-based judge on Friday temporarily blocked the first phase of payouts for Wyoming’s new school choice program days ahead of the first checks going out July 1. The program gives $7,000 toward private schools or homeschooling for students.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2025
Case Against Star Valley Man In Wife’s Death Proceeds After Contentious Hearing
After a contentious hearing full of objections, debates over court rules and photographs of his injured wife before she died, the manslaughter case against a Star Valley man advanced to District Court on Thursday.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2025
Rawlins Homeschool Parents Blast Proposed Sports Ban At Board Meeting
Rawlins-area homeschool parents on Thursday blasted a proposal to ban their middle schoolers from sports and other public school activities. Several school board members then voiced opposition to the move.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2025
RNC Wants To Help Chuck Gray Defend Wyoming’s Voter Citizenship Law
The Republican National Committee filed a motion Thursday to help defend Wyoming’s new law requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Secretary of State Chuck Gray said he welcomes the RNC to help “combat radical left-wing” opposition.
Clair McFarlandJune 26, 2025
Wyoming Takes Cautious Step Toward Licensing Natural Health Doctors
Wyoming lawmakers have taken a tentative step toward licensing naturopathic doctors to practice in the state. Multiple state representatives noted during the meeting that they've benefitted from natural healing.
Clair McFarlandJune 26, 2025
Bomb Squad Called For Device Found Near River In Lander — It Was A Fake Pipe Bomb
A bomb squad was called Wednesday to disarm what looked like a pipe bomb along Lander's Popo Agie River. An X-ray image showed the device to be a fake pipe bomb. It's the second time in three months people have found fake explosives in Fremont County.
Clair McFarlandJune 25, 2025
Four Arrested For Drag Racing ‘High-End Luxury Sports Cars’ In Grand Teton Park
Four people were arrested Tuesday, accused of drag racing "multiple high-end luxury sports cars" in Grand Teton National Park. A Wyoming auto writer says that’s foolish, and wonders “what would happen to a Lamborghini if it hit a black bear?”
Clair McFarlandJune 25, 2025
Wyoming Again Considers Banning Buying Junk Food With SNAP Benefits
A Republican state lawmaker is again seeking to ban buying junk food using Wyoming SNAP benefits. The federal government sends nearly $65 million a year into Wyoming homes through the program.
Clair McFarlandJune 25, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Wear Red To Warn Of Projected $700 Million Budget Deficit
Some Wyoming House members wore red jackets Tuesday to a legislative committee meeting as a warning of a projected nearly $700 million deficit. Detractors of the visual protest say those same lawmakers helped gouge state revenues.
Clair McFarlandJune 25, 2025
Gillette Man Who Admitted Child Sex Crimes While Applying For Deputy Job Gets Deal
A Gillette man is set to plead guilty to child molestation Monday. Prosecutors say he confessed to the crimes while applying for a job at the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office before he was to take a polygraph test.
Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025
After Intense Backlash, Lee To ‘Significantly Reduce’ Public Lands Up For Sale
After intense backlash over his plan to sell off federal public land in 11 Western states, including Wyoming, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee is scaling it back. He said late Monday he will “significantly reduce” the scope of his plan.
Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025
Riverton Car Chase Hits 130 MPH, Ends In Rollover
Authorities on Saturday arrested a Riverton man for DUI and felony eluding after he bolted northward through a construction zone, hitting 130 mph in a car chase. Wyoming troopers did a tactical intervention, and the car rolled repeatedly.
Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025
Provenza Says Gordon, Hageman Are 'Partners In Public Land Grab'
As debate intensifies over the sale of federal lands, state Rep. Karlee Provenza says actions last year in a federal court case show Gov. Mark Gordon and Harriet Hageman are "partners in the public land grab."
Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2025
Riverton Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside Pleads Guilty
The 29-year-old Riverton man who stole a car with a baby inside in it in February pleaded guilty Friday to one count of felony kidnapping. He faces a sentence of between eight and 10 years in prison or could be sent to a “boot camp” program.
Clair McFarlandJune 23, 2025
Rock Springs Man Shot In Neck During Weekend Altercation, No Arrests Yet
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office says no arrests have yet been made, but there is a person of interest in a Saturday evening altercation that left a man shot in the neck. An investigation continues, and there’s no threat to the public.
Clair McFarlandJune 23, 2025
Witnesses, Evidence Say Man Arrested At Speech Tournament Was With East High Team
Despite the school district saying a Cheyenne man arrested Thursday for causing a panic and stampede at the national high school speech competition wasn't associated with the East High team, witnesses and evidence say he was.
Clair McFarlandJune 21, 2025
Wyo Legislative Leaders Range From Lukewarm To Angry On Public Lands Sale
Leaders of the Wyoming Legislature range from lukewarm to angry about the proposed sale of federal public lands in Wyoming and 10 other Western states. And even though they can’t do anything about it, they’re hearing from constituents.
Clair McFarlandJune 20, 2025
Cheyenne Man Arrested After Causing Panic At National Speech And Debate Tourney
A 22-year-old Cheyenne man with four national speech championship wins to his name was arrested Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, on claims he created a panic at the National Speech and Debate tournament that cleared the venue. He faces charges of disorderly conduct and drug possession.
Clair McFarlandJune 20, 2025
Wyoming Trooper Rolls Vehicle Stopping Colorado Homicide Suspect
A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper rolled his vehicle Friday morning near Cheyenne while grappling the truck wheel of a homicide suspect who was fleeing Colorado, the local sheriff says.
Clair McFarlandJune 20, 2025
In ‘Extremely Rare’ Case, Rock Springs Woman Charged With Making Child Porn
In what authorities say is an “extremely rare” case, a Rock Springs woman is facing child pornography charges in Sweetwater County felony court. She’s scheduled to plead Monday on charges she made, delivered and possessed child porn.
Clair McFarlandJune 20, 2025
Wyoming Schools Say Banning Gun-Free Zones Is Hiking Insurance Rates
Multiple Wyoming school districts say the repeal of Wyoming’s gun-free zones has prompted hikes in their liability insurance costs. The situation sparked debate between supporters and detractors of the new law at a legislative committee this week.
Clair McFarlandJune 19, 2025
Brief: Two Gillette Motorcyclists Killed In Head-On Near Wright
Two Gillette men died Wednesday when a work truck collided head-on with both their motorcycles on the highway between Wright and Newcastle. Fatigue for the truck driver is being investigated as the cause of the crash.
Clair McFarlandJune 19, 2025
Degenfelder Plans $6.4 Million School Choice Payout, But Judge Could Stop It
As a lawsuit against the program escalates, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder is still planning at this point to pay out $6.44 million for school choice July 1. A judge could decide next week to halt the payments.
Clair McFarlandJune 19, 2025
Gillette Nursing Home Ignored Signs Of Fatal Overdose, Family Claims In Lawsuit
A Tramadol overdose in November killed Rhonda Parker, 66, who was living at a Gillette assisted living center. Her family sued the care facility Wednesday, claiming caretakers ignored severe signs of her overdose for hours before she died.
Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2025
US Supreme Court Upholds Child Sex-Change Ban That’s Similar To Wyoming’s
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on medical treatments related to gender changes for kids. That smooths the way for Wyoming's similar ban to survive in federal court, though it's still unclear how it would fare in state court.
Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2025
Blue-Collar Sector To Wyoming Schools: Give Us More Welders
With voids of unfilled technical education jobs in Wyoming — like welders, plumbers and construction workers — the state needs to adjust its education system to those fields. That was the message from the state’s blue-collar sector to legislators Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2025
Bloody, Beaten Man Found In Wheatland Liquor Store Is Alive, Family Says
A man found bloody and beaten in a shuttered Wheatland liquor store Saturday night is alive, his family says. Meanwhile, a 39-year-old local man was charged Monday with aggravated burglary on the theory he broke into the store to attack the other man.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2025
Parents Suing State Claim Voucher Program Could Alienate Gay, Trans Students
The same judge who ruled against the state of Wyoming on funding public education has been assigned to a lawsuit challenging school vouchers. Some parents in the lawsuit claim vouchers can alienate “queer,” transgender and nonbinary students.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2025
Photographer Wanted To Shoot Lightning; He Found Rarely Seen Lightning Bugs
A photographer out to get shots of lightning Saturday found a field full of rarely seen lightning bugs near Clearmont, Wyoming. It was a rare sighting because the bugs typically come out in humid weather, something in short supply here.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2025
Drunk Intruder Shot By 85-Year-Old Riverton Man Could Get Probation
A Riverton man who was shot by a homeowner after police said he broke into a home drunk pleaded no contest to unlawful entry last week in Fremont County District Court. He could get probation.
Clair McFarlandJune 16, 2025
Brother Of Moorcroft Man Accused Of Touching Girls In Church Did The Same
The brother of a man accused of sexually touching girls in a Moorcroft church was convicted of doing the same in a church in Minnesota. He pleaded guilty to molesting young girls of about the same age in a church of the same denomination.
Clair McFarlandJune 16, 2025
Police Tight-Lipped About Burglary At Wheatland Liquor That ‘Went South’
Wheatland police are tight-lipped about what happened inside a vacant liquor store there overnight Saturday. One person was taken to the hospital, and another was hospitalized briefly then charged with burglary and taken to jail.
Clair McFarlandJune 16, 2025
Legislators Propose Tax Hikes On Sports, Horse Racing And Machine Betting
A Wyoming legislative committee proposed three tax hikes this week on multiple gaming industries. It also plans to insert a money-monitoring system into gaming machines across Wyoming bars, casino-style halls and truck stops.
Clair McFarlandJune 14, 2025
Demoted Dean Who Fought With UW President Sues To Get Job Back
A University of Wyoming dean who fought with the UW president and was demoted after refusing to move state money earmarked for engineering education filed a lawsuit Thursday to get his position reinstated. He claims the demotion was illegal retaliation.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2025
High Court Hands LDS Church Win On Controversial 101-Foot Cody Temple
The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling Friday, denying a Cody group the chance to challenge the approval of a Latter-day Saints temple. The decision ends two years of controversy over the 101-foot-tall temple in a residential neighborhood.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2025
'Wyoming Is Not Los Angeles:' Gordon Doesn’t Expect Need For Guard At Protests
With anti-Trump protests planned for at least 13 Wyoming towns Saturday, Democrats are calling on Gov. Mark Gordon to reject Trump if he tries to deploy the Wyoming National Guard. Gordon says he doesn’t expect that because “Wyoming is not Los Angeles.”
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2025
Sublette County Gives Hospital Pledged $2.7 Million Grant, Settles Feud
Sublette County on Wednesday gave the Sublette County Hospital District the final $2.7 million it had pledged to help build new medical facilities. In turn, the hospital district is transferring nearly 2 acres to the county.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2025
Prosecutor Adds 78 New Felony Sex Charges On Former Wheatland Band Teacher
A former Wheatland band teacher accused of committing sex acts on a girl younger than 16 now faces another 78 felony charges on claims of near-daily sex acts with a different, 17-year-old student. Between the cases, he could get more than 1,500 years.
Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2025
Dubois Ranch Denies Wrongdoing After Woman's Foot Crushed By Bear-Sprayed Horse
A Dubois guest ranch in a Tuesday filing denies wrongdoing in a lawsuit of an Irish woman who accuses its lead wrangler of wrongfully bear spraying her horse during a ride, causing her foot to be crushed.
Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2025
Teton County Prosecutor Drops Voyeurism Charge From Carnival Incident
A Teton County prosecutor dropped a charge against a Texas man who was accused of trying to photograph a young girl’s private area during the carnival in Jackson last year. It’s not clear why the charge was dismissed.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2025
Trailer Where Big Piney Man Killed In Bow-And-Arrow Ambush Catches Fire
The trailer in which a 23-year-old Big Piney man was shot and killed in a bow-and-arrow ambush in February caught fire Tuesday afternoon, authorities say. The fire doesn’t appear suspicious, and an investigation continues.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2025
As New Homeschool Laws Take Effect, Some Schools Push To Limit Sports, Activities
Some Wyoming public school districts are moving toward restricting access for homeschool families to pre-high school sports and activities. That comes just as two new laws empowering the homeschool movement in Wyoming are taking effect.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2025
'I'm The Terrible One': Moorcroft Man Accused Of Touching Girls During Church
A Moorcroft man faces up to 81 years in prison for the alleged sexual touching of multiple girls during church services more than a decade ago. The suspect confessed to a counselor and told an investigator that, "I'm the terrible one," court records say.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2025
Laramie County Deputies Can Investigate ICE Cases Under Federal Agreement
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has empowered three jail deputies to conduct immigration investigations in coordination with federal authorities. It's the latest development in a larger trend of Wyoming sheriffs forging agreements with ICE.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2025
Three Women Left In Lawsuit Against Sorority Over UW Transgender Member
Three women renewed their lawsuit against a sorority Monday over a transgender member allowed in its Wyoming chapter. Seven women sued in 2023, one dropped out, and now three remain after an appeals court kicked it back to the lower court.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
Hageman Backs Bill To Change June From ‘Pride Month’ To ‘Family Month’
Wyoming U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman is among the sponsors of a Republican-backed bill that would change June from “Pride Month” to “Family Month.” “It is time we go back to celebrating and supporting the traditional American family,” she said.
Jackson Walker for Cowboy State Daily & Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
Wife Of Suspected Fort Bridger Killer Not Guilty Of Helping Him Cover It Up
The wife of a man charged with killing another man in Fort Bridger last year said she was “scared” when she threw out the gun involved in the shooting. She talked to Cowboy State Daily on Monday, days after a jury found her not guilty of trying to help him cover it up.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
At Least 15 Union Pacific Railcars Off The Tracks At Walcott Junction
At least 15 Union Pacific railcars derailed Monday near Walcott Junction in central Carbon County, Wyoming, prompting responses from law enforcement, the railroad and the local power cooperative.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Warn One Big Beautiful Bill Could Let AI Run Wild
Wyoming legislators are concerned that the Trump-sponsored One Big Beautiful Bill could let artificial intelligence run wild and impede states’ abilities to govern against AI-related threats on their own.
Clair McFarlandJune 06, 2025
Proposal To Scrub Property Taxes From Constitution Went Too Far, Lawmakers Say
A proposal to remove the Constitution’s structure for property taxes advanced Tuesday in a state legislative committee. Looking back two days later, the committee's chairmen say eliminating all property tax clauses would be a step too far, and they plan to narrow that draft.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025
Judge Dismisses Suit Of Wheatland Man Who Suffered Brain Damage In Jail
A federal judge dismissed the case of a Wheatland man who sued Platte County Sheriff’s Deputies for sending him to jail rather than the hospital despite his 0.357% blood-alcohol content. The man suffered a seizure and subsequent brain damage, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025
Sublette County Holds Back $2.7M For New Hospital In Feud With Hospital District
Sublette County and the local hospital district are feuding over the county holding back $2.7 million for a new hospital and long-term care facility. The county says the block is temporary, but the hospital district worries the delay will be costly.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025
Rock Springs Couple Accused Of Having Orgies With Teen To Plead No Contest
A Rock Springs man is facing life while his girlfriend could spend 35 years in prison after both agreed to plead no contest to charges that they had orgies and committed other sexual abuse with a teenager for more than a year.
Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2025
Wyoming Democrats Are Going Broke And Don’t Want The Press To Report It
The Wyoming Democratic Party State Central Committee said during its Sunday meeting in Rock Springs that it's running at about a $5,000 per-month loss. The party also told the press not to report it.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025
Campbell County Teen Who Stabbed Mom, Prompting Pig Raffle, Pleads Guilty
A Campbell County man faces 20 years to life in prison after he pleaded guilty last week to stabbing his mother in the back while she slept. To cover the cost of the $67,000 air ambulance ride, the family raffled off the man's pigs.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025
Torrington Man Who Brutally Beat Ex As She Held Toddler Gets 20-25 Years
A Torrington man was sentenced to 20-25 years for the beating of his ex-girlfriend last year. She was holding the couple’s toddler when she was attacked. Also part of Andrew Atkinson's sentence was a strangulation charge pertaining to a different woman.
Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025
Department Of Education Investigates UW For Trans Sorority Induction
The U.S. Department of Education on Monday announced it’s investigating the University of Wyoming because it “allowed a man to join a campus sorority." But UW was not the entity that inducted a transgender member into the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025
Wyoming Dems Say Nothing Is Wrong With Platform But Will Target Rural Areas
Despite having just eight seats in the 93-member legislature and being on the heels of a rough national election, Wyoming Democrats overwhelmingly told Cowboy State Daily they aren't changing their platform. Their strategy, rather, is to volunteer in rural areas.
Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025
Wyoming Democrats Elect New State Party Chairman To Replace Barbuto
Wyoming Democrats on Sunday elected Lucas Fralik of Laramie as its new state party chairman. Fralik characterized the party as tolerant toward immigration, diverse library content, same-sex marriage, and the working man.
Clair McFarlandJune 01, 2025
Insurance Company Says Natives Lured Out Of Wyoming With False Promises
Insurance companies believe Native Americans struggling with addiction are being lured from Wyoming to illegitimate treatment centers in California and other states in an insurance-billing scam. The facilities are often “rundown apartment complexes with no appropriate treatment."
Clair McFarlandMay 31, 2025
Body Cam Video Shows Casper Woman Pointing Gun At Cops Before She Was Killed
A Casper woman opened her door with a gun in hand and raised it at police officers before she was shot and killed, according to Casper Police Department body cam video released Friday. “Where the **** are my children!” she screamed as she raised the gun.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Judge Dismisses Man's Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Cheyenne PD
A judge last week dismissed a lawsuit of an African American man who claims racial discrimination and physical aggression during a traffic stop by Cheyenne Police Department officers. He said they accused him of driving drunk when he'd had "not a drop."
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Husband Charged Six Months After Wife Found Dead In Their Star Valley Home
A Lincoln County man was arrested Tuesday after a six-month investigation into his wife's death. He's accused of attacking her during a drunken argument. The woman had secluded herself in her room after texting a friend that her husband had beaten her.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Riverton Man Gets 6-12 Years For Drunken Fight That Killed Cousin
A Fremont County man was sentenced Thursday to between six and 12 years in prison for drunkenly beating his cousin to death last March. “I was robbed,” wailed the mother of the victim during the court proceeding.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
English-Speaking Trucker Enforcement Intensifies As Hageman Brings Bill
The push for tougher enforcement of English-language requirements for commercial truck drivers intensified Thursday when Harriet Hageman introduced a bill to make it a federal law. Wyoming trucking companies largely support the requirements.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Cody Mom Accused Of Seeking Hit Man To Murder Daughter’s Boyfriend Deemed Sane
A murder trial is set for August for a Cody woman accused of trying to have her daughter’s boyfriend killed. A judge ruled that Wendy Coe, whose last trial derailed when she asked for a mental health evaluation, is mentally fit to stand trial.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Out Of One Lawsuit, Into Another, As State GOP Argues For Private Group’s Right
Just as Wyoming Republican Party leaders dropped the party's lawsuit against the Laramie County Clerk, they launched a counter-argument in another case, where the party is being sued on claims it cheated its own election processes.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Former Laramie High Schooler’s Lawsuit Over Masking Tossed For Second Time
A federal judge Wednesday dismissed the lawsuit of a former Laramie High School student who sued her local school district on claims that a 2021 mask mandate was unconstitutional. She was handcuffed and arrested on campus for refusing to comply with it.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Responders ‘Valiantly’ Tried To Save Man Who Died In Teton County Cabin Fire
The lone occupant of a cabin in Teton County was found dead early Wednesday morning after the cabin caught fire, authorities say. A sheriff’s deputy tried to rescue 28-year-old Rollie Wells Knori, but the fire and smoke wouldn’t let the deputy inside.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Prosecutor: More Charges Coming For Former Wheatland Teacher Accused In Sex Case
A former Wheatland teacher accused of sex crimes against a girl under 16 is expected to be charged in another criminal case involving a second alleged victim, a prosecutor said Wednesday. A judge also chose to keep Evan Whitt Bradley's bond at $500,000.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025