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
In Brief: Barrasso Says Use Unspent COVID Money To Finish U.S.-Mexico Wall
Wyoming’s senior senator introduced a bill Thursday that would use unspent COVID-19 money to finish the southern border wall, if it passes. John Barrasso says it’s critical to protect U.S. citizens from “dangerous criminals and cartels.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 11, 2025
Huge Chinook Choppers Refuel In Riverton On Way To Fight California Fires
Two huge firefighting helicopters touched down Thursday in Riverton on their way to water-bomb the devastating wildfires burning in Southern California. The Chinook choppers can carry up to 26,000 pounds.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 10, 2025
Wyoming Dem Leader Slams Trump's Push For Greenland But Fetterman OK With It
While the head of Wyoming's Democratic Party is saying President-elect Trump's discussion of acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal is "absurd and dangerous," U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, also a Democrat, says the conversation is responsible and he's open to it.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 10, 2025
Wyoming Sheriffs Team Up With ICE To Fight Illegal Immigration
At least three Wyoming sheriffs say they are seeking contracts or agreements with the federal government to detain and question immigrants wanted by ICE for suspected immigration violations.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 10, 2025
Federal Judge Strikes Down Biden's Transgender Education Rules
A federal judge Thursday struck down President Joe Biden’s mandate that schools give transgender students access to cross-sex bathrooms and other rules. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus hailed the decision as a “common sense ruling” against “the predations of the radical left.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2025
Gillette Teen Caught In Snapchat Sting Asking Kids For Nude Pics Gets 8-10 Years
A Gillette 19-year-old who pleaded guilty to trying to seduce multiple underage targets was sentenced last week to eight to 10 years in prison. He was originally caught by a pair of 15-year-olds who set up a fake Snapchat account.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2025
Wyoming Sheep Shearer Won’t Get New Murder Trial Despite Taboo Evidence
A sheep shearer who stabbed her boyfriend to death in Lincoln County, Wyoming, won’t get a new trial despite prosecutors using taboo evidence against her. In a Wednesday ruling, the Wyoming Supreme Court said the murder case was strong enough without it.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2025
Trump Says No More Wind Farms: “You Don’t Need Energy That Needs Subsidy”
Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday he wants to halt wind farming. Wyoming Sen. Cale Case generally agrees, saying the market — not federal subsidies — should decide.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 09, 2025
No-Show Contractor Could Get 100 Years In Prison For Scamming Lusk Residents
A Michigan contractor accused of scamming people in Lusk out of hundreds of thousands of dollars had his case elevated to felony-level court Monday. If convicted, he could get 100 years of prison time.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 08, 2025
Laramie County Sheriff At It Again: Puts Red Neon Vacancy Sign Over Jail
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak is always trying something unique. This time, Kozak has put up a red neon vacancy sign over the county jail to remind everyone they are “open for business.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 08, 2025
Wrong-Way Driver Who Killed Five In Fiery Wyoming Crash Dies In Prison
The wrong-way driver whose meth-fueled crash killed five young people in a fiery crash on Interstate 80 near Sinclair, Wyoming, in 2023 died in prison Tuesday. His case was unique, as the father of two of his victims forgave him and prayed for him relentlessly.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 08, 2025
Lummis And Barrasso Help Revive Federal Trans Sports Ban In Senate
Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis are among a host of co-sponsors federal law targeting transgender sports participation. Allowing biological males to compete against women is “disturbing, unfair and unsafe,” Barrasso says.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 07, 2025
Private Attorneys Say Being Forced To Be Public Defenders Could Cripple Them
A public defender shortage in northeast Wyoming could financially cripple private attorney's firms if they’re forced to take public defense cases, some lawyers told Cowboy State Daily this week. They urge lawmakers to fix the shortage.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 07, 2025
Suspect Running Over Tablet Didn’t Get Rid Of 7,000 Alleged Child Porn Pics
A Torrington man "unintentionally" ran over a tablet suspected of having 7,000 child porn files on it, court documents say. Then a woman stole it. Agents were still able to access the device, and the man now could face up to 10 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 07, 2025
Riverton Man Gets 7-15 Years For Beating Drinking Buddy, Leaving Him To Freeze To Death
Quinn Adam Duran of Riverton has been sentenced to between seven and 15 years in prison for the beating death of a drinking buddy, William Yellowrobe Sr. Prosecutors said Duran left Yellowrobe outside a church in freezing weather, where the man died.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2025
Stolen Winnebago Throws Sparks 50 Feet While Chased Through Cheyenne
A 44-year-old Cheyenne man was arrested Sunday, accused of running from the law in a stolen Winnebago with its tires shredded by spike strips. Video shows the RV throwing sparks 50 feet behind it while driving at high speeds through the city.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2025
Feds Say July 4 Yellowstone Shooter Ranted About Non-Whites And “Race-Traitors”
A federal civil court filing released Friday said the Yellowstone concession worker who was killed in a July 4 shootout with rangers ranted about hating non-whites and “race-traitors.” It also called the man’s attempt at mass killing an act of terrorism.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 06, 2025
Wyoming Judge Who Went To Prison For Drugs Reinstated To Practice Law
A Wyoming woman who went from being a tribal court judge, to a prison inmate, to an outspoken recovery mentor for addicts was reinstated Thursday to practice law in Wyoming. Terri Smith said she hopes her story can help to others struggling with addiction.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 05, 2025
Lander Skier Killed In Avalanche On Togwotee Pass
An avalanche killed a Lander, Wyoming, man who was skiing Saturday on Togwotee Pass. Teton County Coroner Brent Blue told Cowboy State Daily that Kenneth Goff was identified as the skier.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 05, 2025
Lander Man's Book An Anthem To "Unsung" Shoshone Chief Washakie
Lander author Sam Lightner has released his 12th book “In The Valley of the Warm Winds” which focuses on the story of Eastern Shoshone Chief Washakie -- who demanded sovereignty and recognition for his tribe from the ever-encroaching U.S. settlers.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 04, 2025
Lawyer Shortage Means Some Wyoming Defendants May Not Get Public Defenders
Unless a lawyer shortage eases, the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office will stop representing defendants charged with misdemeanors in northeast Wyoming. In a Thursday letter, three local judges urge private attorneys to take those cases.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 03, 2025
Anthony “Al” Addison, Northern Arapaho Tribe's Longest-Serving Leader, Dies
Anthony “Al” Addison is remembered by friends and family as someone dedicated to his people and helping others. The longest-serving leader on the Northern Arapahoe Business Council, Addison died Dec. 28. He was 75.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 03, 2025
Gillette Man’s Mom Says He Didn’t Kidnap Woman During 100 MPH Joyride
The mother of a Gillette, Wyoming, man who is facing a felony kidnapping charge for allegedly holding a woman in a car while driving 80-100 mph around town said Friday he’s completely innocent.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 03, 2025
Wyoming Troopers Say Truckers Are Printing Off Fake License Plates
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers stopped two men in separate incidents last week, arresting them on suspicion of using fraudulent Indiana state license plates. Authorities allege the men worked together to print off fake plates using a mobile printer.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 03, 2025
Prosecutor Clears Cheyenne Cops Who Killed Man Who Took Wife Hostage
Laramie County’s top prosecutor said Thursday she won’t pursue charges against the Cheyenne Police Department officers who shot and killed a man who took his wife hostage. The man also shot at cops during standoff.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 02, 2025
Suspected Drive-By Shooter Charged With Attempted Murder Refuses To Go To Court
A suspected drive-by shooter charged with attemted first-degree murder refused to go to court Tuesday. He's accused of shooting at someone at a house, then leading police on a chase before a tire on his SUV fell off.
Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2024
Douglas Man Who Survived Cop Shooting Facing Four Felonies
A Douglas, Wyoming, man accused of threatening people with a pistol until a police officer shot him in the hip advanced to felony court Monday. Court documents allege that while drunk in October, Brian Williams pointed a .45-caliber handgun at a police officer.
Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2024
Clair McFarland: Kids Are Cooler When No One’s Watching
Clair McFarland writes: “Firstborn cleared a bulkhead in one leap, side-jumped off a wall and somersaulted down the runway. ‘What the crap,’ I said. ‘Those are OUR kids. And they’re - COOL?’”
Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2024
Fremont County Man Accused Of Raping Woman So She'd Be His Kid "Donor"
A 23-year-old Fremont County man is accused of raping his girlfriend’s friend so she would be the “donor” of a child he can’t have, federal court documents say. He was charged Monday with felonies that could land him prison for life.
Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2024
Rock Springs First Grader Saves Diabetic Grandma He Thought Had “Died”
A Rock Springs, Wyoming, first grader saved his grandmother’s life this month by getting himself to school and reporting that his grandmother had “died.” Fortunately, she wasn’t dead and had just become unconscious from low blood sugar.
Clair McFarlandDecember 31, 2024
Rock Springs Couple Facing Centuries In Prison On Child Group Sex Claims
A Rock Springs couple are facing charges that add up to centuries in prison after Rock Springs police say they sexually abused and involved a teenage girl in sex acts with themselves and others for more than a year.
Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2024
Suspected Cheyenne Shooter Tries To Get Away Until Wheel Falls Off SUV
A Cheyenne man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at someone in a Friday night drive-by. Police say he tried to get away, until a wheel fell off the SUV he was driving.
Clair McFarlandDecember 30, 2024
Gordon Investigating Weston County Clerk Over Election Misconduct Claims
Gov. Mark Gordon says he’s investigating allegations of election misconduct against the Weston County clerk. The complaint stems from the general election in which the clerk mistakenly mixed ballots with errors in with correct ballots.
Clair McFarlandDecember 28, 2024
Opponents Want To Stop $500M Wyoming Wind Farm, Say It Will Kill Eagles And Bats
A group of opponents of the long-embattled Rail Tie wind project in southern Wyoming is asking a judge to halt a crucial step in the $500 million development. They say the huge 675-foot turbines will slaughter eagles and bats.
Clair McFarlandDecember 28, 2024
Wyoming Man Faces Felonies After Tricking Prosecutors Into Charging Wrong Guy
An Arapaho, Wyoming, man accused of trying to cash a fraudulent $33,000 check now faces more felony charges, on claims he tricked prosecutors into charging someone else in his place.
Clair McFarlandDecember 27, 2024
Wyoming Freedom Caucus Unveils 'War On Woke' Plan For Legislative Session
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus has declared a “war on woke” for the upcoming legislative session, which begins next month. It features five proposed bills aimed at election integrity, ESG policies and reducing property taxes.
Clair McFarlandDecember 27, 2024
Clair McFarland: I Guess Honda Accords Aren't Cool Enough For Middle Schoolers
Clair McFarland writes: "This time, I dig way deep. 'Did you know, the Honda Accord is consistently within the top-10 stolen cars every year?' Middleborn raises one soft eyebrow, or at least I think he does, in the black shade of his hat brim."
Clair McFarlandDecember 25, 2024
Not Taking Dying Toddler To The ER Is Child Abuse, High Court Rules
A Cody, Wyoming, woman who got life in prison for not taking a dying toddler to the hospital lost her appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court on Friday. The court ruled that failing to get medical attention for the girl as she died is child abuse.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
Campbell County K-9 Bites Car Chase Suspect Who Said Feds Controlled His Mind
Benjamin Ray Larson led Campbell County Sheriff’s officers on a chase this month and didn’t surrender until officers deployed a K-9 to force him to comply with orders, state troopers report. The K-9 bit Larson, who also claimed the feds had taken over his mind.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
Accused Of Stealing Steak And Hot Dogs, Wyoming Woman Could Get 20 Years
Kimberly Duran, 32, of Ethete, Wyoming, faces up to 20 years in prison on claims she stole steak, hot dogs, house slippers and other things from the Riverton Walmart. She's been convicted of theft 21 times prior and is scheduled for court Friday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
They're Not Playing Games, These Wyoming Cops Use Virtual Reality To Train
Virtual reality is good for more than playing the latest video games. Wyoming law enforcement agencies are using the technology to run cutting-edge training programs.
Clair McFarlandDecember 21, 2024
Settlement Allows Calif. Company To Build 175-Foot Cell Tower Outside Yellowstone
Officials in Park County, Wyoming, on Wednesday stopped fighting a California cellphone company that sued to build a nearly 200-foot-tall tower outside Yellowstone National Park. A settlement allows a 175-foot tower to be built next year.
Clair McFarlandDecember 21, 2024
Off-Duty Gillette Cop Spots Stolen Gun While Scrolling Online
An off-duty Gillette police officer scrolling gun sales online spotted a pistol reported stolen six weeks earlier. That led a 19-year-old Wyoming man who had that gun and other stolen weapons. He was charged Thursday with multiple felonies.
Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2024
Feds Grab Suspected Venezuelan Gang Member From Cheyenne Jail
Federal immigration authorities took custody Friday of an illegal immigrant the local sheriff suspects of being in a Venezuelan gang. The man had just been released from a five-month jail sentence in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2024
Brief: No Arrests — And No Hunt For Suspects — After Deadly Riverton Stabbing
Investigators looking into a fatal stabbing Sunday night in Riverton said they have identified and interviewed people involved but have not made an arrest. They're still investigating, the local undersheriff says.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Man Who Racked Up 7-Foot-Long List Of Citations During Chase Gets Six Months
A Saratoga, Wyoming, man who racked up a 7-foot-long list of citations during a wild chase with a Carbon County Sheriff's Office sergeant got six months in jail last week. That included being ticketed for littering when his tailgate whipped off.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Casper Man Who Killed Accused Child Molester Won’t Sue Over Amputated Toe
A Casper, Wyoming, man who killed his granddaughter’s alleged molester four years ago has withdrawn a lawsuit over his toe being amputated in prison. He claimed prison doctors mistreating a wound resulted in losing a toe.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Minnesota Hunter Who Mistook Moose For Elk In Bighorns Apologizes
A Minnesota hunter who shot a moose with no antlers thinking it was a cow elk wrote a heartfelt apology to the Sheridan Circuit Court last week. He was fined $1,000 and sentenced to one year of probation.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024