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

President Trump did not call for unity Friday in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing, instead calling the radical left “vicious.” Wyoming Democrats say they’re repulsed by the response, but not surprised. They include, clockwise from top left, state Rep. Mike Yin, Rep. Ken Chestek, Sen. Chris Rothfuss and Rep. Karlee Provenza.

Wyoming Democrats Saddened By Trump Reaction To Charlie Kirk Shooting

Wyoming Democrats said they were saddened Friday that President Trump hasn’t called for unity following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Trump, instead, called the radical left “vicious."

Clair McFarlandSeptember 13, 2025

Wyoming legislators on Thursday, including state Sen. Troy McKeown, R-Gillette, debated how to prosecute gambling houses and dealers who operate under the regulatory table — without jailing “grandma and her friends" for friendly poker games.

Legislators Work To Crack Down On Gambling ‘Houses,’ Not Bust Friendly Poker Games

Wyoming legislators on Thursday debated how to prosecute gambling houses and dealers who operate under the regulatory table — without jailing “grandma and her friends" for friendly poker games.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 13, 2025

Green River Woman Accused Of Trying To Kill Disabled Husband With Bailey's Bottle

A former Green River High School counselor is accused to repeatedly smashing a full bottle of Bailey’s liquor into the head of her disabled husband. She was charged Thursday with attempted second-degree murder and abusing a vulnerable adult.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 12, 2025

Hulett faces a heated debate as an anonymous pamphlet proposes changing the school’s “Red Devil” mascot to a hawk. It's promted confusion, community outcry, and school board members seeking answers ahead of a pivotal meeting in October.

Push To Change Hulett Red Devils Mascot Sparks Outcry

Hulett faces a heated debate as an anonymous pamphlet proposes changing the school’s “Red Devil” mascot to a hawk, prompting confusion and community outcry.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2025

Saviol Saint Jean, right, the Haitian trucker who plowed into a crash scene nearly three years ago, killing Rawlins EMT Tyeler Harris, top, and seriously injuring another, Tiffany Gruetzmacher, was found guilty on all charges by a jury Thursday. The trucker collapsed and wept as the verdicts were read.

Jury Finds Haitian Trucker Guilty In Crash That Killed Rawlins EMT

The Haitian trucker who plowed into a crash scene nearly three years ago, killing one Rawlins EMT and seriously injuring another was found guilty on all charges by a jury Thursday. The trucker collapsed and wept as the verdicts were read.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2025

Wyoming Businessman Foster Friess Kick-Started Charlie Kirk's Turning Point Group

The person credited with kick-starting Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization was a rags-to-riches Wyoming businessman who ran for state governor in 2018. Foster Friess saw something in the young conservative crusader, who was killed Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2025

Clair McFarland & Rod Miller: Dying For Speech Can't Be The New Normal

Clair McFarland and Rod Miller write: “To accept what happened to Charlie Kirk as par for the course is to say that, in America, bullets are more important than ideas. Don’t take the bait.”

Clair McFarland & Rod MillerSeptember 11, 2025

Jury To Deliberate Fate Of Haitian Trucker Who Killed Rawlins EMT On I-80

Whether Saviol Saint Jean was “threading the needle” to keep driving or reacting poorly to a chaotic scene when he smashed into an ambulance, killing one EMT and injuring another nearly three years ago is now up to a jury after a grueling five-day trial.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2025

Orion Schlesinger, 18, pleaded “not guilty” and ”not guilty by reason of mental illness” in Sublette County District Court.

Man Accused In Big Piney Ambush Says He Had No Idea Friend Was About To Be Killed

A Big Piney man accused of plotting the compound bow ambush death of his 23-year-old friend around Feb. 1 told a judge last week that he had no idea the alleged murder was about to unfold as he walked to his friend’s house that frigid night.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2025

Taking the stand on day four of his vehicular homicide trial in Rock Springs, Haitian trucker Saviol Saint Jean said moments after the accident, which killed an EMT, he called to God saying, "Oh my God, oh my God, what happened?"

Haitian Trucker Takes Stand In His Defense: 'Oh My God, What Happened?

Taking the stand on day four of his vehicular homicide trial in Green River, Haitian trucker Saviol Saint Jean said moments after the accident, which killed an EMT, he called to God saying, "Oh my God, oh my God, what happened?"

Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2025

Wyoming law enforcement officials are warning residents of a scheme whose perpetrators claim child porn has been planted on someone's device, to extort money. It starts with a letter through the U.S. Mail bearing a Canada stamp.

Wyoming Targeted By Threat Of Child Porn Planting In Extortion Scheme

Wyoming law enforcement officials are warning about a scheme whose perpetrators claim child porn has been planted on people's devices to extort money. It starts with a letter through the U.S. Mail bearing a Canada stamp.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 09, 2025

The question is not whether Saviol Saint Jean, 46, drove a commercial semitruck and trailer into a parked ambulance and two EMTs walking nearby on the morning of Dec. 21, 2022, as the medics responded to a collision between a commercial truck and enclosed trailer that left both lanes blocked. The question for the jury is whether he behaved “recklessly” enough to commit aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated assault.

State Rests In Trial Of Haitian Trucker Who Killed Rawlins EMT With Semi

The state rested its case Monday in the trial of a Haitian trucker who plowed into an ambulance on Interstate 80 in 2022. The collision killed EMT Tyeler Harris and seriously hurt another in a chaotic scene.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 09, 2025

Other Authors

A home on Westview Drive in Riverton where a large law enforcement presence converged starting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

FBI Responds To Riverton Man Accused Of Threatening Neighbor With Homemade Napalm

The FBI’s bomb squad responded Sunday to a home in Riverton on reports that a man threatened his neighbor with homemade napalm, police say. Upset with dogs barking at his cats, he’s accused of leaving a note saying, “It’s your turn to die for those dogs."

Clair McFarlandSeptember 08, 2025

Clair McFarland: This Wicked Dodge Charger Really Has Me Thinking

Clair McFarland writes: “‘Oh boy. Dad’s loaner cars are not just loaners. They’re rodded Mustangs or time machines. I’m not kidding – the man once restored a DeLorean. So I got the least conspicuous loaner, really, when Dad handed over Mom’s race rod."

Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2025

After businessman Reid Rasner sued former Wyoming state Sen. Anthony Bouchard for defamation over public allegations of sexual misconduct, Bouchard doubled down on his claims in a series of court filings.

Bouchard Doubles Down On Misconduct Claim Against Rasner In Court Filings

After Wyoming businessman Reid Rasner sued former state Sen. Anthony Bouchard for defamation, Bouchard doubled down, in a series of court filings, on some of the sexual misconduct allegations that landed him in court in the first place.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2025

Carbon County EMT Tiffany Gruetzmacher, left, was seriously hurt and disabled when a commercial truck plowed into the crash scene she was responding to in December 2022. Her fellow EMT Tyeler Harris, right, was killed.

Haitian Trucker Trial Day Two: Surviving EMT’s Emotional Testimony

In the second day of trial for a Haitian truck driver accused of slamming into two EMTs — killing one — the EMT who survived weathered emotional questioning Friday in Sweetwater County Court.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2025

Rawlins EMT Tyeler Harris was killed Dec. 21, 2022, and his partner working on an ambulance was seriously hurt, when a semitrailer plowed into them while they were responding to a crash on Interstate 80.

Trial Starts For Haitian Trucker Accused Of Plowing Into Crash Scene, Killing EMT

Trial started Thursday for a Haitian trucker accused of plowing into a crash scene on I-80, killing one EMT and severely injuring another. One witness testified the horrific scene is “imprinted in my mind."

Clair McFarlandSeptember 05, 2025

As football season kicks off, Wyoming’s state government owns holdings in DraftKings, fueling debate about the optics of investing public funds in gambling companies.

State Of Wyoming's Investment in DraftKings Feeds Debate Over Gambling Stocks

The State of Wyoming owns about $110,833 worth of shares in sports gambling company DraftKings, the state treasurer’s office confirmed on Thursday. Lawmakers had mixed opinions about the state investing in gambling stocks.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 05, 2025

Wyoming Man Who Took Car With A Baby Inside Gets 8-10 Years In Prison

A 29-year-old man who accidentally stole a baby from a Riverton apartment complex when taking a running vehicle in February was sentenced Thursday to 8-10 years in prison. He may be able to reduce that through the state's boot camp program.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 04, 2025

State Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, left, and Gov. Mark Gordon.

Wyoming, Other States Flagged For 'Gender Ideology' In Sex-Ed Materials

Wyoming is being warned against keeping what the Trump administration calls "gender ideology" in a federally-funded program's sex-ed materials. It's part of being whiplashed from one administration to the next, Gov. Mark Gordon's office said.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 03, 2025

Two women are suing a former Wyoming cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Stewart, 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.

Casper Cosmetic Surgeon Denies Wrongdoing In 'Permanent Disfigurement' Lawsuit

A cosmetic surgeon who had worked for the Casper-based New Beautiful You clinic denies wrongdoing in a lawsuit filed by two women who claim he left them sick and disfigured.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 03, 2025

Riverton Teen Killed After Snapchat Feud; 22-Year-Old Faces Murder Charge

A fight sparked by social media led to the fatal stabbing of Draven Addison, 14, according to court documents provided to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday. Alejandro Behan, 22, is charged with second-degree murder and could face life in prison if convicted.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 02, 2025

Tharles Smith, an 18-year-old Campbell County man who plunged a knife into his mother’s back last year was sentenced Tuesday to between 20 and 30 years in prison. After he stabbed his mother, Karla Smith, he told her that “you have a knife in your back” and “I stabbed you."

‘I Stabbed You’: 20-30 Years For Wyoming Teen Who Plunged Knife Into Mom’s Back

An 18-year-old Campbell County man who plunged a knife into his mother’s back last year was sentenced Tuesday to between 20 and 30 years in prison. After he stabbed his mother, he told her, “You have a knife in your back” and “I stabbed you."

Clair McFarlandSeptember 02, 2025

A view of the terminal at the Sheridan County Airport.

13-Year-Old Girl Dead, Three Hurt In Bighorn National Forest Plane Crash

A 13-year-old girl was found dead and three people were injured and airlifted to care Monday after a plane crash in the Bighorn National Forest. The plane, which is registered to a Sheridan man, crashed about eight minutes after leaving Sheridan's airport.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 02, 2025

Fremont County Sheriff's Detective Wes Barry (second from right, in a hat) speaks with other investigators on the scene of a death investigation Saturday morning, Aug. 23, 2025, north of Riverton.

Man Arrested After Casper Standoff Wanted In Stabbing Death Of Riverton Youth

The man Casper police arrested Wednesday after negotiating his surrender is the suspect in the fatal stabbing of a male juvenile last Saturday near Riverton. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday evening Alejandro Behan, 22, has been charged.

Clair McFarlandAugust 30, 2025

Interim U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Darin Smith during a press conference Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, to outline an operation on the Wind River Reservation this week.

90 FBI Agents Swarm Wyoming Reservation For Drugs, Guns Sweep

The FBI had at least 90 personnel on the Wind River Indian Reservation this week as part of a sweeping drug and gun bust, federal authorities said Friday. Interim U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Darin Smith said the message is clear: “We’re coming for you."

Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2025

Brief: Missing 21-Year-Old Found Dead On Wind River Reservation

Searchers found the body of a missing 21-year-old man Monday on the Wind River Indian Reservation, a federal police agency confirmed Friday.

Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2025

Daniel McMichael, Anyssa Zancanella, and their daughter Azaylee won’t actually receive the nearly $1 billion in damages a Utah judge ordered a hospital to pay them, due to statutory caps on pain and suffering damages. If all goes well with collections and the hospital doesn’t appeal, the family is looking at closer to $500 million in damages awarded for the botched OB care Anyssa and Azaylee received six years ago.

Judge Awards Nearly $1 Billion To Rock Springs Family Over Botched Baby Delivery

A Utah judge this month awarded nearly $1 billion in damages to a Rock Springs family after a Salt Lake City hospital botched the mother’s baby delivery. The baby suffered "horrific" injuries and is left with lifelong disabilities, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2025

Wyoming Lawmakers Drafting Legislation To Ban Cloud Seeding For 10 Years

After nearly four hours of passionate testimony, a legislative committee voted Thursday to draft legislation that would halt cloud seeding programs in Wyoming for 10 years, and ban geoengineering.

Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2025

Now Even A Rock Is Demanding The Release Of The Epstein Files

An oft-painted rock south of the Wyoming-Colorado border is demanding the release of the Epstein files. So are Wyoming leaders on both sides of the political aisle, left and right.

Clair McFarlandAugust 28, 2025

Taft Love (upper left), Roy Birt (center left), Jeff Barnes (lower left), Darin Smith (right)

Wyoming Senate District 6 Finalists Share Values But Differ On Legislative Approach

The three contenders for the Wyoming Senate seat vacated by Darin Smith are all pro-life, pro-ICE, and pro-restriction of sexual content in children’s libraries. But they differ in how they’d approach those issues.

Clair McFarlandAugust 28, 2025

A local man was shot in the arm while confronting a suspected burglar about just what was in a three-gallon bucket, after the Riverton business he manages was burglarized. The bullet came through the windshiled of his F-350 where his head would've been if he hadn't ducked.

Riverton Oil Field Burglars Plead Guilty After Armed Standoff, Shrapnel Injury

Two men admitted to an aggravated burglary that led to a gunshot shrapnel injury and manhunt in plea agreements with prosecutors. One faces 10-30 years in prison and the other would be eligible for a youthful offender program.

Clair McFarlandAugust 27, 2025

Now A Candidate For Gov, 50-Year-Old Rule Says Eric Barlow Can’t Chair Committee

Now that state Sen. Eric Barlow has announced he’s running for governor, he’s stepped down as chairman of a state legislative committee. That’s because of a 50-year-old rule that says candidates for statewide office can’t chair legislative committees.

Clair McFarlandAugust 27, 2025

Two-thirds of Wyoming's state House on Tuesday urged President Trump to pardon Troy Lake, a 65-year-old diesel mechanic in prison for removing emissions controls. The 41 Republican House members decried agency overreach and damages from the controls.

Two-Thirds Of Wyoming House Sign Letter Urging Trump To Pardon Diesel Mechanic

Two-thirds of Wyoming's state House on Tuesday urged President Trump to pardon Troy Lake, a 65-year-old diesel mechanic in prison for stripping emissions systems from trucks. The 41 Republican House members called his prosecution EPA overreach.

Clair McFarlandAugust 27, 2025

Stuart Schmidt of Albany County is accused of fatally ramming a wild horse with his ATV on his own property. He Cowboy State Daily the neighbor who turned him in is retaliating over a zoning issue. The neighbor said that's not the case at all.

Albany County Man Accused Of Killing Wild Horse With ATV

An Albany County man accused of fatally ramming a wild horse with his ATV told Cowboy State Daily the neighbor who turned him in is retaliating over a land use dispute. The neighbor said that's not the case, and the act was cruel.

Clair McFarlandAugust 26, 2025

Brief: Platte County Sheriff David Russell Resigns

The Platte County Commission accepted the resignation of Sheriff David Russell on Tuesday, effective Sept. 30. A reason for his resignation wasn’t given to the public. Russell was elected sheriff in 2022 at the age of 31.

Clair McFarlandAugust 26, 2025

The Laramie County Detention Center in downtown Cheyenne.

Cheyenne Woman Arrested On Shoplifting Charge Dies In Jail

A 47-year-old woman arrested on shoplifting charges Saturday was uncooperative but otherwise seemed fine, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office says. She was later found unresponsive and died that night, the agency reported Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandAugust 26, 2025

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

Democratic state Reps. Karlee Provenza and Mike Yin are holding town halls across Wyoming to learn which issues haunt people most. They're also riding the momentum of a political groundswell Provenza led this summer.

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

An airman in the U.S. Air National Guard fires a Sig Sauer M18 handgun in this file photo. 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.

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

Fremont County Sheriff's deputies taped off a quarter-mile stretch of Honor Farm Road early Saturday for an hourslong death investigation, as a body lay on the south side of the road.

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

The Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house in Laramie, Wyoming.

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

Commercial truckers check in at the Cheyenne Port of Entry about 5 miles north of the Wyoming-Colorado border.

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

Peabody Energy Corp.'s North Antelope Rochelle mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin is the world's largest and most productive coal mine.

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

Ryan Allen, owner of Frontier Arms and Supply in Cheyenne, talks with a customer in this file photo.

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

A Sublette County grand jury on Wednesday decided to indict Daniel man Cody Roberts with cruelty to animals, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of $5,000, the county’s top prosecutor said.

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's legislative 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, where constituents hate the word "tax."

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 enforce English-language requirements of truckers. 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

A man allegedly beaten and left for dead by three Mexican nationals is believed to have escaped somewhere near the Campbell County Landfill north of Gillette.

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

State Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, left, and Sen. Barry Crago, R-Buffalo.

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

A Wyoming legislative committee chair, Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette, left, 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 after recent heated legislative meetings.

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

Degenfelder and Wyoming education association 8 13 25

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

South Cheyenne rancher Ed Prosser looks north of his farmland off of Chalk Bluff Road where 1.2 million solar panels will be visible after Canadian energy giant Enbridge builds the $1.2 billion project starting next year.

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

From left, Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson and Councilmen Rick Milonas and Eric Bingham.

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 and Middleborn McFarland

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

File photo: The Cowboy Coaster can hit speeds of 26 mph.

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

Oscar Espinoza Duarte was sentenced Thursday to four of six federal charges against him stemming from methamphetamine distribution on the Wind River Reservation.

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

$An Afton woman who fell at a public restroom in a local park in 2023 has lost her $3 million lawsuit against the town. A jury last week found the town wasn’t negligent in the fall that caused her “severe leg fracture.”$

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

Commissioners on Tuesday dropped a proposed permitting rule for home businesses after critics called it an affront to the state's Food Freedom Act. The new plan includes a simplified site mapping option to ease costs for small businesses in Laramie County. Rick Poach was one of a laundry list of critics of the plan at Tuesday's meeting.

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 batteries disposed of in landfills can cause fires like the one in this file photo.

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

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.

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

A jury found Joseph Gish of Cheyenne 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 in the course of a confusing scuffle. He's pictured here with his daughter, Aurora.

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

A 65-year-old Wyoming man is in federal prison from 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.

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