Writer

Dale Killingbeck

Killingbeck is glad to be back in journalism after working for 18 years in corporate communications with a health system in northern Michigan. He spent the previous 16 years working for newspapers in western Michigan in various roles.

Follow Dale Killingbeck

Envelope

Latest from Dale Killingbeck

A 59-year-old Casper man faces six charges related to child pornography and three to illicit drugs following a DCI investigation. He was in court Nov. 21, 2024, at the Natrona County Townsend Justice Center in Casper, Wyoming.

Casper Man With 1,000 Child Porn Files Claims He Was Collecting Them For Police

A 59-year-old Casper man was in court Thursday to face multiple felony charges related to 1,000 child porn files allegedly found on his cellphone. He reportedly told agents he was collecting them to turn over to local police.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 22, 2024

Idle wind turbines line the horizon on northeast of Casper and just outside the Evansville limits. The have not turned for at least three years.

14-Year-Old Casper Wind Farm Has Not Turned A Blade In At Least 3 Years

The 11 wind turbines on the northeast side of Casper once represented the region’s first step into renewable energy. Now, some say they are an eyesore that has idled for at least three years.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 20, 2024

St. John’s Health in Jackson received the state’s only “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group.

Wyoming Hospitals Rank 43rd In U.S. By Patient Watchdog Group

The latest safety report cards issued by health care industry watchdog group Leapfrog rank Wyoming hospitals 43rd in the U.S. But the Wyoming Hospital Association says that doesn’t paint a full picture.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 19, 2024

This superflag, a huge 160-foot by 300-foot American flag unfurled at the Border War football game Friday took 200 people to carry.

Superflag At Border War Game Needed More Than 200 Volunteers To Carry

Colorado State University unfurled a huge superflag for its annual big salute to the military Friday at the Border War football game against the University of Wyoming. It needed more than 200 people to hold and carry it.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 18, 2024

Casper Man Scores $170,000 Prize Bonanza As Winner Of Maverik Sweepstakes

Mike Mitchell of Casper, Wyoming, said he never won much of anything before. Not until earlier this month when he was named the grand-prize winner of a $170,000 prize bonanza from Maverik convenience stores.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 18, 2024

The Wyo Sports Ranch sits on 14 acres on the northwest side of Casper. It is scheduled to open on Jan. 6, 2025.

Casper’s Massive 130,000-Square-Foot WYO Sports Ranch A Draw For National Events

Set to open in January, the massive 130,000-square-foot WYO Sports Ranch in Casper is already a draw to host national events. The sprawling $49 million facility has 10 basketball courts, a huge indoor turf field and state-of-the-art tech.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 16, 2024

A pair of pronghorn graze near a southeastern Wyoming solar farm in this file photo. Natrona County officials are considering a 2,000-acre solar farm and battery storage facility.

Natrona County Planners OK 2,000-Acre Solar Farm West Of Casper

A proposal to put a 2,000-acre solar farm and battery storage facility west of Casper was OK’d by Natrona County Planners on Tuesday. The 199 MW facility with 100 MW of storage would be on private ranch land.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 14, 2024

Marquis Hayman pleaded not guilty to shooting five bullets into a North Durbin Street mobile home in August.

“I Hope I Killed One”: Casper Teen Accused Of Shooting Into Homes Pleads Not Guilty

A 15-year-old Casper, Wyoming, boy pleaded not guilty Wednesday to allegations he shot into two homes on the city’s north side. He allegedly told friends, “I hope I killed one” after an Aug. 12 shooting.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 13, 2024

The intersection of 13th Street and McKinley now has one less house for drivers to hit. Now there's a vacant lot to the right where a house had been that was hit several times with vehicles.

Casper House That Kept Getting Hit By Cars Is Gone

A Casper, Wyoming, house at a T-intersection that kept getting hit by vehicles is gone. Now errant drivers will have to drive through the lot and into the back yard when they misjudge the road.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 13, 2024

Gen. John Black Jack Pershing was the commander of the U.S. forces in World War I, and loved a Wyoming girl.

Wyoming History: Gen. “Black Jack” Pershing And The Wyoming Girl He Loved

Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing was one of only two men ever to be named “general of the Armies of the United States” — George Washington was the other. Although he didn't spend much time in Cheyenne, his wife was a native, and his memory is still very much a part of the community.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 10, 2024

Glenrock’s Deer Creek Museum offers a small display on the Dr. Gene Lam who was a Glenrock native and POW during the Korean War.

Gene Lam: The Wyoming Doctor Who Trained Troops How To Survive POW Camps

Gene Lam was born in Douglas and grew up in Glenrock before being drafted in the U.S. Army and becoming a doctor in the Korean War. He spent three years in a Chinese POW camp, then for 15 years trained troops how to survive capture by the enemy.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 09, 2024

Benton was mostly a tent city that proved to live up to is rowdy and reckless reputation.

Wyoming History: In 1868, Benton Was So Violent Murder Was An Everyday Occurence

As the Union Pacific built its railroad across the West, one of its track-end towns became infamous for being a violent, lawless outpost. That was Benton, Wyoming, located in present-day Carbon County. Back in 1868, murder was part of daily life.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 09, 2024

Other Authors

Off-Duty Casper Cop Who Shot At Deputies During Standoff To Face 6 Felonies

An off-duty Casper police officer involved in a 17-hour standoff in August waived his preliminary hearing in Casper Circuit Court on Thursday. He faces six felony charges for allegedly threatening and shooting at deputies. He's no longer a Casper cop.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 08, 2024

Lenea Brown, 17, of Casper was shot in the head and killed near Buckboard Park on May 14. Her ex-boyfriend, Eavan Castaner, has pleaded guilty to killing her.

Casper Teen Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder For Shooting Ex-Girlfriend

A Casper 16-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday, admitting he shot his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend in the head. The plea means he’ll get 20 years to life in prison, but the father of his victim says that isn’t justice for his daughter.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 08, 2024

Casper Teen Accused Of Stabbing Girl Said The Victim “Walked Into The Blade”

A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl had a preliminary hearing Thursday on allegations she stabbed another teen Halloween night. An investigator testified the suspect claimed the victim “walked into the blade.”

Dale KillingbeckNovember 07, 2024

Interstate 25 approaching exit 191 near Bar Nunn, Wyoming.

Juvenile On The Run Hit And Killed Trying To Cross I-25 Near Bar Nunn

A juvenile was hit by a vehicle and killed while trying to cross the southbound lane of Interstate 25 near Bar Nunn, Wyoming, on Wednesday night. The juvenile allegedly assaulted a family member, then ran from the home before deputies could respond.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 07, 2024

Willow Wagner says she tries to “think of the positives” following a stabbing incident that nearly cost her her life.

Casper Girl, 17, Thought Machete-Like Knife Was Fake, Then She Was Stabbed

A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl was almost killed Halloween night when another teen stabbed her with a machete-like knife. Willow Wagner told Cowboy State Daily she first thought the knife was fake — until it was in her body.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 06, 2024

Julie Jarvis Casper vote 2024 Voting Line at Restoration Church 11 5 24

House District 57: Julie Jarvis Keeps Seat For Republicans With Big Win

Casper Republican Julie Jarvis on Tuesday easily defeated independent challenger Tyler Cessor to claim the House District 57 race. Cessor had dropped out prior to Election Day.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 06, 2024

House District 42: Geringer, R, Says He’s “Humbled” To Be Elected

Republican businessman Rob Geringer of Cheyenne seems to have beaten Democratic challenger Bob Ray for Wyoming House District 42.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 06, 2024

Cattle in the pasture at the Tim Millikin ranch earlier this year. When it came time to ship his yearlings, Millikin found he was missing nine.

Glendo-Area Ranchers Say They're Missing 9 Yearling Cattle, Offer $5,000 Reward

A ranch near Glendo, Wyoming, reports it’s missing nine yearlings this year and suspects they may have been rustled. And it’s not the first time.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 05, 2024

The late October snowstorm in Casper created mayhem with tree branches in the city. The cottonwood outside the Belcher’s house in central Casper lost a huge branch along with other branches.

After Storm Tears Off Chunk Of 100-Year-Old Tree, Casper Neighbors Rally To Help

Last week’s storm not only dumped 5-6 inches of wet, heavy snow across Casper, it tore a huge chuck off a 100-year-old cottonwood that fell into the street. That’s when neighbors rallied to help each other.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 05, 2024

C.J. Box signs a barrel of bourbon at Pine Bluffs Distilling. The distillery will create a Joe Pickett bourbon for release in 2025.

C.J. Box Partners With Wyoming Distillery To Make Joe Pickett Bourbon

Author C.J. Box’s iconic character Joe Pickett will get a bourbon named after him in spring 2025. The special 1,000-bottle release created by Pine Bluffs Distilling celebrates a uniquely Wyoming character with a Wyoming whiskey.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 04, 2024

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center parking lot became the scene of the latest teen violence in Casper on Halloween night.

Girl Kicked SUV, So Casper Teen Allegedly Stabbed Her With Machete-Style Knife

The 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl charged with stabbing another 17-year-old girl on Halloween was mad because the victim kicked her SUV. So, she allegedly got out and stabbed her with a machete-style knife.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 04, 2024

Doc Middleton with one of his horse before the start of a 1,000-mile race from Chadron, Nebraska, to Chicago sponsored by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1893.

Wyoming History: How Doc Middleton Became A Notorious Outlaw Celebrity

Park Cemetery in Douglas contains the remains of Doc Middleton, a true notorious Western outlaw. Although he stole horses, rustled cattle and killed men, he became an outlaw celebrity.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 03, 2024

Tanner Miller said working on Falls Ranch requires horsemanship skills but also a lot more.

Want A Job As A Cowboy? It's Still A Profession, But It Ain't Easy

Working as a cowboy at a ranch in the 21st century means a commitment to the cowboy lifestyle. They need to be fence welders, irrigation pipe layers and midwives to heifers having their first calves when it’s minus 20 outside with a blistering Wyoming wind.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 03, 2024

A 17-year-old girl was stabbed in the abdomen on Halloween night in the 1500 block of North Poplar Street in Casper.

Casper Girl, 17, Charged With Stabbing Another Teen On Halloween

A 17-year-old Casper girl was charged as an adult Friday in Casper Circuit Court with felony aggravated assault stemming from the stabbing of another 17-year-old girl on Thursday night. She’s was charged as an adult.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 01, 2024

Evansville Man Pleads Not Guilty To Almost Killing 1-Year-Old

A 31-year-old Evansville man pleaded not guilty to four felony child abuse charges Thursday in Natrona County District Court. One victim was a 1-year-old boy whose injuries were so bad he was nearly killed, the prosecutor says.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 31, 2024

A male juvenile was shot at an early morning party in the 3200 block of Hamilton Way in Casper on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Pistol-Whipping Casper Man, Shooting At Another

A 19-year-old Cheyenne man pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Thursday to five felony charges for allegedly pistol-whipping a Casper man. He’s also charged with firing a gun at a car with three people in it.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 31, 2024

Jakob Klinger appears left on a video screen, in Casper Circuit Court Monday. He is charged with three counts of driving while under the influence with serious bodily injury.

Police Say Casper Man Was Drunk When He Plowed Into Car With Teens

A 23-year-old Casper, Wyoming, man faces three felony charges after police say he ran a stop sign while drunk Sunday night and hit a car with three teens. All three were injured as was the man’s mother in his pickup.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 29, 2024

As part of the performance of “The Offering” a Kelly Walsh High School band member acts out a stabbing during a “sacrifice” on an altar.

Mock Sacrifice In Casper Marching Band Routine Draws Outrage From Parents

A controversial marching band performance that included acting out a sacrificial stabbing on an altar was the target of praise and outrage from local parents at a Monday meeting of the Natrona County School District Board of Education.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 29, 2024

Charlie Lee holds a 5-foot-long flamberge sword that is offered at his shop.

Swords, Hatchets And Katanas — If It Has A Blade, Casper Specialty Shop Has It

For those who love blades, armor and specialty weapons, Sword-N-Stones in Casper, Wyoming, has it. The niche store can also scratch that itch for a “Game of Thrones” replica helmet or Klingon bat’leth from “Star Trek.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 27, 2024

The Hole in the Wall Gang used dynamite to crack open a safe during a brazen train robbery, destroying the rail car it was in as well. In chasing down the robbers, Converse County Sheriff Josiah Hazen was shot and killed.

Wyoming History: Beloved Sheriff Gunned Down By Hole In The Wall Gang In 1899

Converse County Sheriff Josiah Hazen became a notch on the belt for a member of the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang in 1899. He was gunned down after tracking them following a train robbery.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

Retired Natrona County High School chemistry teacher Frank Stofflet, 88, has resided in Casper since 1964. He enjoys what the city has to offer in his retirement, including community classes at Casper College, bike trails and the Wyoming Symphony.

No State Income Tax, Low Cost Of Living Vault Casper Into Top 10 Retirement Cities

A national financial study ranks Casper in the top 10 best communities for retirement. They cite a low cost of living, access to health care and no state income tax.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

After cattler were found dead and mysteriously mutilated on a ranch near St. Louis, Missouri, this illustrated panel was drawn to depict the discovery.

Cattle Mutilations Across Wyoming And The West In 1970s Still A Mystery

Cattle mutilations made headlines around Wyoming and the West in the mid-1970s. One former law officer recalls the ridicule investigators took while seeking answers for the gruesome discoveries, which are still a mystery.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

Hannelore Sue Tolliver and Scott Schroefel have both been charged for allegedly running illegal online gambling operatons from several locations throughout Wyoming.

Two Accused Of Running Illegal Online Gambling Operations In Gillette And Casper

A Gillette woman appeared in a Casper courtroom Thursday accused of helping run illegal gambling operations out of coffee shops and a vape store in three Wyoming towns. Her boss, a Casper man, was charged earlier this month.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 25, 2024

Grizzly 399 with three of her cubs in Grand Teton National Park.

How Grizzly 399 Became The Most Popular Bear In The World

Grizzly 399’s rise to worldwide fame was achieved when she raised triplets near humans just as social media was taking-off. It also involved a decision in 2007 to let her live after she bit a Lander schoolteacher while protecting her cubs.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 24, 2024

Casper Juvenile Male In Serious Condition After Early Morning Shooting At Party

A juvenile male was shot by an underage suspect at an early morning party Saturday in Casper. The victim is in serious condition, while little information is being released about the city’s latest in a string of violent youth assaults and killings.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 21, 2024

Lander pilot and Vietnam veteran Andy Gramlich spent the past few years uncovering a revelation about his late father, a World War II glider pilot. He characterizes it as an “emotional game changer.”

Lander Vietnam Vet On Mission To Uncover Dad’s Heroic WWII Past

Lander Vietnam veteran Andy Gramlich knew his dad as an angry man who drank. It wasn’t until decades after the fact he found out about his heroic past as a World War II glider pilot. The revelation was an “emotional game-changer," he says.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 20, 2024

Conversation at the Tuesday coffee confab in Casper can range from oil and gas news, the latest headlines, to observations and experiences in the community from the past week.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Casper Old Guys Solve World’s Problems Over Coffee, And A Little Liquor

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches across Wyoming to see what issues are front and center before the election. In Casper, the "Old Guy's Club" meets on Tuesdays at 10am. Coffee is the main drink, although some spice it up a bit with booze.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 20, 2024

Natrona County Board of Commissioners Chairman Peter Nicolaysen addresses the gathering. He told residents that his understanding is that any gravel mining would require a land use permit from the county and a vote by the county commission

Controversial Casper Gravel Pit Not Dead As Company Wants Court To Decide

Although local citizens were thrilled when the Natrona County commissioners killed a controversial gravel pit proposal last month, it isn't dead yet. The company filed a lawsuit on Thursday asking for a judicial review of the county's decision.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 18, 2024

Natrona County School District Chairpman Kevin Christopherson, left, was criticized Monday for a social media post calling the local Moms For Liberty group "Moms for Tyranny." At right is district Superintendent Angela Hensley.

Natrona County School Board Chair Says He’s Sorry For “Moms For Tyranny” Post

Natrona County school board Chairman Kevin Christopherson apologized Monday for calling local Moms For Liberty candidates “moms for tyranny.” He also said the two Moms For Liberty members already on the school board are “unhelpful.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 15, 2024

The maze entrance at the Green Acres Corn Maze in Casper. Fertilizer and lots of water from the Casper Alcova Irrigation District are needed to get the corn to the desired height each year.

Trying Not To Get Lost In An Elaborate Corn Maze A Wyoming Fall Rite Of Passage

Those who operate Wyoming’s elaborate corn mazes say their goal isn’t to get people lost, but it’s inevitable. It’s a fall rite of passage that celebrates Wyoming harvest with food, fun and pummeling Trump and Kamala with apples.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 14, 2024

Pilots from all over, including Wyoming, would test their skills and nerves as Alaska Bush pilots in the early part of the 20th century.

Wyoming History: The Daring 1920s Flyers From Lusk Who Became Famous Alaska Bush Pilots

Two men working as mechanics in Lusk in the 1920s went to Alaska in search of adventure. Their exploits as Alaska Bush pilots brought them fame and, unfortunately, lots of crashes. Natives who had never seen planes before called them "flying ghosts."

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight veterans received a sendoff from Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix at Denver International Airport.

Wyoming Vietnam Vets Get Emotional Welcome Home “55 Years Late In Coming”

A group of 13 Wyoming Vietnam-era veterans had an emotional homecoming during an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was the opposite of what some got when they returned from the war. It was deeply felt, even “55 years late in coming.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

Left, Leslie Lynch King, Gerald Ford’s father, in about 1900. Charles Henry King, right, was a pioneer businessman and entrepreneur in Wyoming in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He also was the grandfather of Gerald R. Ford.

Wyoming History: President Ford Came From Wyoming Roots He Never Really Knew

Before he was the 38th president of the United States, Gerald Ford was the grandson of a Wyoming business tycoon. But he never really knew him, or his father, who was spoiled and abusive.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

Bill and Nancy Sniffin made a 12-hour, 493-mile trip to get their Yellowstone National Park visit in this year.

Bill Sniffin Visits Yellowstone For 54th Year In A Row

Cowboy State Daily columnist Bill Sniffin could be Yellowstone National Park's biggest fan. He made his first trip there in October, 1970, and has visited the Park at least once every year for the past 54 years.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 12, 2024

Kassidy Thomas hit a deer on Highway 287 while returning to Laramie as a University of Wyoming student. She was stranded in the dark with a smashed car and no cellphone service.

Hit A Deer, Car Disabled, No Cell Service, Middle Of Nowhere: What Do You Do?

A Laramie woman hit a deer at night on a remote section of Wyoming highway without cellphone service. She was fortunate a good Samaritan happened along, but local officials say you can be prepared.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 12, 2024

Natrona County Finally Claims Road It Maintained For Decades But Never Owned

After decades of maintaining and treating Natrona County Road 505 on the back side of Casper Mountain as a public road, it finally is. County commissioners voted Wednesday to legally claim the road and end a dispute with private landowners along it.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 09, 2024

Inebriated man drinking some potent apple cider

It's Fall, That Means Apple Cider. Is It Safe To Drink Unpasteurized Cider Or Not?

Apple cider is a favorite this time of year but health officials are concerned about potential dangers of imbibing the unpasteurized version of the autumn drink. They say drinking unpasteurized juices has become a growing trend and there's cause for concern

Dale KillingbeckOctober 07, 2024

Man Shows Weapon To Natrona County Deputy At Traffic Stop, Flees, Takes Own Life

The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation is investigating a Casper traffic stop on Sunday where the driver showed a weapon to a deputy, fired it, and drove off. After pursuit, the individual took his own life.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 06, 2024

Derrick Lacey, Olivia McDaniels and Peter McDaniels show off their hardware in a theater.

Casper Paranormal Investigator Owns Ghostbusters Franchise In Wyoming

There are 165 Ghostbusters franchises in the U.S. including one in Wyoming. Pete McDaniels, a paranormal investigator, owns the Casper franchise and a ghost-busting car he calls "Ecto Interceptor." When he's not investigating ghosts, he does birthday parties and raises funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2024

Wyoming National Guard Maj. Jeremy Anderson returns from a yearlong Middle East deployment.

With Israel, Iran At Brink Of War, More Than 400 Wyoming Troops In Middle East

As missile strikes between Israel and Iran continue to make global headlines, more than 400 Wyoming National Guard soldiers and airmen continue their missions serving in the volatile region.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2024

Nate Woodruff and his dogs. When he arrived in Pinedale, Wyoming a few years ago he already had 80,000 Instagram followers. (Courtesy Nathan Woodruff)

"Drinking Whiskey Is My Job": Pinedale Man Says It's The Greatest Job Ever

Nate Woodruff has turned his passion for whiskey into, what he says, is the greatest job ever. He spends his days in Pinedale, Wyoming, tasting and reviewing whiskey for his online following.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2024

Shoshoni High Choir Sings Backup For ’80s Rockers Foreigner In Casper Concert

The newly formed Shoshoni High School choir had an epic gig for its first public performance. The group was on stage Tuesday in Casper, Wyoming, singing backup for 1980s rock band Foreigner on its smash power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 02, 2024

Some Casper Parents Keep Kids Home After School Threat To Kill People

A threat posted online that a student planned to kill people at noon Monday prompted some parents to keep their kids home. They’re also frustrated from a lack of information and a perception the district and police are downplaying the threat.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 30, 2024

Unleashed Dog Bakery owner Chaynee Washut said when she walked into dog bakery in North Carolina, she knew what she wanted her retirement business to be.

Fine Dining For Fido: Prime Rib Ice Cream, Doggie Donuts At Casper Niche Store

Casper dog owners who want only the best for their pets are discovering Unleashed Dog Bakery. The niche store makes its own prepared meals for pets and unique treats, like prime rib ice cream and doggie donuts.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 29, 2024

Nikko Mamallo and a friend perform a maneuver high in the sky in their wingsuits.

Wingsuit Flyers Get Adrenaline Overdose Hitting 120 MPH Jumping From 13,000 Feet

Wingsuit flyers and BASE jumpers get an adrenaline overdose hitting 120 mph jumping off of mountaintops and cliffs. In Wyoming, Squaretop Mountain in Sublette County is the top spot for these daredevils.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 29, 2024