Latest from Ellen Fike
![Crossword 3](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/crossword-3.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Daily Crossword: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Ellen FikeApril 24, 2024
![A family was trapped for six hours in their rented Jeep this week after they missed "road closed" signs on their way to Yellowstone.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/trapped-tourist-4-19-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Tourists Drive Past ‘Road Closed’ Signs On Way To Yellowstone, Get Stuck For 6 Hours
A Cody tow truck driver was mobilized in the wee hours of the morning Thursday to rescue a family trying to get to Yellowstone. Instead, they drove past “road closed” signs and got stuck for six hours.
Ellen FikeApril 19, 2024
![Pete Elliott, owner of Artillery World, encouraging drivers to stop by his fireworks business](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/pete-elliott-6-29-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Fireworks Businesses In Southeast Wyoming Denied Permits Because They’re “Obnoxious”
The Laramie County Commissioners on Wednesday denied permits to two fireworks businesses on the Wyoming - Colorado border because their loud marketing — often with a bullhorn and targeting a competitor — is too “obnoxious.”
Ellen FikeApril 18, 2024
![High West Energy in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, has spent nearly two weeks repairing hundreds of power poles downed by a strong spring snowstorm across eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/High-West-Energy-repairing-downed-poles-4-4.17.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Small Wyoming Power Co-Op Scrambles To Fix 600 Downed Power Poles
High West Energy, a small rural power cooperative based in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, has been scrambling for 10 days fixing nearly 600 power poles that were downed during a recent wind and snowstorm.
Ellen FikeApril 17, 2024
![A high-speed chase through Wheatland, Wyoming, on Monday ended on the course the Wheatland Golf Club.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/chase-3-4.16.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
6,000 Fentanyl Pills Found After Wild High-Speed Chase Ends On Wheatland Golf Course
Four people were arrested Monday after a high-speed chase the wrong way on I-25 spilled over onto Wheatland's golf course. In the car were 6,000 fentanyl pills and a gun.
Ellen FikeApril 16, 2024
![Dino, a small brontosaurus sculpture, was stolen from a Cheyenne family's yard last week.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/missing-dino-2-4-15-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Where’s Dino? Someone Swipes One-Of-A-Kind Sculpture From Cheyenne Yard
A Cheyenne family is asking the community to be on the lookout for Dino, a one-of-a-kind brontosaurus sculpture stolen last week from their fenced-in yard.
Ellen FikeApril 15, 2024
![The Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will go on a tour of the western states this summer.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/big-boy-oliver-brehm-2-4-11-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming’s Famed Big Boy 4014 — Largest Steam Locomotive Ever — To Tour Again
Union Pacific Railroad's famed Big Boy 4014, the largest steam locomotive ever built, will hit the rails for a 2024 summer tour, pulling out of Cheyenne June 30 on a monthlong run West to California and back.
Ellen FikeApril 12, 2024
![An overpopulation of aggressive ravens and the Rawlins Landfill has the city working with the USDA Wildlife Service to poison them.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Rawlins-Ravens-IMG_6671-4.5.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Ravens Taking Over Rawlins Landfill To Be Poisoned
Because ravens have overrun the landfill in Rawlins, the city and the USDA are targeting them with a special bird poison to control the population. Administrators say they are confident that only ravens will be affected by the poison.
Ellen FikeApril 09, 2024
![Calvin Blackman, Kindergartner at Arp Elementary views the eclipse in Cheyenne, Wyoming on April 8, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Eclipse-Matt-20240408_eclipse_5637-4.8.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Total Eclipse A Huge Event, Even In Wyoming Where It Was Only About 60%
Although Wyoming wasn't on the path of totality for Monday's total eclipse like it was in 2017, plenty of people were looking to the sky around midday to see the eclipse, which was about 50% to 60% across the state.
Ellen Fike, Leo Wolfson, Coy Knobel & Andrew RossiApril 08, 2024
![A tree described as "the biggest pine tree in Cheyenne" was felled onto a house over the weekend due to the early April wind storm.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/tree-on-house-4-8-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
91 MPH Winds Blast Cheyenne, Blizzard Hits Niobrara, Campbell Counties
A powerful spring storm pounded Wyoming in different ways over the weekend, with winds gusting up to 91 mph uprooting trees in Cheyenne to dumping more than a foot of snow on Niobrara and Campbell counties.
Ellen FikeApril 08, 2024
![Wyoming Department of Transportation workers, from left, Craig Brown, Fred Sherburne, Catarino Zapata and Logan Whipple were recently recognized for their heroic actions saving a man from a suicide attempt in January.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/basin-maintenance-workers-update-4-5-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Highway Workers Honored For Saving Life Of Driver After Suicide Attempt
Four Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance workers from Basin have been honored for saving the life of a motorist who had attempted suicide in his car.
Ellen FikeApril 05, 2024
![Eclipse and devil comet 4 5 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Eclipse-and-devil-comet-4.5.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Skywatchers Can See Solar Eclipse And Green Devil Comet On Same Day
Viewers of the partial solar eclipse in Wyoming on Monday will also have the opportunity to see the green "Devil Comet" on the same day. The chance of seeing a celestial event like this is very rare, according to UW planetarium director Max Gilbraith.
Ellen FikeApril 05, 2024
![Wild West 4 4 4 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Wild-West-4-4.4.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Scammers Posing As Gillette Used Car Dealer Nearly Swindle $56,000 From Woman
A scammer posing online as a Gillette used car dealership has roped in at least three potential victims, with one woman on Tuesday nearly losing $56,000 to the scheme.
Ellen FikeApril 04, 2024
![Carpenter Elementary School](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Carpenter-Elementary-School.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Laramie County Principal Denies Wrongdoing In Fifth Grader’s Suicide At School
The principal of an elementary school in Carpenter, Wyoming, denies wrongdoing in a response to a lawsuit brought by parents of a suicidal fifth grader who hanged himself unattended in a school bathroom.
Ellen FikeApril 02, 2024
![A man died after being shot several times March 30, 2024, during an alleged domestic violence incident in the 1700 block of Oxford Drive in Cheyenne.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Cheyenne-Shooting-4.1.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cheyenne Man Shot Multiple Times, Killed In Weekend Domestic Fight
A Cheyenne man was shot multiple times and died at the scene late Saturday in an alleged domestic argument at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of Oxford Drive.
Clair McFarland & Ellen FikeApril 01, 2024
![Held every five years, the International Pathfinders Camporee event draws tens of thousands of people. The last event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, had 55,000 attendees.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Camporee-is-huge-3.2.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Price Gouging Or Good Business? Rooms For Gillette Camporee Go For $1,500 A Night
The International Pathfinder Camporee will bring more than 60,000 people to Gillette, Wyoming, for a week in August. Even months out, rentals are going for up to $1,500 a night. Some call it price gouging, others say it’s just good business.
Ellen FikeMarch 29, 2024
![Randy Wagner was shooting that day in 1989 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo when Lane Frost made what would be his last bull ride.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Lane-Frosts-Last-Ride.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Lane Frost Documentary To Be Screened At Cheyenne Frontier Days This Summer
A documentary focusing on rodeo legend Lane Frost, who died after a bull ride at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1989, will be screened in Cheyenne during CFD this summer. The film features interviews with Frost’s parents, his widow Kellie, and fellow rodeo star Tuff Hedeman along with footage shot from Wyoming videographer Mike McCrimmon.
Ellen FikeMarch 21, 2024
![Edge Fest, which has grown to Wyoming's largest outdoor music festival, will come to a close after its 10th anniversary event in August.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/EdgeFest-3-18-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
This Year’s Edge Fest Will Be Last For Wyoming’s Largest Free Music Event
Edge Fest in Cheyenne has grown to be Wyoming’s largest free music event over the last decade. This year’s event marks it’s 10th — and also last, as organizers announce Edge Fest won’t return.
Ellen FikeMarch 19, 2024
![Clayton Tanner is arrested in 2022.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Clayton-Tanner-3.18.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cheyenne Child Sex Predator Exposed In YouTube Video Gets 8 Years In Prison
A Cheyenne man who was exposed for trying to meet up with someone he thought was an 11-year-old girl has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for possession of child porn.
Ellen FikeMarch 18, 2024
![Snow falls from an overcast sky at Cheyenne Regional Airport on Thursday.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Cheyenne-Regional-Airport-1-3.14.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
8 Flights Report Being Hit By Green Lasers At Cheyenne Airport; FAA Investigation Open
A push is on to find and prosecute whoever is blinding pilots with green lasers as they prepare to land at the airport in Cheyenne. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and it's happened at least eight times so far this year.
Ellen FikeMarch 14, 2024
![Milken award 3 12 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/milken-award-3-12-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Lander Educator Surprised With Prestigious Milken Educator Award For Wyoming
Lander Assistant Principal Megan Park was surprised Tuesday morning with a $25,000 cash prize as part of the Milken Educator Awards. The national award is known in education circles as the “Oscars of Teaching.”
Ellen FikeMarch 12, 2024
![CFD Lineup Main 3 7 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/CFD-Lineup-Main-3.7.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cheyenne Frontier Days Announces 2024 Night Show Concert Lineups
Cheyenne Frontier Days on Thursday announced its 2024 night show concert lineups including Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Machine Gun Kelly, T-Pain, and Ludacris.
Ellen FikeMarch 08, 2024
![Robert Green II](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Robert-Green-II-3.7.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cheyenne Man Accused Of Killing Girlfriend Over $36,000
A 68-year-old Cheyenne man was formally charged Wednesday with allegedly killing his longtime girlfriend last November, then draining her various bank accounts of more than $36,000.
Ellen FikeMarch 07, 2024
![Laundrie and Petito](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Laundrie-and-Petito.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gabby Petito’s Family Files $50M Lawsuit Against Utah Police
The family of Gabby Petito filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday against a Utah police department, accusing officers of failing to properly investigate her domestic violence case and protect her.
Ellen FikeAugust 09, 2022
![Collage Maker 05 Aug 2022 04 51 PM](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Collage-Maker-05-Aug-2022-04.51-PM.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
University of Wyoming Law Student Reunited With Family’s Tribal Headdress In England
A UW law student traveled to a London museum last month to see her great-great grandfather's headdress which is in a storage facility. Chief Yellow Calf is considered one of the Northern Arapaho's most important and respected leaders. UW leaders are working to bring it back home.
Ellen FikeAugust 05, 2022
![Car lightning](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/car-lightning.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Safety Expert Details How Not To Get Struck By Lightning In Wyoming
A National Lightning Safety Council member told Cowboy State Daily on Friday how to avoid getting struck by lightning.
Ellen FikeAugust 05, 2022
![Cicada 9 5 22 scaled](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/cicada-9-5-22-scaled.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cicadas Have Emerged in Wyoming This Year To Throw Predators Off, Entomologists Say
Although the cicadas weren't scheduled to come out this year, a University of Wyoming entomologist told Cowboy State Daily that they've emerged to keep predators from tracking their life cycles.
Ellen FikeAugust 05, 2022
![Wienbarg 8 4 22](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/wienbarg-8-4-22.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Long, Strange Trip: Cheyenne Man Returns To City After Forty Years
George Jay Wienbarg, a Cheyenne native, recently returned to his hometown to connect with his roots and legacy as a relative of Buffalo Bill.
Ellen FikeAugust 04, 2022
![Rammell press conference 8 4 22](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/rammell-press-conference-8-4-22.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Rammell Tries To Get Opponent Kicked Out Of Gov Race By Filing Lawsuit Against Wyoming SOS
Wyoming gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell said he was filing a lawsuit against the Wyoming Sec of State for "dereliction of duty" in hopes that he can get fellow candidate Brent Bien kicked out of the race.
Ellen FikeAugust 04, 2022
![Harry potter map 8 4 22 scaled](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/harry-potter-map-8-4-22-scaled.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Harry Potter Fans Agree: Wyoming Is Not A Hufflepuff State
Wyoming is apparently a Hufflepuff state, but Harry Potter fans in the Cowboy State do not agree.
Ellen FikeAugust 04, 2022