Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson is managing editor for Cowboy State Daily at the headquarters in Cheyenne.
A veteran journalist of more than 31 years covering Western issues and politics, Greg spent stints in Wyoming as managing editor for the Gillette News Record and Laramie Boomerang. Greg's produced award-winning journalism, and has built a national reputation for his extensive coverage of Wyoming energy -- especially coal.
He previously spent seven years editing and reporting in Alaska, and was managing editor for Sarah Palin's hometown paper when she was tapped as John McCain's running mate in 2008. Greg studied music and English at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Outside the office, Greg likes photography, reading and all things sports.
Latest from Greg Johnson
‘Two Worlds Collide’: CJ Box Says Cassie Dewell To Show Up In Joe Pickett Novel
As fans of CJ Box’s mystery-solving game warden Joe Pickett count down the days until the release of his 26th adventure, the Wyoming author dropped a bombshell Wednesday: Cassie Dewell and Pickett are going to cross paths.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 24, 2025
Gas Line Rupture Causes Fire Near Train With Hazardous Materials West Of Cheyenne, Fireball Seen 60 Miles Away
Laramie County fire crews have cleared the scene of a fire near a train carrying hazardous materials west of Cheyenne early Sunday that authorities called “significant and dangerous." The fireball was seen 60 miles away in Colorado.
Greg Johnson & Jimmy OrrSeptember 21, 2025
Squaretop’s Famous View Will ‘Never Be The Same’ After Fire, But Not A ‘Hellscape’
Pinedale photographer David Bell got a look at what the Dollar Lake Fire has done to the famous view of Squaretop and said there’s a “mosaic” of black. He said it’ll “never be the same,” but firefighters have saved it from becoming a “hellscape.”
Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2025
Hageman Says Vote To Censure Ilhan Omar Was To Hold Her Accountable For What She Said
Rep. Harriet Hageman said her vote to censure Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar for her "horrific" remarks about Charlie Kirk was all about holding people accountable for how they act and what they say.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2025
At Least One Dead, Another Life-Flighted From Semi Crash That Closed I-80
A devastating collision destroyed a pair of semitrailers on eastbound Interstate 80 on Thursday, leaving at least one person dead and another airlifted from the scene. It also has closed I-80 eastbound between Laramie and Rawlins for hours.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 18, 2025
That Soul-Penetrating Thunder From F/A-18s Taking Off In Casper? Get Used To It
Aviation groupies who love to ooh and ahh at anything cool with wings, there’s nothing like the bone-shaking rumble of a fighter jet taking off. A pair of F/A-18 Hornets hot refueling and taking off Tuesday wasn’t just loud, it was “an experience.”
Greg JohnsonSeptember 11, 2025
No Chance Of Tax Hikes On Gaming Companies After Meeting Adjourned Early
After voting against two bills that that would have Wyoming’s gaming companies, two others weren’t heard when a legislative committee adjourned early Tuesday. The committee’s chair, Sen. Tara Nethercott, was visibly frustrated with the lack of movement.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 11, 2025
Dollar Lake Fire Takes A Run At Squaretop, Historic GP Ranch
Those in western Wyoming worried about the Dollar Lake Fire making a run at the state’s famous landmark Squaretop Mountain don’t have to worry any longer — it happened. It’s also threatening the Historic GP Ranch.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 08, 2025
Western Wyoming Wildfire Threatens Famous View Of Squaretop Mountain
Residents of Sublette County are worried that views of Squaretop Mountain might forever be altered with the encroachment of the Dollar Lake Fire. The setting is one of the state's most recognizable landscapes, even once appearing on Wyoming's license plate.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 05, 2025
Dollar Lake Fire Burning Along Green River Lakes, Within Sight Of Squaretop
Steep, rugged terrain is slowing down progress for the more than 500 personnel fighting the nearly 16,000-acre Dollar Lake Fire about 40 miles north of Pinedale. It’s burning along the Green River Lakes and is within sight of Squaretop Mountain.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 04, 2025
Two Months After Pine Bluffs Crop Duster Killed, Investigation Continues
More than two months after a Pine Bluffs crop duster was shot to death, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office reported Friday that it’s still investigating. “Detectives are actively working on this complex case,” the agency says.
Greg JohnsonAugust 29, 2025
Should Diesel Mechanic Be Pardoned? Zeldin Says His Opinion Is For The President
If EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin thinks President Trump should pardon a Cheyenne mechanic for removing emissions controls from diesel engines, he’s not saying so publicly. He said Thursday that his opinion on the issue is for Trump, not the media.
Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2025
EPA Admin Zeldin Says Feds Should Let Wyoming Manage Its Own Coal Byproducts
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Wyoming on Thursday to sign a letter supporting Wyoming — not the federal agency — to manage its own coal plant byproducts. “Nobody knows Wyoming like the people of Wyoming,” he said.
Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2025
‘We Can See The Flames’: Sleepless Nights As Wildfires Burn Within Sight
Even with cooler temperatures, higher humidity and rain, a pair of western Wyoming wildfires continue to grow. That’s causing sleepless nights for those nearby who “can see the flames” from their front porch.
Greg JohnsonAugust 26, 2025
Week Of Cool, Wet Weather Expected To Park Over Uncontained Wyoming Wildfires
Firefighting crews working a pair of uncontained wildfires in western Wyoming can expect some help from Mother Nature this week. Unseasonably cool, humid and wet weather will park over the fires through Friday.
Greg JohnsonAugust 25, 2025
Star Valley On Edge As New Wildfire Burns Unchecked South Of Smoot
Another fast-growing wildfire has blown up in Wyoming, this time in Star Valley south of Smoot. The Willow Creek Fire has prompted evacuations and closed U.S. 89. Meanwhile, the huge 125,000-acre Red Canyon Fire is 75% contained.
Greg JohnsonAugust 24, 2025
Desperate And Worried: Locals Watch As More Evacuated Near Dollar Lake Fire
All homes and campsites within a 5-mile radius of the volatile Dollar Lake Fire in Sublette County have been evacuated as the blaze continues to spread out of control along the eastern side of the Green River.
Greg JohnsonAugust 23, 2025
Dollar Lake Fire Blows Up To 10,000-Plus Acres, Bible Camp Evacuated
The Dollar Lake Fire north of Pinedale on Friday blew up to more than 10,000 acres, pushing south and forcing more evacuations, including an area bible camp.
Greg JohnsonAugust 22, 2025
Huge 124,000-Acre Red Canyon Fire Remains Active, Nearly 50% Contained
Crews fighting the huge 124,000-acre Red Canyon Fire are reporting significant progress and nearly 50% containment. But it remains active and potentially dangerous, wildland firefighters report Friday.
Greg JohnsonAugust 22, 2025
Western Wyoming Lodge Owners Watch Campers Flee Out-Of-Control Wildfire
Owners of the Kendall Valley Lodge about 40 miles north of Pinedale watched as campers and residents evacuated the area in the path of the Dollar Lake Fire. Reported Thursday, they also watched it explode overnight from 20-30 acres to nearly 1,400.
Greg JohnsonAugust 22, 2025
‘These Fires Are Such SOBs’: Weather Drives 127,000-Acre Red Canyon Fire
Temperatures nearing triple digits, near-0% humidity and erratic winds are why Wyoming wildfires “are such SOBs,” meteorologist Don Day says. That means fighting the nearly 127,000-acre Red Canyon Fire this week is “not going to be fun.”
Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2025