Managing Editor

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.

Follow Greg Johnson

Envelope

Latest from Greg Johnson

A coal train is loaded at a Wyoming coal mine in this file photo.

Wyoming Coal Jobs Down Nearly 8% Over Last Nine Months, 25% Since 2017

Wyoming’s coal workforce is down nearly 8% over the last nine months. And since 2017, there are 25% fewer people working coal jobs.

Greg JohnsonNovember 20, 2024

A shovel fills a haul truck at the North Antelope Rochelle mine in northeast Wyoming.

Barring “A Miracle,” Wyoming Coal Will Miss 200M Tons For First Time Since 1992

Wyoming is on track to miss producing 200 million tons of coal for the first time since 1992. “Short of a miracle,” that’s what’s going to happen, says one of the nation’s leading energy economists.

Greg JohnsonNovember 17, 2024

A view along Highway 14 shows large patches of black where the Elk Fire burned on the eastern Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming.

After 7 Weeks And 100,000 Acres Burned, Elk Fire Is 100% Contained

After more than seven weeks, the Elk Fire is officially 100% contained. The late-season wildfire scorched nearly 100,000 acres in the Bighorn Mountains and came close to burning the rural towns of Dayton and Parkman.

Greg JohnsonNovember 15, 2024

A rash of graffiti and vandalism on the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds has prompted the organization to ban the public from the area except during regular events.

Vandalism Forces Cheyenne Frontier Days To Close Grounds To Public

A rash of vandalism at the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds has caused an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 worth of damage and prompted the organization to close the area to the public.

Greg JohnsonNovember 14, 2024

Now that the Pack Trail Fire is 95% confined, crews are busy doing controlled burns in Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwest Wyoming.

With Huge Late-Season Wildfires Under Control, Fire Crews Now Starting Fires

With two huge late-season wildfires under control, U.S. Forest Service crews are now busy catching up on the controlled burns they start on purpose.

Greg JohnsonNovember 07, 2024

In many areas of the Pack Trail and Elk fires, crews are cleaning up damage and mitigation done to fight the fires.

More Snow Coming As Large Wyoming Wildfires Close In On Containment

Another blast of snow is expected to begin Monday night as firefighters report they’re closing in on confinement of the Elk and Pack Trail fires. The Elk Fire is 82% contained and Pack Trail 78% confined.

Greg JohnsonOctober 28, 2024

Crews are also in the Elk Fire burn area assessing and repairing damage made during efforts to fight and contain the fire.

With Elk Fire 73% Contained, Locals Try To Reclaim “Some Level Of Normal”

Progress fighting the Elk Fire on the eastern Wyoming Bighorns is accelerating, going from 58% percent contained Friday to 73% Saturday. That’s allowing locals to try and reclaim “some level of normal.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 26, 2024

Kidnapped Teen Girl Saved After Wyoming High-Speed Chase Is Second In 5 Days

For the second time in five days, Wyoming law enforcement rescued a teen girl who was kidnapped in another state. A man was arrested Thursday after trying to dodge spike strips while being chased north on I-25, then south again after he inexplicably turned around.

Greg JohnsonOctober 25, 2024

Spirit is the sole cub born to Grizzly 399 in 2023.

Spirit, Grizzly 399’s Huge Cub, Has “High Chances” Of Survival Without Mom

Wildlife biologists say Grizzly 399's yearling cub, Spirit, has a "high chance of survival" even after the death of its mother. They think, even though it's not two years old yet, it will have the instinct to find a suitable den.

Mark Heinz & Greg JohnsonOctober 23, 2024

Grizzly 399 and her 2023 cub were spotted for the first time in 2023 on May 16. (Photo is owned by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven and may not be reproduced)

Grand Teton Wildlife Officials “Devastated” By Death Of Grizzly 399

As the public responds with grief over the death of Grizzly 399, Grand Teton wildlife officials are “devastated.” They say the world's most famous bear had become a symbol for the Grand Tetons and the state of Wyoming.

Greg JohnsonOctober 23, 2024

The sun rises over a community fire information board for the Elk Fire in the Bighorns of Wyoming.

Huge Wyoming Wildfires Can Still Be Dangerous, Firefighters Warn

Last week’s blast of winter cooled down the Elk and Pack Trail fires that have burned 185,000 acres in Wyoming. But firefighters warn that the fires aren’t out and can still be dangerous.

Greg JohnsonOctober 22, 2024

Wyoming Troopers Save Kidnapped Teen Girl From Sex Offender And “Wanted Predator”

A 13-year-old South Dakota girl allegedly abducted by a registered sex offender was recovered by Wyoming State Troopers on Sunday. Hours after the girl was reported missing, the suspect tried to outrun the WHP and was caught near Rawlins.

Greg JohnsonOctober 21, 2024

Other Authors

Even with the rain and snow that fell on the Pack Trail Fire on Thursday and Friday, there are still plenty of hot spots burning.

Almost No Growth For Wyoming’s Large Wildfires, But Weather Reprieve Is Over

A two-day blast of winter dropped significant rain and snow on Wyoming’s two large wildfires, slowing them to almost no growth. But that reprieve is over, with warmer temperatures and more fire activity expected.

Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2024

Despite the wet and snowy weather, fire crews continue working the Pack Trail Fire in northwest wyoming.

Evacuations Lifted For All But 1 Person In Path Of Massive Wyoming Wildfires

Evacuations have been lifted for all but 1 person in the path of two massive Wyoming wildfires on Saturday. Two days of rain and snow haven’t put out the Elk and Pack Trail fires, but has “really put a hurt” on them.

Greg JohnsonOctober 19, 2024

The face of the Bighorn Mountains over Dayton, Wyoming, are dusted with snow Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, a welcome sight from two weeks earlier when most of the mountain was glowing with a raging wildfire.

Snowstorm A “Thank You, God” Event For Those Living In Shadow Of Elk Fire

Seeing snow on the face of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains on Friday was a “thank you, God” moment for those threatened by the Elk Fire. It’s already burned 96,000 acres, but the storm has helped firefighters go from 28% containment to 44%.

Greg JohnsonOctober 18, 2024

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, grew up in an old homestead house near McGinnis Pass, located about 8 miles north of Guernsey, Wyoming. The century-old home burned down during the Pleasant Valley Fire.

Hageman says People In Path Of Wildfires Can Thank Feds And Their “Bad Policies”

A devastating Wyoming wildfire season got its start more than 20 years ago with a disastrous Bill Clinton roadless rule, Harriet Hageman said Wednesday. Those in the path of the fires can thank the feds and their “bad policies.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 16, 2024

A small plane is seen from above making a run to drop retardant on spot fires burning in the Pack Trail Fire.

Elk, Pack Trail Fires Each Close In On 100,000 Acres, Snow Can’t Come Soon Enough

With Wyoming’s two active wildfires each closing in on 100,000 acres, snow expected for the end of the week can’t come soon enough. Even when it does, fire management officials say it won’t be enough to kill the Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2024

Aircraft continue to drop huge loads of fire retardant slurry around the Elk Fire to try and slow or halt it's spread and help establish fire lines.

Elk Fire Continues Its Southeast March, Grows Again To More Than 87,000 Acres

Like a column of soldiers, the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues its methodical — and at times seemingly relentless — march southeast. It’s grown again to more than 87,000 acres as of Sunday and a little less contained at 28%.

Greg JohnsonOctober 13, 2024

Firefighters on the ground do strategic burning to help gain control of the Elk Fire.

Stubborn Elk Fire Grows To Nearly 85,000 Acres, But Now 32% Contained

The huge Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues to be a stubborn, dangerous event, growing to nearly 85,000 acres by Saturday. But firefighters are making significant progress, achieving 32% containment.

Greg JohnsonOctober 12, 2024

A fire crew maps out a plan of attack as a column of smoke rises from the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming.

Firefighters Hold Off Elk Fire As It Threatens Sheridan’s Water Supply

As the 76,000-acre Elk Fire continues to be active and push southeast along the face of the Bighorn Mountains, it’s threatening Sheridan’s water supply. The fire made a run at the Big Goose Water Treatment Plant early Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonOctober 09, 2024

Firefighters are nearby to fight the Elk Fire all around its perimiter and interior, where accessible.

“These Guys Are Heroes”: Locals Praise Crews Fighting 75,000-Acre Elk Fire

As firefighting crews continue to make progress on stemming the growth of the huge 75,000-acre Elk Fire in northeast Wyoming, locals are noticing. “These guys are heroes in my mind,” one lifelong Dayton resident said Tuesday.

Greg JohnsonOctober 08, 2024

A group of people watch as a ribbon of fire burns it way across the face of the Bighorns near Dayton and Parkman, Wyoming.

Crews “Ready To Go On The Offensive” Fighting Huge 73,000-Acre Elk Fire

For the first time since the Elk Fire literally blew up overnight more than a week ago, firefighters on Monday said they are preparing to attack the 73,000-acre wildfire rather than react to it. "We’re ready to go on the offense," one firefighter said.

Greg JohnsonOctober 07, 2024

The small, rural Wyoming town of Dayton can only watch and pray as the Elk Fire burns across the mountain face of the Bighorns above.

Elk Fire Now At 74,000 Acres And Still Out Of Control, But Some Signs Of Hope

The Elk Fire burning in northern Wyoming remains out of control, dangerous and unpredictable. It’s now at 74,000 acres and growing, but some signs of hope as rancher says “positive energy” helped save her ranch.

Greg JohnsonOctober 06, 2024

As Elk Fire Rages, Dayton Watches While Mountain Above “Just Glowing Orange”

Folks in rural Dayton, Wyoming, were awakened at 3 a.m. Saturday and told to be ready to evacuate. Meanwhile, all they can do is watch as the Mountain above them is “just glowing orange.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 05, 2024

The Elk Fire burns close to the town of Dayton, Wyoming.

No End In Sight For Folks In Path Of 51,000-Acre Elk Fire In Northern Wyoming

It may seem a little like “Groundhog Day” for folks in northern Wyoming in the path of the Elk Fire. The 51,000-acre wildfire is still uncontained, unpredictable and more of the same is expected.

Greg JohnsonOctober 04, 2024

Highway 14 south of Dayton, Wyoming, remains closed because of the Elk Fire.

Elk Fire Now 50,000 Acres, Spreading “In All Directions” In Northern Wyoming

The unpredictable and dangerous Elk Fire burning west of Dayton and Parkman in northern Wyoming has grown to 50,000 acres. It’s also spreading “in all directions.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 03, 2024

At the Elk View Inn near Dayton, the Elk Fire appears intimidating. Although an estimated 7-8 miles away, it appears huge and threatening.

More Evacuations Ordered As Huge Wildfire Threatens Northern Wyoming Towns

Winds have blown the 32,000-acre Elk Fire toward the northern Wyoming town of Parkman, while also threatening nearby Dayton. Additional evacuations have been ordered with the weather forecast calling for even more wind.

Greg JohnsonOctober 02, 2024

The Elk Fire burns down the face of the Bighorns over Dayton, Wyoming.

Dayton Watched As Mountain Above Them Burned

Not many of Dayton, Wyoming’s, 830 residents got much sleep Sunday night as they watched the Elk Fire burn down the mountain face above them. The fire didn’t get to the town, but has grown to about 32,000 acres.

Greg JohnsonOctober 01, 2024

The plains burned after the House Draw Fire moved through the area off Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road.

Nearly 600,000 Acres Have Burned During Wyoming’s Powder-Keg Summer

Much of Wyoming has been a powder keg for wildfires this summer, with nearly 600,000 acres burned in the northeast part of the state — 13 times more than last summer.

Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiSeptember 27, 2024

Cheyenne police and Laramie County deputies responded to a report of a student who had a gun at East High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. But the report turned out to be unfounded. An 18-year-old student was later charged with allegedly making the threat.

Fake Post About Kid Shot At East High In Cheyenne Sparks Fear, Frustration

A fake social media post claiming a student had been shot at East High School in Cheyenne triggered local parents into a frenzy of fear and worry Thursday. There was a report of a student with a gun at school, but it wasn’t true, police say.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 26, 2024

Firefighting crews expect to achieve 100% containment on the Short Draw Fire on Friday, Sept. 19, 2024.

Five Homes, 31 Outbuildings Burned By Short Draw Fire

With 100% containment expected Friday, an inventory of what was lost to the Short Draw Fire is in — five homes and 31 outbuildings. The wildfire has burned about 35,000 acres in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2024

An aerial view of the Short Draw Fire shows acres of black and burned wildland while a homestead that's been saved from the flames.

Short Draw Fire 65% Contained, But Igniting Underground Coal Seams

Wildland firefighting crews have gained 65% containment of the Short Draw Fire in northeast Wyoming and southern Montana. But they’re also now fighting coal seam fires ignited by the wildfire.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 17, 2024

A Wyoming Department of Transporation crew works to repair a hole that develped in the right eastbound lane of Interstate 80 over the Greeley Highway in Cheyenne.

Truckers Worried About Hole In Bridge On I-80 In Cheyenne; WYDOT Says It's OK

Truckers expressed worry Monday about a hole that opened up on a bridge on Interstate 80 in Cheyenne. Although WYDOT was able to patch it up, they’re still worried about it. Transportation officials say the bridge is structurally sound.

Leo Wolfson & Greg JohnsonSeptember 16, 2024

As evacuation orders are lifted, some people in the path of the Short Draw Fire are returning to find their homes gone. That was the case for Cheyenne and Jesse Raymond, who posted to Facebook about the devastation of finding their home had burned.

Families Devastated To Find Homes Burned As Short Draw Fire Evacuations Lifted

Evacuation orders in northern Wyoming and southern Montana have been lifted for folks in the path of the Short Draw Fire. But some families are devastated to find they no longer have homes to return to.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 15, 2024

Yoder Volunteer Fire Department Brush Truck 31 saved this home on the overnight shift Thursday night and Friday morning fighting the Short Draw Fire near Recluse, Wyoming. The truck is crewed by Caleb Anderson and Abigail Anderson — a brother/sister firefighting team — and Whitman Jones.

Evacuations Still In Place As Volatile Northeast Wyoming Wildfire Threatens Homes

Firefighters on both side of the Wyoming-Montana border report progress battling the 40,000-acre Short Draw Fire. But evacuation orders remain in place as the fire is still unpredictable and threatening homes.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 13, 2024

Intense flames driven by wind has grown the Short Draw Fire burning in northern Wyoming and southern Montana to more than 30,000 acres as of Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2024.

Crews Work Furiously To Save Homes From Huge Wildfire In Northeast Wyoming

Firefighting crews on both sides of the Wyoming-Montana border are working furiously to save homes and ranches from a volatile and out-of-control wildfire. The Short Draw Fire has so far burned 30,500 acres.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 13, 2024

Crews from the Tongue River Electric Cooperative work in the dark to try and save power poles from the Short Draw Fire.

Huge Wildfire In Northeast Wyoming Now 30,500 Acres And Growing Fast

A wildfire north of Recluse, Wyoming, near the Montana border has exploded to an estimated 30,500 acres and is growing fast. People in the area have been urged to evacuate as the fire burns uncontrolled.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 12, 2024

Eastbound Interstate 80 at milepost 223 is closed after two semitrailers crashed Saturday morning.

Semi Hitting Another Parked On Shoulder Caused Fatal Crash That Closed I-80

The fiery and fatal crash that closed I-80 for more than eight hours Saturday was caused by a semi smashing into another parked on the shoulder. The Wyoming Highway Patrol on Monday said the driver who hit the parked semi was killed.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 09, 2024

Aftermath of a collisison between two semitrailers that killed one person and engulfed a truck in flames Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

One Dead After Fiery Semi Crash On Interstate 80 Near Rawlins

A fiery and fatal crash involving two semitrailers Saturday morning closed eastbound I-80 for miles before and after Rawlins for most of the day.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 07, 2024

The Broadus Volunteer Fire Department out of Montana has sent engines and personnel to help fight the Silver Spoon Fire.

Silver Spoon Fire Evacuations Lifted, Crews Now “Mopping Up”

Evacuations for folks potentially in the path of the Silver Spoon Fire north of Recluse in northeast Wyoming were lifted Tuesday. Fire crews now are “just mopping up” hot spots and establishing containment.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2024

Delcy Bayles shared photos and a report from her ranch near where the Silver Spoon Fire is burning in northeast Wyoming.

Progress On Silver Spoon Fire May Allow Evacuees To Return Home

Local fire crews and ranchers made “good progress” fighting the 1,721-acre Silver Spoon Fire north of Recluse, Wyoming, on Monday. Area residents ordered to evacuate may be allowed to go home Tuesday.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2024

The Silver Spoon Fire burning in northeast Wyoming, as seen from the entrance to the Silver Spoon Ranch.

Silver Spoon Fire Burning Through “Pretty Rough Country” In Northeast Wyoming

An evacuation order remains in place Monday as a wildfire burning in “pretty rough country” in northeast Wyoming continues to grow. A fire also was reported burning near a coal mine silo north of Gillette.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2024

Double Dub's owner Trent Weitzel, left, and franchisee Dallas Lopez show off the hardware Weitzels Wings won at the 2024 National Buffalo Wing Festival, including Festival Favorite.

Wyoming’s Double Dub’s Wins 3rd Straight Festival Favorite At Buffalo Wing Fest

For the third straight year, Wyoming-based Weitzels Wings, aka Double Dub’s, has won Festival Favorite at the National Buffalo Wing Festival. It’s the first time in the history of the contest anyone has three-peated.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2024

Crews respond to one of a pair of large wildfires burning near Gillette. Now Campbell County Fire Department is being aggressive with a new fire reported Sunday north near the Montana border.

Evacuations Ordered For New Campbell County Wildfire

A new wildfire discovered Sunday in northeast Wyoming has prompted an evacuation order for an area near the Montana border. The Silver Spoon Fire in Campbell County is about 1,000 acres and reportedly spreading fast.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 01, 2024

Wyoming Suspect Gives Up Cocaine And Fentanyl Hidden In Buttocks

A Gillette man saved himself a felony charge Tuesday night when he gave up the cocaine and fentanyl he had hidden in his buttocks. Even more common are suspects claiming they’re not wearing their own pants.

Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2024

The Weitzels Wings team poses for a photo in front of one of the four food trucks they brought to Cheyenne to smash two world records for selling buffalo wings in July 2023.

New York Casino Breaks Weitzels Wings’ 24-Hour Chicken Wing Sales Record

The Village Casino in New York sold nearly 56,000 chicken wings in 24 hours over the weekend to reclaim the world record from Wyoming’s Weitzels Wings. Owner Trent Weitzel said he wants to take it back decisively next year by selling 75,000.

Greg JohnsonAugust 05, 2024

From L-R: Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Kistler, Autumn Nelon Clark, Jason Clark.

Three Members Of Gospel Group The Nelons Killed In Wyoming Plane Crash

Three members from the gospel group The Nelons were killed in a plane crash on Friday afternoon in northeast Wyoming. At least seven passengers were onboard the plane. There were no survivors.

Jimmy Orr, Greg Johnson & Clair McFarlandJuly 27, 2024

This Pilatus PC-12/47E single-engine aircraft crashed just south of the Montana border in Campbell County, Wyoming, while on its way to Billings, Montana, on July 26, 2024.

'Super, Super Nice People': Plane Fueled Up In Nebraska Before Crashing In Wyoming

A single-engine aircraft that crashed in northeast Wyoming on Friday afternoon had fueled up in Nebraska. The manager of the airfield said they were regular customers and just "super, super nice people." There were no survivors.

Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonJuly 26, 2024

Record-Setting Death Valley Heat Wave On The Way To Wyoming

A heat wave that saw Death Valley hit a record high of 128 degrees Sunday is coming to Wyoming. While the heat won’t be that extreme here, some spots in eastern Wyoming could have a record-setting string of highs in triple digits.

Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2024

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the third annual Rock Springs Liberty Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Wow Rock Springs Fourth Of July Paradegoers

Hundreds of people waited for hours Thursday to watch the word-famous Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the Rock Springs Liberty Parade. And the gentle giants didn’t disappoint.

Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2024

Big Boy 4014 makes the first stop on its 2024 summer tour in Laramie, Wyoming, on Sunday morning, June 30, 2024. Hundreds of curious people and serious train buffs waited for more than two hours to get a good viewing spot.,

Big Boy 4014 Gets Big Welcome At First Whistlestop In Laramie

In the world of steam engines, Big Boy 4014 is a rock star, and it got a rock star welcome on Sunday. Hundreds of people lined up in downtown Laramie for the first whistlestop on its 2024 summer tour.

Greg JohnsonJune 30, 2024

Rozet Man Accused Of Stealing 168 UPS Packages Says He Did It For ‘The Rush’

A man who worked as an overnight cleaner at a Gillette UPS facility allegedly told investigators he stole at least 168 packages for “the rush” he gets by taking things. He waived a Monday hearing and elevated to felony-level court.

Greg JohnsonJune 24, 2024

Casper Man Shot While Allegedly Trying To Get Officer’s Gun Identified

The Natrona County Coroner’s Office has identified the man shot and killed by police Thursday while allegedly trying to get an officer’s gun as Trae Spurlock, 26. But the office denies releasing other details of the shooting.

Greg Johnson & Dale KillingbeckJune 11, 2024

Bison in Yellowstone National Park aren't usually aggressive, but can be dangerous if their space is violated.

Yellowstone Bison Was ‘Defending Its Space’ When It Gored Elderly Woman

An 83-year-old South Carolina woman visiting Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison Saturday that was “defending its space,” the National Park Service reported Monday. She was airlifted to a hospital in Idaho.

Greg JohnsonJune 04, 2024

Casper Man Accused Of Sex With Infant, Possessing Child Porn

A 25-year-old Casper man accused of having sex with an infant and asking other adults to participate was in court Wednesday to face 10 felony charges of child sexual abuse and child pornography.

Dale Killingbeck & Greg JohnsonMay 17, 2024

Hanna Holtmeier, one of six University of Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter members, speaks on the steps of the Byron White U.S. Courthouse in downtown Denver on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Wyoming Kappa Sisters Defiant And Determined To Keep Sororities For Women

Riley Gaines was among a defiant and determined group that rallied for Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma members Tuesday, saying the sorority let down its UW chapter by giving the sisters “the brother they never wanted.”

Greg JohnsonMay 14, 2024

Affidavit: Sheridan Assistant Principal Gave Teen Beer Before Alleged Sex Contact

Sheridan High School Assistant Principal Jacob Meyer, 33, remains in jail, accused of “sexual intrusion” on a girl about 15 years younger. He’s also accused of having indecent photos of her and giving her beer.

Greg Johnson & Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2024

Screenshots from a video clip provided exclusively to Cowboy State Daily show Daniel, Wyoming, resident Cody Roberts kneeling over and kissing the muzzle of a weak and injured wolf in the Green River Bar in Daniel on Feb. 29. No reproduction without permission.

Shocking Video Shows Cody Roberts Kissing Weak, Injured Wolf In Wyoming Bar

A shocking video clip provided to Cowboy State Daily on Friday evening shows Daniel, Wyoming, resident Cody Roberts in a local bar kneeling over and lifting the head of an obviously weak and injured wolf to kiss it.

Jimmy Orr & Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2024

Juvenile Dead After Stabbing At Casper Mall

Casper police are interviewing potential suspects and witnesses to a melee of area juveniles at the Eastridge Mall on Sunday that left a youth dead with injuries “consistent with a stabbing.”

Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2024

In this photo provided exclusively to Cowboy State Daily, a wolf with red tape wound tightly around its muzzle looks down as Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming, poses with it. No reproduction without permission.

Photo Shows Wyoming Man With Tormented Wolf Before It Was Killed

Cowboy State Daily has obtained a photo of a wolf that was captured and had its mouth taped shut while it was reportedly taken to a local man’s house and a bar in rural Daniel, Wyoming, before it was killed.

Greg Johnson & Mark HeinzApril 06, 2024

Search Intensifies, But Still No Sign Of Missing Gillette Woman

After a second full day of searching, including with a helicopter, drones and dogs Monday, 55-year-old Tami Sturgeon of Gillette remains missing. She disappeared Saturday evening after a day of shed hunting.

Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiMarch 26, 2024

City Attorney For Rock Springs Captures Video Of "UFO" Near Green River

The Rock Springs city attorney and part-time UFO investigator captured 40 minutes of video early Sunday morning of an unidentified flying object near Green River. He's reaching out to local airports now and radar stations to see what they picked up.

Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiMarch 11, 2024

Suddenly Gone: UW, City And Childhood Coaches Mourn Swimmers After Fatal Crash

The childhood coaches of the three University of Wyoming swimmers who died Thursday in a one-vehicle crash told Cowboy State Daily about their lives and reflected on their deaths with shock, grief and tenderness. It's shared by the greater UW and Laramie community.

Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2024

Saratoga Town Councilman, Father Of 3 Killed In Wyoming Backcountry Avalanche

Saratoga Town Councilman Jacob Fluty, 34, died Friday when he was caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling in an area of the Medicine Bow National Forest known as “Avalanche Alley.”

Andrew Rossi & Greg JohnsonFebruary 11, 2024

While helping shovel out Highmark Stadium in Buffalo on Friday in preparation for Sunday's playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, the Double Dubs crew was surprised to meet former NFL punter Brian Moorman. Here he poses with Ransom Kessler, left, and Trent Weitzel.

Wyoming’s Chicken Wing King Tailgates As A Made Man With Bills Mafia

Trent Weitzel of Laramie is the two-time defending Buffalo Wing Festival champion and official chicken wing for Buffalo Bills tailgate parties, making him a made man with the Bills Mafia. This week he's been with hundreds of Bills fans shoveling out the stadium.

Greg JohnsonJanuary 21, 2024

The Weitzels Wings mobile tailgate party spent 16 hours on the road to Buffalo, New York, most of it in a snowstorm.

Wyoming’s Chicken Wing King Drives 22 Hours In Snowstorm To Tailgate For Buffalo Bills

Laramie native Trent Weitzel, owner of the Double Dubs buffalo wings food truck empire, drove 22 hours in non-stop snowstorms to make this weekend’s Buffalo Bills playoff game. Weitzel has been part of the Buffalo Bills’ official tailgate party all season.

Greg JohnsonJanuary 14, 2024

A Uinta County firefighter cleans up Saturday after an early morning fire in this mobile home on Worland Circle in Evanston that claimed the lives of two children, ages 6 and 3, and an adult family member.

Early Morning Evanston Fire Kills Siblings, Ages 6 and 3, And Family Member

A fire that burned through an Evanston mobile home early Saturday morning killed two young siblings ages 6 and 3, along with an adult family member with them in the house.

Greg JohnsonJanuary 01, 2024

Talyn Reimer, 10, of Rawlins rests in a Denver hospital after being diagnosed with a large tumor in his head.

Rawlins 10-Year-Old Got His Christmas Wish — He Didn’t Die

Rawlins 10-year-old Talyn Reimer’s Christmas wish list was simple — he wanted to not die before the end of the year. He got his wish, and the large tumor in his head has all but disappeared.

Greg JohnsonDecember 26, 2023

The Lambert family home at 503 Richards Ave. in Gillette is so bright it glows.

What The Heck … Is Up With That Gillette House You Can Practically See From Space?

Ed Lambert of Gillette doesn’t mind being compared to “Christmas Vacation’s” Clark Griswold. That’s what he’s going for with his small house that’s covered with so many lights it can practically be seen from space.

Greg JohnsonDecember 24, 2023

Bomb Threats To Cheyenne Airport And Frontier Mall Turn Out To Be Bogus

A pair of email bomb threats to Cheyenne Regional Airport and Frontier Mall on Tuesday morning prompted the evacuation of the mall and police sweeps of the facilities. Both threats were found to be bogus.

Greg JohnsonDecember 19, 2023

What The Heck Is … Ayres Natural Bridge, A Rare Wonder Everyone Drives By On I-25?

Just minutes off of I-25 near Douglas is Ayres Natural Bridge — a natural limestone and sandstone bridge that formed naturally over La Prele Creek over millions of years. While there are many spectacular natural arches in the American West, Ayers is one of only three natural bridges in the United States with water under it.

Greg JohnsonDecember 17, 2023

JJ is a tiny older dog that was apparently dumped by a semi driver along I-90 near Sheridan on Saturday.

Wyoming Woman Rescues Abandoned Older Dog After It Was Dumped On Highway

Becca Grace was driving from Sheridan to Story about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday when she saw a little dog running after the truck which apparently abandoned her on the side of the road.

Greg JohnsonDecember 14, 2023

This lonely tree in the median of Interstate 90 between Sheridan, Wyoming, and Billings, Montana, on the Crow Reservation is the work of German Segura, a long-haul trucker from Texas who has stopped to decorate it for more than a dozen years.

Who The Heck … Decorates That Tree In The Middle Of Nowhere North Of Sheridan?

For more than a dozen years, German Segura, a long-haul trucker from Texas, has been decorating a lonely little pine tree in the middle of nowhere between Sheridan and Billings on I-90.

Greg JohnsonDecember 10, 2023

Men Ditch 800 Fentanyl Pills While Running From WHP At ‘Well Over 100 MPH’

Three men led Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers on a long-distance high-speed chase at “well over 100 mph” Friday, while also ditching 800 fentanyl pills and meth out of the speeding vehicle.

Greg JohnsonDecember 09, 2023

Miniature horses are bred to look like normal horses, just smaller.

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Miniature Horse Near Gillette

The owner of a miniature horse in Campbell County made a sad discovery Saturday when he came upon the animal dead on the side of a road, killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Greg JohnsonNovember 13, 2023

One of the signs greeting people visiting the Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport.

Why The Heck … Does Green River, Wyoming, Have An Intergalactic Spaceport?

The Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport began nearly 30 years ago as a joke. But the FAA actually approved the name change to the city's backup airstrip, and the town became home to the nation’s only official intergalactic spaceport.

Greg JohnsonNovember 13, 2023

Black smoke billows from a large fire that broke out Saturday afternoon at the Rawlins Landfill.

‘Fire Of Significant Size’ Closes Rawlins City Landfill

What city officials report is a “fire of significant size” in the construction and demolition section of the Rawlins Landfill closed the facility hours early Saturday afternoon.

Greg JohnsonNovember 12, 2023

Someone painted "UW" brands on these bronze bighorn sheep outside the stadium on the Colorado State University campus.

‘UW’ Painted On Pair Of Bronze Rams On CSU Campus Ahead Of Border War Game

A prankster used paint to brand a life-sized bronze sculpture of a pair of rams on the Colorado State University campus with “UW” ahead of Friday’s Border War rivalry football game between CSU and UW.

Greg JohnsonNovember 03, 2023

Holy City was named because visitors from other countries thought it resembled the skyline of Jerusalem.

What The Heck … Is That Apocalyptic Ruined City On The Way To Yellowstone?

What appears to be an apocalyptic ruined city on the ridge of Shoshone Canyon between Cody and Yellowstone’s East entrance is Wyoming’s Holy City.

Greg JohnsonOctober 30, 2023

What The Heck … Is That 400-Foot Snaggle Tooth Rock North Of Rock Springs?

Boar’s Tusk is what’s left of a long dormant volcano that now looks like a 400-foot snaggle tooth-looking rock formation in the middle of nowhere north of Rock Springs.

Greg JohnsonOctober 22, 2023

The Wyoming Toad is an endangered species unique to the Laramie area.

Feds Spend $2 Million On Land Near Laramie To Save Rare Wyoming Toad

The federal government recently bought roughly 1,000 acres near Laramie as a preserve for the rare and endangered Wyoming Toad, in hopes of helping the toad population recover.

Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2023

‘Please Stop’: Hanna Market Pleads With Anonymous Toilet Paper Thief

People have been stealing the extra rolls of toilet paper from the Hanna Hometown Market women’s bathroom, prompting the manager to make a public plea: “Please stop.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2023

A fire that burned up a bus carrying the South Dakota School of Mines football team's defense appears to have started in the engine.

Town Of Lusk Steps Up For College Football Team When Bus Burns Up

The town of Lusk, Wyoming, was quick to muster help for the South Dakota School of Mines football team Saturday night when one of its buses burned up south of town.

Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2023

Teepee Fountain in Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming is the most photographed spot in the park, says Superintendent Chris Delay.

What The Heck … Is That Giant Mineral Dome In Thermopolis?

It looks like something from a science fiction movie. The giant mineral dome in Thermopolis is called Teepee Fountain, and it’s been growing there for nearly 115 years.

Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2023

Wyoming applied for $1.25 billion in federal money to build a hub that will produce "green" and "blue" hydrogen.

Biden’s DOE Denies Wyoming’s Pitch For $1.25 Billion Hydrogen Hub

Wyoming officials said Friday they’re “disappointed” that a $1.25 billion Western region hydrogen hub isn’t included in a $7 billion Biden administration hydrogen network.

Greg JohnsonOctober 13, 2023

A sign, marker and flag memorialize Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Logsdon, who was killed Oct. 13, 1998, in a crash while responding to a wrong-way driver on Interstate 25 near Wheatland, Wyoming.

What The Heck Is … That Flagpole And Marker Off I-25 North Of Wheatland?

That memorial at mile marker 91 of Interstate 25 north of Wheatland is for Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Logsdon, who was killed in the line of duty Oct. 13, 1998.

Greg JohnsonOctober 09, 2023

The camel is the mascot for Campbell County High School in Gillette, and the school's "Camel pride" is emphasized with the large camel sculpture in front of the school. Called Humphrey, the sculpture is painted by student classes and clubs multiple times a year, including the Hope Squad.

Why The Heck … Is A Camel The Mascot For A Wyoming High School?

For more than 100 years, a camel has been the mascot for Campbell County High School in Gillette. And for more than a century, people have been asking why?

Greg JohnsonSeptember 24, 2023

Centurylink Outage Leaves Thousands In Wyoming Without 911 Service

Thousands of Centurylink customers on Tuesday, including 911 service for people in Casper and northeast Wyoming, were left without phone service after a fiber break.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2023

This stone marker shows the Granger Stage Station, first known as the Old South Bend Stage Station built in 1850, was on the Oregon Trail and a Pony Express stop.

What The Heck Is … That Old Stagecoach Stop Off I-80 Near Green River?

Anyone driving through southwestern Wyoming on I- 80 may have seen the signs for the historic Granger Stage Station. The small, simple stone building was a nexus point for one of the most important periods of U.S. history.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 17, 2023

University of Wyoming fans cheer the Cowboys during a double overtime win over Texas Tech to open the 2023 season.

UW Football Will Get $1.85 Million For Playing No. 4-Ranked Texas

The University of Wyoming football team is a 28.5-point underdog going into Saturday’s game at the University of Texas, but the Cowboys will get $1.85 million for the effort.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 14, 2023

The Quaal Windsock is a 1950s Beechcraft Twin Bonanza on top of a 70-foot pole outside Sundance, Wyoming, along Interstate 90.

What The Heck Is … That Airplane On A 70-Foot Pole Along I-90 In Wyoming?

An early 1950s Beechcraft Twin Bonanza perched on a 70-foot pole just off Interstate 90 near exit 189 at Sundance, Wyoming, swivels to show which way the wind’s blowing.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 12, 2023

Laramie church elder Todd Schmidt had been banned by the University of Wyoming from being in the Wyoming Union because he posted a sign calling out a transgender student by name. The ban was lifted by a judge, and he has since settled his First Amendment lawsuit over the ban.

Laramie Church Elder Who Called Out Transgender Student Back On UW Campus

Todd Schmidt, a Laramie church elder who called out a transgender student by name on a sign, is back presenting in the University of Wyoming student union after a recent injunction lifted a ban on him being there.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 08, 2023

Chewy, a 5-year-old border collie mix, seems to like being scratched by Kayla Hahn at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter on Wednesday morning. He also was eager to scarf down chunks of cheese from Cal Drudge, right.

Cheyenne Animal Control Catches ‘Escape Artist’ Pup On The Loose Since 2019

Chewy is a 5-year-old border collie mix that’s been on the radar of Cheyenne Animal Control since 2019. They’ve dubbed him an “escape artist,” but finally caught him last week.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 06, 2023

At 30 feet tall, the Our Lady of Peace shrine stands tall alongside Interstate 80 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.

What The Heck Is … That 30-Foot Virgin Mary Statue On I-80 At The Nebraska Border?

Drivers on Interstate 80 going though Pine Bluffs on the Wyoming-Nebraska border can’t miss the Our Lady of Peace shrine, a 30-foot, 180-ton statue of the Virgin Mary.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2023

Weitzels Wings owner and founder Trent Weitzel with his back-to-back Festival Favorite trophies for 2022 and 2023 at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York.

Wyoming’s ‘Double Dubs’ Repeats As Festival Favorite At Buffalo Wing Fest

Trent Weitzel, aka Wyoming’s Wing King, and his Double Dubs crew repeated as Festival Favorite at the 2023 National Buffalo Wing Festival on Sunday in Buffalo, New York.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2023

Owner of Wyoming’s Largest Radio Station Chain Admits Hiding $19.5 Million From IRS

Susan Patrick, who co-owns more than 20 radio stations around Wyoming, has pleaded guilty to intentionally hiding $10 million in business receipts from the IRS and $9.5 million in personal income.

Leo Wolfson & Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2023

This image taken from a YouTube video posted by Cheyenne resident Gary Wisecup show a giant fireball streaking across the Wyoming night sky early Sunday.

Giant Fireball Streaks Across Night Sky Over Southern Wyoming

A giant fireball reported streaking over southern Wyoming and northern Colorado in the wee hours Sunday morning was likely an unusually large meteor.

Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2023

No. 23 is one of only two 1949 GMC Union Pacific passenger buses known to exist. It still has its original paint, logos and accessories, like the horns on the roof.

One Of Only 2 Known Rare Union Pacific Buses Coming To Cheyenne

Michael Pannell of Cheyenne loves all things Union Pacific and collects historic railcars. Now he’s purchased a rare UP passenger bus, one of only two known to still exist, and bringing it to Cheyenne.

Greg JohnsonAugust 27, 2023

Trent Weitzel with a handful of trophies won at the 2022 National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York, including the coveted Festival Favorite.

Wyoming’s 'Double Dub's' Aims To Repeat As National Buffalo Wing Fest Champs

Fresh off setting two world records, Wyoming’s Weitzels Wings (aka Double Dub's) is preparing to defend its title as Festival Favorite at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York over Labor Day Weekend.

Greg JohnsonAugust 27, 2023

Doug and Dayna Jobe, right, were among the visitors to get up close to the Ames Monument on Saturday.

What The Heck Is … That 60-Foot Pyramid In the Middle Of Nowhere Off I-80?

Just minutes off Interstate 80 about 20 miles east of Laramie is the Ames Monument, a 60-foot pyramid in the middle of Wyoming pastureland.

Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2023

The Vore Buffalo Jump National Historic Site is about six miles from the South Dakota border near Interstate 90.

What The Heck Is … The Vore Buffalo Jump Along I-90 In Northeast Wyoming?

Discovered in 1969, the Vore Buffalo Jump in northeast Wyoming contains the bones of more than 20,000 bison that were herded into and slaughtered there by Plains Indians. The site also has tools used to butcher the bison, arrowheads and even toys.

Greg JohnsonAugust 07, 2023

Stuart Flynn lets kids sit in the saddle of his Sinclair dinosaur, Dino.

What The Heck Is … With Betty Boop, Big Boy And That Sinclair Dinosaur North Of Cheyenne?

People first notice Bob’s Big Boy, a saddled-up Sinclair dinosaur and Betty Boop on roller skates. And there’s much more on Stuart Flynn’s property along Yellowstone Road just north of Cheyenne.

Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2023