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GJ
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.

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Latest from Greg Johnson

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.”

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

Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, left, chairs the Select Committee on Capitol Financing and Investiments. Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, is the vice chair.

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

The Dollar Lake Fire came close to the historic GP Bar Ranch and the old stone house still standing there.

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

The Dollar Lake Fire comes to the west bank of the Green River with Squaretop Mountain in the background.

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

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.

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

Pilot Kevin Hefley was identified as the man shot and killed Tuesday, June 24, 2025, west of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office reports.

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

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.

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 Administrator Lee Zeldin after signing a letter in favor of Wyoming administering its Coal Comustion Residuals Program rather than the federal agency. The ceremony was at the Wyoming Capitol on Aug. 28, 2025, and he was joined by Sen. Cyntha Lummis, left, and Gov. Mark Gordon.

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

The Dollar Lake Fire blew up from about 20-30 acres the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, to nearly 1,400 by the next morning. It's now about 13,500 acres and burning on the east side of the Green River near Dollar Lake, and about 5.5 miles west of Square Top Mountain.

‘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

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. This image shows volumes of smoke rising from the Dollar Lake Fire.

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

Another fast-growing wildfire has blown up in Wyoming, this time in the Star Valley south of Smoot. The Willow Creek Fire has prompted evacuations and closed U.S. 89.

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

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.

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

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The Dollar Lake Fire was reported at about 20-30 acres Thursday afternoon. By Friday evening, it’s exploded to more than 10,000 acres, pushing south and forcing more evacuations, including an area bible camp.

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

A large tanker jet drops fire-retardant slurry around the perimeter of the Red Canyon Fire.

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

The Dollar Lake Fire blew up from about 20-30 acres the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, to nearly 1,400 by the next morning. It's burning on the east side of the Green River near Dollar Lake, and about 5.5 miles west of Square Top Mountain.

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

Ranchers and others have been defending the land against the Red Canyon Fire since it flared up Wednesday night. They have been grateful for the air support and the firefighters who have descended on Hot Springs County to help fight the fire that has gobbled up over 100,000 acres since the lightning strike on Wednesday.

‘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

Black Hills Energy announced a blockbuster $15.4 billion merger Tuesday with NorthWestern Energy in a deal the companies say will help them compete with larger utilities. Rates won’t go down, they say, but they won’t go up as much or as fast.

In Blockbuster $15.4 Billion Deal, Black Hills Energy To Merge With NorthWestern

Black Hills Energy announced a blockbuster $15.4 billion merger Tuesday with NorthWestern Energy in a deal the companies say will help them compete with larger utilities. Rates won’t go down, they say, but they won’t go up as much or as fast.

Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2025

With the Red Canyon Fire burning about 11 miles east of Thermopolis nearing 100,000 acres in size, Gov. Mark Gordon has declared the fire an emergency, even as crews report it’s 28% contained.

Wyoming's Red Canyon Fire Now 100,000+ Acres, Fire Emergency Declared

With the Red Canyon Fire burning about 11 miles east of Thermopolis exceeding 100,000 acres in size, Gov. Mark Gordon has declared a fire emergency, even as crews report it’s 28% contained.

Greg JohnsonAugust 18, 2025

A large, out-of-control wildfire “exhibiting extreme fire behavior” continues to grow in multiple directions about 11 miles east of Thermopolis. The Red Canyon Fire also has prompted more evacuations in its potential path.

Aggressive Red Canyon Fire Closes In On 100,000 Acres, Still 0% Containment

The Red Canyon Fire continues to surge in multiple directions about 11 miles east of Thermopolis as it closes in on 100,000 acres burned. It’s also moving into Washakie and Fremont counties, prompting evacuation alerts in Fremont.

Greg JohnsonAugust 18, 2025

A large, out-of-control wildfire “exhibiting extreme fire behavior” continues to grow in multiple directions about 11 miles east of Thermopolis. The Red Canyon Fire also has prompted more evacuations in its potential path.

Red Canyon Fire Grows To Nearly 85,000 Acres, More Evacuations Ordered

A large, out-of-control wildfire “exhibiting extreme fire behavior” continues to grow in multiple directions about 11 miles east of Thermopolis. The Red Canyon Fire also has prompted more evacuations in its potential path.

Greg Johnson & Jackie DorothyAugust 17, 2025

The Red Canyon Fire advances overnight Friday on the south side of Buffalo Creek Road.

3 Wildfires Have Burned More Than 61,000 Acres In Bighorn Basin, 0% Containment

As of Saturday morning, a trio of fast-growing wildfires have burned more than 61,000 acres in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin, with 0% containment on any of them. The largest is the Red Canyon Fire at 40,000 acrea, which has exploded on cheatgrass.

Greg JohnsonAugust 16, 2025

The Red Canyon Fire is burning out of control about 11 miles east of Thermopolis, blowing up to an estimated 35,000 acres. Oil field workers saw the lightning bolt that started the fire, then could only watch it spread.

Out-Of-Control Red Canyon Fire Near Thermopolis Now Nearly 35,000 Acres

The Red Canyon Fire is burning out of control about 11 miles east of Thermopolis, blowing up to nearly 35,000 acres on Friday. Oil field workers saw the lightning bolt that started the fire, then could only watch it spread.

Greg JohnsonAugust 15, 2025

Kristen Hohman shared this eerie image of the Red Canyon Fire glowing east of Thermopolis to a local Facebook group on Wednesday night. It exploded to more than 15,000 acres Thursday.

Wildfire East Of Thermopolis Explodes To 20,000 Acres, Prompts Evacuation

What was a small wildfire reported about 14 miles east of Thermopolis on Wednesday evening has exploded to an estimated more than 20,000 acres Thursday. The Red Canyon Fire has also prompted some evacuations.

Greg JohnsonAugust 14, 2025

A Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office training exercise on Flaming Gorge Reservoir on Wednesday turned into a real rescue for five deputies and a K-9. When the boat took on water and flipped, deputies acted quickly to save one of their own and a K-9.

Sheriff’s Office Training On Flaming Gorge Reservoir Turns Into Real Water Rescue

A Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office training exercise on Flaming Gorge Reservoir on Wednesday turned into a real water rescue for five deputies and a K-9. When the boat took on water and flipped, deputies acted quickly to save one of their own and a K-9.

Greg JohnsonAugust 13, 2025

Campbell County Republican Eric Barlow on Tuesday announced he’s running for governor in 2026.

Barlow Says If GOP Primary For Wyoming Governor Gets Ugly, It Won’t Come From Him

Even the opening prayer at state Sen. Eric Barlow’s announcement for governor cautioned it could be an ugly campaign. But Barlow said if it gets ugly it's not going to come from him and he won’t get caught up in smear and misinformation campaigns.

Greg JohnsonAugust 12, 2025

Campbell County Republican Eric Barlow on Tuesday announced he’s running for governor in 2026.

Wyoming State Senator Eric Barlow Announces Run For Governor

Campbell County Republican Eric Barlow on Tuesday announced he’s running for governor in 2026. The state senator and former Wyoming House speaker says he was motivated to preserve the state’s independent spirit and to “keep Washington, D.C., out of Wyoming’s business.”

Greg JohnsonAugust 12, 2025

A massive search effort was conducted for a Minnesota man missing since July 29 in the rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness of northern Wyoming. Grant Gardner, 38, was last heard from after summiting Cloud Peak on July 29.

Family Still Holds Out Hope For Minnesota Hiker Missing Since July 29

The wife of missing Cloud Peak Wilderness hiker Grant Gardner on Monday told Cowboy State Daily that she's hopeful his skills and abilities that "he's been honing over the last decade-plus will help him come home to us."

Greg JohnsonAugust 11, 2025

Staff at the Platte County Record-Times and Guensey Gazette spent part of Friday retrieving the bound newspaper archives in the wake of their parent company shutting the papers down.

Potential Buyers Emerge For Closed Wyoming Newspapers

In the wake of the shutdown of eight Wyoming newspapers, potential buyers are emerging for at least some of them. The former Pinedale Roundup editor says she’s already secured money to buy the paper, and there’s reportedly interest in at least two others.

Greg JohnsonAugust 08, 2025

The parent company of eight Wyoming hometown newspapers closed them with no notice Wednesday after a deal to sell fell through. That’s no excuse for the “unconscionable” way employees were suddenly fired, longtime journalism industry leaders say.

Shutdown Of Wyoming Newspapers Triggered By Missed Deadline To Sell Company

The parent company of eight Wyoming hometown newspapers shut them down with no notice Wednesday after a deal to sell them fell through. Industry leaders say that’s no excuse for the “unconscionable” way employees were treated.

Greg JohnsonAugust 08, 2025

The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday that the body of Grant Gardner, 38, has been found and recovered from Cloud Peak in the Bighorn Mountains. Gardner summited the peak on July 29, touching off an extensive 20-day search.

Man Found Dead In Montana River Wrongly Reported As Hiker Missing In Wyoming

Officials are trying to squash wrong reports that a body found in the Bighorn River in Montana was a Minnesota man who went missing July 29 in Big Horn County, Wyoming. It isn’t, but the reports have rubbed at already raw emotions.

Greg JohnsonAugust 07, 2025

Eight rural communities across Wyoming are without their legacy hometown newspapers after parent company News Media Corp. abruptly closed them without notice Wednesday morning. Employees said they were blindsided, and the move is “devastating.”

Blindsided: 8 Wyoming Towns Lose Their Newspapers After Abrupt Shutdown

Eight rural communities across Wyoming are without their legacy hometown newspapers after parent company News Media Corp. abruptly closed them without notice Wednesday morning. Employees said they were blindsided and call the move “devastating.”

Greg JohnsonAugust 06, 2025

If anyone could survive a week alone in the rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, it’s Grant Gardner. His wife Lauren said she’s still “in shock” over his disappearance, but holds out hope that her husband is still alive.

Family, Sheriff Hold Out Hope For Minnesota Man Missing A Week On Cloud Peak

If anyone could survive a week alone in the rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, it’s Grant Gardner. His wife Lauren said she’s still “in shock” over his disappearance, but holds out hope that her husband is still alive.

Greg JohnsonAugust 05, 2025

Multiple agencies haven’t given up searching for a Minnesota hiker missing for nearly a week in Wyoming’s rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness. Grant Gardner texted his wife when he got to the summit of Cloud Peak, and hasn’t been heard from since.

Minnesota Man Got To Top Of Cloud Peak A Week Ago, Hasn’t Been Heard From Since

Multiple agencies haven’t given up searching for a Minnesota hiker missing for nearly a week in Wyoming’s rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness. Grant Gardner texted his wife when he got to the summit of Cloud Peak on July 29, and hasn’t been heard from since.

Greg JohnsonAugust 05, 2025

Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. John Barrasso on the floor of the senate Thursday, July 31, 2025, where he chastized Democrats for holding up the nomination of Brian Nesvik as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Barrasso: Holding Up Trump Nominees Part Of Democrat Tantrum Over Losing Election

Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said Friday that Senate Republicans aren’t losing patience with what he calls deliberate “obstructionist” tactics by Democrats. He said they’ve lost it entirely as 160 Trump nominees await confirmation.

Greg JohnsonAugust 01, 2025

The Vees Fire burning in steep, rugged terrain about 13 miles southeast of Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

With 2 Wildfires Burning Near Ten Sleep, Town Becomes Ground Zero For Responders

With a pair of wildfires less than 15 miles from the town, Ten Sleep has become ground zero for wildland firefighting crews. Residents can see the smoke, and “at night you can see the orange glow,” the mayor says.

Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2025

While tens of thousands of out-of-state visitors flock to Cheyenne Frontier Days every year, locals love it too. And one of the more popular things they do is play CFD Bingo, a light-hearted game of spot the stereotype.

What Do Locals Do At Cheyenne Frontier Days? Play CFD Bingo

Cheyenne's Harvey Deselms shares the Cheyenne Frontier Days Bingo card every year. He says the most entertaining part is seeing how many of the squares you can check off by looking in a mirror. "I had the coolest mullet," he said.

Greg JohnsonJuly 26, 2025

Wyoming is eager to exercise more control over educating its own kids. Gov. Mark Gordon told Cowboy State Daily’s Jake Nichols on Thursday that Wyoming can do better educating its kids than federal “talking heads” in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Gordon Says Wyoming Can Educate Kids Better Than Federal ‘Talking Heads’

Wyoming is eager to exercise more control over educating its own kids. Gov. Mark Gordon told Cowboy State Daily’s Jake Nichols on Thursday that Wyoming can educate its kids better than federal “talking heads” in Washington, D.C.

Greg JohnsonJuly 24, 2025

The mayor of Cody, Wyoming, spent the weekend in the Park County Detention Center. Lee Ann Reiter was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and pleaded not guilty to the charge Monday.

Cody Mayor Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI, Spends Weekend In Jail

The mayor of Cody, Wyoming, spent the weekend in the Park County Detention Center. Lee Ann Reiter was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and pleaded not guilty Monday.

Greg JohnsonJuly 21, 2025

Bryan Pedersen and Gracie, a Cheyenne high school student who slid through an intersection on ice and crashed into Pedersen's Escalade. Instead of getting mad, he raised nearly $15,000 to buy her a new car.

A Teen Driver Hit His Car, So Cheyenne Man Bought Her A New One

Someone slides through an icy intersection and collides with your car, what do you do? If you’re Bryan Pedersen, a Cheyenne financial advisor, you buy the other driver — who was at fault — a new car.

Greg JohnsonJuly 13, 2025

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