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