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
Upton Man Arrested And Charged With Planting Homemade Bomb At Oil Field Company
A 39-year-old Upton, Wyoming, man had his first court appearance Friday, accused of planting a homemade propane bomb in the tool shed of an oil field company. The bomb didn’t go off, but was “the real deal,” the local sheriff has said.
Greg JohnsonDecember 14, 2024
Made In Afton, Pilots Say The Husky Is The Best Bush Plane On The Planet
The Husky, a small bulldog of an aircraft coveted for its ability to land and take off anywhere, is made in Afton, Wyoming. It’s considered by many pilots to be the best bush plane on the planet.
Greg JohnsonDecember 08, 2024
What The Heck … Are Those Giant Snowballs That Seem To Roll Themselves?
Those giant snowballs that seem to roll themselves are a rare weather phenomenon called snow rollers, meteorologist Don Day says. Basically, wind and gravity roll them up the same way you would when making a snowman.
Greg JohnsonDecember 07, 2024
Suspect Leads Casper Police On High-Speed Chase After Pepper-Spraying Clerk
A man is in jail after allegedly pepper-spraying a liquor store attendant and grabbing about 30 cartons of cigarettes. He then led Casper police on a high-speed late Tuesday.
Greg JohnsonDecember 05, 2024
Homemade Propane Bomb Found In Wyoming Oil Field Equipment Shed
A homemade propane bomb was found Saturday in the tool shed of a Weston County, Wyoming, oil field equipment company. It was “the real deal,” the sheriff says, adding it’s lucky the device didn’t go off.
Greg JohnsonDecember 02, 2024
Yellowstone Outlaw E.C. Waters Ripped Off Rich Visitors, Ran A Zoo Of Horrors
One of Wyoming’s most notorious and ruthless outlaws was E.C. Waters, who fleeced rich Yellowstone visitors and abused animals. At one point, the animals in his Dot Island “zoo” were so hungry they were eating each other.
Greg JohnsonDecember 01, 2024
Josh Allen Announces Engagement To Actress Hailee Steinfeld
Former University of Wyoming and current NFL superstar Josh Allen has proposed to actress and pop singer Hailee Steinfeld. He announced their engagement Friday in an Instagram post of the proposal.
Greg JohnsonNovember 30, 2024
Greg Johnson: Time To Carve Up The Thanksgiving Swineapple
Greg Johnson writes, “One of the most challenging Johnson family Thanksgiving traditions was pretending whatever Grandma made was delicious, when in fact it rarely was edible.”
Greg JohnsonNovember 27, 2024
For 15th Year, Trucker Returns To Decorate Lonely Tree In The Middle Of Nowhere
For 15 years and counting, a Texas long-haul trucker has decorated a lonely tree in the middle of nowhere north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The locals on the Crow Reservation say the tree holds his soul.
Greg JohnsonNovember 25, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
'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
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 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
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
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