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
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