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
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