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RJ
Business and Tourism Reporter

Renée Jean

Renée Jean is the business and tourism reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Cheyenne. Previously, Renée spent seven years covering energy and agriculture in North Dakota and Montana. She has won many writing awards over a 30-year career, and has written magazine articles for Guideposts.

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Latest from Renée Jean

Cheyenne has taken steps to improve a problem downtown parking garage and make it safer. But business owners say there continue to be nightly noise violations, as well as vandalism.

Downtown Cheyenne Parking Garage A Nightmare, Nearby Business Owners Say

Cheyenne has taken steps to improve a problem downtown parking garage and make it safer. But business owners say there continue to be nightly noise violations, as well as vandalism.

Renée JeanApril 22, 2025

This U.S. Marine Corps C-130J is nicknamed "Fat Albert" and is assigned to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

Wyoming National Guard Base To Be Home For Fleet Of C-130J Tankers

The Wyoming Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne is the latest base awarded top-flight C-130J air tankers. Starting in 2028, it will be home for a fleet of eight C-130Js, which will be a huge boost for fighting wildfires.

Renée JeanApril 22, 2025

Chef Petrina Peart, right, huddles with other chefs during the new NBC show "Yes, Chef!"

Cheyenne Celebrity Chef Is Part Of Martha Stewart’s New Cooking Competition

Cheyenne celebrity chef Petrina Peart came within one vote of beating Food Network star Bobby Flay on his hit cooking competition show. Now she’ll try to do the same against 12 other chefs on Martha Stewart’s new show on NBC, “Yes, Chef!”

Renée JeanApril 21, 2025

Raelee Warner was up early doing her usual daily chores feeding chicks and driving cattle. Then the seventh grader went to the state gymnastics meet and won two events. All in a day’s work for a true Wyoming cowgirl.

Wyoming Girl Gets Her Ranch Chores Done Before Winning Gymnastics Titles

Raelee Warner was up early doing her usual daily chores feeding chicks and driving cattle April 12. Then the seventh grader went to the state gymnastics meet and won two events. All in a day’s work for a true Wyoming cowgirl.

Renée JeanApril 21, 2025

John Horan accepts his weekly lottery tickets from Maverik Adventure's First Stop cashier Kyle Rutherford in Cheyenne.

Mega Millions Makes Odds Better, But They’re Still Not As Good As Winning WyoLotto

The multistate Mega Millions lottery is charging more to play, but promises bigger jackpots with better odds of winning. But state lotteries like WyoLotto still offer better chances.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Josiah Harlow checked out a Robin Hood novel from the Cheyenne Central High School library 31 years ago, and never returned it. It’s still a treasured part of his collection, and he promises to “swing by to pay my overdue fees” the next time he’s in town.

Man Promises To Pay Fines On Wyoming Library Book He Checked Out 31 Years Ago

Josiah Harlow checked out a Robin Hood novel from the Cheyenne Central High School library 31 years ago, and never returned it. It’s still a treasured part of his collection, and he promises to “swing by to pay my overdue fees” the next time he’s in town.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Ronnie Gonzales of Dougas, Wyoming, is still searching for a missing emerald from Forest Fenn’s treasure chest that was found in Wyoming. If found, he plans to add it to his own treasure chest and challenge. He says it's hidden somewhere in Fremont Canyon.

Wyoming Man Starts Treasure Hunt Similar To One Now Featured On Netflix

A Douglas man is still searching for a missing emerald from Forest Fenn’s treasure chest that was found in Wyoming and is featured in a Netflix documentary. If found, he plans to add it to his own treasure chest.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Alex Nichols demonstrates an automatic gate at Picasso Gate in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Company Builds Tough-As-Tank Security Gates For A-List Stars

Picasso Gate in Cheyenne may not be a household name, but its tough-as-a-tank security gates are coveted by A-list stars like Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner. It’s owned by a father-son duo who love Wyoming.

Renée JeanApril 20, 2025

Ethan Page shows off some of the kale and bib lettuces growing in Central Wyoming College's shipping container greenhouse.

Wyoming Students Turn Shipping Container Into High-Tech Greenhouse

Central Wyoming College has engineered a shipping container into a high-tech greenhouse that’s like something out of “The Jetsons." It creates its own sunshine and rain to grow all kinds of produce.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

Pushroot Brewing Company offers space for sitting indoors and out. The outside is dog and bike friendly, too.

Drinking Wyoming: At Lander’s Pushroot Brewing, It’s All About The Foam

Pushroot Brewing Company in Lander brings unique Czech pours to Wyoming that put a luxurious twist on beer. It’s all about big heads, and even a beer pour that’s all foam.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance, the entire town of Pray, Montana, is for sale for $2.6 million. That includes its 100-year-old general store, post office, home and cabins.

A Whole Town Near Yellowstone Is For Sale For Less Than $3 Million

Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone’s north entrance, the entire town of Pray, Montana, is for sale for $2.6 million. That includes its 100-year-old general store, post office, home and cabins.

Renée JeanApril 19, 2025

Jurassic Fireworks is one of two Colorado-owned fireworks stands just north of the Wyoming-Colorado border in a dispute with Laramie County.

‘Obnoxious’ Fireworks Outlets Near Cheyenne Can Reopen, But Dad Has To Stay Away

The Laramie County Commission has finally approved fireworks permits for a pair of businesses near the Colorado border it had said were too “obnoxious.” But the owner’s father has to stay away from her businesses as part of the agreement.

Renée JeanApril 17, 2025

Other Authors

Snow King Mountain Resort Hotel in Jackson.

Jackson’s Snow King Hotel Sale A Boost For Ski Hill’s Revival

The Snow King Mountain Resort’s ongoing revival is getting a boost with Trailborn’s recent purchase of the Snow King Resort Hotel at the base of the ski hill.

Renée JeanApril 17, 2025

Naughton coal-fired plant along Highway 189 in Kemmerer, operated by Rockuy Mountain Power.

Another Double-Digit Rocky Mountain Power Rate Hike Approved, More Likely Ahead

Wyoming Public Service Commissioners reluctantly approved another double-digit rate increase for Rocky Mountain Power on Tuesday. That means another $14 a month on an average residential customer’s bill, and more rate increases are likely ahead.

Renée JeanApril 16, 2025

The prolonged closure of the Star Plunge hot springs venue is starting to impact the tourism industry in and around Thermopolis. There are fewer people staying in local hotels with the busy summer tourism season on the horizon.

Star Plunge Closure Hits Three Months, And Visitors Are Steering Clear

The Star Plunge hot springs venue has been closed for three months, which is starting to impact the tourism industry in and around Thermopolis. There are fewer people staying in local hotels with the busy summer tourism season on the horizon.

Renée JeanApril 15, 2025

Wyoming’s Ian Munsick is a rising country music star who’s about to find a huge audience. On Tuesday, he’ll perform his latest song, “God Bless the West,” on national television on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Rising Wyoming Country Star Ian Munsick To Be On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show'

Wyoming’s Ian Munsick is a rising country music star who’s about to find a huge audience. On Tuesday, he’ll perform his latest song, “God Bless the West,” on national television on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Renée JeanApril 15, 2025

Tabatha Coffey, center, poses with Cosmetology students at Central Wyoming College. Students from left are Lexi Baumann, Ashley Gomez, Karina Frederick and Grayce Fike.

Riverton Students Get Dose Of Tough Love From Celebrity Stylist Tabatha Coffey

Central Wyoming College students got a dose of celebrity stylist Tabatha Coffey’s signature tough love Thursday. Her non-nonsense style drove home that it takes more than dreaming big to make it big.

Renée JeanApril 13, 2025

West of Dubois, 17 Rocking Chair Ranch has all the amenities of a ranch with thousands of acres, but it sits on just 22. That makes it a more affordable Western retreat for prospective buyers.

Dubois Property Offers Big Ranch Amenities In A Small Package For $3.5 Million

West of Dubois, 17 Rocking Chair Ranch has all the amenities of a ranch with thousands of acres, but it sits on just 22. That makes it a rare affordable Western retreat for prospective buyers at $3.5 million.

Renée JeanApril 12, 2025

Mike Wandler, President of L&H Industrial, Inc., in Gillette, talked about what he's been doing with AI to boost productivity at his company during the Central Wyoming College's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference.

Wyoming And AI: L&H Chief Says Business Must Get Onboard Now Or Get Left Behind

Mike Wandler, president of Gillette-based L&H Industrial, says now is the time for Wyoming businesses to get onboard with artificial intelligence. If they don’t, they’ll get left behind.

Renée JeanApril 12, 2025

Alex Springs trims meat at his Chug Springs Butchery. At left is a selection of dishes made with offal, or innards, from top: Tripe with chickpeas, fried pork innards and chicken large intestine.

Eating Wyoming: Innards Are ‘In’ With Foodies, Homesteaders And Health Nuts

What many consider throw-away cuts of meat like tongues, tails and innards are becoming “in” in a big way. Foodies, homesteaders and health nuts are driving a trend that’s helping small Wyoming butcheries and bringing more unusual cuts to dinner plates.

Renée JeanApril 12, 2025

Timber from a U.S. Forest Service sale in Wyoming in this file photo.

Opening More U.S. Logging May Not Save Wyoming’s Last Two Large Lumber Mills

The USDA wants to open 59% more forest area to logging in the United States. It may not come fast enough to save one of Wyoming’s two remaining large lumber mills.

Renée JeanApril 12, 2025

Longhorn cattle graze a pasture near Devils Tower in northeast Wyoming.

Australia Sells $29B In Beef In America, Won’t Allow ‘One Hamburger’ In From U.S.

A recent dust-up in the U.S. Senate over Australian tariffs opens a discussion about unfair trade practices. Sen. John Barrasso says that while $29 billion of Australian beef has been sold in the U.S., “not one hamburger” from America is allowed there.

Renée JeanApril 11, 2025

A rendering of what Prometheus Hyperscale's Wyoming campus could look like at build-out.

Member Of Legacy Ranch Family Plans Huge 1-Gigawatt AI Data Center Near Evanston

Trenton Thornock’s family has been ranching in southwest Wyoming for six generations. Now he plans another use for the land — a huge 1-gigawatt AI data center near Evanston.

Renée JeanApril 09, 2025

Adam Roadcap 2 3 29 25

Wyoming Man Flies Around On Motorized Paraglider Dropping Toys To Kids

Adam Roadcap lives in Burns, Wyoming, and flies a motorized paraglider. Sometimes he drops parachute toys to surprised children below.

Renée JeanApril 06, 2025

Paul Hughes started work in coal-burning industry as a teenager in Ohio in the late 1970s. That eventually brought him to Wyoming, which has turned into nearly 50 years working in and around the coal industry in the East and West.

From Ohio To Wyoming, Nearly 50 Years Of Working In And Around U.S. Coal

Paul Hughes started work in coal-burning industry as a teenager in Ohio in the late 1970s. That eventually brought him to Wyoming, which has turned into nearly 50 years working in and around the coal industry in the East and West.

Renée JeanApril 06, 2025

When he wasn’t breaking the law, Butch Cassidy was always up for a drink, and was even cited for public drunkenness in Sheridan. Despite that, not many places have laid claim to a rather obvious marketing ploy: Butch Cassidy drank here.

Drinking Wyoming: Drinking Like Butch Cassidy, From Rock Springs To Sheridan

When he wasn’t breaking the law, Butch Cassidy was always up for a drink, and was even cited for public drunkenness in Sheridan. Despite that, not many places have laid claim to a rather obvious marketing ploy: Butch Cassidy drank here.

Renée JeanApril 06, 2025

Generation Z has grown up digital, and many aren’t choosing traditional colleges. They’re packing Wyoming’s trade schools, lured by shorter, cheaper programs and better job prospects. It’s earned these Gen Z’ers the nickname The Toolbelt Generation.

Wyoming Trade Schools Packed With Gen Z Students, AKA The Toolbelt Generation

Generation Z has grown up digital, and many aren’t choosing traditional colleges. They’re packing Wyoming’s trade schools, lured by shorter, cheaper programs and better job prospects. It’s earned these Gen Z’ers the nickname The Toolbelt Generation.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2025

Eatons’ Ranch in the Wyoming Bighorn Range is the nation’s oldest dude ranch, cowboying with folks since 1879. Now it’s also been named America’s No. 1 dude ranch in USA Today’s annual rankings.

Wyoming’s Eatons’ Ranch Is America’s Oldest — And No. 1-Ranked — Dude Ranch

Eatons’ Ranch in the Wyoming Bighorn Range is the nation’s oldest dude ranch, cowboying with folks since 1879. Now it’s also been named America’s No. 1 dude ranch in USA Today’s annual rankings.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2025

Eli Jerrigan uses a flash card system to study words for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland.

It’s No Accident Kemmerer Eighth Grader Is Wyoming’s Two-Time Best Speller

It’s not an accident that Kemmerer eighth grader Eli Jernigan is Wyoming’s two-time state spelling bee champion. He studies the 4,000-word list constantly, and doesn’t care if he’s an underdog at next month’s nationals.

Renée JeanApril 05, 2025

The Wildcat Creek Fire southeast of Wright, Wyoming, has burned thousands of acres last summer.

Last Summer’s Wildfires Still Devastating For Wyoming Ranchers

Wildfires burned up huge amounts of hay and forage for Wyoming ranches last year, and the aftermath is nearly as dire. Ranchers start a new season still devastated by the fires.

Renée JeanApril 04, 2025

Microsoft, Cheyenne’s first data center, also received a key, business-ready matching grant from the Wyoming Business Council that helped the city build the business park where Microsoft is located.

Cheyenne Primed For More Huge Data Centers As Artificial Intelligence Explodes

A large data center logistics company is touting Cheyenne as the ideal home for the nation’s next major data center. That could position the city for an explosion of Artificial Intelligence and data centers.

Renée JeanApril 04, 2025

Tyrrell Chevrolet, located in Cheyenne, has seen an influx of customers due to auto tariffs that went into effect Wednesday.

Wyoming Auto Dealers Say Rush On To Buy Cars Ahead Of Price Jumps From Tariffs

Tariffs on cars and parts made in Canada and Mexico went into effect Wednesday, leaving a vanishing window to beat price jumps. Wyoming auto dealers say buyers are traveling across multiple states to find what they want now.

Renée JeanApril 02, 2025

David Belus is hoping for rain to help heal his ranch after 50,000 acres of it went up in smoke in Johnson County.

Wyoming Farmers Fear Potential For Devastation From Drought

Drought is hurting farmers in southeast and central Wyoming, and the USDA is offering emergency loans. Many farmers are hoping that more rain is ahead and that they won’t need the assistance.

Renée JeanApril 01, 2025

Plenty Unlimited is bankrupt, and its huge vertical farming research lab in Laramie is on hold. The company will keep a smaller, existing research station in Laramie. Most of the $20 million it was awarded in grant money will revert back to the state.

60,000-Square-Foot Vertical Farming Lab In Laramie On Hold Amid Bankruptcy

Plenty Unlimited is bankrupt, and its huge vertical farming research lab in Laramie is on hold. The company will keep a smaller, existing research station in Laramie. Most of the $20 million it was awarded in grant money will revert back to the state.

Renée JeanMarch 31, 2025

Mountain man Jim Baker’s 152-year-old cabin in Savery, Wyoming, is rotting and giving in to the ravages of time. But a cavalry of sorts is on the way, as a national preservation group races to save the historic cabin of the West’s last true mountain man.

Race On To Save Mountain Man Jim Baker’s Rotting 152-Year-Old Wyoming Cabin

Mountain man Jim Baker’s 152-year-old cabin in Savery, Wyoming, is rotting and giving in to the ravages of time. But a cavalry of sorts is on the way, as a national preservation group races to save the historic cabin of the West’s last true mountain man.

Renée JeanMarch 30, 2025

Cheyenne resident Hannah Snitko and her fiance both took DNA tests with 23andMe.

Wyomingites Who Gave DNA To 23andMe Left In Limbo With Company’s Bankruptcy

Wyoming 23andMe users are scrambling to delete their DNA data in the wake of the company announcing bankruptcy. Others say they hope a future buyer will use their genetic information to help develop medical cures.

Renée JeanMarch 30, 2025

Chugwater Soda Fountain is already famous for being Wyoming’s oldest operating soda fountain. Now it’s becoming known for its upscale Supper at the Fountain — and people drive hours for a spot at a table.

Why People Drive Hours For Chugwater Soda Fountain’s Upscale Supper

Chugwater Soda Fountain is already famous for being Wyoming’s oldest operating soda fountain. Now it’s becoming known for its upscale Supper at the Fountain — and people drive hours for a spot at a table.

Renée JeanMarch 29, 2025

A Colorado-owned fireworks business at the border south of Cheyenne has again been denied a permit because county commissioners say it’s “obnoxious.” The manager says he’s “never going to stop” fighting.

‘Obnoxious’ Cheyenne Fireworks Warehouse Again Denied Permit

A fireworks business at the Wyoming-Colorado border south of Cheyenne has again been denied a permit because county commissioners say it’s “obnoxious.” The manager says he’s “never going to stop” fighting.

Renée JeanMarch 27, 2025

Wyoming-based Custodia Bank, working with a Texas bank, has successfully sent U.S. dollars from an account into the digital realm and back again. The transaction is the first of its kind, says Caitlin Long, Custodia CEO.

Wyoming-Based Custodia Bank Is First To Send, Receive Digital U.S. Dollars

Wyoming-based Custodia Bank, working with a Texas bank, has successfully sent tokenized digital U.S. dollars from an account into the digital realm and back again. The transaction is the first of its kind.

Renée JeanMarch 26, 2025

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