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

Rock Springs residents are used to apologizing for where they’re from when visitors came through its airport. Those days are over now that a new high-tech, $43 million terminal is operational at the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport.

Inside The New High-Tech $43 Million Airport Terminal In Rock Springs

Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Lee told Cowboy State Daily the brand-new $43 million terminal at Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport is all about showcasing what southwest Wyoming has to offer.

Renée JeanSeptember 01, 2025

Wyoming Lukewarm, So Far, On Buying Cars On Amazon

People already buy clothes, kitty litter, dog food and home appliances on Amazon, now you can add your next car to the list. Wyoming dealerships are on board, offering new Hyundai vehicles and used Hertz rental cars, but, so far, shoppers are skeptical.

Renée JeanSeptember 01, 2025

Harley Miller gives Cowboy State Daily a thumbs up. She's impressed with the Wyoming community in Cheyenne, which banded together to help her find the missing box of diapers she'd ordered for her son.

Cheyenne Couple Gets Help Solving Mystery Of Stolen Diapers

A box of diapers was stolen from a delivery order made by Friday a young mother newly moved to Cheyenne. She never expected to ever get the stolen diapers back, let alone have people rally to solve the caper.

Renée JeanSeptember 01, 2025

Eating Wyoming: Eve’s Brings Fine Dining Fusion To Rock Springs Golf Course

Eve Piza did everything in the culinary industry, then fell in love with Wyoming. Now she’s bringing fine dining fusion with a Cowboy State flair to the Rock Springs city golf course.

Renée JeanAugust 31, 2025

Kevin Meyer ropes a horse on an Idaho ranch north of Sinclair. Today, Meyer is a horse trainer in Douglas, Wyoming, on his ranch Mantz Creek Horses He got his start as a wrangler.

Wyoming Jobs: What Exactly Does A Wrangler Do?

Want a job that will put you back in the Old West? Try working on a ranch as a wrangler. You'll have to manage manage horses and people, both of which can be pretty ornery. There are also bears to contend with and lots of beer. That makes wrangling a job like no other.

Renée JeanAugust 31, 2025

Historic downtown districts in rural towns across America are dying. Not in tiny Meeteetse, Wyoming, which is doubling down on small-town charm to make a Main Street comeback.

As Rural Downtowns Across The U.S. Are Dying, Meeteetse’s Makes A Comeback

It doesn’t take long for a passerby on Wyoming Highway 120 to realize that something wonderful is happening in the tiny town of Meeteetse. Cars are parked every which way along the highway, as people casually stroll up and down the wooden boardwalks.

Renée JeanAugust 30, 2025

Opening Up Logging Could Be Too Little, Too Late For Wyoming’s Timber Industry

Recent steps by the Trump administration and Wyoming are a lifeline for Wyoming’s shrinking timber industry. But they may be too little, too late for what remains of the state’s family-owned businesses.

Renée JeanAugust 27, 2025

Paint crew members and their famlies pose in front of Cheyenne's water tank murals as they near completion.

Huge Mural Of Wild Horses On Cheyenne Water Tank Nearly Done And Turning Heads

What seems like a herd of wild horses cresting the hill over Storey Boulevard in Cheyenne is turning heads as people drive along one of the city’s major east-west roads. The huge mural on one of a pair of water tanks is nearly done.

Renée JeanAugust 26, 2025

Wyoming Ranchers On Guard Following Human Screwworm Case In Maryland

The nation’s first human case of screwworm was confirmed in Maryland on Sunday in a Central American traveler and it’s heightening vigilance among Wyoming ranchers. The flesh-eating parasite, which are known to infest cattle, could cost American ranchers billions if another outbreak occurs.

Renée JeanAugust 25, 2025

The historic Wagon Box in Story, Wyoming.

Wagon Box Owner Seeks Partner For Restaurant So He Can Focus On Retreats

Wagon Box owner Paul McNiel hopes to find a partner or investor to take over the restaurant side of his business. That way he can focus on the retreat side of his business at the historic Story, Wyoming location.

Renée JeanAugust 24, 2025

TerraPower has begun construction on portions of its Kemmerer nuclear facility that don't require approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Nuclear Training Center In Kemmerer To Finish Three Years Ahead Of New Plant

Turning on a nuclear plant is a little more complicated than flipping a few switches. That’s why TerraPower’s flagship training center — which will be in Kemmerer where its first small nuclear reactor is being built — is going to be finished a full three years before the plant, by the end of 2026.

Renée JeanAugust 24, 2025

Lt. Josh Williams, seated, listens while his crewmate Lt. Harrison Martin speaks inside the control room.

Inside An F.E. Warren Air Force Base Secret Underground Missile Bunker

Welcome to an F.E. Warren Air Force Base secret underground missile bunker, where the dry desert air tastes like old socks. It’s also where two-person teams man equipment old enough to be in a museum and are ready to press the nuclear button at any time.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2025

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As rural museums tighten their belts during federal cutbacks, one tiny Wyoming museum says it’s saving big money. The new solar panels on the roof of the Meeteetse Museum has already saved enough to help pay for repairs to the building’s HVAC system.

Meeteetse Museums Say Its New Solar Roof Saves Big Money

As rural museums tighten their belts during federal cutbacks, one Wyoming museum says it’s saving big money. The new solar panels on the roof of the Meeteetse Museums has already saved enough to help pay for repairs to the building’s HVAC system.

Renée JeanAugust 22, 2025

Wyoming’s Office of Tourism Director Diane Shober has been named 2025 State Tourism Director of the Year. She says showing off how great Wyoming is makes it easy.

Wyoming’s Diane Shober Named Best Tourism Director In The Nation

Wyoming Office of Tourism Director Diane Shober has been named the national State Tourism Director of the Year for 2025. She says showing off how great Wyoming is makes it easy.

Renée JeanAugust 21, 2025

Zipline has a remote testing site in Wyoming, where the tech company is working out what drones need to fly in Wyoming’s unfriendly winter and windy skies. That could bring Walmart drone deliveries to the state sooner than you might think.

Delivery Drones Could Be Flying Wyoming’s Windy Skies Sooner Than You Think

A company named Zipline has a remote testing site in Wyoming where the tech company is working out how drones can fly in the state's harsh winters and windy skies. That could bring Walmart drone deliveries to the state sooner than you might think.

Renée JeanAugust 17, 2025

Drinking Wyoming: The Buckhorn Bar On The Northeastern Edge Of The Cowboy State

The walls of The Buckhorn, on the northeastern edge of Wyoming near the South Dakota Border, is 100% a classic dive bar. It’s lined with dollar bills, 1970s green shag carpet and longtime patrons say it hasn't changed in 50 years.

Renée JeanAugust 16, 2025

Scott Martin, from California, was initially thinking he'd go into WyoTech's ranching program. When it was canceled, he switched to diesel mechanics. He's already got multiple job offers, even though he's only about half-way through his program.

Diesel Mechanic Students To Benefit From WyoTech Partnership With Kenworth Trucks

A new collaboration gives WyoTech students in Laramie hands-on experience with a $2 million lineup of custom-built Kenworth Trucks. Working on them will prepare students for high-demand diesel mechanic jobs that can earn them six figures within two years.

Renée JeanAugust 16, 2025

Mountain Health Co-Op, One Of State’s Few Major Insurers, Pulling Out Of Wyoming

Mountain Health Co-Op told its members Wednesday that it won’t cover Wyoming residents anymore after the end of the year. The move follows the sunset of health care tax credits and leaves Wyoming with just two major providers.

Renée JeanAugust 14, 2025

Another huge Wyoming ranch is for sale. At 1.1 million acres, Midland Ranch is more than five times bigger than New York City and larger than the state of Delaware.

Another Huge Wyoming Ranch For Sale; More Than 5 Times Bigger Than New York City

Another huge Wyoming ranch is for sale, larger than the 900,000-acre Pathfinder Ranches that recently made international headlines. At 1.1 million acres, Midland Ranch is more than five times bigger than New York City and larger than the state of Delaware.

Renée JeanAugust 13, 2025

The owner of the company chosen by the state to operate the Star Plunge in Thermopolis — former Alaska U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, left — drew heat from locals Monday as the historic hot springs remains closed. In the meantime, the former operator and state remain embroiled in litigation.

New Operator Who Wants To Reopen Star Plunge Draws Heat From Locals

The owner of the company chosen by the state to operate the Star Plunge in Thermopolis drew heat from locals Monday as the historic hot springs remains closed. In the meantime, the former operator and state remain embroiled in litigation.

Renée JeanAugust 13, 2025

Evanston has worked on creating an attractive downtown to draw tourists from Utah. They're also drawing retirees, who decide they don't just want to visit, they want to live there.

Retirees From Utah Are Moving To Evanston Because Of Home Prices, Tax Advantages

Retirees from Utah are moving to Evanston, Wyoming, because of low home prices, tax advantages, and plenty of recreation. One broker said home prices in Salt Lake City are nearly double that of Evanston.

Renée JeanAugust 12, 2025

Grand Hotel Planned As Part Of Revival Of Casper’s Old Yellowstone District

Casper’s Old Yellowstone District used to be the life of the party in the 1950s, but its heyday is long past. Another may be on the horizon as the area is revitalized, with a grand hotel planned for the distressed district.

Renée JeanAugust 11, 2025

Kratom products are sold in a variety of gas station and convenience stores. They are not regulated, however, and quality can vary dramatically.

Kratom Or ‘Gas Station Heroin’ A Growing Concern For Wyoming Law Enforcement

Some people call it gas station heroin, others street-legal morphine. Regardless of such nicknames, the supplement known as kratom is a growing concern for law enforcement officers in Wyoming.

Renée JeanAugust 11, 2025

Dan Hodnett feeds some angel fish at his business Dan's Fish.

Sheridan Man Creates Tropical Fish Oasis In Landlocked Wyoming

Dan Hodnett has turned his passionate hobby into a growing business, one that’s unique for landlocked Wyoming. He filters a nearby creek to create an oasis in Sheridan and sells easy-to-care-for tropical fish that thrive in freshwater.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2025

From left, Tucker Alger and Luis Elizondo talk about their new cocktail lounge in Buffalo.

New World War II-Themed Buffalo Bar Is A Throwback To A Vintage Officers Club

Owners of the new World War II-themed Bombshells American Cantina in Buffalo say it will feel like a vintage officers club because of all the military artifacts they plan to display. “I have stuff that’s absolute museum-quality, one-of-a-kind," said Luis Elizondo.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2025

Rock Springs Chinatown Archaeology Dig Uncovers Untold History Of 1885 Massacre

Students from Grinnell College are doing an archaeological dig in the historic Chinatown district of Rock Springs, Wyoming. Their work is uncovering the untold history of the daily lives of immigrants who survived the 1885 Rock Springs massacre.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2025

Crews Work To Save Mountain Man Jim Baker’s 152-Year-Old Wyoming Cabin

Legendary Mountain Man Jim Baker built his historic two-story cabin 152 years ago, and it’s still standing in tiny Savery, Wyoming. Now crews are working with the same materials and techniques to preserve the cabin.

Renée JeanAugust 09, 2025

Dawn Norton, the city administrator of Greybull, was also working remotely for a city in Connecticut

Greybull City Administrator Resigns From $210K Remote Second Job In Connecticut

The city administrator for Greybull was also working remotely for a city in Connecticut as its chief financial officer. She quit that $210,000 per year position last week after town officials there learned she was also working in Wyoming. Greybull’s mayor says the town knew about the other job and was fine with it.

Renée JeanAugust 08, 2025

Wyoming’s expansive Pathfinder Ranches comes in at nearly 1 million acres — bigger than Rhode Island. And it’s on the market for $79.5 million.

Wyoming Ranch Bigger Than Rhode Island Lists For $79.5 Million

Wyoming’s expansive Pathfinder Ranches come in at nearly 1 million acres — bigger than the state of Rhode Island. And it’s on the market for $79.5 million.

Renée JeanAugust 08, 2025

Freddy Boss tries to yank Sierra Greathouse's top back down during the judging of the burnout. To no avail. The crowd cheered loudly for her anyway.

Wyoming Woman Bares All, Then Promptly Wins 50th Sundance Burnout Contest

The Sundance Burnout is a Wyoming tradition during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A Gillette woman won the 50th Burnout this week, in part by boldly lifting her top to bare it all to win it.

Renée JeanAugust 07, 2025

25,000 Sturgis Rally Bikers Make Pit Stop In Hulett For Famous Ham And Jam

About 25,000 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally bikers made a pit stop in tiny Hulett, Wyoming, on Wednesday for the town’s famous Ham and Jam street party. Free barbecue and revving engines through the main drag are traditions some bikers have kept going for decades.

Renée JeanAugust 06, 2025

Shantel Mysliwiec and her children enjoy living in Wyoming despite the sagebrush they're allergic to.

Can’t Stop Sneezing? You’re Not Alone — Wyoming Among Worst Allergy States

Wyoming is not an easy state for allergy sufferers, and there’s a reason for that. Sagebrush is a huge contributor to the state’s overall pollen counts, which are the sixth highest in the nation.

Renée JeanAugust 05, 2025

Jackson caps habitable space on a given property at 8,000 square feet. But at $40 million, Riva Ridge Reserve far exceeds that. Grandfathered entitlements mean its 18,378 square feet of living space are something you couldn’t build today.

$40 Million Will Buy A Unique Estate At Foot Of The Tetons You Couldn’t Build Today

Teton County caps habitable space on a given property at 8,000 square feet. But at $40 million, Riva Ridge Reserve far exceeds that. Grandfathered entitlements mean its 18,378 square feet of living space are something you couldn’t build today.

Renée JeanAugust 03, 2025

Forward inertia is about to throw this rider off of this bucking bronco during a miniature roughstock rodeo in Newcastle during the Weston County Fair.

Growing Up Rodeo In Wyoming Means Riding In Miniature Roughstock Events

Generations of Wyoming kids have been raised by the Cowboy Code and a rodeo lifestyle. They’re also cutting their teeth competing in miniature roughstock rodeo — like the one this past week at the Weston County Fair in Newcastle.

Renée JeanAugust 03, 2025

Tim Kellog, Wyoming's cowboy chocolatier, shows a cacao pod to a customer in his shop, Meeteetse Chocolatier, in Meeteetse, Wyoming.

Wyoming Cowboy Wanted To Buy A Saddle, And Became A World-Class Chocolatier

Tim Kellogg, aka the Meeteetse Chocolatier, got his start trying to earn money to buy a saddle. Now he’s a master at his craft, traveling the world to source unique, high-quality ingredients and techniques. His world-class chocolates sell out in minutes.

Renée JeanAugust 03, 2025

A small cloud of motorcycles had found downtown Newcastle Friday afternoon, and were looking for adventures on Wyomingn's Black Hills side.

Newcastle Welcomes Bikers As Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Begins

Newcastle doesn’t go all out like some towns that are on the road to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. But it still gets plenty of motorcycle riders on their “hogs” exploring Wyoming’s Black Hills on their way to the rally.

Renée JeanAugust 02, 2025

Cheyenne artist Jordan Dean is painting two giant 60-to-70-foot horses as the centerpiece of a stunning mural on a prominent water tank. It takes two giant booms, a projector and $400 a gallon paint.

Cheyenne Artist Uses 2 Booms, $400-A-Gallon Paint To Paint 80-Foot Water Tank Murals

Cheyenne artist Jordan Dean is painting giant 60-to-70-foot horses as the centerpiece of stunning murals on two water tank north of town. It takes two giant boom lifts, a projector and $400-a-gallon paint.

Renée JeanAugust 02, 2025

Texas-based Crusoe is teaming up with Wyoming-based Tallgrass to build a huge 1.8-giggawatt data center in Cheyenne. Pictured is a Crusoe data center in Abeline, Texas, that's expanding to 1.2 gigawatts.

Cheyenne To Get Massive AI Data Center Powered By Gas And Carbon Capture

Cheyenne is about to get its largest artificial intelligence data center yet, at 1.8 gigawatts. Wyoming company Tallgrass and Texas-based Crusoe say the center will be powered by Wyoming natural gas, along with carbon capture technology.

Renée JeanJuly 29, 2025

Cheyenne Man Pulls 9 Gs With Thunderbirds, Then Takes A Nap

Cheyenne’s Bryan “Alf” Grzegorczyk had planned a celebratory drink following his once-in-a-lifetime Thunderbirds flight to salute everyone who nominated him for the honor. But after flying at 9 Gs, all Alf could manage was a celebratory nap.

Renée JeanJuly 28, 2025

Dan Starks, left, and Iwo Jima Association Executive Director Shayne Jarosz at the memorial to the flag raising on the island earlier in 2025. Starks got a rare opportunity to visit Iwo Jima 80 years after his father fought in the World War II battle.

80 Years After His Dad Fought On Iwo Jima, Dan Starks Makes Rare Visit To Island

National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks took a rare trip to Iwo Jima earlier this year. He has new respect for the soldiers who fought there 80 years ago during World War II — including his own father.

Renée JeanJuly 27, 2025

Couple Steals Show With Surprise Proposal During Cheyenne Frontier Days Concert

Romance wasn’t in the air when Brandon Boyer and Shilee Calhoun met, but they fell in love anyway. That led to a surprise proposal that stole the spotlight for a moment during Ian Munsick’s Cheyenne Frontier Days concert.

Renée JeanJuly 27, 2025

Moses J. Brings Plenty gave a message of hope and unity at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Indian Village for what will be its last year in this location.

‘Yellowstone’ Actor Mo Brings Plenty Advises On New Frontier Days Indian Village

“Yellowstone” television series actor Mo Brings Plenty is helping shape the new Morning Star Indian Village, a multimillion-dollar project at Cheyenne Frontier Days set for completion in 2026.

Renée JeanJuly 27, 2025

A couple of shoppers stroll down the streets in downtown Cheyenne.

Cheyenne’s Rodeo Week Inspires Huge Shopping Sprees, Millions In Economic Impact

Rodeo season in Cheyenne brings a surge of shoppers and record-breaking sales. Local businesses are projected to reap millions in economic benefits during the city’s iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Renée JeanJuly 25, 2025

The famous Air Force Thunderbirds have touched down in Cheyenne ahead of their Saturday Wings Over Wyoming show. Its first civilian air show was the 1953 Cheyenne Frontier Days, and the Thunderbirds have been back every year since, but one.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Was First Civilian Show For Thunderbirds 72 Years Ago

The famous Air Force Thunderbirds have touched down in Cheyenne ahead of their Saturday Wings Over Wyoming show. The squad's first civilian air show was the 1953 Cheyenne Frontier Days, and the Thunderbirds have been back every year since but two.

Renée JeanJuly 25, 2025

Gap Pucci with Mother Marie Wendy McMenamy at his place in Jackson Hole.

Estate Of Legendary Wyoming Spaghetti Westerner Gap Pucci To Be Bought By Nuns

Gap Pucci befriended two nuns 25 years ago after they walked in sandals with no socks in knee-deep snow to see his crosses. Now the nuns say they will buy the legendary Wyoming spaghetti Westerner’s estate with a promise it won’t become a luxury mansion.

Renée JeanJuly 24, 2025

New Warner Bros. Streaming Service Fuels Hope For ‘Longmire’ Comeback

Warner Bros. Discovery is creating its own streaming service. That’s fueling hopes among die-hard fans that that the popular “Longmire” series, which Warner Bros. owns, could make a comeback.

Renée JeanJuly 23, 2025

Moses J. Brings Plenty atop a horse named Louie, right before the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade with the Cheyenne Capitol in the background.

“Yellowstone” Star Mo Brings Plenty Back In Wyoming As Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade Grand Marshal

“Yellowstone” star Mo Brings Plenty is back again for Cheyenne Frontier Days, this time as grand marshal of the parade. Growing up, the A-lister heard many stories about CFD, and says it’s the most prestigious rodeo in the world.

Renée JeanJuly 22, 2025

Robert Taylor and Craig Johnson pose together for Cowboy State Daily after their "Two Walts" presentation during Longmire Days in Buffalo.

Longmire Star Robert Taylor Comes To Buffalo Every Year Because He Loves Wyoming

If Longmire Days had to pay Australian actor Robert Taylor to attend, it would be far out of reach. The actor doesn’t come for the money. He comes to Longmire Days in Buffalo every year for something else. He loves Wyoming.

Renée JeanJuly 21, 2025