Business & Tourism | Cowboy State Daily

When billionaire Joe Ricketts bought White Pine Ski & Summer Resort near Pinedale, Wyoming, people speculated the goal was to turn it into an upscale Jackson Hole-like resort. So far, fans of the ski area say it hasn’t changed yet.

Fans Say White Pine Unchanged So Far In First Season Under Billionaire Ricketts

When billionaire Joe Ricketts bought White Pine Resort near Pinedale, Wyoming, people speculated the goal was to turn it into an upscale Jackson Hole-like resort. So far, fans of the ski area say it hasn’t changed yet.

Renée JeanDecember 30, 2024

Artillery World is one of at least a half dozen fireworks warehouses off Interstate 25 just across the Colorado border.

Most Of Wyoming’s New Year’s Fireworks Sales Are To Folks From Other States

Wyoming fireworks stands report steady business from Colorado ahead of New Year’s Eve, but some stores say the upcoming New Year’s holiday is a dud.

David MadisonDecember 30, 2024

Kayleen Harding has been an EMT with Frontier Ambulance since November 2022. She recently began working to improve communication between EMS professionals and members of the Wind River Reservation.

Riverton Woman “Dumbfounded” To Be Named One Of The Best EMTs In The Nation

Kayleen Harding is dedicated to saving lives in Fremont County and the Wind River Reservation as an EMT for Frontier Ambulance in Riverton. She said she was "dumbfounded" to be awarded as one of the best EMTs in the nation.

Amber SteinmetzDecember 29, 2024

Uphill travel and ambitions continue to expand at Montana’s Big Sky Resort, where the new Lone Peak Tram and Powder Seeker Six Pack try to thin crowds by quickly dispersing skiers around the resort.

Montana’s Big Sky Resort Surges Ahead Of Jackson Hole In Lift Capacity Race

Big Sky Resort in Montana continues to compete with nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for upscale ski clientele. It has surged ahead of its Wyoming neighbor with the opening of Madison 8, the longest eight-place chairlift in the world.

David MadisonDecember 29, 2024

Casper’s Backwards Distilling Co. makes its own liquors, then turns them into show-stealing cocktails. Many of the creations — and atmosphere — are inspired by the circus.

Drinking Wyoming: Cocktails Steal The Show At Casper’s Backwards Distilling Co.

Casper’s Backwards Distilling Co. makes its own spirits, then turns them into show-stealing cocktails. Many of the creations — and atmosphere — are inspired by the circus.

Zakary Sonntag for Cowboy State DailyDecember 29, 2024

Scissorbills Saloon in Big Sky, Montana.

Gallatin County, Montana, Is Drunkest County In America

A new CDC study shows that 27% of people who live in Gallatin County, Montana, drink to excess, making it the drunkest county in America. Nearby Teton County in Wyoming isn't far behind, dubbed the booziest in the Cowboy State.

David MadisonDecember 28, 2024

Beef steers graze on a ranch in Dillon, Montana. The machine nearby releases a seaweed supplement while also measuring the cattle's methane emissions.

Rupert Murdoch Feeds His Montana Cows Seaweed To Make Them Burp And Fart Less

Cattle are a gassy lot, but seaweed has been shown to reduce the methane in their burps and farts on Rupert Murdoch’s Montana ranch. The Fox News mogul is testing the approach on a mix of Angus and Waygu cattle.

David MadisonDecember 27, 2024

Wyoming Businesses Don’t Have To Disclose Owners After Whiplash Court Ruling

The on-again, off-again mandate for small businesses to disclose their ownership is off again after a Thursday whiplash ruling by a federal court. It halts the Corporate Transparency Act, which calls for jail time, $10,000 fines for noncompliance.

Renée JeanDecember 27, 2024

The Megamillions lotto drawing Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, has an estimated jackpot of $1.15 billion.

Ticket Sales Explode As $1.15B Lotto Jackpot Has Wyomingites Feeling Lucky

There’s nothing like a jackpot pushing past $1 billion to make people start feeling lucky — or at least greedy. Ticket sales for Friday’s $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot are exploding around Wyoming.

Greg JohnsonDecember 27, 2024

Lines were long at the U.S. Postal Service office at Capitol Avenue in Cheyenne in this file photo.

Wyoming Mail Goes Hundreds Of Extra Miles Before Delivery

Wyoming mail is getting ping-ponged around the region, traveling hundreds of extra miles before finally being delivered. Tracking packages online is leaving customers beyond frustrated. Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Service says it will look into the issue.

Renée JeanDecember 27, 2024

Small businesses make up the backbone of Cheyenne's downtown district.

Wyoming Business Owners Could Get Jail, $10,000 Fine For Not Disclosing Ownership

Small business owners face jail time and fines of up to $10,000 for not reporting who their owners are. They have until Jan 13, but Chuck Gray wants Wyoming to fight the rule in court.

Renée JeanDecember 26, 2024

Jim and Paulette Moss roping together at the 2004 USTRC Finals in Oklahoma City. After Jim hurt his shoulder in a roping event, Paulette roped another eight years before she realized he wasn’t coming back. She retired and focused on their magazine.

The WRANGLER Magazine: A Couple's Nearly 40-Year Love Affair With Wyoming And Cowboy Life

You may not know Jim and Paulette Moss, but chances are you know their work. As publishers of The WRANGLER magazine, they shared their love affair with Wyoming and cowboy life for nearly 40 years.

Jackie DorothyDecember 25, 2024

Enjoying an evening in the Old Faithful Snow Lodge at Yellowstone National Park.

Christmas In Yellowstone 2024: No Better Place To Celebrate

Cowboy State Daily's Andrew Rossi had the tough assignment of spending Christmas in Yellowstone. Without crowds and the park transformed by snow and winter, it’s become a holiday tradition for families seeking an unforgettable experience.

Andrew RossiDecember 24, 2024

Toy Town, an independent toy store in Casper was full of shoppers on Monday seeking last-minute gifts.

Josh Allen Collectibles Among Hot Christmas Items At Casper Toy Store

Casper’s Toy Town was full of last-minute shoppers Monday, and even this close to Christmas there were still some plumb items available. That includes a Funko pop culture collectible of former UW quarterback and Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 23, 2024

Bird Flu Is Making Christmas Dinner More Expensive In Wyoming

While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that human infections of bird flu are rare, the most recent outbreak is affecting Wyoming’s grocery prices — and people’s holiday dinners.

Jackie DorothyDecember 23, 2024

Can 95-Year-Old Wort Cabin Survive Jackson’s Skyrocketing Real Estate Market?

The tiny Wort Cabin in downtown Jackson started in 1929 as a bakery, and has remained an active commercial space since. Now the local historic preservation board hopes it can survive the skyrocketing real estate valuations of the Jackson market.

Andrew RossiDecember 22, 2024

Newcastle, Wyoming, author Scott Haynes is enjoying success with his “Roadie the Ranch Dog” books.

Meet The Wyoming Truck Driver Behind “Roadie The Ranch Dog” Children's Books

The face behind the popular “Roadie the Ranch Dog” series of children’s books is a 49-year-old truck driver from Newcastle. Scott Haynes grew up on a ranch and wanted to create authentic ranch stories for kids. He recently published his seventh “Roadie” book.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 22, 2024

Neo is a 4-month-old Highland bull calf that's available after a buyer backed out of a sale.

Need A Last-Minute Gift? How About A Shaggy Hippie-Cow?

Highlands are the cute, shaggy hippies of cattle, and it seems everyone wants one or two. One Wyoming ranching family says they’re also cleaner, love people and taste great.

Andrew RossiDecember 21, 2024

Outrage Over Daniel Wolf Abuse Didn’t Impact Wyoming Tourism In 2024

Global outrage and calls to boycott Wyoming over the abuse and killing of a wolf in Daniel in February didn’t impact Cowboy State tourism in 2024. Lodging tax collections are up almost across the board.

Renée JeanDecember 20, 2024

BNSF Railway To Eliminate Dozens Of Jobs Dec. 27

BNSF has pushed through an agreement in arbitration with its unions that will eliminate dozens of jobs on Dec. 27. As more people are cut, union reps say they worry for the safety of the workers who remain.

Renée JeanDecember 17, 2024

Love’s Travel Stops new truck stop at at 190 U.S. Highway 16 E in Buffalo, Wyoming, at exit 58 on Interstate 90.

In Brief: Love’s Opens Its First Northern Wyoming Truck Stop In Buffalo

Love’s Travel Stops opened its first truck stop in northern Wyoming this week. The Buffalo, Wyoming, travel center is located near Interstates 25 and 90 and includes 64 truck parking spaces, a restaurant and an Arby’s.

Justin GeorgeDecember 17, 2024

Workers at the Casper Amazon Flex location sort packages for delivery.

Amazon Opens Wyoming’s First Delivery Centers In Gillette And Casper

Amazon has opened its first Wyoming distribution centers in Gillette and Casper. That’s great for people within 60 miles of them, but delivery problems continue for many other rural areas.

Renée JeanDecember 16, 2024

Mike Aumiller picks up a DoorDash order at the Lincolway Arby's outlet in Cheyenne on Sunday. Aumiller said his wife delivers DoorDash during the week, and he does it on weekends to make some extra money.

Get Cussed Out, Belittled And Stiffed On Tips — Welcome To DoorDashing

Being a DoorDasher isn’t the cushy, easy job for lazy basement dwellers some imagine it to be. DoorDashers beat up their cars in the worst Wyoming weather and sometimes get cussed out, belittled and stiffed on tips.

Renée JeanDecember 15, 2024

Colorado-based Fading West makes modular homes and delivers them on site for quick setup. The company thinks it can help with an expected housing crunch in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Modular Home Company That Helped Maui After Wildfires Could Ease Kemmerer Housing Crunch

A modular home company that stepped up to help Hawaii residents after devastating wildfires is looking to bring in homes to help with Kemmerer's housing crunch. Up to 6,000 new workers on their way to the southwest Wyoming community.

Renée JeanDecember 15, 2024

Economists say it's not necessary to hoard goods, especially toilet paper, ahead of possible tariffs.

What Are Economists Stocking Up On Ahead Of Possible Tariffs? Not Toilet Paper

Wyoming economists are not panicking about the potential for Trump’s promised tariffs. They also don’t think people need to hoard stuff ahead of time — especially toilet paper.

Renée JeanDecember 15, 2024

The Discovery Depot Forest School is based at a site called the Eagles’ Nest inside the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park near Casper.

In Winter, Casper Outdoor Preschool A Lesson In “Resilience” For Wyoming Children

A new Casper preschool is held outdoors, even during winter. Organizers say it teaches Wyoming children one of the Cowboy State’s most highly held values: “resilience.”

Dale KillingbeckDecember 15, 2024

Chef Petrina Peart reacts after finding a beautiful Brussel sprout tree for an upcoming holiday gathering she's working on.

Cheyenne Celebrity Chef Puts Sprouts, Wyoming’s Newest Grocer, To The Test

Sprouts Farmers Market, the supermarket chain which focuses on natural and organic foods, has an ambitious growth plan and just opened its first store in Wyoming. Cheyenne celebrity chef Petrina Peart was among the first to put the market to the test.

Renée JeanDecember 14, 2024

Cover of Matthew Thomas' book "Queen of the Tetons"

Author Gets Heat For Grizzly 399 Children's Book Put Out After Death Of Famous Bear

Former Cody resident Matthew Thomas is being accused of trying to profit off of Grizzly 399’s recent death by publishing a children’s book about the bear. Thomas says the book was almost done when she was hit by a car and killed in October.

Leo WolfsonDecember 14, 2024

The commute over Teton Pass this winter will be a lot steeper and curvier for drivers this winter.

Teton Pass Commuters Have To Navigate A Steeper, Curvier Drive This Winter

A steeper grade and sharper turns have some rethinking driving over Teton Pass between Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming, this winter. But most regulars say they feel the fix is good enough and they’re ready when the road turns icy.

Renée JeanDecember 13, 2024

Cassie's, a Cody staple since 1933, is closed as a new owner evaluates the potential of the historic restaurant.

After 91 Years, Cassie’s Restaurant In Cody Is Closed, And May Not Reopen

Cassie's Supper Club, a Cody staple since 1933, is closed as a new owner evaluates the potential of the historic restaurant. The recent demolition of other historic restaurants has the community concerned about its future.

Andrew RossiDecember 11, 2024

Albertsons grocery store at 3355 E. Pershing Blvd. in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Albertson’s Breaks Off $25B Grocery Merger, Now Wants Billions From Kroger

After two judges blocked a $25 billion merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, Albertsons has called it off. It's also pointing fingers at Kroger for the merger’s failure and wants billions of dollars in compensation.

Renée JeanDecember 11, 2024

Wyoming Car Dealers Not Surprised By Utah Man Who Drove New Car Into Dealership

When a Utah Mazda dealership wouldn’t take back a new car, the angry customer drove it through the front doors. While extreme, Wyoming car dealers say they’re not surprised.

Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024

Judges in Two States Block $25 Billion Kroger-Albertsons Merger

Judges in Washington and Oregon blocked the huge $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger Tuesday. That bodes well for a lawsuit the Federal Trade Commission and Wyoming have against the merger.

Renée JeanDecember 11, 2024

Doug Theis, owner of Big Paws Christmas Trees in Cheyenne, says he's been selling trees for 14 years, and has held prices without an increase for the last two years.

Buying A Live Christmas Tree In Wyoming Won’t Cost Much More Despite Demand

Lower shipping costs have helped take the edge off a supply crunch for live Christmas trees in Wyoming, keeping prices lower than they might have been. That’s despite increased demand and Hurricane Helene devastating a huge supply of trees.

Renée JeanDecember 10, 2024

Atreus Knapp spent the first seven months of his life in the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital of Colorado. Now he also has a new bed to sleep in after Saturday's donation from Homes for the Holidays by Slumberland Furniture. The store donates 40 beds to deserving children every December. He's pictured here with mom, Cora.

All Some Wyoming Kids Want For Christmas Is A Bed To Sleep In

The Christmas wish lists for some kids in Wyoming don’t include smartphones or video game consoles. They just want a bed to sleep in. That wish was realized for 40 families Saturday in Casper with the annual Homes for the Holidays bed giveaway.

Zakary Sonntag for Cowboy State DailyDecember 09, 2024

The Chill Grill in Rock Springs, Wyoming, gives off a cool 1950s diner vibe. It's a favorite spot for locals, known for huge burgers made fresh to order.

Eating Wyoming: Chill Grill In Rock Springs Has Cool ’50s Vibe And Huge Burgers

Bernadette Boyack opened Chill Grill Old Fashioned Soda Shop in Rock Springs to keep her out of a wheelchair. In the decade since, the 1950s-themed diner has become a go-to spot with locals and famous for its massive burgers.

Tracie SullivanDecember 09, 2024

The Mint Bar's iconic neon cowboy lights up the night on Sheridan's Main Street, as does the WYO Theater, down the street from here.

Sheridan’s Famous Main Street A Bucket-List Item For Lovers Of All Things Western

Sheridan has a reputation as a Western tourism gem. And its famous Main Street has become a bucket-list destination for those who love all things Western.

Renée JeanDecember 08, 2024

Brian Deurloo with Frog Creek Partners cleans out a gutter bin that was part of a pilot program in the Denver metro area that captured 1,300 pounds of trash in six months. This one also had a $100 bill.

At First, Wyoming Businessman Thought Invitation To Speak At United Nations Was Scam

Brian Deurloo of Sheridan will be in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to address the United Nations about artificial intelligence and water security. At first, the Wyoming businessman deleted the UN’s invitation, thinking it was a scam.

Renée JeanDecember 08, 2024

Made since 1987 by Aviat Aircraft in Afton, Wyoming, the Husky is considered by many as the best bush plane in the world.

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

Expresso Lube in Gillette, Wyoming, is much more than a place to get your oil changed. It's also a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, and is a comfortable place to wait for your vehicle.

Get An Oil Change And Lunch At Gillette’s Expresso Lube, But Not A Beer

Expresso Lube in Gillette already has a unique business model operating an oil change shop on one side and a diner on the other. But you can’t get a beer there after its liquor license was denied this week.

Renée JeanDecember 07, 2024

As proposed members of the future Trump administration consider making it legal to sell raw milk, it is already legal in several states, including Wyoming. Raw milk can be sold directly from the producer, like Little Acres Farm in Lovell, to the consumer who assumes the risk.

Wyoming Raw Milk Producers Part Of New Federal Mandate To Test For Bird Flu

A new federal mandate to test raw, unpasteurized milk for possible bird flu contamination goes into effect in less than two weeks. That’s news to some Wyoming producers who say they haven’t heard from federal officials about the new rule.

Jackie DorothyDecember 06, 2024

Wyoming Expected To Be Worst State For Holiday Retail Sales As Shoppers Go Online

Wyoming is projected by a market research firm as the worst-performing state for 2024 holiday retail sales in a study released Thursday. State business officials say residents are shopping online more than ever, causing the decline.

Justin GeorgeDecember 06, 2024

This office building used by Registered Agents Inc. in Sheridan is the official address for about 120,000 LLCs registered in Wyoming, Fremont County Assessor Tara Berg estimates.

Wyoming Overtakes Delaware For Most Per Capita Incorporations In The Nation

Wyoming had 45,000 new business incorporations last year, a 45% jump that allowed it to overtake Delaware in the number of new registrations per capita. It continues a 10-year spike for the state as a popular place to register a business.

Renée JeanDecember 06, 2024

The Powell Farm Store is one of five Big Horn Co-op stores set to close at the end of the year.

Big Horn Co-op Is Closing Five Stores Across Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin

Big Horn Co-op has a 101-year history in Wyoming, starting in 1923. But changes to the retail landscape have finally caught up with the cooperative, which will close five of its farm stores in small towns across the Bighorn Basin.

Renée JeanDecember 06, 2024

A horse with an infestation of screwworms on its back.

60 Years Ago, Wyoming Vet Helped Eradicate Devastating Flesh-Eating Screwworm

Wyoming Veterinarian Larry Friedman helped eradicate a devastating flesh-eating cattle parasite called screwworm in the 1960s. Now it's again a potential threat to Wyoming and U.S. ranchers.

Jackie DorothyDecember 05, 2024

Teton County, Wyoming, is again the nation's wealthiest, with a per capita income of more than $471,000 and median household income of $1.3 million.

Teton County Still Richest In The Nation; Wealth Hits New High

Teton County continues to be the nation’s wealthiest county with the mean household income at $1.13 miliion. The surge in wealth has contributed to a host of problems, including a lack of affordable housing.

Renée JeanDecember 03, 2024

Sleeping Giant Ski Resort and Zipline near Cody, Wyoming, is for sale.

Wyoming’s Sleeping Giant Ski Area Is For Sale, Listing At $500,000

The owner of Sleeping Giant Ski Area near Cody, Wyoming, says he's "not running away" from the business, but he listed the resort for sale Tuesday. He wants $500,000 from a strategic partner to help run the resort, or for someone to buy it outright.

Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024

A herd of cows lingers around a watering hole in Albany County.

Wyoming Ranchers Warned Of Devastating Screwworm Infestation In Mexico

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is warning ranchers about a devastating threat to animals and people found in Mexico. The new world screwworm has been confirmed, prompting an immediate closure of the border to cattle imports.

Jackie DorothyDecember 03, 2024