Business & Tourism
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Clock Ticking Again For Small Businesses To Report Ownership
Small business owners now have until March 21 to file forms disclosing their ownership. But even the federal agency in charge isn’t firm on that deadline with legislation and a court case pending.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2025
Wyoming Native Reid Rasner Puts Together $47.45 Billion Offer To Buy TikTok
Casper native Reid Rasner has put together a $47.45 billion bid to bring the popular social media app TikTok to Wyoming, which he said would keep the app away from China and boost the state’s economy.
Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2025
WHP Association May Be First Law Enforcement Group In Nation To Buy Into Bitcoin
The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association voted last week to buy bitcoin, which has exploded by 400% over the last five years. The association says it may be the first law enforcement group in the United States to invest in bitcoin.
Renée JeanFebruary 18, 2025
Wildfires Help Push 40,000 Head Drop To Wyoming’s 2024 Cattle Production
Despite a 3% decrease in cattle production in 2024, Wyoming ranchers expect 2025 will bring back a strong cattle market. The Wyoming Stock Growers Association says part of the reason for the 40,000-head decrease was the severe wildfire season.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 18, 2025
Wyoming And Montana Legislators Seek To Ban Lab-Grown Meat
Allusions to “Frankenstein” and “The Matrix” punctuate discussion of bills designed to protect “food traditions” and ban the sale of meat created in a laboratory. Wyoming and Montana are among states trying to ban it.
David MadisonFebruary 17, 2025
Montana Man Has Spent 20 Years Forging Weapons To Stave Off A Zombie Uprising
Joey Arbour has made as many as 10,000 custom blades and knives since he started his Montana-based company Zombie Tools. His blades have been featured in television and movies like “Dune.”
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 16, 2025
Cigar Bars Making A Comeback In A Post-Smoking World
Rocky Mountain states see stogie smoke rising around a growing trend of opening more cigar bars and protecting local cigar shops with tax breaks. Wyoming and Montana both are pushing forward to promote the industry.
David MadisonFebruary 16, 2025
Egg Prices Have Restaurants Scrambling When It Comes To Breakfast
Wyoming restaurants are facing higher and higher egg prices amid an outbreak of the bird flu. Because of the huge increase in prices, some Wyoming restaurants say they are closing down temporarily.
Renée JeanFebruary 15, 2025
Google Hired Yellowstone, Grand Teton Wildlife Guide For Super Bowl Ad
Google tapped a Wyoming outdoor wildlife guide for its Super Bowl ad campaign, showcasing all 50 states. The Cowboy State’s ad shows off wild Wyoming, as well as one of the state’s leading outdoor guide businesses.
Renée JeanFebruary 12, 2025
UW Says It's “Too Early To Say” Return On $2 Million Josh Allen Super Bowl Ad
The University of Wyoming spent $2 million to run a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl featuring newly minted NFL MVP and UW alum Josh Allen to create a buzz. The university says it's “too early to say” whether the strategy will pay off in higher enrollments.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 11, 2025
Already No. 1 For LLCs, Can Wyoming Attract The Huge Companies Leaving Delaware?
Tesla, Meta, Dropbox are a few of the huge tech companies leaving Delaware for other states like Texas and Nevada. Why not Wyoming, which has surpassed Delaware for No. 1 in business incorporations per capita?
Renée JeanFebruary 11, 2025
The Cabin That’s Almost A Mansion On Last Chance Road In Jackson Hole
For a mere $11.5 million, resort-style life awaits in a cabin that’s almost a mansion in Jackson Hole. With a 720 credit rating and a $2.7 million downpayment, financial calculators put your monthly payments at just $54,000, for a 30-year loan.
Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2025
The Art Of Turning Manure To Compost
Manure management is one of the biggest problems faced by feedlots. One soil scientist is helping a feedlot in Worland make better use of their manure by creating more compost for local farmers and gardeners.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2025
It's Not Your Imagination: The Jerky Meat Industry Is Exploding
Riverton's Brian Tucker saw the writing on the wall in the booming jerky industry. His company, which focuses on the do-it-yourself jerky-makers, is one of the largest in the world. It's a $6 billion industry and could grow to $10 billion in the next 7 years.
David MadisonFebruary 09, 2025
After 100 Years, Cavalryman Steakhouse Closes, Moves To Special Events Model
If you've spent any time in Laramie, you know the Cavalryman Steakhouse. It just celebrated its 100th anniversary and is moving to a special events model. The historic restaurant will only be open for special occasions like holidays, weddings, football games and the like.
Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025
Summertime Reservations Going Fast At Lodges in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton
Reservations for the in-park lodges at Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park are starting to fill up for the summer tourism season, though some of the most sought-after lodging options are already booked.
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 09, 2025
Wyoming's Everywhere At The World-Renowned Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
Hundreds of vendors from dozens of countries converged in Tucson, Arizona, for the annual Gem and Mineral Show, where the best and most impressive gems, minerals, and fossils turn the past into profit. And everywhere you looked, Wyoming was represented.
Andrew RossiFebruary 08, 2025
The Coffee Comes With Redemption At Pete’s Sake In Evanston
"For Pete's Sake" coffee shop in Evanston serves more than just coffee. For owner Pete Bass, it's a mission. That mission is to tell his story of redemption to anyone who feels like they need a second chance. Prison, he says, was God’s way of offering him another chance -- every time.
Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2025
Casper-Area Solar Farm Killed After Dozens Of Residents Speak Out Against It
Natrona County commissioners on Tuesday voted 3-2 against a 2,000-acre solar farm proposal on private ranch land 30 miles west of Casper. Dozens of area residents spoke out against it during a 7 1/2 hour meeting that ended around midnight.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 05, 2025
Learning Trades Isn’t Just Landing Wyoming Youth Good Jobs, It’s Saving Lives
The teens and young adults in the Wind River Job Corps in Riverton usually get there out of desperation. But the trades there can lead to great-paying jobs. Plus, it's the only job corps in America that offers training for petroleum technicians.
Jackie DorothyFebruary 02, 2025
Like With Smartphones And Tablets, There Are Many Ways Your Car Spies On You
Your smartphone, tablet and other devices are spying on us. Your car does the same thing. You may want to read the user agreement. Nissan, for example, includes things like: “sexual activity, health diagnosis data and genetic information."
Aaron TurpenFebruary 02, 2025
Casper Doctor Now Official Orthopedic Partner, Provider For Pro Motocross Racing
Dr. Joe McGinley has climbed the tallest mountains on six of seven continents and invents medical devices. But before that, he had a passion for motocross, giving it up for medical school. Now the Casper doctor is back as the official orthopedic partner and provider for Pro Motocross racing.
Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2025
Nuclear Power Tech Poised To Explode As Wyoming’s Next Six-Figure “It” Job
The wages for nuclear power techs are expected to range into the six figures, and it’s a good thing because Wyoming will soon need hundreds of these techs. Western Wyoming Community College is training people for this emerging career.
Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025
Race On To Save Lou Taubert Neon Sign, Last Remnant Of Casper’s “Little Las Vegas”
The Lou Taubert neon sign that towers over Center Street in Casper, Wyoming, is in desperate need of repair. It’s the last remnant of Casper's historic street of neon that earned it the nickname “Little Las Vegas.”
Jackie DorothyFebruary 01, 2025
Governors, Famous Author Fans Of 2025 BIG WYO Winner Diane Shober
Diane Shober is 2025’s BIG WYO winner after 21 years as the Wyoming Office of Tourism director. That had a long line of people, including governors and New York Times best-selling author C.J. Box saluting her drive to promote Wyoming.
Renée JeanJanuary 29, 2025
Even At Nearly $5B A Year, Wyoming Tourism Not Close To Potential, Industry Says
At nearly $5 billion a year, tourism is Wyoming’s second-leading economic driver. Even so, the state’s tourism industry says it’s just scratching the surface of Cowboy State tourism’s true potential.
Renée JeanJanuary 29, 2025
Tourism Industry Is Gearing Up To Take On A New Legislature
With 28 lawmakers who are either new or in new roles, tourism is gearing up for a charm offensive. It started with a show of force at the Capitol on Monday, but the lobbying effort is going to continue throughout the year.
Renée JeanJanuary 28, 2025
Can Bowling Become Cool Again? Cheyenne's Derby Lane Says "Absolutely."
Bowling has been in a decline since the ‘80s, but a high-tech video-game approach is changing that. The new style is what the recently opened Derby Lanes in Cheyenne is all about.
Renée JeanJanuary 26, 2025
Arrival Of 2 New Businesses Means There’s More Than A Bar In Tiny Pony, Montana
The remote former mining town of Pony, Montana, went bust more than 100 years ago. But the recent arrival of two new businesses downtown, this picturesque outpost at the foot of the Tobacco Root Mountains is experiencing a new kind of boom.
David MadisonJanuary 25, 2025
How To Sell Jackson Hole Real Estate To Billionaires
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to sell exclusive multimillion-dollar Jackson Hole properties to billionaires, Latham Jenkins can tell you. It’s next-level effort that goes far beyond just walking potential buyers through a building.
Renée JeanJanuary 25, 2025
How A Small Montana Business Landed A Free Super Bowl Ad With A Hollywood Legend
Filmmaker David Lynch, who died last week, was a Hollywood legend. One of his last projects landed close to his hometown. For no charge, he was the voice behind a commercial for a small Montana stationary store that aired during last year's Super Bowl.
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 25, 2025
Sheridan’s Le Reve Makes Exclusive James Beard List Of Best New Restaurants
What happens when you hire filmmaker George Lucas' chef for your brand new restaurant? You get noticed. After just four months in operation, Le Reve Restaurant and Raw Bar in Sheridan has made the exclusive list of James Beard Award semifinalists for best new restaurant in the nation.
Renée JeanJanuary 25, 2025
Wyoming Shooters Say They Don’t Support Eliminating Sales Tax On Guns, Ammo
A proposal to eliminate sales tax on guns and ammo in Wyoming is a nice gesture, some sportsmen say, but cutting taxes across the board would be better.
Mark HeinzJanuary 25, 2025
Wyoming Filmmakers Join Campaign To Increase Montana Production Tax Incentives
After failing to convince Wyoming lawmakers to enact tax incentives for filmmakers, two brothers from Sheridan are taking their plans to build a production studio to Montana.
David MadisonJanuary 22, 2025
End Of USPS-UPS Deal Could Mean Faster Rural Delivery, But More Expensive
Rural packages are likely to get to where they’re going faster now that contract negotiations between the U.S. Postal Service and UPS have fallen apart for last-mile service. But it’s also likely to be more expensive.
Renée JeanJanuary 21, 2025
Historic One-Of-A-Kind Property For Sale Near Sunrise Once Home To Early Pioneer
A five-bedroom house near the abandoned company mining town of Sunrise, Wyoming, in the Hartville area is chock-full of history — and for sale, listing for $809,000. It was home to an early pioneer, and the sale includes the Guernsey Cabin.
Renée JeanJanuary 20, 2025
Iconic Johnson’s Corner Along I-25 Closed, To Become Chain Restaurant
The iconic Johnson’s Corner restaurant about an hour south of Cheyenne is closed for a refresh and rebranding. It won’t be Johnson’s Corner anymore, but the cinnamon rolls that made it famous will still be on the menu.
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 19, 2025
Even In Jackson Hole, Listing For $18M “Petite Aman” Estate Is Turning Heads
A starter mansion designed to mimic the luxurious Amangani resort next door is turning heads, even in swanky Jackson Hole. The “Petite Aman” can be yours for a cool $18 million.
Jake NicholsJanuary 19, 2025
Service Project On MLK Day Seeks Hygiene Items, Winter Clothing For Homeless
A Casper service project sponsored by ServeWyoming for Martin Luther King Jr. Day needs hygiene items and winter clothing for the homeless. A project to bag the items for distribution is planned for noon Monday at First United Methodist Church.
January 19, 2025
Drinking Wyoming: Absinthe, Spirit Of Murder And Madness, Is Back In Wyoming
Absinthe was illegal for nearly a century, branded by the wine industry as a spirit of murder and madness. But it’s making a comeback, and a handful of Wyoming venues serve this once-forbidden liquor.
Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2025
More Funerals Include Casket Branding, The Most Cowboy Way To Say Goodbye
A growing trend in Western funerals is for family and loved ones to put hot cattle brands to wooden caskets. It’s the most cowboy way for ranching families and others in the West to say goodbye.
Andrew RossiJanuary 18, 2025
Why California Wildfires Could Spike Already-High Wyoming Insurance Rates
The wildfires devastating residential areas of Southern California aren’t only going to impact those homeowners. Wyoming residents also can expect to see a spike in their already-high insurance rates.
Renée JeanJanuary 18, 2025
Billionaire Joe Ricketts Plans Luxury Resort With Teton County Ranch He Bought
Billionaire Joe Ricketts has announced his plans for the Granite Ranch in Teton County, which he bought last fall. It will be a swanky luxury resort, echoing many of the same themes as his abandoned Homestead Resort project in Bondurant.
Renée JeanJanuary 15, 2025
Soakers Show Up To Find World Famous Star Plunge Closed Sooner Than Expected
The world famous Star Plunge pool and hot springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming, has been on a legal collision course with the state. It had been expected to close Wednesday, but soakers showed up Tuesday to find it suddenly closed earlier.
Renée JeanJanuary 14, 2025
DIA Stops Taking Cash As Payment For Parking At Airport Lots
DIA has stopped accepting cash at its parking lots to speed up the exit process. The airport joins an increasing number of businesses and services that are doing away with cash, including the National Park Service and the University of Wyoming.
Justin GeorgeJanuary 13, 2025
Honor System Works For Tiny Unmanned Worland Roadside Farm Stand
A cabinet full of products on the side of a road, trusting people not to steal everything in it may seem naïve in today’s world. But it works in Worland where a tiny unmanned roadside farm stand is thriving on the honor system.
Amber SteinmetzJanuary 12, 2025
Inside Sheridan's Java Moon Coffee Shop Where Mooncakes Are King
Somewhere over the Java Moon in Sheridan is where you’ll find Megan Cook. The former financial accountant took a moonshot leap of faith from a comfortable job to owning her own business. It’s been a roller coaster, but she has no regrets.
Renée JeanJanuary 12, 2025
No, Jimmy Carter’s Funeral Didn’t Delay Workers From Getting Their Paychecks
Some Blue Federal Credit Union customers in Cheyenne woke up Friday to shock that their paychecks hadn’t been deposited. Although told it was because the Federal Reserve was closed for Jimmy Carter’s funeral, it was an electronic transfer glitch.
Renée JeanJanuary 12, 2025