Business & Tourism
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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
Grain Weevil Robot Aims To Keep Farmers From Risking Their Lives In Grain Bins
A Nebraska company has developed a pioneering robot called a Grain Weevil that can do everything in a grain bin a human with a shovel might need to do. Wyoming farmers say it could be a revolutionary development for safety.
Renée JeanJanuary 11, 2025
Like It Or Not, Self-Driving Semi-Trucks Are Inevitable; Montana Company Leading The Way
Self-driving technology for the trucking industry is evolving quickly. Many of those advances originate in Montana through a company that researched autonomous trucking technology on the treacherous Lone Peak in Montana.
David MadisonJanuary 11, 2025
Wyomingites Not Thrilled With Surgeon General's Call To Add Cancer Warnings To Beer
Most Wyomingites Cowboy State Daily interviewed scoffed at the U.S. surgeon general's call to add cancer-labels to beer cans. Sen. John Barrasso, a doctor, said labeling beer cans is not the answer.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 11, 2025
Wyomingites Pay More For Rural Postal Service Deliveries Through Sneaky Surcharge
The U.S. Postal Service has quietly initiated a surcharge on package deliveries to rural areas, which includes much of Wyoming. The up-charges have been quietly slipped into Postal Service agreements with merchants like eBay.
Renée JeanJanuary 10, 2025
People Keep Leaving California, But Fewer Moving To Wyoming, U-Haul Reports
Fewer newcomers made their way to Wyoming and Montana in 2024, but the stream of transplants continues into Idaho. That’s according to data reported by U-Haul, which also reports California is the place people most want to leave.
David MadisonJanuary 08, 2025
Those Aren't Chinese Balloons Over Wyoming, They're Helping Firefighters And More
Some of the balloons people see floating over Wyoming aren’t Chinese spy efforts, they’re from South Dakota. One balloon was a floating cellphone tower for a demonstration project that could dramatically improve logistics for wildland firefighters.
Renée JeanJanuary 07, 2025
Park City Ski Patrol Strike Has Divided Ski Industry In Western States
Striking ski patrol workers at the upscale Park City Mountain Resort in Utah have skiers who want to pay big bucks for a luxury experience crossing a picket line. It’s also divided the ski industry in Western states, including Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 07, 2025
Two Multimillion-Dollar Wyoming Properties Are In Top 5 Most-Viewed Luxury Listings
Two multimillion-dollar Wyoming properties have made Mansion Global’s annual list of top five viewed luxury listings for 2024. The $9 million Granite Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole is No. 1, while the $85 million Antlers Ranch near Meeteetse is No. 4.
Renée JeanJanuary 06, 2025
Bagels Are Temperamental, But That Hasn't Stopped Couple From Running Bagel Shop
Any cook who’s ever tried to make bagels can tell you just how temperamental they can be. A Cheyenne couple who purchased Mort's Bagels found that out the hard way. But they've learned that lesson and love running their own business.
Renée JeanJanuary 05, 2025
Margaret Lovato Has Been Serving Customers For 50 Years At Cheyenne's Diamond Horseshoe
Regulars at the Diamond Horseshoe Cafe describe it as Cheyenne’s Cheers, a place where everyone knows your name. At the center of that is Margaret Lovato, who’s been serving customers there for almost 50 years.
Renée JeanJanuary 04, 2025
Pocket Change Can Be Worth Big Money If You Know What to Look For
While many of the most valuable coins aren’t in circulation anymore, there are still millions of coins changing hands every day. A Wyoming coin dealer says there’s big money in pocket change if you know what to look for.
Renée JeanJanuary 04, 2025
Embattled Star Plunge Park Remains Open Ahead Of Jan. 14 Deadline
While many media outlets reported the historic Star Plunge would close Dec. 31, it remains open. While its lease expired then, the facility has an extension through Jan. 14 while negotiations for its sale and a court case continue.
Renée JeanJanuary 04, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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