Business & Tourism

Sen. Ogden Driskill Recalls Filming of “Close Encounters” On His Family’s Ranch At Devils Tower

When Steven Spielberg chose Devils Tower to be the location to film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," the National Park Service said no. So, they went next door to Ogden Driskill's ranch and shot it there. He was just 16 and remembers it well...

Wendy CorrMay 19, 2022

Wyo Health Experts Discount Claim That More Vaccines Could Have Saved 70% Of Covid Deaths

Some Wyoming health experts are skeptical of a medical report prepared by Harvard and the Brown School of Public Health that said the state could have had 70% fewer Covid deaths had everyone taken the vaccine.

May 17, 2022

Wyoming Mothers Struggle With Baby Formula Shortage

Mothers in Wyoming are feeling the pressure as a nationwide shortage of baby formula has left store shelves empty in many locations across the state.

May 16, 2022

Devils Tower from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Filming In Wyoming: Casting Calls Are Few And Far Between

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is unique in that it was set in Wyoming and actually filmed in Wyoming. But others shows like Longmire, Joe Pickett, and Outer Range, though set in Wyoming are filmed out-of-state.

Wendy CorrMay 15, 2022

Park County Property Taxes Explode; Assessor Calls For Tax Cap

Stating that he doesn't want Park County to turn into Jackson Hole, county assessor Pat Meyer said he supports a cap on property taxes after rates in the county went up by as much as 45 percent in the last year alone.

Leo WolfsonMay 13, 2022

Wyoming Tourism Season Is Here, But There’s A Serious Shortage of Workers

The tourism season is back in Wyoming but workers are not. There is a serious labor shortage in the state which could have big impacts on communities that rely on tourism.

Wendy CorrMay 11, 2022

Governor Salutes Cody Firearms Manufacturer As They Expand To A 43,000 Square Foot Facility

Gov Gordon on Monday saluted a firearms manufacturing company which started off in rural Big Horn County in 2016 but now employs 75 people and opened up a facility that is more than 43,000 square feet.

Wendy CorrMay 10, 2022

Tourist Season Begins: WYDOT Says Don’t Drive With Camper “Slide-Outs” Extended

With tourist season beginning, transportation officials are warning tourists not to drive their campers with the "slide-outs" extended.

May 06, 2022

Fed Interest Rate Hike Will Be Felt In Wyoming In Three to Six Months

A Cheyenne financial advisor said Wyoming should feel the interest rate hike in three to six months and ultimately the increase is a good idea to stop stagflation.

May 04, 2022

Wyoming Tourism: Foreign Workers Are Back, But Hurdles Still Exist

After two difficult years for the hospitality industry, the summer of 2022 is expected to be somewhat normal for Wyomings tourism industry as foreign workers are being allowed back in the U.S.

Wendy CorrMay 03, 2022

Harley Rally In June Expected to Generate Millions in Revenue for Cody

The impending arrival of 1,000 bikers converging in Cody in late June is expected to generate more than $2 million in economic impacts for the community.

Wendy CorrApril 29, 2022

$76 Million Gambled in Wyoming Since Online Sports Betting Was Legalized; 28,000 People Have Tried

Since online sports betting was legalized in September, 2021, more than $76 million has been wagered in Wyoming by a total of nearly 28,000 people.

Clair McFarlandApril 28, 2022

Snowstorm Provides Relief For Ranchers Plagued By Drought, But Comes At A Cost In Lost Livestock

Record snowfall in northeast Wyoming over the weekend provided much-needed relief for ranchers hard hit by drought, though for some, came at a hefty cost in lost livestock and repairs following the storm.

Jen KocherApril 26, 2022

Gillette Slammed With 19 Inches Of Snow Over Weekend; 2nd Highest Snowfall Record

Northeastern Wyoming was pummeled by a strong winter storm over the weekend, with Campbell County receiving a near-record 19 inches of snow between Saturday and Sunday.

April 25, 2022

Is the Farmer’s Almanac Still Relevant? Yes, Say Wyoming Farmers And Ranchers

Even in 2022, Wyoming farmers and ranchers say they still read the Old Farmer's Almanac. Not only is it good for weather but also for planting seasons and castration advice.

Wendy CorrApril 22, 2022

Inflation: Wyoming Cost Of Living Highest In 40 Years

Led by a 22% increase in the cost of transportation, Wyomings cost of living in the fourth quarter of 2021 grew at the fastest annual rate seen in 40 years.

April 19, 2022

Shoshoni, Wyoming: “Our Town Doesn’t Have To Die”

Community leaders in Shoshoni say they are refusing the let the town of 471 die. By investing in infrastructure, a high-quality school, and identifying growth opportunities, they believe it can persevere.

Clair McFarlandApril 19, 2022

Wyoming Ag Industry Hit By Drought, Although Not As Bad As Other States

Wyoming's farmers and ranchers are not being hit as hard by the drought seen across the West as their counterparts in other states, several told Cowboy State Daily on Friday.

April 15, 2022

No Airport, No Problem. Jackson Business Owners Not Worried About Airport Closure

Even though the Jackson airport will be closed for repairs through the end of June, business owners aren't worried about tourism numbers dropping as they believe car travel will make up for it.

Jimmy OrrApril 14, 2022

UW Professors, Student Lead Research On New COVID Rapid Test

Two University of Wyoming professors and one PhD student have led research into a new, more sensitive, rapid COVID test, according to a recently published scholarly journal article.

April 13, 2022

Wyoming Struggling Under Record-High Inflation Prices

Inflation hit a four-decade high last month and for Wyoming residents, every purchase at the grocery store or gas stations feels more and more daunting.

April 12, 2022

No COVID Patients At Cheyenne Hospital, First Time In More Than A Year

The Cheyenne Regional Medical Hospital no longer has any COVID patients in its wards, something that has not been seen in more than a year.