Clair McFarland: Firewood Warms You Til You're Sick To Your Stomach
Clair McFarland writes, "As we hauled logs I had to visualize my cozy fire to keep myself going. Don’t laugh: I’m a mother first, runner second. Lifter of anything heavier than a milk jug last."
Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2024
Cassie Craven: They Don’t Want To Call Anyone Daddy
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Why are we all pretending that a baby is not the result of male sperm? When a woman gets an abortion without the knowledge of the father, is that not the government allowing a decision to be made about his body too?”
Cassie CravenOctober 13, 2024
Rod Miller: There Are Two Kinds Of People In This World, The Cow Crew Figures
Columnist Rod Miller writes: “Rawhide from Rawlins, who had a year of community college under his Stetson, offered his educated opinion. ‘The only two kinds of people in the world are men an’ woman. I read that in a biology book once.’”
Rod MillerOctober 13, 2024
Bill Sniffin: We Love Our Pets – Three Good Ones Left Us This Year
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "What a sad year – so far in 2024, we have had to say good-bye to three of our grand-puppies. These are dogs that lived to be 12, 14, 14 years. They had become parts of our lives and were big personalities in the families of three of our children."
Bill SniffinOctober 13, 2024
Joan Barron: It’s “Save Weston County” Time
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "What colors this development is the support of the whole idea by the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. This is the group gaining power in Wyoming. That’s why I think it’s too early to dismiss this as sheer folly by a bunch of wackos."
Joan BarronOctober 13, 2024
Should You Put Winter Tires On Your Vehicle In Wyoming?
Should you get snow tires this winter? Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says it depends on where you live in Wyoming, how much winter driving you actually do, and what type of vehicle you’re going to be doing it in.
Aaron TurpenOctober 12, 2024
Jonathan Lange: Col. Thomas Hutchings Lived Purposefully
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Soft-spoken and tender-hearted, Colonel Thomas C. Hutchings, USANG, Retired was a man like none other. Last week, we suddenly lost this Wyoming treasure. Cowboy State Daily readers might remember last summer’s headline, 'Miracle On I-25: Cheyenne Man Doesn't Know Who Saved His Life After Crash.' That was Tom."
Jonathan LangeOctober 11, 2024
Dennis Sun: Information to Help You Decide How To Vote
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "For over 40 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation has sent each of the presidential candidates questions pertaining to agriculture. They are good questions, and I believe our readers could gain some value from them. I would encourage everyone to get online and read the full responses."
Dennis SunOctober 11, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: Finally, A Sandwich In The Car
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Maybe (probably) it’s genetic, but tailgating is not as fun for me as the game. Or it could simply be that I have been going to college football games for so long that I remember when nobody tailgated."
Sally Ann ShurmurOctober 10, 2024
Tom Lubnau: Wyoming Politics Has Been Californicated, And We Are Worse Off For It
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The crystal ball of political future does not bode well for Wyoming politics being local. Chuck Gray and the Freedom Caucus proved high dollar out-of-state style politics wins elections in Wyoming."
Tom LubnauOctober 09, 2024
Rod Miller: Remembering Yellowstone On Fire In '88
Rod Miller writes, "I was working in Governor Sullivan’s office when the Park caught fire in ‘88. As the news spread around the country, it caused the same sort of visceral reaction among folks. Yellowstone was on fire!"
Rod MillerOctober 09, 2024
Candy Moulton: Hey, Let’s Have Some Spur Spuds
Columnist Candy Moulton writes: “There’s history to potato growing and now our ‘root cellar’ is full of potatoes thanks to the Silver Spur Ranches and the Encampment FFA Chapter.”
Candy MoultonOctober 08, 2024
Note From The Editor: Welcome Two New Members Of Cowboy State Daily
Cowboy State Daily is thrilled to announce two new members of our newsroom. Justin George is our new News Editor, joining us from The Washington Post, and Reilly Strand is our new Chief Videographer, joining us from CBS-7 in Odessa, Texas.
Jimmy OrrOctober 07, 2024
Dave Simpson: Too Little, Too Late on Amendment A
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Given the sea change we saw in the legislative races in the August primary, let's see if a more conservative legislature can come up with something better than this flawed, last-minute constitutional amendment."
Dave SimpsonOctober 07, 2024
Cassie Craven: University Of Wyoming Did The Right Thing In Forfeiting Volleyball Match
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Height. Weight. Size. These impact women’s safety. I will not keep quiet about them for a game of virtue signaling and placating yet another man’s emotions. And if one more man lectures me about how I should, I may need to provide a dissertation on childbirth and what it really means to be a woman.”
Cassie CravenOctober 06, 2024
Rod Miller: Blooming Flowers & Political Hypocrisy In The Cowboy State
Rod Miller writes, "For my money, it is Cowboys (capital C) like Scott Harnsberger who may be the only thing that saves the Wyoming Republican Party from spiraling down into an authoritarian abyss of gnarliness that would make the Founders of the U.S. and Wyoming, both of whom cherished plurality and free speech, puke."
Rod MillerOctober 06, 2024
Bill Sniffin: Modern Flying Can Be Nerve-Wracking – Or Perfect
Bill Sniffin: “We old-timers can recall the amazing service the old Frontier Airlines provided last century with those ponderous Convair 580s, but this 2024 version of commercial aviation ended up being excellent, too.”
Bill SniffinOctober 05, 2024
Joan Barron: Wyoming's Gaming Growth Resembles Other Economic Booms
Joan Barron writes, "You could compare the explosion of the gaming industry to the development of coal mining in the Powder River Basin in the 1970s."
Joan BarronOctober 05, 2024
Dennis Sun: From the Ranch
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Despite drought, government overreach and inflation, ranchers surveyed said they are optimistic for the future."
Dennis SunOctober 04, 2024
Jonathan Lange: How We Can Help Congress And Our Secretary Of State Keep Elections Clean
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: "Funneling campaign cash through 'straw donors' allows it to be laundered through people who have no idea they are being used. Stolen money or money from foreign donors can be injected into both national and local campaigns undetected."
Jonathan LangeOctober 04, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Accused frequently of being overly dramatic, it’s not that when I say one phone call did change everything. Here’s the scoop.”
Sally Ann ShurmurOctober 03, 2024
Rod Miller: REAL Republicans & Broncpeelers Around The Ol’ Campfire
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Rawhide from Rawlins exclaimed, 'I got a text from ‘em, the Wyoming GOP I mean, an’ it said iff’n I didn’t swear to be a REAL Republican, I’d come down with a case o’ cooties from a Haitian hooker. They invited me to a rally to take the blood oath.'"
Rod MillerOctober 02, 2024
Tom Lubnau: A Celebration of the Life of Bruce Hauser and Sawmill Creek Band
Tom Lubnau writes, "We sought out Sawmill Creek in the Cowboy Saloon, Boot Hill, Cassie’s, the Sheridan Inn, the Beacon Club and the Fort. They played so often at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, if you put your ear up to pine knot in the bar, you heard a Sawmill Creek song."
Tom LubnauOctober 02, 2024
Candy Moulton: Following the Sandhill Cranes in Colorado
Columnist Candy Moulton writes, "The fall migration of Sandhill cranes is a certain sign of winter to come, even as we have been dealing with unprecedented warm weather. But there are days when the mornings are cool, and the leaves are either at or past their peak in many regions of the high country."
Candy MoultonOctober 01, 2024
Dave Simpson: How Can The Election Be So Close?
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "Do we live in a country where endorsements by Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Meryl Streep overpower the fact that 10 million illegal immigrants – some say as many as 20 million – have entered our country illegally, and have been set free?"
Dave SimpsonSeptember 30, 2024
Clair McFarland: Put Some Garlic On It
Clair McFarland writes, "This isn’t medical or economic advice, but if I were prepping for societal fallout, I’d stockpile garlic. I’m not responsible for what happens to you if you adopt any of my hillbillyisms."
Clair McFarlandSeptember 29, 2024
Rod Miller: Stewing Pumpkin Spice Liver & Onions
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "I want Cowboy State Daily readers to know that Clair McFarland is not the only writer in the stable who can pen warm scenes of domestic tranquility that take place in the kitchen."
Rod MillerSeptember 29, 2024
Joan Barron: That Hemp Prosecution Was A Mess
Joan Barron writes, "If you lived in Cheyenne and Laramie County and listened to the chattering on the streets when felony charges were filed —particularly among the young crowd—you knew the Palm-Egle case could be a prosecution disaster that would be thrown out of court."
Joan BarronSeptember 29, 2024
Bill Sniffin: Over 717,000 People Viewed Our ‘Robo Bear’ Video On Instagram – Wow!
Bill Sniffin writes: “Mark did well against the 'robo bear.' My attempt was pathetic. Despite my failure, the video of the encounter was a huge hit. This video has been viewed 717,000 times on Instagram.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 28, 2024
Jonathan Lange: Why is Wyoming Not Joining States Investigating Child Sex-Change Rules?
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “If the people of Wyoming have an opportunity to join other states in protecting children from snake oil, it should fall under the purview of one elected by her people. As it stands, Wyoming is glaringly absent."
Jonathan LangeSeptember 27, 2024
Dennis Sun: It’s The End Of Grilling Season
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "We’ve all been concerned about food inflation the last four years, but we also need to appreciate what it costs to produce our food."
Dennis SunSeptember 27, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: Charming Memories Regardless Of Conference
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “This is Homecoming Week at the University of Wyoming, and the memories are flooding back. I am concentrating on them, rather than the absurdity that is the business of college football right now."
Sally Ann ShurmurSeptember 27, 2024
Cassie Craven: The House is Burning Down
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Confusing the hearts and minds of kids while mutilating their bodies in a profit game, and something I cannot stand alongside. I will not sit down quietly because we live in an era of virtue signaling. I refuse to be an accessory to their crimes."
Cassie CravenSeptember 26, 2024
Rod Miller: Beer and Chinwags With Dead Folks Around The Ol’ Campfire
Columnist Rod Miller writes, “'Supposin’ ya had a time machine,'” blurted Little Joe the Wrangler, out of absolutely nowhere, 'an’ you could go back in history an’ have a beer with anyone you want. Who would ya have a beer with?'”
Rod MillerSeptember 25, 2024
Tom Lubnau: How Sloppy Writing Cripples Wyoming’s New Abortion Law, Part 2
Tom Lubnau writes: "When these statutes reach the courts, as they already have, you will hear legislators claim it is 'activist judges' who are asking hard questions about these statutes. The truth is these legislators did not pass cogent laws."
Tom LubnauSeptember 25, 2024
Candy Moulton: Autumn Is A Magical Time In Beaver Creek, Wyoming
Columnist Candy Moulton writes, “This time of year, when we sit outside in the evening, we hear the elk bugling down on the creek, the distinctive cry of sandhill cranes headed south, and the cry of geese.”
Candy MoultonSeptember 24, 2024
Dave Simpson: The One Thing We Aren't – Surprised
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Let's just hope the Secret Service gets its unexpectedly incompetent act together before some nut kills the former president.”
Dave SimpsonSeptember 23, 2024
Aaron Turpen: After More Than A Decade, Toyota Finally Redesigned The Sequoia
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, “Toyota finally redesigned the aged Sequoia into a new third generation for the big SUV. The new version has a hybrid powertrain, lots of towing capability and an afterthought third row.”
Aaron TurpenSeptember 22, 2024
Rod Miller: A Big Stone House In Wyoming Sand
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "I grew up in a house made of native stone situated on the biggest active sand dune system in North America. The house was built around 140 years ago. Lowes and Home Depot didn’t exist back then, so those old-timers had to improvise to get building material to the site."
Rod MillerSeptember 22, 2024
Wyoming Winter Woes Include Black Holes, Yellow Highway Stripes, and No Interstate Traffic
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “I spend way too much time cautioning my family and friends about the perils of Wyoming driving during this season of long nights and short days - plus bitter temperatures, heavy snowfalls, and, yes, those doggone Wyoming winds.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 22, 2024
Joan Barron: Media Credentials Don't Mean Anything Anymore
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "What do media credentials from the Legislature Service Office get you? Well, not much anymore. In short, they have about the same status as a lobbyist or a bus driver from Greybull."
Joan BarronSeptember 21, 2024
Rod Miller: Hey, Pharmacy Board: It's Government's Responsibility To Listen
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "The Wyoming Board of Pharmacy, with armed Highway Patrol officers providing security, were at no risk of life and limb from an unarmed crowd of Wyoming citizens exercising their rights under the First Amendment."
Rod MillerSeptember 20, 2024
Dennis Sun: Hey, What About the National Debt?
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Our national debt has now grown over $35 trillion. Thanks to frenzied spending after the pandemic and costly programs initiated by the president and Congress, the debt load could easily top $50 trillion in 10 years."
Dennis SunSeptember 20, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: Even At 0-3, There Is Still Good To Be Found In Laramie
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Nobody likes being 0-3. Few thought that would be the fate of this year’s Pokes, who went 7-0 at home and finished with nine wins last year.”
Sally Ann ShurmurSeptember 19, 2024
Tom Lubnau: Regarding The New Abortion Law's Word Salads, Part One
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "While abortions are illegal in Wyoming, the statute contains eight or nine exceptions. But those are so messily worded it is hard for a doctor to interpret them. Which in real time, can have serious consequences."
Tom LubnauSeptember 18, 2024
Rod Miller: The “Nouveaux Elite” And Democracy By The Numbers In The 307
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "A scant 24% of voting-eligible Wyomingites took the time to cast their ballot in America’s Great Experiment in democracy. That mathematically changes the concept of 'one person, one vote' into 'one person, four votes.'"
Rod MillerSeptember 18, 2024
Candy Moulton: Brown’s Park Historian Focuses on Queen Ann Bassett
Columnist Candy Moulton Writes: “Among the outlaws Ann Bassett knew were a few of the young men who were destined be part of the gang that came to be known as the Wild Bunch.”
Candy MoultonSeptember 17, 2024
Clair McFarland: There's No Way My Kid Is Old Enough For A Homecoming Dance
Clair McFarland writes: "He was part of an adventure in which I had no business except as tailor and chauffeur - like my right arm had detached and gone off on its own hero’s journey. Be free, you rogue autonomous portion of me!"
Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2024
Dave Simpson: Forget The Election. Let's Go To Dodge.
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “If you don't love “Gunsmoke” and Marshal Matt Dillon, played by the late James Arness, well, there must be something wrong with you, mister. Get some help.”
Dave SimpsonSeptember 16, 2024
Cassie Craven: Putin Probably Smirked After That Debate
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, "I waited for the cackle to get me in the Halloween spirit but alas, it never came. Vice President Harris had clearly been coached by the Greatest Showman of All Time, President Barack Obama."
Cassie CravenSeptember 15, 2024
Rod Miller: Recollecting Doug !@#%ing Crowe
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Crowe pulled out the frozen carcass of a muskrat. He blended the rodent with tequila and triple sec into the sixth or seventh pitcher of hooch. Reports vary from 'nobody knew the difference' to 'the dog wouldn’t even touch it.' Draw your own damn conclusion."
Rod MillerSeptember 15, 2024
Bill Sniffin: 50 Years Ago, World’s Space Race Focused On Sagebrush Hills Of Wyoming
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "In 1974, a three-man crew of astronauts from the USA and a two-man crew of cosmonauts from the USSR were picked to participate in this pioneering program. But first, they were going to participate in the One Shot Antelope Hunt in Lander."
Bill SniffinSeptember 14, 2024
Joan Barron: The Saga Of State Sen. Cal 'Fast Lane' Taggart
Columnist Joan Barron writes about the Wyoming Legislature’s fight against the 55 mph speed limit that drew the national news media to Cheyenne. And state Sen. Cal 'Fast Lane' Taggart led the way.
Joan BarronSeptember 14, 2024
Tom Lubnau: The Breakup Of The Mountain West Is A Symptom Of A Large Disease
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "While it is understandable these schools are jumping from the conference for a bigger payday, it is sad. With the worship of the dollar, we are seeing things more important than money start to vanish – competition, rivalry, loyalty and tradition. And we are worse off for it."
Tom LubnauSeptember 12, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: Halls Of Fame, Sellouts And Good Bathrooms As Football Kicks Off
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “There was plenty to be happy about in Laramie last weekend, even if the final score didn’t make the list.”
Sally Ann ShurmurSeptember 12, 2024
Rod Miller: Rumors Around the Ol’ Campfire, Part Deux
Columnist Rod Miller writes: “Gossip around the ol’ campfire surmises a sudden vacancy in the Secretary of State’s office, a new gunslinger in town and scorched earth dessert.”
Rod MillerSeptember 12, 2024
Tom Lubnau: A Great Evening In The Black Hills With Starship And Marshall Tucker
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The surprise of the concert was the ability of 86-year-old David Baldwin to hit all the high notes in the song 'Jane' – a song he wrote. His voice was strong and backup vocals and harmonies tight."
Tom LubnauSeptember 12, 2024
Candy Moulton: Dick Perue -- 73 Years Of Pumping The Press
Columnist Candy Moulton writes, "The number of historical talks and treks Dick Perue has given and led is not known but imagine 70 years of involvement with museums throughout Carbon County and you get an idea of his contributions to Wyoming history.”
Candy MoultonSeptember 10, 2024
Dave Simpson: Cheneys Opt For 'Radical Liberal'
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "I figured there was nothing Liz Cheney could do to make me regret my three votes for her more than I already did. But, I was wrong. Good luck with those Democrats, Liz. They hated your dad, calling him Darth Vader.''
Dave SimpsonSeptember 09, 2024
Cassie Craven: We Need More Guns, Not Fewer
Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “This isn’t about deer or prepping. This is about free and not. Life or death. Liberty or imprisonment. Eutopia will not come with more ‘gun control.’”
Cassie CravenSeptember 08, 2024
Rod Miller: The Achilles Heel Of The Wyoming Freedom Caucus Is Cowboy Football
Columnist Rod Miller writes: "If the Freedom Caucus wants to trim UW’s DEI budget, then most folks in Wyoming won’t quibble. But they’ll shoot themselves in the foot if their efforts result in Cowboy football becoming a Division II program."
Rod MillerSeptember 08, 2024
Joan Barron: A Year Before College Well Spent
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "I’ll bet your average plumber makes more money than a regular English graduate. And that may be one reason more people than ever are questioning whether college is worth the time and expense."
Joan BarronSeptember 07, 2024
Bill Sniffin: "The Dog Ate My Homework" And More On The Old Farts Clubs
Bill Sniffin writes, “No matter how legitimate, excuses just sound like ‘the dog ate my homework’ to some people.”
Bill SniffinSeptember 07, 2024
Dennis Sun: What Will Food Costs Do Before The Election?
Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "With the general election coming up in a couple of months, the price for food is a big issue. Most people say the high prices are unfair, but they keep rising."
Dennis SunSeptember 06, 2024
Jonathan Lange: Compulsory Content For Preschool Is The Devil’s Playground
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Last year a bill that would lower the age for compulsory school attendance from 7 to 6 years old failed an introductory vote by 7-24. Now, the education lobby wants to compel not only 6-year-olds, but 3-year-olds as well. Parents are wise to be wary.”
Jonathan LangeSeptember 06, 2024
Rod Miller: Tyin’ the Knot – Wyoming Style
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "It is a little-known and under-appreciated fact around the ol’ campfire that I am a man of the cloth, and am ordained to perform weddings, circumcisions and exorcisms. I have officiated at five weddings to date. All five couples are still married and happy together."
Rod MillerSeptember 06, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: Welcome To Laramie, It's Just Different
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, "I would not want to be the Idaho Vandals this week. I think the Pokes are ready to deliver a beatdown. And I think the defense will remember what the hell they are supposed to do."
Sally Ann ShurmurSeptember 05, 2024
Tom Lubnau: Give The Freedom Caucus The Benefit Of The Doubt
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "I have learned to trust the collective wisdom of the Wyoming voters. They are the carny operating the ride. I may not understand why the voters made their choices, but I have learned there is a level of wisdom behind the voter’s choice, and to search for what that wisdom is."
Tom LubnauSeptember 04, 2024
Candy Moulton: Thursday Is The Only Time We Can Tell The Postal Service What We Think
Columnist Candy Moulton writes, "“When your local postal manager tells you not to send a letter by certified mail because it will likely get lost in the system, you know the mail delivery in our area just plain stinks. Let’s pack a Zoom meeting this Thursday because the USPS needs to hear what the rural West thinks."
Candy MoultonSeptember 03, 2024
Dave Simpson: The Freedom Caucus Suits Him Fine
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "'The old cigar club is closed.' So said my crustiest Republican friend from Casper this week, about the results of the Aug. 20th primary election in Wyoming."
Dave SimpsonSeptember 03, 2024
Clair McFarland: Sometimes My Mom Walks In And Sets Me Straight
Clair McFarland writes: "That was when my mom walked in wearing one of her fancy halter top things, carrying a box of black licorice (my favorite) and a sequined purse with a conceal-carry pocket for her pistol — and called out 'Yoo-hoooo! Grandma’s here!'"
Clair McFarlandSeptember 01, 2024
Rod Miller: New Faces Around The Ol’ Campfire
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Straggling in to take their places around the campfire, our cowboy crew griped about the day they just had. Breaking in a new trailhand is never easy, but today was the first day riding herd for a dozen or so tenderfooted newbies."
Rod MillerSeptember 01, 2024