Wyoming Life

"Threat Valley Massacre" is a campy horror-comedy-slasher mashup that debuts at this week’s Wyoming International Film Festival.

Wyoming Film Fest Features Horror-Comedy-Slasher Epic With Puppets, 11 Others

A campy horror-comedy-slasher mashup that debuts at this week’s Wyoming International Film Festival has an unexpected twist — it’s all puppets. “Threat Valley Massacre” is “probably the most hilarious film we’re playing this year," said an organizer.

Kerry DrakeJuly 06, 2026

Benton was literally a Hell on Wheels town. In 1868, the Union Pacific Railroad had two to four miles of track laid a day and an entire town would follow these tracks as they pushed deeper into the Wyoming Territory. Not only saloons, but banks and grocery stores followed the crews that were building the railroad. These towns were virtually lawless and shootings were common occurrences according to the newspapers that also followed the railroad.

Wyoming History: 100 Murders In 3 Months, Lawless Benton Was ‘Bred By The Devil’

Of the Wyoming Territory towns that arrived on wheels along the Union Pacific Railroad, none were as tawdry, bawdry and lawless as Benton, which witnessed as many as 100 murders in its three-month lifespan. Benton, it was said, was "bred by the devil."

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2026

Parker Williams, 20, right, and his friend Seth Siebert spent about four days building their version of the iconic Dumb and Dumber Mutt Cutts sheepdog van.

Powell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon

A Powell man who built a "Dumb And Dumber" Mutt Cutts van replica with his best friend says it turns heads everywhere they drive it. Bad weather presents a challenge, he said. When the 8,000-pound carpeted dog got caught in the rain, he had to shampoo it.

Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026

Each tank offers a different slice of American history, spanning an 80-year period.

Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th

On America’s 250th, Dubois did something few towns in America can do — fielding a parade with more than two dozen military tanks and vehicles spanning 80 years of U.S. history. "It’s the most unique parade in America,” said one patriotic-feeling parade-goer.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Veterinarians at a Riverton animal clinic work to amputate the right front leg of Toa, a puppy rescued in Ethete after some children reportedly tied a fishing line around his leg.

Cheyenne Clinic 300 Miles Away Has Rescued 3,000 Wyoming Roaming Reservation Dogs

With no veterinary clinics or animal shelters, roaming dogs are a problem on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A Cheyenne clinic 300 miles away has rescued 3,000 stray pets from the reservation since 2017.

Kerry DrakeJuly 05, 2026

Even without the famous “Bright Spot,” Hiland, Wyoming, isn't a ghost town — just ask the 10 or so people still living there in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni. “I am not too good with towns," said one resident about Hiland's appeal.

Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There

Even without the Bright Spot country store and lounge, Hiland, Wyoming, isn't a ghost town — just ask the 10 people still living there in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni. In fact, the woman who inherited the store hopes to reopen it.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026

Maelie Teuscher, 6, is one of the Sweetwater County kids getting some brisk business from thirsty Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office deputies this summer.

Why Sweetwater County Sheriff's Deputies Make It A Point To Support Lemonade Stands

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office is making it a point to support lemonade stands in the community. Deputy Zach Otte said that children assume a patrol car means someone is in trouble. The lemonade patrol is about changing perceptions, he said.

Kate MeadowsJuly 04, 2026

At Gillette's Fourth of July Parade on Saturday. After, most of the town heads over to Bicentennial Park for games, to get sprayed down by the fire department, and eat free hot dogs.

Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs

Although fire danger killed Gillette’s annual fireworks show, it didn’t stop the city from celebrating America’s 250th like it’s always celebrated the Fourth of July — loud, proud, and with thousands of free hot dogs. "I love hot dogs," U.S. Sen John Barrasso said.

Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026

John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid in the 1920s who went on to earn a law degree from the University of Wyoming and became a noted FBI agent capturing a most-wanted fugitive. He then was recruited to help get rid of Henry Ford’s right-hand man, who many considered a thug.

Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis

John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid who became an FBI agent and caught the nation's most-wanted man in 1936. Then, as the special agent in charge in Detroit, he took down a Nazi spy ring. He went on to protect the Henry Ford family from kidnappers.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Billy the Kid is just tone of the outlaws this Wanted Dead or Alive Harley-Davidson highlights. The bike's theme was created by retired Torrington lawman Randy Giles.

Retired Wyoming Lawman’s Outlaw Harley Turns Heads Across West

After retired Torrington lawman Randy Giles totaled his Harley, he didn’t walk away from it. The former auto body repairman turned it into a Western-themed town marshal’s show bike. His outlaw Harley has been beating big-name builders in shows across the West.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Lisa Sheets Kealey honors the legacy of her mother, Hope Sheets, as "The Pink Lady" in the 2026 Cody Stampede Parade.

Cody’s ‘Pink Lady’ Back In Stampede Parade As Daughter Continues 40-Year Legacy

Hope Sheets was a fixture for four decades in the Cody Stampede Parade as the “Pink Lady.” More than a year after her death, her daughter has stepped into the iconic pink dress to keep the tradition alive. "I'm doing my version of my mom," she said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 04, 2026

Alta farmer Steve Green grows hay and barley on his family’s homestead.

Alta, Wyoming: The Town Cut Off From The Rest Of The State By Idaho & Mountains

Residents of remote Alta, Wyoming, say they don't feel disconnected even though the only way to get to the rest of Wyoming (outside of riding a horse or hiking over the mountain) is a 20-mile drive through Idaho and over Teton Pass.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

A color guard leads off the Cheyenne 250th Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

Sea Of Red, White And Blue: Cheyenne Salutes Military In America's 250th Parade

Thousands of people wearing red, white and blue packed downtown Cheyenne on Saturday to celebrate America's 250th birthday. One Vietnam veteran said he was pleased the parade had a heavy military presence, including eight stars’ worth of generals.

Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2026

Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” said National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks.

Dubois Military Museum Celebrates 250th By Crushing Cars With Tanks

Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” owner Dan Starks said.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

The Cody Gunslingers with a 40-foot-long replica of a 1968 Winchester 94 Buffalo Bill .30-30 rifle in the 2026 Cody Stampede Parade. The rifle was originally built for America's bicentennial celebration in 1976 and fully restored for its return to the parade.

America At 250: Thousands Pack Downtown Cody For Stampede Parade

Thousands of people packed along the route of the Cody Stampede Parade on Friday to kick off America’s 250th birthday. There were six George Washingtons, five grand marshals and a restored 40-foot Winchester that made its parade debut 50 years ago.

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

Mark Heinz celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his Sthil 500i chainsaw.

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays 'The Star Spangled Banner' On His Chainsaw

A Cowboy State Daily patriotic Independence Day tradition continues for the fourth straight year with outdoors writer Mark Heinz belting out “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw.

Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Rob Piotter's signature red, white and blue buffalo art piece, which he made out of Wyoming centennial license plates representing all 23 Wyoming counties, is for sale.

Casper Man Turns Wyoming Centennial License Plates Into One-Of-A-Kind Buffalo

After spending decades collecting license plates from all 23 Wyoming counties, Rob Piotter of Casper turns them into one-of-a-kind buffalo sculptures. His red, white, and blue patriotic buffalo is made all from Wyoming Centennial plates.

Kate MeadowsJuly 03, 2026

The nation’s 250th birthday likely won’t be as wild as the three-hour firefight with 3,000 Roman candles that broke out on the dusty streets of Casper in 1899. A similar blowout today would lead to arrests, fines and possibly hospital stays. Above, the Casper Fire Department parades in front of the Natrona County Tribune building in early 1900s.

Wyoming History: Casper’s Huge 1899 4th Of July Fight With 3,000 Roman Candles

The huge blowouts planned for America's 250th birthday likely won’t be as wild as the three-hour firefight with 3,000 Roman candles that broke out in Casper in 1899. A similar celebration today would likely lead to arrests, fines and hospital stays.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 03, 2026

Fireworks over the Wyoming State Capitol

Happy 250th, America: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming

Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with bombastic fireworks displays, while others have been canceled because of extreme fire danger. Here's where Wyomingites can — and can't — see fireworks this Independence Day.

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

Bison Drinks Bourbon In Buffalo Bill’s Bar In Cody, Wyoming

Clyde "The Buffalo" arrived in Cody for the Cody Stampede Rodeo and Parades, and his first stop Thursday was for a drink at Buffalo Bill's Bar in the legendary Wild West showman's historic Irma Hotel. "He likes bourbon and margaritas," said Clyde's owner.

Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2026

Monument Health Takes Over Gillette’s Hoskinson Clinic, Which Was Losing Millions

After a rocky, two-year run for Gillette’s $200 million state-of-the-art Hoskinson Health & Wellness Clinic, Monument Health has struck a deal to keep the facility open and plugging it into the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Hoskinson was losing millions every month.

Renée JeanJuly 01, 2026

Lake Powell Water Critically Low; Wyoming Expects More Demand On Flaming Gorge

Already at critically low levels, Lake Powell is close to being "dead pool," which means water won't flow downriver anymore. That has Wyoming cities and industries worried that will mean more demand for water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Mark HeinzJuly 01, 2026

The Cody Fourth of July Parade is one of the largest in Wyoming.

Wyoming’s Over-The-Top 250th Celebration Comes With Tanks, Flyovers, History

From C-130 flyovers and tank parades to new monuments and a new state trail, Wyoming’s America 250 celebration isn’t a one-day bash. “We still have a lot to be thankful for in this country,” said one organizer about what's planned across the Cowboy State.