Wyoming Life | Cowboy State Daily

Laramie 100-Year-Old Bought His First Car At 16 — A Model T Ford For $6

Everett Spackman of Laramie, Wyoming, has seen a lot over his 100 years of life. He served in two wars, and remembers the Great Depression, the moon landing and paying $6 for a beat-up Model T Ford when he turned 16.

Greg JohnsonJuly 06, 2025

Kamari Barth, 12, is the first girl from Wyoming to participate in the Susan Polgar Girls' Chess Tournament Invitational, a national tournament recently held in St. Louis, Missouri.

12-Year-Old Chess Master Is First Wyoming Girl Invited To National Tournament

Kamari Barth is like most 12-year-old girls in Sheridan, Wyoming, but in one way she isn’t. Barth also is a chess master, and recently was the first Wyoming girl to compete in the national invitation-only Susan Polgar tournament.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 06, 2025

Modern Homesteading: Self-Sufficiency Doesn’t Mean Being A Loner

Homesteading doesn’t mean living like folks on “Little House on the Prairie.” A Cody woman teaches how homesteaders in Wyoming use technology and innovation to achieve self-sufficiency, and it doesn’t mean you have to be a loner.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2025

Wyoming sheep baron J.B. Okie, bottom, was throwing an opulent high-society party when it was crashed by Sheriff Frank K. Webb, above, and his prisoner. That prisoner was Otto Chenoweth, an outlaw horse thief who escaped and charmed the ladies as a dashing gentleman.

Wyoming History: Otto Chenoweth, The Gentleman Outlaw Of Lost Cabin

Sheep baron J.B. Okie was throwing a high-society party at his opulent mansion in Lost Cabin, Wyoming, when it was crashed by the sheriff and his prisoner. That prisoner was Otto Chenoweth, an outlaw horse thief who escaped and charmed the ladies as a dashing gentleman.

Jackie DorothyJuly 06, 2025

Broken Water fires at a target that is a thin silver chain, swinging in the wind.

You Can Walk In Jim Bridger’s Footsteps At 1838 Rendezvous In Riverton

The 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous in Riverton isn’t just held near a historic rendezvous site, it’s the actual site. It's where Jim Bridger and Kit Carson walked when they met in 1838 for the annual end-of-season blowout.

Renée JeanJuly 06, 2025

Group On A Mission To Save Cheyenne’s Iconic, Now Abandoned, 1960s Airport

The Wyoming Aviation Heritage League is on a mission to save the iconic, and now abandoned, 1960s air terminal at Cheyenne Regional Airport. It wants to turn the building and its hyperbolic roof into a space for artists, retail shops, and an aviation museum.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 06, 2025

State Sen. Ed Cooper (left), Nashville musician Bobby Randall (right)

Nashville Musician Bobby Randall Grateful For Wyoming Hospitality During Storm

State Sen. Ed Cooper opened his garage to a group of Harley riders seeking shelter from a severe thunderstorm on Friday. One of the bikers was a very grateful Bobby Randall, a longtime Nashville musician who was a founding member of country group Sawyer Brown and guitarist for Confederate Railroad.

Wendy CorrJuly 06, 2025

Wyoming History: Mountain Man Joe Meek Survived Bears And Blackfeet Raids

When an 18-year-old Joe Meek arrived in the wilderness of Wyoming in 1829, the greenhorn had to toughen up fast to survive bears and hostile tribes. When he fell asleep on guard duty, he also survived the wrath of Capt. William Sublette.

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2025

It may be great to fantasize about “Ranching Rich,” but that’s not real ranching in Wyoming, says Cody singer-songwriter Kalyn Beasley. Buddy Ned LeDoux is featured in his new song, an ode to real ranching in the West.

Ned LeDoux Featured On Wyoming Singer-Songwriter’s Ode To Real Ranching

It may be great to fantasize about “Ranching Rich,” but that’s not real ranching in Wyoming, says Cody singer-songwriter Kalyn Beasley. His friend Ned LeDoux is featured in the new song, an ode to real ranching in the West.

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2025

Valerie Hovland just misses a connection with Steve Tobi in a practice session. She was wearing a safety line.

Can't Run Off To Join The Circus? You Can Still Join Wyoming's Only Trapeze Club.

A couple in Big Horn, Wyoming, gives those seeking adventure and thrills an option beyond running off to join a circus. Trained by a Circus Ring of Fame trapeze artist, they now run Wyoming’s only trapeze club.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2025

Kid Nichols with a horse in Cody during his early years in town taken from the book “The Candy Kid” written by his daughter, Lucille Patrick.

Wyoming History: The Fascinating Life Of James Calvin ‘Kid’ Nichols

James Calvin “Kid” Nichols was a champion wrestler who was befriended by Buffalo Bill Cody, did boxing exhibitions with Milward Simpson and was a one-time outlaw. He also was a successful businessman who hobnobbed with Admiral Nimitz and Arthur Godfrey.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2025

Chef Petrina Peart talks about her journey on the "Yes Chef!" reality cooking series which featured Chef Jose Andres and Martha Stewart, during a Monday night watch party at Brownie's Tasting Bar in Cheyenne.

Wyoming Chef Petrina Peart Celebrates ‘Yes, Chef!’ Finale With Celebrity Chef T

Chef Petrina Peart celebrated the end of her “Yes, Chef!” television culinary competition with fellow contestant and celebrity, Chef T. The collaborative cook-off featuring Martha Stewart showcased Appalachian and Wyoming foods.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2025

This yellow tank is a tiger tank, used in the Korean War, playing off of superstitions about such powerful symbols.

Dubois Cheers As 24 Vintage Military Tanks Rumble Through On The Fourth Of July

Dubois triples in size for the Fourth of July as thousands fill the tiny Wyoming town to celebrate. The main attraction is 24 vintage military tanks that rumble through, anchoring the annual parade as monuments to freedom in America.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2025

A batter strikes a ball during a demonstration of the National Pastime under the rules of the 1860s during the Fort Laramie National Historic Site Independence Day celebration.

Underhanded Pitches, No Gloves And A Soft Ball: 1860s Baseball Nothing Like Today

America’s pastime and the Fourth of July go together like peanuts and Cracker Jacks, but the game in the 1860s was nothing like today. Vintage baseball was a highlight at Fort Laramie on Friday, where players didn’t have gloves and pitched underhanded.

Matthew ChristianJuly 05, 2025

Andrew Rossi, right, giving a thumbs-up with Mack Frost atop the Irma Hotel during the 2025 Cody Stampede Parade.

Reporter's Notebook: What It's Like To Announce Cody's Famous Stampede Parade

Reporter Andrew Rossi writes, "Announcing the Cody Stampede from the rooftop porch of the Irma Hotel is a rare honor. It’s amazing a nerd like me gets to be one of the voices of the famous parade. How’d that happen? I wondered."

Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2025

Rangers Jaret Carpenter, Rob Stevenson, Robert Cuvas and Jaeger Held fire blanks during a 38-gun salute held during Fourth of July celebrations at Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Fort Laramie Rings In The 4th With Cannons, 38-Gun Salute

Historic Fort Laramie partied like it was 1876 on Friday, celebrating the Fourth of July as folks at the fort did nearly 150 years ago. The celebration was punctuated by cannon fire and a 38-gun salute, representing the 38 states in the Union then.

Matthew ChristianJuly 04, 2025

Camille, a mixed breed cattle dog rescued from near Hardin, Montana, turned to Xanax and the power couple of 1970s soft rock in an effort to calm her fireworks-induced anxiety.

Xanax Helps, But No ‘Magic Bullet’ For Dogs Freaked Out Over Weekend Of Fireworks

While many people love the flash and fireworks that come with the Fourth of July, a lot of dogs don’t. For some of them, Xanax helps, but a veterinarian says drugs aren’t a “magic bullet” to ease their anxiety.

David MadisonJuly 04, 2025

There’s No Official Design For The Bison On The Wyoming State Flag

State statutes spell out many details about the Wyoming flag: colors, sizing, placement of the elements. But not for the large bison that dominates it. That’s why you’ll see many different bison depending on who makes the flag.

Anna-Louise JacksonJuly 04, 2025

Appearing In A C.J. Box Book Is Dicey, You Could End Up Dead Or A Serial Killer

Bestselling author C.J. Box is well-known for putting names of real Wyoming people in his novels, but many end up dead, a serial killer — or both. Meteorologist Don Day, who appeared as himself in Joe Pickett book is safe, for now. Box says he has no immediate plans to kill him off.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2025

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ On A Chainsaw

In what’s become an Independence Day tradition, Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw. Happy Fourth of July!

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2025

Fourth of July fireworks being launched at Snow King Mountain in Jackson.

Happy Fourth Of July: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming

Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate America’s independence Friday — the Fourth of July — with parades, barbecues, concerts and fireworks. Here is a list of many of the celebrations. If we missed any, let us know!

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2025

Wyoming’s July 4 Weekend Will Run Hot And Cold — Highs In the 90s, Lows In The 30s

Wyoming's Fourth of July weekend will run hot and cold, with a forecast that includes highs in the 90s and overnight lows in the 30s. Afternoon thunderstorms are also a safe bet.

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2025

The first measles case in Wyoming has been identified in a child that visited Banner Wyoming Medical Center on June 24 and June 25.

Wyoming’s First Child Measles Case Since 2010 Identified In Child At Casper ER

Wyoming’s first case of child measles since 2010 has been identified in Natrona County, the Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday. About 30 people have been identified as being in the same area of the child at the same times.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 03, 2025

Cody Celebrates Fourth Of July With Five Days Of Rodeos, Parades And Celebrities

If there was a competition for the best Fourth of July celebration in Wyoming, Cody might win by a country mile. That’s because it throws a five-day party filled with parades, rodeos, fireworks and celebrities that attract huge crowds.

Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2025

Storm Chasers Get Engaged In Front Of ‘Perfect Tornado’ in South Dakota

Bryce Shelton proposed to Paige Berdomas on Saturday while an EF-3 tornado raged behind them and across South Dakota and Minnesota. Both professional storm chasers called it "the most beautiful tornado" they'd ever seen.

Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2025

Smoke starts to pour out as ZamTrip warms up the crowd for the next band in the lineup at Flaming Gorge Days in Green River.

Flaming Gorge Days Makes Comeback After Embezzlement Scandal Nearly Killed It

Thousands of people turned out over the weekend for Flaming Gorge Days, a Green River party that’s been around for decades. But the event was almost killed two years ago when an embezzlement scandal canceled it in 2023 and threatened to end it forever.

Renée JeanJuly 01, 2025

ESPN’s flagship SportsCenter program will broadcast from Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 24 as part of its 50 States in 50 Days event. “I’m thrilled that the Daddy of ’Em All will get national exposure,” says Gov. Mark Gordon. Gary Striewski, who got his start at a Cheyenne TV station, will anchor the program.

ESPN’s SportsCenter To Broadcast From Cheyenne Frontier Days

ESPN’s SportsCenter program will broadcast from Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 24 as part of its 50 States in 50 Days event. It will be a homecoming for ESPN's Gary Striewski who got his start at KGWN-TV in Cheyenne.

Matthew ChristianJuly 01, 2025

Her name was Florence, but everyone called her Flo, which had double meaning for a woman who lived life in constant motion. That’s how hundreds of people in Jackson remembered Florence McCall-Phillips on Saturday, June 28, 2025, a week after her sudden death.

Hundreds Mourn Jackson Photographer Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

Hundreds of Jackson Hole residents turned out to remember beloved photographer Florence McCall-Phillips on Saturday, a week after she was killed by a suspected drunk driver.

Zakary SonntagJune 30, 2025

Twin sisters Rula Bullock and Effie Manley were 21 months old when they were taken captive by a killer in their home in March 1955.

Wyoming History: Taken Hostage With Twins By Murderer Changed Green River Woman Forever

It’s been 70 years since Charles Billings, an imposter Pinedale ranch hand, gunned down two men and took a Green River woman and her infant twin daughters hostage. The incident traumatized the woman for the rest of her life, her daughters say.

Dale KillingbeckJune 29, 2025

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown," hosted by archaeologist Josh Gates, is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Discovery’s ‘Expedition Unknown’ To Take On Mystery Of Buffalo Bill's Grave

The Discovery Channel’s popular show “Expedition Unknown” is digging into the mystery about what happened to the body of Buffalo Bill Cody. “The Lost Grave Of Buffalo Bill” also features Cody residents reenacting the famous showman and Annie Oakley.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

An Allosaurus skeleton on display at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Calcium isotope analysis of Allosaurus teeth discovered at this Late Jurassic bonebed revealed that Allosaurus was a flesh-eater, not a bone cruncher, confirming long-held theories about Allosaurus feeding determined by their anatomy.

New Dental Research Shows What Dinosaurs Ate And Entire Food Chain

Teeth can tell a life’s story, even when they’re 150 million years old. One of the new frontiers in paleontological research is examining calcium isotopes to reveal details about dinosaurs' diets and environments. “With teeth, you can track an entire food chain,” paleontologist Liam Norris says.

Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025

The documentary Generation Warrior follows eight young people on the Wind River Indian Reservation as they transition into adulthood.

‘Generation Warrior’: Lives Of 8 Wind River Youth An Open Book

The documentary “Generation Warrior," directed by two Emmy Award winning filmmakers, follows eight young adults from the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The journey for young Native Americans comes with the added pressure of ensuring the survival of their culture.

Amber SteinmetzJune 29, 2025

Lesleigh Ann Schaefer has put 100,000 miles on her 2019 Subaru exploring and photographing Wyoming from its rarely-traveled backroads. Now homebound with terminal cancer, her adopted home of Thermopolis has rallied to make her final days special.

Beloved Photographer Shares Beauty Of Wyoming Even As She Faces End Of Life

Lesleigh Ann Schaefer has put 100,000 miles on her 2019 Subaru photographing Wyoming from its rarely-traveled backroads. Now homebound with terminal cancer, she can only take photos from her backyard. Her adopted home of Thermopolis has rallied to make her final days special.

Jackie DorothyJune 29, 2025

In 1887, the wild man of Chugwater, dubbed Bud by the locals, roamed around Chugwater Valley, as it was known then, and alluded capture by cowboys and circus men.

Wyoming History: Chugwater Wild Man Was 7-12 Feet Tall And Faster Than A Horse

Newspapers reported the Wild Man of Chugwater was between 7 and 12 feet tall, covered in dark hair and could run faster than any horse. He even eluded a hunt in 1887 by a circus owner who wanted to put him in a cage for his freak show.

Jackie DorothyJune 28, 2025

With their long legs, large eyes and large mandibles, westsalts tiger beetles are the apex predators of the important invertebrate ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park's thermal basins.

Full Of Grizzlies, Wolves And Cougars, Yellowstone’s Top Apex Predator Is A Bug

Yellowstone National Park is full of grizzlies, wolves and elusive mountain lions. But the apex predators of the park might be those tiny tiger beetles that thrive around thermal pools — and hunt and kill everything else.

Andrew RossiJune 28, 2025

Bryan Price and his family fell in love with the Casper area and all that it has to offer.

Army Vet Paralyzed By Iraq Blast Gets A New Life — And House — In Casper

U.S. Army veteran Bryan Price was paralyzed by an IED blast in Iraq in 2006. He found a new life as an international athlete training in Casper, representing the U.S. in two Paralympic Games. Now he and his family are getting a new accessible house.

Dale KillingbeckJune 28, 2025