Wyoming Life | Cowboy State Daily

These two art pieces from the University of Wyoming Art Museum and Colorado State University’s Gregory Allicar Museum of Art (GAMA) are part of a friendly Border War rivalry between the two schools in the form of an art loan. Left is Roxanne Swentzell’s “Mask Maker” from GAMA, and right is Beth Van Hoesen’s “Pale Horse” at the UW Art Museum.

University of Wyoming, CSU Museums Wager Art On Border War Football Game

The art museums at University of Wyoming and Colorado State University are betting on the outcome of Friday’s Border War football game. The winner gets to display artwork from the loser’s museum through the end of the school year.

Justin GeorgeNovember 15, 2024

A supermoon hovers low to the horizon with Devils Tower in the foreground in this file photo.

Last Of Rare 4 Straight Supermoons In 2024 To Hover Over Wyoming

Friday night's beaver moon will be the last of four consecutive supermoons to loom over Wyoming in 2024. There won't be another for nearly a year, so see it while it's still bigger and brighter.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2024

No More Funky, Worn-Out Mattresses Allowed In The Rock Springs Landfill

The trashman in Rock Springs, Wyoming, won’t pick up old, worn-out and funkified mattresses anymore, and the local landfill won’t take them. People now have to drop them off for recycling.

Andrew RossiNovember 13, 2024

The intersection of 13th Street and McKinley now has one less house for drivers to hit. Now there's a vacant lot to the right where a house had been that was hit several times with vehicles.

Casper House That Kept Getting Hit By Cars Is Gone

A Casper, Wyoming, house at a T-intersection that kept getting hit by vehicles is gone. Now errant drivers will have to drive through the lot and into the back yard when they misjudge the road.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 13, 2024

Luke Talich of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana.

Wyoming Walk-On Scores On Pick-Six For No. 8-Ranked Notre Dame Football

A former Wyoming high school standout football player made national highlight reels Saturday. Cody’s Luke Talich, a walk-on for No. 8-ranked Notre Dame, returned an interception for a touchdown.

Leo WolfsonNovember 12, 2024

By the time he died in 1917, Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody was actually a general.

By The Time He Died, Col. Buffalo Bill Cody Was Actually A General

Wyoming Gov. John Kendrick promoted Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody to the rank of general in 1915. One of the world’s most famous self-promoters, he never hyped up his promotion before he died in 1917.

Andrew RossiNovember 11, 2024

A model of a saber-toothed cat attacking a giant ground sloth the George C. Page Museum. Both of these Ice Age mammals lived in areas with leafy trees and bushes, which didn't grow in the arid climate that existed in northern Wyoming 30,000 years ago.

Ground Sloths And Saber-Toothed Cats Didn't Like Wyoming 30,000 Years Ago

Natural Trap Cave near Lovell is one of the best Ice Age fossil sites in the world, but its lack of saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths tells paleontologists that those Californians never relocated to Wyoming.

Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2024

Gen. John Black Jack Pershing was the commander of the U.S. forces in World War I, and loved a Wyoming girl.

Wyoming History: Gen. “Black Jack” Pershing And The Wyoming Girl He Loved

Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing was one of only two men ever to be named “general of the Armies of the United States” — George Washington was the other. Although he didn't spend much time in Cheyenne, his wife was a native, and his memory is still very much a part of the community.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 10, 2024

"1st Battalion" is a sculpture at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, Wyoming, where hundreds of military veterans are buried.

The No-Longer-Forgotten Veterans Buried In Gillette’s Mount Pisgah Cemetery

There are more than 1,000 veterans buried in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette dating back to the Civil and Spanish American wars. But many of them have become forgotten. Two local historians are unearthing and sharing their stories.

Jackie DorothyNovember 10, 2024

Pilots Sam Sutton, from left, Cory May, Alton Lusk and Mark Jay provided hurricane relief for 12 straight days in western North Carolina last month.

Wyoming Man Donated Black Hawk Chopper, Staff To Help With Hurricane Helene Disaster

Wheatland resident Charles Hoskinson donated his Black Hawk helicopter and four pilots to provide relief and resources to people in North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. He said they met no other volunteer crew that had traveled as far away as Wyoming to help.

Leo WolfsonNovember 10, 2024

Kathy Sorensen is a self-proclaimed advocate for all the things people hate. She nearly always has her camera ready to catch the bugs, reptiles and pests in action and will adopt the ones in need.

Wyoming’s Critter Lady Loves All Those Creepy-Crawlies Others Hate

If it creeps, crawls or grosses you out, chances are Kathy Sorensen — aka Wyoming's critter lady — loves it. She's a self-proclaimed advocate for all the things other people hate, and does photo shoots with them.

Jackie DorothyNovember 10, 2024

Tom Skinner's Hole in the Wall Saloon in Thermopolis in 1908. The infamous outlaw gang wouldhang out there.

He Cowboyed With Outlaws Before Chasing Them As Bighorn Basin’s First Sheriff

Virgil Rice tracked horse thieves and had epic shootouts with notorious outlaws as the Bighorn Basin’s first sheriff. Before that, though, he cowboyed with future members of the Hole in the Wall Gang.

Jackie DorothyNovember 09, 2024

Glenrock’s Deer Creek Museum offers a small display on the Dr. Gene Lam who was a Glenrock native and POW during the Korean War.

Gene Lam: The Wyoming Doctor Who Trained Troops How To Survive POW Camps

Gene Lam was born in Douglas and grew up in Glenrock before being drafted in the U.S. Army and becoming a doctor in the Korean War. He spent three years in a Chinese POW camp, then for 15 years trained troops how to survive capture by the enemy.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 09, 2024

Jim Hicks, 89, has been in the Wyoming newspaper business for 60 years. He continues to write satire as “Sagebrush Sven” in the Buffalo Bulletin, the newspaper he once owned and now published by his son, a third-generation Wyoming newspaperman. Sagebrush Sven began as a non-humor column… until it was taken over by Jim Hicks who used the opportunity to share humorous observations from around his small town of Buffal. His wife, Mary Hicks, illustrated many of his columns.

Jim Hicks — And His Alter-Ego Sagebrush Sven — Have Made Wyoming Laugh For 60 Years

After 60 years as a Wyoming newspaperman, Jim Hicks is still writing his weekly humor column for the Buffalo Bulletin. He and his alter-ego Sagebrush Sven continue lampooning Buffalo, the Cowboy State and himself.

Jackie DorothyNovember 09, 2024

Benton was mostly a tent city that proved to live up to is rowdy and reckless reputation.

Wyoming History: In 1868, Benton Was So Violent Murder Was An Everyday Occurence

As the Union Pacific built its railroad across the West, one of its track-end towns became infamous for being a violent, lawless outpost. That was Benton, Wyoming, located in present-day Carbon County. Back in 1868, murder was part of daily life.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 09, 2024

Even more than a decade after coming across a creepy abandoned complex in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming's Red Desert, Kenneth Driese says he's still creeped out by the almost horror movie-like vibes it exudes.

Creepy Abandoned Complex In Wyoming’s Red Desert Could Be Out Of A Horror Movie

Wyoming photographer Ken Driese has come across a lot of abandoned places in his treks across the Red Desert. But one place left him spooked. He stayed just long enough to get photos and then "got the hell out of there."

Andrew RossiNovember 09, 2024

A camera crew captures scenes for the “Yellowstone” spinoff series “The Madison” in downtown Ennis, Montana, on Oct. 22. The one-man Ennis Police Department reported, “While some people were excited, others were less enthusiastic about the disruption. Paramount Networks applied for and obtained all the necessary permits for filming, including permission for road closures.”

“Yellowstone” Fatigue Sets In For Montanans Living With Filming For Spinoffs

With the final episodes of the huge TV hit series “Yellowstone” beginning Sunday, expansion of the modern Western series is already underway. Filming has begun in Ennis, Mont., on new spinoff “The Madison,” but locals are getting “Yellowstone” fatigue.

David MadisonNovember 09, 2024

ESPN sportscaster Kirk Herbstreit and his dog Ben look on before the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Why People Are So Saddened By The Death Of Ben, Kirk Herbstreit's Golden Retriever

Cheyenne Animal Shelter CEO Britney Tennant says the nation's collective sadness over the death of Ben, the beloved Golden retriever of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, stems from the shared closeness people have with their dogs.

Justin GeorgeNovember 07, 2024

A woman displays a sign calling for the gas chamber at the Green River Animal Shelter be shut down during a rally against animal cruelty, left. At right is the gas chamber used by the animal shelter in Evanston, Wyoming. The gas chambers in Green River and Evanston represent the last gas chambers still used in the United States to euthanize animals.

Wyoming Has The Country’s Only Known Animal Shelter Gas Chambers

After Missouri shut its only animal shelter gas chamber to euthanize unwanted pets, Wyoming is the only state left that uses it. It has two, in Green River and Evanston.

Mark HeinzNovember 06, 2024

The Orionid meteor shower is one of four that will be visible over Wyoming throughout November.

Wyoming's Night Skies Will Be "Bombarded" With Four November Meteor Showers

Four meteor showers are all active or reaching their peaks during the month of November. That means Wyoming’s night skies will be “bombarded” with meteors and fireballs for the entire month.

Andrew RossiNovember 05, 2024

The late October snowstorm in Casper created mayhem with tree branches in the city. The cottonwood outside the Belcher’s house in central Casper lost a huge branch along with other branches.

After Storm Tears Off Chunk Of 100-Year-Old Tree, Casper Neighbors Rally To Help

Last week’s storm not only dumped 5-6 inches of wet, heavy snow across Casper, it tore a huge chuck off a 100-year-old cottonwood that fell into the street. That’s when neighbors rallied to help each other.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 05, 2024

Cloud Of Cold To Envelop Wyoming, Plunge Temperatures Into Single Digits

A winter weather system enveloping Wyoming won't cover the Cowboy State with a lot of snow. But overnight temperatures could plunge into the single digits overnight Tuesday and Wednesday.

Andrew RossiNovember 05, 2024

Doc Middleton with one of his horse before the start of a 1,000-mile race from Chadron, Nebraska, to Chicago sponsored by Buffalo Bill Cody in 1893.

Wyoming History: How Doc Middleton Became A Notorious Outlaw Celebrity

Park Cemetery in Douglas contains the remains of Doc Middleton, a true notorious Western outlaw. Although he stole horses, rustled cattle and killed men, he became an outlaw celebrity.

Dale KillingbeckNovember 03, 2024

Cathy Blanchard, left, and Deb White of Cody, Wyoming, hold the Wyoming flag at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa on Oct. 16, 2024.

Cody Women Make It To The Top Of 19,341-Foot Mount Kilimanjaro

Cathy Blanchard and Deb White of Cody, Wyoming, have returned from a successful a nine-day trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. “You learn a lot about yourself,” Blanchard said about making it to the 19,341-foot peak of Africa’s tallest mountain.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 03, 2024

Tasha and Sam Anderson with their baby daughter Jamesyn.

'Can't Even Imagine Life Without Her': Lander Baby Survives 27 Surgeries

A doctor urged Tasha Anderson to get an abortion when she was pregnant with Jamesyn, whose heart is on the wrong side of her body. Now 18 months and 27 surgeries later, Anderson and her husband Sam say they "can't even imagine life without her."

Clair McFarlandNovember 03, 2024

Deputy Clark said they posted this photo of Williams Road to highlight the fall colors.

Find The Sheriff In Niobrara County -- A ‘Where’s Waldo’ Activity To Connect With Residents

In Niobrara County, locals are invited to guess where local deputies are every Friday. The department posts a photo of a Sheriff’s Office vehicle somewhere in the rural county and people somehow figure out where the deputy is.

Jackie DorothyNovember 03, 2024

Sundance Wick grew up in Gillette and played basketball for Campbell County High School. Now he has his "dream job" as the first Wyoming-born head men's basketball coach for the University of Wyoming in 50 years.

Sundance Wicks Is First Wyoming-Born UW Men’s Basketball Coach In 50 Years

Gillette native Sundance Wicks is the first Wyoming native to be the head coach of the University of Wyoming men's basketball team in 50 years. The Wicks era officially begins Monday when the Cowboys host Concordia University-St. Paul at 7:30 p.m.

Leo WolfsonNovember 02, 2024

Bud Daley was a Major League pitcher who played for three teams from 1955-1964. His last three years was as a pitcher for the New York Yankees, winning two World Series Championships.

Remembering Bud Daley, Yankees World Series Champ Who Called Wyoming Home For 49 Years

Bud Daley, a Fremont County resident for 49 years, overcame a withered arm disability and went on to pitch the final game of the Yankees' 1961 World Series win. A steady family man, Daley, 92, died last month in Riverton.

Clair McFarlandNovember 02, 2024

Deal To Move Dodgers From Brooklyn To LA Was Signed During Wyoming Antelope Hunt

The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high off its World Series win over the Yankees this week. But the storied franchise has a secret Wyoming connection. The deal to move the Dodgers from Brooklyn to L.A. was signed during a Wyoming antelope hunt.

Renée JeanNovember 02, 2024

The first block of Gillette Avenue is haunted, some say — every building.

Haunted Wyoming: Gillette Avenue May Be The Most Haunted Street In Wyoming

There are those who insist the ghosts come out after dark in downtown Gillette. From First to Second streets, “The entire first block of Gillette Avenue is haunted."

Jackie DorothyOctober 30, 2024

Marty Perez had an unsettling experience the first year he did a paranormal investigation of this hallway at the CFD Museum of the West. The hallway was quiet this time.

Haunted Wyoming: Even Skeptics Admit Strange Things Happen At CFD Museum

Flying hats, explosive glass and dolls that just won’t leave the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum in Cheyenne. These are just a few of the strange things even skeptics admit they can’t quite explain.

Renée JeanOctober 30, 2024

Haunted Wyoming: Kane’s Blue Lady Searches Cemetery For The Children She Murdered

The town of Kane, Wyoming, has been abandoned since the 1960s, but it still has at least one restless spirit. Local folklore says the ghost of Matilda Waters haunts the cemetery, appearing as a blue lady looking for the children she murdered.

Wendy CorrOctober 30, 2024

The wet snow that fell overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday was too much for some tree branches around Gillette.

Wyoming Storm Dumps Wet, Heavy Snow, Sets Moisture Records

A winter weather system that moved across Wyoming through Wednesday dumped a lot of wet, heavy snow across much of Wyoming. In Wright, 13 inches fell, while Casper and Worland set moisture records.

Andrew RossiOctober 30, 2024

Lukis Hill points out on Google Maps the location where he and his dad tried to pick up a Chinese woman who looked like she needed help. She screamed at them instead, and disappeared before their eyes.

Haunted Wyoming: Ghost Of China Mary Haunts Evanston Road Named For Her

The ghost of China Mary still haunts the road named after her in Evanston, Wyoming. But talking about her has been a taboo subject, and not many people know the real history behind Ah Yuen, who became known as China Mary.

Renée JeanOctober 30, 2024

Young cowboy Levi Logan wanted his horse, Snip, to join him for Halloween trick or treating so the duo will be galloping from house to house as the Headless Horseman.

Like A True Woming Cowboy, 10-Year-Old Plans To Trick-Or-Treat On Horseback

When 10-year-old Levi Logan chose his Halloween costume, he wanted one that included his best friend — his horse, Snip. So Levi and Snip will trick-or-treat around Thermopolis, Wyoming, as the Headless Horseman.

Jackie DorothyOctober 30, 2024

These giant skeletons in front of a house on 9th Street don't seem to mind the snow falling in Casper on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Wyoming Weather: Expect Halloween To Be Bone-Chilling And Breezy

The forecast for Halloween isn't too scary, although temperatures after sunset will be in the 20s and 30s once trick-or-treating starts. There also will be mild breezes and a low chance of witch-melting precipitation.

Andrew RossiOctober 29, 2024

The Laramie Plains Civic Center is seen from an aerial perspective in October 2024.

Haunted Wyoming: Laramie Plains Civic Center Is Old, Huge And Haunted (Maybe)

Built in the 1870s, the Laramie Plains Civic Center is one of Wyoming’s oldest buildings, and it exudes energy. Whether the huge 167,000-square-foot former school is haunted is a matter of belief. Some say definitely yes, others aren’t convinced.

Mark Heinz & Reilly StrandOctober 29, 2024

Daniel Cantone is a super fan of the blockbuster movie "The Hunt for Red October." He now owns the Red October, the title Soviet attack submarine featured in the movie — at least an 11-foot model used to make the film. He's pictured here with his son, Thomas.

Powell Man Buys Model Submarine Used In The Hunt For Red October

A Powell man got into a bidding war in an online auction but was ultimately successful in purchasing the 11-foot model of the Red October used in the 1990 blockbuster movie “The Hunt For Red October." He also purchased a model of the Soviet submarine and another prop used in the movie.

Andrew RossiOctober 28, 2024

Traffic drives through a Wyoming snowstorm on Interstate 80.

Blast Of Winter Will Dump Several Inches Of Snow Across Parts Of Wyoming This Week

The latest weather system will diagonally slice from southwest to northeast Wyoming beginning Monday night. The blast of winter weather will dump several inches of snow across parts of the state this week.

Andrew RossiOctober 28, 2024

First-year University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel.

UW Football Coach Sawvel Reprimanded For Calling Referees Horsesh*t

University of Wyoming football coach Jay Sawvel was reprimanded Sunday after calling the referees officiating UW games this season horsesh*t. He also called his coaching horsesh*t in describing his 1 - 7 start.

Leo WolfsonOctober 28, 2024

The Sweetwater County Library in Wyoming was built in 1979 on the site of a former cemetery. It was discovered during construction that not all the graves were reinterred up the hill at the new cemetery. Many of the library staff and patrons have witnessed unexplained occurrences that they believe are related to the disturbed graves of Green River’s former residents.

Haunted Wyoming: Sweetwater County Library Built On Pioneer Graves And Were Not Moved

If it sounds like the movie Poltergeist, there are similarities. The Sweetwater County Library was built on an old cemetery and the graves were supposed to have been moved. But not all of them were.

Jackie DorothyOctober 27, 2024

Ten Sleep Hill Climb cu David Francis mustang 10 27 24

Wyoming Rewind: Ten Sleep Hill Climb Was 100 MPH Of 2-Lane Road With No Guardrails

For 20 years, the Ten Sleep Hill Climb drew thousands of people to watch driver race up old Highway 16. It was a steep, dangerous race at more than 100 mph on a winding, two-lane road with no guardrails.

Jackie DorothyOctober 27, 2024

The final flight of the Yankee Lady over her home airport before the B-17's final cross-country flight, including over Wyoming.

Famous Yankee Lady B-17 Bomber Makes Final Flight Over Wyoming

The Yankee Lady, a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress, made her final flight across the West and Wyoming this past week. It was emotional for fans of the famous bomber, which was featured in the movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!”

Jackie DorothyOctober 27, 2024

Greg and Tammy Poley of Cody are selling this historic cabin on their property that may have once been part of Marquette, aka "Wyoming Atlantis," which now is submerged under Buffalo Bill Reservoir.

Cody Couple Selling Historic Cabin Thought To Be Part Of "Wyoming Atlantis"

The couple was told the small, historic cabin on their Cody property came from Marquette, aka "Wyoming Atlantis,” a town submerged under Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The couple will only sell it to someone who respects the cabin’s history.

Andrew RossiOctober 27, 2024

Haunted Wyoming: White Devil, The Spectral Horse That Protects Wild Mustangs

The White Devil was a ghostly white stallion in the 1800s who protected his herds of wild mustangs against the cowboys who attempted to rope them. It's said that this spectral horse still roams the Rattlesnake Range above Casper, Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyOctober 27, 2024

Fort Fetterman State Historic Site composite getty 10 26 24

Haunted Wyoming: Soldier Was Ambushed And Buried In 1866, Then He Returned To Fort

Known as “Dead Duck,” a Wyoming Territory soldier was killed in an ambush by Indians during the Fetterman Fight in 1866, and buried. At least that's what he was told when he returned to the fort.

Jackie DorothyOctober 26, 2024

The Hole in the Wall Gang used dynamite to crack open a safe during a brazen train robbery, destroying the rail car it was in as well. In chasing down the robbers, Converse County Sheriff Josiah Hazen was shot and killed.

Wyoming History: Beloved Sheriff Gunned Down By Hole In The Wall Gang In 1899

Converse County Sheriff Josiah Hazen became a notch on the belt for a member of the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang in 1899. He was gunned down after tracking them following a train robbery.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

Retired Natrona County High School chemistry teacher Frank Stofflet, 88, has resided in Casper since 1964. He enjoys what the city has to offer in his retirement, including community classes at Casper College, bike trails and the Wyoming Symphony.

No State Income Tax, Low Cost Of Living Vault Casper Into Top 10 Retirement Cities

A national financial study ranks Casper in the top 10 best communities for retirement. They cite a low cost of living, access to health care and no state income tax.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

After it was dug up near Shell, Wyoming, in the early 1990s, Ardetosaurus viator, a 74-foot-long dinosaur, survived a fire at a German museum before finally being revealed as a new species.

74-Foot-Long Wyoming Dino Burned In A Fire Revealed As A New Species

The newest Wyoming dinosaur, an Ardetosaurus viator which was discovered near Shell, had to cross an ocean and go through a fire before being recognized as a new species. Luckily, after 147 million years, its time has come.

Andrew RossiOctober 26, 2024

The Historic Greybull Hotel is in downtown Greybull, Wyoming. It was built in 1916 during the town’s oil boom and is a reminder of the past.

Haunted Wyoming: Ghosts Still Have Prohibition Liquor Parties At Greybull Hotel

The historic Greybull Hotel was owned by a rum runner during Prohibition who had a hidden speakeasy in the basement where he served up illegal scotch. Seems the good times never stopped for the ghosts that still hold Prohibition liquor parties there.

Jackie DorothyOctober 26, 2024

After cattler were found dead and mysteriously mutilated on a ranch near St. Louis, Missouri, this illustrated panel was drawn to depict the discovery.

Cattle Mutilations Across Wyoming And The West In 1970s Still A Mystery

Cattle mutilations made headlines around Wyoming and the West in the mid-1970s. One former law officer recalls the ridicule investigators took while seeking answers for the gruesome discoveries, which are still a mystery.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 26, 2024

The coffee group that meets weekly at the Chandelle Events Center west of Riverton isn’t all bluster. They’ve welcomed TV crews, politicians, and even women.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Riverton’s Chandelle Group Talks, And Argues, Politics

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches around the state to hear their top concerns before the election. Riverton's Chandelle Group has been meeting for years. They allow women to join, but tame the jokes when one does.

Clair McFarlandOctober 26, 2024

How Rock Springs Almost Collapsed Into Abandoned Coal Mines Underneath It

Rock Springs, Wyoming, was built on top of dozens of coal mine tunnels that fueled Union Pacific’s Westward rail expansion. For decades after the mines closed, the town almost collapsed into the abandoned mines it was built on.

Reilly StrandOctober 26, 2024

There's another month until Thanksgiving, but a Nevada rancher is giving thanks after totaling a wild Wyoming turkey near Devils Tower. That’s because the bird that got stuck in his grill didn’t cause any serious damage.

Nevada Rancher Totals Wild Turkey With Toyota Near Devils Tower

There's another month until Thanksgiving, but a Nevada rancher is giving thanks after totaling a wild Wyoming turkey near Devils Tower. His truck didn’t suffer any serious damage. The same can't be said for the turkey.

Andrew RossiOctober 25, 2024

Jeff McKearney, left, was a senior pastor at Cody Bible Church. Steven Werbelow, right, was a well-known taxidermist in hunter from Powell.

Park County Saddened By Deaths Of Well-Known Pastor, “Living Legend” Taxidermist

The deaths of two well-known Park County residents has saddened the communities of Cody and Powell. Cody Bible Church Pastor Jeff McKearney and Steven Werbelow of Powell, a “living legend” in the taxidermy industry, were found dead Wednesday in an RV.

Leo WolfsonOctober 25, 2024

A long-running coffee group in Lander is known as the Fox News All-Stars. Around the table from front clockwise they are: Joe Kenney, Stan Cannon, Del McOmie, Bill Sniffin, Tony McRae, Tom Cox, Dean McKee and Charlie Krebs.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Lander’s Fox News All-Stars Lean Right — But Not All The Time

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches across Wyoming before the election to see what topics are being discussed. The Fox News All-Stars, in Lander, is one of the state's oldest groups. Politics dominates the conversation, mostly leaning right — but not all the time.

Bill SniffinOctober 24, 2024

This huge Quarter Pounder was installed at a McDonald's in Rapid City, South Dakota, in February 2020. It was created by Utah artist Raymond Gibby.

Wyoming-Made Pedestal Holds Up Mammoth 11.50-Ton Quarter Pounder

A mammoth 11.5-ton Quarter Pounder outside a South Dakota McDonald’s was made by a Utah sculptor and is a selfie magnet. It’s held up by a huge Wyoming-made granite pedestal, and both artists say it’s the weirdest project they’ve ever done.

Andrew RossiOctober 23, 2024

Father and son hunters Jason and Ben Koperski, right, saved Phil Bollinger after he became stuck under his motorcycle in a culvert.

Man Stuck Under Crashed Motorcycle Near Encampment Saved By Hunters

Two hunters saved a man's life last week near Encampment when they spotted the tip of a cowboy boot being waved from a culvert. It was a motorcyclist who had crashed and was trapped under his bike. "I’m alive to talk about it today because they stopped," he said.

Andrew RossiOctober 22, 2024

The auroras over Wyoming this year have been stunning and plentiful. And Pinedale photographer Dave Bell loves it. He said there's not aurora overload for him.

Astrophotographers, Climatologists Say 2024 Best Year Ever For Auroras And Best Is Yet To Come

Although it's been a bumper year for aurora activity, astrophotographers and climatologists aren't bored with the activity. Anything but. They still get thrilled by the northern lights and say the best is yet to come.

Andrew RossiOctober 22, 2024

After a cold front moved through much of Wyoming near the end of last week, meteorologist Don Day says to expect "roller coaster" weather for the rest of October, and a chilly Halloween. It was near 70 in Cheyenne on Monday, and people were out enjoying the sun at Sloan Lake.

Don Day Says Expect A “Roller Coaster” Of Weather, And A Chilly Halloween

Meteorologist Don Day says that after last week's blast of winter weather, Wyoming can expect a “roller coaster rebound” of weather for the rest of October. And a cold Halloween will likely mean kids will have to bundle up for trick-or-treating.

Andrew RossiOctober 21, 2024

Extra tables had to be pulled from storage to expand the eating area at the Let it Rain Concert in Parkman, even as smoke from the nearby Elk Fire continues to linger in the air.

Parkman Bar Holds ‘Let It Rain’ Concert To Say 'Thank You' To Firefighters

Around 500 people showed up for the Parkman Bar and Grill’s “Let it Rain” concert Saturday to say thank you from the community to the firefighters battling the Elk Fire. Cars lined the highway for a couple of miles before and after the bar but attendees said it was worth the walk.

Renée JeanOctober 21, 2024

Spirit Cave Went From National Attraction To An Abandoned Hole In A Mountain

Buffalo Bill Cody wanted Spirit Mountain Cave to be a huge draw for Wyoming, and President Taft made it a national monument. But the labyrinth of caverns never reached its potential and now is just an abandoned hole in a mountain.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2024

A dead pack rat dubbed Packy Le Pew found in Wyoming's Natural Trap Cave in 2015, a year after the rodent corpse was discovered.

Scientists Learn A Lot Watching A Pack Rat Rot In Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave

When paleontologists uncovering Ice Age fossils in Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave found the remains of a modern pack rat, they didn’t throw it away. Instead, they gave it a name "Packy Le Pew,” and studied it as it decomposed.

Andrew RossiOctober 20, 2024

The ghost town of Kirwin, Wyoming, is about 40 miles southwest of Meeteetse.

Haunted Wyoming: Kirwin Is A Ghost Town Haunted By Real Spirits

A fortune was spent building the mining boom town of Kirwin, Wyoming, only for the people living there to abandon it, terrified by ghostly voices. They didn’t even bother to pack their tools and other belongings, they just left.

Jackie DorothyOctober 20, 2024

Lander pilot and Vietnam veteran Andy Gramlich spent the past few years uncovering a revelation about his late father, a World War II glider pilot. He characterizes it as an “emotional game changer.”

Lander Vietnam Vet On Mission To Uncover Dad’s Heroic WWII Past

Lander Vietnam veteran Andy Gramlich knew his dad as an angry man who drank. It wasn’t until decades after the fact he found out about his heroic past as a World War II glider pilot. The revelation was an “emotional game-changer," he says.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 20, 2024

Conversation at the Tuesday coffee confab in Casper can range from oil and gas news, the latest headlines, to observations and experiences in the community from the past week.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Casper Old Guys Solve World’s Problems Over Coffee, And A Little Liquor

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches across Wyoming to see what issues are front and center before the election. In Casper, the "Old Guy's Club" meets on Tuesdays at 10am. Coffee is the main drink, although some spice it up a bit with booze.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 20, 2024

The Texas Fire Relief effort has helped Wyoming ranchers impacted by a number of huge and devastating wildfires this season.

Thank you Texas! Texas Ranchers Hauling Hay To Wyoming

When wildfires devastated ranches in Texas in 2022, Wyomingites were quick to haul trucks of hay for livestock there. Now ranchers there are returning the favor after fires have burned more than 810,000 acres across Wyoming.

Renée JeanOctober 20, 2024

Kevin Campbell speaks during the “Coffee with the Cowboys”. The 2024 Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees shared stories of the cowboy life and answered questions from the moderator, Jim Nelson.

Hall-Of-Fame: It Takes Special Kind Of Tough To Be Wyoming Cowboy

Wyoming’s cowboys have endured the worst the state can throw at them — weather, horse wrecks and lost cattle. It takes a special kind of tough, and Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees say there’s nothing they’d rather do

Jackie DorothyOctober 20, 2024

Paleontologists examine the Allosaurus snout in the fossil preparation lab at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Perfectly Preserved Wyoming Allosaur Snout Excites Dinosaur Researchers

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is all smiles after recovering an Allosaurus snout from the Jurassic Mile near Lovell, Wyoming. What has them most excited is its 150-million-year-old perfectly preserved teeth.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

It was more than 70 years ago that a young hunter who was lost on Trapper Creek in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains was met out of a fog by a teen in a red flannel shirt, who pointed him to safety. The hunter later learned a teen had died in the area 19 years before and others had similar stories of being led to safety by a boy in a red flannel shirt.

Haunted Wyoming: Lost Hunter Saved By Ghost Boy In Bighorn Mountains

A 17-year-old hunter lost on Trapper Creek in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains in 1951 found his way thanks to a boy in a red flannel shirt. Locals say he was saved by the ghost of another 17-year-old who died on his own hunting trip 19 years before.

Jackie DorothyOctober 19, 2024

Glenn Storrs stands in front of a Triceratops skull in the fossil prep lab at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Fossils of unknown horned dinosaurs have been found by his students doing fieldwork in the Almond Formation in southwest Wyoming and could potentially belong to new species.

Cincinnati Museum Searching For Dinosaurs In Little-Known Almond Formation In SW Wyoming

The Cincinnati Museum Center has spent several summers combing through the Almond Formation in southwest Wyoming. Tiny pieces of dinosaurs are being found in an overlooked and untapped formation from 71 million years ago.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

Veterinarian Ray Acker with Sheldon, a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise, after he rescued the fugitive tortoise and drove him a mile back to his home in Wapiti.

Wapiti Tortoise Escapes, Makes It A Mile Uphill Before Jailbreak Is Discovered

Sheldon, a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise, escaped his outdoor habitat in Wapiti, Wyoming. He trudged a mile uphill into the mountains before his jailbreak was discovered and he was brought home.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

Aaila Gertler, 5 months, is one of a handful of Wyoming babies left in the Good Housekeeping Baby of the Year contest.

Wyoming Babies In The Running To Be Baby Of The Year, Featured In Good Housekeeping

Little Aaila Gurtler is 5 months old, has five siblings and loves to make gurgling monster noises. She’s also in the running to represent Wyoming as the next Baby of the Year to be featured in Good Housekeeping.

Jackie DorothyOctober 18, 2024

A new “Welcome to Wyoming” sign is being installed along highways around the state. The new signs are bold, colorful and designed to look like a post card — perfect for photos and selfies.

New “Welcome to Wyoming” Signs Going Up; Old Signs Will Be Sold At Auction

A new “Welcome to Wyoming” sign is being installed along highways around the state. The old signs will be sold at an upcoming auction and, in the past, have sold for as high as $10,000 per sign.

Andrew RossiOctober 17, 2024

Snow is falling on the Pack Trail Fire and Togwotee Pass on Highway 26 west of Dubois in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Winter Storm Expected To Bring Snow To Most Of Wyoming By The Weekend

A winter storm moving across Wyoming is already dropping snow on the massive Pack Trail and Elk fires in northern Wyoming. By the time it’s done, most of Wyoming is expected to see some snow.

Andrew RossiOctober 17, 2024

A crew of firefighters working the Pack Trail Fire in northwest Wyoming.

Winter Finally Coming, With Desperately Needed Snow For Huge Wyoming Wildfires

A wave of winter weather will finally hit Wyoming to close out the week. It will bring some desperately needed snow to help the 1,500 firefighters battling the huge Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Andrew RossiOctober 14, 2024

The maze entrance at the Green Acres Corn Maze in Casper. Fertilizer and lots of water from the Casper Alcova Irrigation District are needed to get the corn to the desired height each year.

Trying Not To Get Lost In An Elaborate Corn Maze A Wyoming Fall Rite Of Passage

Those who operate Wyoming’s elaborate corn mazes say their goal isn’t to get people lost, but it’s inevitable. It’s a fall rite of passage that celebrates Wyoming harvest with food, fun and pummeling Trump and Kamala with apples.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 14, 2024

Fate magazine in 1948 published a story about the Wyoming Death Ship that was seen at least three times on the North Platte River in Wyoming as far back as 1862.

Haunted Wyoming: The Ghost Ship Of The North Platte

One of the more intriguing ghost stories in Wyoming is a ghost ship that appeared infrequently on the North Platte River in in 1862, 1887 and 1903. Each time it was spotted, it brought death with it for the people who saw it.

Jackie DorothyOctober 13, 2024

Pilots from all over, including Wyoming, would test their skills and nerves as Alaska Bush pilots in the early part of the 20th century.

Wyoming History: The Daring 1920s Flyers From Lusk Who Became Famous Alaska Bush Pilots

Two men working as mechanics in Lusk in the 1920s went to Alaska in search of adventure. Their exploits as Alaska Bush pilots brought them fame and, unfortunately, lots of crashes. Natives who had never seen planes before called them "flying ghosts."

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight veterans received a sendoff from Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix at Denver International Airport.

Wyoming Vietnam Vets Get Emotional Welcome Home “55 Years Late In Coming”

A group of 13 Wyoming Vietnam-era veterans had an emotional homecoming during an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was the opposite of what some got when they returned from the war. It was deeply felt, even “55 years late in coming.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

Haunted Wyoming: Chugwater Restaurant Serves People Decades After Burning Down

Caught in a blizzard, three people sought shelter at a restaurant off the interstate in Chugwater, Wyoming. They ate steak waiting out the storm, only to learn later the restaurant burned down decades ago — and their waitresses died in the fire.

Jackie DorothyOctober 13, 2024

Left, Leslie Lynch King, Gerald Ford’s father, in about 1900. Charles Henry King, right, was a pioneer businessman and entrepreneur in Wyoming in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He also was the grandfather of Gerald R. Ford.

Wyoming History: President Ford Came From Wyoming Roots He Never Really Knew

Before he was the 38th president of the United States, Gerald Ford was the grandson of a Wyoming business tycoon. But he never really knew him, or his father, who was spoiled and abusive.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 13, 2024

The clown room is often cited as one of the scariest rooms to survive at the Shoshoni Haunted House, especially when a ghoul peeks around the corner, or is it “just” the Book Witch?

Inside Shoshoni's Haunted House: It Takes A Year To Build And Is Straight-Up Scary

The folks in Shoshoni, Wyoming, take Halloween seriously. Any doubt of that will be erased by a visit to its annual haunted house, which takes a year to build and is housed in an abandoned bowling alley which was closed nearly 40 years ago.

Jackie DorothyOctober 12, 2024

The Great Turtle Shield petroglyph that was carved out of the rock face at the Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site in Fremont County in 1940. It was surprisingly and mysteriously donated to the Wyoming State Museum a year later.

How Wyoming Ranchers Rescued A 1,500-Year-Old Petroglyph Vandals Chiseled Out Of Cliff Wall

The Great Turtle Shield, a priceless 1,500-year-old rock carving was chiseled away from Wyoming's Castle Garden Petroglyph Site in 1940. Furious ranchers let it be known if it wasn't found, "legs would be broken." Shortly thereafter, it was anonymously recovered.

Andrew RossiOctober 12, 2024

Bill and Nancy Sniffin made a 12-hour, 493-mile trip to get their Yellowstone National Park visit in this year.

Bill Sniffin Visits Yellowstone For 54th Year In A Row

Cowboy State Daily columnist Bill Sniffin could be Yellowstone National Park's biggest fan. He made his first trip there in October, 1970, and has visited the Park at least once every year for the past 54 years.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 12, 2024

Kassidy Thomas hit a deer on Highway 287 while returning to Laramie as a University of Wyoming student. She was stranded in the dark with a smashed car and no cellphone service.

Hit A Deer, Car Disabled, No Cell Service, Middle Of Nowhere: What Do You Do?

A Laramie woman hit a deer at night on a remote section of Wyoming highway without cellphone service. She was fortunate a good Samaritan happened along, but local officials say you can be prepared.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 12, 2024

4. A cowboy overlooks several head of cattle earlier this month during the Hoback Basin cattle roundup in western Wyoming.

Fall Means Cowboys Are Out Rounding Up Cattle In Western Wyoming

The Hoback Basin Cattle Roundup is a month-long push to gather up 3,000 head of cattle that have been grazing all summer on public lands, separate them by brands and ranch and get them ready for sale. It’s a tradition spanning generations of Wyoming cowboys on horseback.

Joy UffordOctober 12, 2024

Once-In-Humanity Comet Will Look Brighter Than Venus And Mercury On Saturday

Comet Tsuchinshan – ATLAS, aka "the green comet," will make its closest approach to Earth 30 minutes after sunset Saturday. It’ll be brighter than Venus and Mercury over Wyoming, and it could be a once-in-humanity chance to see it.

Andrew RossiOctober 10, 2024

Sun coming up over Skyline Drive in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Cooler Temps Ahead As Autumn Weather Will Finally Arrive On Oct. 18

Cowboy State Daily metereologist Don Day says Oct. 18 is the day when the jet stream will get un-stuck and bring Wyoming much cooler temperatures and maybe even some precipitation.

Andrew RossiOctober 10, 2024

Gap Pucci, Wyoming’s Spaghetti Western Cowboy, Dead At 89

Gap Pucci, a unique spaghetti Western cowboy and hunting guide, lived the Wyoming lifestyle he loved. He died Monday at age 89. He told Cowboy State Daily earlier this year he imagined Heaven as a place “with all the good horses I ever rode.”

Jake NicholsOctober 10, 2024

A glitch in the software of this electronic sign at Alpine Animal Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming, shows it's minus 196 degrees there in January 2024. If true, it would by far be the coldest place ever recorded on the planet.

No More “Wind Chill” In Wyoming’s Winter Weather Warnings, It’s “Extreme Cold”

The National Weather Service is getting rid of “wind chill” in its winter weather warnings, which sounds like good news for windy Wyoming. But it’s not going away, it’s just renaming the index as “extreme cold.”

Andrew RossiOctober 08, 2024

Lesleigh Ann Schaefer has highlighted the roads she has traveled during her 80,000-mile road trip around Wyoming.

80,000 Miles And Thousands Of Photos, She Explores Wyoming For Those Who Can’t

Lesleigh Ann Shaefer of Thermopolis has traveled more than 80,000 miles and taken thousands of photos as she drives around the Cowboy State. She says she explores Wyoming for those who can’t.

Jackie DorothyOctober 06, 2024

The Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park.

Haunted Wyoming: The Headless Bride Of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn

A teen bride murdered and decapitated at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn in 1914 is said to still haunt the historic hotel. People tell of seeing her ghostly apparition walking to the crow’s nest — carrying her own head in her arms.

Jackie DorothyOctober 06, 2024

The windshield of this Chevy Suburban caved in but otherwise withstood the impact of a 20-pound turkey at 70 mph.

What Happens When A 20-Pound Turkey Flies Into A Car Going 70MPH

Clara Maslak and her family were driving from Powell to Cody when a 20-pound turkey flew across the highway and smashed into their Suburban. A windshield repairman said he's never seen that level of devastation caused by a turkey. RIP bird.

Andrew RossiOctober 06, 2024

Old Faithful swimming pool and bath house as it appeared from 1914 through 1933.

For Decades, Visitors Could Swim In Old Faithful Waters For 50 Cents

From 1914 through 1951, the Old Faithful bathhouse and swimming pool was a huge attraction. Visitors could swim in the same geothermal waters erupting from Yellowstone geysers for 50 cents.

Andrew RossiOctober 06, 2024

1,285-Pound Pumpkin Explodes Into Bazillion Pieces After Being Dropped From Crane

Chad Kurtenbach of Lovell won the 2024 Wyoming State Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Saturday with his 1,254-pound pumpkin named Annie Oakley. Then, an even larger pumpkin was dropped from 175 feet and obliterated an 8-foot Wile E. Coyote.

Reilly StrandOctober 06, 2024

Derrick Lacey, Olivia McDaniels and Peter McDaniels show off their hardware in a theater.

Casper Paranormal Investigator Owns Ghostbusters Franchise In Wyoming

There are 165 Ghostbusters franchises in the U.S. including one in Wyoming. Pete McDaniels, a paranormal investigator, owns the Casper franchise and a ghost-busting car he calls "Ecto Interceptor." When he's not investigating ghosts, he does birthday parties and raises funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2024

Wyoming National Guard Maj. Jeremy Anderson returns from a yearlong Middle East deployment.

With Israel, Iran At Brink Of War, More Than 400 Wyoming Troops In Middle East

As missile strikes between Israel and Iran continue to make global headlines, more than 400 Wyoming National Guard soldiers and airmen continue their missions serving in the volatile region.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2024

In 1940, a family digging a root cellar near Badwater Creek in Fremont County, Wyoming, discovered a human skeleton and awakened something that wailed at them from beneath the earth.

Haunted Wyoming: The Wailing Skeleton Of Badwater Creek

In October 1940, the Lichty family discovered a skeleton on their property near the Badwater Creek in Fremont County. Their troubles were only beginning…

Jackie DorothyOctober 05, 2024

The tunnels in the Wind River Canyon's scenic byway.

Yellowstone Highway At 100: Wyoming’s $1 Million Gamble That Paid Off Big

It’s been 100 years since the Yellowstone Highway was blasted through a rugged, unforgiving Wind River Canyon. At $1 million, it was the most expensive stretch of road ever built in the U.S., and a gamble that paid off big for Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyOctober 05, 2024

This 1921 painting “Masset, Q.C.I.,” by renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr is seen in an undated handout reproduction. It’s headed to auction after being recovered from a barn in New York state for $50.

$50 Grizzly Bear Painting Found At Barn Sale Could Sell For $150K Or More

A painting of a wooden grizzly bear atop a totem pole recently bought at a New York barn sale for $50 is now expected to sell for $150,000 or more at auction. Turns out the 1912 painting was created by famous Canadian artist Emily Carr.

Leo WolfsonOctober 05, 2024

October has started like September ended across most of Wyoming — hotter and drier than it's been in decades on average. Wednesday it still felt like summer for people enjoying the sunshine in Cody.

September Was Hottest, Driest In Decades, But Wyoming Can Still Expect A Cold Winter

September was the hottest, driest in decades across much of Wyoming. But Don Day says to still expect a colder, snowier than average winter.

Andrew RossiOctober 02, 2024

Shoshoni High Choir Sings Backup For ’80s Rockers Foreigner In Casper Concert

The newly formed Shoshoni High School choir had an epic gig for its first public performance. The group was on stage Tuesday in Casper, Wyoming, singing backup for 1980s rock band Foreigner on its smash power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

Dale KillingbeckOctober 02, 2024

Ralph and Juana Laub celebrate their Utah record 2,289-pound pumpkin.

Utah Couple Grow Record-Breaking 2,289-Pound Pumpkin From A Wyoming Seed

Ralph and Juana Laub set a new Utah record over the weekend with a giant 2,289-pound pumpkin. The humongous squash was grown from a Wyoming seed provided by Cheyenne’s Andy and Amy Corbin.

Andrew RossiSeptember 30, 2024

A host of people stopped to help Nathan Frederick when his truck caught on fire off I-25 near Casper on Sunday, Spet. 29, 2024. (Video by Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

When Truck Catches Fire Off I-25, Wyomingites Stop To Help

When a DoorDash driver’s truck caught fire just off Interstate 25 just east of Casper on Sunday, he had all kinds of help. Truckers and other motorists were quick to stop to help, even before emergency responders could arrive.

Renée JeanSeptember 30, 2024

Note From The Editor: Cowboy State Daily To Launch Morning Talk Show

Based on the success of Cowboy State Daily’s morning video newscast with Wendy Corr, we are expanding our multimedia offerings to include a morning radio/video talk show which launches Tuesday.

Jimmy OrrSeptember 30, 2024

Dave Stewart owns and operates the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, with wife Jackie. He’s also a musician, writing “God Already Has,” which won Gospel Song of the Year at Friday’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. Here he's posing with the award.

Owner of Buffalo’s Occidental Hotel Wins 2024 Gospel Song Of The Year

Dave Stewart owns and operates the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, with wife Jackie. He’s also a singer/songwriter, co-writing “God Already Has,” which won Gospel Song of the Year at Friday’s International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Renée JeanSeptember 30, 2024

Locals in Dubois, Wyoming, still tell how Butch Cassidy, left, rode into town the winter after his infamous Telluride bank robbery. That’s when the notorious outlaw is said to run into author Owen Wister before either were famous.

Butch Cassidy In Wyoming: Notorious Outlaw Meets Owen Wister Before Either Were Famous

Locals in Dubois, Wyoming, still tell how Butch Cassidy rode into town the winter after his infamous Telluride bank robbery. That’s when the notorious outlaw is said to run into author Owen Wister before either were famous.

Renée JeanSeptember 29, 2024

Nikko Mamallo and a friend perform a maneuver high in the sky in their wingsuits.

Wingsuit Flyers Get Adrenaline Overdose Hitting 120 MPH Jumping From 13,000 Feet

Wingsuit flyers and BASE jumpers get an adrenaline overdose hitting 120 mph jumping off of mountaintops and cliffs. In Wyoming, Squaretop Mountain in Sublette County is the top spot for these daredevils.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 29, 2024

Left, the designer of the Wyoming State Flag, Verna Keays Keys, maintained the bison on the flag should face away from the pole. But prominent sufferagist, UW professor and head of the DAR at the time, Grace Raymond Hebard, right, insisted it face the pole, which became the preferred way to make the flag.

Is The Wyoming Flag Bison Facing The Wrong Way? Creator’s Granddaughter Says Yes

Verna Keays Keyes designed Wyoming's unique state flag, but is the bison facing the wrong way? Her granddaughter says yes, that Keyes originally made it looking away from the pole.

Renée JeanSeptember 29, 2024

Juan Laden of Lander, Wyoming, surveying a cave with a team in Mexico.

Wyoming Caver Has Spent 50 Years Exploring World’s Deepest, Darkest Places

It takes a certain kind of person to not only tolerate being in caves, but love it. Juan Laden of Lander is one, having spent 50 years exploring the world’s deepest, darkest places from Antarctica to Ukraine to New Zealand.

Jackie DorothySeptember 29, 2024

Balloons get ready to launch for the 2024 Gordon Bennett Cup in Munster, Germany.

Wyoming Weather Guru Don Day Helps Team USA At Europe’s Oldest Aviation Race

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day was part of Team USA in the oldest gas balloon race in the world. His job was to read and predict the weather so the balloonists could catch the best wind currents.

Andrew RossiSeptember 29, 2024

Dr. George Harrison, pictured inset standing near the first tee at Rolling Green Country Club in Green River, was for decades the quintessential hometown doctor for Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. He was known for making house calls and refusing payment.

The Kindest Doctor In Wyoming: Remembering Rock Springs' Dr. George Harrison

Dr. George Harrison never turned down anyone, for any reason. Even 35 years after his death, people tear-up remembering his kindness -- mentioning his house calls at any hour, $3 office visits and refusing payment when people couldn't afford it.

Jen KocherSeptember 29, 2024

Kevin Christopherson in his younger days was among the world’s best hang glider pilots for distance.

It’s Been 35 Years Since Casper Man Set 3 World Hang Gliding Distance Records

Casper’s Kevin Christopherson set three world records in 1989 for soaring hang gliders nearly 300 miles from Wyoming to South Dakota. At 63, he still enjoys taking off from Casper Mountain and landing at home.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 28, 2024

Kayden, Janet and Jansen Curry all look for their Jae Boots at the Casper Boot Barn. Kayden is the Kelly Walsh senior class secretary and Jansen Curry said all three are supporters of the McMurry Foundation and the Jae Foundation and came to hear the Jae Foundation presentation. “We didn’t know we were getting boots,” Janen Curry said. “It’s kind of cool.”

Jae Bob Bing’s Legacy: Hope Through Free Cowboy Boots For High School Seniors

High school students in Natrona County and some others around the state are getting free cowboy boots and a conversation about hope from the Jae Foundation. The foundation wants the boots to trigger suicide prevention talks that otherwise may not happen.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 28, 2024

The restored "Nifty Niner" diner on a private ranch near Cody. The diner sits among several pieces of automotive history collected and restored by Ken Quintiliani, a vintage vehicle enthusiast who spends his days repairing and restoring cars and collecting vintage signs.

Classic Cody Diner Had Become A Chicken Coop, Now Restored To Its 1950s Glory

A classic Cody, Wyoming, stainless steel diner spent decades feeding people under many owners and names. Now it’s been restored to its 1950s glory after it was rescued from being someone’s chicken coop.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

The annual Wyoming Pumpkin Drop is Oct. 5, and this year's target isn't a vehicle. It's a giant 8-foot Wile E. Coyote.

This Year’s Wyoming Giant Pumpkin Drop To Obliterate 8-Foot Wile E. Coyote

The highlight of the annual Wyoming State Champion Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is dropping 1,000-pound pumpkins from 200-feet up and watching them explode -- and destroy things like cars, RVs and pianos. At this year’s event on Oct. 5, an 8-foot Wile E. Coyote will be obliterated.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

Abandoned tunnel in the Boysen State Park that the railroad refused to build higher. This resulted in decades of court battles against Asmus Boysen to demolish his dam in the Wind River Canyon. It's now crumbling.

Boysen State Park’s Abandoned Tunnel Is Last Reminder Of Fierce Railroad Fight

A crumbling abandoned tunnel in Boysen State Park is all that’s left of one man's fierce fight with the railroad in the early 1900s. It’s the last reminder a failed gold rush and a showdown with the railroad for ownership of Wyoming’s Wind River Canyon.

Jackie DorothySeptember 28, 2024

Cody Museum Gets One-Of-A-Kind Andy Warhol Custer Portrait

The museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody has acquired a one-of-a-kind portrait of Gen. George Armstrong Custer created by pop artist Andy Warhol. The colorful portrait is a huge get for the Whitney Western Art Museum.

Andrew RossiSeptember 26, 2024

UPS driver Cary Lambert found this suitcase along I-80 near Buford, Wyoming. He took it home and tracked down who lost it, a Colorado kid who got some of his prized possessions back.

UPS Driver Tracks Down Colorado Kid Who Lost Suitcase Along I-80 In Wyoming

When UPS driver Cary Lambert saw a suitcase along I-80 near Buford, Wyoming, on his daily route, he stopped to pick it up. When he saw it was full of a child's belongings including a shirt from an elementary school in Colorado, he was able to get in touch with the child's family and get it back to them.

Andrew RossiSeptember 26, 2024

The McDaniel family from Casper was told they're the first Wyoming family to be on "Family Feud."

The McDaniels From Casper A Rare Wyoming Family On “Family Feud”

The McDaniels from Casper is one of the rare Wyoming families to appear on the popular TV game show “Family Feud” on Wednesday. That they were from central Wyoming seemed to fascinate, and confuse, host Steve Harvey.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 25, 2024

Along the Bighorn River, four miles north of Thermopolis.

Wyoming Simmering In September With Temps 20 Degrees Above Average

Most of Wyoming is flirting with record high temperatures in the 80s and 90s, as much as 20 degrees above average. Meteorologist Don Day says this weekend will be the "peak opportunity" to view fall foliage.

Andrew RossiSeptember 25, 2024

With Utah State also bolting for the Pac-12 Conference, Wyoming is left in the Mountian West with six other schools, which has the conference offering to pay the remaining seven schools to not leave.

Utah State Ditches Mountain West, Leaving UW Athletics In Limbo

The future of University of Wyoming athletics became more uncertain Monday when Utah State University left the Mountain West Conference. Meanwhile, UW has few options.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 24, 2024

The Buffalo on Cedar Mountain overlooking Cody in honor of Buffalo Bill Cody has been shot up and vandalized over the years.

Cody Group To Repair And Restore Beat Up Statue Honoring Buffalo Bill

A buffalo that stands on Cedar Mountain overlooking Cody, Wyoming, honors the town’s famous founder, Buffalo Bill Cody. It’s also in bad shape, having been shot up and vandalized over the years, but a local group is going to restore it.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 24, 2024

Auctioneer Troy Black goads a patron into taking another look (and making another bid) at "The Things We've Handed Down" by David Dibble. The painting sold for $18,000. Angela M. "Gigi" Hawks holding painting.

Here’s The Top-Selling Art From The $1.25 Million Buffalo Bill Art Show And Sale

After two days of live and silent auctions, this past weekend’s Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale brought in at least $1.25 million. Here are the top-dollar pieces that sold for the most.

Andrew RossiSeptember 23, 2024

In 2019, Al Hubbard, right, was still dreaming of pursuing his artwork full-time and it wasn’t until 2023 that a personal tragedy propelled him to concentrate on his art career.

Wyoming’s Al Hubbard Defining New Past-Modern American Indian Art Movement

Wyoming’s Al Hubbard is an Arapaho and Navajo artist who’s defining a new past-modern art movement. His blend of tradition with contemporary life captures the soul of his culture while inspiring Native American youth.

Jackie DorothySeptember 22, 2024

University of Wyoming graduate student Rene Lile examines the wing of a bat during her research into white-nosed syndrome.

Scientists Vaccinating Bats Against Deadly Disease In Fort Laramie & Devils Tower

Scientists are vaccinating bats in Fort Laramie and Devils Tower against diseases which have significantly decreased their numbers in Wyoming. They're working on a vaccine "goo" to put on cave walls so bats will, in effect, vaccinate themselves.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 22, 2024

Sheridan mountaineer Darren Rogers, right, with a sherpa while on an expedition to summit K2 in late July 2024.

Sheridan Mountaineer Trains 2 Years For “Pretty Intense” 30 Minutes Atop K2

Sheridan, Wyoming, mountaineer Darren Rogers planned and trained for more than two years to climb to the top of K2. Once there, he spent a “pretty intense” 30 minutes atop the mountain considered the most dangerous to climb in the world.

Jackie DorothySeptember 22, 2024

Rod Eckhardt retired to Bonneville and drilled a new well because the other well water could light up with a match.

Where In Wyoming? Unincorporated Bonneville Is Peaceful & Quiet, But It Wasn't Always That Way

If you ask the residents of the unincorporated town of Bonneville, Wyoming, why they live there, they'll tell you it's the peace and quiet. The remote community, northeast of Shoshoni, has a rip-roaring wild past but has calmed down over the years.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 22, 2024

Wood Week on Craig Johnson's ranch is a lot of hard work, but it's also fun and lubricated with lots of Rainier Beer (and maybe a touch of something stronger).

“Wood Week” On Author Craig Johnson's Ranch — Hard Work And Lots Of Rainier Beer

Longmire author Craig Johnson makes a celebration of putting up a dozen cords of wood on his Wyoming ranch each fall. It’s called “Wood Week,” and it’s full of hard work and lots of Rainier Beer.

Jackie DorothySeptember 22, 2024

Mental Health Experts Say Stop Saying People “Commit Suicide” — They “Kill Themselves”

Two Natrona County commissioners said they agree with a Wyoming psychologist and other mental health experts who say people should stop saying the phrase “commit suicide.” Instead, they need to be open about it and simply say “kill themselves."

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 22, 2024

A bid comes in for "Red Cliffs" by Blake Neubert. The painting sold for $9,000.

Cody's Buffalo Bill Art Show Sale Hits $1 Million In One Night

The Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody, Wyoming, hit $1 million in sales on Friday night, a first for the 43rd annual event. During Friday’s auction, the two highest-selling pieces each sold for $42,500.

Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2024

The Crossings assisting living resident Marklyn Lynn turned 100 this past spring, so as a late birthday presnent the facility arranged for her to check off her last bucket list item — to go ziplining.

100-Year-Old Woman Celebrates Birthday By Ziplining In Montana Mountains

Douglas resident Chris Lynn went to Red Lodge, Montana, to celebrate his mother’s 100th birthday in April. Last weekend, he received a video showing his mother's belated birthday present: ziplining high above the forest floor outside of Gardiner.

Andrew RossiSeptember 22, 2024

A 405-pound monster dead lift, a personal record for Porshia Birdsley at the Official Strongman Games Southwest Regional.

Meet Porshia Birdsley, The Wyoming “Girlie Girl” Who Deadlifts Over 400 Pounds

Porshia Birdsley describes herself as a “girlie girl” who just qualified to compete in the Official World Strongman Competition in December. She carries a fire hydrant around Thermopolis, Wyoming, to train and deadlifts over 400 pounds.

Jackie DorothySeptember 22, 2024

Plane lands on Interstate 25 on September 21, 2024

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing On I-25, Fixes Plane, Then Takes Off Again

A pilot flying from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Oregon on Saturday morning had a mechanical issue and had to land his plane on Interstate 25 about 23 miles north of Cheyenne. The pilot, also a mechanic, was able to fix the plane and then took off again from the Interstate.

Jimmy OrrSeptember 21, 2024

Wyoming History: Tubb Town, The Rowdiest Town In Wyoming Territory

A few miles east of Newcastle along the banks of the Salt Creek was once a roaring Wild West frontier settlement known as Tubb Town. Here, saloons, dance halls and brothels far outnumbered all other types of businesses. The town had a rough reputation, even by Wild West standards.

Jackie DorothySeptember 21, 2024

George Hopkins shown after his rescue on Oct. 6, 1941. The skydiver was in good spirits and good shape after the six-day ordeal.

Wyoming History: A Parachuter Once Got Stuck Five Days On Top Of Devils Tower To Win $50 Bet

A skydiver parachuted onto the top of Devils Tower in October 1941 to win a $50 bet. But he got more than he bargained for when he got stuck for five days and became the focus of a nationally publicized rescue effort.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 21, 2024

David Belus looks out over scorched land. Fire burnt up nearly 50,000 acres of his ranch, leaving nothing but dirt and dust devils as far as the eye can see.

“This Was A Monster Fire”: 50,000-Acre Wyoming Ranch Now A Giant Black Dustbowl

Johnson County resident David Belus is one of dozens of Wyoming ranchers devastated by wildfires that have burned more than 500,000 acres. Now he’s left to rebuild 50,000 acres that have become a giant black dustbowl.

Renée JeanSeptember 21, 2024

California House Cat Lost In Yellowstone Makes It Home 800 Miles Away

Only Rayne Beau, a house cat from Salinas, California, knows how he survived 60 days on his own and traveled 800 miles from Yellowstone National Park to a shelter in Roseville, California, about 200 miles from home.

Andrew RossiSeptember 20, 2024

Winter hit the Beartooth Highway in northwest Wyoming full-force overnight Wednesday, with 4-5 inches of snow that drived to 4 feet in spots. The highway had been closed in anticipation of the storm.

Wacky Wyoming Weather: 4-Foot Snowdrifts On Beartooth Highway, 80 In Cheyenne

Snowplows cleared 4-foot snowdrifts off the Beartooth Highway on Thursday morning after a storm dropped 5 inches in Wyoming’s high country. Meanwhile, the forecast calls for sun and a high of 80 in Cheyenne.

Andrew RossiSeptember 19, 2024

Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway Is A Great September Drive — When It’s Open

The Beartooth Highway that snakes through northwest Wyoming and southern Montana is a spectacular drive during September — when it’s open. Weather makes it the best, and worst, month for people searching for stunning scenic views.

Andrew RossiSeptember 18, 2024

Comedian and famous gearhead Jay Leno was on the Big Boy 4014 locomotive Monday, which will be featured on his Sept. 23 episode of "Jay Leno's Garage."

Jay Leno Climbs Aboard Cheyenne’s Big Boy Locomotive For His TV Show

Big Boy No. 4014 will be featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage” show on September 23. The former “The Tonight Show” host climbed aboard Big Boy on Monday somewhere in the Missouri Valley to help drive the locomotive to Iowa.

Renée JeanSeptember 17, 2024

A supermoon shines bright over the shoulder of the Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne on Tuesday night, Sept. 17, 2024.

Huge Supermoon Peaks Over Wyoming, Still Time To See It

Tuesday night's huge supermoon peaked over Wyoming with a partial lunar eclipse to boot. But it's not over. There's still time to see it over the next couple of nights.

Andrew RossiSeptember 17, 2024

George Clark talks about the ideas he's putting into an accessible sheep wagon that can be used by someone in a wheelchair.

Wheelchair Doesn’t Limit Buffalo Man In Making His Wyoming Sheep Wagons

George Clark is Scotch-Irish stubborn. When his dad told him he couldn’t build a sheepwagon because he was in a wheelchair, his response was watch me. Now he’s got a popular business crafting custom sheep wagons in the Bighorn Mountains.

Renée JeanSeptember 15, 2024

Andrew Rossi chiseling and isolating a jacket of dinosaur fossils at the Nail Quarry near Medicine Bow.

Reporter’s Notebook: The Good, Bad And Ugly Of Digging Wyoming's Dinosaurs

When people ask reporter Andrew Rossi how he ended up in Wyoming, his answer is simple — dinosaurs. From his first discovery in 2012 — what he calls “the ugliest, least exciting piece of dinosaur possible” — he’s been hooked.

Andrew RossiSeptember 15, 2024

Teacher Erin Beck and the first class of students at Homestead Learning microschool in Campbell County, Wyoming.

Gillette Mothers Create Their Own Little Schoolhouse On The Wyoming Prairie

They call it a “microschool,” but in many ways, a pair of Gillette mothers have brought the one-room schoolhouse concept back. Starting with eight students, what they’ve built is literally their own little schoolhouse on the Wyoming prairie.

Jen KocherSeptember 15, 2024

Earl Durand is infamous for his last 11 days, when he was arrested for poaching, escaped jail, killed four people, tried to rob a bank the finally shot himself. He even left a last note, listing the undertaker's office as a forwarding address.

There’s More To “Wild Man” Earl Durand Than His Murderous Final 11 Days

Wyoming's “Wild Man” Earl Durand killed four people after escaping a Cody jail and trying to rob a bank in Powell during an 11-day rampage back in 1939. Before that, he also “was a good neighbor,” says an author and scholar on Durand’s life.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

The Casper Tribune-Herald reports on the tragic loss of life near Cheyenne after a United Airlines passenger flight crashes.

Wyoming History: 23 Died In 5 Crashes In 1935, A Terrible Year For Aviation

A six-month span in 1935 was terrible for plane crashes in Wyoming. Overall, 23 people died in crashes that made national headlines, including two lost United Airlines planes.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 14, 2024

Believe it or not, Falling Rock in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains is a giant 75-foot square boulder that is all natural. No human or alien influences shaped this huge cube.

How The Heck … Can That 75-Foot Square Boulder In The Bighorns Be Natural?

A huge 75-foot-tall square boulder deep in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains has been baffling people since it was discovered. Called Falling Block, it’s all natural even if it looks like it was cut from a quarry.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

Wyoming's is one of the newsest, and most remote, of America's Backcountry Discovery Routes.

Wyoming’s Backcountry Discovery Route: 1,900 Miles In 12 Days On Motorcycles

The Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route is one of the most remote — and breathtaking — endurance motorcycle rides anywhere. It’s 1,900 miles in 12 days on mostly two-track paths from the Colorado to Montana border.

Jackie DorothySeptember 14, 2024

The falll colors on Wyoming's famous Aspen Alley in September 2020.

Wyoming’s Famous Aspen Alley Ain't What It Used To Be

Wyoming’s famous Aspen Alley in the Sierra Madre Range near Encampment is still stunning, but not what it used to be. Horticulturists say the grove of aspens is merely slowing down in its senior years, but there's a lot of new growth which should bring the autumn spectacle back.

Andrew RossiSeptember 14, 2024

Wyoming photographer Dave Bell got caught in a blizzard on the Beartooth Highway on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. It left a distinct wintery scene all around the Wyoming high country.

Right On Schedule, Blizzard On Beartooth Highway With A Week Left In Summer

There may still be a week left in Summer going by the calendar, but that didn’t mean anything for those caught in a blizzard on Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway on Thursday. The storm was right on schedule, typical for this time of year.

Andrew RossiSeptember 13, 2024

The University of Wyoming isn't one of four Mountain West schools jumping over to the Pac-12. But UW's fiercest rival Colorado State University is.

University Of Wyoming Not Among Four Mountain West Schools Joining Pac-12

A Thursday announcement reveals four Mountain West schools are jumping to the Pac-12, but University of Wyoming isn’t one of them. UW’s fiercest rival CSU is, however, along with Boise State, Fresno State and San Diego State.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 12, 2024

Richard Tygret, 58, showed up at the Cheyenne National Cemetery on Monday to randomly place an American flag on the burial site of a military officer who he doesn’t know. The deceased person, Robert M. Samuel Jr., served in the Navy, and was buried in the cemetery last July. He was driving back from a camping weekend at the Vedauwoo recreation area when he felt moved to stop at the cemetery to recognize someone he didn’t know.

Botched Memorial Day Ceremony At Cheyenne National Cemetery Was “Miscommunication”

When family members showed up at the Cheyenne National Cemetery on Memorial Day for a service to honor fallen heroes and loved ones, the VA never showed up to host the service. On Wednesday, VA officials told Cowboy State Daily it was a "miscommunication" and would never happen again.

Pat MaioSeptember 11, 2024

A brief, but intense, thunderstorm produced damaging winds and sparked wildfires in and around Thermopolis on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.

Thermopolis Thunderstorm Generates Damaging Wind, Sparks Fires

An intense, but brief, thunderstorm blew through Thermopolis, Wyoming, on Monday afternoon. Strong winds peeled away parts of buildings and lightning sparked fires near town.

Andrew RossiSeptember 09, 2024

A long line of cars and commercial trucks were stuck for more than eight hours on I-80 east on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Hundreds Learn The Hard Way If They’re Prepared To Be Stuck On I-80 For 8 Hours

Saturday’s fatal semitrailer crash on I-80 closed the eastbound lanes for more than eight hours. The hundreds of drivers stuck there learned the hard way if they’re prepared for one of Wyoming’s more frustrating highway hazards — the closure.

Andrew RossiSeptember 09, 2024

Alex and Sarah Aragon (left) lent the tires off their Corvette so Don Herzler, right, could continue on the Corvette Caravan.

Cheyenne Man Gives Fellow Corvette Owner The Tires Off His Own Wheels

When a California Corvette owner had a blowout and thought he’d be stranded in Cheyenne for days awaiting new tires, a local man gave him the tires off his own Vette. It was just one of 500 Corvettes motoring through Wyoming's capital city on a cross-country drive.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 08, 2024

Cheryl Gowdy sits between two stuffed elephants, one named Curtis after her father and the other named Ophelia, representing her mother, Jerre.

Cheryl Gowdy Says 'Little House' Project Just The Beginning For Curt Gowdy State Park

Little House has had a successful two years of operation at Curt Gowdy State Park, spreading thousands of kindness wishes around. But that’s not the end of ideas Cheryl Gowdy has for her father’s namesake park.

Renée JeanSeptember 08, 2024

J.P. Cavigelli with the Tate Geological Museum in Casper teaches the jacketing process at the Nail Quarry. Strips of burlap are soaked in "pancake batter consistency" plaster and put over the top, around the edge, and underneath islands of rock containing Late Jurassic dinosaur fossils.

Why Dinosaur Diggers Get Plastered All Day Long Near Medicine Bow

The Nail Quarry is one of the only active dinosaur sites on the famous Como Bluff near Medicine Bow. Every summer, the last trips are spent encasing fossils in huge blobs of rock and plaster and safely transporting them to the Tate Geological Museum in Casper.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

Despite his reputation and prolific outlaw career, Butch Casside was only incarcerated once, from 1894-1896 in the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie. He had been pinched for grand larceny for horse-stealing.

Butch Cassidy in Wyoming: How The Outlaw Got His Name Remains A Mystery

There are a few tales surrounding how Butch Cassidy ultimately got his outlaw name. One claims that he worked in Rock Springs as a butcher. Another that it was the result of a prank with a needle gun named Butch.

Renée JeanSeptember 08, 2024

A 1960 Chevy Impala without door posts between windows is one of the treasures owned by Steven Murphy.

Wyoming Man’s Field Of Vintage Rust A Car Restorer’s Disneyland

On a few acres in central Wyoming, a car restoration enthusiast has a large collection of wrecks and rusted vintage autos. He hopes to turn the space into a ‘Disneyland’ for car enthusiasts who want to get their hands dirty.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 08, 2024

Oxbow Bend in the shadow of Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park is one of Wyoming's famous spots for spectacular fall colors.

When And Where To Find Wyoming’s Fall Colors At Their Peak

It's not too soon to start thinking about where to see Wyoming's fall foliage. Autumn moves fast in the Rocky Mountain West and by Sept. 23, the colors of fall should be visible across the entire state. If you're a leaf-peeper, it's time to set your strategy.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

The Sunrise "S" seen from a distance. The area where cars are parked used to be a football field for the abandoned mining town's school.

Sunrise May Be A Ghost Town, But The Giant “S” On The Hill Remains

Now abandoned, the former Wyoming mining town of Sunrise hasn’t been forgotten. Although high school football hasn't been played in the town for decades, alums -- some in their 90s -- still keep the giant “S” on the hill overlooking the field painted bright white.

Renée JeanSeptember 08, 2024

Don Day Forecasts A Colder, Snowier Winter Ahead For Wyoming

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day has released his long-range outlook for Winter 2024-2025. The short version is it'll be colder and snowier. "The signs strongly suggest that Wyoming has a real winter on the way," Day says.

Andrew RossiSeptember 08, 2024

The courthouse in Basin, Wyoming, where two prisoners in the Big Horn County jail had been tried a found guilty of murder.

The Angry Mob That Got Away With Killing 2 Murderers In Basin Jail

An angry mob wasn’t willing to wait for the state to hang two murderers in the Basin, Wyoming, jail in 1903. They shot them both in their jail cells — and killed a deputy — and got away with it because nobody would testify against them.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 07, 2024

Sam Hampton has spent a lifetime on horses, and will be inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame next month.

Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame: Sam Hampton Spent A Lifetime On Horses

Sam Hampton is a legacy Wyoming rancher who lives by his own cowboy Golden Rule, which says, “To have good neighbors, first you have to be one.” This Washakie County pioneer will be inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in October.

Candy MoultonSeptember 07, 2024

Pinedale photographer Dave Bell set up three cameras to get images of an intense lightning storm south of the town, which he calls the most spectacular he's ever seen.

Spectacular Lightning Storm Over Pinedale Might Be Best (And Last) Of Summer

Wyoming photographer Dave Bell was about to go to bed, but the thunderstorm wouldn’t let him sleep. Instead, he set up three cameras earlier this week and captured the most spectacular lightning storm he’s ever seen.

Andrew RossiSeptember 07, 2024

Along with the roadside sign, the Moorcroft Motel's parking lot sign also is unique and retro.

Gillette Auto Museum Rescuing, Restoring Vintage Signs For Retro “Neon Park”

The old neon Moorcourt Motel sign is the latest in the growing collection of vintage roadside signs for Gillette’s Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette. The vision is to create a colorful retro “neon park.”

Andrew RossiSeptember 07, 2024

The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. in Elk City, Oklahoma, has been raising bucking rodeo horses for 95 years. This past week, nearly 80 of the ranch's horses were killed by poisoned feed.

Nearly 80 Bucking Horses Killed By Tainted Feed Devastates Rodeo Community

A batch of tainted feed killed nearly 80 premier bucking horses on the Beutler Ranch in Oklahoma last week and has devastated the greater rodeo community. The only surviving horse of that lineage was recently ridden to victory by Roedy Farrell of Thermopolis.

Jackie DorothySeptember 07, 2024

Chris Mickey was able to take the photo of the World View Enterprise balloon as it hovered over Cheyenne on Thursday night, Sept. 5, 2024.

Mysterious Object Flying Over Cheyenne Was Not A Chinese Spy Balloon

A mysterious balloon spotting floating high over Cheyenne on Thursday wasn’t a Chinese spy balloon. Turns out, it’s carrying data-gathering equipment to improve flight safety for a private company’s partnership with NASA.

Jackie DorothySeptember 06, 2024

Dave Ratzlaff, owner of a 1969 Chevrolet Camero, talks about his car with WyoTech student David Solis at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association car show on the WyoTech campus in Laramie on Thursday.

Custom Car Nuts Show WyoTech Students Hot-Rodding Isn’t Just An ‘Old Man Hobby’

WyoTech students got to ogle custom-built rides during an exclusive car show Thursday. It was an effective pitch that building hotrods isn’t just an “old man hobby.”

Mark HeinzSeptember 05, 2024

Myron Cook, a retired geologist, has got millions of views on his YouTube videos describing unique and interesting geologic formations around Wyoming and the region.

Wyoming Geologist Gets Millions Of Views As YouTube Rock Star

Myron Cook, a retired petroleum geologist, is amassing millions of views on YouTube for talking about geology in Wyoming. The Burlington man wasn't expecting his page would go anywhere. “I did it just for the joy of geology," he said.

Leo WolfsonSeptember 02, 2024

This 8-foot bronze casting of Leonardo da Vinci's famous Horse, appropriately dubbed The Wyoming Horse, stands in Sheridan.

Sheridan’s 8-Foot “Wyoming Horse” Is Actually Leonardo da Vinci’s

Sheridan is one of the few places in the world with a bronze casting of Leonardo da Vinci’s horse. Kim Love, who spearheaded the effort to bring da Vinci’s horse to Wyoming, said “I thought it would grab people’s attention."

Andrew RossiSeptember 02, 2024

Brian Beauvais uses Thomas Jaggar's original photograph to find the right angle to reshoot the Hoodoos.

Park County Archivist Recreates Photos Of Wyoming 125 Years Later

Park County archivist Brian Beauvais has been rephotographing images originally shot by geologist Thomas Jaggar in the late 1800s. Some spots require more than a day hike to get there.

Amber SteinmetzSeptember 02, 2024

Cowboy Poet Jack Schmidt cooking in the Bridger-Teton Wilderness.

In Riverton, Jack Schmidt Continues Western Tradition Of The Cowboy Poet

The oral history of the cowboy is preserved forever in rhyme by cow wranglers and campfire tales. For the past 50 years, Riverton's Jack Schmidt has kept the cowboy poet alive in Wyoming.

Jackie DorothySeptember 02, 2024

"Nate Champion's Last Run," a bronze sculpture by D. Michael Thomas, in Buffalo. Champion was surrounded in a cabin and held up the progress of the "invaders" before getting shot 28 times on April 9, 1892.

Johnson County War Remains The Brutal Showdown That Changed Wyoming Forever

The Johnson County War is one of the most brutal, vicious and pivotal chapters in Wyoming's history, when the state’s powerful cattle barons used terror and murder to drive off homesteaders. What they didn’t expect was how determined and tough those homesteaders would be.

Andrew RossiSeptember 01, 2024

This Is Hyattville, Wyoming: Population 79, “Probably Counting Some Dogs”

Founded in 1887, Hyattville, Wyoming, was an important crossroads for commerce. Now it’s a tiny town of 79, which one local says is “probably counting some dogs.”

Jackie DorothySeptember 01, 2024

Lusk's Carnegie Library is the only one in the state with a corner entrance.

Carnegie Library In Lusk, Wyoming, Is Worth The Visit

There were 16 Carnegie libraries built in Wyoming and only 10 remain. Just five of them still operate as libraries. Andrea Graham, the Alliance for Historic Wyoming’s Board president, says the one in Lusk is the most charming. "The detailing is just beautiful," she says.

Renée JeanSeptember 01, 2024

This old caboose was a beloved landmark and poplar meeting spot at the Lake Owen trailhead in the Snowy Range Mountains. It was gutted during the Mullen Fire in 2020, and finally demolished last week.

After 25 Years, Iconic Caboose At Lake Owen In Snowy Range Is Gone

For 25 years, a near-mint condition caboose was a familiar landmark at the Owen Lake trailhead east of Laramie, Wyoming. But the Mullen Fire gutted it and the body was too warped to save. It was demolished last week.

Mark HeinzSeptember 01, 2024

he officiating team comes together to confer during a timeout.

Wyoming High School Football Officials Aren’t Just Gluttons For Punishment

They get insults, threats and jokes, so what’s not to love about being a Wyoming high school football official? They’re not just gluttons for punishment, and the zebras are up for another season on the prep gridiron.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 31, 2024

People around Powell, Wyoming, know Charles Orville Moore even if they don't know him. He's the guy who's been spraying crops forever.

80-Year-Old Pilot Has Been Spraying Crops Since 1976, And Has No Plans To Stop

Charles Orville Moore of Powell, Wyoming, says he loves flying his biplane and has been spraying crops for 48 years. And the 80-year-old has no plans yet to stop. "If my body holds up, I don't see any reason to quit," he says.

Andrew RossiAugust 31, 2024

Santa hears Christmas wishes from tourists in flip flops during the annual Christmas in August in Yellowstone National Park.

Why Yellowstone National Park Celebrates Christmas In August

Late August in Yellowstone means bison and elk are beginning their rut. Trout swim lazily in rivers with restrictions in effect due to elevated water temperatures. Fire danger is at its highest. And carols are sung around the many Christmas trees.

Jake NicholsAugust 31, 2024

Natrona County Deputy Sheriff Bill Romer escorts Caril Fugate into the Converse County Sheriff’s Office. He carries weapons confiscated from Charles Starkweather.

The Notorious 1958 Murder Spree That Ended Near Douglas

When 19-year-old mass murderer Charles Starkweather saw a car by the road west of Douglas, Wyoming, in January 1958, he saw an opportunity. He was on the run after already killing 10 people. What followed ended one of America’s more notorious crime sprees.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 31, 2024

Welcome To The Happiest Town In Wyoming: Byron

If a statue of its town founder is any indication, then Byron, Wyoming, is the happiest town in the state. Locals say the man considered the founder of the town pitched his tent while doing some surveying work near where his statue is now placed.

Jake NicholsAugust 31, 2024

A satellite image showing no clouds over any part of Wyoming.

Not A Cloud Anywhere Over Wyoming In “Unusual” Satellite Photo

The National Weather Service office in Riverton noticed something “unusual” Tuesday — there wasn’t a cloud anywhere over Wyoming all day Tuesday. A satellite photo shows an unusually clear view of Wyoming, including scars left by large wildfires.

Andrew RossiAugust 28, 2024

Former Universtiy of Wyoming standout Frank Crum, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound rookie, has made the 2024 Denver Broncos roster. He's seen here during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Former UW Standout Frank Crum Makes Denver Broncos Roster

Former University of Wyoming standout offensive lineman Frank Crum made the Denver Broncos initial 53-man roster Tuesday. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound rookie could still be waived or put on the practice squad.

Leo WolfsonAugust 28, 2024

County music superstar Lainey Wilson shot scenes for the music video for her new song “Whirlwind” on the Oxford Ranch south of Laramie in July.

Country Superstar Lainey Wilson’s New Video Features Wyoming Ranch, Deputies

Country music superstar Lainey Wilson shot the music video for her new single "Whirlwind" on a ranch in Albany County. It also features locations around Laramie and three local deputies.

Mark HeinzAugust 26, 2024

The temple is 97 eet tall, just 4 feet shorter than a controversial temple being built in Cody, but with much less resistance.

Wyoming’s Second LDS Temple Opens In Casper, With Third On The Way

Monday’s opening of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Casper Wyoming Temple is the second LDS temple complete in Wyoming. A third isn’t far behind as work is planned on a controversial temple in Cody.

Leo WolfsonAugust 26, 2024

A screenshot from a Wyoming Department of Transportation highway camera shows snow falling on Togwotee Pass on U.S. Highway 26/287 near Wind River Lake on Monday morning.

Seasons Greetings: Wyoming Gets First Snow Of The Season

As many areas of Wyoming battle huge wildfires, the first snow of the season fell over Togwotee Pass on Monday morning. Meteorologist Don Day said this doesn't mean summer is over, but summer is on the way out.

Andrew RossiAugust 26, 2024

After a record year for growing humongous pumpkins in Wyoming last year, this summer has been “very, very difficult," said Jay Richard.

Wyoming's 'Pumpkin King' Having Difficult Year Growing Gigantic Pumpkins

Jay Richards, better known as Wyoming's "Pumpkin King," says it's been a difficult year for growing humongous pumpkins. He was hoping to break the 2,000-pound mark this year but said he made too many mistakes.

Andrew RossiAugust 26, 2024

Ham operator Casey Freund makes a handshake, slang for making a quick contact, to another park across the nation.

Ham Radio Still Alive And Kicking In Wyoming

Casey Freund of Thermopolis, Wyoming, goes by the call sign KC7E, but that’s not his TikTok handle. He’s one of the few who don’t need Wi-Fi or smartphones to keep in touch with civilization. He’s a ham radio operator.

Jackie DorothyAugust 25, 2024

Matt Warner's is one of the names carved into the Buckhorn Panel near the San Rafael River in Utah. He began his outlaw life early and was a friend of the notorious Butch Cassidy in Wyoming.

Butch Cassidy In Wyoming: Outlaw Buddy Matt Warner Started A Criminal Life Early

Butch Cassidy’s best friend Matt Warner started his life as a Western outlaw. At the age of 14, he thought he killed a man. That sent him running to Brown’s Hole, where he pulled off his first robbery before he’d turned 19.

Renée JeanAugust 25, 2024

Paula Volker has been teaching history and government in Natrona County schools since 1994. She was recently named Wyoming’s History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Casper Woman Named Wyoming History Teacher Of The Year

Kelly Walsh High School history teacher Paula Volker has been named Wyoming's History Teacher of the Year by a prestigious national history organization. They gave her the award because she believes using primary sources such as original documents is the best way to present history.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 25, 2024

West View of the log blacksmith shop is believed to have been built as early as the 1860s on the Hart Ranch. The Albany County Historical Society is looking into the best way to preserve the structure.

Laramie Bought Hart Ranch For Its Water, Now It Wants To Save The Rest Of It

The city of Laramie bought the historic Hart Ranch for its 1860s water rights. Now, the city is working out how to save the rest of the historic Wyoming ranch for future generations.

Jackie DorothyAugust 24, 2024

Family of Cheyenne Boy Who Saved Sister From Attacking Dog Writes Book For Kids

Bridger Walker was hailed as a hero when he saved his little sister Brielle from an attacking dog in 2020. Now he and Brielle are characters in their family’s new children’s book, “You Can Be a Hero.”

Amber SteinmetzAugust 24, 2024

In this image from the early 1920s, a group of Ku Klux Klansmen gather in an unknown location. Like much of America in the early 1920s, Wyoming seemed an opportunity for expansion for the Ku Klux Klan. Newspaper headlines proclaimed new chapters and the Klan openly advertised its growing numbers, but opposition and scandal would eventually bring the group down.

The Ku Klux Klan Pushed Into Wyoming In The Early 1920s, Then Wyoming Pushed Back

Like much of America in the early 1920s, Wyoming seemed an opportunity for expansion for the Ku Klux Klan. Newspaper headlines proclaimed new chapters and the Klan openly advertised its growing numbers, but opposition and scandal would eventually bring the group down.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 24, 2024

Butch Cassidy In Wyoming: A Perfect Hideout After His First Bank Robbery

Fresh off his first bank robbery in Telluride, Colorado Butch Cassidy finds the perfect hideout in Wyoming. His Brown’s Hole hideout remains one of the most remote places in the region.

Renée JeanAugust 24, 2024

Bones would get the better of JB Mauney this time at the 2010 World Finals.

Bones, One Of The Baddest Rodeo Bucking Bulls Ever, Was Only Ridden 5 Times

The legendary Bones was one bad bull and the GOAT. The two-time Professional Bull Riders world champion bucking bull was only ever ridden five times. He died peacefully in retirement Aug. 15 at age 21.

Jake NicholsAugust 24, 2024

Vic Goni, a sheep rancher, near the area where his sheep normally graze. On Thursday, firefighters arrived on the plains behind him to extinguish the House Draw Fire off Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road.

Wyoming Sheep Ranchers Scramble To Save Flocks From 175,000-Acre House Draw Fire

Wyoming’s rural sheep industry was nearly destroyed when the House Draw Fire exploded to 175,000 acres, killing some sheep. Ranchers scrambled to save what they could. Now they have to find winter feed for those that survived.

Pat MaioAugust 24, 2024

Vies of the Remington Fire courtesy of the Rosebud County Sheriff's Office in Montana.

More Than 350,000 Acres Have Burned As Wyoming Fire Blows Up Into Montana

The Remington Fire that started in northern Wyoming blew up to nearly 130,000 acres and into Montana overnight Friday, with about 30,000 of that blaze in Wyoming. Including other major wildfires in the area, Wyoming's fires have burned more than 350,000 acres (some in Montana) so far.

August 24, 2024

Although the fall is fast approaching, it still feels like summer across Wyoming. At Holiday Park in Cheyenne on Thursday, the walking path around the lake was busy.

As Wildfires Burn Across State, Wyoming Can Expect “Fall-Like Weather”

Heat and wind are helping fan a number of wildfires across Wyoming, but there could be some relief on the way. A cold front is expected to bring “fall-like” and cooler weather to Wyoming this weekend.

Andrew RossiAugust 22, 2024

This GMC Yukon that sits crashed and abandoned in rugged terrain off Highway 14-16-20 in northwest Wyoming sparked a lot of speculation. Truth is, a suspected drunk driver left it there.

She Claimed Carjackers Got Her SUV Stuck, And It’s Been There For 2 Months

More than two months after an allegedly drunk woman claimed carjackers got her SUV stuck off Highway 14/16/20, it’s about to be recovered. But it’s going to be a bear of a job, requiring two wreckers and a crew of at least five.

Andrew RossiAugust 21, 2024

An intense hailstorm broke windshilds, toppled trees and caused extensive damage to the KOA campground at Devils Tower on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.

Devils Tower Closes After Baseball-Sized Hail Shatters Windows, Knocks Down Trees

Devils Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming is closed Tuesday after baseball-sized hail pummeled the area. Windows were shatterd, trees knocked down and the KOA campground severely damaged.

Andrew RossiAugust 20, 2024

Patrons at the opening reception of the 43rd Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.

Buffalo Bill Art Show Opening Puts Cody In National Spotlight

The 43rd Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale is one of the most important Western art showcases in the nation. Cody is in the national art spotlight with the show’s opening Friday.

Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2024

When Maggie Harrop stepped outside after a summer thunderstorm Saturday evening, she saw something spectacular over Laramie, Wyoming. An incredible burst of color seemed to be exploding from the cloud-filled sky.

Timing Perfect For “God-Moment” Storm Cloud Explosion Over Laramie

A Laramie woman captured “God-moment” photos of a sunset reflecting off a thunderstorm in a color explosion Saturday. The clouds are typical, said meteorologist Don Day, but her timing was perfect and images “amazing.”

Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2024

Wyoming inventions include the cartridge belt for soldiers, an electric garage door opener and a brutal execution method. Wyomingites hold more than 4,000 individual patents.

Wyoming Inventions: Cartridge Belt, Garage Door Opener, Innovative Execution Method

Wyoming citizens have come up with some interesting inventions. From a cartridge belt adopted by the Army which is still in use today to an automatic garage door opener to an innovative execution method that basically forced people to hang themselves.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 18, 2024

Creed Day from Evanston washes his steers named Carlos and Pickles at the Wyoming State Fair on August 16, 2024, in Douglas, Wyoming.

Scenes From The 2024 Wyoming State Fair

Cowboy State Daily photographer took these images at the 2024 Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. Enjoy!

August 18, 2024

From an ability to learn and shows recognition of flash cards to opening gates and doors, horses are pretty smart. A new study says they may be smarter than most previously thought.

New Research Says Horses' Intelligence Is Under-Estimated, Capable Of Strategic Thinking

A team of researchers in the UK has published research that says horses have higher levels of intelligence than previously thought and are capable of strategic thinking. Wyoming outfitter Sy Gilliland says "they are definitely smarter than we give them credit."

Andrew RossiAugust 18, 2024

The GC initials on this hill are still kept whitewashed in Grass Creek.

Wyoming Oil Fields Gave Rise To A New Western Outlaw — The Claim-Jumper

The discovery of oil in remote Wyoming sparked a flood of fortune-seekers to the Cowboy State. It also gave rise to a new kind of Western outlaw — the claim-jumper.

Jackie DorothyAugust 18, 2024

The 17,000-square-foot Valley Community Center in Baggs is the place to be in this tiny community of fewer than 500 people in southern Wyoming.

They Told Baggs It Was Too Tiny For A Community Center, So They Built A Huge One

The town of Baggs, in south-central Wyoming, has fewer than 500 people, but that didn’t stop the town from building a 17,000 square-foot community center. It even has an indoor walking track and draws people from around the region.

Renée JeanAugust 18, 2024

Inga Arvad was romantically involved with a young John F. Kennedy, was pursued by Adolf Hitler and ended up married to a Western movie star from Wyoming.

How Hitler’s “Nordic Beauty” And JFK's Love Became The Wife Of A Wyoming Movie Star

Inga Arvad had been adored by Adolf Hitler, loved by President John F. Kennedy and pursued by the FBI. She ended up marrying a Western movie star from Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyAugust 18, 2024

Blacksmith David Osmundsen gives a presentation about blacksmithing at the Wyoming Discovery Days.

Wyoming Blacksmith An Artist With A 3,500-Degree Forge And Hammer

Buffalo's David Osmundsen is an artist with a hammer and a 3,500-degree forge. The Wyoming blacksmith attracts students from all over the world to his Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing where he teaches the ancient practice.

Jackie DorothyAugust 18, 2024

It was quite the scandal in 1895 when Casper Mayor Joel J. Hurt was put on trial for killing his wife's alleged lover. He was acquitted by a jury in 5 minutes.

Wyoming History: Casper Mayor Gunned Down Wife’s Lover, Then Acquitted In 5 Minutes

In 1895, Joel J. Hurt was Casper’s mayor and state senator when he gunned down a man alleged to be his wife’s lover on a downtown street. He was tried for murder, and acquitted by a jury in five minutes.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 18, 2024

From left, Tim McCoy, Joan Crawford and Rex Lease in "The Law of the Range," directed by William Nigh for MGM in 1927.

Before John Wayne, Wyoming's Tim McCoy Was America’s Favorite Western Star

Everyone in Wyoming knows John Wayne, the prototypical Western movie star. But before The Duke became The Duke, Wyoming's Tim McCoy was Hollywood’s favorite Western lead actor, even getting top billing over Wayne.

Jackie DorothyAugust 17, 2024

Realizing his vision of capturing this image finally happened when Larry Rogers layered three images taked from the same spot. The result is this stunning shot of Castle Geyser in Yellowstone erupting at night, lit up from behind, with the Milky Way as a backdrop.

That’s Not Luck: Stunning Photo Of Yellowstone Geyser Took Months Of Planning

Photographer Larry Rogers loves shooting in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks, and once spent 20 years waiting to get a perfect photo. He said it took him months of planning to build a composite image of Castle Geyser lit up at night.

Jackie DorothyAugust 17, 2024

Left: Silvio Pedri of Rock Springs was captured during World War II and spent more than five months as a prisoner of war. Right: Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy hold two of the three Emmys Burning Torch Productions won in July at the Heartland Emmys for Dear Sirs.

Documentary About Wyoming World War II POW Wins Three Emmys

“Dear Sirs,” a documentary about Silvio Pedri, a Wyoming man who was a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II, won three Emmy Awards last month. The film was produced by Silvio's grandson Mark of Rock Springs.

Amber SteinmetzAugust 17, 2024

Mac Sabbath, the parody heavy metal tribute band of English heavy metal group Black Sabbath, played at the Lincoln in Cheyenne on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Mac Sabbath Brings Its Weird Tribute To Black Sabbath & McDonald’s To Cheyenne

Mac Sabbath is a weird Black Sabbath cover band that melds heavy metal with McDonald’s food. Fronted by Ronald Osbourne with Slayer MacCheeze on guitar, Grimalice on bass, and Catburglar on drums, the tour stopped in Cheyenne this week and was hilariously good.

Mark HeinzAugust 17, 2024

Rare Super Blue Moon Will Look Huge Over Wyoming On Monday

The calendar has conspired to make Monday’s full moon pretty rare. It also will be a supermoon, which means it will look huge, and also is a blue moon and something called a sturgeon moon, like the fish.

Andrew RossiAugust 17, 2024

A line backs up all the way from the White Hall dormitory to the Washakie Dining Center on the University of Wyoming campus during Move-In Day on Friday.

Broken Dorm Elevators, Road Work Add To Move-In Day Nightmare At UW

Move-in day for University of Wyoming freshmen and their parents is usually barely controlled chaos. Add broken elevators, long lines and road construction all around the main campus and Friday’s move-in day was a nightmare for some.

Mark HeinzAugust 16, 2024

"September Tempers," a bronze by T.D. Kelsey in the gallery of the 43rd Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.

Cody Show To Debut One-Of-A-Kind Chris Navarro Bronze That Survived Foundry Fire

The Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale is among the preeminent Western art events in the world. This year’s show starts Saturday and will feature the debut of a one-of-a-kind bronze by Wyoming’s Chris Navarro that survived a Cody foundry fire.

Andrew RossiAugust 15, 2024

Meet Gus, The Super-Friendly 1,200-Pound Horse Who Comes Running For Cody Kids

Gus is a 20-year-old quarter horse that lives near Cody Middle School and loves people, especially kids. He’s super-friendly and comes running to meet kids every morning and afternoon.

Mark HeinzAugust 15, 2024

The Pony Express collection of Joe Nardone has an estimated $1.5 million worth of artifacts, some of which he wanted the Fort Caspar Museum to have as the northernmost outpost on the Pony Express route.

National Casper Pony Express Museum Begins With Donation Of $1.5M Collection

Casper City Council accepted the donation of a $1.5 million Pony Express collection Tuesday. It's the first step in bringing a national Pony Express museum to Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 14, 2024

Hazel Baumberger is 108 and South Dakota's oldest person. She also attended the first Sturgis Motorcycle Ralley in 1938. Not able to attend this year, some Sturgis rallygoers brought the party to her with a drive-by Rally to Hazel on Monday.

Sturgis Bikers Give 108-Year-Old South Dakota Woman Her Own Private Rally

After Sturgis, some of the motorcycle rallygoers held another small rally at Hazel Baumberger’s senior living center Monday. The 108-year-old woman is South Dakota’s oldest person and attended the first Sturgis rally in 1938.

Justin GeorgeAugust 13, 2024

Breanna Klamm Whitlock of Buffalo, Wyoming, was shooting photos of the aurora when a bright Persieds meteor also streaked across the sky.

Epic Year For Auroras Over Wyoming May Have Just Gone Legendary

What’s already been an epic year for colorful auroras over Wyoming may have just gone legendary early Monday. Another spectacular celestial lights show likely peaked, but expect more through the rest of the year.

Andrew RossiAugust 12, 2024

The Presieds Meteor Shower reaches its peak over Wyoming this week, with the best time to see them early Tuesday morning. This composite photo fo 23 images shows the Persieds over the Snowy Range during the 2012 showr.

Perseids Meteor Shower Peaks Over Wyoming Early Tuesday

The prolific Perseids Meteor Shower hits its peak early Tuesday morning over Wyoming. From a dark spot, people could see as many as 100 meteors per hour streak across the sky.

Andrew RossiAugust 12, 2024

Curtis Weigold’s mugshot taken following his booking into the Natrona County Jail in 1934.

Wyoming History: The ‘Tough Luck’ Teen Gangster Who Ran Into A Tougher Sheriff

A wild South Dakota 16-year-old “tough luck” gangster in a stolen car killed a Douglas man in a crash and shot the sheriff three times in 1934. But he ran into a tougher Wyoming sheriff, who kept getting shot but survived every time.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 11, 2024

Eastern Wyoming College’s Ryder Tillard of Douglas competes in Fortnite during the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports Summer Series. Tillard recently earned the ‘Unreal” ranking in the game, which is held by 0.007% of the 500 million players worldwide.

Wyoming Teen Ranked Among The Best Fortnite Players On The Planet

Ryder Tillard of Douglas recently achieved the highest rank in the online video game Fortnite. That puts the 19-year-old among the top 0.2% of the more than 3.8 million ranked players worldwide.

Amber SteinmetzAugust 11, 2024

Brandi Kelly was one of the original Ham and Jam girls. She said the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Ralley event in Hulett used to be more wild and raunchy, but has evolved into a great party.

Original Hulett Ham And Jam Girl Remembers A More Wild, Raucous Party

Brandi Kelly was one of the first Ham and Jam girls for the annual party that brings 30,000 people to tiny Hulett, Wyoming, during the Sturgis rally. She says it was wilder then, but it’s still magic because it brings people together.

Renée JeanAugust 11, 2024

Laramie resident Gerry Meyer ran the 50-meter dash 3 seconds faster than he did in last year's Wyoming Senior Olympics. The 105-year-old is not just still kicking, he's winning gold medals.

Wyoming Senior Olympian Still Winning Gold Medals At 105

Laramie resident Gerry Meyer is 105 years old and still winning gold medals at the Wyoming Senior Olympics. At this year’s games, he won the 50- and 100-meter dashes, beating his 2023 50-meter mark by 3 seconds.

Renée JeanAugust 11, 2024

Jimbo the supersaurus, the long-necked behemoth at top left, is the largest dinosaur ever found in Wyoming. It's on display at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis.

Wyoming Supersaurus Was The Shaq Of The Jurassic: Super-Sized, But Not Super-Old

New research on the age of Wyoming's largest dinosaur determined the 108-foot-long, 50-ton giant from Douglas was definitely an adult when it died, but probably wasn't as old as its bones might suggest.

Andrew RossiAugust 11, 2024

A ramp was built for the Burnout to place the riders up higher so the crowd could better see them.

How One Rowdy Bar Customer Sparked 50 Years Of Sturgis-Week Burnouts In Sundance

The annual Burnout Wednesday during Sturgis rally week in Sundance, Wyoming, has been a must-do for bikers for nearly 50 years. It began with one rowdy customer who threatened to burnout inside the Dime Horseshoe Bar.

Renée JeanAugust 11, 2024

Timber Elkins, 9, leads her steer, Sir Chrome-a-lot around the ring in the beef show at the Campbell County Fair.

Fair Week Is Super Bowl For Wyoming’s 4-H Champions

Fair week is like the Super Bowl for hundreds of 4-H kids across Wyoming. Like Timber and Morgan Elkins, who spent an exhausting — and exhilarating — week with their champion cows at the Campbell County Fair.

Jen KocherAugust 10, 2024

The male skater with the star on his helmet, the jammer, tries to break through his opponents during a “jam” at Summer Bash 5-on-5 Tournament in Mills.

Wyoming Roller Derby Players Share A Common Passion — Hitting People

Almost to the last player, women who make up Wyoming’s roller derby scene say there’s one thing they love about their sport — hitting people. But there’s actually a method to the mayhem these divas on roller skates commit.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 10, 2024

C.J. Box poses for a selfie with some fans in Saratoga, Wyoming.

Want To Be A Character In A C.J. Box Book? Once A Year, You Get A Chance

Being a character in a “Joe Pickett” novel would be a dream come true for many fans of Wyoming author C.J. Box. So, he offers it up as an auction item to benefit his hometown Saratoga Museum.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2024

George Thorogood of George Thorogood and the Destroyers performs during their 50 Years of Rock tour at the Paramount Theatre on May 14, 2024, in Denver.

Cowboy State Daily Interview: 50 Years Of George Thorogood Is Awesome To The Bone

Ahead of his Aug. 14 date at the Wyoming Ford Center in Casper, Cowboy State Daily’s Jake Nichols caught up with blues-rock legend George Thorogood. He still loves touring and never tires of playing his signature “Bad to the Bone.”

Jake NicholsAugust 10, 2024

Mark Jenkins jots his thoughts down in a notebook. He said his writing process on expeditions often involved writing while others slept.

From Top Of Everest To Biking Across Russia, Wyoming Adventure Writer Gets Around

Laramie’s Mark Jenkins still travels the world seeking adventure. The longtime National Geographic writer who has climbed Mount Everest, covered the war in Afghanistan, cycled through Russia, and kayaked inside glaciers plans to get back on his bike for a trek across Europe.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 10, 2024

Right, Teddy reunited late Friday in Toronto with his owner Alaina Tripp, after thousands of dollars were donated to drive and fly him home from Riverton, Wyoming. Left, Teddy at the Rawlins Police Department after being found.

Teddy, Stolen Poodle Found During Wyoming Police Stop, Finally Back Home

A miniature poodle named Teddy is back with his owner nearly a year after a man allegedly stole him and smuggled him into Riverton, Wyoming. After about three weeks and more than 3,500 miles, Teddy arrived home Friday night.

Clair McFarlandAugust 10, 2024

Bob Coronato's painting hiatus has been broken. He's just completed a new poster series, and it was all the rage with Sturgis rallygoers at this year's Hulett Ham and Jam.

Wyoming Artist Bob Coronato’s “Trump Train” Painting Catches Fire With MAGA Nation

Hulett, Wyoming, artist Bob Coronato already has a painting in the Smithsonian. The artist, best known for painting historical figures, has painted six Trump campaign posters, and is planning to show them to the former president at a fundraiser this weekend in Jackson.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2024

A sea of bikes in Hulett for Ham and Jam 2024.

The Party Next Door: Hulett's Ham And Jam On Wednesday Of Sturgis Week

Although the topless rodeo is no longer allowed, Hulett's annual Ham and Jam still gets wild. Some 30,000 bikers head to the town on Wednesday of Sturgis week for free pork sandwiches, music, insanity, and surprisingly, very few arrests.

Renée JeanAugust 10, 2024

The Atlantic Union is one of many conferences within the world-wide Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Severe Wyoming Weather, And Threat Of More, Cuts Short Gillette Camporee

The International Pathfinder Camporee brought 60,000 people to Gillette, Wyoming. But after a week of severe Wyoming weather, and threat of more, has cut short the huge gathering of Seventh-day Adventists.

Jen KocherAugust 09, 2024

A former Civil War soldier reenactor, Robert Szabo changed his clothes in 1997 to that of an intinerant Civil War-era photographer.

Photographer At Fort Caspar Uses Civil War Techniques To Make New History

This prominent Civil War-era reenactor isn’t a soldier for either side, he’s the photographer. At Fort Caspar, he makes his own vintage images using the same techniques — and in some cases same equipment — as during the Civil War.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 09, 2024

Big D Sanitation workers service on-site porta-potties at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming.

Camporee Brought 60,000 People To Gillette, But Not Enough Porta-Potties

The International Pathfinder Camporee brought 60,000 people to Gillette this week but not enough porta-potties. One youth leader says the foul situation ruined it for his group, while the sanitation contractor says they needed 1,000 more.

Jim LuksicAugust 09, 2024

Ernie Blackford, left, and Hank Laurenz salute the unfurled flag held by Lt. Commander Tyler Shang.

“They Are Brothers”: Wyoming Honor Guard Never Lets A Soldier Be Buried Alone

The members of the Natrona County United Veterans Honor Guard have attended thousands of Wyoming military funerals over the years. No matter when they served, they say veterans deserve an honor guard because “they are brothers.”

Dale KillingbeckAugust 08, 2024

Covered in soot from the Clearwater Fire, a U.S. Forest Service drone operator leads it up with "dragon eggs," small explosive charges used to remotely create and guide firelines.

Fire Crews Use High-Tech Drones To Keep Clearwater From Yellowstone Entrance

High-tech drones dropping incendiary “dragon eggs” are among the tools wildland firefighters are using to keep the Clearwater Fire in northwest Wyoming from closing the East Entrance to Yellowstone.

Jackie DorothyAugust 08, 2024

Gen. George A. "Sandy" Forsyth was a major when he was part of a company led by Gen. Philip Sheridan to the scene of Custer's battle at Little Big Horn a year after. He described the journey in an eloquent diary that's now in possession of the Hot Springs County Museum.

How An Important 1877 Soldier’s Diary Wound Up In A Wyoming Bank Vault

Maj. George “Sandy” Forsyth’s 1877 diary was on its way to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., in 1960. But its owner decided it belongs in Wyoming where it was written, and it’s been in a Thermopolis bank vault for nearly 65 years.

Jackie DorothyAugust 08, 2024

Dede Anders of Powell, Wyoming, lives to ride. She had been preparing for the race of a lifetime next year in the famous Mongol Derby, a 620-mile race dubbed the longest and toughest on the planet.

Sick Wyoming Woman Pulls Out Of World’s Toughest Horse Race, Then Is Abandoned In Mongolia

Dede Anders knew she was too sick to ride 620 miles across Mongolia, then was abandoned halfway around the world Wednesday. The Wyoming woman was there to compete in the Mongol Derby, but race organizers left her in a hotel room without medical care.

Andrew RossiAugust 07, 2024

Here Comes The Cold! Canadian Front Will Drop Wyoming’s Temps 30 Degrees

Cold air from Alaska will break the sweltering summer heat across Wyoming on Thursday and Friday and bringing plenty of rain with it. The high temperature in Cheyenne on Thursday will only be 58 degrees.

Andrew RossiAugust 07, 2024

Deirdre Griffith of Jackson, Wyoming, in the 2022 Mongol Derby, which she won.

Meet Deirdre Griffith, First Wyoming Woman To Win World's Longest Horse Race

Deirdre Griffith of Jackson, Wyoming, became the first Wyoming woman to win the grueling Mongol Derby, a 620-mile horse race across Mongolia. Although she won in 2022, Griffith said the money she raised then is still helping people.

Andrew RossiAugust 07, 2024

Don Day Says Don't Trust Winter Forecasts That Come Out In Middle Of Summer

Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day says he understands why people are interested in long-range forecasts but the idea that you can predict winter weather in the middle of summer is ridiculous and the results are "outrageously bad."

Andrew RossiAugust 06, 2024

A sign has been posted at the entrance to Hartville that thanks the hundreds of firefighters who saved their town from destruction by the Pleasant Valley Fire.

Recovery Begins At Hartville, The Historic Mining Town That Nearly Went Up In Flames

The historic mining town of Hartville, Wyoming, came within inches of going up in flames this past week. Folks are shell-shocked as they recover from a wildfire that turned much of the land around them into an apocalyptic nightmare.

Pat MaioAugust 06, 2024

Horacio Vela stands near his Harley-Davidson after Catholic Mass on Sunday. Vela carries a rosary with him as he rides.

Sundays Are For The Spiritual, Even Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Hellraisers

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may be a time for bikers to raise a little hell, but that doesn’t mean they miss church. After mass, Horatio Vela of south Texas told Cowboy State Daily, “Right now, I’m riding alone, but I know Christ Savior is always with me.”

Justin GeorgeAugust 04, 2024

Two of the three specimens of Hibernophis breithaupti, the 38-million-year-old snake from the White River Formation near Douglas. These snakes are members of the boid family, which includes modern-day anacondas and Wyoming's rubber boas.

Why Scientists Are Going Bonkers Over Four 38-Million-Year-Old Wyoming Snakes

A den of 38-million-year-old snakes were found in the White River Formation near Douglas, Wyoming, have paleontologists super excited. They're among the most important complete fossils of snakes ever found.

Andrew RossiAugust 04, 2024

Wyoming History: That One Time Grasshoppers Ate A Man And Horse In 1870s

One Wyoming entomologist isn't quite sure the 1877 newspaper account of a grasshopper swarm devouring a man and his horse is believable but he's seen them eat some "pretty outrageous things."

Dale KillingbeckAugust 04, 2024

Natrona County High School football coach Steve Harshman prepares for this 34th season at the helm. “It is really a vocation versus an occupation. I’m truly blessed,” he said.

Coach Harshman Ready To Tackle 34th Season Leading Natrona County Football

Heading into his 34th season as head football coach at Natrona County, Steve Harshman says NFL player Logan Wilson still repeating the Mustangs’ team motto is a “cool outcome” for a high school coach. Harshman is the winningest active coach in Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 04, 2024

Warren Borton digs crocks from a saloon pit in Newcastle, Wyoming.

The Dirty Job Of Digging Up Wyoming History In Outhouses

Warren Borton has spent decades digging up old Wyoming outhouse pits. What he finds are sometimes rare and significant pieces of history. And bottles. Lots and lots of old glass bottles.

Jackie DorothyAugust 04, 2024

Ayden Skillman of Greybull, Wyoming, gives a thumbs up in the hospital for a heart transplant.

Greybull Cheers Local Teen Who Finally Gets A New Heart

Ayden Skillman has lived much of his life without a complete heart because of a congenital heart defect. Now his hometown of Greybull, Wyoming, is cheering the local 18-year-old who’s always shown tons of heart who finally has a new one.

Renée JeanAugust 04, 2024

Cassey Weinhold, 28, stands at the bar she minds for the One-Eyed Jack Saloon in Sturgis. Weinhold came from Kansas to work the rally. The earnings help her throughout the year.

Bar Workers From Across The U.S. Flock To Sturgis To Make Big Money

Bartenders and waiters from across the country flock to Sturgis for the annual motorcycle rally where the population swells from 7,200 people to about 500,000. They say they can earn up to a fourth of their annual income during the 10-day rally.

Justin GeorgeAugust 03, 2024

A trio of 50-year-old creepy child mannequins named Muffy, Michael and Sonya were listed for sale on a Casper Facebook page. People freaked out, clammouring to buy them.

Casper Freaks Out When Trio Of 50-Year-Old Creepy Kid Mannequins Listed For Sale

When a trio of 50-year-old child mannequins turned up for sale earlier this week in Casper, dozens of people tried to buy them. They say their dead, emotionless faces, real human hair, and vacant eyes left them fabulously freaked out.

Andrew RossiAugust 03, 2024

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, grew up in an old homestead house near McGinnis Pass, located about 8 miles north of Guernsey, Wyoming. The century old home burned down in the Pleasant Valley Fire.

Wildfire Burns Harriet Hageman’s Family Homestead, More Evacuations Ordered

A 25,000-acre wildfire raging through the Haystack Hills of eastern Wyoming burned Harriet Hageman’s family homestead. She fought back tears talking about the “devastating” fire. Meanwhile, more evacuations were ordered late Friday.

Pat MaioAugust 03, 2024

It may not look it by the crowds of bikes lining the main drag in Sturgis, South Dakota, but locals say the first day of the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was a little slow.

Sturgis Rally Has Just Begun, But Bartenders Asking — Where Are The Drinkers?

From scheduling events later in the day to IV stations, Sturgis knows many come to its famous motorcycle rally to tie one on. But with a largely older population, a question bartenders were asking on the first day — where are the drinkers?

Justin GeorgeAugust 03, 2024

Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame – Steven C. James: Chasing Cattle for over 65 years

Steve James of Daniel has been riding and checking cattle in the Hoback Basin since he was seven years old – a span of 65 years, even though he’s been riding for almost all his 73 years. In October he will be inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Candy MoultonAugust 02, 2024

At 108, Hazel Baumberger is the oldest living person in South Dakota. She also remembers attending the first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, then just a race with nine bikes, in 1938.

South Dakota’s Oldest Woman Is 108, And Was At The First Sturgis Rally In 1938

Hazel Baumberger is 108 years old and attended the first Sturgis motorcycle rally in 1938 — and several others in decades since. Unable to attend anymore, bikers have decided to take the rally to her.

Justin GeorgeAugust 02, 2024

Sturgis Rally Is 'Super Bowl' For Wyoming Harley-Davidson Stores

Deluxe Harley-Davidson in Gillette, Wyoming, is open 14 straight days to cater to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees. Just off Interstate 90 on the way to Sturgis, the rally represents the “Super Bowl” for the motorcycle shop.

Justin GeorgeAugust 02, 2024

Huge plumes of smoke can be seen for miles.

No Rain Relief For Wyoming Wildfires Until Next Week

As wildfires across Wyoming continue to pop up and grow, firefighters shouldn’t expect any help from Mother Nature anytime soon. There won’t be any rain relief for the fires until next week, meteorologist Don Day says.

Andrew RossiJuly 31, 2024

Former Wyoming college wrestlers Kendell Cummings, from left, Orrin Jackson, August Harrison and Brady Lowry got a free trip to Alaska to film a documentary on the 2022 grizzly attack they survived.

Wyoming Wrestlers Who Fought Grizzly Featured In New Documentary

A group of wrestlers from northwest Wyoming who successfully fought off an angry grizzly bear in 2022 were in Alaska this summer to face bears — and their fears — again. They’re part of a documentary about their story, which could start streaming in 2025.

Leo WolfsonJuly 29, 2024

Many of the graves in the Gebo cemetery hold children.

Dedication Will Remember Gebo’s Children, Forever Home In Wyoming Ghost Town Cemetery

A society that specializes in the absurd will get serious Saturday when it dedicates the Wyoming ghost town of Gebo. The former mining boom town is also the final resting place for many of Gebo’s children, who died during epidemics.

Jackie DorothyJuly 29, 2024

Jacob Wang from Laramie, Wyoming wrestles his steer in 7.2 seconds to place 4th in the Championship round at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 28, 2024.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Monday, July 29, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 29, 2024

Denise’s Diner is for sale and the Teapot Motor Lodge is closed in Edgerton.

Edgerton: The Wyoming Oil Field Town That Refuses To Die

Like many areas around Wyoming, tiny Edgerton sprang up as an energy town and endured many booms and busts. It never died with the last bust, and the 120 or so people who still live here are working on a revival.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 28, 2024

John Prentice, a Union soldier in the Civil War from 1861-1865, kept a diary of his experience, which was recently discovered by his great-grandson, Doyl Fritz of Sheridan, Wyoming.

Sheridan Man’s Family Civil War Diaries Is A Glimpse Into America’s Deadliest Conflict

Doyl Fritz of Sheridan, Wyoming, spent a year transcribing the diaries of his great-grandfather John Prentice, who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War. The lessons gleaned from the account of America’s deadliest conflict are priceless, he says.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 28, 2024

Noah Yenny, 3, pets the shell of Sweet Pea, a 12-year-old sulcata tortoise. Sweet Pea escaped the yard of his owner, Sabrina Hanson, and wandered a block away before being discovered grazing on a neighbor's lawn.

Sweet Pea, The Rescued Pet Tortoise In Cody, Keeps Escaping

Sweet Pea is a 12-year-old tortoise in Cody who keeps escaping his yard to graze on the front lawn of neighbors. And if there's something in his yard that doesn't like, he'll move it. His siblings, two giant mastiffs, know he runs things, so they stay out of his way.

Andrew RossiJuly 28, 2024

Street paster Nick Schindler is passing through Wyoming on his journey to Washington, D.C. He said he carries his cross “the length and the breadth” of every town and city he comes to, inviting people to converse with him.

Cross-Carrying Street Preacher Walks Across Wyoming On Way To D.C.

Nick Schindler has made his walk with Christ an arduously physical thing, and he’s bearing his cross — a literal 75-pound solid-wood cross — through Wyoming on his way across America.

Mark HeinzJuly 28, 2024

Lynn McColl has been volunteering for Cheyenne Frontier Days for 55 years with the parades committee. He's a member of the mounted marshals.

55-Year Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteer Recalls When It Was Wilder

With more than 2,500 volunteers, Cheyenne Frontier Days has more helpers than many Wyoming towns. Lynn McColl, who has been a volunteers for 55 years, says it was wilder when he started. “I drank my first beer in Cheyenne riding down the street at 13 on a horse,” he said.

Renée JeanJuly 28, 2024

Director Christoffer Knuth and paleontologist Brock Sisson putting on the head of the Camarasaurus.

Massive Wyoming Dinosaur Shipped To Denmark Museum Got Lost In The Mail

An exceptionally well-preserved skeleton of a massive Camarasaurus has been unveiled at the Museum of Evolution in Denmark. But its 150 million-year journey from Ten Sleep, Wyoming, to Copenhagen included a week lost in the mail somewhere in Europe.

Andrew RossiJuly 28, 2024

Guapo is a huge 3,000-pound steer Lynn Jamerson rescued about eight years ago. The gentle giant has been featured in a couple of popular children's books, but now will retire to Wyoming from California.

Guapo, A Giant 3,000-Pound Celebrity Holstein Steer, Retiring To Wyoming Ranch

Guapo, a giant 3,000-pound Holstein steer, is one of the largest and most famous bovines in the world. The steer, which stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder and stars in a series of children's books, is retiring to a ranch in Rozet, Wyoming.

Andrew RossiJuly 28, 2024

Terri Smith went from being chief judge on the Wind River Tribal Court to serving time in federal prison for marketing pills. But then she got clean, came home to her children, and now she’s desperate to get her story out to others who struggle with addiction, to convince them there’s hope.

Former Wyoming Judge Busted For Drugs Now Spreads Recovery Story And Hope

Terri Smith was a respected Wyoming tribal judge before she was busted for dealing cocaine and helping to sell prescription drugs. Now she's working to help other addicts recover and find redemption through accountability and gratitude.

Clair McFarlandJuly 28, 2024

Artist Dan Toro makes progress on the mural of Casper Mountain a few days into his project.

Laramie Artist Creates Huge 60-Foot Mural In Downtown Casper

A Laramie artist is busy creating a huge 60-foot mural on the 42 Degrees North building in downtown Casper. It’s a wintery scene of Hogadon Basin Ski Area on Casper Mountain.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 28, 2024

The Hotel Labonte in Douglas was the site of a confrontation between the Converse County sheriff and a murderer in 1924.

Wyoming History: Casper Double-Murderer Shot Down By Sheriff In Douglas In 1924

It was 1924 when a double-dealing Casper businessman about to be caught embezzling snapped, killing his wife and son, then fled to Douglas. But he couldn’t outrun the law, gunned down in a shootout at the Hotel LaBonte with the local sheriff.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 28, 2024

Chancey Williams sings and plays guitar at the Sidewinder Saloon in Old Frontier Town at Cheyenne Frontier Days during the Teton Ridge Rodeo Roadtrip Show on July 26, 2024.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Sunday, July 28, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 28, 2024

The Navy Leap Frog parachute team always gets a huge crowd pop when it drops in from thousands of feet in the air with a huge American flag.

Meet The Elite Navy SEALs Who Drop 6,000 Feet At Cheyenne Frontier Days

It’s become a Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo tradition — the elite Navy SEAL Leap Frog team parachuting from 6,000 feet into the stadium. The SEALS say Frontier Days is a must event for them because it's a military town coupled with a cowboy culture.

Renée JeanJuly 28, 2024

A crowd gathered despite the rain for Big Boy's hourlong appearance in Cheyenne.

Big Boy 4014 Gets Huge Welcome As It Chugs Home To Cheyenne Depot

Big Boy 4014 was welcomed home in Cheyenne on Friday after a month-long summer tour in Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, and Wyoming. An estimated 200,000 people came out on the tour to the see the world's largest working steam engine.

Renée JeanJuly 27, 2024

Veteran newspaperman Bill Sniffin with a signed miner's helmet, which he calls the greatest award he's ever received. It was a thank you from Lander-area miners after stories he published resulted in national legislation to help families of uranium miners.

Longtime Wyoming Newsman Bill Sniffin Wins National Lifetime Achievement Award

Bill Sniffin, who’s spent more than 50 years producing Wyoming newspapers, has been honored by the National Newspaper Association with its lifetime achievement award. Sniffin is also a columnist for Cowboy State Daily.

Jackie DorothyJuly 27, 2024

Wherever he's been, J.B. Zielke is always at home with a good horse.

No Matter Where He Roams, Wyoming Is Always Home For Lost Cowboy J.B. Zielke

Saratoga cowboy J.B. Zielke has cowboyed on six of the seven continents around the globe. But no matter how far he roams, the man known as The Lost Cowboy always comes home to Wyoming.

Renée JeanJuly 27, 2024

The American West: John C. Fremont - The Pathfinder Fights Indians, Encounters Grizzly Bear In Carbon County

John C. Fremont first came into Carbon County in August of 1843, traveling west and camping on the principal fork of the Medicine Bow River near “an isolated mountain called the Medicine Butte.” This of course, was Elk Mountain.

Candy MoultonJuly 27, 2024

In a viral video posted to TikTok and YouTube, creator TimtheTank demonstrates how people have been pouring their beer wrong. Tilting the glass for the pour is wrong, he says. Instead, pour into an upright glass and allow for a big head that will recede. But Wyoming brew experts say the perfect way to pour is determined by the type of beer.

Drinking Wyoming: A Perfect Beer Depends On A Perfect Pour

Despite what you may see on social media, there's no secret best way to pour beer. A top Wyoming brewer and owner of two breweries says the right method depends on the type of beer. And head retention, or foam, is critical.

Jake NicholsJuly 27, 2024

The American West: Bicycles and Buffalo Soldiers

To folks not familiar with the village of Missoula, Montana, or of the United States army post aptly named Fort Missoula located about four miles southwest of town, the sight which presented itself during the early morning of June 14, 1897, might have seemed strange indeed.

James A. CrutchfieldJuly 27, 2024

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Grand Parade in downtown Cheyenne on July 25, 2024.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Saturday, July 27, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 27, 2024

Yellowstone TV actor Moses Brings Plenty at the Chris Ledoux exhibit at Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.

“Yellowstone” Star Among A-Listers Who Can’t Miss Cheyenne Frontier Days

“Yellowstone” star Moses Brings Plenty is among the A-list celebrities who love Cheyenne Frontier Days. This week, he spent time at the Princess Blue Water exhibit and Indian Village.

Renée JeanJuly 26, 2024

Thermal explosion and baby mammoth 7 26 24

No, A Preserved Baby Mammoth Wasn't Unearthed By Yellowstone Thermal Explosion

Not everyone got the joke Wednesday when a Wyoming satire outlet posted a fake story that a baby mammoth was unearthed when a Yellowstone thermal pool violently erupted. It’s not the first time people have been fooled by the Casper Planet.

Andrew RossiJuly 26, 2024

Kashton Ford from Sturgis, South Dakota rides his bareback horse at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 24, 2024

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Friday, July 26, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 25, 2024

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade has about 160 historic wagons in it, the largest collection of operational Old West wagons in the world.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade Features World’s Largest Collection Of Wagons

Sam Gill and Mike Stein have both driven teams of horses for the famous “Yellowstone” prequel television series “1883,” but they would not miss the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade which feature 160-some historic horse-drawn wagons -- the world’s largest collection of operable old-time wagons.

Renée JeanJuly 25, 2024

Rain or shine, the show must go on. In this file photo, Kaycee Thomas from Cheyenne volunteers on the CFD Contestant Committee chasing steers out of the arena during a downpour July 26, 2023.

Nothing Stops Cheyenne Frontier Days, Including Monsoons

It will take more than drenching rain expected with severe thunderstorms this weekend to do much to impact Cheyenne Frontier Days. Nothing stops the rodeo, not even the monsoon weather the area gets at this time of year.

Andrew RossiJuly 25, 2024

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Thursday, July 25, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 25, 2024

World champion Zeke Thurston from Big Valley, Alberta, rides his horse for a score of 90 points to win the Saddlebronc Riding at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 22, 2024.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler is at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Enjoy!

July 23, 2024

The statue of Lane Frost perpetually riding a bull at Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is a favorite spot for tourist selfies and snapshots.

Lane Frost Documentary Premieres In Cheyenne Days Before 35th Anniversary Of His Death

A new documentary about legendary rodeo bull rider Lane Frost premiered in Cheyenne on Saturday. “Lane: Life, Legend, Legacy” was shown days before the 35th anniversary of Lane’s death at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Renée JeanJuly 23, 2024

A group of U.S. Army Rangers were special guests at Cheyenne Frontier Days for Military Monday on July 22, 2024. Between them, the 22 Rangers have 560 years of service, including 60 years of combat.

Army Rangers Get VIP Treatment On Military Monday At Cheyenne Frontier Days

Twenty two members of the Army Rangers received a standing ovation at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Monday. The elite fighting squad known as the 75th Ranger Regiment, have 560 years of combined military service, including 60 years of intense combat experience.

Renée JeanJuly 23, 2024

An impromptu call for people to drive by the home of a Rock Springs boy on his 10th birthday rallied more than 100 cars and motorcycles Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Rock Springs Rallies With Surprise Birthday Drive-By For 10-Year-Old

When Breezy Turner asked if a few people with cool cars could drive past her house to celebrate her son's 10th birthday, more than 150 people got in their cars and on their motorcycles for an unforgettable celebration.

Andrew RossiJuly 23, 2024

Will Lowe from Amarillo, TX in the bareback riding at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 20, 2024.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Photo Gallery: Sunday, July 21, 2024

Cowboy State Daily photographer Matt Idler will be at Cheyenne Frontier Days all 10 days of the event and will be producing photo galleries daily. Here is his first photo gallery from the first weekend. Enjoy!

July 22, 2024

A photo of the DC-3 that crashed into Elk Mountain on Jan. 31, 1946.

Wyoming History: 21 Killed In 1946 When Flight 14 Slammed Into Elk Mountain

The air corridor across southern Wyoming in 1946 required planes to get over Elk Mountain before making a turn south. In January 1946, United Airlines Flight 14 couldn’t and 21 people died.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 21, 2024

Shell-carrying pack mules had to be led through mud and all kinds of terrain during World War I.

With A World War Brewing, Wyoming Was Captivated By A Rogue Army Mule Named Gabriel

While nations built up their forces leading up to World War I, the exploits of an ornery mule named Gabriel captured Wyoming’s attention. A reporter with Gen. John. J. Pershing in Mexico spun and entertaining tale of how a stubborn mule brought the U.S. Army to a halt.

Jackie DorothyJuly 21, 2024

Folk singer and educator Hank Cramer loves to spend time talking about historic events as well as singing songs that are related to those events – such as songs that would have been sung on the California Trail.

Retired Wyoming Army Officer Keeps Historic Overland Trails Music Alive

Retired U.S. Army officer Hank Cramer spends much of his summers traveling around Wyoming sharing the folk music and stories of its historic overland trails. For many pioneers, their music was key to keeping spirits up and motivated.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 21, 2024

Western AF, a Wyoming-based YouTube channel with nearly 235,000 subscribers, features up-and-coming country music artists, like Nick Shoulders.

Wyoming-Based Western AF Is Shaking Up The Country Music Landscape

Two Laramie, Wyoming-based videographers are shaking up the country music landscape with their YouTube channel, Western AF. It spotlights some of the emerging country artists, giving them a platform to gain exposure.

Renée JeanJuly 21, 2024

Smokey Bear is flown from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to his new home at the Washington National Zoo in a Piper J-3 Cub by New Mexico Assistant State Game Warden Homer C. Pickens in 1950. The little bear was rescued from a forest fire and named Smokey after the fire prevention symbol of the U.S. Forest Service.

The American West: Smokey Bear, America’s Most Iconic Forest Ranger

How a scared little 5-pound bear cub who survived a devastating wildfire in 1950 became a national icon. Smokey Bear remains America’s most iconic and recognizable forest ranger.

James A. CrutchfieldJuly 21, 2024

On the outside, the Conoco station at Point of Rocks, Wyoming, looks like any other place to fill up. Inside, it's also a repository of the area's history.

In Tiny Point Of Rocks, Wyoming, There's A Museum Inside The Conoco Station

The Conoco Station in Point of Rocks, Wyoming, is a little oasis in a spot with no other services for miles. It also has a tiny museum filled with artifacts from an area that used to be on the Overland Stage Route.

Renée JeanJuly 21, 2024

The silhouette of riders against fiery letters, Legend of Rawhide.

Around Wyoming: Lusk’s Legend Of Rawhide An Immersive Wild West Experience

Legend of Rawhide is a Lusk tradition -- held on the second weekend of every July -- that reenacts the culture clash between pioneers and Native American tribes. It’s an immersive experience with gunshots and hillside fire.

Renée JeanJuly 21, 2024

John Wayne during a scene of the movie "Hellfighters."

Casper Still Excited For John Wayne Visit 56 Years After He Filmed ‘Hellfighters’

It’s been 56 years since Hollywood legend John Wayne visited Casper to film “Hellfighters,” but locals are still excited about it. The movie featured an elite hotshot crew of oil rig firefighters and filmed some of its most spectacular scenes in Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 20, 2024

Guy Holt rides the legendary rodeo bronc Steamboat in 1903.

The American West: Steamboat Embodies Wyoming’s Cowboy Legacy

Wyoming’s most enduring symbol is our cowboy license plate. It's an old argument across Wyoming as to the rider depicted on the license plate. In Pinedale, old timers may tell you it’s Guy Holt. In Lander, sentiment leans toward Stub Farlow. In Laramie, the name most often mentioned is Jake Maring.

Candy MoultonJuly 20, 2024

A typical Wyoming sheep herd and wagon in 1909.

At The Height Of Wyoming’s Sheep Wars, Raiders Clubbed, Shot And Blew Up Sheep

Upping the ante in their war against sheep men, Wyoming cattle ranchers clubbed, shot and blew sheep up with dynamite. While the Spring Creek Raid of 1909 is the most famous clash, it really began along Badwater Creek in 1904.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 20, 2024

Wyoming Woman To Ride 620-Mile Mongolian Derby, World’s Toughest Horse Race

Dede Anders of Powell is confident her medical and equestrian experience will help her win the grueling 620-mile Mongol Derby. Anders will embark on a 9-day ride, spending 11 hours a day in the saddle across 620 miles of Mongolia's vast, isolated wilderness.

Andrew RossiJuly 20, 2024

Matilda "Tillie" Bock Sewell earned a reputation as being cowboy tough and a true Wyoming cowboy around Weston County.

Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame: Matilda ‘Tillie’ Bock Sewell Spent Years In The Saddle

In Wyoming ranch country, gender is irrelevant. Anyone who can do the job is a cowboy. Tillie Bock Sewell grew up riding horses in Weston County, and was one of the toughest cowboys in the region. She'll be inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in October.

Candy MoultonJuly 20, 2024

A rock drilling contest on Shoshoni's main street in 1908.

Wyoming History: In Early 1900s, Streets Of Shoshoni Were Paved With Gold

When a prospector accidentally spilled gold dust in the streets of Shoshoni in 1906, it sparked rumors the streets were paved with gold. Pandemonium erupted as people ran out on the dusty roads with picks and shovels in a mad dash to scoop up the precious metal.

Renée JeanJuly 20, 2024

Apex, a 75% complete Stegosaurus fossil, is on display at Sotheby’s in New York City prior to its auction. It fetched a record $44.6 million.

Record $45 Million For Stegosaurus Could Prompt Finders To Sell Rather Than Donate

Apex, a 75% complete Stegosaurus skeleton, sold for a record $44.6 million at a Sotheby's auction this week. The huge price tag could influence Wyoming ranch owners to cash-in at private auctions over donating their prehistoric finds.

Andrew RossiJuly 20, 2024

The Park County Animal Shelter is the only facility of its kind in northwest Wyoming, serving communities within a 100-mile radius. But it's on a path to close before the end of the year if it doesn't get more donations.

Without Cash, Northwest Wyoming's Only Animal Shelter Could Close In Months

The cash-strapped Park County Animal Shelter, the only one in northwest Wyoming, could only have a few months left if donations don’t pick up. While costs have increased, donations have fallen off for the shelter that serves the Bighorn Basin.

Andrew RossiJuly 19, 2024

Sheridan 4-Year-Old Defies Medical Odds, Awakes From Coma And Is Recovering

Doctors said 4-year-old Serafina Blue Day might not be able to talk or hear after she suffered brain damage in a two-story fall last month. But then she woke from 10-day coma and by Sunday, she'd regained her spunky personality.

Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024

Carmeron Wagner flies his balloon, left, in the early morning above central Casper.

Let's Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Casper

Cowboy State Daily reporter Dale Killingbeck on Friday hopped into a wicker basket, and let a pilot launch him into the air over Casper by blasting flames into a nylon balloon.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

Walter and Sharon Merschat have restored the exterior of the home that includes gingerbread-style siding at the top. Original windows had to be replaced because the mountain winds blew them out during the buildings first winter.

Casper Couple Transforms Former Drug House Into Wyoming Mountain Retreat

When Walter and Sharon Merschat heard that a 'drug house' was getting demolished by the City of Casper, they stopped inside to take a look. They saw the woodwork and told the city "you can't do this." The city gave them one month to move the house.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

The American West: The Battle of Granby -- 2004

Marvin Heemeyer climbed into his improvised tank-bulldozer, cranked up the engine, and proceeded to drive through the wall of his rented building onto the parking lot of business neighbor Cody Docheff’s newly constructed concrete plant.

James A. CrutchfieldJuly 14, 2024

The American West: Fort Laramie Attacked

Though one of the most important military forts in the West, Fort Laramie lacked fortifications. It was an open assemblage of buildings that one might usually expect to find within protective walls of any U.S. Army fort in the Nineteenth Century.

Terry A. Del BeneJuly 14, 2024

Are We Dating The Same Guy? Wyoming Women Use Facebook To Avoid Dating Disasters

A Wyoming woman created “Are We Dating The Same Guy 307” Facebook page in 2023 as a forum for women to share information about the statewide dating scene and to help expose cheaters. In less than 18 months, it has become a very active page with more than 10,000 members.

Jen KocherJuly 14, 2024

A grid is laid out at the Willow Springs archaeological site. The site is in the Laramie Valley and once may have served as a stagecoach stop on the Overland Trail.

Forgotten 1860s Wyoming Stagecoach Stop Reveals Artifacts Thousands Of Years Old

A recent dig on a long-forgotten archaeological site at a private Laramie Valley ranch has uncovered more than 10,000 artifacts that date back to prehistoric times, the Plains Indian Wars and an apparent mercantile in the 1870s.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

Chapel Of The Transfiguration: 100 Years Of Worship In Grand Teton National Park

The Chapel of the Transfiguration was built in Grand Teton National Park 100 years ago when early settlers got fed up with a 25-mile ride to church on Sundays. Now it's a must-see tourist destination, popular wedding chapel, and still-functioning Episcopal church.

Jake NicholsJuly 14, 2024

Two-time Rodeo Photographer of the year Christopher "Click" Thompson breaks out his camera to take a few photos, front, while Carrie Mazelin does the same, back, at the Cody Stampede Rodeo's slack event.

Cody Stampede Launched Click Thompson's Career As Top Rodeo Photographer

The Cody Stampede launched two-time Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher "Click" Thompson’s career. He was back last week to shoot the Stampede and host a master class for aspiring rodeo shutterbugs.

Renée JeanJuly 14, 2024

Wyoming Bartenders: Wrong Orders, Bad Tips, Getting Hit-On, Here's What Bugs 'Em

As a public service to our readers, Cowboy State Daily visited many Wyoming bars and asked the bartenders about their jobs. They like most everything about their profession but there are a few things that drive them crazy.

Jake NicholsJuly 14, 2024

Paul Terry takes in Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, one of the park's most popular and colorful attractions.

Decades After Visiting As A Kid, Cheyenne Man Gets Wish For Yellowstone Return

Paul Terry visited Yellowstone National Park as a kid and always longed to return, but never did. That is until this week, when the 78-year-old Cheyenne man had his wish granted by AARP.

Leo WolfsonJuly 14, 2024

Cody’s First Church Was Built With Money Won In High-Stakes Poker Game

The “Poker Church,” as it’s affectionately known, was the first church built in Cody. It was partially built with winnings from a lively poker game in 1900 that included Buffalo Bill Cody.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 13, 2024

Stockton Buck, left, and Rachel Lear are two of four Wyoming students awarded in the latest round of mikeroweWORKS Foundation scholarships.

Four Wyoming Students Win Mike Rowe's Work Ethic Scholarships

Four Wyoming students are among the latest round of Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship winners which were announced on Thursday night. The popular “Dirty Jobs” TV host says he’s fighting a shift in society that doesn’t value hard work.

Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2024

With temperatures nearing 95 in Cheyenne on Friday, the Dairy Queen on Pershing Boulvard was a popular place. The drive-thru line stretched around the building a little afte 3 p.m.

Heat Records Fall Across Wyoming, And More Could Follow

The heat wave that’s been baking much of the U.S. West is making its way into Wyoming. Several towns in the western part of the state set record highs Thursday, and more will follow as the heat moves across the Cowboy State.

Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2024

Record-Setting Death Valley Heat Wave On The Way To Wyoming

A heat wave that saw Death Valley hit a record high of 128 degrees Sunday is coming to Wyoming. While the heat won’t be that extreme here, some spots in eastern Wyoming could have a record-setting string of highs in triple digits.

Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2024

The "castle" at Guernsey State Park in Wyoming.

Guernsey State Park’s Castle Could Be Most Over-The-Top Picnic Shelter In U.S.

It’s not every day one goes to a state park just for its architecture, but Guernsey State Park is a little bit different. It’s a very large and complex picnic shelter that looks so much like a castle, that’s what everyone calls it.

Renée JeanJuly 07, 2024

Wyoming’s Bucking Horse Logo Dates Back To WWI — And It’s Not Steamboat

There are few things that say “Wyoming” more than its bucking horse and rider logo. What’s not as well-known is its origin. It was drawn during World War I by a Wyoming artist fighting in the war. And it wasn't based on Steamboat.

Leo WolfsonJuly 07, 2024

Logan Wilson at this weekend's golf tournament for the foundation started in memory of little Brooks Anderson. Inset, Jamie Anderson gets her son Brooks to laugh. She said her journey of loss has caused her to go deep into the study of grief. She started a blog that has helped other women.

NFL's Logan Wilson Back In Casper Supporting Coach Who Lost Baby To SIDS

Casper's Logan Wilson was back in town this weekend participating in the Brooks Joshua Memorial Golf Tournament to raise awareness for SIDS. The NFL star's high school coach lost his baby to SIDS eight years ago.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024

The American West: How Calamity Jane Earned Her Stripes As An Army Scout

Sporting buckskin and a rifle, Calamity Jane looked every bit the part of a Western frontierswoman. She didn’t take kindly to the word “no" and quickly proved herself as an invaluable Army scout for troops in the Black Hills region.

Candy MoultonJuly 07, 2024

Cody Theatre owner Ryan Fernandez stands next to the swamp cooler in the historic Cody Theatre. Despite its age, the nearly 90-year-old unit still works with only a few minor improvements needed.

Nearly 90 Years Old, Wyoming's First Air Conditioner Still Works

When the Cody Theatre opened on the historic Western town’s main street in 1937, one of its main attractions was being the first air-conditioned building in Wyoming. Nearly 90 years later, it's still working and is a great example of if it ain't broke, don’t fix it.

Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2024

Wyoming History: Gebo Was Built By A Mining Boom, Now It’s A Ghost Town

As a booming coal mining community, Gebo exploded into the biggest town in the Bighorn Basin. It saw people from 16 nations settle there, but Gebo couldn’t survive the bust that came after its boom. Now it’s a ghost town.

Renée JeanJuly 07, 2024

The Fort Laramie Bridge across the North Platte River intially served Wyoming Territory and then the state of Wyoming through county ownership until 1958.

Wyoming History: Fort Laramie Bridge Connected West To Indian Wars And Gold Boom

The 149-year-old, 400-foot Fort Laramie bridge is a remarkable feat of 19th century engineering. It spanned the North Platte, connecting the Army to the Great Sioux War and fortune-seekers to a gold boom.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024

In the early days of Cheyenne, Rollins House was a destination as a proper hotel in what was mostly a tent city.

Before The Hitching Post, The Rollins House Was Wyoming's Unofficial 2nd Capitol

Before the Hitching Post became Cheyenne’s unofficial second state capitol — where most legislators would hobnob over drinks and dinner, sometimes working out their differences at all hours — there was the Rollins House on present-day 16th Street.

Renée JeanJuly 06, 2024

St. Alban's Chapel in the scenic Snowy Range Mountains in southern Wyoming is a favorite spot for spring and early summer weddings.

Tiny St. Alban’s Chapel In The Middle Of Nowhere A Favorite Wyoming Wedding Spot

Nestled in the Snowy Range Mountains sits a quiet mountain chapel. With stunning views of the Centennial Valley , St. Alban’s Chapel near Little Brooklyn Lake draws outdoor enthusiasts, engaged couples and parishioners of St. Matthew’s Cathedral to the site year after year.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 06, 2024

Dave Stamey performs at the Colorado Cowboy Gathering in 2022.

Legendary Cowboy Crooner Dave Stamey Won Over Wyoming One Show At A Time

Cowboy singer-songwriter Dave Stamey is one of the most celebrated Western entertainers alive today. Eight-time Entertainer of the Year, seven-time Male Performer of the Year and five-time Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association.

Jake NicholsJuly 06, 2024

The Golden Spike ceremony on completion of the first transcontinental railroad, as trains of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific rail met at Promontory, Utah, on May 10 1869. The image is one half of a stereoscopic image.

The American West: Transcontinental Railroad Challenge No. 1 — Where To Put It

Before the first transcontinental railroad could open the untamed West to the rest of the nation, a crucial decision had to be made — where to put it.

James A. CrutchfieldJuly 06, 2024

The mounted skeleton of Diplodocus carnegii, "the Star-Spangled Dinosaur," in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This 87-foot-long Jurassic giant from Albany County, Wyoming, was one of the first complete skeletons of a large dinosaur ever found and mounted.

125 Years Ago, The Largest Dinosaur Of The Time Was Unearthed In Albany County

On July 3, 1899, one of the most significant paleontological discoveries occurred when a massive 87-foot skeleton of a Diplodocus was unearthed in Albany County. It was the largest dinosaur ever found at the time and sent shockwaves through the paleontological world.

Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2024

Anchor Dam is having a good flow this year. But the water will soon disappear. The dam is just barely visible in the far left corner.

Anchor Dam: After A Decade And Millions Spent, It Literally Never Held Water

When it was conceived in the 1950s, Anchor Dam in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin was going to be an oasis. But a decade of building and millions of dollars later, the project was plagued with so many flaws it was abandoned. Also, it literally never held water.

Renée JeanJuly 06, 2024

Courtesy: Climbers light up Devils Tower on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Climbing Devils Tower At Night Is Dark, Dangerous — And "Otherworldly"

Anyone looking toward Devils Tower after sunset on the Fourth of July might have noticed balls of light slowly ascending its sheer sides. Those were climbers wearing lights and they say, the experience at night is "otherworldly."

Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024

The iconic "Buffalo Bill — The Scout" sculpture at the end of Sheridan Avenue in Cody, Wyoming, depicts the town's founding father, Buffalo Bill Cody. It was rededicated Thursday, the 100th anniversary of its unveiling.

Cody's Buffalo Bill Statue Rededicated On 100th Anniversary

The iconic Buffalo Bill statue named "The Scout" was rededicated on Thursday, the 100th anniversary of its placement. Historians say the statue for the town of Cody is what the bucking horse and rider is to Wyoming or what the bald eagle is to the U.S.

Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024

Military vehicles of all kinds — 30 different ones in all — are the star of the Dubois Fourth of July parade, drawing people from all over.

With 30 Tanks And Military Vehicles, Dubois 4th Of July Is An American Classic

Dubois is one of the only towns in America that can field 30 military tanks and vehicles in its Fourth of July Parade. That's because Dubois is home to the world's largest private collection of fully restored military vehicles.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2024

The Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo in Casper.

Weekend In Wyoming: Central Wyoming Fair, Gold Rush Days, And More

The Central Wyoming Fair is back with its outrageous poultry costume contest, carnival and monster truck rides. Or pan for gold at Gold Rush Days in South Pass City. Or celebrate all things western at Laramie Jubilee Days....

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2024

M57, or the Ring Nebula, is a planetary nebula, the glowing remains of a sun-like star. The tiny white dot in the center of the nebula is the star’s hot core, called a white dwarf.

Ring Nebula Is The Grand Prismatic Spring Of Wyoming's Summer Skies

The Ring Nebula, also known as Messier 57, is the Grand Prismatic Spring of the cosmos. Located in the constellation Lyra, it's one of the most colorful celestial sights in the night skies over Wyoming this summer.

Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the third annual Rock Springs Liberty Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Wow Rock Springs Fourth Of July Paradegoers

Hundreds of people waited for hours Thursday to watch the word-famous Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the Rock Springs Liberty Parade. And the gentle giants didn’t disappoint.

Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2024

Wyoming Paramedics Advise Not Shooting Fireworks From Your Orifices Or At People

To stay injury-free this Fourth of July, paramedics in Wyoming advise not to shoot fireworks from any of your orifices or at people. Cutting down on alcohol is a good strategy too, they say.

Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024

The Cody Stampede Parade on July 3, 2024, featured plenty of horses — as usual.

Wyoming's Fourth of July Starts Early With Cody Stampede Parade

Fourth of July in Wyoming got its traditional early start Wednesday with the first of two Cody Stampede Parades. Thousands of people packed Sheridan Avenue for Grand Marshal Larry the Cable Guy and horses — lots of horses.

Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2024

Cowboy State Daily outdoors writer Mark Heinz plays "The Star Spangled Banner" on his Stihl MS 261 chainsaw.

Reporter’s Notebook: ‘Star Spangled Banner’ On A Chainsaw A CSD Tradition

What started out as a way for outdoors writer to annoy his neighbors has become a patriotic Cowboy State Daily tradition. Mark Heinz comes in with his 2024 chainsaw rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024

Happy Fourth Of July: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming

Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate Independence Day on Thursday with parades, barbecues, concerts and firework shows. Here is a list of many of the celebrations. If we missed any, let us know!

Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2024

Sky Element Drone Shows uses computer choreographed drones to create patriotic Fourth of July shows.

Wyoming Won't Be Ditching Traditional Fireworks For Drones On July 4

More cities -- such as Boulder, Colorado -- are ditching their traditional Fourth of July fireworks blowouts for elaborate, computer-choreographed drone light shows. Not in Wyoming though. We still like to watch stuff explode.

Mark HeinzJuly 02, 2024

The Cody Stampede Parade on July 4, 2023. Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day said daytime temperatures will be in the high 60s and low 70s this year, and there's a chance parade routes in northern Wyoming could look much like they did last year, with overnight and early morning showers and thunderstorms.

Expect A Wet Wyoming Fourth Of July Up To 15 Degrees Cooler Than Average

Wyoming residents can expect Mother Nature to rain on their parades, barbecues and campouts for this week’s Fourth of July celebrations. It will also be as much as 15 degrees cooler than average.

Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024

This scare, starving and dehydrated pooch that's been nammed Libby had been stuck in this deep concrete water tank for day when Worland city workers noticed her. Woorland firefighters then rescued Libby, who is recovering.

Dog Almost Dies In Abandoned Water Tank Before Worland Firefighters Rescue Her

A dog was found at the bottom of an abandoned water treatment holding tank in Worland. With sheer concrete walls and no ramps or ladders, there was no way for the unfortunate pooch to escape. Thanks to Worland firefighters, she survived and is recovering.

Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024

Origin Of Famous Baby-Switching Prank In ‘The Virginian’ May Be Unraveled — Again

Many Wyoming communities have claimed they inspired the baby-switching prank pulled by The Virginian in Owen Wister’s famous novel of the same name. A historian, however, says the location really is Thermopolis.

Renée JeanJune 30, 2024

An example of an earthflow near a roadway in this file photo.

It's Earthflow Season, And They're Wreaking Havoc On Wyoming Roads

An earthflow is actively destroying a road in Meeteetse and there's nothing anyone can do about it until the area dries out. It can happen anywhere in Wyoming, and does. Although with summer, the "earthflow season" is coming to an end.

Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024

Copman's Tomb is a distinctive feature in the Bighorn Basin

Wyoming History: Copman’s Tomb Named For Man Who Wanted To Fly Off It In 1880s

Copman’s Tomb, in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin, is named for a German trapper, farmer and inventor who in the 1880s invented a flying machine -- which reportedly worked -- and planned on flying it off the mountain top.

Dale KillingbeckJune 30, 2024

Erik Kvale uses a poster to explain the paleoecology of the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. Kvale was one of the Greybull residents who discovered the limestone exposure in 1997, which preserves over 800 dinosaur footprints from the Middle Jurassic Sundance Formation.

Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway One Of The Most Important Fossil Deposits In The World

The Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway is a unique record of a time when Greybull, Wyoming, was beachfront property and when dinosaurs roamed the shores of an ancient sea about 160 million years ago during the Jurassic Period.

Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024

Big Boy 4014 makes the first stop on its 2024 summer tour in Laramie, Wyoming, on Sunday morning, June 30, 2024. Hundreds of curious people and serious train buffs waited for more than two hours to get a good viewing spot.,

Big Boy 4014 Gets Big Welcome At First Whistlestop In Laramie

In the world of steam engines, Big Boy 4014 is a rock star, and it got a rock star welcome on Sunday. Hundreds of people lined up in downtown Laramie for the first whistlestop on its 2024 summer tour.

Greg JohnsonJune 30, 2024

The two-story outhouse at the Grand Encampment Museum may seem odd, but actually makes sense. The second story isn't for volume use, its to use when the snow's so deep the bottom level is blocked. Also, the holes have luxurious beaver pelt covers.

Believe It Or Not, Rural Wyoming 2-Story Outhouse Makes Sense

One of the more bizarre and interesting attractions at the Grand Encampment Museum in southern Wyoming is a historic 2-story outhouse, and believe it or not, it actually makes sense.

Amber SteinmetzJune 30, 2024

This painting depicts Fr. Pierr-Jean De Smet, who traveled extensively throughout the early West spreading the gospel and establishing Catholic missions.

The American West: Fr. Pierre De Smet, The Jesuit Priest Who Baptized The West

Jesuit priest Fr. Pierre-Jean De Smet was born in Belgium, but found his life’s calling establishing Catholic missions throughout the early settlement of the West, including holding the first Catholic mass in Wyoming.

Candy MoultonJune 30, 2024