Wyoming Life | Cowboy State Daily

All 13 cows of the Wyoming State Bison herd in Hot Springs State Park had calves this year, bringing the total number of bison to 30. About 15 will be sold off at a public auction this fall or early winter since the land at the Bison Pasture can only handle so many bison.

Meet Thunder & Lightning, The Bulls That Lead Wyoming’s Iconic State Bison Herd

For more than a century, Wyoming’s official bison herd has roamed the grasslands around Thermopolis. Until this year, the 15-head herd was led by a pair of unnamed, nearly identical bulls. Now they’re officially named Thunder and Lightning.

Jackie DorothyAugust 31, 2025

Meteorologist Don Day Not That Concerned Over La Niña Watch Prediction

Although the National Weather Service has issued a La Niña Watch for late fall and early winter -- which could mean warmer temperatures and lower snowpack -- meteorologist Don Day says to slow down."Everybody's hair is on fire, but this isn’t a slam dunk situation," he says.

Andrew RossiAugust 31, 2025

Working on one of the huge tailbones of the Jurassic ass are, from top left, Bryan Aivazian Ryan Tutt Jon Yoder Dan Kurfis Dallas Smith and Diego Rao

Digging Wyoming: Casper's Tate Museum Hauls A Jurassic Ass Out Of Alcova

A team of staff and volunteers from the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College spent the first half of August excavating the 150-million-year-old butt of a Brontosaurus-like dinosaur found on a hilltop near the Alcova Reservoir.

Andrew RossiAugust 31, 2025

Gonzalo Anzurez in a Denver-area hospital during a six-month recovery from a vehicle accident Aug. 1, 2024.

Flood, Fire And Crash That Paralyzed Son — A Powell Family’s Harrowing 3 Months

Cindy Anzurez’s family is still reeling from a harrowing three months when they were hit by a flood, fire and car crash that paralyzed her 13-year-old son. Then her husband left. Even through all that, the mother of five says her family is “blessed."

Dale KillingbeckAugust 31, 2025

Kevin Meyer ropes a horse on an Idaho ranch north of Sinclair. Today, Meyer is a horse trainer in Douglas, Wyoming, on his ranch Mantz Creek Horses He got his start as a wrangler.

Wyoming Jobs: What Exactly Does A Wrangler Do?

Want a job that will put you back in the Old West? Try working on a ranch as a wrangler. You'll have to manage manage horses and people, both of which can be pretty ornery. There are also bears to contend with and lots of beer. That makes wrangling a job like no other.

Renée JeanAugust 31, 2025

On a prominent hill in Star Valley, a 1,500-square-foot American flag flies from a 130-foot-tall flagpole. When the massive flag needed to be replaced after a storm, ranch owner Darcel Hulse, 78, insisted on doing the work himself.

78-Year-Old Rancher Scales 130-Foot Flagpole To Fly Massive American Flag Over Star Valley

78-year-old rancher Darcel Hulse said he wanted to show off his patriotism in a big way, so he flies a 1,500 sq. ft. flag from his ranch in Star Valley. When it needed replaced after a storm, he insisted on doing the work himself. "I'm an old guy, but I'm not afraid of heights," he said.

Andrew RossiAugust 31, 2025

Richard Zawistowski, left, and Michael Lonergan bought VIP tickets to this year's festival which included some perks like those wing-shaped koozies they're holding.

Laramie's Trent Weitzel Defending Title At 2025 National Buffalo Wing Festival

Laramie’s Trent Weitzel is back in Buffalo, New York, at the most prestigious chicken wing festival in the U.S. to defend his title. He’s the three-time defending Festival Favorite winner — not to mention Josh Allen’s favorite.

Anna-Louise JacksonAugust 31, 2025

Now that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have announced their engagement, the rumors are thick the pop culture power couple is moving to Montana. They’ve been spotted at the uber-exclusive Yellowstone Club, and it’s No. 1 on the Bozeman gossip hit parade.

Taylor Swift - Travis Kelce Engagement Fuels Rumors Their Next Move Is To Montana

Now that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have announced their engagement, the rumors are thick the couple is moving to Montana. They’ve been spotted at the uber-exclusive Yellowstone Club and people say they’ve been shopping for real estate in Bozeman.

Anna-Louise JacksonAugust 30, 2025

From left, Deputies Mosbacher, Harriso and Konegni with the Laramie County Sheriff's Office

Texas Uses Cowboy Hats To Recruit Cops — In Wyoming It's The Culture, Not A Perk

Earlier this week, the Dallas Police Department made a big deal about adding cowboy hats to their official uniform. In Wyoming, it's ingrained in the culture and as automatic as underwear, where “going commando” could easily mean you’re not wearing your cowboy hat.

Andrew RossiAugust 30, 2025

Traffic drives through a Wyoming snowstorm in this file photo.

Computers Say Snow For Labor Day In Wyoming, But Don Day Doesn’t Buy It

A long-range computer forecast calling for snow in the first week of September, and possibly on Labor Day, can be misleading, meteorologist Don Day says. Those computer predictions “drive me nuts and gets people all ramped up,” he says. “I hate it.”

Andrew RossiAugust 26, 2025

Paint crew members and their famlies pose in front of Cheyenne's water tank murals as they near completion.

Huge Mural Of Wild Horses On Cheyenne Water Tank Nearly Done And Turning Heads

What seems like a herd of wild horses cresting the hill over Storey Boulevard in Cheyenne is turning heads as people drive along one of the city’s major east-west roads. The huge mural on one of a pair of water tanks is nearly done.

Renée JeanAugust 26, 2025

Forget the night before Christmas, Santa hits Yellowstone National Park four months before. Christmas in August was celebrated Monday, and has been an annual tradition in Yellowstone National Park for more than 70 years.

Why Are They Celebrating Christmas In Yellowstone -- In August?

Forget the night before Christmas, Santa hits Yellowstone National Park every August. Christmas was celebrated on Monday, and has been an annual tradition in Yellowstone for more than 70 years.

Andrew RossiAugust 25, 2025

A prolonged power outage shut down the street lights and many businesses in Rawlins and other Carbon County communities.

Much Of Carbon County Without Power For 16 Hours After Substation Hit By Lightning

The power is finally back on across much of southern Carbon County after lightning hit a power substation and left about 5,600 homes and businesses without electricity for more than 16 hours Sunday and Monday.

David MadisonAugust 25, 2025

Evanston artist Michelle ‘Chely’ Gomez adds a few touchups to her work at the Evanston Skate Park, as local scooter enthusiast Cutter Nicholson looks on.

No Longer Called A Vandal, Evanston Artist Gives Skate Park A Funky-Cool Makeover

Evanston spray-paint artist Chely Gomez was hired to give the local skate park a funky-cool makeover that’s now drawing praise from residents. That's a change because when she started, she was visited many times from the police over complaints that she was vandalizing city property.

Don CoggerAugust 24, 2025

Blair Sanchez and her 4-H hog Slate pose for a poster shot to be used at the Laramie County Fair.

Wyoming Make-A-Wish Teen With Rare Heart Disease Donates Sale Of Her 4-H Hog

Blair Sanchez from Burns, Wyoming, has a rare heart disease and was gifted a dream trip by Make-A-Wish. Wanting other kids to get their wishes granted, she’s pledged thousands of dollars from the sale of her 4-H hog.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 24, 2025

You may have never met Frank Alvarado, but you likely have his best friends — a pair of green aliens along the road to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. His daughter thinks they’re “hideous,” but her Vietnam Vet dad loved them, so the aliens stay. They've also been known to do some sightseeing from time to time.

Those Green Aliens Along The Road To Yellowstone A Tribute To Wapiti Vietnam Vet

You may have never met Frank Alvarado, but you may have seen his best friends — a pair of green aliens who occasionally appear on the road to Yellowstone. Now they serve as mobile memorials to the kind Wapiti man, a former Los Angeles cop who survived nearly 50 missions during the Vietnam War.

Andrew RossiAugust 24, 2025

Elk Fire fire bug Chad Flanagan 1 8 23 25

Sidelined By Smoke-Damaged Lungs, Career Wildland Firefighter Now Reports Fires

Forced to retire because of his smoke-damaged lungs, Darren Clifford of Lander now keeps people informed about wildfires. Clifford, who needs a lung transplant, created a popular Facebook page called "Caught The Fire Bug" which reports up-to-date information available about large wildfires in Wyoming and across the West.

Jackie DorothyAugust 23, 2025

Lt. Josh Williams, seated, listens while his crewmate Lt. Harrison Martin speaks inside the control room.

Inside An F.E. Warren Air Force Base Secret Underground Missile Bunker

Welcome to an F.E. Warren Air Force Base secret underground missile bunker, where the dry desert air tastes like old socks. It’s also where two-person teams man equipment old enough to be in a museum and are ready to press the nuclear button at any time.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2025

$Travis Clyde’s world changed forever the day a welding explosion burned him to the bone, fractured his skull and left him clinging to life. Doctors say the Jeffrey City husband and father of five faces at least a year of recovery.$

Burned To Bone In Welding Explosion, Jeffrey City Father Of 5 Faces A New Reality

Travis Clyde’s world changed forever last month when a welding explosion burned him to the bone, fractured his skull and left him clinging to life. Doctors say the Jeffrey City husband and father of five faces at least a year of recovery.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 23, 2025

When a car hits a deer or antelope, it can mean expensive repairs. Hitting a cow is much worse — and possibly demolish you as well. Wyomingites would be wise not to underestimate how devastating hitting a 1,000-pound cow can be.

Hitting A Cow Won't Just Total Your Car, It'll Demolish It — And You

When a car hits a deer or antelope, it can mean expensive repairs. Hitting a cow is much worse, it will likely destroy your car and you as well. Wyomingites would be wise not to underestimate how devastating hitting a 1,000-pound cow can be, assuming they don't become hamburger in the impact.

Andrew RossiAugust 23, 2025

A week after a 7-year-old Siberian husky named Beo got lost in the Wind River Mountains while on a camping trip with his family, he was back in Cheyenne with his family Friday. He was found by a pair of hikers more than 55 miles from where he ran off.

Husky Lost For 7 Days In Rugged Wind River Wilderness Is Back Home in Cheyenne

A week after a 7-year-old Siberian husky got lost in the Wind River Mountains while on a camping trip with his family, he was back in Cheyenne at home on Friday. He was found by a pair of hikers more than 55 miles from where he ran off.

Andrew RossiAugust 22, 2025

People meet, mingle, and admire the 103 pieces of art selected for the 44th Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale.

World Famous Buffalo Bill Western Art Show And Sale Opens For 44th Year

The world-famous Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody is open for its 44th year. More than 100 works of Western art valued at more than $1.25 million are on display through the show’s live auction Sept. 19.

Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2025

Ryan Pasborg, right, receives the Carnegie Medal from Gov. Mark Gordon on April 27, 2024, at the Governor's Mansion in Cheyenne. The medal is the nation's highest civilian honor for heroism. He saved a mother and her young son from a burning trailer on his way to work the morning of Feb. 1, 2022.

Wyoming Carnegie Medal Hero Nearly Killed In Crash With Semi

Ryan Pasborg, the Green River man who was given the Carnegie Medal for heroism for saving a mother and young boy from a burning house, is lucky to be alive after a crash with a semi. The crash left the hero with a multitude of injuries and sky high medical bills.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2025

If Samuel L. Jackson is tired of all those mother-bleeping snakes on that mother-bleeping plane, he should steer clear of Wyoming. Rattlesnakes are so common at the Greybull airport, the staff is used to them, although they might freak visitors out.

Snakes In A Plane (Hangar): Greybull Airport Is Rattlesnake Central

If Samuel L. Jackson has had it with all those mother-bleeping snakes on that mother-bleeping plane, he should steer clear of Wyoming. Rattlesnakes are so common at the Greybull airport, the staff is used to them, although they might freak visitors out.

Mark HeinzAugust 18, 2025

Don Day’s Way-Too-Early Winter Forecast: Colder, Snowier And Longer

If Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day's extended winter forecast is right, the 2025-2026 winter season will come early, stick around longer, and be colder and snowier. It’s what he calls “a good, old-fashioned Wyoming winter.”

Andrew RossiAugust 18, 2025

If you’re traveling along I-90 east of Butte, take exit 241 and a 30-minute drive north on a dirt road to a unique geological formation with a Whitehall address. There you’ll find a big pile of rocks, aptly known as Ringing Rocks, which chime if you tap them lightly with a hammer.

Explore Montana: Stunning Views, Rocks That Chime Like Bells And Bathing In Radon Gas

From quirky cabin signs to historic landmarks, there are a number of off-the-beaten-path destinations around Montana. They include rocks that chime like bells when hit with a hammer to radon bathing to stunning views from Beartooth Pass.

Anna-Louise JacksonAugust 17, 2025

Caitee Cooper is eager to partner with Wyoming artisans, such as soap and candle makers, to create a unique niche for her contemporary fantasy trilogy, the Portlock series. She said she is inspired by the outdoors and legends to write her stories.

Bigfoot, Alaska And Evil: Wyoming Author Channels Depression Into A Wild Trilogy

Caitee Cooper grew up in the Wyoming outdoors, which she draws on to build her fantasy novels inspired by bigfoot, Alaska, evil, and a pretty wild imagination. But it was her depression that gave Cooper the courage to start writing.

Jackie DorothyAugust 17, 2025

Heather Hossack of Heritage Quilts & Fabric Shoppe in Riverton, Wyoming, is a quilter that loves to create uniquely Wyoming patterns of rodeo life and wildlife.

Wyoming’s Wildlife, Rodeo And The West Inspires Riverton Woman’s Quilt Art

Riverton's Heather Hossack has turned her passion for horses and wildlife into a career designing unique Wyoming quilt patterns. Quilters from all over the world have purchased her original patterns to create their own art with a distinctly Wyoming flair.

Jackie DorothyAugust 17, 2025

The 1865 tomahawk linked to the death of Caspar Collins outside the city later named for him was found in Arizona. Bob Coronato and a partner bought it and brought it back to Wyoming, but efforts to sell and preserve it in a Wyoming public collection ultimately failed.

The Strange Saga Of A Historic Tomahawk Linked To Death Of Caspar Collins

A collector called the condition of a tomahawk linked to the death of Caspar Collins at the Battle of Platte Bridge "miraculous" especially because it was found in such good condition at a yard sale in Arizona. But all efforts to have it secured in a Wyoming collection has failed and now a private collector has it.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 17, 2025

Fed up with loud crotch rockets and cars racing around Cheyenne, the City Council is ready to crack down on vehicles that blatantly violate the city’s noise regulations. It’s considering sound camera technology to catch offenders.

Fed Up With Loud Crotch Rockets And Cars, Cheyenne City Council To Crack Down

Fed up with loud crotch rockets and cars racing around Cheyenne, members of the City Council are trying to crack down on vehicles that blatantly violate the city’s noise regulations. They're proposing to use sound camera technology to catch offenders.

David MadisonAugust 17, 2025

Bob Beck listens while covering the Wyoming legislature. He said he appreciated the “sense of humor” that seemed to be part of the Capitol corridors in his day.

Wyoming Radio Icon Bob Beck Back On The Air At Syracuse University

For 34 years, Bob Beck was a familiar voice on Wyoming radio. He retired three years ago and moved to Syracuse, New York. The university there has lured him out of retirement to teach and go back on the air.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 17, 2025

When a pair of electricians from Casper found Bob Newman lying face-down along Wyoming Highway 28 on Monday, they thought he was dead. Then he groaned. While Newman's daughter calls the men heroes, they say they did what anyone would have.

They Thought The Biker Lying Face-Down By Wyoming Road Was Dead, Then He Groaned

When two electricians from Casper found a biker lying face-down along Wyoming Highway 28 on Monday, they thought he was dead. Then he groaned. "They're my dad's angels,” sobbed the man's daughter from an Intensive Care Unit at the University of Utah Hospital.

Zakary SonntagAugust 17, 2025

Jimmy Stewart and members of his racing team with the P-51.

Wyoming History: Jimmy Stewart’s P-51 Was Banned In Wyoming, Crashed In Nebraska

Banned from flying over Wyoming in 1955, the famed P-51 Mustang once owned by Hollywood star Jimmy Stewart crashed in Nebraska. But a restored version of the aircraft still thrills aviation fans across the country.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 16, 2025

The Air Force will use Tesla Cybertrucks for target practice with missiles because enemies might use them. A Wyoming automotive expert questions why terrorists would even want Cybertrucks.

Air Force To Blow Up Cybertrucks With Missiles To Practice Terrorism Response

The Air Force plans to use Tesla Cybertrucks for target practice because there’s concern that terrorists might start using the hulking vehicles. According to contracting documents, the Cybertrucks have features that could make them formidable.

Mark HeinzAugust 16, 2025

Did you grow up calling those sweet, fizzy soft drinks “soda” or “pop” — or “Coke” as they do in the South? Maybe you say “soda pop.” In Wyoming, there seems to be no clear preference.

The Pop vs. Soda vs. Coke Controversy: What Do You Call Soft Drinks In Wyoming

Did you grow up calling soft drinks “soda” or “pop” — or even “Coke” as they do in the South? Maybe you say “soda pop.” In Wyoming, it's all over the map.

Jake NicholsAugust 16, 2025

Rusty after he first arrived at the shelter had to be treated for all the ticks that were on him. At right, Rusty meets his new family. Addison, left, Allen, and Aiden Miller drove from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to pick him up.

Lost Dog Covered In Ticks Found On Wyoming Highway Reunited With Family 1,000 Miles Away

An Australian shepherd named Rusty was found lost, scared, and covered in ticks along a highway near Shoshoni months ago. A microchip helped reunite Rusty with his owner’s family 1,000 miles away in Oklahoma.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 16, 2025

Jennifer Dyke with father and brother at Sturgis.

Sturgis In The Rear View Mirror: A Father’s Memory Lives On At The Annual Rally

Another Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has come and gone. For Jennifer Dyke, who has made the pilgrimage for decades, it's an annual honoring of her father’s passion for riding and preserves a family tradition shared by bikers from around the world.

Zakary SonntagAugust 16, 2025

A spectacular view of the Northern Red Desert awaits runners during the 2024 Run the Red Desert trail run.

Wyoming's Run The Red Desert 50K Ultra-Marathon Abounds With Wildlife, Scenery

Now in its 11th year, the Run the Red Desert ultra-marathon, is a hidden gem in the ultra-running community. The September race allows athletes to run in the largest unfenced area in the continental U.S. The route runs along the Oregon Trail for miles and is abundant with wildlife.

Don CoggerAugust 16, 2025

Live Inspired’s goal is to promote independent living for their clients.

Casper Couple Dedicated To Helping Disabled People Live Full, Independent Lives

Kids and adults with developmental disabilities are often overlooked by mainstream society, but not by Nick and Kerin Dillon. The Casper couple is dedicated to helping them live full, independent lives.

Dale KillingbeckAugust 15, 2025

Brittany Heseltine runs cattle along the range during an interview with "60 Minutes."

Wyoming People: Brittany Heseltine Is A Real Working Cowgirl And Range Rider

Brittany Heseltine is foreman and range rider for the Upper Green River Cattle Association. She has 3 horses, 4 dogs, 4 other range riders, and 800 cattle in her charge. She spends 5 months each year, June through October, mostly on her own, working in the shadow of the Wind River Range.

John ThompsonAugust 15, 2025

The F.E. Warren Base Exchange store in Cheyenne put in an order for T-shirts with an “antelope” on them. As in, a Wyoming pronghorn. The shirts came in with a silhouette of an African greater kudu antelope.

Why Is An African Antelope On A Wyoming Air Force Base T-Shirt?

In a mix-up over different meanings of the term “antelope,” the F.E. Warren Base Exchange store ended up with T-shirts depicting an African antelope, not a Wyoming pronghorn.

Mark HeinzAugust 14, 2025

Gerry Spence, Famed Defense Attorney And Wyoming Native, Dies At 96

One of the most famous trial attorneys of the 20th century and a proud son of Wyoming, Gerry Spence, died overnight Wednesday, at the age of 96. Spence was a legend among the trial bar — especially for his civil practice and criminal defense work.

Clair McFarlandAugust 14, 2025

Eli Bebout, from left, Ruby Calvert and Nick Bebout stand with a portrait of their mother, Dessie A. Bebout, during the dedication of the Shoshoni U. S. Post Office in their mother’s honor on Wednesday at the Shoshoni School.

Shoshoni Post Office Renamed For Dessie Bebout, Former Postmistress And WWII Vet

Dessie Bebout served in a special unit for women during World War II, was a devoted public servant and was the Shoshoni postmistress for 13 years. Now she will forever be with the local post office. It was officially named for her in a ceremony Wednesday.

Jackie DorothyAugust 13, 2025

UW Spending $300,000 For Buffalo Bills Branding Partnership

Sharp-eyed Buffalo Bills fans may have noticed “University of Wyoming Red Zone” flash on their screens during Saturday’s preseason game. It’s part of a $300,000 branding partnership UW has made with the team to capitalize on being Josh Allen’s alma mater.

Jackson WalkerAugust 13, 2025

After years of competing at the 4-H Dog Show and Showmanship at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, 4-H senior Karen Ulmer and her dog Keona walked away with the Grand Championship for Showmanship. Ulmer said it took 3 hours of grooming and $300 in grooming products to get her pup ready for the annual show and that the effort was well worth it with the win.

Dog Eat Dog: 4-H Competitions Hit Their Peak At Wyoming State Fair

The Wyoming State Fair is the big show for scores of Wyoming 4-H Club kids who spend a whole year raising and training animals. At Tuesday’s dog show, young competitors say the chaos of the state fair is the ultimate test of discipline and obedience.

Jackie DorothyAugust 13, 2025

Eight rural communities across Wyoming are without their legacy hometown newspapers after parent company News Media Corp. abruptly closed them without notice Wednesday morning. Employees said they were blindsided, and the move is “devastating.”

Local Buyers Revive Shuttered Wyoming Newspapers, Keep Staff And Operations

Six days after News Media Corp. abruptly closed eight Wyoming newspapers, Buffalo Bulletin owners Robb and Jen Hicks, along with former publisher Rob Mortimore, have acquired the papers, pledged to retain all employees and resumed publication.

Justin GeorgeAugust 12, 2025

The annual Perseid meteor shower will hit its peak over Wyoming overnight Tuesdays, throwing out as many as 100 meteors an hour, along with the potential for fireballs.

At 100 Meteors Per Hour, Perseid Shower Hits Its Peak Over Wyoming Tuesday Night

The annual Perseid meteor shower will hit its peak over Wyoming overnight Tuesday, throwing out as many as 100 meteors an hour, along with the potential for fireballs.

Jackson WalkerAugust 11, 2025

Casper Parents Channel Grief Of Losing Baby Son Into Dart Tourney

One day, Deklyn Dean Lemp was a healthy baby boy. The next thing his parents knew, the Casper 14-month-old died in his sleep in 2017 of a mysterious ailment. An annual dart tournament keeps his memory alive and raises money for local causes.

Jen KocherAugust 11, 2025