AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Wyoming Life

News

Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will all be visible in the night skies of Wyoming after sunset Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, an alignment that only occurs once every 144 years.

Rare 144-Year Seven-Planet Parade Lines Up Over Wyoming This Week

Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars will all be visible in the night skies over Wyoming after sunset Friday, an alignment that only happens once every 144 years.

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2025

Parts of northern Wyoming that broke records for cold on Thursday were pushing 60s on Sunday. That’s a huge 83-degree swing in just four days.

Northern Wyoming Swings 85 Degrees — From Minus 27 To 58 — In Four Days

Parts of northern Wyoming that broke records for cold on Thursday hit 58 on Sunday. That’s a huge 85-degree swing in just four days.

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2025

Mix Collage 24 Feb 2025 01 38 PM 7163

Josh Allen To Be Inducted Into Wyoming Cowboys Hall Of Fame

Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen, fresh off being named the MVP of the NFL earlier this month, has another accolade upcoming: The University of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame announced him as part of the Class of 2025.

Justin GeorgeFebruary 24, 2025

The crew at Industrial Screen and Maintenance, a fabrication shop in Casper, were having fun with a Texas red chili made from brisket. Owner Lindsey Robinson was among those helping serve the chili, at far right.

Texas Red Chili Wins Popular Casper Chili Cook-Off For Fifth Time

A Texas red chili was voted No. 1 at the popular API Chili Cook-Off in Casper on Saturday. It’s the fifth time Norman Jackson’s secret recipe has won, as thousands of people packed the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper for the 32nd annual event.

Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2025

Mia the Walmart dog is a favorite with the store's customers, especially kids.

Meet Mia The Walmart Dog — Casper’s Tutu-Wearing Celebrity K-9

When Casper Walmart greeter Billy Welch started bringing his service support dog Mia to work with him, he didn’t expect the pit bull-mastiff mix would become a local celebrity. Now the tutu-wearing K-9 has her own social media with thousands of followers.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 23, 2025

Montana Chinese Mix Collage 22 Feb 2025 07 55 AM 3236 2 22 25

Montana Man Recovers Lost Stories Of Chinese Who Helped Build The American West

Chinese immigrants flocked to the American West in the 1800s to help build railroads and amid a mining boom. Many of their experiences have largely been forgotten by history, but a Montana man is helping recover their stories.

Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 23, 2025

Casper Police Department Lt. Michael Ogden said the 1904 Police Court Docket Book will eventually be displayed in a public space in the department’s new building.

1904 Casper Police Docket Full Of Prostitutes, Drunks And Horses On Sidewalks

In January, someone donated a Casper police docket book from 1904 to a local thrift store. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the most prevalent crimes of the day: prostitutes, drunks and people fined for riding horses on sidewalks.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 23, 2025

It took a team effort to move this Boeing KC-97 tanker to the grounds of the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, the Wyoming museum's largest aircraft. They had to wait for a cold snap so the ground would be frozen enough for the huge tanker to roll without sinking into the ground.

Huge 153,000-Pound Tanker Becomes Biggest Addition To Wyoming Flight Museum

Tanker 97, a Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter, a new addition to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting in Greybull, has immediately become the crown jewel of the museum's collection. The aircraft has a 141-foot wingspan and weighs 153,000 pounds.

Andrew RossiFebruary 23, 2025

Strange on the Range creator Ella Bishop-Heil.

Strange On The Range: Wyoming Comic Artists Create Eclectic Compilation Of Wild & Weird

Strange on the Range is a new underground publication that features an eclectic mix of Wyoming comic artists. The hard-copy magazine is dedicated to the work of Wyoming comic illustrators.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

Ski Instructor Karl Milner lost a leg during while fighting in the military. Now he and Eric teach first-time skiers at Antelope Butte.

He Lost A Leg In Combat, Now Wyoming Vet Teaches Others To Adapt And Overcome

Karl Milner lost a leg in combat, but the Gillette veteran used his military training to adapt and overcome to map out a new mission in life. Now he treats others facing mental and physical challenges to ski. He's a better teacher, he says, because "he's been there."

Jackie DorothyFebruary 23, 2025

Jerry Valentine, Montana’s Cinderella pinball wizard, headed to the North American Championships after only 18 months of competitive pinball.

Wyoming Only State Not Sending A Pinball Wizard To North American Championships

A budding pinball scene fizzled out a few years ago in Cheyenne, which means Wyoming will be the only state without someone competing at the North American Championships. But a Cinderella pinball wizard from Montana is going full-tilt to earn a title.

David MadisonFebruary 23, 2025

Leonard Hobbs was born in small Carbon, Wyoming, in 1895 and grew up to help transform aviation, designing one of the most important jet engines in history.

Wyoming History: The Wyoming Man Who Designed B-52 Jet Engine That Transformed Aviation

Leonard Hobbs was born in small Carbon, Wyoming, in 1895 and grew up to help transform aviation, designing one of the most important jet engines in history. It was the workhorse of America's B-52 jet bombers.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 23, 2025

Lela Emmons of tiny Savery, Wyoming, stumbled on an unusual artistic fence in the 1990s and took photos of it. But she forgot where it was and hasn’t been able to find it again in about 30 years. She hopes someone in Wyoming can solve the mystery.

Where The Heck In Wyoming Is This One-Of-A-Kind Western Iron Art Fence?

Lela Emmons of tiny Savery, Wyoming, stumbled on an unusual artistic fence in the 1990s and took photos of it. But she forgot where it was and hasn’t been able to find it again in about 30 years. She hopes someone in Wyoming can solve the mystery.

Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2025

Maria Kelson’s debut novel is a crime thriller available at both local bookstores and through national chains. She loves that after ten years of writing, she can walk into the Storyteller in Thermopolis and see her books on display.

Award-Winning Wyoming Author Debuts First Crime Thriller That Took 10 Years To Write

Maria Kelson was already an award-winning Wyoming poet when she decided to tackle something totally different — a crime thriller. The result is “Not The Killing Kind,” a gripping whodunit that took 10 years to write.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 23, 2025

Montana State University researchers are testing immune-boosting supplements on honeybees. They’re also strapping the bees into machines for live flight tests and other scientific study.

To Boost Bee Immune Systems, Researchers Strap In Honeybees For Live Test Flights

Viruses spread through honeybee hives like the flu virus in a crowded waiting room. Looking to boost bee immune systems, researchers are examining the impact of viruses on honeybee flight performance and testing supplements.

David MadisonFebruary 22, 2025

All of the drinks - Starting from left, the Rusty Nail (scotch and Drambuie), Where there's Willow There's a Way ( willowbank tea and brandy), Gin and Tonic with lime, and Revival Root (sarsaparilla tea, Makers Mark, and cream).

Drinking Wyoming: Whiskey Was The Go-To Medicinal Remedy Of The Wild West

Survival in Wild West Wyoming depended on treating illnesses without the help of modern medicine. Whiskey figured in a lot of treatments for all sorts of medical problems — some good and some quite insane.

Renée JeanFebruary 22, 2025

Wyoming-born artist Bill Foy created this nearly life-sized moose sculpture titled "Holy Smokes" out of junk metal.

Glendo Native Creates Life-Size Moose From Junk Parts For Breast Cancer Fundraiser

A welder from Glendo sees the potential in other people’s junk to create unique sculptures, like a life-size moose standing in Casper called "Holy Smokes." He created this sculpture for a fundraiser to benefit a Glendo-based breast cancer foundation.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 22, 2025

KOZAK THUMB 1

VIDEO: Wyoming's Billboard Sheriff: A Day In The Life Of Brian Kozak 

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak has captured national attention with his viral billboard and bold "vacancy" sign on his jail, while also earning a reputation locally for his unconventional approach. Cowboy State Daily spent a day with the sheriff to get a firsthand look at his unique style.

Hannah Brock & Reilly StrandFebruary 22, 2025

Jeff Ginter always knew he was a weird kid, but he learned to embrace his psychic powers throughout a career in law enforcement. Now he’s one of Wyoming’s top psychics, including helping solve cold cases around the world.

How A Former Law Enforcement Officer Became A Top Psychic Investigator

Jeff Ginter always knew he was a weird kid, but he learned to embrace his psychic powers throughout a career in law enforcement. Now he’s a top psychic, working to solve cold cases in Wyoming and around the world.

Jen KocherFebruary 22, 2025

Chancey Williams was inspired to write and record “The Ballad of Uncle Don” after listening to his uncle Don Williams' stories.

Chancey Williams’ Ode To His Wyoming Cowboy Uncle Hits No. 1 On CMT Music

Inspired by his uncle Don Williams and the joy of bronc riding, Chancey Williams’ new hit song “The Ballad of Uncle Don” has hit No. 1 on the CMT Music charts. Chancey said the song came about over cup of coffee with his uncle in Moorcroft, Wyoming.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 22, 2025

The gymnasium errupts after Sophomore shooting guard Ari Fowler nailed a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left against Riverton on Feb. 20, 2025, to snap Jackson Hole High School’s 79-game, four-year girls’ basketball losing streak.

Jackson Hole Girls Basketball Snaps 79-Game Losing Streak With Last Second 3-Pointer

In a home game against Riverton, four seniors for Jackson Hole High School had never won a high school basketball game until a sophomore sharpshooter sunk a clutch 3-pointer Thursday. The 35-32 win snapped the Broncs’ 79-game losing streak.

David MadisonFebruary 22, 2025

Brooks Lake Lodge reports some of the best snow in years.

Sheridan, Gillette, Newcastle Set Record Lows; 80+ Inches Of Snow In Southern Wyoming

Fans of winter, rejoice! Sheridan, Gillette, and Newcastle all set record low temperatures on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, more than 80 inches of snow has fallen in the Snowies and Sierra Madres. Meteorologist Don Day says there's plenty more to come too.

Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2025

Andrea Domhoff, a local single mother of two, was in the Green River Tunnel during Friday's horrific fatal pileup. She says a man named Ray Norton helped save her and others from the fiery, smoke-filled cavern.

Single Mom Caught In Green River Tunnel Says Hero Led Survivors From Fiery Crash

A local single mom who was caught in an explosive 26-vehicle crash Friday in the Green River Tunnel says a hero named Ray led her and others out of the tunnel. She dragged her arm along the wall to escape in the thick, black smoke.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 17, 2025

A truck plowed into the side of this brick house on Central Avenue on Oct. 11, 2024. The homeowners have now spent more than a month dealing with a huge hole in their house and at least $30,000 in damages.

Cheyenne Couple Loses Insurance After Truck Crashes Into Their House

A pickup truck crashed into a Cheyenne couple’s home last fall, causing at least $30,000 damage. Now State Farm Insurance is dropping their home coverage, and no other company will insure them.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 17, 2025

Thomas Lindgren stands next to the articulated hips of a Barosaurus skeleton found in the famous Bone Cabin Quarry near Medicine Bow. Lindgren believes this is the largest articulated dinosaur ever found and will become the largest dinosaur ever mounted once it's freed from the 150-million-year-old sandstone encasing it.

Investors Purchase 40,000 Shares Of Wyoming Stegosaurus Skeleton In Just 18 Minutes

A Stegosaurus skeleton being excavated in the famous Bone Cabin Quarry near Medicine Bow is expected to sell for millions. In December, investors could purchase a share of the dinosaur for $68.75. 40,000 shares sold in 18 minutes.

Andrew RossiFebruary 16, 2025

Casper has had a Cupid of sorts for the past 10 years in Joe Eason, a former heavy metal drummer who does singing telegrams as a side gig. Valentine’s Day especially he delivers up to 35 of the most embarrassing singing telegrams he can muster.

Former Metal Drummer Turned Singing Cupid Delivers Love — And Embarrassment

Casper has had a Cupid of sorts for the past 10 years in Joe Eason, a former heavy metal drummer who does singing telegrams as a side gig. On Valentine’s Day, he delivers up to 35 of the most embarrassing singing telegrams he can muster.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Gillette-area machinist Karl Milner builds black powder cannons and mortars, and hosts cannon shoots on his rural property — and kids are included.

Gillette Man Builds Black Powder Cannons, Lets Kids Shoot Them

What began as an outreach for troubled youth led to a Gillette machinist's shop becoming a black powder cannon and mortar factory. Now he builds cannons and lets kids shoot in a safe, controlled environment with adult supervision.

Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025

Earthsky.org editor Marcy Curran is celebrating 40 years as founder of the Cheyenne Astronomy Society. She's always loved bringing the stars down to earth for others.

Cheyenne Stargazers Love Space So Much They Built Their Own Observatory

Cheyenne’s Marcy Curran, the cofounder of the Cheyenne Astronomy Society and an editor of a major astronomy publication, has spent 40 years studying the sky. She and her husband recently built their own observatory.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Two 70 Series Land Cruisers spotted on I-80 near Laramie. Jeremiah Proffitt, owner of Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers, believes these were acquired from Saudi Arabia, and were likely headed to a military contractor to be "dissected" for defense research.

Rare (And Illegal) In The U.S. Toyota Land Cruisers Turn Heads On Wyoming’s I-80

Two rare 79 Series Toyota Land Cruisers spotted near Laramie on I-80 turned heads of auto enthusiasts. These vehicles aren't legal in the U.S. and are often seen in the Middle East equipped with rocket launchers, machine guns, and other weaponry.

Andrew RossiFebruary 16, 2025

Dell Simancas was taking video of his son kayaking in the ocean off Chili when a whale scooped him up in his mouth. The whale quickly spat his son out.

Kayaking Can Be Dangerous, Just Ask The Guy Who Was Swallowed By Whale

Kayaking isn't a risk-free activity, but the man who was in the mouth of a humpback whale while paddling on the Pacific Ocean was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. A Wyoming kayaker says he was “pretty amazed” by the encounter.

Andrew RossiFebruary 16, 2025

After changing out the old Welcome to Wyoming signs posted at various entrances to the state, Wyoming is auctioning off the old signs.

Have An Extra Three Grand? Old “Welcome To Wyoming” Signs Are Up For Auction

Now that the state of Wyoming has put up new welcome signs on roadways all across the state, the ones that have greeted motorists since 2017 are up for sale. They aren't small -- ranging in size from 8x4 ft to 16x8 ft. Some bids are topping $3,000 so far.

Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 15, 2025

Casper’s Albert Hall writes a message for Olivia on one of the paper’s provided.

People All Over Wyoming Rally To Pray For Olivia, 7, Lone Survivor Of Murder-Suicide

In Casper and all over Wyoming, people gathered Friday evening to rally and pray for the 7-year-old survivor of Monday’s tragic murder-suicide in Byron. “Wyomingites come together when needed,” a prayer organizer said.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 15, 2025

Comic Valentines were all the rage in the 1800s and early 1900s. These valentines were usually sent anonymously and could be considered spiteful. They were usually sent to either someone you hated or a friend you were making fun of.

Wyoming History: Valentine’s Day Used To Be As Much For Haters As Lovers

In the 1800s and early 1900s in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Valentine’s Day was not just for lovers, it was also for haters and just for fun. It was popular to share your anonymous feelings with humorous and derogatory Valentine’s Day cards.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 13, 2025

A host of help responded fast to save a horse named Frisky that had fallen into a collapsed septic tank in southern Colorado on Saturday. The local sheriff’s office reports the horse was scared, cold and smelly, but is fine now.

Fast Action Helps Save Horse Named Frisky From Collapsed Septic Tank

A host of agencies responded fast to save a horse named Frisky that had fallen into a collapsed septic tank in southern Colorado on Saturday. The local sheriff’s office reports the horse was scared and cold, but is fine now.

Andrew RossiFebruary 13, 2025

Four Rolls-Royce Cullinans and a Spectre were turning heads around Sheridan, Wyoming, this past weekend. Not everyone is a fan of the different kind of high-society cowboy attracted by the town’s annual WYO Winter Rodeo.

Rolls-Royces In Snow Tires: Sheridan Winter Rodeo Attracts Different Kind Of Cowboy

Four Rolls-Royce Cullinans and a Spectre were turning heads around Sheridan, Wyoming, this past weekend. Not everyone is a fan of the different kind of high-society cowboy attracted by the town’s annual WYO Winter Rodeo.

Andrew RossiFebruary 11, 2025

Super cold 1 19 25

Some Daytime High Temperatures In Wyoming This Week Will Be Well Below Zero

Some of the coldest temperatures of the 2024 - 2025 season are heading to Wyoming this week. Some areas of the state will see daytime high temperatures of 20 below zero while overnight low temps could hit negative 30.

Andrew RossiFebruary 10, 2025

Snowplow accident FILE PHOTO

Don’t Crowd The Snowplow During Wyoming’s Whiteouts

So far there have been nine incidents of motorists running into snowplows this year. With big winter storms converging on Wyoming this week, WYDOT is asking drivers to slow down and steer clear of snowplows.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 10, 2025

Freedom Bar, LaBarge, Wyoming

Wyoming: A State For Single Dudes

Wyoming ranks as the state with the third highest ratio of bachelors in the United States. For every 100 single women, 106 unmarried men are milling around. In the early 1900s, there were proposals considered that would tax bachelors to encourage them to get married.

Jen KocherFebruary 09, 2025

When LeAnn Baker of Worland, Wyoming, found this stone in her gravel that was hauled in, Google told her it was a magic hag stone. However, local archaeologist, Mike Bies, said it might be an artifact called a spindle whorl.

A Rock Found In Worland Could Be Magic Or An Ancient Tool 

When LeAnn Baker found a rock with a smooth hole in the middle, she was told it was a magic hag stone. However, archaeologist Mike Beis said it was most likely a spindle whorl, a simple tool used by Indian tribes for centuries. 

Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2025

Asteroid 2024 2 9 25

Scientists Are Taking Possibility Of Asteroid Slamming Into Earth Seriously

The newly-discovered Asteroid 2024 YR is being taken seriously by scientists at NASA who say it's got a legit shot at slamming into the Earth. Right now, the odds are 1 in 43. UW planetarium guru says El Salvador is much more likely of a hit than Wyoming.

Andrew RossiFebruary 09, 2025

Sammie Cyrus, a senior at Dubois High School, with wrestling coach Brock Baker.

Dubois Double-Amputee Wrestler Has Made The Most Of His Disadvantages

Sammie Cyrus, a senior at Dubois High School, has won over 100 matches and become an exceptional wrestler despite losing the lower halves of both his legs as a child. With the right mentality and attitude, anything can be overcome, he says.

Andrew RossiFebruary 09, 2025

Amelia Rothleutner with a freezer full of breast milk she donated to Cody Regional Health's milk depot. Rothleutner is the first donor for Cody's milk depot, giving over 500 ounces, roughly four gallons, of excess breast milk.

Cody Woman Donates 4 Gallons Of Breast Milk To New Wyoming Milk Bank

Cody Regional Health has become a milk depot for Mother's Milk Bank, an agency that pasteurizes and distributes donated breast milk to infant ICUs across the nation. A local woman has already donated 4 gallons to the new milk bank.

Andrew RossiFebruary 09, 2025

Dubois 2 8 25

What's In A Name: Dubois, Wyoming

You can always spot a tourist in Dubois, Wyoming, by how they pronounce the name of the town. In Wyoming, it's called Doo-boys, not the French pronunciation of Deh-bwah. How it got called that is shrouded in myth and mystery.

Jackie DorothyFebruary 09, 2025

HT 11

VIDEO: An Old Horse Trainer Returns To His First Roots

Charles Walks had walked away from horse training for about a decade, but he couldn’t stay away. Now at the Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, he returned to the job he had learned while growing up on the Crow Reservation in southern Montana.

Hannah Brock & Reilly StrandFebruary 08, 2025

The raid on the whiskey cases in 1919 became the first of many in ensuing years. Here is a photo of a raid on a still in the Casper area in later years.

Wyoming History: The 1919 Casper Whiskey Raid Gone Bad

A 1919 raid on a big whiskey stash by lawmen in Casper was a disaster in every way. A shootout killed a deputy and wounded many others. The sheriff never produced a warrant and those raided pleaded ignorance to knowing they were officers. Everyone charged walked away.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 08, 2025

Josh allen spot 2 7 25

University Of Wyoming Spends $2 Million For Super Bowl Ad Celebrating Josh Allen

The University of Wyoming has expended $2 million for a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl celebrating Buffalo Bills' quarterback Josh Allen and his connection to the University of Wyoming. The spot will air in cities across the country and will be seen in Wyoming too.

Andrew RossiFebruary 07, 2025

Mix Collage 07 Feb 2025 10 09 AM 1022

Wyoming Cowboys Will Play Coach Prime And the Colorado Buffaloes Next Season

On Sept. 20, the Wyoming Cowboys will head down to Boulder for an anticipated matchup with Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes, a contest that will feature two young teams and bring national exposure to a regional matchup. UW last played CU in 2009.

Justin GeorgeFebruary 07, 2025

Josh allen 2 6 25

Wyoming's Josh Allen Wins His First MVP

Former University of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen won his first most valuable player award on Thursday night. The Buffalo Bills QB edged out Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the closest ballot since 2005.

Jimmy OrrFebruary 07, 2025

Load more