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Crazy Woman Canyon is a draw for Wyomingites and visitors to Johnson County, but it’s been unexpectedly closed for the summer. It’s a blow for tourism and locals who count the canyon as a favorite outdoors getaway.

Wyoming’s Popular Crazy Woman Canyon Unexpectedly Closed For The Summer

Crazy Woman Canyon is a draw for Wyomingites and visitors to Johnson County, but it’s been unexpectedly closed for the summer. It’s a blow for tourism and locals who count the canyon as a favorite outdoors getaway.

Renée JeanMay 25, 2025

Less than 10 miles south of Interstate 80 east of Evansville is a cluster of 30-foot limestone beehive-looking things. Built in 1869, they’re the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns, remarkably preserved symbols of Wyoming’s early history.

What The Heck … Are Those 30-Foot Beehive-Looking Things Off I-80 Near Evanston?

Less than 10 miles south of Interstate 80 east of Evanston is a cluster of 30-foot limestone beehive-looking things. Built in 1869, they’re the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns, remarkably preserved symbols of Wyoming’s early history.

Zakary SonntagMay 25, 2025

Mandy Gagliano rides Addi, a 4-year-old Rocky Mountain trail horse, through an obstacle course in Gillette, Wyoming. Here, they navigate through pool noodles, which trains the horse to push through branches and other obstacles on the trail.

How To Train The Perfect Trail Horse

Gillette's Mandy Gagliano trains Rocky Mountain horses -- a unique breed can that can deliver a ride "smooth as glass" -- to be top quality trail horses. She takes them through obstacle courses which include bridges, teeter-totters, balance beams, water boxes and pool noodles.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2025

Kelsey Johnson left Gillette in a pickup with a man April 14 and has not been seen since. Her family grows more desperate to find the 32-year-old, who has been traced to Colorado.

Family Grows Desperate To Find Gillette Woman Missing More Than A Month

Kelsey Johnson left Gillette in a pickup with a man April 14 and has not been seen since. Her family is growing more desperate to find the 32-year-old, who has been traced to Colorado. "There are no words. It’s devastating,” her father said.

Jen KocherMay 24, 2025

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Joan Barron: What Is Happening To Wyoming’s Sacred Cow — Local Control?

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "What was a shocker was the sudden attack on the tax money local governments spend to get representations from the such organizations as the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and the Wyoming County Commissioners Association."

Joan BarronMay 24, 2025

Yellowstone National Park has never published a "how-to" guide for navigating bison jams on roads throughout the park. So, wildlife photographer Max Waugh published his own to keep traffic moving while respecting bison and their habitat.

Exploring Wyoming: How To Navigate Through Yellowstone's Bison Jams

If you get stuck in one of Yellowstone's bison jams, you might be doomed for a long time. That's why wildlife photographer Max Waugh, who has led tours in Yellowstone for 25 years, published a book on ways to navigate the jams -- which include considering yourself a bison.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2025

Pronghorn use a wildlife underpass near La Barge, Wyoming.

Group Aims To Raise $500 Million To Get Wildlife Crossing Projects Rolling Again

With federal money for wildlife crossings running dry and on hold, the National Wildlife Federation aims to raise $500 million in private donations. The goal is to get wildlife crossing projects rolling again across Wyoming and other states.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025

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Buying A Home In Wyoming? Industry Report Says You Need To Make $132,000 A Year

If you want to purchase a three-bedroom home in Wyoming, you should make $132,000 per year, according to Realtor.com. That's much lower than Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Colorado. But significantly higher than states bordering Wyoming to the east.

Dale KillingbeckMay 24, 2025

An owl spreads its wings and feathers to dry off after being rescued from a vualt toilent in a national park.

Poo-Poo Project Saves Wyoming Owls, Other Birds From Horrible Public Toilet Deaths

The Teton Raptor Center's award-winning Poo-Poo Project is saving owls and other birds from horrible deaths by getting trapped inside public vault toilets. The solution the center developed is now being used in all 50 states.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2025

Archaeologist Lawrence Loendorf and his team pioneered a new technique of tracing petroglyphs. When they learned that the tape they had been using would damage the rock surface, they engineered this set up using light tripods and tennis balls to hold their tracing paper in place. Loendorf published a book last month explaining the new technique.

New Discovery At Ancient Petroglyph Site Changes Timeline Of Early Wyoming Tribes

An archaeologist has found new evidence that changes the story behind ancient Wyoming petroglyphs found at Castle Gardens in remote Fremont County, Wyoming. That they were made by tribes previously thought to show up centuries later is “a very unexpected find."

Jackie DorothyMay 24, 2025

Dr. Mardini’s, his team and the life-changing aftermath of Sandness’ face transplant surgery. During his stay at Mayo, Sandness said security personnel protected him from unwanted media attention.

How A Face Transplant Gave A Newcastle Man A New Smile And Life

A Newcastle man got a new life when he became the first patient to get a face transplant at the Mayo Clinic in 2016. A new book out this week tells his story, which begins as a child in Wyoming and ends with literally looking at a new man in the mirror.

David MadisonMay 24, 2025

Norm Pape, 94, has been moving cattle on the family farm since he was a little kid in the 1930s. He has stepped back from many of his daily duties but still stays active on the family ranch in Daniel, Wyoming.

Sublette County Cowboy Norm Pape Is 94 And Still Active On The Family Ranch

It’s branding season and 94-year-old Norm Pape is still working the Sublette County ranch that’s been in his family for over 120 years. Cowboys don’t quit, Pape says, and they certainly don’t retire. "Our ranch is a working ranch," he said.

Jackie DorothyMay 24, 2025

Ricardo Paez-Quinones

Twice-Deported Man Accused Of Running 18,000 Rounds Of Ammo Still At Large

Federal authorities said Thursday they’re still seeking a twice-deported Mexican national accused of hauling 18,000 rounds of ammunition through Wyoming. He was released on bond in March, then didn’t show for his April 25 court hearing.

Clair McFarlandMay 24, 2025

Grizzly bears in Montana continue to reclaim their territory to the east, pushing into prairie country.

Grizzly Shot, Killed After Charging Mushroom Pickers Near Montana Prairie Town

Two Montana men shot and killed a grizzly that charged them while they were picking mushrooms late Wednesday near the town of Choteau. That’s in prairie country where grizzlies have recently become more common.

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025

Sean and Ashley Willey

Rock Springs Couple Who Lost Gender Transition Lawsuit Against School District Appeals

The Rock Springs couple lost a lawsuit claiming their local school district was hiding their daughter’s gender transition from them. They filed an appeal Friday to a higher court.

Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025

Without meteorologists on staff 24/7 at the Cheyenne National Weather Service Office, what happens if a tornado hits overnight? While the situation is “not optimal,” alerts can still go out from other offices, like Riverton or Denver.

Without Staff 24/7 At Cheyenne Weather Office, What If A Tornado Approaches Overnight?

Without meteorologists on staff 24/7 at the Cheyenne National Weather Service Office, what happens if a tornado approaches overnight? That's where offices in Riverton and Denver take over.

Andrew RossiMay 23, 2025

Outdoorsman Olin Machen said he was about a half mile into the Shoshone National Forest near Cody when a female and grizzly and two cubs walked right up to his Jeep, apparently without a care.

Grizzlies Walk Right Up To Cody Man’s Jeep, Show They Don’t Fear Humans

A man headed to look for black bears near Cody said three grizzlies walked right up to his bright lime-green Jeep. He said it’s more evidence that grizzlies don’t fear humans in that area.

Mark HeinzMay 23, 2025

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Dennis Sun: More Competition In The Meat Case

Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Beef is still king but competition will come from other meat. Pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and bison are showing up in the grind."

Dennis SunMay 23, 2025

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Jonathan Lange: The Library Exception Stymies Local Control. It’s Time to Repeal It.

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Bizarrely, the very laws that are meant to protect the innocence of children can be prosecuted against parents, grandparents, and your average man on the street. But they cannot be applied to the people who have the greatest access to your children outside the home — teachers and librarians."

Jonathan LangeMay 23, 2025

Mills, Wyoming, has an identity crisis having to share a ZIP code with parts of Casper, frustrating people trying to get home deliveries from FedEx and UPS. The Postal Service turned the city down for its own ZIP, so Congress may make it happen.

After Postal Service Said ‘No,’ Congress On Track To Give Mills Its Own ZIP Code

Mills, Wyoming, has an identity crisis having to share a ZIP code with parts of Casper, frustrating people trying to get home deliveries from FedEx and UPS. The Postal Service turned the city down for its own ZIP, so Congress may make it happen.

Dale KillingbeckMay 23, 2025

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1.2-GW Wyoming Data Center To Help Pioneer New Battery Less Likely To Catch Fire

A new battery system could solve the runaway thermal problem that makes lithium batteries burst into flames. A 1.2-gigawatt data center near Evanston, Wyoming, is going to help a startup prove its new battery system.

Renée JeanMay 23, 2025

Though her actions and those of her office skewed three unopposed races in the 2024 general election, the clerk of Weston County didn’t act with misconduct, malfeasance or willful negligence, Wyoming Gov Mark Gordon concluded in a Friday decision letter.

Gordon Rejects Call To Remove Weston County Clerk Over Election Mistakes

Though her actions and those of her office skewed three unopposed races in the 2024 general election, the clerk of Weston County didn’t act with misconduct, malfeasance or willful negligence, Wyoming Gov Mark Gordon concluded in a Friday decision letter.

Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025

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It’s 'Not Unique' For Criminals To Raid Crime Lab Shipments, DCI Chief Says

A Rawlins UPS worker has pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing drugs and other evidence destined for the Wyoming State Crime Lab. Having evidence stolen during transit is “not unique,” the state Division of Criminal Investigation chief told legislators this week.

Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025

A pair of officers guard the Crystal River Energy Complex nuclear power plant in Crystal River, Florida, in this file photo.

TerraPower Plant Will Have More Nuclear Cops Than The Local Sheriff’s Office

TerraPower experts are working with Wyoming legislators to create a special security force to protect the company's new nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The force of nuclear cops will outnumber the local Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

David MadisonMay 23, 2025

Fred Eshelman of North Carolina owns Iron Bar Holdings LLC, which owns land in Wyoming.

Wyoming Corner-Crossing Case Would Set National Law If Supreme Court Hears It

Wyoming’s noted “corner-crossing” case could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. If it does, it would settle once and for all whether hopping corners between private and public land parcels is legal.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2025

A couple who paid a $24,325 fee to Teton County government to build a home on property they already owned is suing, calling the charge “extortion.” The fee also is an unconstitutional “taking” without compensation, the lawsuit claims.

Couple Sues Teton County, Calls $24,000 Homebuilding Fee ‘Extortion’

A couple who paid a $24,325 fee to Teton County government to build a home on property they already owned is suing, calling the charge “extortion.” The fee also is an unconstitutional “taking” without compensation, the lawsuit claims.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025

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Oregon Pilot Convicted Of Felony For Hitting Yellowstone Flagger With Jeep

A federal jury convicted a 67-year-old pilot from Oregon on Wednesday for shoving a flagger in Yellowstone National Park backward with his Jeep during a construction delay. He could get up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for the felony.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025

Massive oil and gas reserves identified across southwest Wyoming are being called out this week by federal officials as “substantial.” It has local industry watchers wondering if that could mean a new “Bakken boom” in the region.

Will Massive Oil And Gas Reserves Mean A New ‘Bakken Boom’ For Southwest Wyoming?

Massive oil and gas reserves identified across southwest Wyoming are being called out this week by federal officials as “substantial.” It has local industry watchers wondering if that could mean a new “Bakken boom” in the region.

David MadisonMay 22, 2025

An email obtained by Cowboy State Daily confirms that Wyoming Office of Tourism Director Diane Shober plans to retire at the end of 2025. Former Gov. Dave Freudenthal says she was perfect for the job — an “unbearably happy human being.”

Longtime Wyoming Tourism Director Diane Shober To Retire After 22 Years

Longtime Wyoming Tourism Director Diane Shober announced she’s retiring at the end of 2025. Author CJ Box says she’s the best in the business and former Gov. Dave Freudenthal says she was perfect for the job — an “unbearably happy human being.”

Renée JeanMay 22, 2025

A Massachusetts-based federal judge on Thursday, May 22, 2025, blocked the president’s two-month-old executive order slashing the U.S. Department of Education in half. The ruling also reinstates terminated department employees.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Deep Cuts To Department Of Education

A Massachusetts-based federal judge on Thursday blocked the president’s 2-month-old executive order slashing the U.S. Department of Education in half. The ruling also reinstates terminated department employees.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025

A pair of snowplows work to clear the Beartooth Highway.

WYDOT Opens Snowy Range, Beartooth Highway Expected To Open Before Weekend

After clearing up to 15 feet of snow in some spots of Wyoming Highway 130, the Snowy Range opened for the season Thursday. The Wyoming Department of Transportation also says the Beartooth Highway and Highway 14A should be open Friday.

Andrew RossiMay 22, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman on Thursday lauded the passage of the One Big Beautiful Act. Among other things, it preserves income tax cuts, scraps green energy tax incentives and promotes the oil, coal and timber industries. She's pictured here in a file photo from the 2025 Wyoming legislative session.

Hageman’s Budget Vote Critical As House Passes One Big Beautiful Act 215-214

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman on Thursday lauded the passage of the One Big Beautiful Act, which passed by one vote, 215-214. Among other things, it preserves income tax cuts, scraps green energy tax incentives and promotes the oil, coal and timber industries.

Sean BarryMay 22, 2025

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso cheered Thursday’s vote (May 22, 2025) to kill California regulations that would end using gas-powered vehicles in favor of EVs. He said Republicans rejected Democrats’ “efforts to force-feed electric vehicles to every single American.”

Barrasso Cheers Vote To Kill California Mandate To ‘Force-Feed’ EVs On Everyone

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso cheered Thursday’s vote to kill California regulations that would end using gas-powered vehicles in favor of EVs. He said Republicans rejected efforts by Democrats "to force-feed electric vehicles to every single American.”

Sean BarryMay 22, 2025

Sam, working a busy bar scene at Cheyenne's Uncle Charlie's Package Liquor, Grill & Tavern, is in wait and see mode on the No Tax on Tips bill that cleared the Senate unanimously on Tuesday.

Wyoming Service Workers Optimistic Over Senate Passage Of No Tax On Tips Bill

In a surprise move, the U.S. Senate passed the No Tax on Tips bill unanimously. The reaction from Wyoming service employees ranged from cautious optimism to elation. “The blue-collar worker, what’s left of us, needs their tips to help ends meet,” one barber said.

Renée JeanMay 22, 2025

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Walmart Asks Wyoming Lawmakers For Help With Organized Theft

Walmart asked Wyoming’s lawmakers to strengthen laws to curb organized retail theft - which is generally an orchestrated scheme in which co-conspirators conduct targeted, repeating thefts as a business. Company officials said they are seeing a rise in sophisticated and organized theft rings.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray speaks to a crowd of more than 100 people Wednesday,May 21, 2025, at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds in Lusk. Most there indicated they are against a pair of large wind projects proposed for the area.

At Lusk Town Meeting, Locals Say Wind Projects Have Ended Friendships

At a town hall meeting in Lusk hosted by Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Wednesday, locals said wind projects on 180,000 acres of land in eastern Wyoming has stirred up anger and resentment.

Greg JohnsonMay 22, 2025

Pumpjack in Weston County, Wyoming

Pumping CO2 Into Wells Helps With Recovery But Wyoming Energy Leaders Say Cost Is High

Wyoming lawmakers on the Joint Minerals Committee heard testimony Wednesday on how pressurizing oil wells with carbon dioxide pushes out what oil remains, but paying for the infrastructure remains a financial challenge for operators.

David MadisonMay 21, 2025

Obsidian is a highly-visible and popular mamma grizzly in Yellowstone National Park. She’s pictured here with three large cubs.

Why So Many Grizzly Bears This Year On Social Media?

Photos of Wyoming grizzlies are blowing up all over social media. While that’s partly because there are more bears, it’s also because there are more people taking pictures of them, wildlife photographers say.

Mark HeinzMay 21, 2025

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Letter To The Editor: Don't Penalize Local Government

Dear editor: I recently attended the interim Joint Corporations committee hearing, and I am deeply concerned by the testimony advocating for limiting the ability of local governments to fund staff and elected officials' participation in various professional associations like the Wyoming Association of Municipalities.

May 21, 2025

Israel Melvin

Judge Removes Psychologist From Case Of Sheridan Man Accused In Mother's Death

A psychologist in the case of a Sheridan man accused of murdering his mother, voiced concerns that Israel Melvin was not fit to stand trial. A judge in the case dismissed the evaluator, saying he did not conduct the right test - which was whether the man was insane when his mother died.

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025

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Tom Lubnau: The Power Performance That Calls Us Higher

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes: "Let's chat about excellence for a change, and that time rock and roll supergroup Led Zeppelin released arguably the best song in rock and roll history - Stairway to Heaven."

Tom LubnauMay 21, 2025

Joe Barbuto and representatives of Wyoming's Democratic Party at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Joe Barbuto, Chairman Of Wyoming Democratic Party, Steps Down After Eight Years

Joe Barbuto, the longtime chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party, announced Wednesday that he is stepping down after eight years to join a national organization that supports state Democratic parties. No replacement has been made.

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025

Smoldering coal seam

Campbell, Johnson And Sheridan Counties Seek to Map Coal Seam Fire Threat

There are likely hundreds of smoldering coal seams in northeastern Wyoming and local fire officials are working on a plan to map them from the air as they all have the potential to start wildfires. It's estimated that some of the fires began as far back as 1859 (during the Buchanan administration).

David MadisonMay 21, 2025

Tornado spotted near Bennett Colorado on May 17, 2025

Massive Twister in Colorado Is Reminder That Tornado Season Has Arrived Wyoming

Although Wyoming is more tornado-proof than tornado-prone, we still get twisters in Wyoming. Funnel clouds were spotted in Laramie County on Sunday and four tornadoes touched down in eastern Colorado. Meteorologist Don Day says tornado season is here and it's starting off strong.

Andrew RossiMay 21, 2025

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Trump Admin Green Lights Pulling Non-English-Speaking Truckers From Roads

President Trump gave transportation chief Sean Duffy 60 days to rescind 2016 guidance that kept non-English speaking truck drivers from being removed from the roads. Duffy rescinded that order Tuesday, 38 days ahead of schedule. U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman was a frontrunner on the issue.  

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025

World heavyweight champion Joe Louis (1914 - 1981) admires the flexed bicep of Charles Atlas, considered by some to be the world's most perfectly developed man, at Madame Bey's Camp in Summit, New Jersey.

Letter To The Editor: Many May Be Surprised To Know That Arm Count Is Not Binary

Dear editor: The idea that arm count is binary is not supported by science, as there are many common arm count variations that don't exactly match a binary.

May 20, 2025

The underside of a boat lift thoroughly encrusted with invasive zebra mussels. This boat lift came to Wyoming from Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota, but the Casper owner brought it to Wyoming Game and Fish to be inspected and decontaminated, as per state law, before installing it at Alcova Reservoir.

Game And Fish Finds Mother Lode Of 500K Invasive Zebra Mussels On Boat Lift

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department aquatic inspectors scraped more than 500,000 invasive zebra mussels off a boat lift from South Dakota. The mother lode of mussels could have devastated Alcova Reservoir.

Andrew RossiMay 20, 2025

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Letter To The Editor: Fasten Your Trump Seat Belt, It's Going To Be A Rough Ride

Dear editor: The Republicans are passing a budget bill with less than a trillion dollars in spending cuts for low income people while passing a 4 trillion dollar tax cut for the well-off that will balloon the deficit.

May 20, 2025

Three wolf pups are seen playing in this screenshot from video, taken in August 2024 in the Colorado mountains. At one point, the video pans to show two Jack Russel terries that seem alert, but not afraid, as they watch from the cab of a pickup. Now Colorado has four pairs of wolves though to be denning.

With Four New Denning Pairs Of Wolves, Colorado Could Have Wolf Pup Boom

With four pairs of wolves thought to be denning together in Colorado, that state is expecting a wolf pup boom. That could lead to numerous established wolf packs.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

A Leadership Wyoming visit to a coal mine.

25 Years And More Than 1,000 Graduates For Leadership Wyoming

For 25 years, Leadership Wyoming has promoted communities and the state through hands-on training and networking. From coal and trona mines to legacy ranches, more than 1,000 program graduates have gone on to become better bosses, workers and neighbors.

Jackie DorothyMay 20, 2025

Gillian Holman, second from left, testifies Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for the joint Judiciary Committee about a year of torment she suffered from a 41-year-old stalker. She urged the committee to introduce legislation calling for tougher penalties for stalking and grooming.

Tearful Testimony Pushes Committee To Draft Tougher Wyoming Stalking Laws

Some members of a Wyoming legislative committee were moved to tears Tuesday as a Glenrock teen girl described the year of torment she and a friend endured from a 41-year-old stalker. Lawmakers agreed to draft tougher laws for stalking and grooming.

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2025

The potential developer of a controversial gravel mine proposed for the base of Casper Mountain may not be over even after Natrona County shot it down last year. Prism Logistics has requested to renew its state leases on the land.

Developer Of Controversial Casper Gravel Mine Wants To Renew State Leases

The potential development of a controversial gravel mine proposed for the base of Casper Mountain may not be over even after Natrona County shot it down last year. Prism Logistics has requested to renew its state leases on the land.

Dale KillingbeckMay 20, 2025

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, said a former high-ranking official who oversaw FWS.

Grizzlies Likely To Be Delisted Once Nesvik Heads FWS, Former Federal Official Says

Former Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik needs to take charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) before grizzlies can be delisted, says a former high-ranking federal official who oversaw the agency.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2025

Laramie County Sheriff with the mugshot of Vance Aulis, 60, of Cheyenne, who got himself into more trouble when he was overheard on a jail phone arranging to have a stash of meth taken out of his car.

Cheyenne Man Caught On Call From Jail Trying To Arrange To Move His Meth Stash

A Cheyenne man learned the hard way last week that jailhouse calls are monitored when he was caught trying to arrange to have his meth stash moved. It’s an example of “meth around and find out,” said Sheriff Brian Kozak.

Greg JohnsonMay 20, 2025

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Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Tuesday's headlines include: Drunk Antler Climber Arrested Stopping Carnage With New Fences Cheyenne Weather Office To Close Early

Wendy CorrMay 20, 2025

his momma bear was the first grizzly to appear with a new cub in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park this spring. On Monday, she led her cub across a foot bridge over Soda Butte Creek and then fended off a huge wolf that was trying to devour the cub.

Momma Grizzly Doesn’t Mess Around When Wolf Tries To Snatch Her Tiny Cub

The first grizzly bear to appear this spring with a new cub in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley wasn’t messing around when she fended off a huge wolf trying to snatch her tiny cub.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Game And Fish Captures, Relocates Grizzly That Killed Cattle Near Cody

Wyoming Game and Fish announced Monday that a male grizzly that was killing cattle has been captured near Cody and relocated. Grizzlies attacking cattle is the most common type of grizzly-human conflict in northwest Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

The National Weather Service Office in Cheyenne.

Short-Staffed Cheyenne National Weather Service Office Ends 24/7 Monitoring

The National Weather Service forecast office in Cheyenne is short staffed and has killed its overnight shift, ending the office's 24/7 monitoring. Meteorologist Don Day says that could mean less accurate forecasts and less timely warnings for southeast Wyoming.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2025

Chinese-owned Bison Blockchain was located about a mile from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, but was forced to sell. The entire facility was razed afterward.

State Mandate To Investigate Land Sales Around Critical Sites Will Take Money

A law mandating Wyoming investigate land sales around critical infrastructure takes effect July 1. But investigating those sales and whether foreign adversaries are driving them will take money, the Office of Homeland Security told lawmakers Monday.  

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025

A horse named Cowboy stranded in the middle of the Yellowstone River south of Billings, Montana, was flown to safety Friday by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and its on-call helicopter.

Helicopter Rescues Horse Stranded In The Middle Of The Yellowstone River

A horse named Cowboy stranded in the middle of the Yellowstone River south of Billings, Montana, was flown to safety Friday by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and its on-call helicopter.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation said Monday that audio interviews released last week show former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline in office — and that it was covered up.

Wyoming Delegation Says Newly Released Audio Reinforces Coverup Of Biden Decline

Wyoming’s congressional delegation said Monday that audio interviews released last week show former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office — and that it was covered up.

Sean BarryMay 19, 2025

Sen. John Barrasso has introduced legislation that would “force the hand” of the World Bank to fund energy projects that comprise “traditional sources of energy,” including fossil fuels.

Barrasso Introduces Bill To Force World Bank To Finance Fossil Fuel Projects

Sen. John Barrasso has introduced legislation that would “force the hand” of the World Bank to fund energy projects that comprise “traditional sources of energy,” including fossil fuels.

David MadisonMay 19, 2025

A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.

Drunk Montana Man Trying To Impress Girls Caught Climbing On Jackson Antler Arch

A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025

Replacing roughly 24 miles of old woven wire fence with wildlife-friendly fence on a ranch in Sweetwater County has saved countless antelope, deer and elk.

Wyoming Rancher Hopes Fence Will Prevent Another ‘Absolute Carnage’ Of Antelope

It's hoped that upgraded fencing on a family ranch in Sweetwater County will save countless antelope, deer and elk. Old woven-wire fence was choking off wildlife migration routes, which contributed to “absolute carnage” during winter 2022-23.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2025

Yavilet Saenz holds up a baby chick in the animal science class at Little Snake River Valley School District's newly completed Livestock Center.

Little Snake River Students Get Hands-On In New $1.7M Livestock Center

A new $1.7 million livestock center has opened a hands-on classroom for students interested in ag education at Little Snake River School in Baggs. It’s the realization of a dream by their teacher.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2025

Jordan Jackson, left, died after he was sold fentanyl-laced drugs by Anthony Fuentes, right. Fuentes was given 15-20 years in prison for manslaughter in Jackson's death.

Drug Dealer Wants His Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Conviction Overturned

A Greybull man convicted of manslaughter for dealing the fentanyl pills that led to another man’s fatal 2023 overdose now says he got bad advice. He wants his 15- to 20-year prison sentence overturned and another chance at trial or a new plea deal.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025

Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them vulnerable to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.

Only 2 Other States Taken By Online Scammers More Than Wyoming, FBI Says

Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them prone to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.

Jen KocherMay 19, 2025

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Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, May 19, 2025

Monday's headlines include: * 39 Years Later: Cokeville Bombing * Coal Is Still King, But Huge Dropoff * Casper Helicopter In Mexican Prison Break

Wendy CorrMay 19, 2025

The Thorofare Ranger Station in the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming has long been credited as the most remote place in the Lower 48. A geographer testing this claim found Maine is more rural than Wyoming.

Most Remote Place In Lower 48 Is In Wyoming, But State Not As Rural As It Seems

Wyoming rightfully lives up to the distinction as home to the most remote place in the continental U.S. That’s the Thorofare Ranger Station in Yellowstone. But when considering what percentage of each state’s population lives in a rural area, Wyoming comes in 12th.

Anna-Louise JacksonMay 18, 2025

Children try their hand at raking during Pioneer Day at at Little Snake River Valley Museum.

Pioneer Town At Little Snake River Museum In Savery Takes Students Back To Days Of Old

Snow still tops Baker Mountain looking down on Little Snake River Museum in this hamlet near the Wyoming - Colorado border east of Baggs, Wyoming. More than 100 children gathered at the museum to celebrate the annual Pioneer Day.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

America’s only ski resort that operates exclusively in summers, Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area near Cody will be open for skiing this summer for the first time in three years. It’s also for sale.

Beartooth Basin Will Open For Summer Skiing For First Time In Three Years

Beartooth Basin near Cody is America’s only ski resort that operates exclusively in the summer. Unlike other ski resorts where summer skiing could happen, Beartooth Basin, which will open for the first time in three years, doesn’t open for the winter at all.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

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Cassie Craven: Wyoming's Stable Token Is In A Race

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “The argument goes that the more people use the Wyoming stablecoin, the more the state's schools should potentially benefit. Some critical analysts believe that, WYST stablecoin might also be in direct competition with the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial USD1 stablecoin.”

Cassie CravenMay 18, 2025

Peabody Energy Corp.'s North Antelope Rochelle mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin is the world's largest and most productive coal mine.

Peabody And Arch/Core Mines Dominate PRB Coal, But Are Shells Of What They Were

The Powder River Basin’s two largest producers continue to be the canary in Wyoming’s coal mining industry. The 2025 first quarter earnings reports were released last week and show Peabody and Arch/Core mines still dominate, but are only shells of what they once were.

Greg JohnsonMay 18, 2025

Gail Symons head shot

Gail Symons: Just Who Benefits From Ousting Lobbyists?

Gail Symons writes: "The next time you hear someone rail against lobbyists, take a moment to ask who stands to gain from that outrage. It might not be you. In fact, it might be the person trying to make sure your voice is no longer heard."

Gail SymonsMay 18, 2025

The iconic arch to the Mountain View Cemetery in Butte was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident last month, though it's been restored and returned to its rightful place. "It looks better than ever," said Gaye Evans, the caretaker.

Arch At Evel Knievel Cemetery Back Up After Plowed Over By Truck

The trademark arch at the entrance to Evel Knievel’s final resting place — Mountain View Cemetery in Butte, Montana — was plowed over by a truck a month ago. Like the famous daredevil, one crash can’t keep it down.

Anna-Louise JacksonMay 18, 2025

oe MacGuire holds up a movie poster for “Breakout” which has some family inserted photos of the Bell 47G2 helicopter sold in the summer of 1971 and then used for a prison escape in Mexico.

How A Helicopter From Casper Was Used In A Daring Mexican Prison Breakout

For a Casper man, the story of a bold 1971 prison break in Mexico involving a helicopter is more than a wild story. The chopper was part of the family’s business, and the escape made into an action movie starring Charles Bronson and Robert Duvall.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2025

Coach Billy Walters, left, and Louie Wilkinson are preparing for a trip to a world competition in Brazil in June.

In First MMA Bout, Casper Teen Qualifies For World Competition In Brazil

A Casper teen did more than medal at his first MMA bout, he qualified for a world competition in Brazil. He and his coach say the sport can be a good outlet to help curb youth violence in the central Wyoming city.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2025

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‘Unknown Male’ Steals Ambulance From Riverton Hospital, Escapes On Reservation

An "unknown male" stole an ambulance parked in front of a Riverton emergency room early Sunday. He fled onto the reservation, hitting a couple law enforcement vehicles, then escaped on foot.

Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2025

33L Swamp Donkey, a 2-year-old bull raised by a breeder from Laramie, Wyoming, got a $250,000 payout for winning the American Bucking Bull Inc.’s $1 Million Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a huge win for Jody Schott and his Big Schott Rodeo.

Laramie-Born Breeder’s Swamp Donkey Wins $250,000 Payout As Nastiest Bucking Bull

33L Swamp Donkey, a 2-year-old bull raised by a breeder from Laramie got a $250,000 payout for winning the American Bucking Bull Inc.’s $1 Million Futurity in Fort Worth. It’s the biggest payday yet for the young bucking bull.

Andrew RossiMay 18, 2025

Spectators gathered around Russell Ratti and an alpaca he calls Jay-Jay during a double header of alpaca shows in Cheyenne.

Why Alpacas Are So Popular In The Rocky Mountains

Alpacas are becoming more popular as a cash crop in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. At the Great Western Alpaca Show in Cheyenne, producers said they prized for their soft, luxurious wool — and are great with kids.

Renée JeanMay 18, 2025

Popular comedian Patton Oswalt had crowds of people laughing at The Rialto Theater in Casper on Friday and Saturday. It was his first time performing in Wyoming, learning the hard way you need a strong bladder to drive anywhere in the Cowboy State.

Patton Oswalt Leaves Casper Crowds Laughing, But He Can’t Hold Bladder

Popular comedian Patton Oswalt had crowds of people laughing at The Rialto Theater in Casper on Friday and Saturday. It was his first time performing in Wyoming, and he learned the hard way you need a strong bladder to drive anywhere in the Cowboy State.

Andrew RossiMay 18, 2025

For bird enthusiasts, the best part of spring in Wyoming is watching all the birds return. Spotting bald eagles is always a thrill, like these in Yellowstone National Park.

Wyoming Birders Live For Spring, And Spotting Something Rare Or Spectacular

For bird enthusiasts, the best part of spring is watching all the birds return. Wyoming is home to more than 400 species of birds and the migration peak is in May.

Jackie DorothyMay 18, 2025

Brian Snyder looks over a set of rings to see how much they might be worth. That tiny pile of rings was worth about $500, according to a quick analysis of each items weight and gold purity, measured in karats.

Record Prices Have Triggered A New Kind Of Gold Rush — Jewelry Sales

Record gold prices have people around Wyoming cleaning out their jewelry drawers and hitting up gold buyers for cash in a new kind of gold rush. One gold buyer in Cheyenne estimates his traffic is up 50%.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2025

Mail call for the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight will include drawings from the kindergarteners at the Ralph Witter Elementary School in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The students drew the pictures based on examples presented to them from their teachers, their own imaginations and stories from their families about their own experiences serving in the United States military.

For Many Vets, Their First ‘Thank You’ Comes Decades Later From Wyoming Kids

Wyoming veterans on Honor Flights to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C., also received special “thank you” notes from school kids in Thermopolis. Most of the veterans receiving the surprise mail had served during Vietnam and many had never received a thank you for their service until now. 

Jackie DorothyMay 17, 2025

Tony’s Mexican Grill in Wamsutter is the go-to spot for oil field workers, who say it’s a spectacular dive with equally authentic food.

Eating Wyoming: Tony’s Mexican Grill In Wamsutter Is A Spectacular Dive

It’s lunch time, and the parking lot at Tony’s Mexican Grill in Wamsutter is lined with dirt-covered pickups drawn in from the oil field. It’s the go-to spot for workers, who say it’s a spectacular dive with equally authentic food.

Greg JohnsonMay 17, 2025

Grand Teton National Park’s growing popularity with tourists means more visitors are taking in Wyoming’s picturesque Mormon Row. The National Park Service is planning upgrades to the area to keep up.

Grand Teton’s Mormon Row To Get Upgrades As Visitors Crowd Picturesque Area

Grand Teton National Park’s growing popularity with tourists means more visitors are taking in Wyoming’s picturesque Mormon Row. The National Park Service is planning upgrades to the area to keep up.

Andrew RossiMay 17, 2025

The ashes of Garrison Brown, son of polygamist and star of the TLC reality show "Sister Wives" Kody Brown, were buried in a small cemetery in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin next to other members of his family.

Son of "Sister Wives" Star Buried Near Wyoming Hometown In Bighorn Basin

The ashes of Garrison Brown, son of polygamist and star of the TLC reality show "Sister Wives" Kody Brown, were buried in a small cemetery in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin next to other members of his family. This was revealed on the May 11 episode of the show, now in its 19th season.

Andrew RossiMay 17, 2025

It takes some pretty thick skin to sign up to umpire youth baseball, gig that gets you yelled at, threatened and generally reviled. That’s Gillette Babe Ruth ump Teddric Walker, who has been called up to call this year’s Babe Ruth World Series.

Gillette Youth Umpire Makes ‘The Show,’ Will Call Babe Ruth World Series

Gillette's Teddric Walker has spent more than 25 years behind the plate and is now being recognized as one of the best youth umpires in the nation. He’s been picked to umpire the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series in August in Ocala, Florida.

Dale KillingbeckMay 17, 2025

A $3 million Ferrari or $4 million Pagani Huayra hypercar on the road turns heads as people scramble to take photos. Chances are good it will have a Montana license plate. The state’s tax laws make it a haven for the super-rich to register their supercars.

Why So Many Ultra-Expensive Supercars Have Montana License Plates

A $3 million Ferrari or $4 million Bugatti hypercar on the road turns heads as people scramble to take photos. Chances are good it will have a Montana license plate. The state’s tax laws make it a haven for the super-rich to register their supercars.

David MadisonMay 17, 2025

Gun ownership is rising among women in Wyoming, who are also increasingly taking tactical shooting classes to learn self-protection.

More Wyoming Women Have Guns — And Are Trained How To Use Them

In Wyoming, and across the country, more women are buying guns and taking courses to learn how to shoot them. Jason Crotteau, who runs the Riverton-based Wyoming Tactical shooters’ training company, says self-protection is the reason why.

Mark HeinzMay 17, 2025

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Bill Sniffin: Grads, We Gave You Roots And We Gave You Wings – Now Grow And Fly

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Bill Sniffin writes: “Grads, timing is the single most important thing in getting ahead.  You must stay on top of trends and always, always check which way the economic winds are blowing.  You must be a man or woman of action."

Bill SniffinMay 17, 2025

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Joan Barron: Although Flawed, Wyoming Has Best System For Independent Judiciary

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "It is heartening to see so many people standing up for Wyoming’s method of selecting an independent judiciary. Although flawed, this is the best system there is for maintaining an independent judiciary."

Joan BarronMay 17, 2025

Duane Merz buys milk at the Lucky Buffalo Farm Stand, while Heidi Allman, front, and sister Katie Allman, back, look on.

Local Food Trend A Growing $24 Million Economic Force In Wyoming

The Lucky Buffalo Farm Stand near Burns is part of a growing local food trend in Wyoming. Already injecting $24 million a year into the state’s economy, local food venues have been a rising trend since Wyoming adopted the Food Freedom Act in 2015.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2025

In May 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas with 10,000 bitcoin. At today's rate for the digital currency, those pies would be worth about $815 million now.

Two Pizzas Bought With Bitcoin In 2010 Would Be Worth $815 Million Today

In 2010, a Florida man bought two pizzas worth about $41 with 10,000 bitcoins. Today, those bitcoins would be worth $815 million. Wyoming crypto leaders say that demonstrates how far digital currency has come and, like it or not, is the future.

Renée JeanMay 17, 2025

Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and has never been seen again. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.

Mills Man Walked Out Of Church 15 Years Ago And Never Made It Home

Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and never made it home, leaving behind his wallet and belongings. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.

Jen KocherMay 17, 2025

Baggs

Cowboy State Daily Morning Show — Saturday, May 17, 2025

It's the Saturday morning show with John Baggett from 6-10AM.

Jake NicholsMay 17, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming.

Hageman Says GOP Budget Bill Voted Down Because It Didn’t Cut Spending Enough

A congressional committee voted down the GOP-authored budget bill Friday as a handful of Republicans broke ranks. But Harriet Hageman says that’s good — it means the party’s defectors on the vote want spending cuts to go deeper.

Sean BarryMay 16, 2025

Fort Larmie, Wyoming, Police Chief Michael Evan Staiger is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying to get a vehicle title. His case started with a stop by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper driving a car with the wrong license plate.

Fort Laramie Police Chief Charged With Lying On Car Title

The police chief of Fort Laramie is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying to get a vehicle title. His case started with a stop by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper while driving a car with the wrong license plate.

Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025

The Roundup Heinz

The Roundup: A Conversation With Mark Heinz

This week, host Wendy Corr chats with Cowboy State Daily's outdoors reporter, Mark Heinz. Mark talks about bears, wolves, chainsaws and firearms - and being raised by 'Jeremiah Johnson.'

Wendy CorrMay 16, 2025

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Dennis Sun: What’s Your Beef?

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Better management practices and technology, along with genetics, are just some of the reasons consumers want more lamb and are still buying beef at record-high prices at the meat counter and at restaurants."

Dennis SunMay 16, 2025

It may be the middle of May, but it's still winter in Wyoming's high country. This was the secene near Towgotee Pass on Tuesday, and more snow is expected this weekend.

Winter’s Not Done Yet; More Snow Coming For Wyoming

It may be the middle of May, but winter isn’t done with Wyoming yet. Another wave of wet weather from the Pacific Ocean will reach Wyoming over the weekend, which will mean more snow in the mountains and across other parts of the state.

Andrew RossiMay 16, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation is calling former FBI Director James Comey’s “86 47” message a “completely despicable” threat against the president. Harriet Hageman suspects Comey suffers from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Wyoming Delegation Calls Comey’s ‘86 47’ Post A ‘Despicable’ Threat Against Trump

Wyoming’s congressional delegation is standing behind a new investigation into former FBI Director James Comey after he posted what many Republicans on Capitol Hill are interpreting as an assassination threat against President Trump.

Liz NassMay 16, 2025

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