Headlines
Explore a chronological display of Cowboy State Daily’s articles.
News

Thermopolis Safari Club’s Big Game Trophy Collection To Hit Auction Block
After more than 40 years on display, the big-game taxidermy collection at the Safari Club restaurant in Thermopolis will be shipped to auction next week. A potential value hasn’t been put on the hundreds of mounts, some of which can’t be sold in the U.S.
Jackie DorothyApril 11, 2026

Casper Native Restoring Hell’s Half Acre Sign To Display In Wyoming Valley, Pa.
It took Casper native Casey Gillum a long time to get the Hell's Half Acre restaurant sign but once he had the opportunity, he grabbed it. He's now restoring the sign and will display it where he lives -- in Pennsylvania's Wyoming Valley.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026

Bill Sniffin: What Is That Special Spirit That Holds Far-Flung Wyoming Together?
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Just what is that special secret ingredient that defines people here in the Cowboy State? Just what holds us together while so many forces are trying to tear us apart?”
Bill SniffinApril 11, 2026

Joan Barron: They're Lining Up For Hageman's Seat
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Nine candidates for a statewide office is not a record. We have had more crowded Republican races for the GOP nomination for governor. The largest was 14 in the 1980s when Democratic Gov. Ed Herschler retired after serving three terms."
Joan BarronApril 11, 2026

Wyoming’s Lonesome Lake Not So Lonesome; Hikers Say It’s Turning Into Mob Scene
The 9-mile hike into Lonesome Lake in the Wind River Range mountains takes hikers to the stunning Cirque of Towers. Some veteran hikers say social media has turned it into a mob scene and it's getting "loved to death."
Mark HeinzApril 11, 2026

Chugwater Butcher Turns School Bus Into Mobile Meat Wagon To Serve Small Towns
A butcher in Chugwater has turned an old school bus into a mobile meat shop to bring Wyoming beef to small towns. It’s a creative solution to get local meat to rural customers in a state with a whole lot of nowhere between towns.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026
DNA Stunner: Lander Veteran Finds New Life With Daughter He Never Knew He Had
Lander’s Jim Stewart has led a life full of surprises that include service on a Navy submarine, a heart attack, and discovering a daughter he never knew existed. That DNA miracle has given Stewart a new life after he thought he’d already lived his.
Dale KillingbeckApril 11, 2026

Famed Mountaineer's Hidden Notes Still Being Found In Wyoming Wind River Range
Decades after “Lord of The Winds” mountaineer Finis Mitchell roamed the Wind River Range, hikers still find his handwritten notes in small plastic tubes. Star Valley photographer Ammon Jeffs found a Mitchell note while hiking on Sheep's Mountain.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026

Remembering Little America: Fans Of Original Hotel Call Demolition ‘Heartbreaking’
Fans of the Little America hotel near Green River say its demolition is “heartbreaking.” Its cheap ice cream cones, penguin mascot and endless roadside billboards are legendary. It’s also been a lifesaving haven from Wyoming’s notorious blizzards.
Renée JeanApril 11, 2026

Woman Who Hit Two Elk While Speeding, Killing Friend In Car, Acquitted Of Felony
A 19-year-old Casper woman did not commit a felony when she hit two elk while speeding on a highway, killing a friend in her car, a jury ruled Thursday. She was instead convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, and speeding.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

The Winter That Wasn't In Yellowstone National Park: 'It Was Off-The-Charts Warm'
Jeff Henry, who has worked at Yellowstone for more than 48 years, said temperatures this winter were frequently 30 degrees above normal, which meant rain instead of snow at Old Faithful on Christmas. "It was off-the-charts warm," he said.
Andrew RossiApril 10, 2026

Right To Repair: John Deere Settlement Could Mean Payouts For Wyoming Farmers
Accused of monopolizing the tractor repair market, John Deere agreed this week to settle a long-running right-to-repair lawsuit. Farmers are skeptical, saying the company’s promises come across as, “Trust us, we really mean it this time.”
Kate MeadowsApril 10, 2026

Sheridan Golfer Jim Benepe Is Wyoming's Only Direct Link To The Masters
Only one Wyoming native has ever teed it up at The Masters, and his name is Jim Benepe. Nearly four decades after the Sheridan product shocked the PGA Tour by winning his debut event, Wyoming golfers still make the April pilgrimage to Augusta, Georgia.
David MadisonApril 10, 2026

Jonathan Lange: Let's Not Cherry-Pick The Constitution
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “Last week 110 lawyers ganged up on Wyoming attorney Frederick Harrison. Harrison represented Wyoming Right to Life. Rather than offer point-by-point answers to his reasoning, they launched a statewide broadside against him."
Jonathan LangeApril 10, 2026

Dennis Sun: Labor Strike Not Hurting the Packinghouse
Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "JBS has not been hurt badly by the strike. Sure, they’ve been hurt and have been losing money on every cow they’ve processed for the last couple of years, but by processing less cows, they are losing less money."
Dennis SunApril 10, 2026

Gubernatorial Candidate Vying For Constitution Party Nomination Suspends Campaign
Joseph Kibler, who first ran for the GOP nomination, then floated a write-in or unaffiliated run, then sought the Constitution Party nomination for the Wyoming governor’s race, announced Friday he’s stepping away from his campaign.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Texas Man Gets Jail For Leaving Trail Of Footprints On Yellowstone Hot Springs
A Texas man will spend time in jail after causing “significant” damage to several thermal features in Yellowstone. Although most thermal trespass charges there result in fines, this sentence reflects the "extensive nature of the violation and damage."
Andrew RossiApril 10, 2026

Wyoming Food Freedom Act's Author Says State Is Wrong For Banning Meat Sales
Crook County rancher Tyler Lindholm, who authored Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act, is not happy after the state seized USDA-inspected beef from a farm stand in Cheyenne and banned it from selling meat. "Legislative intent is a thing and I know my intent," he said.
Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Greybull Woman Charged With Stealing $155,000 From Elderly Parents
A Greybull woman made her first court appearance Friday, accused of stealing about $155,000 from her parents over 10 years, and could get up to 40 years in prison. Authorities say she paid back $62,000, and she feels that’s “fair.”
Greg JohnsonApril 10, 2026

Guest Column: Wyoming Democrats Shouldn’t Be Asked To Fix The Republican Party
Democratic Party executive director Scott Merrifield writes, "It is not the responsibility of the Democratic Party, or Democratic voters, to abandon their own party in order to manage or moderate the internal divisions of the Republican Party."
Guest ColumnApril 10, 2026

Gordon Apologizes For Telling Gray To 'Shut Up,’ Urges More Formality At Meetings
Gov. Mark Gordon apologized to Secretary of State Chuck Gray this week for telling Gray to “shut up” last week, calling for more formality at meetings from now on. It’s the latest in a long-running feud between the governor and secretary of state.
Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Jackson Hole Is Hottest U.S. Destination For Early Summer Bookings
The Jackson Hole area is the hottest U.S. destination for early summer bookings, according to data from AirDNA which tracks AirBnb, VRBO and other short-term rentals. The area has a 57% occupancy rate on the books for June, a 20% increase over last year.
Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jake - Friday, April 10, 2026
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsApril 10, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Friday, April 10, 2026
Friday's headlines include: * New Wyoming Pipeline? * Mother Charged In Death Of 4-Month-Old * Freedom Caucus Members Split On Gov’s Race
Mac WatsonApril 10, 2026
