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

Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs
Although fire danger killed Gillette’s annual fireworks show, it didn’t stop the city from celebrating America’s 250th like it’s always celebrated the Fourth of July — loud, proud, and with thousands of free hot dogs. "I love hot dogs," U.S. Sen John Barrasso said.
Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026

Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis
John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid who became an FBI agent and caught the nation's most-wanted man in 1936. Then, as the special agent in charge in Detroit, he took down a Nazi spy ring. He went on to protect the Henry Ford family from kidnappers.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Retired Wyoming Lawman’s Outlaw Harley Turns Heads Across West
After retired Torrington lawman Randy Giles totaled his Harley, he didn’t walk away from it. The former auto body repairman turned it into a Western-themed town marshal’s show bike. His outlaw Harley has been beating big-name builders in shows across the West.
Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Cody’s ‘Pink Lady’ Back In Stampede Parade As Daughter Continues 40-Year Legacy
Hope Sheets was a fixture for four decades in the Cody Stampede Parade as the “Pink Lady.” More than a year after her death, her daughter has stepped into the iconic pink dress to keep the tradition alive. "I'm doing my version of my mom," she said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 04, 2026

Alta, Wyoming: The Town Cut Off From The Rest Of The State By Idaho & Mountains
Residents of remote Alta, Wyoming, say they don't feel disconnected even though the only way to get to the rest of Wyoming (outside of riding a horse or hiking over the mountain) is a 20-mile drive through Idaho and over Teton Pass.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Sea Of Red, White And Blue: Cheyenne Salutes Military In America's 250th Parade
Thousands of people wearing red, white and blue packed downtown Cheyenne on Saturday to celebrate America's 250th birthday. One Vietnam veteran said he was pleased the parade had a heavy military presence, including eight stars’ worth of generals.
Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2026

Joan Barron: Small Towns Will Get Penalized If They Don't Submit Audit Reports
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Wyoming small towns would face stiff penalties if they fail to provide the state with annual audit reports. A new bill would block government entities from getting sales, use & lodging taxes if they don't submit audit reports"
Joan BarronJuly 04, 2026

Bill Sniffin: Data Centers And Nuclear Plants – Wyoming Is The Envy Of The World
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Right now, three of the hottest sectors in America's economy are data centers, advanced nuclear energy, and robotics. Wyoming is batting .667. We are becoming a national leader in data centers and advanced nuclear power."
Bill SniffinJuly 04, 2026

Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse
A Montana rancher who lives more than 100 miles from grizzly territory says a bear mauled her quarter horse. Grizzlies aren't deliberately being reintroduced to prairie country. Instead, they’re moving back into those areas on their own.
Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026

Sister Still Seeks Justice 44 Years After Casper Woman Found Dead In North Platte
It’s been 44 years since a young Casper woman was found dead in the North Platte River with a rock tied around her neck. The murder has never stopped haunting her older sister Rebecca. In failing health, Rebecca is hoping to find answers before she dies.
Jen KocherJuly 04, 2026

Dubois Military Museum Celebrates 250th By Crushing Cars With Tanks
Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” owner Dan Starks said.
Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jeff - Saturday, July 4, 2026
Jeff in the 307. Saturday mornings 6-10 a.m.
Jake NicholsJuly 04, 2026

Jonathan Lange: Honoring The Founding Means Accountability To God
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Every single delegate to the Continental Congress understood that personal responsibility. So, they did not issue the Declaration as a work of a committee, or of the congress as a whole. They insisted on unanimity. And each was personally accountable."
Jonathan LangeJuly 04, 2026

America At 250: Thousands Pack Downtown Cody For Stampede Parade
Thousands of people packed along the route of the Cody Stampede Parade on Friday to kick off America’s 250th birthday. There were six George Washingtons, five grand marshals and a restored 40-foot Winchester that made its parade debut 50 years ago.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

The Tradition Continues: Mark Heinz Plays 'The Star Spangled Banner' On His Chainsaw
A Cowboy State Daily patriotic Independence Day tradition continues for the fourth straight year with outdoors writer Mark Heinz belting out “The Star Spangled Banner” on a chainsaw.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Judge Says $100M Goshen Tunnel Project Won’t Stop For Company That Couldn't Bid
A federal judge declined Thursday to pause the $100 million Goshen Tunnel project for a company that missed out on a chance to bid on the work. He also ruled the company has a valid case against two irrigation districts in charge of the tunnel.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2026

Casper Man Turns Wyoming Centennial License Plates Into One-Of-A-Kind Buffalo
After spending decades collecting license plates from all 23 Wyoming counties, Rob Piotter of Casper turns them into one-of-a-kind buffalo sculptures. His red, white, and blue patriotic buffalo is made all from Wyoming Centennial plates.
Kate MeadowsJuly 03, 2026

Wolf Harassed Off Bison Carcass In Latest Yellowstone Illegal Drone Intrusion
A wolf was trying to feed on a bison carcass in Yellowstone this week when it was harassed by a drone. “It was hovering right over the wolf and kept going in,” said a wildlife photographer who got video of the encounter.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2026

Unlike Other Areas In Wyoming, Glenrock's Flock Cameras Bring Little Drama
Other cities in Wyoming have clashed over license plate reader cameras. Meanwhile, Glenrock's Flock system has gone without drama for the roughly two years it's been in place. But a local legislator worries about fewer rights and more surveillance.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2026

Haitian Trucker Who Plowed Into Rawlins EMTs Wants His Conviction Overturned
The Haitian truck driver who killed one Rawlins EMT and severely injured another in a catastrophic I-80 crash more than three years ago is asking the Wyoming Supreme Court to overturn his convictions. He claims prosecutors never proved he was “reckless."
Kolby FedoreJuly 03, 2026

Rancher Says Wolves Making Colorado Coyotes More Aggressive With Livestock
Ranchers in northern Colorado wonder if the growing wolf population is causing coyotes to be more aggressive toward livestock. "In 30 years of doing this, I’ve never seen anything like that," a rancher said about two coyotes attacking healthy livestock.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Black Bear Leads Authorities On Two-Day Dumpster-Raiding Chase Through Worland
A female black bear evaded local law enforcement and wildlife authorities for two days as it ran in and around Worland. “She spent a couple of days running back and forth and was in every single dumpster,” said one local who observed the bear.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026

Guest Column: Wyoming, America’s Secret Rare Earth Resource
Guest columnist Mel Sanderson writes, "Wyoming is like a secret weapon. We have some of North America’s largest rare earth deposits under development, including Halleck Creek (American Rare Earths), Bear Lodge (Rare Earth Elements) and Brook Mine (Ramaco)."
Guest ColumnJuly 03, 2026

Dennis Sun: Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial
Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Take time during coming weeks to get to know the history of where you live – you will be surprised about the amount of history close by."
Dennis SunJuly 03, 2026
