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

Legend has it Thomas Edison had his "Eureka!" moment for the light bulb while fishing at Battle Lake in Carbon County, Wyoming. Nope, says a historian.

No, Thomas Edison's 'Eureka!' Light Bulb Moment Wasn't While Fishing In Wyoming

Legend has it that Thomas Edison's "Eureka!" electric light bulb moment came from a burning pole while fishing at Battle Lake in Wyoming in 1878. There's even a historical marker at the site. But Wyoming historian Phil Roberts says the story is a myth.

Andrew RossiAugust 23, 2026

One of six hot springs pools for soaking at Astoria Hot Springs Park in Jackson Hole.

Jackson's Astoria Hot Springs Offers Soak And Million-Dollar Views For Under $30

The collective charms of Astoria Hot Springs Park include milky turquoise water, wildlife sightings, and million-dollar mountain views along the Snake River. And because it's run by a nonprofit, the fee is less than $30, a bargain for Jackson Hole.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

Cowboy State Daily Video Newscast: Monday, August 24, 2026

Monday's headlines include: * Wyo Police Using AI * Intense Search For Gillette Man * World Record Golf Drive In Rawlins

Mac WatsonAugust 23, 2026

Katie Garner is a server at Wyoming Ale Works in Casper, where she said tipping 20% "is normal."

Wyomingites Among America’s Most Generous Tippers, Averaging Nearly 21%

According to a new restaurant industry report, Wyomingites are among the nation's most generous tippers, averaging nearly 21%. One Casper bartender says 20% is normal. She considers 15% on the low end and estimates her own tips average closer to 30%.

Kolby FedoreAugust 23, 2026

Pennsylvania Couple Starts Tradition With First Brand At Wyoming Ranch Wedding

When Spencer Long and Morgan Kulik got married at the Diamond View Ranch near Powell earlier this month, they had a branding — with their own brand. The Pennsylvania couple's goal is to own ranch where horses and cattle will bear their family’s brand.

Andrew RossiAugust 23, 2026

In America’s golden age of big bands and jazz, the tiny out-of-the-way Garden Spot Pavilion in Elk Mountain, Wyoming, drew the biggest names of the day. Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and Lawrence Welk were among the stars to play the Pavilion.

Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey Among Big Names To Play Elk Mountain’s Garden Spot

In America’s golden age of big bands, the tiny out-of-the-way Garden Spot Pavilion in Elk Mountain drew the biggest names of the day. Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and others were on regular rotation to play to raucous, alcohol-fueled crowds until 4 a.m.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

Harve Ray was a more notorious Hole-in-the-Wall outlaw than Butch Cassidy in the late 1800s, but no photo evidence of him existed until recently. A Wyoming historian has uncovered an 1897 photo that identifies him as part of a branding on Kirby Creek, seen above at right.

Wyoming Historian Uncovers Only Known Photo of Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Harve Ray

Wyoming historian Michael Bell has officially verified a photo of the notorious Hole-in-the-Wall outlaw Harve Ray who ran with Butch Cassidy in the late 1800s. The 1897 photo, the only known photo of the outlaw, shows him at a branding on Kirby Creek.

Jackie DorothyAugust 23, 2026

Wyoming police, including the Sheridan Police Department, are testing using AI to write reports and analyze evidence, but the rules of how that happens haven’t caught up. “The thing that worries me about AI is just the ability to hallucinate,” said former Attorney General Gay Woodhouse.

Wyoming Police Departments Testing AI To Generate Reports, Look At Evidence

Wyoming police are testing artificial intelligence to write reports and analyze evidence, but the rules of how that happens haven’t caught up. A former Wyoming attorney general has mixed reactions on it and said her concern is AI's ability to "hallucinate."

Kolby FedoreAugust 23, 2026

A Casper contractor renovating a “cat squatter house” says feral felines keep coming back to trash the place. He said the cats have turned the project into a nightmare, he can't figure out how to stop them and the city is no help.

Feral Cats Of Casper Turn Remodel Of Trashed House Into Contractor’s Nightmare

A Casper contractor has spent weeks trying to make a trashed house livable again, tearing out urine-soaked flooring, ripping down drywall and digging moldy cat food from clogged drains. There’s just one problem. The cats refuse to move out.

Kolby FedoreAugust 23, 2026

More Evidence Found During Intense Search For Gillette Man Missing Since June

An intense search in rugged territory in northern Campbell County this past week has found more evidence of 43-year-old Derek Schaff of Gillette, who has been missing more than two months. It brings officials closer to “the answers our family so desperately needs,” said his sister-in-law.

Jen KocherAugust 23, 2026

A member of the Air Force crash investigation team surveys the tail section of the Air Force C-130 that crashed and burned near the top of Sheep Mountain near Jackson, Wyoming, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1996. The C-130, which carried support equipment for President Clinton's vacation, went down on takeoff late Saturday night. Nine people were killed in the crash.

Wyoming History: 30 Years Ago Clinton Plane Crashed Into Jackson Mountain

It was a pitch-black night 30 years ago this week when a President Clinton support C-130 ignored takeoff protocol and slammed into Sheep Mountain above Jackson at 200 mph, killing all nine onboard. The impact created a fireball that could be seen for miles.

Jake NicholsAugust 23, 2026

Wyoming History: Wagon, Whitewater Only Way To ‘Doc’ Barry’s Bighorn Dude Ranch

“Doc” Barry arrived in the Bighorn Canyon in the 1890s seeking gold, but after losing a fortune, he built a luxury dude ranch where guests could only get to via wagon or whitewater. All that remains today is a ghost camp infused with memories.

Jackie DorothyAugust 23, 2026

Sarah Kelly, from Pennsylvania, and Iyonna Young, from Maryland, learned firsthand Wyoming operates on its own level after they landed in Teton County armed with a color-coded schedule aimed at diving deep into their idea of an ideal Western getaway.

Two Eastern Greenhorns Get A Crash Course In Wyoming’s Western Ways

There’s a moment when every first-time Cowboy State visitor realizes Wyoming does not operate by the same laws of physics, fashion, or hospitality as the rest of the world. That’s what a pair of Eastern greenhorns learned when they landed in Jackson Hole.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

The only deeded residential property on the eastern shore of Lake De Smet is for sale and priced at $7.5 million. Texaco owned the property, but it became a retreat with views of the lake, Bighorn Mountains and the legendary "Smetty" lake monster.

Only Home On Lake De Smet's Eastern Shore Is Available For $7.5 Million

The only deeded residential property on the eastern shore of Lake De Smet is for sale and priced at $7.5 million. Texaco once owned the property, but it became a retreat with views of the lake, Bighorn Mountains and the legendary "Smetty" lake monster.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

Joan Barron: After The Freedom Caucus Crash, What’s Next?

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "One of the repercussions of the Freedom Caucus rout in last week's Republican primary election is the interim work of the Legislature."

Joan BarronAugust 23, 2026

Bill Sniffin: Eric Barlow Has Chance To Lead Wyoming Into True Age Of Prosperity

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Barlow will have both a friendly legislature and four other friendly members of state boards. There will be little to hinder economic progress in the near future. It will be a boom time.“

Bill SniffinAugust 23, 2026

David Kolesky was one of the first male cheerleaders recruited to raise team and fan spirits at the Cowboy football games for the 1965 season. His best friend and fellow "yell king" Nick Vuko said that Kolesky was crazy and fun-loving.

How An Injured Football Player Became UW’s First Male Cheerleader 61 Years Ago

When Nick Vuko was sidelined with a football injury in 1965, the Wyoming tailback refused to stay off the field — returning with buddy David Kolesky as UW’s first male cheerleaders. It helped that they weren't afraid to make spectacles of themselves.

Jackie DorothyAugust 22, 2026

Somewhere on the long dirt road to Hog Park in Carbon County, Snoopy still waits after 30 years. Nobody knows who painted the giant beagle on a Sierra Madre boulder on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, but Wyoming families have grown up watching for him.

What The Heck … Is That Giant Snoopy Head High In Wyoming’s Sierra Madre Range?

Somewhere on the long dirt road to Hog Park in Carbon County, Snoopy has been hanging out for at least 30 years. Nobody knows who painted the giant beagle on a Sierra Madre Range boulder, but Wyoming families have grown up visiting him.

Kolby FedoreAugust 22, 2026

Bob Richard, 89, grew up in Wyoming’s wilderness. He was a camp helper at age 8 and spent two months alone in the Shoshone National Forest at 12. It an upbringing that set him on the path to become a ranger and famed Yellowstone historian. He's seen here in 2024.

Bob Richard Grew Up In Wilderness Before Becoming Famed Yellowstone Historian

Famed Yellowstone historian Bob Richard grew up in Wyoming’s wilderness. By the time he was 12, he spent two months alone in the Shoshone National Forest with no company but his horse and dog. It was that upbringing that set him on his acclaimed career path.

Leo WolfsonAugust 22, 2026

In the month since the Cowboy State Daily told 4-year-old Charlee Lacey's story of collecting “hero patches” from first responders, she’s been flooded with hundreds of them.

First Responders Send Hundreds Of ‘Hero Patches’ To 4-Year-Old Rock Springs Girl

In the month since Cowboy State Daily told 4-year-old Charlee Lacey's story of collecting “hero patches” from first responders, she’s been flooded with hundreds of them. Her mother says there are "no words" to express how much they mean to the girl.

Andrew RossiAugust 22, 2026

Cornelius “Cork” Kelly left Pinedale one final poem — a humorous, tender and deeply personal obituary. He lived as a teacher, poet, swimmer and cherished friend. "And regardless of the manner of my dying, at least I am on the road again," Kelly wrote.

Beloved Pinedale Teacher Says His Final Goodbye In A Poem

Cornelius “Cork” Kelly left Pinedale one final poem — a humorous, tender and deeply personal obituary. He lived as a teacher, poet and father of 10. "I am dead. And regardless of the manner of my dying, at least I am on the road again," Kelly wrote.

Kate MeadowsAugust 22, 2026

A power substation with wind turbines in the background in Wyoming.

Why America’s Energy Grid Has To Change — And What It Means For Wyoming

To the “tech bros,” the future is simple. Either America rebuilds its energy grid fast, or it will hand the coming AI revolution — and the billions in economic impact that comes with it — to foreign countries, some of whom aren’t America’s friends.

Renée JeanAugust 22, 2026

Kyle Berkshire sent a golf ball screaming above a windswept Rawlins golf course for 588.1 yards on Wednesday, breaking his own world record for longest tee shot. It took the 29-year-old long-drive specialist from Maryland more than 200 swings to do it. He did it at the same Rawlins golf course he set the previous record in 2023.

Golfer Sets New World Record For Longest Drive At Rawlins Golf Course

Kyle Berkshire sent a golf ball screaming above a windswept Rawlins golf course for 588.1 yards on Wednesday, breaking his own world record for distance. It took the 29-year-old long-drive specialist from Maryland more than 200 swings to do it.

Kolby FedoreAugust 22, 2026

80-somethings brawling in the parking lot, irreverent jokers, indoor smoking and an ear lost in a brawl are all part of the lore at Glenrock's Deer Creek Lounge. The down-and-dirty dive has a reputation for other vices, too.

Drinking Wyoming: Glenrock’s Smoky Deer Creek Lounge A Down-And-Dirty Dive

It’s a hot August afternoon at the Deer Creek Lounge in Glenrock, and a man named Nile is reflecting proudly on the time he clocked his 84-year-old brother in the mouth. “I should have hit him a second time,” he said.

Zakary SonntagAugust 22, 2026

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