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Explore a chronological display of Cowboy State Daily’s articles.
News
That Time Wyoming Tried Banning Abortion In The Constitution And Failed
A unique coalition of Christians, Democrats and lawyers tried putting an abortion ban in the Wyoming Constitution in 1994. The effort failed, but not without shaking up the state’s political sphere.
Clair McFarlandNovember 23, 2024
The Roundup: A Conversation With Wyoming Senior Olympics' De Shann Schinkel
This week, host Wendy Corr chats with De Shann Schinkel, the executive director of Wyoming Senior Olympics. De Shann talks about the organization, the people who participate (like the 105-year-old gold medal sprinter!), and how anyone 50 and older can be an Olympian.
Wendy CorrNovember 23, 2024
Rozet Man Accused Of Slashing Girlfriend's Throat With Box Cutter
A Rozet, Wyoming, man is accused of throwing a chair, lamp and door at his girlfriend before cutting her throat with a box cutter. He could face between 20 years and life in prison if convicted of attempted second-degree murder.
Clair McFarlandNovember 23, 2024
Jonathan Lange: Judge Who Struck Down Abortion Bans Resurrects Outdated Law
Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: "Prenatal life has constitutional rights in the state of Wyoming. That is a fact of law and of the Constitution. But nowhere is it disputed, refuted, or even acknowledged in Judge Owens’ opinion on abortion."
Jonathan LangeNovember 22, 2024
Earth Has A Second Moon For A Few More Days
A 36-foot-wide asteroid pulled into Earth’s orbit has become a second "mini-moon" for almost two months. But this multibillion-year-old chunk of space debris will soon be pulled out by the sun.
Andrew RossiNovember 22, 2024
The American West: Jim Beckwourth - A Rocky Mountain Legend
James Pierson Beckwourth was a mountain man, scout, frontiersman, honorary Indian chief, and the first to pen an autobiography. And what a story it was. He was legendary in his own time, although early historians largely discounted him.
Linda WommackNovember 22, 2024
No More Free-Range Pooping: Human-Poop Bags At Hiking Trailheads Are A Thing Now
“Sustainable pooping” has become an outdoors recreation catchphrase, with people expected to pack their own human waste out in plastic bags. Kiosks with these human-poop bags are popping up along popular hiking trails, like Mount Elbert in Colorado.
Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2024
If Wyoming Grizzlies Make It To Utah, They’ll Probably Get Sent Back
While it’s almost certain that Wyoming grizzlies will eventually migrate into Utah, they won’t be welcome to stay there. Unlike Wyoming, Utah does not have a sustainable habitat for grizzly bears.
Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2024
Hudson Man Caught In Vigilante Video Now Facing Federal Sex Charge
A Hudson, Wyoming, man accused of chatting with decoys he believed were underage girls and luring them into sex acts has been slapped with a federal sex charge. An indictment returned Wednesday could mean another 20 years in prison for him.
Clair McFarlandNovember 22, 2024
University Of Wyoming Trustees Reject Campus Concealed Carry On Split Vote
The University of Wyoming trustees voted Friday against allowing the concealed carry of handguns on campus. But the Wyoming Legislature could still override that decision.
Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2024
Bondurant Gravel Mine Expansion Has Neighbors In Uproar
A proposed gravel pit expansion in Bondurant, Wyoming, has many neighbors in an uproar. They’re concerned about the noise it could create and impacts to wildlife and nearby streams.
Leo WolfsonNovember 22, 2024
Dennis Sun: Against The West
President-Elect Donald Trump has campaigned to bring the DOI and BLM back under commonsense management that will listen to experts in Western states. I can’t wait.
Dennis SunNovember 22, 2024
Casper Man With 1,000 Child Porn Files Claims He Was Collecting Them For Police
A 59-year-old Casper man was in court Thursday to face multiple felony charges related to 1,000 child porn files allegedly found on his cellphone. He reportedly told agents he was collecting them to turn over to local police.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 22, 2024
Prosecutor Won't Seek Death Penalty In Fort Bridger Killing
The Uinta County prosecutor will not seek the death penalty in the first-degree murder case of Skyler Gray who is accused of gunning down Jeremy Jaques in Fort Bridger. Gray allegedly shot at Jaques six times – then another four times once Jaques was on the ground.
Clair McFarlandNovember 22, 2024
Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 22, 2024
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.
Jake NicholsNovember 22, 2024
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, November 22, 2024
Friday's headlines include: * Real-Life "Breaking Bad" Bust * Skiers Outraged Over $10,000 Ski Pass * Artists Baffled At Banana Selling For $6.2 Million
Wendy CorrNovember 22, 2024
Skiers Shocked By $10,000 Luxury Jackson Hole Special-Access Pass
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is offering skiers a luxury season pass for $10,000, a shocking sum for most skiers, who say the resort has gone too far. The pass includes early access, private ski storage, continental breakfast and lounge access.
Justin GeorgeNovember 22, 2024
Woman Charged With Stealing Wyoming Deputy’s Car, Flashing His Gun
Laramie County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two women after one of them managed to bypass a safety feature on a patrol vehicle and steal it Wednesday. She also reportedly flashed a gun that was in the car before being stopped with spike strips.
Clair McFarlandNovember 21, 2024
Even If UW Won’t Allow Concealed Carry, Legislature Probably Will, Trustee Says
Even if the University of Wyoming doesn’t allow concealed carry of firearms on campus, the Legislature is probably going to approve it anyway, a UW trustee said Thursday.
Mark HeinzNovember 21, 2024
Sally Ann Shurmur: UW vs Boise State -- Of All The Reasons To Go, Which Will You Choose?
Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Should the unthinkable happen and Wyoming pull off the upset of all upsets, Boise will be done in the playoff talk and Jeanty’s Heisman hopes likely will be done as well. So all of this brings the question, does the football fan go to see the home team or the quality competition?"
Sally Ann ShurmurNovember 21, 2024
Man Tapes Banana To Wall, Sells It For $6.2 Million; Wyoming Artists Baffled
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $6.2 million Wednesday, leaving some in Wyoming’s art community baffled and bewildered. Sculptor Chris Navarro called it “a head-scratcher” and said it looks like it took the artist “10 minutes” to create.
Andrew RossiNovember 21, 2024
Dave Simpson: What Was Your Favorite Whopper?
Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Oprah Winfrey told us if we didn't vote for Kamala Harris, it could be the last time we ever get to vote in an election. Hoo-boy, what a knee-slapper that was.”
Dave SimpsonNovember 21, 2024
Rawlins UPS Worker Accused Of Stealing Crime Evidence Sent To State Lab
A Rawlins UPS worker accused of stealing drugs and other crime evidence out of boxes on their way to the state crime lab was charged Wednesday. A laundry list of alleged stolen items also were found at her home, including a camera meant for a school's yearbook club.
Clair McFarlandNovember 21, 2024
Cheyenne Frontier Days Chief Says New Cowboy Channel Owner Can Be Good For Rodeo
Teton Ridge, a media company based in Fort Worth, Texas, has bought the Cowboy and Cowgirl channels from Rural Media Group. The move could elevate the profile of rodeo sports in America, says the CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Justin GeorgeNovember 21, 2024
Man Who Scammed Ranchers Desperate For Hay During Drought To Pay Back $100K
A Kansas man who scammed ranchers in Wyoming and Montana desperate for hay during a drought was sentenced to probation Wednesday. He also must pay back more than $100,000 to his victims.
David MadisonNovember 21, 2024
Barrasso Says RFK Will Bring A Much-Needed Shakeup To FDA
John Barrasso, Wyoming's senior U.S. senator and a physician, said he believes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will bring a much-needed shakeup to the federal Food and Drug Administration, if his nomination is approved.
Leo WolfsonNovember 21, 2024
Mexican Cartel Tied To Real-Life “Breaking Bad” Meth Bust On Crow Reservation
A former Montana college dean was identified last week as the alleged queenpin of a meth ring on the Crow Reservation with ties to a Mexican cartel. The case details read like a real-life episode of “Breaking Bad.”
David MadisonNovember 21, 2024
Tom Lubnau: A Deeper Dive On The Wyoming Judge's Abortion Analysis
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "In a prior column, I examined the Wyoming district court abortion decision from a high level. Now I’ll look at it on a granular level."
Tom LubnauNovember 21, 2024
Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, November 21, 2024
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.
Jake NicholsNovember 21, 2024
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Thursday's headlines include: * Wind Turbines Idle For 3 Years * Legislature To Revive Vetoed Prop Tax Bill * Hageman: Keep Men Out Of Women’s Bathrooms
Wendy CorrNovember 21, 2024
Sheriff Refuses State Of Wyoming Request To Ticket Ranchers For Wayward Cattle
The state of Wyoming wants the Crook County Sheriff to ticket ranchers for trespassing when their cows wander onto unfenced state-owned leased grazing lands. But the sheriff has refused, saying “that’s not a solution to the problem, nor is it right.”
Leo WolfsonNovember 21, 2024
Rod Miller: Gen Z Around the Ol’ Campfire – or – Kids These Days
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "A yellow bus from Big Empty High School had pulled up to cow camp in the pale pre-dawn, and dropped off a dozen or so juniors and seniors for their annual field trip to the sticks. Their broncpeeler chaperons paired off with a newbie apiece, and set out to do cowboy work."
Rod MillerNovember 21, 2024
After Colorado Wolf Found With Bullet Wound, Group Puts Up $50K In Rewards
After a bullet wound was found in a wolf carcass in Colorado, a conservation group has set up a $50,000 reward fund for tips about illegal wolf killings.
Mark HeinzNovember 20, 2024
Judge Won't Dismiss Case After Duck Hunter Claims Friend's Death Was Accident
The question of whether a Wyoming college student recklessly shot and killed his friend during a winter duck hunt is too big for just one judge to decide and should go to a jury instead, a judge ruled Monday.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Tom Lubnau: The Wyoming Abortion Decision Explained
Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Without opining one way or another on the abortion issue itself, examination of the Court’s decision and the reasoning behind the 35-page decision is helpful to understanding this important decision."
Tom LubnauNovember 20, 2024
14-Year-Old Casper Wind Farm Has Not Turned A Blade In At Least 3 Years
The 11 wind turbines on the northeast side of Casper once represented the region’s first step into renewable energy. Now, some say they are an eyesore that has idled for at least three years.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 20, 2024
Wyoming Legislators To Bring Back Property Tax Bill Governor Vetoed
The Wyoming legislators advanced a property tax bill this week that Gov. Mark Gordon already vetoed earlier this year. If passed, the law would cut property taxes by 25% for single-family homes valued at $2 million or less.
Leo WolfsonNovember 20, 2024
Wyoming’s Only Gold Mine Gets Green Light From State
Wyoming’s only gold mine near Curt Gowdy State Park has gotten a green light from state regulators. It’s a step closer to actually pulling gold out of the ground. US Gold believes the site could hold 1 million ounces of gold.
Renée JeanNovember 20, 2024
Wyoming Coal Jobs Down Nearly 8% Over Last Nine Months, 25% Since 2017
Wyoming’s coal workforce is down nearly 8% over the last nine months. And since 2017, there are 25% fewer people working coal jobs.
Greg JohnsonNovember 20, 2024
Hageman Supports New Transgender Bathroom Rule In US House
Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman said Wednesday she supports a new rule for the U.S. House designating women's bathrooms and changing rooms for females, and men's bathrooms and changing rooms for males.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Mountain West Says Lawsuit Made Up “Emergency” To Oust Transgender Player
The Mountain West Conference on Tuesday asked a federal court to leave its upcoming volleyball tournament alone. It also accuses the women who sued the MWC of making up their own “emergency” to remove a transgender player from the tournament.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.
Jake NicholsNovember 20, 2024
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday's headlines include: * Managing grizzlies with drones * Governor to appeal abortion ruling * Don Day teams up with YouTube’s MrBeast
Wendy CorrNovember 20, 2024
Pro-Life Legislators Say Fight Not Over As Wyoming Abortion Pill Ban Struck Down
After Wyoming’s first-in-the-nation ban of abortion pills, pro-life legislators say their fight isn’t over. They may put it to voters to decide if abortion is “health care.”
Leo WolfsonNovember 20, 2024
Judge Backs Gordon, Denies Casper Doctor's Pitch To Get Back On Medicine Board
A judge ruled Thursday that Gov. Mark Gordon acted appropriately when calling for Dr. Eric Cubin to step down from the Wyoming Board of Medicine due to his "bias." Cubin had criticized a doctor and medical group for lobbying in favor of child sex-change procedures.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Legislature Considering Non-Citizen Labels On State-Issued IDs
Wyoming IDs may get a complete redesign in the near future that would include a special designation identifying people who aren’t U.S. citizens on the state-issued cards.
Leo WolfsonNovember 19, 2024
Wyoming, Other Western States Push Back Against Electronic Cattle ID Tags
Wyoming ranchers don’t like federally mandated electronic cattle ID tags. They hope to join other Western states in an agreement to just keep using brands for livestock identification.
Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2024
Wyoming Hospitals Rank 43rd In U.S. By Patient Watchdog Group
The latest safety report cards issued by health care industry watchdog group Leapfrog rank Wyoming hospitals 43rd in the U.S. But the Wyoming Hospital Association says that doesn’t paint a full picture.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 19, 2024
Punch That Killed Sheridan Hockey Coach Not Self-Defense, Prosecutor says
Cody McCalla says he acted in self-defense when he fatally punched Sheridan hockey coach Patrick Mudd in July. But the Sheridan County attorney argued Monday that McCalla's self-defense filing is missing some key details.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
One Way To Scare Grizzlies Away: Yell At Them Over Drone Speakers
Montana wildlife officials have been yelling at prairie grizzlies through the speakers on drones to scare the bears away from people. But that doesn’t always work, like the Colorado black bear who didn’t budge when blasted with heavy metal music.
Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2024
Candy Moulton: From Two Coots in a Connecticut Canoe to the Kansas “Golden Rural”
Candy writes: “The two Connecticut coots had the desire for an adventure, but no interest in ‘crapping in the woods” while a Kansas grandmother could teach you how to grate the cabbage for kraut or make a hot toddy.”
Candy MoultonNovember 19, 2024
Wyoming Meteorologist Don Day Helps YouTube's Mr Beast Float A Store With Balloons
There is no one bigger on YouTube than Mr Beast who has more than 330 million subscribers. He recently used 550 balloons to lift a T-Mobile store off the ground. To do it, he teamed up with Wyoming meteorologist Don Day who is a world expert in balloon weather.
Andrew RossiNovember 19, 2024
Cody Man Accused Of Stabbing Mother Claims She Had “Little People” Annoy Him
A Cody, Wyoming, man was arrested Monday on claims he stabbed his mother in a bloody struggle. He told police she brought “little people” to her house to annoy him and added, “I don’t know why I am so happy," court documents say.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Wyo. Mining Group Says Trump’s Energy Secretary Could Mean “180-Degree” Turn For Coal
The head of the Wyoming Mining Association says Trump’s nominee for energy secretary could roll back Biden regulations and reinvigorate the coal industry. He hopes to see “a 180-degree turn” for federal fossil fuels policy.
Leo WolfsonNovember 19, 2024
Wyoming Will Appeal “Frustrating” Ruling To Block Abortion Bans, Gordon Says
Gov. Mark Gordon calls a Monday ruling to strike down Wyoming’s abortion bans “frustrating” and announced Tuesday the state will appeal. “It just sickens me,” says one leading supporter of the bans, while opponents hail the ruling as a victory.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.
Jake NicholsNovember 19, 2024
Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Tuesday's headlines include: * Judge Rules Abortion To Remain Legal in Wyo * Showdown Over Guns At University Of Wyoming * Wyo Delegation: Keep Men Out Of Women’s Sports
Wendy CorrNovember 19, 2024
Abortion To Remain Legal In Wyoming As Judge Blocks Abortion Bans
Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens blocked Wyoming's two abortion bans Monday, saying abortion is health care and the Wyoming Constitution protects a woman's right to the procedure.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Thermopolis Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing From FFA Alumni
A Thermopolis, Wyoming, woman pleaded not guilty Monday to charges she stole $15,000 to $18,000 from the local Future Farmers of America Alumni. But in interviews with the police chief, she admitted skimming the group’s bank accounts, according to an affidavit.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Superflag At Border War Game Needed More Than 200 Volunteers To Carry
Colorado State University unfurled a huge superflag for its annual big salute to the military Friday at the Border War football game against the University of Wyoming. It needed more than 200 people to hold and carry it.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 18, 2024
Sheridan County Elections Supervisor Stunned By Surprise Post-Election Firing
After helping oversee what he calls a “very successful” general election, Sheridan County’s election supervisor was suddenly fired last week. “I never saw it coming,” James Temple said.
Leo WolfsonNovember 18, 2024
Get Over Your “Squishy Feelings,” UW Alum Tells Concealed Carry Panel At UW
At a panel discussion Monday, most attendees seemed to be against allowing concealed carry of firearms at the University of Wyoming. But one supporter told attendees to get over their “squishy feelings” and follow the law.
Mark HeinzNovember 18, 2024
Wyoming Delegation Urges Mountain West Conf. To Ban Males From Women’s Sports
Wyoming’s congressional delegation and 10 more members of Congress sent a letter Monday to the Mountain West Conference’s commissioner, urging her to keep males out of women’s sports.
Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2024
Saratoga Man's Tailgate Falls Off During Chase, Charged With Littering And Meth
A Saratoga, Wyoming, man got a 7-foot-long list of citations last week after leading deputies on a chase and crashing in a ditch. Among those are allegations of having meth and littering for when his tailgate fell off.
Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2024
Letter To The Editor: The Rock Springs Management Plan Isn't Perfect But It Should Still Happen
Dear editor: The RMP isn’t perfect, yet we appreciate the enormous task the BLM undertook to review and respond to tens of thousands of comments. Failing to finalize it would waste the years of hard work that many have invested in this planning effort.
November 18, 2024
Wyoming Republicans Censure Laramie County Clerk Again, Call For Resignation
The Wyoming Republican Party censured Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee for a second time at its meeting Saturday and asked for her resignation. If she doesn’t resign, the party will request Gov. Mark Gordon remove her.
Leo WolfsonNovember 18, 2024
WYDOT Working 24/7 To Rebuild Mountain Under Teton Pass
The new Teton Pass will look just like the old one before it collapsed this past summer. WYDOT is working 24/7 to rebuild the mountain underneath Highway 22, this time with steel reinforcements set in bedrock and several drain systems.
Andrew RossiNovember 18, 2024
Casper Man Scores $170,000 Prize Bonanza As Winner Of Maverik Sweepstakes
Mike Mitchell of Casper, Wyoming, said he never won much of anything before. Not until earlier this month when he was named the grand-prize winner of a $170,000 prize bonanza from Maverik convenience stores.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 18, 2024
Raw Milk Is Legal In Wyoming, And Trump Might Soon Make It Legal Everywhere
Raw milk is already legal in several states, including Wyoming, and the incoming Trump administration could make it legal nationwide.
Jackie DorothyNovember 18, 2024
“Ridiculously Cool” Rope Cloud Spotted Hovering Over Heart Mountain
When Powell resident Dave Varkony stepped outside at sunrise Sunday, he saw a "rope cloud" hovering over Heart Mountain. Meteorologist Don Day says these clouds are usually much wider and are a well-known source of turbulence.
Andrew RossiNovember 18, 2024
Wyoming Coyotes And Badgers Will Team Up To Hunt Prairie Dogs
Coyotes and badgers in Wyoming will team up to hunt prairie dogs. Badgers dig into the rodents’ dens, while the coyotes wait at the exit to snatch any varmints trying to escape.
Mark HeinzNovember 18, 2024
Jury Finds Fremont County Man Guilty Of Killing His Disabled Landlord
A jury found Burdick Nelson Seminole guilty Friday of first-degree murder for gunning down his disabled landlord in August 2023. Court documents say Seminole was evicted for bringing young females to the home and getting them high.
Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2024