Headlines

Yes, Wyoming Power Linemen Still Rescue Cats From Power Poles

Wyoming power linemen still rescue cats and other critters that get themselves stuck on power poles. That's lucky for one black cat near Cody that spent hours atop a pole before Rocky Mountain Power lineman Jeff Matthews rescued it.

The Roundup: A Conversation With Deb White

This week, host Wendy Corr chats with Deb White, founder of the Youth for Justice and CAN (Change Attitudes Now) programs at Cody High School, as well as her efforts to help seniors get stronger - and why she can't retire.

What The Heck … Is That Bizarre Rock Formation West Of Evanston?

For more than a century, Devil’s Slide off I-84 in Utah has been turning heads and sparking myths and legends. The unique and bizarre-looking rock formation is about 45 minutes west of Evanston, Wyoming.

Ego And Bias: Pollster Explains How National Polls Got The Election Wrong — Again

Most national polls were wrong — again — in this year’s presidential election. A national political pollster told Cowboy State Daily that ego and bias are why many just can’t seem to get it right.

Once The Playground Of The Rich, Wyoming’s Ranch A Makes A Comeback

Ranch A, located just south of Beulah, was founded by media mogul Moses Annenberg and became the center for the rich and elite. Years of opulence were followed by shady politics, eventually resulting in the once luxurious lodge falling into disrepair. But it's made a big comeback.

Drinking Wyoming: Melvin Brewing, State’s Largest Brewery, Is About To Get Bigger

A merger between Melvin and Roadhouse Brewing in Jackson in 2022 has positioned Wyoming’s largest brewery to grow even more. The brewery is already beating national sales trends, and it’s looking to add more new products and keep growing.

The American West: If You’re From Wyoming, You Could Have Ended Up In Utah

Wyoming was given its slice of Utah thanks, in part, to Thomas Jefferson. Of all the territories created by the federal government that later became states, Wyoming is one of the few whose borders, once established, never changed.

Dennis Sun: Humans Are Part Of The Ecosystem

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "California outlawed hunting of mountain lions in 1990, and in the 34 years since, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has had to kill many more lions every year than were killed when permitted hunting was a policy."

How Lander Nearly Became Wyoming’s Capital City

Wyoming voters were asked to decide in 1904 if Cheyenne should remain the state capital city, or if it should move to another city. Although Cheyenne won that vote, Lander came close.

Beards Are Still Tops For Wyoming Men, But Mustaches Making A Comeback

Although beards are still most popular for Wyoming men, mustaches are making a comeback. Mostly millennials, these mustachioed men say they're drawn to the variety of 'staches they can grow and scratching an itch to try something new.

Wyoming Pastor’s Epic 1,500-Mile Run Across Mongolia Could Become A Movie

Teton County Pastor Brian Hunter ran 1,500 miles across Mongolia to spotlight the nation’s abandoned and forgotten orphans. Now that epic quest could become a documentary movie.

How Sean Cooper Came To Be Northwest Wyoming's "Rat Guy"

Everyone has those “go-to” people in their lives — their mechanic, butcher, or hair stylist. They’re dependable, honest and never let you down. When it comes to rats in northwest Wyoming, there's no one better than Sean Cooper.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 29, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

The American West: Mo-chi - First Female Cheyenne Warrior

“Following the attack one her village at Sand Creek, Mo-chi seized her dead father’s Hawken rifle and pledged revenge. She would become the first female Cheyenne warrior.”

Sally Ann Shurmur: Wyoming School Boards Association Salutes Its Own, Rings Those Bells And Does It Well

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “In my former life, banquets and formal fundraisers were part of the deal. It had been awhile since Owen and I attended one.”

Carbon County Man Found Dead In Remote Area South Of Rawlins

Bruce Baugh was supposed to be back home in Rawlins by 11 a.m. Wednesday after an early-morning elk.  Carbon County Search and Rescue volunteers found his body on Thursday afternoon, over a mile away from his vehicle, which had become stuck. 

Wyoming History: George Pike Was A Horse Thief, Con Man And A Heck Of A Nice Guy

George Pike was an eastern Wyoming pioneer who also was an underhanded horse thief and con man. And by many accounts, Pike also was a heck of a nice guy.

Cheyenne Mom Has Turned Tragedy Into A Crusade For Safer Streets

Janelle Jones lost her son Mak when a distracted driver hit him in a Cheyenne crosswalk. Janelle has since been on a crusade for safer streets and stricter penalties for distracted drivers.

Wyoming Boy Born Without Complete Heart Finally Home After Successful Transplant

Ayden Skillman of Greybull was born without a complete heart and has spent much of his young life in hospitals. Now the 18-year-old is back home after a successful heart transplant and doctors say he's doing extremely well.

Barrasso Spends Thanksgiving With Wyoming Troops In The Middle East

Sen. John Barrasso visited Wyoming service members deployed in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Thanksgiving Day. There are over 360 Wyomingites in the battalion, representing over 40 different hometowns in the Cowboy State.

Wyoming All-State Marching Band Leads The Way In Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Parade

The first band in the 124th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia was the Wyoming All-State Marching Band, made up of 160 high school students from the Cowboy State. They played Ghost Riders in the Sky as they marched past the iconic Rocky Steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Saving, Restoring 114-Year-Old Green River Depot Could Cost $20 Million

More than a century ago when trains were the lifeblood of the American West, the Green River Depot buzzed with life as the heart of a growing southwestern Wyoming town. Now Green River wants to bring it back to life.

New Study Says Time Is Now For Thorough Probe Of Uranus

Most of humanity’s knowledge about Uranus came from a 1986 Voyager 2 flyby on “a particularly windy day.” A new study says the time for a new, more accurate probe of Uranus is necessary.

Boise State University Pulls Out Of MWC Volleyball Tourney Over Trans Player

The Boise State University women’s volleyball team pulled out of the Mountain West Volleyball tournament Wednesday night over a transgender player on the San Jose State team. Boise State also twice forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, November 28, 2024

Thanksgiving Day headlines include: * Legislators Vow To Ban Sanctuary Cities * Urban Turkeys Safe From Being on Dinner Table * Wyoming Plumbers Getting Ready For Brown Friday 

No, You Can’t Make Wild Turkeys In Sheridan And Casper Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Mobs of wild urban turkeys in Sheridan and Casper, Wyoming, can be thankful they’re not on the Thanksgiving menu. It’s illegal to hunt turkeys in those cities, although that could change in Sheridan.

Wyoming Legislators Vow To Revive Bill That Bans Sanctuary Cities

Wyoming legislators are looking to revive a bill that would ban sanctuary cities and counties in the state. The effort is gaining momentum after ICE officials said Teton County is letting jailed illegal immigrants go free.

Wyoming Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Woman After Beating Another

An Ethete, Wyoming, man pleaded guilty Tuesday to stabbing a woman to death on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Months earlier, Kevin Mendibles also was arrested for beating another woman. He faces life in prison.

Greg Johnson: Time To Carve Up The Thanksgiving Swineapple

Greg Johnson writes, “One of the most challenging Johnson family Thanksgiving traditions was pretending whatever Grandma made was delicious, when in fact it rarely was edible.”

Hageman Says “Terrorist-Supporting” Nonprofits Shouldn’t Get Tax Breaks

Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman voted to support a bill that could strip “terrorist-supporting” American nonprofits of their tax-exempt status. The U.S. Treasury secretary would decide which groups fit that mold.

Bear Caught On Video Trying To Eat Colorado Couple's Ring Camera

An Estes Park, Colorado, couple got to see the inside of a bear’s mouth the safe way last week — when it tried eating one of their nine Ring cameras. They've caputured lots of wildlife on the cameras, including an elk sneezing on one.

Letter To The Editor: Quit Whining And Build Another Dam

Dear editor: I have been following the articles on the LaPrele Dam with interest mainly because I see a lot of, "Woe is me! Whatever can I do?"

Rod Miller: Dear Li’l Chucky, Let’s Rumble!

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "On 'The Cowboy State Daily Morning Show With Jake last Monday, Secretary of State Gray accepted my months-long challenge to a debate. Needless to say, my nostrils flared and my pupils dilated with anticipation."

Wyoming Supreme Court Rules Against Man Who Tried To Sneak Meth Into Court

The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a man who tried to sneak meth into the Uinta County Courthouse wasn’t searched illegally. The justices said the man gave up his right to privacy when he entered the courthouse.

Letter To The Editor: Be Careful What You Vote For; You Just Might Get It!

Dear editor: Now that the dust has settled on the 2024 presidential election, I look forward to our neighbor to the south casting their 10 electoral college votes for Donald J. Trump

Tom Lubnau: Wayne Newton, Up Close And Personal – An Evening Well Spent

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "I must admit that my reaction to the possibility of seeing Mr. Newton was a resounding 'Meh!' But that vanished within a minute of him taking the stage."

Disabled Woman Sues, Says Cheyenne Police Officer Broke Her Ankle

A local woman filed a civil complaint against the city of Cheyenne and a Cheyenne police officer, who she claims used excessive force during a minor traffic stop. She says the officer broke her right ankle and roughed her up.

Those Who Shoot Their Own Wild Turkeys Know They’re Nothing Like Store-Bought

Those who shoot their own Wyoming wild turkeys for their Thanksgiving table know two things. There are a lot of them out there, and they’re nothing like the mass-produced, flash-frozen birds from the supermarket.

Wyoming’s Only Mile-Long Horse Track Also State’s First New Track In Decades

A new horse racetrack has been approved for Cheyenne, the first new track to be built in Wyoming since the 1980s. When complete, it will be Wyoming’s first mile-long track for horse racing.

Rival Cheyenne Basketball Teams Donate 12 Truckloads Of Food To Local Shelter

The basketball coaches and players for Cheyenne East, South and Central high schools are rivals on the court. Off it, they teamed up to collect enough Thanksgiving food for a local shelter to fill 12 trucks.

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * BLM Outlaws Coal (For Now) * Appeals Court Rules Trans Can Play * ICE: Teton Sheriff Let 103 Illegals Go Free 

BLM Outlaws Coal In Powder River Basin; Gordon Says Prepare For A Fight

The BLM has made it official Tuesday — it’s ending new coal leases in the Powder River Basin, with an eye to producing no more coal after 2041. Gov. Mark Gordon says those are fighting words.

Montana Principal Pleads No Contest To Blocking Police Investigation Of Teacher

A Montana school principal and former candidate for the state’s top education post pleaded no contest Tuesday to blocking a police investigation into a teacher. Prosecutors didn’t buy her claim she hindered police to protect parental rights.

Teton County Has Let 103 Illegal Immigrants Slip Away In Two Years, Says ICE

Within the past 21 months, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office has allowed 103 illegal immigrants to slip away, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday. They say the sheriff’s office has not been honoring ICE’s requests for holds.

Letter To The Editor: Barrasso Is Wrong To Support RFK, Jr. For Dept Of Health

Dear editor: I was deeply disappointed to read that Senator John Barrasso has expressed support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Just In Time For Thanksgiving, Storm Icing Over I-80, Dumps On Colorado And Utah

A winter storm is hitting just in time to gum up travel plans, icing over parts of the I-80 corridor in Wyoming. It’s also dumping on Colorado and Utah, prompting meteorologist Don Day to advise people not to drive in those states if they can avoid it.

Higher Court Revives Lawsuit By Laramie High Schooler Arrested Over Not Masking

A former Laramie High School student who was arrested over a dispute over masking had her lawsuit against the local school district revived Tuesday. It had been dismissed by a lower court in 2023.

Candy Moulton: Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

Candy Moulton writes: “Give thanks in any way you prefer, but taking a day to enjoy the company of family and friends is a tradition that we can all be thankful the native tribes and the early settlers in this nation started over 400 years ago.”

Mexican Nationals Accused Of Beating Gillette Roommate, Leaving Him For Dead

Three Mexican nationals are accused of beating their roommate from Gillette, Wyoming, driving out to a remote part of Campbell County, and leaving him for dead. Beaten and cold, the man followed some railroad tracks back to town.

Appeals Court Also Refuses To Kick Trans Player Off Volleyball Team

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals declined Tuesday to disqualify a San Jose State University transgender player from the Mountain West Conference tournament. The higher court's ruling upholds a lower order by a Colorado judge.

Cheyenne City Council Blasted Over Banning "Nuisance" RVs Parking On City Streets

A proposal to not allow "nuisance" RVs and other similar vehicles on city streets was blasted by some Cheyenne residents Monday. They say it’s an example of government overreach, while the city says it’s about safety.

Wyoming-Based Crypto Founder Slams State Over Stable Token Bid Process

Wyoming rancher Charles Hoskinson has one of the top 10 cryptocurrency platforms in the nation, but he’s not eligible to bid to be a vendor for Wyoming’s stable token. He’s blasting the state over its bidding process, calling it unfair.

Utah Officials Tell People To Stop Brining Turkeys In The Great Salt Lake

Great Salt Lake State Park in Utah has issued a Thanksgiving week message telling people to stop brining turkeys in the Great Salt Lake. Monday’s warning was prompted by finding a wayward bird on a beach that may have been brining in the lake.

Wyoming Legislator Wants To Extend Trans Sports Ban To UW, Community Colleges

Martha Lawley, a Republican state House member from Worland, says she wants to extend Wyoming’s transgender sports ban to UW and community colleges. She also wants to clarify that biological sex at birth determines bathroom and locker room use.

Volleyball Players Appeal, Ask Higher Court To Oust Transgender Player

A dozen women suing the Mountain West Conference over its inclusion of a transgender volleyball player are asking a higher court to intervene. A Colorado judge on Monday denied the women's request to oust the transgender player from this week's championship tournament.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: * Judge Rules In Favor Of Trans Volleyball Player * Sheriff Says He’s Not Trying To Sabotage ICE Deportation * Barrasso Says Crank Up Fossil Fuels & Boot Illegal Immigrants

Wyoming Man Accused Of Killing Girlfriend Doesn't Get New Judge Or Lawyers

A judge decided Monday that a man accused of trying to dump the body of his murdered girlfriend in Park County, Wyoming, doesn’t need a new judge or new attorneys. Joseph Underwood, 50, has argued insistently that he does.

Montana Sen. Pushes To Get Redskins Logo Back, Native American Group Says He Didn't Push Hard Enough

Montana Sen. Steve Daines has led the way in trying to get the original Redskins logo back for the now Washington Commanders but a Native American group -- which wants the name and the logo back -- says he hasn't pushed hard enough.

Teton County Sheriff Says He Didn't Sabotage ICE's Plans To Deport Illegal Immigrants

Teton County’s sheriff is refuting a claim Harriet Hageman made in her Sunday newsletter that his office is sabotaging efforts to deport illegal immigrants. She said the sheriff is "foiling" ICE's efforts.  

Delegation Wants To Name Casper Trails Center For Former House Rep. Barbara Cubin

Wyoming’s congressional delegation want to honor the political legacy of Barbara Cubin, the state’s second-longest serving U.S. House rep. They’ve introduced a bill to name the Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper for her.

Spot Near Grand Teton Is A Moose Magnet, But Too Many People Could Ruin It

If you want to see a moose, there's a spot near Kelly, Wyoming, that draws a ton of them during the early winter. It's so popular that locals are worried that the area will be discovered and ruined by the gawking humans.

Wyoming Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Swinging Flagpole At Police On Jan. 6

Bedford, Wyoming, resident Douglas Harrington was sentenced to three years in prison Monday for assaulting police with a flagpole during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Riot. It’s the harshest sentence so far for a Wyoming resident related to Jan. 6.

Guest Column: Wyoming’s Legacy of Opportunity: Protecting Rights for Women and Girls

Rep. Martha Lawley writes, "I’m introducing two bills focused on safeguarding the rights of women and girls in Wyoming: one that protects the integrity of women’s sports and another that ensures privacy and safety in spaces where it matters most."

Clair McFarland: Not Letting An Airborne Desk Chair Have The Last Laugh

Clair McFarland writes, "But in my hatred for the alien throne, I forgot (or never had the commonsense) to measure my desk’s height. So the huge inflatable ball posing as my new desk chair arrived three inches too high."

Dave Simpson: The Ugly Cookies Taste Just As Good

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Whenever Gramps visits, cookies are to be baked, first with the assistance of one grand daughter, then two years later, with two. (Red hair, blue eyes, both cute as buttons.)”

For 15th Year, Trucker Returns To Decorate Lonely Tree In The Middle Of Nowhere

For 15 years and counting, a Texas long-haul trucker has decorated a lonely tree in the middle of nowhere north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The locals on the Crow Reservation say the tree holds his soul.

Judge Rules Transgender Volleyball Player Can Compete

A Colorado-based federal judge declined Monday to remove a transgender player from the Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball tournament. He also didn’t reverse six forfeit losses teams have taken by boycotting matches against that player.

Casper Property Owners Sue State Over Gravel Pit Leases, Claim Rights Violations

A Casper group and six property owners sued the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners on Friday. They claim lack of notice about the board’s approval of leases to mine gravel near the base of Casper Mountain violated their constitutional rights.

Barrasso: Let's Crank Up The Fossil Fuels And Boot The Illegal Immigrants

John Barrasso told Fox News on Sunday he's 100% behind President-elect Trump’s promise for mass deportations of illegal immigrants. He also said a new Trump administration could bolster Wyoming’s energy industries.

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, November 25, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, November 25, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Big New Evidence In DB Cooper Case * People Escaping From Blue To Red States * Woman Walking Across The Planet In Wyoming

Cheyenne Teen’s Fight For Life Against Brain Cancer Inspires A Symphony

Adelaide Bomberger’s battle for life against a rare form of brain cancer has inspired a symphony by an L.A. composer and University of Wyoming band director. The 18-year-old from Cheyenne got to hear her story performed for the first time this month.

Casper Train Engineer May Have Had Premonition Of Fatal 2001 Wreck, Son Says

Outside the Casper Depot is a memorial stone for 48-year-old engineer Mike Hoover, killed in a train crash in 2001. Hoover was “nervous about something” before going to work that day, says his son, and may have had “a premonition” of the crash.

Boxing Still Going The Rounds In Wyoming Despite Rise Of MMA

Although MMA has grown significantly, boxing is still alive in Wyoming. In fact, in many Wyoming communities, boxing is seeing a resurgence of interest.

Polish Army Fought Alongside 600-Pound Bear Who Liked Booze & Cigarettes In World War II

As a Polish war unit prepared to enter the war zone in Italy in 1943, they hit a snag because animals were not allowed to accompany troops into battle but they got around that rule. They officially enlisted the bear as a private, giving him a salary and a serial number. 

Rod Miller: Free Speech and the Hypocrisy of the Wyoming GOP

Rod Miller writes, "It’s almost as if the Wyoming Republican Party wants to prevent any voice other than their own from being heard out in the Big Empty. It’s almost as if Party leadership wants Wyomingites to hear only their officially-sanctioned speech."

Newcomers to Wyoming, Montana More Likely To Be Republican Transplants

Republicans looking to get away from more liberal states are choosing Wyoming, Montana and other Western states, and they've turned some already conservative states even a deeper shade of red. The migration may have helped Republicans dominate Election Day.

Bill Gates-Backed TerraPower Strikes Deal To Get Laser-Enriched Uranium

Bill Gates-backed TerraPower and the nuclear plant it's building in southwest Wyoming have secured another potential source of uranium. It’s struck a deal to get laser-enriched uranium.

Australian Woman Hiking Through Wyoming On Quest To Walk Length Of The Earth

Australian Lucy Barnard is walking 18,000 miles from the tip of South America to the top of North America to become the first woman to walk the length of the earth. She’s now in Wyoming, getting to Lander after hiking across the Red Desert.

Thanksgiving Week Travelers Can Expect Snowy, Icy Highways Around Wyoming

Mother Nature won’t make the busiest travel week of the year any easier for people across Wyoming leading up to Thanksgiving. Don Day says to expect snowy, icy highways around Wyoming, especially Interstate 80.

Cassie Craven:  I Did Vote for Women

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “If the women of the Left care about women’s rights at all, they should wake up and see the world for what it actually is and act. We are so much more than a set of pronouns. We must be more than radical zealots fighting to kill our own babies."

Part 2: Who is D.B. Cooper? The Bombshell Discovery That Could Solve Infamous Hijacking

Part 2 of a series. For 53 years, the only unsolved hijacking in the nation's history has remained one of world's greatest mysteries. The bombshell discovery of the parachute likely used by D.B. Cooper in his infamous hijacking may finally close the case.

Wyoming People: Award-Winning Horseback Storyteller Cathy Ringler

Cathy Ringler is a Wyoming cowgirl who told stories to her daughters while they rode horseback in Park County. Those stories have become a series of award-winning books based on Ringler’s own experiences riding horses on the range and teaching school in a two-room schoolhouse.

Families Uprooted By Largest Mine Layoff In Montana History

Terry Haney and his wife Shana packed up and left Montana on Friday having just finished construction on their dream home. Their family is one of more than 500 upended by the largest mine layoff in Montana history.

43-Game Win Streak And 31 Wyoming Football Titles, Nobody Beats The Sheridan Broncs

The Sheridan High School football team just won its fourth straight Wyoming state championship, the program’s 31st overall. Also riding a state record 43-game winning streak, the program is proving nobody busts these Broncs.

The American West: Earl Bascom - 100 Years Of Holding On

The riggin’ that makes what is usually considered rodeo’s most physically demanding event possible celebrated its hundredth anniversary in 2024, and its roots are traced to one man: Earl Bascom, one of the legendary Bronco Bustin’ Bascom Brothers.

“Yellowstone” Fans Claim Shameless Product Placement Is Ruining Last Episodes

Fans of “Yellowstone,” the wildly popular Western television drama based in Montana, are complaining about heavy-handed product placement in the series’ final episodes. That includes long shots of showrunner Taylor Sheridan’s vodka brand.

Joan Barron: Bob Tanner Was A Gutsy Lawmaker

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "We have 52 sales/use tax exemptions. The amount of money the state is losing through sales tax exemptions is in the billions with a B.”

Bill Sniffin: Over My Career, My Favorite Award Was An Old Battered Miner’s Helmet

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Exposing the stories about the horrible deaths of Fremont County uranium miners in the 1980s ended up being one of the most fulfilling events of my 60-year journalism career."

Bo Biteman Named Wyoming Senate President, Chip Neiman Is New House Speaker

The Wyoming Senate and House on Saturday elected their leaders for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Sen. Bo Biteman will be the new Senate president, while Rep. Chip Neiman will be House speaker.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base Exploring Geothermal Power To Boost Resiliency Against Catastrophe

Cheyenne’s F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which houses the nation’s nuclear missiles, is exploring geothermal energy to build up the military base’s resiliency. Geothermal power could ensure the base is functional, even if the overall power grid goes down.

Fierce Loyalty Of Wyoming’s Wolf Packs Make It Easier To Track Them

Wyoming's 350 wolves are scattered among 30 packs, raising the question of how those wolves, packs and pack membership are tracked. It's quite simple. They don't veer outside their packs. They live and die with the packs they were born into.

Meet The Baby Boomer Wyoming Grandma Who Breaks The Mold Of A Cybertruck Owner

The typical Tesla owner is an upper-middle-class man in his 50s. 75-year-old Karen Meister-Emerich, a grandma from Cheyenne, doesn't fit that demographic but loves her Cybertruck, which she bought because she missed out on buying a DeLorean.

Who is D.B. Cooper? New Evidence May Crack One Of America’s Greatest Mysteries

A parachute found in an outbuilding in North Carolina could be the new evidence that may crack the 53-year-old D.B Cooper case. It could lead investigators to the identity the man who jumped out of a hijacked plane carrying $200,000.

That Time Wyoming Tried Banning Abortion On The Ballot And Failed

A unique coalition of Christians, Democrats and lawyers tried passing an abortion ban on the ballot in 1994. The effort failed, but not without shaking up the state’s political sphere.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.         

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 22, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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?"

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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."

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, November 21, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

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

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.”

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.    

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

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

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.”

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 against child sex-change bans.

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.

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.”

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.

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.    

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.

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.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Dave Simpson: No Thanks Liz, We'll Go It Alone

Columnist Dave Simpson writes: “Liz Cheney's help apparently didn't help Kamala Harris. It was more like throwing an anvil to a drowning man.”

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, November 18, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, November 18, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Wyoming Hits 32-Year Low On Coal * First Candidate For Gov Announces Campaign * 90-Year-Old Still Haunted By Missing Boy Cold Case

Olympic Gold Medalist Bryan Clay Shares Playbook For Being A Champion In Life

Bryan Clay won the gold medal in decathlon at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China. He was in Wyoming this past week sharing his playbook for not only being a champion in athletics, but in life.

Proposed Law Would Allow Permanent, Lifetime Protection Orders In Wyoming

Legislators will consider a new law allowing Wyoming judges to issue permanent, lifetime protection orders. Victims of sex assault, stalking and domestic violence say it could save them from repeatedly being re-victimized.

Barring “A Miracle,” Wyoming Coal Will Miss 200M Tons For First Time Since 1992

Wyoming is on track to miss producing 200 million tons of coal for the first time since 1992. “Short of a miracle,” that’s what’s going to happen, says one of the nation’s leading energy economists.

TikTok-Famous Jackson Dogsled Business Started With A Dog And A Dream

Call of the Wyld dogsled tours has become a popular destination for Jackson visitors, driven by its popular TikTok channel. Customers say her TikTok stream made them decide to book. They've since doubled the size of its operation more than once, and they own 75 sled dogs. 

Wyoming Bareback Rider Roedy Farrell Closes In On Pro Rodeo Dream

Thermopolis cowboy Roedy Farrell was born to be a rodeo star. The son of a National Finals Rodeo bull rider, Roedy competed in Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time last summer. Now 19, bareback riding is his sport of choice and he's decided to go pro.

Food Freedom Act Saved Star Valley’s Last Remaining ‘Little Switzerland’ Dairy

Jody Shumway had grit, stubbornness and creativity. But it ultimately took the Food Freedom Act to save Star Valley’s last "Little Switzerland" dairy. Shumway Farms now sells premium products direct to consumer, saving their 5th-generation farm.

The American West: What Ever Happened to the Real Jeremiah Johnston?

So, with the help of their teacher, a group of 7th graders mounted a campaign to have Jeremiah Johnston’s remains moved from California to his old stomping grounds in Wyoming.

Thermopolis Woman Grew Up As Only Child, Now She’s One Of 50 Siblings

Jessica Lippincott grew up as an only child in Wyoming and didn't know she was "donor-conceived" until she did a DNA test in 2017. Last week, she told an audience for the first time that she is one of 50 half-siblings who have embraced each other as an extended family.

The Boy Never Found Still Haunts Wyoming Searcher 61 Years Later

When a 16-year-old boy went missing in the Wyoming Wilderness in 1963, a desperate search was launched. More than 200 looked for Edward Eskridge, including the National Guard, but he was never found — and it still haunts one of those searchers, 90-year-old George Liska.

Cassie Craven: We Do Not Want Boys In Girls’ Bathrooms. Do Your Job In Cheyenne.

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “We must take a stand, not to assimilate genders which is what is sought by extremists, but instead to honor the integrity of safety and privacy in a public school setting, which kids are required to be in.”

Rod Miller: Red Shirts, Green Pickups, Murdered Muleys and Me

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "I was gratified to see that a woman, Angi Bruce, was given the nod to replace Brian Nesvick as Game and Fish Director when he retired. I certainly wish her the best, because I nearly got that job decades ago."

The 30-Year-Old Cold Case Of “Coal Train Carlos,” Found Frozen In A Railcar

It’s been nearly 30 years since the body of a mysterious unidentified man was found frozen in a railcar at a Wyoming coal mine. Dubbed "Coal Train Carlos,” authorities are no closer to identifying him, but a citizen sleuth has taken up the cold case.

Wyoming Hotshot’s Photographs Give Rare Behind-The-Scenes Look At Wildfires

Wyoming Hotshot Capt. Kyle Miller’s photographs are on display at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody in a new exhibition. His stunning images give a rare behind-the-scenes look at wildfires and the people who fight them.

Cowboy State Daily's Wendy Corr Takes Her Newscast On The Road

As a traveling musician, Cowboy State Daily’s Wendy Corr isn’t always broadcasting from home. It takes organization, planning and coordination to put together her daily video newscast on the road.

The Dangerous Job Of Driving Stage In Wyoming: Robberies, Run-Away Horses And Rock Slides

Coal miner John Hulse discovered that driving a stagecoach in Wyoming was more dangerous than working in the mines. He survived hold-ups, run-away horses and rockslides before returning to the Gebo coal mines.

Wyoming Whiskey Celebrating Life Of Grizzly 399 With New Limited Edition Bourbon

To commemorate the life of Grizzly 399, Wyoming Whiskey is creating a new limited edition bourbon. They say the dominant flavor is white chocolate mocha, with notes of red fruit and rich brown sugar while the finish has lingering hints of candied ginger and soft vanilla. Less than 720 bottles will be made.

Republican Brent Bien First To Announce Campaign For Wyoming Governor In 2026

Cody Republican Brent Bien told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party Central Committee meeting in Big Piney that he’s running for governor in 2026. He also ran for governor in 2022 but lost to Mark Gordon in the primary.

Casper’s Massive 130,000-Square-Foot WYO Sports Ranch A Draw For National Events

Set to open in January, the massive 130,000-square-foot WYO Sports Ranch in Casper is already a draw to host national events. The sprawling $49 million facility has 10 basketball courts, a huge indoor turf field and state-of-the-art tech.

Modular Homes Could Be An Answer To Busting Wyoming’s Housing Crunch

One estimate shows Wyoming needs more than 38,000 homes. Economic developers say it's hampering efforts to attract new businesses and workforce to the state. Modular homes could be the solution if the stigma can be overcome.

Winter Storm Drives 150 Antelope To Their Deaths, Including 53 From One Truck Accident

150 antelope were killed earlier this week when a winter storm blasted eastern Colorado with snow and sent the animals onto the highways. That includes 53 antelope which were plowed down in a single accident.

The American West: A Wink to Davy Crockett’s Vest

Davy Crockett’s buckskin vest on display at The Alamo is of special interest to visitors because it's something he wore. But no one really knows if the garment was actually Crockett's. But that hasn't stopped them from promoting it.

Wyoming Has Lost 10,000 Mining, Oil And Gas Jobs Over Past Decade

Wyoming has lost 10,000 jobs in the natural resources and mining sector over the past decade, UW economist Anne Alexander said. Other job categories have stayed close to the same, or increased, but the mining category -- which includes oil and gas jobs — has dropped precipitously.

Bill Sniffin: Trying To Explain To Folks In ‘A Democrat Bubble’ Why They Lost – It Did Not Go Well

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “I spent my five minutes wondering aloud how the Democrats could believe all this ‘woke’ stuff about open borders, forgiving student loans, over-emphasis on race and transgender, etc.”

When Will Remote Stop Sign On Togwotee Pass Get Buried By Snow?

Guessing if and when snow will bury a remote Wyoming stop sign on Togwotee Pass has become an annual winter spectator sport. The contest is on again, and people have until midnight Sunday to submit their guesses.

Trying To Get Away With Murder By Staging It As A Bear Attack Is A Bad Idea

A number of recent human-on-human crimes — including murder — have attempted to be covered up by blaming them on bear attacks. But law enforcement and wildlife officials say it’s a really bad strategy.

What To Do After A Truck Plows Into Your House

A Cheyenne couple is finding out how to rebuild their home after a truck crashed into it during a freak accident. For the first week after the accident, parts of the house kept caving in. Now that it's stabilized, rebuilding has begun.

Letter To The Editor: Trump Won -- Now Let Him Govern

Dear editor: Republicans’ rush to judgment on President Trump’s cabinet nominees is astonishing, irresponsible and hypocritical, but typical of a party that can never rally behind its leadership and govern with collective focus and clear purpose. 

Cody's Hippie Cow Creamery Started With 1 Cow And Off-The-Wall Attitude

Hippie Cow Creamery in Cody started with one Jersey cow and an off-the-wall attitude. Their raw, unpasteurized milk business is exploding, and the family is as quirky as ever -- singing to their cows, dancing with their cows, and making farm-inspired music videos.

Mountain West Denies It Snuck In New Rule To Punish Boycott Of Trans Player

The Mountain West Conference told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that it didn't suddenly edit its rules to punish schools for boycotting a women's volleyball team with a transgender player. The women suing the conference claim it did.

Trump And Republican Congress Could Throw Out Controversial Rock Springs Plan

With Trump returning to the White House and Republicans taking over the Senate and House, the BLM’s controversial Rock Springs Resource Management Plan could get derailed. It could get killed outright.

Tearing Up Luxury Cars In A Bear Suit To Scam Insurance “Really Stupid”

Tearing up a Rolls Royce and other luxury cars in a cheap bear suit in an attempt to scam California insurance companies was “really stupid,” industry and wildlife experts say. Four suspects were arrested Wednesday in the ill-conceived scheme.

The Roundup: A Conversation With Brian Nesvik

This week, Wendy Corr chats with retired Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik. Brian talks about the challenges of his 30-year career with Game and Fish, his experience as a Brigadier General, and his plans for retirement on his ranch near Glendo.

Jonathan Lange: It’s Time For Wyoming Lawmakers To Protect Our College Girls

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "The cowgirls cannot sue the legislators who left them exposed. What happened to their season cannot be undone. It should, however, be prevented from ever happening again."

Drought, Wildfires Prompt Torrington’s Biggest Cattle Sale In A Decade

Drought and wildfires are prompting cattle ranchers in Wyoming and around the region to sell more of their cattle than ever. The Torrington Livestock market had its biggest cattle sale in a decade Friday, with 4,000 bovine sold.

Guest Column: Matt Gaetz Should Not Be Confirmed

Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "The question is not whether Gaetz is guilty of any of the charges swirling around him. The question is whether the president and the American people deserve a better, untainted, qualified candidate for United States Attorney General."

Arizona AG Ends Investigation Into Trump's "War Hawk" Comments About Liz Cheney

The Arizona attorney general has closed an investigation into Donald Trump’s controversial comments about Liz Cheney being a "war hawk." Her investigation showed there was “no reasonable likelihood that we could obtain a conviction for Trump’s statements.”

Rural Wyoming Police Chief Accused Of Helping Girlfriend Evade Meth Arrest

Manderson, Wyoming, Police Chief Brandon “BJ” Kidgell is accused of tipping off a woman he was dating to drug searches of her house and attempts to arrest her. The six charges, which include neglect of duty, were filed Thursday.

The American West: Porter Rockwell Got A Gun

Long before there was Wild Bill Hickock or Billy the Kid, there was Orrin Porter Rockwell. To outsiders, he was considered a murderer, a “destroying angel.” To most Mormons he was thought of as an angel of a better nature, protecting his fellow Saints.

Barrasso And Lummis Say Matt Gaetz Will Be Treated Fairly

Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis both said U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz will be treated fairly while he is being considered for the position of Attorney General. Neither, however, endorsed his selection outright.

After 7 Weeks And 100,000 Acres Burned, Elk Fire Is 100% Contained

After more than seven weeks, the Elk Fire is officially 100% contained. The late-season wildfire scorched nearly 100,000 acres in the Bighorn Mountains and came close to burning the rural towns of Dayton and Parkman.

Utah Woman Climbs On High-Voltage Substation, Causes Power Outage

800 homes in Salt Lake City lost power on Thursday when a woman bypassed security fencing and climbed onto the high-voltage bushings of a substation transformer. A similar incident happened in Cody, Wyoming, except it was caused by raccoons.

Dennis Sun: The Future Of U.S. Meat In International Markets

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "The U.S. Meat Export Federation held its annual strategic planning conference in Tucson. The first topic discussed was the analysis of the election, potential impacts on agriculture policy and international trade and how it will reflect on beef and other meat."

Cody Man Accused Of Stalking Ex, Hoarding Homemade Explosives

Though Randall Bailey, 64, does not appear to be charged with possessing explosives, court documents say police found homemade explosive devices in his Cody, Wyoming, home. He remains in jail on suspicion of stalking his ex-wife.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 15, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, November 15, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * Chuck Gray Says Animosity Toward Gov Not Personal * Catastrophic Spring Runoff Possible With Doomed  Dam * Vandalism Closes Cheyenne Frontier Days Park To The Public

Gordon Unveils $692 Million Supplemental Budget — One-Third For Wildfires

Gov. Mark Gordon unveiled his $692 million proposed supplemental budget Thursday, a plan he said promotes fiscal conservatism and sets Wyoming up for a strong future. Nearly one-third of that is earmarked for fighting wildfires.

University of Wyoming, CSU Museums Wager Art On Border War Football Game

The art museums at University of Wyoming and Colorado State University are betting on the outcome of Friday’s Border War football game. The winner gets to display artwork from the loser’s museum through the end of the school year.

Fight Over Prime Wyoming Hunting Land Exchange Headed To Federal Court

A legal fight is brewing over a U.S. Forest Service land exchange that would take a "hunter's paradise" parcel in Wyoming's Laramie Range out of public use. Opponents of the swap filed a court petition to stop it this week and are threatening a lawsuit.

Legislative Leaders Debate Tax Relief, Visions For Wyoming’s Future

It was a meeting of old vs. new Thursday as incoming and outgoing Wyoming legislative leaders were on stage together. Senate President Ogden Driskill and Reps. John Bear and Trey Sherwood debated tax relief and their visions for Wyoming’s future.

The American West: Calamity Jane – Wild Woman of the West

Calamity Jane drank hard and could tell a good tale with the best of them. People who knew her well said she had a heart of gold. When Deadwood was struck with a smallpox outbreak, Calamity said she was immune and took care of the sick.

Failing LaPrele Dam Near Douglas Leaves Farmers With No Good Options

There doesn't seem to be any good options for people living below the 115-year-old LaPrele Dam near Douglas which is failing. It's scheduled to be breached by April 1, 2025.

Vandalism Forces Cheyenne Frontier Days To Close Grounds To Public

A rash of vandalism at the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds has caused an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 worth of damage and prompted the organization to close the area to the public.

Marta Mossburg: Let’s Hope Trump Scraps The Electronic Cattle Tag Rule

Marta Mossburg writes, “Knowing exactly how many cattle ranchers own means the ability to tax cows based on their greenhouse gas emissions as has been enacted in Denmark, to start in 2030. It could also mean forced slaughter, for example.”

Utah Man Says He Was Hired To Cash $13K In Fake Checks In Wyoming

A Utah man is the Lincoln County, Wyoming, jail on claims that he drained the Alpine Standard gas station's bank account of $13,000. He’s accused of cashing fake checks, but claims he was hired to cash them and had no idea they were fake.

Chuck Gray Says Animosity Toward Mark Gordon Not Personal

Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Thursday said his longstanding feud with Gov. Mark Gordon is nothing personal. He says it dates back to the governor’s vetoing one of his bills five years ago and a series of actions since then that he disagrees with.

Jon Tester Lost Senate Race And They’re Still Running Negative Ads Against Him

Although incumbent Montana Sen. Jon Tester lost his race for U.S. Senate, that hasn’t stopped a barrage of attack ads running against him. No one seems to know why they’re continuing, but they are.

Natrona County Planners OK 2,000-Acre Solar Farm West Of Casper

A proposal to put a 2,000-acre solar farm and battery storage facility west of Casper was OK’d by Natrona County Planners on Tuesday. The 199 MW facility with 100 MW of storage would be on private ranch land.

Sally Ann Shurmur: Wyoming vs CSU -- It Won't Ever Be Just Another Game

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Conferences may realign, playoffs may expand, but there will never be another rivalry like Wyoming and the sheep. Here’s why.”

Wyoming, Colorado DUI Patrols Will Be Watching Highway 287 For Border War

Wyoming and Colorado will increase DUI patrols for Friday’s annual Border War football game between Wyoming and Colorado State universities. Highway 287 between Laramie and Fort Collins has been nicknamed the "highway of death."

Multiple Law Agencies Investigate Homemade Explosives Found At Home Near Cody

The discovery of homemade explosive devices at a home on Musser Road in Park County east of Cody has prompted a multiagency response from local, state and federal law enforcement Thursday morning. The investigation remains active.

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, November 14, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Rod Miller: In Praise Of Tricksters And The Free Press

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "If you read something that offends you or calls into question your basic beliefs – say, in a column in Cowboy State Daily – feel free to read no further, and go back to your pep rally."

Tom Lubnau:  A  Statue Of A Barn Owl Sits On Law Books And the Bible in Cheyenne

Tom Lubnau writes: "The sculpture depicts a barn owl in flight, representing wisdom and the rural roots of these five legislators, the active role they played in Wyoming government, and their foundational belief in the Bible."

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: - 3 UW Players Sue Over Trans Player - Alleged Hockey Coach Killer Claims Self Defense - Deer Runs Out In Front Of You, Don't Swerve - Just Hit It

3 UW Volleyball Players Part Of Bombshell Lawsuit Over Trans Player

Three University of Wyoming student-athletes are part of a bombshell lawsuit over a transgender player competing for San Jose State University. Among other things, they claim the Mountain West Conference tried to silence player boycotts. 

Colorado Says If You See A Deer In The Road, Hit It. Don’t Try To “Save Bambi”

If a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle on the road, Colorado officials say it could be best to just hit it. Swerving to try and “save Bambi” could lead to even more tragic results.

Sheridan Man Accused Of Punching And Killing Hockey Coach Claims Self-Defense

A Sheridan man accused of punching a longtime hockey coach so hard it killed him is arguing that he acted in self-defense. He claims the hockey coach first repeatedly punched and attacked him outside a rodeo this past summer.

Powell School District Vows To Push Legislature For Separate Bathrooms Law

The board of the Park County School District 1 passed a resolution Tuesday, vowing to lobby the Wyoming Legislature for a law separating boys’ and girls’ school bathrooms.

Having A Mountain Lion Tag, Just In Case, Pays Off For Wyoming Elk Hunting Guide

Hunters keeping just-in-case mountain lion tags in their pocket when they’re out after elk and deer is increasingly common. It paid off for a Wyoming elk hunting guide.

It’s Official — Barrasso Elected To No. 2 Leadership Role In U.S. Senate

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso was elected Senate whip on Wednesday, the No. 2 leadership position in the U.S. Senate.

Canvassing Board Certifies Wyoming Election Despite Weston County Miscount

A miscount in Weston County during last week’s general election had the Wyoming Canvassing Board considering Wednesday to not certify the election. The results were certified despite the controversy.

Jackson's New Swinging Bridge Open 9 Months Early, Still Doesn’t Really Swing

A new replacement of the historic Swinging Bridge crossing the Snake River south of Jackson, Wyoming, is finished nine months early. And like the original, the bridge doesn’t actually swing.

Eggs Harder To Come By In Colorado, Some Blame New Cage-Free Law

Many Coloradans have noticed an egg shortage, and some are blaming a new state law requiring big egg producers to go cage-free by Jan. 1. 

“I Hope I Killed One”: Casper Teen Accused Of Shooting Into Homes Pleads Not Guilty

A 15-year-old Casper, Wyoming, boy pleaded not guilty Wednesday to allegations he shot into two homes on the city’s north side. He allegedly told friends, “I hope I killed one” after an Aug. 12 shooting.

Last Of Rare 4 Straight Supermoons In 2024 To Hover Over Wyoming

Friday night's beaver moon will be the last of four consecutive supermoons to loom over Wyoming in 2024. There won't be another for nearly a year, so see it while it's still bigger and brighter.

Carbon Storage Planned Under Wyoming’s Historic C.B. Irwin Ranch, And Others

A group of Wyoming ranchers, including the historic C.B. Irwin Ranch where Steamboat once lived, have joined forces to attract companies to store carbon dioxide emissions under their ranches. Collectively, they have 102,000 acres available.

Powell Man Who Sent Vulgar Email To State Legislator Elected To City Council

Troy Bray became a political pariah around Wyoming in 2021 when he sent a vulgar email to a state legislator urging her to kill herself. Last week, he was elected to Powell City Council.

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * Wyo Lawmakers Lobby For Leadership * UW Considering Concealed Carry On Campus * Was That A Wolverine Spotted Near Yellowstone?

No More Funky, Worn-Out Mattresses Allowed In The Rock Springs Landfill

The trashman in Rock Springs, Wyoming, won’t pick up old, worn-out and funkified mattresses anymore, and the local landfill won’t take them. People now have to drop them off for recycling.

Torrington Man Accused Of Throwing Ex’s Guns And Computers In Canal

A Torrington man already accused of brutally pistol-whipping and disfiguring his ex-girlfriend has been charged with yet another felony. He’s accused of throwing his victim’s phone, laptop and guns in a canal.

Casper House That Kept Getting Hit By Cars Is Gone

A Casper, Wyoming, house at a T-intersection that kept getting hit by vehicles is gone. Now errant drivers will have to drive through the lot and into the back yard when they misjudge the road.

Who’s Going To Lead The Wyoming Legislature? Lawmakers Lobby For Support

A clearer vision of what the leadership for the upcoming 68th Wyoming Legislature will look like is starting to emerge as legislators lobby for support. It’s also possible Democrats will be held off a few critical committees.

Blurry Video Near Yellowstone May Be Extremely Rare Wolverine Sighting

A blurry video taken early Tuesday shows a creature bounding across a highway near Yellowstone National Park. Though the footage is blurry, the man who took it says it was a wolverine, and a wildlife biologist agrees.

Trump Presidency Gives Hope To Crypto Community In Wyoming

Wyoming’s digital asset laws have been praised as innovative and ground-breaking, but have faced difficulties under the Biden Administration. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to be friendlier to digital assets.

Trump Picks South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem To Head Homeland Security

President-elect Donald Trump has picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to run the Department of Homeland Security, according to multiple reports Tuesday. She’ll be tasked with securing the southern border.

UW Eyes Change Of Campus Gun Policy To Allow Concealed Carry

The University of Wyoming might change its policy regarding carrying guns on campus. Now, it's essentially banned, but allowing concealed carry may be in a draft rule expected to be announced Wednesday.

Candy’s Column: Jim Bridger Traveled Far and Wide and Mapped Wyoming

Candy writes: “The story of westward expansion is embodied in the biography of Jim Bridger – who came west with Ashley and Henry’s brigade of 100 young men in 1822 and forged pathways that were followed by mountain men, emigrants, surveyors, scientists, and the military.” 

Riverton School Board Candidate Pleads Guilty To Molesting Child For Months

A recent candidate for the Riverton, Wyoming, school board, Hunter DeVries pleaded guilty Tuesday to molesting a child for months. He faces up to 30 years in prison if the judge accepts his plea agreement.

Lummis Uncommitted For Senate Majority Leader, Calls Report She's Backing Thune "Fake News"

With the U.S. Senate leadership elections coming up Wednesday, Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis says she’s uncommitted on who she’ll support for majority leader. She says a report that she's backing John Thune is "fake news."

Critics And Supporters Both Think Trump Can Achieve Bold Trans Policies

In a video that went viral over the weekend, President-Elect Donald Trump vowed to cut federal funding for all transgender-related treatments, and ban those treatments for children. Supporters and detractors of the plan both think Trump can pull it off.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: - UW Players Split On Playing Trans Team - Chuck Gray Calls Sheriff After Vote Miscount - Trump Win Could Finally Mean Grizzlies Delisted

Trump’s Win Could Tip The Scales In Favor Of Delisting Wyoming’s Grizzlies

With the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, it’s possible that federal protections could be removed for Wyoming’s grizzly bears.

Wyoming Walk-On Scores On Pick-Six For No. 8-Ranked Notre Dame Football

A former Wyoming high school standout football player made national highlight reels Saturday. Cody’s Luke Talich, a walk-on for No. 8-ranked Notre Dame, returned an interception for a touchdown.

Enhanced Oil Recovery Is Coming To Wyoming To Unlock Trapped Oil and Gas

Oil and gas wells typically leave behind 85% or so of available resources. Enhanced oil and gas recovery is key to more economical wells, and several companies are eyeing field tests in Wyoming for that.

Records Show UW Volleyball Players Split On Playing Team With Trans Player

Records of University of Wyoming communications show the women’s volleyball team was split on playing a team with a transgender player. Even so, UW leaders say they made the call to cancel games against San Jose State University.

Weston County Election Miscount Has Locals, and Chuck Gray, Irate

Weston County officials are investigating how more than 1,100 votes were not counted in a state House race on Election Day. When Chuck Gray noticed the error, he called the Weston County sheriff and asked him to locate the county clerk, which he did at home.

Barrasso: Trump Is Comeback King, Get Ready For Deportations And Tax Cuts

Appearing on "Meet the Press" on Sunday, Sen. John Barrasso said President-elect Donald Trump has received an overwhelming mandate and with this mandate will come mass deportations and tax cuts.

Worland’s Grant Ujifusa, Who Changed Reagan’s Mind And Was Knighted By Japan, Dies

Grant Ujifusa helped persuade President Ronald Reagan to support reparations for Japanese Americans interned at camps like Heart Mountain during World War II. Ujifusa, who grew up in Wyoming, has died and will be buried in Worland. He was 82.

Plunging Temps Get Wyoming Big Game Moving, Increase Odds For Hunters

After a scorching start to hunting season in September and October, colder temperatures and snow in November are helping hunters out.

By The Time He Died, Col. Buffalo Bill Cody Was Actually A General

Wyoming Gov. John Kendrick promoted Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody to the rank of general in 1915. One of the world’s most famous self-promoters, he never hyped up his promotion before he died in 1917.

Guest Column: Why Donald Trump Won And Why Kamala Harris Lost

Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes: The Harris campaign was built on two platforms – dislike of Trump and abortion. Trump on the other hand, addressed the issues people cared about: the economy, inflation and the border.

Dave Simpson: Was That A Nightmare, Or What?

Columnist Dave Simpson writes:  “The liberal Lilliputians will continue their efforts to bring down Trump any way they can. But, from where I sit, Trump 2.0 looks pretty ding-dong good.”

Companies Say Explosions That Hurt Wyoming Oil Field Workers Were Their Own Fault

Two Wyoming energy companies being sued over a pair of explosions that hurt two oil field workers say they’re not at fault. In court filings, they say the injuries “were caused by their own negligence and the negligence of their employer.”

Back On Skis And It's Not Even Thanksgiving

The snowstorms that hit the Rocky Mountains last week produced some rare early November skiing -- if you are willing to work for it. Cowboy State Daily’s Leo Wolfson went backcountry skiing in northern Colorado on Saturday and said the conditions were ideal.

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, November 11, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, November 11, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Gillette Honors Forgotten Military Veterans * Wyoming Outdoorsmen Say Keep Round Chambered * Wheatland Billionaire Donates Helicopter, Pilots To Help Victims

Aaron Turpen: Is 2024 The Last Model Year For The “Real” Toyota 4Runner?

Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “There are a lot of Toyota 4Runner enthusiasts who see the 2024 model year, which marks the end of the fifth generation for the SUV, as the ending of the 4Runner."

Ground Sloths And Saber-Toothed Cats Didn't Like Wyoming 30,000 Years Ago

Natural Trap Cave near Lovell is one of the best Ice Age fossil sites in the world, but its lack of saber-toothed cats and giant ground sloths tells paleontologists that those Californians never relocated to Wyoming.

Wheels Motel In Greybull Gets Modern Update For A New Generation Of Visitors

Since taking over his parents’ motel in Greybull, Chris Harwood and his wife Roxana have turned the Wheels Motel into a homey, modern stop. The young couple didn't think they would ever live in Greybull but now can't think of a better place to raise their family.

Wyoming History: Gen. “Black Jack” Pershing And The Wyoming Girl He Loved

Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing was one of only two men ever to be named “general of the Armies of the United States” — George Washington was the other. Although he didn't spend much time in Cheyenne, his wife was a native, and his memory is still very much a part of the community.

Drinking Wyoming: Sheridan’s Frackelton’s Is Back— Again — With Elevated Cocktails

Frackelton’s has struggled to find a footing in an ever-tighter market, but the Sheridan favorite appears to be well and truly back now. And its bar scene is stronger than ever with elevated cocktails.

The American West: Confrontation on Bitter Creek

During an attack on the LaClede Station on the Overland Trail in 1867, it was lucky for the occupants of the station that the Sioux warriors did not know how the station was effectively defenseless.

University Volleyball Team With Trans Player Headed To Playoffs

The San Jose State University women’s volleyball team is headed to the Mountain West Conference playoffs, the conference announced Saturday. Multiple teams in the Mountain West, including Wyoming, have refused to play the team citing safety and unfairness concerns.

Wyoming Rockhounds Have Been Making Museum-Quality Jewelry And Art For 50 Years

If there’s something Wyoming has plenty of it’s rocks and minerals, but it takes true artists to turn them into something unique and valuable. That’s what Eddy and Ava Cole, from Thermopolis, have been doing for 50 years, turning out museum-quality jewelry and rock art.

Cassie Craven:  The Biggest Loser Wasn’t the Democrat Party, It Was the Machine

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “The machine itself was the biggest loser on election night. Dynasties like the Cheneys and Obamas are yesterday’s news. We witnessed a cultural revolution for America when Republicans took a landslide victory.”

Rod Miller: Defining Moments in Our Democracy

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Given the magnitude of voter turnout this year, and the margins in contested races, there can be little doubt that the people have spoken loudly and clearly. That, to me, is a source of pride in our country and our state."

World's First "Personal Computer" Was Built By A Cody High School Grad

Hewlett-Packard's 9100A, the world's first personal computer, was based on a prototype built by Tom Osborne of Cody. Called “The Green Machine,” it became fully functional on Christmas Eve, 1964. His prototype revolutionized the industry.

The No-Longer-Forgotten Veterans Buried In Gillette’s Mount Pisgah Cemetery

There are more than 1,000 veterans buried in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette dating back to the Civil and Spanish American wars. But many of them have become forgotten. Two local historians are unearthing and sharing their stories.

Wyoming Man Donated Black Hawk Chopper, Staff To Help With Hurricane Helene Disaster

Wheatland resident Charles Hoskinson donated his Black Hawk helicopter and four pilots to provide relief and resources to people in North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. He said they met no other volunteer crew that had traveled as far away as Wyoming to help. 

Wyoming Outdoorsmen Say In Grizzly Country, Have A Round Chambered In Your Handgun

When a grizzly is charging and milliseconds count, it’s best to have a round already chambered in a defensive handgun, Wyoming outdoorsmen told Cowboy State Daily. A hunter who shot and killed charging grizzly last month says it saved his life.

Wyoming’s Critter Lady Loves All Those Creepy-Crawlies Others Hate

If it creeps, crawls or grosses you out, chances are Kathy Sorensen — aka Wyoming's critter lady — loves it. She's a self-proclaimed advocate for all the things other people hate, and does photo shoots with them.

He Cowboyed With Outlaws Before Chasing Them As Bighorn Basin’s First Sheriff

Virgil Rice tracked horse thieves and had epic shootouts with notorious outlaws as the Bighorn Basin’s first sheriff. Before that, though, he cowboyed with future members of the Hole in the Wall Gang.

Gene Lam: The Wyoming Doctor Who Trained Troops How To Survive POW Camps

Gene Lam was born in Douglas and grew up in Glenrock before being drafted in the U.S. Army and becoming a doctor in the Korean War. He spent three years in a Chinese POW camp, then for 15 years trained troops how to survive capture by the enemy.

Aaron Turpen: AA is for Automotive Acronyms

Like any industry, automotive has a lot of jargon. Including a host of acronyms that are used without much explanation. It's not at the level of the military when it comes to letters that mean words, but it’s not far behind. Here are some of the most popular.

Jim Hicks — And His Alter-Ego Sagebrush Sven — Have Made Wyoming Laugh For 60 Years

After 60 years as a Wyoming newspaperman, Jim Hicks is still writing his weekly humor column for the Buffalo Bulletin. He and his alter-ego Sagebrush Sven continue lampooning Buffalo, the Cowboy State and himself.

FBI Asks For Help To Find Crow Tribe 13-Year-Old Girl Missing More Than A Month

The FBI is asking for help to find Sa’Wade Birdinground, 13, a member of the Crow Tribe in Montana who was last seen Oct. 6 at a home near the Wyoming border. Searchers have used dogs, divers, drones and helicopters to find her, but no luck so far.

Drinking Wyoming: The Mint Bar Has Come To Life Every Night For 117 Years

If there's one bar in the Cowboy State that says "Wyoming," it might just be The Mint. The legendary neon bucking horse and cowboy has lit up Sheridan's Main Street since 1938 and has been a fixture in the state since 1907.

That Time Wyoming’s Game And Fish Director Was Caught Fishing Without A License

It’s been nearly 30 years since John Talbott, then Wyoming Game and Fish director, got caught fishing without a license and resigned. The incident still lives on in Wyoming author C.J. Box’s “Joe Pickett” novels.

Wyoming History: In 1868, Benton Was So Violent Murder Was An Everyday Occurence

As the Union Pacific built its railroad across the West, one of its track-end towns became infamous for being a violent, lawless outpost. That was Benton, Wyoming, located in present-day Carbon County. Back in 1868, murder was part of daily life.

The American West: Massacre at Bear River

No one can say how many lives Tin Dup’s dream saved. The Shoshone elder, known for his prophecies, saw through the haze of sleep soldiers attacking the winter camp in the Bear River bottoms in what is now southeastern Idaho.

Starting My Van Life Journey In Wyoming: I Was Convinced I Would Be Killed Or Kidnapped

Sydnee Chapman writes, “I was convinced I would be killed or kidnapped on my first night sleeping in my recently bought campervan. The wind gusts at the rest stop somewhere between Laramie and Evanston were a far cry from the glorious lifestyles you see under #vanlife on social media."

Joan Barron: The Boys Won The Presidential Election

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Democrats were expecting women to unite and vote for Kamala to demonstrate opposition to the position of the GOP and its candidate, Donald Trump on women’s productive rights. But that didn’t happen."

Bill Sniffin: American People ‘Woke’ Up Last Tuesday! Wyoming Celebrates Trump Landslide

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “The Biden-Harris administration was a cultural experiment that used programs that appeared to work in California so why not thrust these ideas on the entire people of the country? But much of the rest of the country was opposed being californicated.”

Georgia To Maine In 5 Months: Gillette Man Hikes 2,198-Mile Appalachian Trail

About 3,000 people attempt the entire distance of the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail every year. Only 1 in 4 make it. It took Gillette native Jordan Thorn five months to complete it, hitting the end of the trail on October 6 -- but was nearly derailed by illness 100 miles from the end.

Creepy Abandoned Complex In Wyoming’s Red Desert Could Be Out Of A Horror Movie

Wyoming photographer Ken Driese has come across a lot of abandoned places in his treks across the Red Desert. But one place left him spooked. He stayed just long enough to get photos and then "got the hell out of there."

“Yellowstone” Fatigue Sets In For Montanans Living With Filming For Spinoffs

With the final episodes of the huge TV hit series “Yellowstone” beginning Sunday, expansion of the modern Western series is already underway. Filming has begun in Ennis, Mont., on new spinoff “The Madison,” but locals are getting “Yellowstone” fatigue.

Black Mountain Lookout: The Best View In The Bighorns Has Seen Better Days

The 84-year-old Black Mountain Fire Lookout sits at an elevation of 9,400 feet and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Wyoming’s northern Bighorns. Although it's been boarded up for decades, the Forest Service is hoping it can be fixed and opened to the public.

UW Forfeits Second Volleyball Match Against Team With Transgender Player

The University of Wyoming athletics department announced Friday it would forfeit its upcoming women's volleyball match against San Jose State University. The California team features a formidable outside hitter whom court documents and fellow players say is transgender.

Are Coloradans Shooting At Wolves? Bullet Wound Sparks Speculation

A Colorado wolf found dead was killed by another wolf, but also had an old bullet wound, state officials reported this week. It’s sparked speculation that Coloradans have started taking potshots at wolves.

NYTimes Reports Lummis Being Considered To Be Next Secretary Of Interior

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is being considered to be the next head of the U.S. Department of the Interior in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, The New York Times reported Friday.

The Roundup: A Conversation With Jimmy Orr

This week, host Wendy Corr chats with co-founder and executive editor of Cowboy State Daily, Jimmy Orr. Jimmy talks about being part of the very first "webcast" in the United States, his experience in the White House during 9/11, and the founding of Cowboy State Daily.

Man Gutted Dead Uncle's Wyoming Oil And Gas Company To Start His Own

A Green River, Wyoming, man who worked for his uncle’s oil and gas company for 38 years got probation Thursday for stealing from the company after his uncle’s death. When he couldn’t buy the company, he took its equipment and employees, court documents show.

Bozeman, Montana, Voters Make History With Vote To Ban Plastic Bags

Bozeman, Montana, became the first city in the U.S. to vote to ban single-use plastic bags by a citizens' ballot initiative this week. Like a similar ordinance struck down in Cheyenne last year, the ban could still face stiff opposition.

The American West: David Jackson - Entrepreneur of the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade

Jackson Hole is named for David E. Jackson, one of the most brilliant, yet elusive, players in the vast drama of the Rocky Mountain fur trade.

Dennis Sun: Cows Rule

Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "Usually when someone attacks the beef industry, one doesn’t have to look far to realize there are some animal rights activist cow haters involved. It’s a lot like politics – truth and science be damned, say anything you want and hopefully it sticks on the wall."

Jonathan Lange: Weston County Shows Why Hand-Counting Is Needed Even In Computer Age

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: "The Secretary of State, with human eyes and common sense, caught the disenfranchisement of hundreds of Wyoming voters. The county clerk, the computer system and the County Clerk's Association didn't catch it."

Bill To Ban People From Suing Wyoming Cops For “Negligent Investigations” Advances

The Joint Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Thursday that would ban people from suing cops for their “negligent investigations.”

Off-Duty Casper Cop Who Shot At Deputies During Standoff To Face 6 Felonies

An off-duty Casper police officer involved in a 17-hour standoff in August waived his preliminary hearing in Casper Circuit Court on Thursday. He faces six felony charges for allegedly threatening and shooting at deputies. He's no longer a Casper cop.

Casper Teen Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder For Shooting Ex-Girlfriend

A Casper 16-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday, admitting he shot his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend in the head. The plea means he’ll get 20 years to life in prison, but the father of his victim says that isn’t justice for his daughter.

3D Imaging Helps Recreate Face Of John Doe Found In Cheyenne A Year Ago

DNA from a badly decomposed man found in Cheyenne in November 2023 hasn’t so far helped identify him. But the Laramie County coroner hopes new 3D imaging of what he may have looked like will.

Bill Advances To Make Getting Rid Of Squatters In Wyoming Easier

Legislators advanced a bill Thursday to make getting rid of squatters in Wyoming easier. Among other things, it gives local law enforcement more authority to remove squatters for property owners.

In Texas, Cattle Run Loose After Bandits Ram Stolen Pickups Through Fences

Texas ranchers are increasingly dealing with people fleeing law enforcement, crashing stolen pickups through fences and turning their cattle loose.

Following Wyoming Example, Feds Limit Foreign Crypto Mines Near Military Bases

The U.S. Department of Treasury has moved to limit businesses like foreign-owned crypto mines near sensitive locations. The change follows the forced closure of a Chinese-owned crypto mine near F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

Rod Miller: Triggered by Democracy? Seek Aromatherapy!

Rod Miller writes: “If pansy-ass students don’t have enough confidence in their own political beliefs to subject them routinely to the democratic process of wins and losses, they are better off making slime. They sure as hell won’t have what it takes to fight for them.”

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 8, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, November 8, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * Kelly Parcel Sale To Feds Approved * UW Not Offering Safe Spaces After Trump Win * Cody Hunter Kills Charging Grizzly With 10mm Pistol

Public Will Get Instant Vote Tallies Starting Next Wyoming Legislative Session

The Wyoming’s Legislature’s Management Council unanimously passed a proposal Thursday that will give the public an electronic scorecard of how legislators vote in real time starting in the 2025 session.

Unlike Other Universities, UW Not Offering Therapy After Trump Win

Many major universities are offering “election care” services like dog-petting and Lego-building to help students emotionally deal with the election after Trump's win. But not the University of Wyoming.

Campbell County Deputy Who Killed Shooter Acted In Self-Defense

A Campbell County, Wyoming, deputy who shot and killed a Wright man who'd fired a shotgun at his patrol vehicle acted in self-defense. That’s the determination of the county attorney after reviewing an independent state investigation into the incident.

Why People Are So Saddened By The Death Of Ben, Kirk Herbstreit's Golden Retriever

Cheyenne Animal Shelter CEO Britney Tennant says the nation's collective sadness over the death of Ben, the beloved Golden retriever of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, stems from the shared closeness people have with their dogs.

Wyoming Hunter Says 10 mm Pistol Saved Him And Dad From Grizzly Mauling

A Cody, Wyoming, hunter related Thursday how having a round chambered in his 10 mm pistol saved him and his dad from being mauled by a grizzly. The bear was just a few yards away when he shot it in self-defense.

Prosecutor Disputes Wyoming Hunter's Claim Friend's Shooting Death Was Accident

A 20-year-old Wyoming hunter says the gunshot that killed his best friend while duck hunting was an accident. But a prosecutor responded this week saying the death was the result of recklessness and the case against the hunter should move forward.

$9M For Mesa Solutions Expansion Could Unlock $20M Annual Impact For Casper Area

A $9 million grant from the Wyoming Business Council will allow Mesa Solutions to expand its footprint in the energy sector. It also could unlock a $20 million annual impact for the Casper area.

Casper Teen Accused Of Stabbing Girl Said The Victim “Walked Into The Blade”

A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl had a preliminary hearing Thursday on allegations she stabbed another teen Halloween night. An investigator testified the suspect claimed the victim “walked into the blade.”

Sally Ann Shurmur: Between Naps, A Victory Week Summation -- And Babies

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “You know who I am the happiest for this week — other than Kaden Anderson? My mom.”

On 3-2 Vote, Wyoming Officials OK $100M Kelly Parcel Sale To Grand Teton Park

On a 3-2 vote, the State Board of Land Commissioners approved a conditional $100 million sale of the controversial Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park. The money may be used to buy mineral-rich federal land in the Powder River Basin.

More Details Emerge About Blockbuster Anschutz PRB Oil And Gas Deal

Occidental Petroleum has offered more details to Cowboy State Daily about the blockbuster oil and gas deal that has Anschutz acquiring Oxy/Anadarko assets in the PPB. Occidental says it’s keeping 150,000 acres it considers “core."

With Huge Late-Season Wildfires Under Control, Fire Crews Now Starting Fires

With two huge late-season wildfires under control, U.S. Forest Service crews are now busy catching up on the controlled burns they start on purpose.

Juvenile On The Run Hit And Killed Trying To Cross I-25 Near Bar Nunn

A juvenile was hit by a vehicle and killed while trying to cross the southbound lane of Interstate 25 near Bar Nunn, Wyoming, on Wednesday night. The juvenile allegedly assaulted a family member, then ran from the home before deputies could respond.

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, November 7, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: * Wyo Oil & Gas Celebrates Trump Win * Wyo Ag Thrilled Slaughterhouse Vote Killed * In Some Wyo Districts, Trump Support Nearly Unanimous

Wyoming Swings Farther To The Political Right In Presidential Election

As a whole, Wyoming showed more support for former President Donald Trump than it did in 2020. In a few Wyoming precincts, support for Trump was nearly unanimous.

Gillette Woman Charged With Domestic Abuse Claims Boyfriend Punched Himself

A Gillette, Wyoming, woman charged with beating up her boyfriend told police he punched himself in the face Monday night. Police say her fists, not his, were scuffed.

GOP Transplants Push Sheehy Past Incumbent Jon Tester In Montana Senate Race

Republican transplants moving into Montana gave GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy a win over incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, who was seeking a fourth term. The race was called Wednesday.

Trump Signals Huge Support For Oil & Gas During Victory Speech, Wyoming Industry Leaders Thrilled

It didn’t take long for former President Donald Trump to hype up America's oil and gas industry after he won the 2024 presidential election Tuesday. Wyoming industry leaders say Trump's victory is also a win for U.S. oil and gas.

Clair McFarland: Trying To Vote While Mom's Threatening To Make Campaign Signs

Clair McFarland writes: “'Absolutely do not post ANY photos of my kids holding campaign signs,'” I pleaded. My mom, ever the pink boa to my black suit, chirped back 'Oh silly, it’s for the class presidency.'"

Wyoming Woman Says She Was Too Patient With Husband Accused Of Shooting At Her

A woman whose estranged husband is facing felony charges, on claims that he leveled a shotgun at her and fired it as she fled, says she wishes she hadn’t been so nice for so long.

Wyoming Election Shows Spending Big Doesn't Always Pay Off

For the most part, those who spent more in Tuesday’s general election in Wyoming were mostly successful — but not always.

Marquee On Historic 87-Year-Old Cody Theatre Is Slowly Falling Off

The historic 87-year-old Cody Theatre’s slumping marquee is slowly falling off and is being held in place with wires. To fix it permanently, the building’s owner needs permits from the city of Cody and state of Wyoming.

Wyoming Sheep Industry Cheers As Denver Voters Kill Slaughterhouse Ban

Denver voters killed an ordinance Tuesday that would have shuttered a large slaughterhouse that processed 20% of America’s lamb, and more than 50% of Wyoming's. Cowboy State ranchers are cheering the proposal’s defeat.

Tom Lubnau: Unraveling The Mysterious Legislative Majority Leadership Selection Process

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "With recent shifts in Wyoming's political landscape, we may see experience powerful committee chairs replaced by new ones who are more ideologically aligned with the current majority, which could dramatically impact the legislative session."

Casper Girl, 17, Thought Machete-Like Knife Was Fake, Then She Was Stabbed

A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl was almost killed Halloween night when another teen stabbed her with a machete-like knife. Willow Wagner told Cowboy State Daily she first thought the knife was fake — until it was in her body.

Guest Column: How Much Federal Land Is Too Much?

Rep. Harriet Hageman writes, "Although there are certain individuals who seem hell-bent on selling this invaluable property (Kelly Parcel) to the National Park Service for $100 million dollars, it is obvious by every metric that its value is significantly higher. It is also apparent that the NPS itself believes this parcel is worth substantially more than $100 million."

Letter To The Editor: The United Nations’ War on Israel

Dear editor: It is important to realize how far the U.N. has descended from the high hopes that civilized nations once held for it and how the U.N. is no longer a beacon of peace, international co-operation and hope but a cesspool of hatred, envy, dishonesty...

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * Trump Wins Wyoming By Largest Margin In Nation * Freedom Caucus Clinches Majority Of Wyoming House * Property Tax Relief? Voters Pass Constitutional Amendment A

Amendment A Passes To Separate Residential Property Taxes In Wyoming

A constitutional amendment to move residential property taxes into a separate class of taxation in Wyoming passed on Tuesday night.

Senate District 10: Republican Crum Claims Seat as Furphy Steps Down

In Laramie, Republican Gary Crum defeated Democrat Mike Selmer on Tuesday in the race for the Wyoming Senate District 10 seat being vacated by Republican Dan Furphy.

Riverton School Board Candidate Gets Votes Even After Molestation Case Went Public

Riverton school board candidate Hunter DeVries received at least 509 votes Tuesday after his child-molestation case went public. Including absentee ballots and early voting, he won 1,016 total, which wasn’t enough to win the seat.

House District 13: Chestek Holds Off Republican Swett

Keeping with a trend of incumbent Democrats winning in Albany County, Ken Chestek held off Republican challenger Shane Swett on Tuesday.

Gary Brown Holds On To Beat Democratic Challenger For Cheyenne’s HD 41

Cheyenne resident Gary Brown has won the election for House District 41, holding off Democratic challenger Jen Solis.

Political Newcomer Jacob Wasserburger Beats Burglingame To Win HD 11

Republican Jacob Wasserburger beat LGBTQ advocate and former state legislator Sara Burlingame for House District 11 in Cheyenne in Tuesday’s general election.

Trump Crushes Kamala 71% To 25% In Wyoming, Largest Margin In Nation

Former President Donald Trump coasted to another landslide victory in Wyoming, crushing Kamala 71% to 25%. It’s also the largest margin of victory for Trump in the nation.

Fremont County Defeats Half-Percent Tax For Economic Development

Fremont County voters defeated the proposed renewal of a half-percent tax for economic development. The tax funds air and ground transportation, and numerous grants to private businesses and groups.

Tribal Leader Ivan Posey, D, Upends Penn To Win Wyoming Reservation District

Ivan Posey will be the only enrolled tribal member serving on the Wyoming Legislature after his victory Tuesday for House District 33 over incumbent Sarah Penn.

House District 60: Freedom Caucus Gains Seat With Brady Win

Green River Republican Marlene Brady won her bid for House District 60 on Tuesday night, beating Democratic challenger Carmen Whitehead by 1,531 votes.

Senate District 12: Incumbent Republican Kolb Gets Comfortable Win

State Sen. John Kolb, R-Rock Springs, easily held on to his seat Tuesday night, beating Democratic challenger and former state legislator Kenilynn Zanetti by 2,486 votes.

Democrat Sherwood Secures Third Term In HD 14 For Albany County

Democrat Trey Sherwood held her Wyoming House District 14 seat in Albany County for a third term, beating Republican challenger Joe Giustozzi on Tuesday.

House District 47: Bob Davis, R, Keeps His Sweetwater County Seat

In District 47, Robert Davis, Republican incumbent, beat Democratic challenger James Wilson on Tuesday to continue serving in Wyoming’s House of Representatives.

Provenza Wins Third Term In House District 45, Holds Seat For Wyoming Dems

Incumbent Democrat Karlee Provenza of Laramie won a third term in Wyoming House District 45 on Tuesday. She holds the seat for state Democrats, beating Republican challenger Paul Crouch.

House District 10: Eklund, R, Rolls To Easy Win To Retain Seat In Legislature

John Eklund, R-Cheyenne, won reelection to his House District 10 seat Tuesday with a huge margin of nearly 2,000 votes over his challenger, Timothy Forbis.

House District 28: Winter, R, Wins Another Term in Wyoming House

Wyoming House District 28 went to incumbent Republican John Winter, who handily beat Democratic challenger Larry Alwin on Tuesday.

House District 29: Incumbent Pendergraft Has Big Lead In Sheridan County

Republican Ken Pendergraft was on his way to winning another term representing House District 29 in Sheridan County late Tuesday. He had 72% of the vote with more than a third of the votes counted.

House District 57: Julie Jarvis Keeps Seat For Republicans With Big Win

Casper Republican Julie Jarvis on Tuesday easily defeated independent challenger Tyler Cessor to claim the House District 57 race. Cessor had dropped out prior to Election Day.

House District 42: Geringer, R, Says He’s “Humbled” To Be Elected

Republican businessman Rob Geringer of Cheyenne seems to have beaten Democratic challenger Bob Ray for Wyoming House District 42.

House District 7: Republican Incumbent Bob Nicholas Cruises To Win

Rep. Bob Nicholas, R-Cheyenne, easily won reelection to House District 7 in Tuesday’s general election.

Senate District 8: Olsen Will Return To Legislature With Win

State Rep. Jared Olsen, R-Cheyenne, beat Democratic challenger Marguerite Herman by a sizeable margin Tuesday night.

House District 4: Haroldson Easily Reelected, Gets 76% Of Platte County Vote

Republican Jeremy Haroldson was easily reelected to the Wyoming House District 4 seat, getting 76% of the vote in Platte County on Tuesday.

Cowboy State Daily Live Video Election Coverage, Nov 5, 2024

Cowboy State Daily's live video election coverage on election night -- November 5, 2024

Barrasso Wins Reelection To Fourth Term In U.S. Senate

Cowboy State Daily is reporting Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso has been reelected to a fourth term in office Tuesday.

Hageman Wins Reelection For Second Term In Congress

Cowboy State Daily is reporting Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman has won her reelection bid for a second term as Wyoming’s only U.S. House representative.

Wyoming Has The Country’s Only Known Animal Shelter Gas Chambers

After Missouri shut its only animal shelter gas chamber to euthanize unwanted pets, Wyoming is the only state left that uses it. It has two, in Green River and Evanston.

Sheridan Man Accused Of Shooting At Wife, Threatening Man Who Drove Her Home

A man from Sheridan County is facing arraignment Thursday on claims that he fired a shotgun toward his wife as she ran away on foot last month. He's also accused of pointing the shotgun at a man who drove his wife home.  

Blockbuster Deal Has Anschutz Getting Oxy/Anadarko Oil And Gas Interests In PRB

The Powder River Basin’s largest private oil and gas operator is getting a lot bigger. In a blockbuster deal, Anschutz has sent notices to Powder River Basin operators that it’s acquired the working interests in Oxy/Anadarko in the PRB.

Wyoming's Night Skies Will Be "Bombarded" With Four November Meteor Showers

Four meteor showers are all active or reaching their peaks during the month of November. That means Wyoming’s night skies will be “bombarded” with meteors and fireballs for the entire month.

Glendo-Area Ranchers Say They're Missing 9 Yearling Cattle, Offer $5,000 Reward

A ranch near Glendo, Wyoming, reports it’s missing nine yearlings this year and suspects they may have been rustled. And it’s not the first time.

Nationally Notorious Serial Graffiti Vandal “Ciga” Targets Cody

A serial graffiti artist who lives in Wyoming and has been spray-painting “Ciga” onto public and private property across the country for a decade is wanted again, this time in Cody, court records show.

Blind Hunter Shoots Wyoming Buck, Hopes To Inspire Others

Tj Cartwright was accidently shot in the face with a hunting arrow 11 years ago, leaving him completely blind. But he didn’t stop hunting, and shot a Wyoming buck this season.

Candy’s Column: Celebrating Wyoming’s Veterans

Columnist Candy Moulton writes, “One of the engraved statements on the Wind River Memorial is a sentiment often used on memorials: ‘Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.’"

Wyoming Expects $122 Million Surplus Behind Surge In Oil And Gas Production

The latest CREG report released last week shows Wyoming can expect a $122 million surplus behind a surge in oil and gas production. But coal, once the state’s cash cow, continues to decline.

Rod Miller: Wyoming Gets Off the Couch, Like Those Cowboys at Lexington

From what I saw today at Storey Gym, nobody can say with a straight face that the people of Wyoming weren’t given a chance to speak. I have never seen so many people waiting to vote. I, for one, am impressed and humbled."

After Storm Tears Off Chunk Of 100-Year-Old Tree, Casper Neighbors Rally To Help

Last week’s storm not only dumped 5-6 inches of wet, heavy snow across Casper, it tore a huge chuck off a 100-year-old cottonwood that fell into the street. That’s when neighbors rallied to help each other.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: * Get Ready For Extreme Cold * Degenfelder Blasts Gov On Kelly Parcel * CJ Box Says Joe Picket Will Get His Own Bourbon

44% Of Wyoming Registered Voters Have Already Cast Ballots

A huge voting period came to a close Monday in Wyoming with 44% of registered voters having already cast ballots. That translates to 112,824 people had voted statewide -- just over 4,000 votes per day.

Wyoming Experts Say Safety Rules Ignored In Bear Release That Ended In Attack

Armenian wildlife rangers ignored safety rules and did practically everything wrong in a viral video of a bear release gone wrong. Wyoming grizzly experts say the rangers are lucky nobody was killed when the brown bear turned and attacked.

Cloud Of Cold To Envelop Wyoming, Plunge Temperatures Into Single Digits

A winter weather system enveloping Wyoming won't cover the Cowboy State with a lot of snow. But overnight temperatures could plunge into the single digits overnight Tuesday and Wednesday.

Gillette Library's 'Books Of Shame' Headed To Adult Section

The Campbell County Public Library system's board voted last week to disband its "new adult" section. Many visitors took that to mean new books for adults, but the section actually shelved controversial books for a younger audience. 

C.J. Box Partners With Wyoming Distillery To Make Joe Pickett Bourbon

Author C.J. Box’s iconic character Joe Pickett will get a bourbon named after him in spring 2025. The special 1,000-bottle release created by Pine Bluffs Distilling celebrates a uniquely Wyoming character with a Wyoming whiskey.

Bipartisan Outrage Over New York Killing Social Media Star Peanut The Squirrel

New York’s killing of social media star Peanut the Squirrel has drawn outrage from liberals and conservatives across the country. Critics say the backlash shows government overreach is out of control.

Degenfelder Calls Gordon’s Move To Sell Kelly Parcel 'Backroom Maneuvering’

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder on Monday criticized Gov. Mark Gordon’s push to sell the controversial Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park for $100 million. She called the move “backroom maneuvering.”

Wyoming Duck Hunter Says Fatal Shooting Was Accident, Not Crime

Gaige Zook, 20, is asking a judge to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old. He says the gun fired accidentally while both he and the victim were on a duck hunt.  

History Shows Write-In Candidates Almost Never Win In Wyoming, So Why Run?

Write-in campaigns have a notoriously low chance of succeeding, but there are a few write-in candidates running across Wyoming this November. Why run? They believe it’s the right thing to do.

Wyoming’s Crystal Castle, Made Of Embalming Fluid Bottles, Is For Sale For $325K

Vicki Launer has decided to sell Wyoming’s Crystal Castle near Crystal Lake and Curt Gowdy State Park for $325,000. The one-bedroom, one-bath home was made using embalming fluid bottles as bricks.

Girl Kicked SUV, So Casper Teen Allegedly Stabbed Her With Machete-Style Knife

The 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl charged with stabbing another 17-year-old girl on Halloween was mad because the victim kicked her SUV. So, she allegedly got out and stabbed her with a machete-style knife.

'Wish They Would Stop': False Threats Prompt Lockdowns At Schools Across Wyoming

School shooting threats at multiple Wyoming schools, including in Cheyenne, Gillette and Riverton, prompted lockdowns and police searches Monday. The threats were unfounded, authorities have said, adding they “wish they would stop.”

Dave Simpson: Old Dave's On Injured Reserve

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Until further notice, I'm like a beached whale, washed up on our living room floor, with a bulky cast on my leg that's like having a 10-pound Walleye strapped to my calf, only stiffer.”

$2.5 Million Black Hills Mansion In Northeast Wyoming Filled With Tech

Real Estate in the Black Hills of northeast Wyoming has started taking off, with people realizing that they can get more luxury for less. A $2.5 million five-bedroom, five-bath mansion is the latest example, filled with tech like a robot lawnmower and self-cleaning pool.

Good Business: National Outdoor Apparel Company Sends Handwritten Note About Hunting

Why would a Seattle couple who own a popular outdoor clothing company take the time to send handwritten notes to customers? It's good business. When a Wyoming customer purchased a couple shirts, they mentioned how they eloped on a hunting trip in Baggs, Wyoming.

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, November 4, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, November 4, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Scientists Assess Damage From The Elk Fire * Mourners From All Over Country Attend 399 Vigil * Job As A Cowboy? It’s Still A Profession But Ain’t Easy

Despite Chronic Pain, Sheridan Woman Continues To Mentor Hunters

Sheridan resident Teri Smith was nearly killed in a head-on collision in 2001 and has suffered chronic pain since. That hasn’t stopped her from hunting and mentoring others.

Wyoming History: How Doc Middleton Became A Notorious Outlaw Celebrity

Park Cemetery in Douglas contains the remains of Doc Middleton, a true notorious Western outlaw. Although he stole horses, rustled cattle and killed men, he became an outlaw celebrity.

Cody Women Make It To The Top Of 19,341-Foot Mount Kilimanjaro

Cathy Blanchard and Deb White of Cody, Wyoming, have returned from a successful a nine-day trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. “You learn a lot about yourself,” Blanchard said about making it to the 19,341-foot peak of Africa’s tallest mountain.

Why A Far-Fetched NASA Idea To Cool Yellowstone’s Supervolcano Would Never Work

NASA scientists concocted an idea a decade ago to save the world from a civilization-ending eruption of the supervolcano underneath Yellowstone National Park. Although volcanologists shot it down, scientists are still talking about it.

Want A Job As A Cowboy? It's Still A Profession, But It Ain't Easy

Working as a cowboy at a ranch in the 21st century means a commitment to the cowboy lifestyle. They need to be fence welders, irrigation pipe layers and midwives to heifers having their first calves when it’s minus 20 outside with a blistering Wyoming wind.

Scientists Map Out How Badly Elk Fire Damaged The 98,000 Acres It Ravaged

With the Elk Fire 88% contained and growing cooler, the problems are just beginning for the 98,000 acres of land ravaged by the wildfire. Scientists are now mapping out how badly the fire damaged the land and how to repair it.

Yellowstone’s Abyss Pool Is Getting Hotter, Changing Colors And Could Explode

Abyss Pool in the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is getting hotter and changing colors. Scientists say the pool, where a human foot was found floating two years ago, could erupt violently in the near future.

Wyoming Navajo Dressmaker’s Work Has Been In Movies, Powwows And Carnegie Hall

Navajo dressmaker Candace Toledo of Arapahoe, Wyoming, has found inspiration through creating traditional and modern Native American fashion. Her one-of-a-kind creations have been featured in a Disney movie, at powwows and at Carnegie Hall in New York.

'Can't Even Imagine Life Without Her': Lander Baby Survives 27 Surgeries 

A doctor urged Tasha Anderson to get an abortion when she was pregnant with Jamesyn, whose heart is on the wrong side of her body. Now 18 months and 27 surgeries later, Anderson and her husband Sam say they "can't even imagine life without her."  

Cassie Craven:  Go Vote

Columnist Cassie Craven writes: 12-year-old Joselyn was found with her hands and feet bound. She had no pants. The two men who raped and killed her were illegal immigrants who flooded the country with millions of others, under the watch of Kamala Harris.

Rod Miller: When You Vote in Wyoming, Ignore the Fear-Mongering

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "According to Oral Eathorne, our elections are rife with crime. And according to Li’l Chucky Gray, since Colorado and the Big Elsewhere seem to have problems running secure elections, we in Wyoming are similarly threatened."

The American West: Jack Slade, Julesburg’s Legendary Villain

After Jules Beni shot Jack Slade six times in the streets of Julesburg, Colorado, Slade vowed he would live long enough to wear Beni’s ears as a watch fob. He accomplished his gruesome goal.

Mourners From Across Country Attend Candlelight Vigil For Grizzly 399 In Jackson

Mourners gathered in Jackson's Public Square on Saturday night to attend a candlelight vigil for Grizzly 399. “I’ve cried every night since she died,” said a woman who traveled from Oregon.

Find The Sheriff In Niobrara County -- A ‘Where’s Waldo’ Activity To Connect With Residents

In Niobrara County, locals are invited to guess where local deputies are every Friday. The department posts a photo of a Sheriff’s Office vehicle somewhere in the rural county and people somehow figure out where the deputy is.

If Iceland Can Tap Volcano For Energy, Would That Work In Yellowstone?

Scientists will be drilling a 1.3-mile-deep borehole into an active volcano to tap into the potentially limitless energy from the magma underneath Iceland. The same could work in Yellowstone but will likely never happen.

Joan Barron: Getting The Public In On Legislative Votes

Columnist Joan Barron writes: "Despite all this pursuit of more transparency, nothing was said during the committee meeting about recording votes on bills in the committee-of-the-whole, which is the meeting of the House or Senate to discuss bills that have been reported out of committees."

Eating Wyoming: Sheridan’s Le Reve Brings French Fusion To Historic Western Spot

Sheridan has a hot new upscale dining spot called Le Reve, French for “The Dream.” It’s a one-of-a-kind journey of the senses, bringing French-Western fusion to one of Sheridan’s most historic buildings.

When Encampment Hunter James Johnson Got Lost, He Kept His Head & Built A Fire

James Johnson is an avid hunter and it's not like him to get lost. But when he did last Wednesday, he had two choices: keep searching to find his truck or use the fleeting sunlight to build a shelter and fire. He chose the latter and was found the next day.

Polls Say Trump Will Win Big In Wyoming; Barrasso & Hageman As Popular As Ever

No surprises at all in two Wyoming polls released on Friday. Former President Trump is expected to crush Kamala Harris as he remains as popular as ever in Wyoming. Both Barrasso and Hageman have sky-high numbers too and should win easily on Tuesday.

Sundance Wicks Is First Wyoming-Born UW Men’s Basketball Coach In 50 Years

Gillette native Sundance Wicks is the first Wyoming native to be the head coach of the University of Wyoming men's basketball team in 50 years. The Wicks era officially begins Monday when the Cowboys host Concordia University-St. Paul at 7:30 p.m.

Remembering Bud Daley, Yankees World Series Champ Who Called Wyoming Home For 49 Years

Bud Daley, a Fremont County resident for 49 years, overcame a withered arm disability and went on to pitch the final game of the Yankees' 1961 World Series win. A steady family man, Daley, 92, died last month in Riverton.

Letter To The Editor: Amendment A Would Bring Fairness To Wyoming Homeowners

Dear Editor: Amendment A is straightforward. It doesn’t overhaul the tax system; it simply allows for a more balanced approach. Right now, family homes—where people raise children, plan futures, and invest savings—are taxed like investment properties and vacation homes. That’s a mistake.

Yellowstone's New 180-Foot-Tall, 1,285-Foot-Long Bridge Set To Open In 2025

The $118 million project to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge requires "an orchestra of coordination." But the new 180-foot-tall, 1,285-foot-long bridge could be open to traffic by the end of 2025.

The American West: Women on the Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail was the oldest of several overland highways that linked the easternmost section of the Trans-Mississippi West with the Pacific coast. It was a long, tortuous, dangerous journey, but in the end, these hardy women persevered to bring American culture and lifestyles to the remote villages and towns of New Mexico. 

Bill Sniffin: Who Is The Best Political Expert In Wyoming? Take The CSD Political Quiz

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “I have issued this challenge to the staff of the Cowboy State Daily and also to all our readers.  Who is the smartest political observer of them all?”

Recommendation Is For Wyoming To Sell Kelly Parcel To Feds For $100 Million

Wyoming’s top elected officials will decide Thursday whether to sell the Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park. The State Land and Investment Board recommended Friday the state sell the pristine 640 acres to the park for $100 million.

Deal To Move Dodgers From Brooklyn To LA Was Signed During Wyoming Antelope Hunt

The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high off its World Series win over the Yankees this week. But the storied franchise has a secret Wyoming connection. The deal to move the Dodgers from Brooklyn to L.A. was signed during a Wyoming antelope hunt.

Upton’s China-Busting Rare Earths Demonstration Plant Is Officially Underway

Rare Element Resources has already started operations at its rare earths demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming, with what’s known as a “shakedown.” The real shakedown will be perfecting a process that could help break China’s stranglehold on rare earths.

Jackson Hotel Worker Missing Since September Found Safe

A Jackson hotel worker missing since September has been located safely in another state, the Jackson Police Department announced Friday.

Truck Plows Into Rock Springs Gas Station, Burying Woman In Debris

A truck plowed into a Maverik gas station in Rock Springs on Thursday burying a South Dakota woman in debris. The woman she hit her head on the floor and then a food shelf fell on top of her.

Gillette Mother's 'Weird Feeling' Leads To Arrest Of Peeper, Police Say

A Gillette mother's strange gut feeling led her to check her home camera just in time to spot a 48-year-old man crawling outside her 12-year-old daughter's window, police say. Court documents say police found videos of the girl on the man's phone. 

Jonathan Lange: A Spider-Man In Every Voting Booth

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: “Nobody can pull the lever for you. When you stand alone in that voting booth, you are wielding a power that few people in history have ever been given.”

Wyoming Ranchers, Hageman Slam Mandatory Electronic Cattle ID Tags

Rep. Harriet Hageman and Wyoming ranchers are slamming a new federal rule mandating electronic ID ear tags for cattle. The new rule requiring the switch is effective Tuesday.

Dennis Sun: The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "If one looks at the makeup of the guidelines committee, they seem to be younger people who work at universities with PhDs. I would guess they all grew up in cities and don’t know how to garden. Their food and vegetables come in a box once a week."

The Roundup: A Conversation With Kelly Rankin

This week, host Wendy Corr has a conversation with U.S. District Court Judge Kelly Rankin. Judge Rankin talks about growing up in Wyoming, moving up in the court system, and the interesting people he's met along the way.

Montana Man Confesses To Brutal Murder Of Camper, Used Screwdriver And Ax

A Montana man has confessed to the murder of a camper near Big Sky last month that at first was thought to be a grizzly attack because of its brutal nature. He told authorities he killed the camper with a screwdriver and an ax.

Wyoming Customers Getting Rate Fatigue Over Repeated RMP Increase Requests

Wyoming customers are getting rate fatigue over repeated Rocky Mountain Power increase requests. Secretary of State Chuck Gray says the company wants Wyoming to "foot the bill" for the "radical left-wing environmental policies of other states."

Fort Washakie Man Who Killed Man In Front Of Carload Of Witnesses Gets 16 Years

A Fort Washakie, Wyoming, man was sentenced Thursday to 16 years in prison for second-degree murder for stabbing and killing a 20-year-old man. He stabbed the man along a road in front of a carload of witnesses.

115-Year-Old LaPrele Dam Close To Failure, Will Be Breached

The aging 115-year-old LaPrele Dam southwest of Douglas is in danger of catastrophic failure, so it will be preemptively breached, state officials confirmed Friday. Whether it will be rebuilt is a question for the Legislature.

3 Found Dead In Carbon Monoxide Leak In Riverton Home, Faulty Water Heater Suspected

Riverton police suspect a faulty water heater may have caused the carbon monoxide leak in which two women and a toddler were found dead early Thursday morning. They were discovered when someone did a welfare check at the home.  

Wyoming Has A New Jobs Board With Higher Than Average Salaries And Unusual Opportunities

The Wyoming Venture Capital jobs board lists some unusual positions, like Generative AI Product Manager and Machine Learning Engineer. The jobs are part of a new stream of startups setting up shop in the Cowboy State.

Trump Says Media Misreports Cheney War Hawk Comment As Personal Threat

Former President Donald Trump called Liz Cheney a "radical war hawk" on Thursday and said she would “understand how it feels” to be at war if she had a gun pointed at her. The national media has exploded, calling the remark a personal threat, which Trump denies.

Casper Girl, 17, Charged With Stabbing Another Teen On Halloween

A 17-year-old Casper girl was charged as an adult Friday in Casper Circuit Court with felony aggravated assault stemming from the stabbing of another 17-year-old girl on Thursday night. She’s was charged as an adult.

Grizzly 399 Cremated, Ashes Scattered In Pilgrim Creek Area Of Grand Teton Park

Final closure to the story of Grizzly 399 came Friday when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced she had been cremated. The ashes of the world’s most famous bear were scatted in the Pilgrim Creek area of Grand Teton National Park.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, November 1, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, November 1, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * Missing Hunter From Encampment Found Alive * TerraPower Will Get Uranium From South Africa Company * Sheridan Woman Blacks Out, Drives Car Off Bridge Into River

Rock Springs Senator Accuses Former Legislator Opponent Of Pushing A Kamala Agenda

Republican incumbent Wyoming state Sen. John Kolb is being challenged by a former legislator for his seat, Democrat Kenilynn Zanetti. He says a vote for her is the same as voting for Kamala Harris, which she says isn’t true.

Chuck Gray Bashes Colorado Counterpart For Releasing Voting Machine Passwords

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said he’s not surprised the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office made public a spreadsheet that included passwords to access voting machines. It's an example of her "left-wing radicalism," he said.

Oregon Has Close Call With Chronic Wasting Disease From Infected Wyoming Deer

Oregon had a close call with chronic wasting disease when hunters from that state brought home two infected Wyoming deer carcasses.

Evansville Man Pleads Not Guilty To Almost Killing 1-Year-Old

A 31-year-old Evansville man pleaded not guilty to four felony child abuse charges Thursday in Natrona County District Court. One victim was a 1-year-old boy whose injuries were so bad he was nearly killed, the prosecutor says.

Ray Hunkins: Why I’m Voting For Donald J. Trump

Guest columnist Ray Hunkins writes, "For the most part, we know what the Trump policies will be in a second term because we know what they were in his first term. I can’t think of any policy of the first Trump administration with which I disagreed."

"Queen of the Tetons" Team Celebrates Grizzly 399 As A Pioneer And Teacher

The biologists and filmmakers behind the Nature documentary "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons" celebrated her life and legacy during Wednesday livestream.

Family Of Missing Wyoming Hunter Overjoyed At His Rescue

A man from Encampment went missing overnight Wednesday while hunting elk in the Medicine Bow National Forest, but was found alive around 3:45 p.m. Thursday. His family was overjoyed with the news.

Wyoming Realtors Have Spent Nearly $550,000 To Pass Property Tax Amendment

The campaign arm of the Wyoming Realtors Association has spent nearly $550,000 to convince Wyoming voters pass Amendment A on Tuesday. The measure would create a fourth class of taxation for residential properties.

TerraPower Strikes Deal With South African Company For Steady Uranium Source

A stable source of uranium has been a big question mark for the TerraPower nuclear plant in Kemmerer. The company appears to have answered that question with a new agreement with a South African company.

Sally Ann Shurmur: Keyboard Trolls Said I Wasn't A Real Wyoming Cowboys Fan

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, "Keyboard trolls said I wasn't a 'real fan.' Let me just grab the season ticket invoices and the Cowboy Joe Club membership fees and 62 years of game attendance and we can chat then."

Sheridan Woman Who Drove Car Into River Says She Passed Out

A Sheridan, Wyoming, woman remains hospitalized after her car went down an embankment and into Little Goose Creek on Wednesday. She told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that she passed out and woke behind a deployed airbag with water rushing into her car.

Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Pistol-Whipping Casper Man, Shooting At Another

A 19-year-old Cheyenne man pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Thursday to five felony charges for allegedly pistol-whipping a Casper man. He’s also charged with firing a gun at a car with three people in it.

Wyoming Cheers Supreme Court Ruling To Remove Noncitizens From Voter Rolls

Wyoming’s top elected officials are cheering a Wednesday ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls. Wyoming was one of 26 states that supported Virginia’s case in the high court.

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, October 31, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: * Grizzly 399 Fans Say No To Taxidermy * Riverton Candidate Charged With Molesting * Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum “Very Haunted”

399 Fans Say Taxidermy Would Insult World Famous Bear’s Legacy

However the world remembers Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399, some of her most devoted fans say a full-body taxidermy mount of her in a museum isn’t the way to do it.

Haunted Wyoming: Gillette Avenue May Be The Most Haunted Street In Wyoming

There are those who insist the ghosts come out after dark in downtown Gillette. From First to Second streets, “The entire first block of Gillette Avenue is haunted."

Haunted Wyoming: Even Skeptics Admit Strange Things Happen At CFD Museum

Flying hats, explosive glass and dolls that just won’t leave the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum in Cheyenne. These are just a few of the strange things even skeptics admit they can’t quite explain.

Does Utah’s Petiton To Get Control Of Federal Lands Stand A Chance? Hageman Hopes So

Now that Utah is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to gain control of federal lands, Wyoming and other Western states are watching closely. Does it have a chance? Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman hopes so.

Haunted Wyoming: Kane’s Blue Lady Searches Cemetery For The Children She Murdered

The town of Kane, Wyoming, has been abandoned since the 1960s, but it still has at least one restless spirit. Local folklore says the ghost of Matilda Waters haunts the cemetery, appearing as a blue lady looking for the children she murdered.

Guest Column: Maybe The Kelly Walsh Band's Performance Was Just A Show

Guest columnist Susan Stubson writes, "Let’s lower the temperature here and consider for a moment that perhaps Kelly Walsh was not trying to communicate any message other than musical and visual excellence." 

Tiny, Stubborn Idaho Bear Cub Makes 120-Mile Trek To Gorge On Apples

A tiny black bear cub braved a 120-mile trek through some of Idaho’s most remote and rugged backcountry to gorge on somebody's backyard apples.

Wyoming Storm Dumps Wet, Heavy Snow, Sets Moisture Records

A winter weather system that moved across Wyoming through Wednesday dumped a lot of wet, heavy snow across much of Wyoming. In Wright, 13 inches fell, while Casper and Worland set moisture records.

Riverton School Board Candidate Accused Of Molesting Child, Drops Out Of Race

Hunter DeVries, 23, announced his candidacy for Fremont County School District 25 board in August. On Friday, he dropped out of the race, and on Monday was charged with first-degree sexual abuse of a minor on claims he molested an 11-year-old boy for months. 

Cowboy Roper Accused Of Stealing $3,800 From Jackson Hole Rodeo

A roping contestant and former employee of the Jackson Hole Rodeo is accused of stealing $3,800 from the organization. He allegedly tweaked and re-deposited his winnings and paychecks via a virtual deposit app.    

Haunted Wyoming: Ghost Of China Mary Haunts Evanston Road Named For Her

The ghost of China Mary still haunts the road named after her in Evanston, Wyoming. But talking about her has been a taboo subject, and not many people know the real history behind Ah Yuen, who became known as China Mary.

Tom Lubnau:  Who Poses The Greatest Threat To Wyoming Jobs This Election?

Tom Lubnau writes, "The rallying-cry this campaign has been to cut the budget. Cutting the budget in Wyoming means cutting jobs. Dollars in Wyoming equal jobs. So, if the Legislature is serious about making meaningful cuts in the state budget, it is going to have to fire people."

Like A True Woming Cowboy, 10-Year-Old Plans To Trick-Or-Treat On Horseback

When 10-year-old Levi Logan chose his Halloween costume, he wanted one that included his best friend — his horse, Snip. So Levi and Snip will trick-or-treat around Thermopolis, Wyoming, as the Headless Horseman.

Wyoming Ski Areas Buck Industry With Independent Owners, Less Crowding

Across the U.S. West, huge companies are gobbling up ski resorts, which has resulted in crowded slopes under corporate management. Wyoming is bucking that industry trend with independent ownership and less crowding.

Proposed Slaughterhouse Ban Could Devastate Wyoming Sheep Ranchers

An animal rights group wants to shut down the only slaughterhouse in Denver city limits. Those who oppose a local ballot measure say it would cost thousands of jobs and could devastate sheep ranchers in Wyoming and throughout the U.S.

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: Parents Outraged by Marching Band Wyoming Scientists Working To Unlock Oil Laramie Plains Civic Center Is Old, Huge And Haunted

Speed Limit Unlikely To Change Because Of Grizzly 399's Death

The death of Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399 has some calling for lower speed limits where the accident happened. But Wyoming transportation officials say one bear death — even Grizzly 399 — isn’t likely to prompt lowering the speed limit.

The American West: Cumberland Gap - Gateway to the West

Daniel Boone, with 30 axmen to assist him, blazed a trail through Cumberland Gap – the Gateway to the West. His route became known as the Wilderness Road and opened the nation to westward expansion.

Wyoming Doctors Do Fewer Trans Treatments On Children Than Any Other State

A national database unveiled this month shows Wyoming doctors do fewer transgender treatments on children than any other state. But the sponsor of a state law banning those procedures for children says he doesn’t “buy the low numbers” for Wyoming.

Judge: Sheridan School Board Violated Man's Speech Rights During Mask Debate  

The Sheridan County School District Board chair wouldn’t allow a local man to criticize the superintendent over masking at a 2022 public meeting. A federal judge ruled last week that the man’s free speech rights were violated.

Wyoming Weather: Expect Halloween To Be Bone-Chilling And Breezy

The forecast for Halloween isn't too scary, although temperatures after sunset will be in the 20s and 30s once trick-or-treating starts. There also will be mild breezes and a low chance of witch-melting precipitation.

Candy Moulton: Preserving A World War II POW Camp

Columnist Candy Moulton writes, "On the north side of Douglas, a nondescript building is the last remnant of a World War II Prisoner of War Camp that once had 180 buildings, covered a square mile of land, and housed 5,000 men who had been taken prisoner during fighting in Europe."

Legislature Won’t Restrict Utilities Condemning Land For Green Energy Projects

A committee of the Wyoming Legislature has rejected two bills that would have restricted the use of eminent domain to acquire land for carbon capture, wind and solar projects.

Rod Miller: Will The Freedom Caucus Lead The Charge For Government Transparency?

Rod Miller writes, "Maybe this is where the Wyoming Freedom Caucus proves its worthiness of the trust the voters have placed in them. If the Freedom Caucus’ campaign rhetoric about openness and transparency in government is not just a bunch of hot air, they’ll lead this charge."

$80 Million Bet Says Wyoming Can Unlock Secret To Getting More Oil From "Tight Rocks"

ThermoFisher Scientific is laying a $40 million bet, matched by $40 million from the Legislature, that Wyoming can get more oil from so-called "tight rocks." Squeezing even 1% more from those rocks is worth billions of dollars.

Police Say Casper Man Was Drunk When He Plowed Into Car With Teens

A 23-year-old Casper, Wyoming, man faces three felony charges after police say he ran a stop sign while drunk Sunday night and hit a car with three teens. All three were injured as was the man’s mother in his pickup.

Mock Sacrifice In Casper Marching Band Routine Draws Outrage From Parents

A controversial marching band performance that included acting out a sacrificial stabbing on an altar was the target of praise and outrage from local parents at a Monday meeting of the Natrona County School District Board of Education.

Haunted Wyoming: Laramie Plains Civic Center Is Old, Huge And Haunted (Maybe)

Built in the 1870s, the Laramie Plains Civic Center is one of Wyoming’s oldest buildings, and it exudes energy. Whether the huge 167,000-square-foot former school is haunted is a matter of belief. Some say definitely yes, others aren’t convinced.

Gillette Police Claim Woman Chuckled While Trying To Frame Man For Assaulting Her

A Gillette woman faces two counts of false crime reporting on claims that she tried to frame a male friend for stabbing and beating her. Gillette police say she chuckled while making a 911 report.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: - Storm Will Dump Snow On Fires - Moorcroft Student Overdoses At Game - Powell Man Buys 'Red October' Submarine

Legislators Fight Over Property Tax Relief Ahead Of Next Week’s Election

Legislators are fighting over a constitutional amendment that could lower property taxes for homeowners in Wyoming. Some argue Amendment A on next week’s ballot also opens the door for tax increases, if passed.

Wheatland Men Accused Of Stealing Valuable Boulders From Albany County Ruby Mine

Two men who were recently living in Wheatland, Wyoming, are facing felony theft charges on claims they stole boulders from an Albany County ruby mining claim. The large rocks could contain rubies each worth up to $4,000. 

Wyoming Home Sales Strong Despite National Trend Approaching 30-Year Low

Wyoming overall is bucking a national trend that’s approaching a 30-year low for home sales. Casper and Jackson continue to see strong sales data, while cities like Cheyenne and Sheridan have seen some cooling in the marketplace.

Powell Man Buys Model Submarine Used In The Hunt For Red October

A Powell man got into a bidding war in an online auction but was ultimately successful in purchasing the 11-foot model of the Red October used in the 1990 blockbuster movie “The Hunt For Red October." He also purchased a model of the Soviet submarine and another prop used in the movie.

Electric Fence To Keep Grizzlies Out Installed At Popular Wyoming Corn Maze

As grizzly bears expand their range, corn fields are too much for some hungry bears to resist. That’s why a popular corn maze near Clark, Wyoming, is surrounded by a five-strand electric fence.

Blast Of Winter Will Dump Several Inches Of Snow Across Parts Of Wyoming This Week

The latest weather system will diagonally slice from southwest to northeast Wyoming beginning Monday night. The blast of winter weather will dump several inches of snow across parts of the state this week.

Will Grizzly 399 Be Stuffed And Displayed Like Grizzly 104?

Before the reign of Grizzly 399, Grizzly 104 was Wyoming’s most famous bear, and there was worldwide heartbreak when she was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2001. She’s been stuffed and is on display at a Cody museum.

More Snow Coming As Large Wyoming Wildfires Close In On Containment

Another blast of snow is expected to begin Monday night as firefighters report they’re closing in on confinement of the Elk and Pack Trail fires. The Elk Fire is 82% contained and Pack Trail 78% confined.

The American West: The Strange Case of Nat Rasper’s Skull

Browns Park was a lawless place where outlaws came and went as they pleased. Raids by the law rarely reduced the supply of rustlers, murderers, and robbers in that harsh environment. Only after a telephone line connected the area with Rock Springs did the outlaw period come to an end.

Quick-Acting Staffers Save Moorcroft Student Who Overdosed At Volleyball Game

A Moorcroft Secondary School student who stopped breathing after a drug overdose at an Oct. 4 volleyball game was rescued by nurses and staffers. They used a swift dose of Narcan, the principal told Cowboy State Daily on Monday. 

Supreme Court Rules Child Molester Can't Bash Child Victim At Trial

A Wyoming district court judge was right to not allow a molester to raise allegations of unrelated sexual misconduct against his child victim at trial, the Wyoming Supreme Court says in a Friday ruling.

UW Football Coach Sawvel Reprimanded For Calling Referees Horsesh*t

University of Wyoming football coach Jay Sawvel was reprimanded Sunday after calling the referees officiating UW games this season horsesh*t. He also called his coaching horsesh*t in describing his 1 - 7 start.

Dave Simpson: Where's The Pony In The Pile?

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "What could a President Harris do to top the cabinet appointments of Joe Biden? I'm thinking that bald guy with the red lipstick who steals suitcases from airport luggage carousels would be  a shoo-in for Secretary of Transportation."

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, October 28, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, October 28, 2024

Monday's headlines include: Yellowstone To Remove 1,375 Bison This Winter Why Wasn't Cloud Seeding Used To Put Out Wildfires? Ghosts Still Have Prohibition Liquor Parties At Greybull Hotel

Haunted Wyoming: Sweetwater County Library Built On Pioneer Graves And Were Not Moved

If it sounds like the movie Poltergeist, there are similarities. The Sweetwater County Library was built on an old cemetery and the graves were supposed to have been moved. But not all of them were.

Wyoming Rewind: Ten Sleep Hill Climb Was 100 MPH Of 2-Lane Road With No Guardrails

For 20 years, the Ten Sleep Hill Climb drew thousands of people to watch driver race up old Highway 16. It was a steep, dangerous race at more than 100 mph on a winding, two-lane road with no guardrails.

Swords, Hatchets And Katanas — If It Has A Blade, Casper Specialty Shop Has It

For those who love blades, armor and specialty weapons, Sword-N-Stones in Casper, Wyoming, has it. The niche store can also scratch that itch for a “Game of Thrones” replica helmet or Klingon bat’leth from “Star Trek.”

The American West: Celebrating Michener’s Centennial

James Michener’s characters in Centennial were based on real people or composites of actual historic figures making the miniseries epic true to human nature and compelling, a piece of film making that has stood the test of time.

Letter To The Editor: Turning Wyoming Into California One Step At A Time

Dear editor: Isn't it wonderful that Casper was recognized as a destination retirement location. By all means advertise our beautiful state, but don't complain when you wake up one morning and wonder how you got to California.

Letter To The Editor: Planned Parenthood, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton And Adolph Hitler

Dear editor: How ironic that Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton are claiming that Donald Trump is the second coming of Adolph Hitler?

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Gillette’s Old Farts Talk Energy, Trump And “Ridiculous” Tax

At a meeting of the Gillette Old Farts Society coffee klatch earlier this week, one member said, "We're all a bunch of rednecks, and we think you should get to keep what you earn. So, if you work your butt off and earn money, you should get to keep it.”

Famous Yankee Lady B-17 Bomber Makes Final Flight Over Wyoming

The Yankee Lady, a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress, made her final flight across the West and Wyoming this past week. It was emotional for fans of the famous bomber, which was featured in the movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!”

Cody Couple Selling Historic Cabin Thought To Be Part Of "Wyoming Atlantis"

The couple was told the small, historic cabin on their Cody property came from Marquette, aka "Wyoming Atlantis,” a town submerged under Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The couple will only sell it to someone who respects the cabin’s history.

Haunted Wyoming: White Devil, The Spectral Horse That Protects Wild Mustangs

The White Devil was a ghostly white stallion in the 1800s who protected his herds of wild mustangs against the cowboys who attempted to rope them. It's said that this spectral horse still roams the Rattlesnake Range above Casper, Wyoming.

Yellowstone To Remove 1,375 Bison, But Some Say It Should Be More, Not Less

Yellowstone will remove 1,375 bison through its Interagency Bison Management Plan. It's part of an ongoing effort to limit bison numbers that some say is driven by political pressure, and that the park should have more bison, not less.

Cassie Craven:  Our Citizens Killing Themselves Is Worth The ‘Uprising’

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Reading Susan Stubson’s column reminded me of a recent JD Vance interview, in which he said candidly, ‘Do you hear yourself Martha?’ We rank third in the nation for suicide – but that is not worthy of an ‘uprising’?”

Rod Miller: Drugstore Cowboys in Westonistan

Columnist Rod Miller writes: "Will the commissars of Westonistan decide that their new borders, and the rich Ivermectin deposits within them, aren’t adequately protected by law enforcement and the military based in Cheyenne? Will they decide to raise a standing army of their own to do the job?"

History Come Alive: San Diego Man Discovers Documents About 140-Year-Old Cheyenne Building

A San Diego Man found a treasure trove of documents about a 140-year-old Cheyenne building. His great-great-grandfather ran a grocery store there that's now Bohemian Metals.

Cheyenne Man’s Midlife Career Change: From TV Reporter To Truck Driver

When longtime Denver TV reporter Daryl Orr lost his job unexpectedly in midlife, he wasn’t worried — until everyone kept telling him he was overqualified. So the Cheyenne man decided to do something completely different: become a truck driver (and he loves it).

Why Couldn't Wyoming Wildfires Be Put Out By Cloud Seeding?

With almost a million acres of land burned up in Wyoming this year by wildfire, why not use cloud seeding to help? For cloud seeding to even have a chance, a cloud is needed -- something Wyoming hasn't had much of lately.

Letter To The Editor: If Re-Elected, Trump Should Have More Control Over Federal Agencies

Dear editor: In response to Mr. DeGroot’s recent letter claiming that President Trump, if re-elected, wants more control over federal agencies, I say YES he darn well should.

Douglas Photographer, Casper Author Create Wildlife Book For Kids

A lifelong passion for the Cowboy State and its wildlife has prompted a Douglas photographer and a Casper children's author to create a wildlife book for kids. It features animal moms and their young to inspire a curiosity about the wild side of Wyoming.

Haunted Wyoming: Soldier Was Ambushed And Buried In 1866, Then He Returned To Fort

Known as “Dead Duck,” a Wyoming Territory soldier was killed in an ambush by Indians during the Fetterman Fight in 1866, and buried. At least that's what he was told when he returned to the fort.

Wyoming History: Beloved Sheriff Gunned Down By Hole In The Wall Gang In 1899

Converse County Sheriff Josiah Hazen became a notch on the belt for a member of the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang in 1899. He was gunned down after tracking them following a train robbery.

No State Income Tax, Low Cost Of Living Vault Casper Into Top 10 Retirement Cities

A national financial study ranks Casper in the top 10 best communities for retirement. They cite a low cost of living, access to health care and no state income tax.

NFL Star Logan Wilson Is Still A Casper Boy, Promoting His Hometown And Wyoming

Logan Wilson may be an NFL star, but he remains a Casper boy at heart, and isn’t shy about telling the world about it. He is partnering with Visit Casper to actively promote his hometown and the state of Wyoming.

Letter To The Editor: Do Not Let The Government Delist Grizzly Bears

Dear editor: Make honoring 399 an issue every election. Hold your representatives and senators accountable to protecting wildlife and protecting public lands

Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Politics – The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “In a recent story, Cheney tried to explain how a person who is pro-life, such as herself, can support Harris. It was pretty convoluted. I always was a big supporter of Liz Cheney and her family. Alas, no more."

Joan Barron: The Fourth Estate May Finally Win Something 

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The fourth estate will keep the one fragile scrap it has left of journalist privilege: photojournalists will still be allowed to shoot photos from the corridors or halls outside the Wyoming Legislature’s senate and house."

74-Foot-Long Wyoming Dino Burned In A Fire Revealed As A New Species

The newest Wyoming dinosaur, an Ardetosaurus viator which was discovered near Shell, had to cross an ocean and go through a fire before being recognized as a new species. Luckily, after 147 million years, its time has come.

The American West: The Many Ways James Bowie Died At The Alamo

James Bowie either died: as a murder victim; a suicide; a battle casualty; or of sadistic torture. He may have died fighting from his sickbed; died helplessly in his sickbed; or died of illness before Mexican soldiers did the job. He may have been killed by swords, bayonets, gunfire, or fire.  

Haunted Wyoming: Ghosts Still Have Prohibition Liquor Parties At Greybull Hotel

The historic Greybull Hotel was owned by a rum runner during Prohibition who had a hidden speakeasy in the basement where he served up illegal scotch. Seems the good times never stopped for the ghosts that still hold Prohibition liquor parties there.

Cattle Mutilations Across Wyoming And The West In 1970s Still A Mystery

Cattle mutilations made headlines around Wyoming and the West in the mid-1970s. One former law officer recalls the ridicule investigators took while seeking answers for the gruesome discoveries, which are still a mystery.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Riverton’s Chandelle Group Talks, And Argues, Politics

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches around the state to hear their top concerns before the election. Riverton's Chandelle Group has been meeting for years. They allow women to join, but tame the jokes when one does.

With Elk Fire 73% Contained, Locals Try To Reclaim “Some Level Of Normal”

Progress fighting the Elk Fire on the eastern Wyoming Bighorns is accelerating, going from 58% percent contained Friday to 73% Saturday. That’s allowing locals to try and reclaim “some level of normal.”

How Rock Springs Almost Collapsed Into Abandoned Coal Mines Underneath It

Rock Springs, Wyoming, was built on top of dozens of coal mine tunnels that fueled Union Pacific’s Westward rail expansion. For decades after the mines closed, the town almost collapsed into the abandoned mines it was built on.

Freedom Caucus Wants Lawsuit Over Misleading Political Mailers Thrown Out

The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus on Friday filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it by two state legislators. They accuse the group of sending out deliberately false and misleading mailers and text messages.

"Hot And Heavy" Early Voting Across Wyoming Is Smashing Primary Turnout So Far

Early voting leading up to the Nov. 5 general election has had huge turnouts all across Wyoming. In Cheyenne, the wait to vote can take up to 30 minutes with a line of voters out the door and down the street every day.

Fremont County Group Fights To Kill Tax Grants To Private Businesses

Fremont County residents and visitors have poured $14.7 million of their tax dollars into economic development and transportation services since April 2021. An “axe the tax” group is trying to kill the tax this election cycle.

The Roundup: A Haunted Tour of the Cowboy State

This week, host Wendy Corr takes listeners on a haunted tour of Wyoming! From the belltower of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cheyenne to the banks of Badwater Creek in Fremont County, Cowboy State Daily reporters tell tales of ghostly spirits and unexplained phenomenon.

The American West: A Bronc Rider Named “Blanket of the Sun”

Nez Perce cowboy Waaya-Tonah-Toesits-Kahn not only rode with Chief Joseph, but was named Saddle Bronc Riding Champion of the World at age 53. He's in both the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Aerial Scans Happening For First Time In Wyoming To Find Valuable Minerals

They can do that? Scanning the earth’s crust 3,300 feet below ground from the air looking for minerals might sound far-fetched, but the science is real, and being used for the first time in Wyoming.

Nevada Rancher Totals Wild Turkey With Toyota Near Devils Tower

There's another month until Thanksgiving, but a Nevada rancher is giving thanks after totaling a wild Wyoming turkey near Devils Tower. His truck didn’t suffer any serious damage. The same can't be said for the turkey.

Dennis Sun: Unmanaged Wild Horses Are A Problem

Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "A recent study published by the University of Wyoming noted sage grouse are suffering from unmanaged, high numbers of wild horses in Wyoming’s various herd management areas.

Letter To The Editor: One Good Reason Not To Vote For Trump

Dear editor: There are many reasons not to vote for Donald Trump. High on the list is his intent to violate the constitutional tenet of separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Letter To The Editor: A Vote For Harris/Walz Is A Vote Against America

Dear editor: Our local House and Senate Democrat candidates agree with Biden/Harris and Harris/Walz, thus to vote local Democrats into our legislature and to continue nationally with a Harris/Walz administration is delusional at best and extremely dangerous at worst.

Letter To The Editor: Reader Will Not Denigrate Celebration Of Grizzly 399's Life

Dear editor: In response to Susan Caraveau's emotional letter to "tree huggers and nature lovers," her bitter verbiage was more a case of making stuff up, expressed by a person who is not mindful of a much better world around us, here in Wyoming.

Jonathan Lange: Did Any Adults Question Kelly Walsh's Bloody Marching Band Routine?

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "As I watched this disturbing routine, I could not help but ask myself: Who were the adults in the room? Who wrote it? Who choreographed it? Who selected the music? Did anybody, anywhere along the way, question its propriety?"

Guilty Plea For Yellowstone Concession Worker Who Attacked Park Ranger

Chloe Lynn Tullis, a contract worker in Yellowstone, changed her plea from not guilty to guilty in the U.S. District Court for Wyoming on one charge of assaulting a federal police officer and another of interfering with one. 

Park County Saddened By Deaths Of Well-Known Pastor, “Living Legend” Taxidermist

The deaths of two well-known Park County residents has saddened the communities of Cody and Powell. Cody Bible Church Pastor Jeff McKearney and Steven Werbelow of Powell, a “living legend” in the taxidermy industry, were found dead Wednesday in an RV.

Grizzly 399 Could Be Cremated; Cody Crematorium Explains How It's Done

Paul Davis, owner of Yellowstone Pet Cremations in Powell, said he has the capacity to cremate Grizzly 399 — if that’s what’s decided to be done. His business has worked with the Fish & Wildlife Service to dispose of the remains of other protected species.

Two Accused Of Running Illegal Online Gambling Operations In Gillette And Casper

A Gillette woman appeared in a Casper courtroom Thursday accused of helping run illegal gambling operations out of coffee shops and a vape store in three Wyoming towns. Her boss, a Casper man, was charged earlier this month.

Driver Who Killed Grizzly 399 Did Nothing Wrong, Sheriff’s Office Says

Contrary to public outcry from some to prosecute the driver who hit and killed Grizzly 399, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says that’s not likely to happen. Its investigation shows the driver wasn’t speeding and did nothing wrong.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, October 25, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, October 25, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * What Will Happen To Grizzly 399’s Body? * WHP Troopers Rescue Another Kidnapped Teen Girl * Wyoming Governor’s Office Haunted By Past Governor

Kidnapped Teen Girl Saved After Wyoming High-Speed Chase Is Second In 5 Days

For the second time in five days, Wyoming law enforcement rescued a teen girl who was kidnapped in another state. A man was arrested Thursday after trying to dodge spike strips while being chased north on I-25, then south again after he inexplicably turned around.

Brief: Fremont County Coroner Seeks Someone To Claim Body Of Washington Man

A 64-year-old Washington state man died Oct. 13 after rolling his Jeep in Dubois, Wyoming, with a 0.298% blood-alcohol concentration. Now the local coroner is seeking someone to claim his body.

Legislature Advances Proposal To Show Live, Electronic Scoring Of Votes

A committee of the Wyoming Legislature advanced a proposal on Thursday that would allow the public to see a live electronic scorecard for each roll call vote taken during the session.

Letter To The Editor: The Bear Is Gone. What About The Driver?

Dear editor: To all those tree huggers and nature lovers, sh*t happens! There has not been one word written about the well-being of the unfortunate driver who accidentally hit the bear! Unbelievable!

Cheyenne PD Wants Dismissal Of Racism Claim From Red Light Traffic Stop

The Cheyenne Police Department is asking a federal judge to dismiss a Black man’s racial discrimination lawsuit, saying the man didn’t stay within the rules for making that claim.

Hageman, Gordon And Legislators Want Federal Lands Turned Over To States

Rep. Harriet Hageman, Gov. Mark Gordon and 26 members of the Wyoming Legislature want federal lands turned over to states. They’ve all filed briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court this week supporting Utah in its lawsuit to liberate BLM lands.

The American West: Amelia Earhart’s Cross-Country Autogiro Jaunt Included Wyoming

Famed female pilot Amelia Earhart stopped at several Wyoming Towns in 1931 as she set out to establish a round-trip record flying an experimental aircraft called the autogiro.

Fish And Wildlife Service Has Grizzly 399’s Body, Now Determining What To Do With It

The Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday said it has possession of Grizzly 399’s body and is in the "early stages of determining the next steps.” Fans of the fallen grizzly told Cowboy State Daily they want some kind of memorial for the bear.

Letter To The Editor: Maybe It's Time To Retire Some Counties

Dear editor: Doug Gerard’s letter of reluctant agreement with Tom Lubnau’s editorial opinion on Weston County’s insistence on having a State Senator is both funny and interesting.

Sally Ann Shurmur: Chasing The Elusive On The Field And At The Store

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “The inquiries started coming in before the San Jose State debacle was even over. A Cowboy from a long time ago wanted to know the last time the Pokes finished the season with just one win."

Former Riverton Cop Busted With Mail-Order Steroids Gets Deal

A former Riverton Police Department officer accused of mail-ordering illegal steroids has signed a plea agreement that could keep a felony off his record. Logan Alley admitted to buying the illegal steroids for his own use, court documents say.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Lander’s Fox News All-Stars Lean Right — But Not All The Time

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches across Wyoming before the election to see what topics are being discussed. The Fox News All-Stars, in Lander, is one of the state's oldest groups. Politics dominates the conversation, mostly leaning right — but not all the time.

Legislature Backs Off Plan To Limit Press Access At Wyoming Capitol

A proposal to restrict press access to some areas of the Wyoming Capitol during the legislative session was scrapped Thursday. The original idea was intended to ensure privacy for lawmakers and prevent overcrowding of the halls.

How Grizzly 399 Became The Most Popular Bear In The World

Grizzly 399’s rise to worldwide fame was achieved when she raised triplets near humans just as social media was taking-off. It also involved a decision in 2007 to let her live after she bit a Lander schoolteacher while protecting her cubs.

Thermopolis FFA Alumni Treasurer Accused Of Embezzling More Than $15,000

The treasurer of the Thermopolis, Wyoming, Future Farmers of America alumni committee is accused of embezzling more than $15,000 from the group. She allegedly admitted to police she took the money.  

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, October 24, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, October 24, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: * Grizzly 399 Struck & Killed By Car * Biologists:  Grizzly 399’s Cub Can Survive * No Quarter Pounders Left In Wyo Due To eColi

Bill Would Give State Authority To Dissolve Businesses Owned By Foreign Adversaries

The state Legislature’s Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee is taking aim at Wyoming businesses owned by foreign adversaries. A bill advanced Tuesday would give the state the authority to dissolve them.

Spirit, Grizzly 399’s Huge Cub, Has “High Chances” Of Survival Without Mom

Wildlife biologists say Grizzly 399's yearling cub, Spirit, has a "high chance of survival" even after the death of its mother. They think, even though it's not two years old yet, it will have the instinct to find a suitable den.

Casper Man Who Killed Alleged Child Molester Sues Over Toe Amputated In Prison

A Casper, Wyoming, man who killed his granddaughter’s alleged molester four years ago is suing a health care provider over his toe being amputated in prison. He claims the doctors didn't apply the right salve to a wound.

Douglas Woman Gets 14-23 Years In Prison For Abusing, Killing Mother

Edwina Leman was sentenced to between 14 and 23 years in prison for abusing her elderly mother and fatally injuring her. The prosecutor played videos in court, of Leman attacking and insulting her sickly mother. A defense attorney said Leman suffered from caretaker’s burnout.  

Wyoming And The World Hit Hard By Death Of World’s Most Famous Bear, Grizzly 399

The long reign of the “Queen of the Tetons” came to an end late Tuesday, when Grizzly 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle south of Jackson. “Horrible news. She made it all the way to 28, only to get killed by a car," said wildlife photographer Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven.

Grand Teton Wildlife Officials “Devastated” By Death Of Grizzly 399

As the public responds with grief over the death of Grizzly 399, Grand Teton wildlife officials are “devastated.” They say the world's most famous bear had become a symbol for the Grand Tetons and the state of Wyoming.

Wyoming Ranchers Say Fed Guidelines To Reduce Beef More Evidence Radical Interests Have Taken Over

New federal guidelines released this week suggesting Americans eat less beef is more proof that radical interests have taken over, say Wyoming ranchers and farmers. It's all political they say and has nothing to do with science.

Wyoming Whiskey Hits No. 2 On USA Today List Of The Nation’s Best Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey has hit No. 2 on USA Today’s annual list of the nation’s best whiskey. It’s a huge leap from its “horrible” first batch, in the words of its co-founder, to now selling $500 bottles of limited-edition whiskey to connoisseurs.

In Brief: Appeals Court Upholds Order To Allow 195-Foot Wapiti Cell Tower

A federal appeals court Friday backed a lower court's order that the Park County Commission must OK the building of a 195-foot cellphone tower in Wapiti just outside Yellowstone National Park. 

Wyoming-Made Pedestal Holds Up Mammoth 11.50-Ton Quarter Pounder

A mammoth 11.5-ton Quarter Pounder outside a South Dakota McDonald’s was made by a Utah sculptor and is a selfie magnet. It’s held up by a huge Wyoming-made granite pedestal, and both artists say it’s the weirdest project they’ve ever done.

World Famous Grizzly 399 Dead After Hit By Vehicle

Grizzly 399, perhaps the most famous and popular bear in the world, was hit by a car and killed Tuesday night. She was 28. The bear’s identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.

Letter To The Editor: Tom Lubnau Is Actually Right On Something

Dear editor: Lubnau is right: you can't just pull legislative seats out of thin air like a magician at the county fair. Weston County's push for new representatives is like trying to lasso the wind — bold but bound to not catch much.

Rod Miller: Charlie Goodnight’s Ink Bottle

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "There’s an old legend among cowboys that Charlie Goodnight never allowed alcohol on his ranch. I found his dump on that ride, and poked through it for old whiskey bottles to test that legend. All I found was an ink bottle, purpled by the sun."

Wyoming Part Of Multi-State McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak, Quarter Pounders Pulled

Wyoming is one of at least 10 Western states where people eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have been infected with E. coli food poisoning. The cases, so far, involve residents of Natrona and Sweetwater counties.

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * Weston County Votes To Create Own Legislative Seats  * Woman Who Ran Over Ex And Killed Him Gets 45 To Life * Hunters Save Life Of Man Trapped Over His Own Motorcycle

Sheridan County GOP Shares, Then Deletes, Racist Post About Trump At McDonald’s

The Sheridan County Republican Party is taking some heat after it shared a racist post to its Facebook page featuring former President Donald Trump. The post was quickly deleted, and the party’s chairman says it crossed the line.

Woman Who Killed Ex By Running Him Down In SUV In Rock Springs Gets 45 To Life

A Utah woman who killed her ex-boyfriend by running him over in an SUV in a Rock Springs parking lot was sentenced Tuesday. Rene Daniels will serve between 45 years and life in prison.

Antelope Butte Preps For Ski Season In The Shadow Of Massive Wildfire

Getting ready for the ski season has been more challenging this year at Antelope Butte Ski Resort. That’s because the resort also has been a spike camp for some of the hundreds of firefighters battling the 96,000-acre Elk Fire.

Man Stuck Under Crashed Motorcycle Near Encampment Saved By Hunters

Two hunters saved a man's life last week near Encampment when they spotted the tip of a cowboy boot being waved from a culvert. It was a motorcyclist who had crashed and was trapped under his bike. "I’m alive to talk about it today because they stopped," he said.

Construction Underway On Testing Facility At TerraPower’s Wyoming Nuclear Plant Site

Construction is happening in Kemmerer at the site of the future TerraPower nuclear plant site. But it’s not the actual plant that’s being built, it’s a test and fill facility, the first step of many before the plant finally opens in 2030.

Thermopolis Man Sues Cops, Deputies Over Break-In And Tasing

A Thermopolis man filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Thermopolis cops and local deputies. He claims he was tased and injured by officers when they illegally broke into his home.  

Tom Lubnau:  Weston County Commissioners Can’t Ignore The U.S. Constitution  

Tom Lubnau writes, "By demanding one representative and senator per county, Weston County is demanding 15 times the voting power for each of its citizens than they want to afford to the citizens of Laramie County. "

Weston County Votes To Create Own Legislative Seats, Now Waits To Be Sued

Weston County commissioners voted Tuesday to fill legislative seats the county created. The county also expects to be sued over the vote and efforts to strongarm its own representatives onto the Wyoming Legislature.

Astrophotographers, Climatologists Say 2024 Best Year Ever For Auroras And Best Is Yet To Come

Although it's been a bumper year for aurora activity, astrophotographers and climatologists aren't bored with the activity. Anything but. They still get thrilled by the northern lights and say the best is yet to come.

Huge Wyoming Wildfires Can Still Be Dangerous, Firefighters Warn

Last week’s blast of winter cooled down the Elk and Pack Trail fires that have burned 185,000 acres in Wyoming. But firefighters warn that the fires aren’t out and can still be dangerous.

Candy Moulton: We Checked An Item Off The Bucket List Before It Burned

Columnist Candy Moulton writes, "Our fire crews and residents near the fires need a break. Hey, Don Day, could you give Mother Nature a call and get the moisture spigot turned on again?"

Cheyenne House Race: Candidates Say Opponents Way Out Of Touch With Voters

In a battle for Cheyenne's House District 11, both candidates are saying their opponent is out of touch with local voters. Jacob Wasserburger's mailer features his opponent with President Biden while Sara Burlingame's mailer shows her opponent shirtless wearing a top hat.

Letter To The Editor: Gary Brown Stands For The Republican Platform

Dear editor: Gary wanted to be a father and the person who he thought loved him, took that away from him. It devastated him, he now stands up any chance he can to fight for the lives of other unborn children and the men who want to be fathers but are never given that choice.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: * Highway Patrol Saves Girl From Wanted Predator * Even Vacant Lots In Jackson Hole Cost Over $5M * Don Day Says Expect A “Roller Coaster” Of Weather

Want A View Of The Tetons? Vacant Lot In Jackson Hole Will Cost You $5.5 Million

In 1992, a 1.5 acre vacant lot with a view of the Tetons in Jackson Hole cost $70,000. Today, the average price tag for single-family lots valley-wide is a whopping $5.57 million.

Laramie County Buys Wyoming’s Tallest Building To House Its Growing Government

In anticipation of future growth of local government because of an influx of population, Laramie County recently paid $5.5 million to buy the tallest building in Wyoming. The Wyoming Financial Center building is nine stories and 148 feet tall.

Barrasso Joins Trump At Steelers Game; Crowd Gives Ex-Pres Thunderous Welcome

Wyoming's senior senator John Barrasso joined former President Trump at the Steelers game Sunday night in Pittsburgh. Barrasso told Cowboy State Daily the crowd was "overwhelmingly receptive, chanting USA, USA, USA" when Trump was announced.

Don Day Says Expect A “Roller Coaster” Of Weather, And A Chilly Halloween

Meteorologist Don Day says that after last week's blast of winter weather, Wyoming can expect a “roller coaster rebound” of weather for the rest of October. And a cold Halloween will likely mean kids will have to bundle up for trick-or-treating.

J.D. Vance Says Cheney Has “Obsessive Hatred” For Wyoming Voters Who Ousted Her

J.D. Vance lashed out against former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney on Sunday. He said her support of Kamala Harris is motivated by an “obsessive hatred” toward Wyoming voters who ousted her.

Controversial Laramie Democrat Karlee Provenza Seeks Third Term In House

State Rep. Karlee Provenza is one of the few Democrat fixtures in the Wyoming Legislature and isn’t shy about sharing her liberal views. That’s why her Republican opponent for House District 45 says she doesn’t represent her constituents.

Wyoming Rare Earths Producer Close To Completing $53 Million Processing Plant

Rare Element Resources needs one more thumbs-up from a federal agency to complete its $53 million rare earth demonstration plant in Upton. The rare earth refinery is billed as a game-changer not just for Wyoming, but America.

Casper Juvenile Male In Serious Condition After Early Morning Shooting At Party

A juvenile male was shot by an underage suspect at an early morning party Saturday in Casper. The victim is in serious condition, while little information is being released about the city’s latest in a string of violent youth assaults and killings.

Letter To The Editor: Two Thumbs Down For Gary Brown For WY House District-41.

Dear editor: I am a fifth-generation Wyoming citizen, a parent of two Wyoming daughters, and a Republican. This is a critical time in our Wyoming’s history. I do not support Cheyenne resident Gary Brown for House District 41.

Dave Simpson: Smile When You Call Us 'Far Right'

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, “Call us what you want – far right, farther right, right wing, whatever. It looks like good old conservative common sense to me.”

Parkman Bar Holds ‘Let It Rain’ Concert To Say 'Thank You' To Firefighters

Around 500 people showed up for the Parkman Bar and Grill’s “Let it Rain” concert Saturday to say thank you from the community to the firefighters battling the Elk Fire. Cars lined the highway for a couple of miles before and after the bar but attendees said it was worth the walk.

Wyoming Troopers Save Kidnapped Teen Girl From Sex Offender And “Wanted Predator”

A 13-year-old South Dakota girl allegedly abducted by a registered sex offender was recovered by Wyoming State Troopers on Sunday. Hours after the girl was reported missing, the suspect tried to outrun the WHP and was caught near Rawlins.

The American West: Using A “Two-Wheeled Man-Tormentor” To Cross The Plains

After crossing the Atlantic, the travelers now faced several weeks of grueling travel pushing and pulling what was called a “two-wheeled man-tormentors” although one historian said it “might be bettered rendered as ‘two-wheeled torture devices.’”

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, October 21, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, October 21, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Texas Brings Hay For Wyo Ranchers * Snow Helps Fires But Warm Weather Back * Haunted Wyoming: Lost Hunter Saved By Ghost

Wyoming High Schoolers Use Bugs, Power Tools To Clean Skulls For Hunters

Bugs and power tools are part of the curriculum for a class of Wyoming high schoolers. It’s the Bugs N’ Bones class at Wind River High, where students learn while they clean skulls for hunters.

Spirit Cave Went From National Attraction To An Abandoned Hole In A Mountain

Buffalo Bill Cody wanted Spirit Mountain Cave to be a huge draw for Wyoming, and President Taft made it a national monument. But the labyrinth of caverns never reached its potential and now is just an abandoned hole in a mountain.

The American West: Marie Dorion - Toughest Woman in the Old West

Despite a life of adventure, hardship, and bravery, Marie Dorion does not receive the recognition in history she earned and deserves. Other than a scattering of cursory historical markers, there are few reminders of the woman who may well have been the toughest in the Old West.

Scientists Learn A Lot Watching A Pack Rat Rot In Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave

When paleontologists uncovering Ice Age fossils in Wyoming’s Natural Trap Cave found the remains of a modern pack rat, they didn’t throw it away. Instead, they gave it a name "Packy Le Pew,” and studied it as it decomposed.

Haunted Wyoming: Kirwin Is A Ghost Town Haunted By Real Spirits

A fortune was spent building the mining boom town of Kirwin, Wyoming, only for the people living there to abandon it, terrified by ghostly voices. They didn’t even bother to pack their tools and other belongings, they just left.

Lander Vietnam Vet On Mission To Uncover Dad’s Heroic WWII Past

Lander Vietnam veteran Andy Gramlich knew his dad as an angry man who drank. It wasn’t until decades after the fact he found out about his heroic past as a World War II glider pilot. The revelation was an “emotional game-changer," he says.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Casper Old Guys Solve World’s Problems Over Coffee, And A Little Liquor

Cowboy State Daily is visiting coffee klatches across Wyoming to see what issues are front and center before the election. In Casper, the "Old Guy's Club" meets on Tuesdays at 10am. Coffee is the main drink, although some spice it up a bit with booze.

Letter To The Editor: Amendment A Gives Special Tax Breaks To A Select Group

Dear editor: It is best not to enable the Legislature to discriminate in favor of a select group of taxpayers -- ones who are actually likely to be better off than the rest -- and against others.

Hundreds Of Wyoming Coal Jobs Threatened By Federal Regulation, Legislator Says

A state legislator says the future of a coal mine that employs hundreds of Sheridan County people is threatened by proposed federal regulation. Cyrus Western is worried the feds will cut the Spring Creek mine’s available coal by half because of a proposed revision to an environmental impact statement.

Almost No Growth For Wyoming’s Large Wildfires, But Weather Reprieve Is Over

A two-day blast of winter dropped significant rain and snow on Wyoming’s two large wildfires, slowing them to almost no growth. But that reprieve is over, with warmer temperatures and more fire activity expected.

Thank you Texas! Texas Ranchers Hauling Hay To Wyoming

When wildfires devastated ranches in Texas in 2022, Wyomingites were quick to haul trucks of hay for livestock there. Now ranchers there are returning the favor after fires have burned more than 810,000 acres across Wyoming.

Rod Miller: Snow Is Just Another Four-Letter Word

Columnist Rod Miller writes: “I sincerely believe that hell will not be a hot place. It will be a cold, dead, snow-covered ridge-top where the wind never stops blowing and you forgot to put on your long johns.”

Cassie Craven:  Critical Race Theory Is Repackaged Racism

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Teaching our kids that because they are white, they are the 'oppressor' and should feel 'white guilt' is deceptive Marxist distortion. It promotes what it claims to eliminate.”

Hall-Of-Fame: It Takes Special Kind Of Tough To Be Wyoming Cowboy

Wyoming’s cowboys have endured the worst the state can throw at them — weather, horse wrecks and lost cattle. It takes a special kind of tough, and Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees say there’s nothing they’d rather do

Dog Killed In Beaver Trap Could Heat Up Debate For Wyoming Trapping Reform

An Afton woman whose dog was killed in a beaver trap is pushing for trapping reform in Wyoming. But a trapper argues the changes would do more harm than good.

Perfectly Preserved Wyoming Allosaur Snout Excites Dinosaur Researchers

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is all smiles after recovering an Allosaurus snout from the Jurassic Mile near Lovell, Wyoming. What has them most excited is its 150-million-year-old perfectly preserved teeth.

Serious Health Conditions Don’t Stop Kids From Hunting Wyoming Big Game

Kaden Achor might not be able to walk because of cerebral palsy, but that didn’t stop him from stalking a big Wyoming bull elk. He crawled the last 75 yards or so across rough ground between Farson and Lander, trying his best to dodge prairie cactus. Then he had to pull off a 500-yard shot.

Haunted Wyoming: Lost Hunter Saved By Ghost Boy In Bighorn Mountains

A 17-year-old hunter lost on Trapper Creek in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains in 1951 found his way thanks to a boy in a red flannel shirt. Locals say he was saved by the ghost of another 17-year-old who died on his own hunting trip 19 years before.

Cincinnati Museum Searching For Dinosaurs In Little-Known Almond Formation In SW Wyoming

The Cincinnati Museum Center has spent several summers combing through the Almond Formation in southwest Wyoming. Tiny pieces of dinosaurs are being found in an overlooked and untapped formation from 71 million years ago.

Sheridan Couple Creates Jobs, Hope For People In The World’s Poorest Countries

Emily and Colin Betzler run the Bought Beautifully boutique in Sheridan, Wyoming. They also are creating jobs and giving hope to people in some of the poorest countries on the planets by building a global pipeline to sell what they make.

Wapiti Tortoise Escapes, Makes It A Mile Uphill Before Jailbreak Is Discovered

Sheldon, a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise, escaped his outdoor habitat in Wapiti, Wyoming. He trudged a mile uphill into the mountains before his jailbreak was discovered and he was brought home.

Drinking Wyoming: Ghosts Might Join You For A Drink At Suds Bros. In Evanston

Patrons and employees report ghostly experiences at Suds Bros. Brewery in Evanston. It’s in a historic building built in 1890 that was America’s second JCPenney store and, at one time, tied into Evanston’s underground tunnels.

Wyoming Man Helps Rescue Girl Abused By Dad And Trafficked For Sex By Mom

When she was 7, her dad abused her, and her mother began sex trafficking her to men when she was 10. Now Blue is 18 and trying to help children after being rescued with the help of a Wyoming man and her new Cowboy State “mother.”

The American West: The Bloody Adventures of Harry Tracy

In 1896, Harry Tracy - who was wanted for murder in Utah - joined Butch Cassidy’s notorious “Wild Bunch’’ at their hideout in Wyoming. Although his life of crime was short-lived, its brevity was punctuated by dishonesty, murder, and terror.

Insurance Companies Rejecting Wyoming Homeowners In Wildfire-Threatened Areas

When Bridget and Steve Snyder’s homeowners insurance policy expired four months ago, their provider refused to renew it because of wildfire risk. Now they’re threatened by the Elk Fire with no insurance — a problem happening across the nation.

Joan Barron: Former Tea Party Head Predicts Property Tax Ballot Issue Won’t Pass

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "With the general election drawing nearer, the activity to support passage of the '4 Property tax reform'  ballot proposal is almost nil."

Bill Sniffin: Wyoming’s Is Famous For Broken Windshields – Here's Why

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Wyoming is the windiest state in America and that requires some special kind of heavier rocks on our roads in bad weather – which can come just about any time of year.”

Letter To The Editor: God Bless Our Founding Fathers And Their Wisdom

Dear editor: If Mr. McEvoy does not like our system or the state of Wyoming. Then move! Go to California or New York or England. However, he would rather exercise his first amendment rights. Which is fine but you have a choice. 

Evacuations Lifted For All But 1 Person In Path Of Massive Wyoming Wildfires

Evacuations have been lifted for all but 1 person in the path of two massive Wyoming wildfires on Saturday. Two days of rain and snow haven’t put out the Elk and Pack Trail fires, but has “really put a hurt” on them.

Yellowstone’s Least-Used Entrance Leads To Waterfalls, Historic Army Outpost

Yellowstone refers to the Bechler region as the park’s least traveled entrance because it is so far from any developed areas inside or outside the park. The dirt road barely shows up on some maps, but leads to stunning waterfalls, fields of blue meadows, and an historic Army outpost.

Douglas Man Guilty Of Killing Cousin After Drinking Binge, Jury Finds

A Douglas man who had a long and sometimes traumatic Army career was found guilty of second-degree murder Friday. Mark Helms shot his cousin to death after a night of drinking in September 2023.  

Letter to the Editor: Defending Mining Jobs Like Our Lives Depend On It, Because They Do

Dear editor: As if Wyoming hasn’t suffered enough from regulatory assault recently - think what the BLM is trying to do in the Southwest or the Powder River Basin - we’re facing yet another disastrous potential outcome.

Uranium Energy Corp. To Increase Wyoming Production Capacity To 8.1 Million Pounds

Wyoming has approved a Uranium Energy Corps. application to double capacity at its plant in the Powder River Basin. That gives the company capacity to process 12.1 million pounds of uranium, 8.1 million pounds of which are in Wyoming.

Wyoming Man Trying To Get Federal Machine Gun Ban Overturned

A Wapiti, Wyoming, man is trying to overturn the nation's general ban on machine guns, and on Friday took his case to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. A firearms law experts says he makes a "respectable" argument, but a 2008 court ruling will likely block him.

Number One Topic At Cheyenne Barbershops: Politics, Politics, Politics

Cheyenne barber Glen Chavez isn't shy about saying the current administration has turned the U.S. into a third world country. Other barbers, however, try to steer the conversation away from politics. But that's what customers want to talk about, they say.

The Roundup: A Conversation With Jeff Henry

This week, Wendy Corr chats with author, photographer, and longtime Yellowstone winter-keeper Jeff Henry. Henry talks about wolves, wildfires, and the magic of winter in Yellowstone National Park.

If Feds De-List Wolves, Will Other States Follow Wyoming’s Lead And Hunt Them?

The Fish & Wildlife Service is trying to remove federal protection for wolves across the Lower 48. If that happens, it would be up to the states whether to allow wolves to be hunted. Hunting is already allowed in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Wyoming Babies In The Running To Be Baby Of The Year, Featured In Good Housekeeping

Little Aaila Gurtler is 5 months old, has five siblings and loves to make gurgling monster noises. She’s also in the running to represent Wyoming as the next Baby of the Year to be featured in Good Housekeeping.

Dennis Sun: A Gold Mine on the Wyoming Plains

Columnist Dennis Sun writes, "The University of Wyoming is a treasure for the state of Wyoming in many ways. It gives so much back to the state, its people and others around the world."

Jonathan Lange: The Undead Amendment A Should Never Have Been Exhumed

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes: It is illegitimate for powerful people to use the color of state law to favor one use of private property while disfavoring another use of the same private property.

Letter to the Editor: American Red Cross Of Wyoming Can Help You Be Prepared

Dear editor: Thank you for your recent article about the UW student who ran into a deer on Highway 287 and was left without a working vehicle and no cellphone service. 

Shoshoni Woman Pleads Guilty To Shooting Naked Boyfriend, But Not His Harley

A Shoshoni woman could get up to seven years in prison after admitting Tuesday that she shot her naked boyfriend in the foot while he was putting his pants on. She was also accused of shooting his Harley-Davidson but that charge was dropped.

The American West: The 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty

After several years of sporadic warfare with the Lakota and other tribes, the federal government desired to make peace and sent messengers to inform the tribes of a peace council to be held at Fort Laramie in June 1866.

Immigration, Trump Main Themes As Barrasso Debates Opponent In Their Only Debate

Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and his Democratic opponent Scott Morrow met in their only debate of the election season Thursday night. They sparred over immigration COVID mandates and Trump.

Controversial Casper Gravel Pit Not Dead As Company Wants Court To Decide

Although local citizens were thrilled when the Natrona County commissioners killed a controversial gravel pit proposal last month, it isn't dead yet. The company filed a lawsuit on Thursday asking for a judicial review of the county's decision.

Snowstorm A “Thank You, God” Event For Those Living In Shadow Of Elk Fire

Seeing snow on the face of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains on Friday was a “thank you, God” moment for those threatened by the Elk Fire. It’s already burned 96,000 acres, but the storm has helped firefighters go from 28% containment to 44%.

Wyoming Man Caught In Child Sex Sting Video Pleads Not Guilty

A 57-year-old Hudson, Wyoming, man who was shown in a vigilante sex-crime YouTube video in Lander pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Thursday. He’s charged with attempted third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, October 18, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, October 18, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * Finally Snowy Weather On Wildfires * Grizzly Mauling Death Now Suspected Murder * New Welcome To Wyoming Signs Installed On Borders

Wyoming Part Of Huge Recall Of Foods Made With Possibly Tainted Meat

Wyoming is part of a nationwide recall of about 12 million pounds of potentially listeria-contaminated meat. The ready-to-eat chicken products are in a host of frozen dinners and brands, including the Walmart Great Value brand.

Weston County Defies Legislature, Will Appoint Its Own House, Senate Seats

The Weston County Commission is moving forward with a plan to create its own Wyoming House and Senate seats in defiance of the Legislature. Commissioners will vote next week to appoint people to fill those seats.

205-Acre Wind River Fire Started In Trash Barrel And Burned One Home

A fire near Riverton on the Wind River Indian Reservation on Wednesday started in a trash barrel and burned one home. The fire quickly blew up to more than 200 acres and jumped the river before firefighters knocked it down.

New “Welcome to Wyoming” Signs Going Up; Old Signs Will Be Sold At Auction

A new “Welcome to Wyoming” sign is being installed along highways around the state. The old signs will be sold at an upcoming auction and, in the past, have sold for as high as $10,000 per sign.

Letter To The Editor: Your Reader Has No Understanding What Fascism Is

Dear editor: Calling Trump a “fascist” when he has already been POTUS and didn’t do any of the things hyperbolic Democrats said would happen only underscores their state of hysteria and complete lack of understanding what fascism is.

Sally Ann Shurmur: University Of Wyoming's Football Season Is Half Over, Now What?

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Remember in December when newly minted Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel said the one thing left for the Wyoming Cowboys to achieve was a conference championship? With half the season completed, there is one win."

50-Person Search For Body Parts Near Cheyenne Got “All That We Could Find”

Laramie County officials have finished a 50-person search for human remains in a field south of Cheyenne, getting “all that we could find.” Now begins what could be a lengthy process of investigating who the person was.

Montana Man’s Death First Thought To Be Grizzly Mauling, Now Suspected Murder

A grizzly attack was initially suspected in the death of a Montana man found dead in his tent Saturday. But on Wednesday, authorities announced they’re now investigating it as a murder.

Challenger Calls Out Cheyenne Mayor For Keeping Massive Facebook Data Center Secret

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins is being called out by his challenger in the Nov. 5 election for signing an NDA to keep the massive Meta (aka Facebook) data center secret.

Riverton Man Charged With Beating Friend To Death Pleads Not Guilty

Accused of beating his friend to death in March, a 30-year-old Riverton man pleaded not guilty Thursday to manslaughter. The parents of his alleged victim cried in court and clutched a framed photograph of their son during the hearing.

Winter Storm Expected To Bring Snow To Most Of Wyoming By The Weekend

A winter storm moving across Wyoming is already dropping snow on the massive Pack Trail and Elk fires in northern Wyoming. By the time it’s done, most of Wyoming is expected to see some snow.

Firefighters’ Prayers Answered With Snow Falling On Huge Wyoming Wildfires

Snow is finally falling on a pair of huge Wyoming wildfires. It’s literally the answer to the prayers of firefighters and locals living under the threat of the Elk and Pack Trail fires.

New Charge For Laramie Man Accused Of Duct-Taping And Torturing Woman

A Laramie man accused of duct-taping and torturing a woman is now charged with pressuring his victim into saying he didn't do it. His case rose to the Albany County District Court on Wednesday. 

Jackson Hotel Worker Called In Sick A Month Ago, Hasn't Been Heard From Since

Police in Jackson, Wyoming, are asking for help in finding a 30-year-old hotel worker who’s been missing for a month. Braigene Collins called in sick to work Sept. 14 and hasn’t been heard from since.

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, October 17, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: * Sheridan Area Residents Cheer Snow Forecast * Man Charged With Bludgeoning Mother To Death Ruled Sane * Rock Springs Police Officers Literally Dodge Bullets Fired From House

2,000-Pound Esther Morris, Chief Washakie Statues Moved To Final Spots In Capitol

Statues honoring Esther Hobart Morris and Chief Washakie at the Wyoming Capitol were moved Wednesday. Even moving them from one end of a hall to another, it’s not easy moving 2,000-pound works of art.

Grass Fire Threatens Wind River Homes, Planes Respond

Fremont County officials scrambled Wednesday afternoon when high winds whipped up a small grass fire on the north end of the Wind River Indian Reservation, which jumped the Wind River and headed toward dense brush and thicker residential areas of Riverton, and prompted the evacuation of at least one home.  

Opponents Say Proposed Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting Ban Is “Ballot-Box Biology”

Colorado voters on Nov. 5 will decide a proposed ban on mountain lion hunting. The ballot question has sparked a debate over what opponents call managing wildlife through “ballot-box biology.”

Man Charged With Bludgeoning Mother To Death May Be Sane Now

Israel Melvin, 24, charged with murder after police found his mother bludgeoned to death in January, is sane enough for a competency hearing, his attorney and a judge indicated Wednesday.

Hageman says People In Path Of Wildfires Can Thank Feds And Their “Bad Policies”

A devastating Wyoming wildfire season got its start more than 20 years ago with a disastrous Bill Clinton roadless rule, Harriet Hageman said Wednesday. Those in the path of the fires can thank the feds and their “bad policies.”

Casper Anti-Abortion Protesters Want City Council To Stop Harassment

Nearly 20 people, including a state legislator, told the Casper City Council on Tuesday they're being harassed while protesting a local abortion clinic. They want to the city to do something about it.

Tom Lubnau:  Sometimes Wyoming Urban Legends Are True

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said a few weeks ago, 'Yes, they can control the weather. It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.'  The Greene weather discussion prompted thoughts of Wyoming-based conspiracy theories. Of the many out there, three come to mind."

Letter To The Editor: We Are On The Brink Of Facism

Dear editor: This election will be determined by a the same few swing states, not California! By law, Trump shouldn’t even be on the ballot, and yet here we are on the brink of fascism. 

Rock Springs Police Officers Literally Dodge Bullets Fired From House

Rock Springs police say a man shot at them from inside his home Monday, barely missing an officer who ducked. Police arrested Kevin William Lorentzen on suspicion of aggravated assault and reckless endangering.

Spry Wyoming Doe Has Burn Marks To Prove She Outran Huge Elk Fire

A Sheridan-area resident said a mule deer doe showed up on his property bearing burn marks from having outrun the massive, fast-moving Elk Fire. The fire has burned more than 92,000 acres across the face of the Wyoming Bighorns.

Sheridan Area Residents Cheer Forecast For 7-13 Inches Of Snow

People in Story and other communities along the Bighorns were literally cheering Wednesday when the weather forecast predicted 7-13 inches of snow. It will help, but it’s probably not a fire-killer.

Freedom Caucus Chair Claims Legislator Misusing Logos In Write-In Campaign

The chairman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus filed a complaint with the state Tuesday against another legislator. She claims Jon Conrad is misusing the logos of the Wyoming Legislature and Freedom Caucus in campaign messages.

Rod Miller: Where the Sun Don’t Shine In The Wyoming Legislature

Columnist Rod Miller writes: "There should be no 'safe spaces' in the capitol where legislators can go to hide so their feelings don’t get hurt by a curious press or a demanding public. Any public official in Wyoming who thinks otherwise would be well-advised to remember Richard Nixon."

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * Helicopter For Hiker Search Denied, Father Devastated * Finally Snow On The Way, Hopefully Will Help With Fires * Forest Service Won’t Blow Up Dead Horses Due To Wildfires

Wyoming Wants Supreme Court To Let States Decide Bans On Child Sex Changes

Wyoming joined 21 other states Tuesday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to leave decisions about regulating child sex changes to states. The federal government, on the other hand, says access to child sex changes is a constitutional right.

Local GOP Chair Says Kamala Billboard On Wyoming’s Highway 20 Will Help Trump

A billboard endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president has gone up along Highway 20 just outside Thermopolis, Wyoming. The local GOP chair says putting it in the middle of Republican-dominated Wyoming will only help Trump.

Candy Moulton: The Work of Fall - Celebrating Cowboys

Columnist Candy Moulton writes: “Judging from the young men and women who attended the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction, there is a long line of men and women who’ll be ready to join the ranks when they have 45 years of cowboy work from the back of horse under their belts.”

Special Prosecutor To Review Thermopolis Officer-Involved Shooting

Fremont County Attorney Patrick LeBrun has been appointed as the special prosecutor investigating a Sept. 9 Thermopolis officer-involved shooting, LeBrun confirmed Tuesday. It's his fifth time reviewing an officer-involved shooting.

Story’s Historic Wagon Box Restaurant Is Suddenly Closing For Winter

The owner of the Wagon Box in Story, Wyoming, announced Tuesday that the historic eatery and campground will close for the winter. The announcement caught employees completely off guard and scrambling to find new jobs.

Forest Service Won't Blow Up Dead Horses Due To Fire Danger

When a horse dies in the Wyoming backcountry, sometimes the best option is to blow it to pieces so it won’t attract grizzlies. In Wyoming right now, the U.S. Forest Service says the fire danger is too extreme to explode any dead backcountry horses.

Legislature Considers Limiting Press Access At Wyoming Capitol During Session

The Wyoming Legislature is considering a rule to restrict the access working press have to some areas of the state Capitol in Cheyenne. That includes hallways outside the Senate and House chambers traditionally used mostly by press photographers.

Massive Effort Building 7-Mile Line To Keep Elk Fire From Wyoming Towns

Firefighters have charred a 7-mile strip of ground between Big Horn and Story, starting from Goose Creek. It’s a buffer zone between Wyoming communities at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains that will act as a “catcher’s mitt” to stop the Elk Fire.

Search For Missing Hiker Stopped After U.S. Forest Service Denies Helicopter Drop

U.S. Forest Service authorities declined to authorize a helicopter drop of searchers into a remote region to look for missing hiker Austin King, who vanished last month. Federal officials said the attempt was too risky.

50 Investigators Search For More Body Parts In Field South Of Cheyenne

Construction workers found human remains on private land south of Cheyenne on Monday. About 50 investigators were on scene Tuesday, searching for the rest of the body.

Natrona County School Board Chair Says He’s Sorry For “Moms For Tyranny” Post

Natrona County school board Chairman Kevin Christopherson apologized Monday for calling local Moms For Liberty candidates “moms for tyranny.” He also said the two Moms For Liberty members already on the school board are “unhelpful.”

Elk, Pack Trail Fires Each Close In On 100,000 Acres, Snow Can’t Come Soon Enough

With Wyoming’s two active wildfires each closing in on 100,000 acres, snow expected for the end of the week can’t come soon enough. Even when it does, fire management officials say it won’t be enough to kill the Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Morning Show with Jake - Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tuesday's headlines include: * Cheyenne Construction Workers Find Dead Body * Elk Fire Expands To 90,000 Acres, Air Assault Launched * Winter weather arrives Thursday, Good News For Firefighters

Gang Of Raccoons Mobs Woman In Casper Hotel Parking Lot

A woman was mobbed by raccoons in a Casper hotel parking lot Sunday. A hotel employee said raccoons frequent the area, but don’t usually gang up on people.

Construction Workers Find Human Remains South Of Cheyenne

A construction crew found human remains Monday on private land south of Cheyenne. Investigators say portions of the body were scattered due to weather or wild animals.

Casper Abortion Clinic, Protesters Both Claim The Other's Harassing Them

A Casper abortion clinic wants a Casper City Council member to stop protestors harassing its patients. But the pro-life demonstrators say they’re the ones being harassed by clinic employees.

Dave Simpson: These Memories Last Forever

Columnist Dave Simpson writes, "“Travel as many miles as you have to, pay whatever you have to for a ticket, and stand in line for as long as it takes to see the musicians you love, in their prime, live and in person.”

Townspeople Of Story, Wyoming, Rally To Protect Homes In Path Of Huge Wildfire

It's a monumental challenge, but townspeople in the forested community of Story are rallying together to rid the area of pine needles, pine cones, and other fire fuels as the 90,000-acre Elk Fire gets closer and closer.

Lander Man Accused Of Stalking And Beating Ex With Bat Caught After Four Years

A Lander, Wyoming, man accused of beating his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend with a baseball bat saw his case rise to the felony-level court Friday — four years after charges were first filed.

Man Accused Of Gunning Down Disabled Landlord Drops Insanity Plea

A Fremont County man accused of gunning down and killing his former landlord, who was in a wheelchair, has dropped an insanity plea. Burdick Seminole allegedly told police he had enough of the other man “talking smack” about him.

Winter Finally Coming, With Desperately Needed Snow For Huge Wyoming Wildfires

A wave of winter weather will finally hit Wyoming to close out the week. It will bring some desperately needed snow to help the 1,500 firefighters battling the huge Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Mountain Lions Gobble Up Pets And Four Goats In Story, Wyoming

Mountain lions are killing pets and livestock, including four goats, in and around the tiny Wyoming mountain town of Story. An area houndsman has stepped in to help chase the lions out.

Pollster: Kamala Should Be Worried As Her Poll Numbers Continue To Slide

A national political pollster, who has done polling in Wyoming, says his 25 years of gauging support for candidates tell him that Vice President Kamala Harris should be worried. As her polling numbers drop, he says he’d put his money on Trump.

13 Aircraft Maintaining An All-Out Air Assault On 90,000-Acre Elk Fire

In addition to nearly 1,000 people fighting the Elk Fire on the ground, 13 aircraft are assigned to battle. It’s more than most fires get, and they’re maintaining an all-out aerial assault on the nearly 90,000-acre fire.

Wyoming Supreme Court Says State Has To Pay Some County Tax Bills

The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled last week that the state has to pay a Uinta County $8,160 in property tax for leasing a truck stop on state land. The ruling is likely to raise lease rates on state lands.

Morning Show with Jake - Monday, October 14, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Monday, October 14, 2024

Monday's headlines include: * Elk Fire Reaches 87,000 Acres * Missing Hiker Leaves Note In Yellowstone * Haunted Wyoming: The Ghost Ship Of The North Platte

Trying Not To Get Lost In An Elaborate Corn Maze A Wyoming Fall Rite Of Passage

Those who operate Wyoming’s elaborate corn mazes say their goal isn’t to get people lost, but it’s inevitable. It’s a fall rite of passage that celebrates Wyoming harvest with food, fun and pummeling Trump and Kamala with apples.

Clair McFarland: Firewood Warms You Til You're Sick To Your Stomach

Clair McFarland writes, "As we hauled logs I had to visualize my cozy fire to keep myself going. Don’t laugh: I’m a mother first, runner second. Lifter of anything heavier than a milk jug last."

Cassie Craven:  They Don’t Want To Call Anyone Daddy

Columnist Cassie Craven writes, “Why are we all pretending that a baby is not the result of male sperm? When a woman gets an abortion without the knowledge of the father, is that not the government allowing a decision to be made about his body too?”

Group Of Horses May Have Been Left Homeless By Wyoming Wildfires

The owner of an animal rescue facility east of Cheyenne wants the previous owners of a mare, her foal, and another mare that's pregnant to know that the animals are safe and will be well-cared for. She wonders if they were forced to sell because of the wildfires.

Reader Question: What Are Those Broken Heart Signs Along Wyoming Highways?

A Cowboy State Daily reader asked us about those white and red signs on the highway that feature a broken heart and a dove. They act as memorials for families in honor of their loved ones who lost their lives in traffic crashes on state and federal highways and interstates.

The American West: A Remarkable Shot at Adobe Walls

Two legends were born when Billy Dixon grabbed his friend's .50-caliber Sharps rifle and picked off an Indian nearly a mile away at the Second Battle of Adobe Walls. First, his marksmanship. Second, the accuracy and killing power of the Sharps rifle.

Haunted Wyoming: The Ghost Ship Of The North Platte

One of the more intriguing ghost stories in Wyoming is a ghost ship that appeared infrequently on the North Platte River in in 1862, 1887 and 1903. Each time it was spotted, it brought death with it for the people who saw it.

Wyoming History: The Daring 1920s Flyers From Lusk Who Became Famous Alaska Bush Pilots

Two men working as mechanics in Lusk in the 1920s went to Alaska in search of adventure. Their exploits as Alaska Bush pilots brought them fame and, unfortunately, lots of crashes. Natives who had never seen planes before called them "flying ghosts."

Wyoming Vietnam Vets Get Emotional Welcome Home “55 Years Late In Coming”

A group of 13 Wyoming Vietnam-era veterans had an emotional homecoming during an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was the opposite of what some got when they returned from the war. It was deeply felt, even “55 years late in coming.”

Casper Man Says Climbing A Tree Saved Him From Grizzly Attack

A Casper man says he’s living proof that climbing a tree can help someone survive a grizzly attack because he did it in the 1970s when a bear charged him. He says his two black Labs played a big role too as they kept the mama grizzly and her two cubs busy while they waited it out.

Wyoming Ranked #1 Entrepreneurial State In Country, Sheridan County Tops In State

Wyoming is the No. 1 entrepreneurial state in the nation according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sheridan lies at the heart of the state’s most entrepreneurial county, where 51% of residents are self-employed.

Rod Miller: There Are Two Kinds Of People In This World, The Cow Crew Figures

Columnist Rod Miller writes: “Rawhide from Rawlins, who had a year of community college under his Stetson, offered his educated opinion. ‘The only two kinds of people in the world are men an’ woman. I read that in a biology book once.’”

Haunted Wyoming: Chugwater Restaurant Serves People Decades After Burning Down

Caught in a blizzard, three people sought shelter at a restaurant off the interstate in Chugwater, Wyoming. They ate steak waiting out the storm, only to learn later the restaurant burned down decades ago — and their waitresses died in the fire.

Firefighting “Spike Camp” Near Burgess Junction Tackles Elk Fire From The West

The Elk Fire has burned about 87,000 acres on the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. While most of the attention has been the fire’s relentless push southeast, a firefighting “spike camp” near Burgess Junction is fighting it from the west.

Elk Fire Continues Its Southeast March, Grows Again To More Than 87,000 Acres

Like a column of soldiers, the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues its methodical — and at times seemingly relentless — march southeast. It’s grown again to more than 87,000 acres as of Sunday and a little less contained at 28%.

Be Cautious With QR Codes: The Latest Scams Are Ingenious

Wyoming cybersecurity experts warn about a growing threat going into the holiday season — scanning QR codes with your phone. If you’re not careful, they can be yet another way digital thieves can rob you blind.

Wyoming History: President Ford Came From Wyoming Roots He Never Really Knew

Before he was the 38th president of the United States, Gerald Ford was the grandson of a Wyoming business tycoon. But he never really knew him, or his father, who was spoiled and abusive.

Bill Sniffin: We Love Our Pets – Three Good Ones Left Us This Year

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "What a sad year – so far in 2024, we have had to say good-bye to three of our grand-puppies. These are dogs that lived to be 12, 14, 14 years. They had become parts of our lives and were big personalities in the families of three of our children."

Joan Barron: It’s “Save Weston County” Time 

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "What colors this development is the support of the whole idea by the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. This is the group gaining power in Wyoming. That’s why I think it’s too early to dismiss this as sheer folly by a bunch of wackos."

Inside Shoshoni's Haunted House: It Takes A Year To Build And Is Straight-Up Scary

The folks in Shoshoni, Wyoming, take Halloween seriously. Any doubt of that will be erased by a visit to its annual haunted house, which takes a year to build and is housed in an abandoned bowling alley which was closed nearly 40 years ago.

How Wyoming Ranchers Rescued A 1,500-Year-Old Petroglyph Vandals Chiseled Out Of Cliff Wall

The Great Turtle Shield, a priceless 1,500-year-old rock carving was chiseled away from Wyoming's Castle Garden Petroglyph Site in 1940. Furious ranchers let it be known if it wasn't found, "legs would be broken." Shortly thereafter, it was anonymously recovered.

It Takes A Makeshift City To Support The Nearly 1,000 Elk Fire Firefighters

There are nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel assigned to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team fighting the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming. It takes a makeshift city to support them all.

Bill Sniffin Visits Yellowstone For 54th Year In A Row

Cowboy State Daily columnist Bill Sniffin could be Yellowstone National Park's biggest fan. He made his first trip there in October, 1970, and has visited the Park at least once every year for the past 54 years.

Hit A Deer, Car Disabled, No Cell Service, Middle Of Nowhere: What Do You Do?

A Laramie woman hit a deer at night on a remote section of Wyoming highway without cellphone service. She was fortunate a good Samaritan happened along, but local officials say you can be prepared.

Wyoming Grower Expects To Bring In 525,000 Tons Of Super-Sweet Sugar Beets

It’s harvest time for Wyoming’s sugar beet growers, and it looks like they’ve had a good season. For Worland-area grower Jim Miller, it’s been a good year. He expect to bring in about 525,000 tons of super-sweet sugar beets.

The American West: A North Platte River Ferry Tale

For far longer than history records, the North Platte River Valley has been a thoroughfare through the American West. Crossing the river was sometimes impossible, often difficult, and always a challenge.

At 14, Dale Warner Threatened School Killings In Gillette; Now He Says Prison Saved His Life

Dale Warner was 14 when he brought two guns to a Wyoming junior high school and threatened to kill people. Now 20 and serving a 12- to 20-year sentence, he says prison saved his life.

Should You Put Winter Tires On Your Vehicle In Wyoming?

Should you get snow tires this winter? Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says it depends on where you live in Wyoming, how much winter driving you actually do, and what type of vehicle you’re going to be doing it in.

Fall Means Cowboys Are Out Rounding Up Cattle In Western Wyoming

The Hoback Basin Cattle Roundup is a month-long push to gather up 3,000 head of cattle that have been grazing all summer on public lands, separate them by brands and ranch and get them ready for sale. It’s a tradition spanning generations of Wyoming cowboys on horseback.

Wyoming's Two Ocean Creek Is Only Body Of Water That Flows Into Atlantic And Pacific

Parting of the Waters deep in the Teton Wilderness is a uniquely Wyoming wonder where Two Ocean Creek splits, flowing into both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It’s the only body of water on the planet to do that.

Stubborn Elk Fire Grows To Nearly 85,000 Acres, But Now 32% Contained

The huge Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues to be a stubborn, dangerous event, growing to nearly 85,000 acres by Saturday. But firefighters are making significant progress, achieving 32% containment.

Trump Shouts Out Harriet Hageman, Chuck Gray At Colorado Rally

Former President Donald Trump singled out a pair of Wyoming politicians during a Friday rally in Aurora, Colorado. He gave shoutouts to Harriet Hageman for beating Liz Cheney “so badly” and Chuck Gray for doing a “great job.”

The Roundup: A Conversation With the Writers of the American West Series

This week, Wendy Corr chats with three of the contributors to Cowboy State Daily's "American West" series. Candy Moulton, James Crutchfield and R.B. Miller talk about the characters and places that hold our imaginations through the decades, and the importance of keeping those stories alive.

Judge Wants Guatemalan Man Deported From Rock Springs After Fourth DUI

A Guatemalan man who smashed into a parked trailer in Rock Springs while drunk, leading to his fourth DUI arrest in the United States, was ordered to report for deportation this week.  

Jonathan Lange: Col. Thomas Hutchings Lived Purposefully

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Soft-spoken and tender-hearted, Colonel Thomas C. Hutchings, USANG, Retired was a man like none other. Last week, we suddenly lost this Wyoming treasure. Cowboy State Daily readers might remember last summer’s headline, 'Miracle On I-25: Cheyenne Man Doesn't Know Who Saved His Life After Crash.' That was Tom."

Wyoming Hunters And Gun Owners Buck National Trend Of Not Voting

Nationwide apathy and distrust of government has caused a drop in hunters and gun owners registering to vote, reports Vote4America. But not in Wyoming, where hunters and gun owners buck that trend, likely because they feel supported by conservatives.

Sheridan Deputies Find Burglary Evidence All Over Suspects' Snapchat

Four young men face felony charges after at least one of them posted evidence to Snapchat of their alleged escapades robbing the Big Horn Y gas station in Sheridan, Wyoming. One suspect reportedly texted a Snapchat contact, “Yeah, We Robbed It.” 

Massive Early Voting Turnout Surge Shatters Records Across Wyoming

Early voting opened across Wyoming this week and is shattering turnout records. In Cheyenne, the line was out the door Friday afternoon with people waiting to cast their ballots ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.

The Hardest Part Of Making Jackalopes? Finding Enough Frozen Wyoming Jackrabbits

A Montana taxidermist who creates jackalope mounts says Wyoming jackrabbit carcasses are the best for them. But he’s having a hard time getting the 200-300 frozen carcasses a month he needs.

Dennis Sun: Information to Help You Decide How To Vote

Ag columnist Dennis Sun writes, "For over 40 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation has sent each of the presidential candidates questions pertaining to agriculture. They are good questions, and I believe our readers could gain some value from them. I would encourage everyone to get online and read the full responses."

Missing Yellowstone Hiker's Note A Clue For Volunteer Search Teams Now Mobilizing

The father of a 22-year-old hiker missing since Sept. 17 after summiting Yellowstone’s highest peak is coordinating private and volunteer search teams to help find his son. One of their clues is a note the hiker left at the mountain's summit.

Park County Coroner Who Is Also Funeral Home Director Is Running To Be On Cemetery Board

The local funeral home director in Cody is also the Park County coroner. He is now running to serve on the local cemetery board. This would give him a role in all stages of death in the county.

Fiery Glow On Bighorns Overnight Was Intentional Burning To Slow Elk Fire

Another night of watching the Bighorn Mountains glow above them made some living in the shadow of the Elk Fire nervous overnight Thursday. But the huge, scary and dramatic column of fire was part of a plan to save Sheridan’s water supply, as well as slow the fire down.

Wyoming’s Huge Wildfires Prompt National Online Conspiracy Theories

A pair of huge wildfires have burned more than 147,000 acres in Wyoming, and people are wondering why that’s not national news. Others are pushing conspiracy theories, including the government started the fires to access rare earth minerals.

Morning Show with Jake - Friday, October 11, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Friday, October 11, 2024

Friday's headlines include: * Elk Fire Baffles Firefighters * Cheyenne To Close Eight Schools * Once-In-Humanity Comet Visible Over Weekend

Gordon: Wyoming Has Burned Through Two-Year Fire Budget, Needs More Money

Gov. Mark Gordon said Thursday that he’s asking the Legislature for authority to spend more money on fighting Wyoming wildfires. The state has already burned through its $39 million two-year emergency account, and then some.

Cheyenne School Board Votes To Close 8 Schools, Parents Want A Re-Vote

The Laramie County School Board voted this week to close eight Cheyenne elementary schools, rescue one and build another. But some parents want a re-vote of what amounts to a “massive overhaul” of the school district.

Fast-Acting WYDOT Worker Spots New Wildfire, Calls 911, Then Helps Put It Out

An alert Wyoming Department of Transportation worker spotted a new wildfire taking off 7 miles north of Sheridan along I-90. He called 911, then jumped into action himself, helping to put it out before the fire became a catastrophe.

Driver Accused Of 'Catastrophically Dismembering' Motorcyclists Pleads Not Guilty

A man accused of smashing into a trike motorcycle on a Wyoming highway so hard the two riders were “catastrophically dismembered” pleaded not guilty Thursday. An investigation shows he was allegedly high on meth and driving at least 86 mph.

Wyoming Dog’s Death In Beaver Trap Inspires New Training Course

A Wyoming dog’s death in a beaver trap has inspired a first-of-its-kind training course for dogs. A trainer who already teaches dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and other dangers has added traps to the program.

Once-In-Humanity Comet Will Look Brighter Than Venus And Mercury On Saturday

Comet Tsuchinshan – ATLAS, aka "the green comet," will make its closest approach to Earth 30 minutes after sunset Saturday. It’ll be brighter than Venus and Mercury over Wyoming, and it could be a once-in-humanity chance to see it.

Legislature Will Consider Potential To Store High-Level Nuclear Waste In Wyoming

A legislative committee advanced a bill this week that, if passed, would move toward allowing storing high-level nuclear waste in Wyoming. Opponents say it’s a disaster waiting to happen, while supporters say it’s “close-minded” not to consider.

Sally Ann Shurmur: Finally, A Sandwich In The Car

Columnist Sally Ann Shurmur writes, “Maybe (probably) it’s genetic, but tailgating is not as fun for me as the game. Or it could simply be that I have been going to college football games for so long that I remember when nobody tailgated."

Casper Officer Cleared To Return To Duty After Not Charged In Shooting  

A Casper Police Department officer who won’t be charged for shooting and killing a domestic violence suspect has been cleared to return to duty, the CPD announced Thursday.

Cooler Temps Ahead As Autumn Weather Will Finally Arrive On Oct. 18

Cowboy State Daily metereologist Don Day says Oct. 18 is the day when the jet stream will get un-stuck and bring Wyoming much cooler temperatures and maybe even some precipitation.

Judge Orders OK Of Controversial 195-Foot Cell Tower Just Outside Yellowstone

A federal judge has ordered the Park County Commission to approve a company's request to build a 195-foot cellphone tower in a scenic area just outside Yellowstone National Park — by Friday. The county is fighting the order in a higher court. 

Elk Fire Breaking The Rules Of Wildfires And ‘Is Behaving Like A Teenager’

The strategists in charge of battling the huge 76,000-acre Elk Fire in northern Wyoming say the stubborn blaze is breaking the rules of wildfires. One said it even seems oppositional to authority and “is behaving like a teenager.”

Gap Pucci, Wyoming’s Spaghetti Western Cowboy, Dead At 89

Gap Pucci, a unique spaghetti Western cowboy and hunting guide, lived the Wyoming lifestyle he loved. He died Monday at age 89. He told Cowboy State Daily earlier this year he imagined Heaven as a place “with all the good horses I ever rode.”

Morning Show with Jake - Thursday, October 10, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Thursday, October 10, 2024

Thursday's headlines include: * Concealed Carry Moves Forward At State Capitol * Homeowner Doesn't Back Down Against Elk Fire & Wins * Steamboat, Largest Geyser In World, Erupts Again But Slowing Down

No Charges For Officer Who Shot, Killed Casper Man Who Talked About "Death By Cop"

Citing a shortage of evidence to support a criminal case, Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen decided this week not to charge a Casper Police Department officer who shot and killed Trae Spurlock, 26, in June.

Gillette Hand-Count Ballot Test Shows It Would Take Hundreds Of Counters, Cost Up To $1.3M

A test of hand counting election ballots in Gillette on Friday shows that it would take hundreds of volunteers to do and cost up to $1.3 million. Wyoming law also would need to be changed to allow more time for results.

Armed With A Hose And Weed Sprayer, Wyoming Man Defends His Home From Elk Fire

Warren Tritschler defended his home in the Horseshoe subdivision near Dayton from the Elk Fire with a garden hose and a weed sprayer. He’s one of the many so-called “Hillbilly Hotshots” determined to help fight the huge wildfire.

Gloriously Plump Mama Crowned Queen Of ‘Fat Bear Week’

Alaska brown bears gorge themselves on salmon for the upcoming winter, oblivious they’re competing for a coveted title — Fat Bear Week champion. This year’s winner is Grazer, a bulked-out bruin that ate her way to back-to-back titles.

Guest Column: Clarity On Cheyenne Schools

As Chairman of the Select Committee for School Facilities, it is my responsibility to provide a factual perspective on the recent comments circulating on social media regarding the Legislative branch's involvement in the contentious issue concerning Cheyenne’s Most Cost Effective Remedy study.

Guest Column: Exposing the Hypocrisy of ‘Environmental Justice’

Sen. Cynthia Lummis writes, "One of the more extreme, left-wing ideas you may have heard of is “environmental justice.” Contrary to its name, this buzzword is yet another effort by the Biden-Harris administration to block traditional energy and infrastructure projects."

Plan For Concealed Carry In Some Areas Of Wyoming Capitol Gets Green Light

If it holds up, people will be able to concealed carry firearms in some areas of the Wyoming Capitol under a draft rule passed Wednesday by the State Building Commission.

Tom Lubnau: Wyoming Politics Has Been Californicated, And We Are Worse Off For It

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "The crystal ball of political future does not bode well for Wyoming politics being local. Chuck Gray and the Freedom Caucus proved high dollar out-of-state style politics wins elections in Wyoming."

Natrona County Finally Claims Road It Maintained For Decades But Never Owned

After decades of maintaining and treating Natrona County Road 505 on the back side of Casper Mountain as a public road, it finally is. County commissioners voted Wednesday to legally claim the road and end a dispute with private landowners along it.

Pack Trail Fire Still Growing In Northwest Wyoming, Now At 66,000 Acres

Much of Wyoming is watching the Elk Fire, which has threatened communities in Sheridan County. But the Pack Trail Fire started first in rugged northwest Wyoming. It’s at 66,000 acres and still growing.

Letter To The Editor: If You Live In Wyoming, Get Your Plates In Wyoming

Dear editor: Those Montana plates in the northern part of Wyoming have become a huge problem as those tax dollars DO NOT pay for Wyoming roads or services, including fire fighters and first responders.

Steamboat, World’s Largest Geyser, Erupts For Fifth Time This Year

Steamboat Geyser, the largest in Yellowstone and the world, erupted for the fifth time this year Monday. After six years of active eruptions, volcanologists say Steamboat seems to be losing some steam.

Mob Of 100 Hungry Raccoons Drives Woman From Her Home

After 100 raccoons invaded a Washington woman’s property and drove her from her home, things could end badly for the raccoons. Wyoming wildlife experts say it’s a lesson on why you shouldn’t feed wild animals.

Rod Miller: Remembering Yellowstone On Fire In '88 

Rod Miller writes, "I was working in Governor Sullivan’s office when the Park caught fire in ‘88. As the news spread around the country, it caused the same sort of visceral reaction among folks. Yellowstone was on fire!"

Race To Represent Reservation Could Be Best Shot For Wyoming Dems To Turn A Seat

The Wyoming House race between incumbent Republican Sarah Penn and Democratic challenger Ivan Posey is one to watch. It could be the best shot Democrats have at turning a seat in the Legislature.

Firefighters Hold Off Elk Fire As It Threatens Sheridan’s Water Supply

As the 76,000-acre Elk Fire continues to be active and push southeast along the face of the Bighorn Mountains, it’s threatening Sheridan’s water supply. The fire made a run at the Big Goose Water Treatment Plant early Wednesday.

Morning Show with Jake - Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Jake in the 307. Weekday mornings 6 - 10 a.m.

Cowboy State Daily Video News: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Wednesday's headlines include: * Gillette Woman Stabbed 8 Times In Her Home * “Hillbilly Hotshots” Protect Neighbors During Elk Fire * Climbing A Tree To Escape A Grizzly Not The Best Idea

Wyoming’s Highest Paid Administrator Makes $525K, Manages $30B In State Assets

Few people in Wyoming have likely heard of Patrick Fleming, the outgoing chief investment officer for the state of Wyoming who manages $30 billion in assets. He’s also the state’s highest paid administrator, making $525,000 a year.

Rural Wyomingites — AKA Hotshot Hillbillies — Help Save 1887 Double Rafter Ranch

The Double Rafter Ranch has been a fixture in northern Wyoming since 1887. It’s still there, thanks in part to the local Hillbilly Hotshots — a group of self-appointed rancher-firefighters — who helped save it from the Elk Fire.

Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame: John C. Budd – A Real Cowboy from Age 10

John Budd and his five siblings grew up as many pioneer children did: doing whatever possible to help the family survive. That included becoming a cowboy. In his own words: “I started riding horses as soon as I was weaned and by the time I was ten years old I was a real cowboy and one of the gang; at least I thought so.” 

Guest Column: Wyoming vs. the Fed -- Why Custodia Bank’s Fight Matters for All Americans

State Rep. Daniel Singh writes, "Custodia’s fight is about more than one bank; it’s a fight for fairness and autonomy. This issue gives lawmakers a chance to unite, cross partisan lines, and defend Wyoming’s interests in an increasingly centralized financial world."

Wyoming Search And Rescue Team Recovers Body From Remote Colorado Peak

After Colorado teams twice tried to recover a man’s body from a remote mountain peak, Teton County Search and Rescue recovered his remains last week. The Wyoming team had the right equipment and training to help bring closure for his family.

No More “Wind Chill” In Wyoming’s Winter Weather Warnings, It’s “Extreme Cold”

The National Weather Service is getting rid of “wind chill” in its winter weather warnings, which sounds like good news for windy Wyoming. But it’s not going away, it’s just renaming the index as “extreme cold.”

Weston County Trying To Strongarm Legislature By Appointing Its Own Lawmakers