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Benton was literally a Hell on Wheels town. In 1868, the Union Pacific Railroad had two to four miles of track laid a day and an entire town would follow these tracks as they pushed deeper into the Wyoming Territory. Not only saloons, but banks and grocery stores followed the crews that were building the railroad. These towns were virtually lawless and shootings were common occurrences according to the newspapers that also followed the railroad.

Wyoming History: 100 Murders In 3 Months, Lawless Benton Was ‘Bred By The Devil’

Of the Wyoming Territory towns that arrived on wheels along the Union Pacific Railroad, none were as tawdry, bawdry and lawless as Benton, which witnessed as many as 100 murders in its three-month lifespan. Benton, it was said, was "bred by the devil."

Jackie DorothyJuly 05, 2026

Parker Williams, 20, right, and his friend Seth Siebert spent about four days building their version of the iconic Dumb and Dumber Mutt Cutts sheepdog van.

Powell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon

A Powell man who built a "Dumb And Dumber" Mutt Cutts van replica with his best friend says it turns heads everywhere they drive it. Bad weather presents a challenge, he said. When the 8,000-pound carpeted dog got caught in the rain, he had to shampoo it. 

Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026

James Pulver works a crockpot full of handcrafted soap in his Casper workshop while his young daughter draws a chalk sun across the garage floor nearby. The Wyoming bail bondsman and bounty hunter says soap-making helps him decompress from a career spent guiding clients through the criminal justice system. "I'm helping people get clean one way or another," he says.

Wyoming Bondsman Is Part Bounty Hunter, Part Counselor — And A Former Inmate

A Casper bail bondsman has an unorthodox job that requires him to be part bounty hunter and part life counselor. And he can empathize with his clients. "Before I was a bail bondsman, I was an inmate," he said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026

Each tank offers a different slice of American history, spanning an 80-year period.

Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th

On America’s 250th, Dubois did something few towns in America can do — fielding a parade with more than two dozen military tanks and vehicles spanning 80 years of U.S. history. "It’s the most unique parade in America,” said one patriotic-feeling parade-goer.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Once nearly made a ghost town from a uranium industry bust, a company things producing Wyoming jade near there can be the town's second chance as prosperity.

Jeffrey City’s Second Act: From Near Uranium Ghost Town To Jade Comeback

Known for uranium and then near-abandonment, Jeffrey City is getting a second look from a Canadian geologist who says new science — and evolving markets — could turn Wyoming’s deposits of jade into a new industry for the tiny almost-ghost town.

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Veterinarians at a Riverton animal clinic work to amputate the right front leg of Toa, a puppy rescued in Ethete after some children reportedly tied a fishing line around his leg.

Cheyenne Clinic 300 Miles Away Has Rescued 3,000 Wyoming Roaming Reservation Dogs

With no veterinary clinics or animal shelters, roaming dogs are a problem on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A Cheyenne clinic 300 miles away has rescued 3,000 stray pets from the reservation since 2017.

Kerry DrakeJuly 05, 2026

Instead of selling the century-old Flat Creek Ranch for millions, a Jackson couple gave the property to its longtime managers. "We didn't want it to fall in the hands of someone who would destroy the land, the wildlife or the buildings," they said.

Jackson Couple Gives Historic Flat Creek Ranch To Longtime Caretakers To Save It

Instead of selling the century-old 140-acre Flat Creek Ranch for millions, a Jackson couple gave the property to its longtime managers. "We didn't want it to fall in the hands of someone who would destroy the land, the wildlife or the buildings," they said.

Kate MeadowsJuly 05, 2026

The historic Anderson Lodge in Wyoming's remote Shoshoni National Forest.

Inside The Mission To Save 136-Year-Old Anderson Lodge In Wyoming Bear Country

Saving the 136-year-old Anderson Lodge deep in Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest is not easy. As it's a wilderness area, no mechanized tools or equipment are allowed and everything must be carried in. There's no running to Lowe’s if something is forgotten

Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026

Even without the famous “Bright Spot,” Hiland, Wyoming, isn't a ghost town — just ask the 10 or so people still living there in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni. “I am not too good with towns," said one resident about Hiland's appeal.

Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There

Even without the Bright Spot country store and lounge, Hiland, Wyoming, isn't a ghost town — just ask the 10 people still living there in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni. In fact, the woman who inherited the store hopes to reopen it.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026

Townsend Justice Center and clerk 6 21 26

Crime And Punishment: Inside A Wyoming District Court Clerk’s Office

In the lobby of the Natrona County Clerk of District Court’s office, people want help with court cases, applying for divorces, or paying fines. Across the plexiglass barriers, “It’s a whole different game being on this side of things,” said the clerk.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026

Maelie Teuscher, 6, is one of the Sweetwater County kids getting some brisk business from thirsty Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office deputies this summer.

Why Sweetwater County Sheriff's Deputies Make It A Point To Support Lemonade Stands

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office is making it a point to support lemonade stands in the community. Deputy Zach Otte said that children assume a patrol car means someone is in trouble. The lemonade patrol is about changing perceptions, he said.

Kate MeadowsJuly 04, 2026

At Gillette's Fourth of July Parade on Saturday. After, most of the town heads over to Bicentennial Park for games, to get sprayed down by the fire department, and eat free hot dogs.

Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs

Although fire danger killed Gillette’s annual fireworks show, it didn’t stop the city from celebrating America’s 250th like it’s always celebrated the Fourth of July — loud, proud, and with thousands of free hot dogs. "I love hot dogs," U.S. Sen John Barrasso said.

Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026

John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid in the 1920s who went on to earn a law degree from the University of Wyoming and became a noted FBI agent capturing a most-wanted fugitive. He then was recruited to help get rid of Henry Ford’s right-hand man, who many considered a thug.

Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis

John Bugas was a Wamsutter ranch kid who became an FBI agent and caught the nation's most-wanted man in 1936. Then, as the special agent in charge in Detroit, he took down a Nazi spy ring. He went on to protect the Henry Ford family from kidnappers.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

Billy the Kid is just tone of the outlaws this Wanted Dead or Alive Harley-Davidson highlights. The bike's theme was created by retired Torrington lawman Randy Giles.

Retired Wyoming Lawman’s Outlaw Harley Turns Heads Across West

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

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Lisa Sheets Kealey honors the legacy of her mother, Hope Sheets, as "The Pink Lady" in the 2026 Cody Stampede Parade.

Cody’s ‘Pink Lady’ Back In Stampede Parade As Daughter Continues 40-Year Legacy

Hope Sheets was a fixture for four decades in the Cody Stampede Parade as the “Pink Lady.” More than a year after her death, her daughter has stepped into the iconic pink dress to keep the tradition alive. "I'm doing my version of my mom," she said.

Kolby FedoreJuly 04, 2026

Alta farmer Steve Green grows hay and barley on his family’s homestead.

Alta, Wyoming: The Town Cut Off From The Rest Of The State By Idaho & Mountains

Residents of remote Alta, Wyoming, say they don't feel disconnected even though the only way to get to the rest of Wyoming (outside of riding a horse or hiking over the mountain) is a 20-mile drive through Idaho and over Teton Pass.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026

A color guard leads off the Cheyenne 250th Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

Sea Of Red, White And Blue: Cheyenne Salutes Military In America's 250th Parade

Thousands of people wearing red, white and blue packed downtown Cheyenne on Saturday to celebrate America's 250th birthday. One Vietnam veteran said he was pleased the parade had a heavy military presence, including eight stars’ worth of generals.

Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2026

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Small Towns Will Get Penalized If They Don't Submit Audit Reports

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Wyoming small towns would face stiff penalties if they fail to provide the state with annual audit reports. A new bill would block government entities from getting sales, use & lodging taxes if they don't submit audit reports"

Joan BarronJuly 04, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Data Centers And Nuclear Plants – Wyoming Is The Envy Of The World

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Right now, three of the hottest sectors in America's economy are data centers, advanced nuclear energy, and robotics. Wyoming is batting .667. We are becoming a national leader in data centers and advanced nuclear power."

Bill SniffinJuly 04, 2026

Rancher Leah LaTray thinks her 8-year-old quarter horse mare was severely injured by a grizzly bear on her ranch near Lewistown, Montana. The horse is expected to survive.

Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse

A Montana rancher who lives more than 100 miles from grizzly territory says a bear mauled her quarter horse. Grizzlies aren't deliberately being reintroduced to prairie country. Instead, they’re moving back into those areas on their own.

Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026

It’s been 44 years since a young Casper woman was found dead in the North Platte River with a rock tied around her neck. “It’s not too late. It’s never too late,” say those who haven’t given up on finding justice for Belynda May Grantham.

Sister Still Seeks Justice 44 Years After Casper Woman Found Dead In North Platte

It’s been 44 years since a young Casper woman was found dead in the North Platte River with a rock tied around her neck. The murder has never stopped haunting her older sister Rebecca. In failing health, Rebecca is hoping to find answers before she dies.

Jen KocherJuly 04, 2026

Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” said National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks.

Dubois Military Museum Celebrates 250th By Crushing Cars With Tanks

Military tanks spent an hour crushing cars Friday as an enthusiastic crowd cheered to celebrate America’s 250th at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. “What’s more American than machine guns and tanks crushing cars?” owner Dan Starks said.

Renée JeanJuly 04, 2026

Jeff

Cowboy State Daily Show with Jeff - Saturday, July 4, 2026

Jeff in the 307. Saturday mornings 6-10 a.m.

Jake NicholsJuly 04, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Honoring The Founding Means Accountability To God

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Every single delegate to the Continental Congress understood that personal responsibility. So, they did not issue the Declaration as a work of a committee, or of the congress as a whole. They insisted on unanimity. And each was personally accountable."

Jonathan LangeJuly 04, 2026

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