Growing Up in Jeffrey City, Wyoming
Whenever I mention that I grew up in Jeffrey City, I almost always get the same response: “Really? Jeffrey City? I’m sorry.”
Wyoming Economic Indicators Up from May, Still Down From 2019
The indicators that point to Wyoming’s economic health improved slightly in June from May, but the state’s economic health remains worse than it was one year ago, according to a state report.
Firefighters Predict Containment Of Shoshone Fire In Two Weeks
Firefighters in the Shoshone National Forest are now predicting containment of a wildfire burning west of Cody within two weeks.
Wyoming Baking Disasters (Or Learning a New Skill While Self-Isolating)
Cheyenne’s Wendy Madsen had some time on her hands with all this social distancing going on so she decided to make a Rainbow Candy Surprise Cake for her niece….
Wyoming Unemployment Remains Steady At 3.7 Percent
Wyoming’s unemployment rate remained steady in January at 3.7 percent, the same rate seen in December, according to the state Department of Workforce Services.
Jim Hicks: Explaining Bicycle Tracks In The Snow . . .
A few weeks ago, you will recall, we woke up one morning to more than six inches of fresh snow and knew winter had really arrived.
Million Acre Land Deal: Randall Luthi vs Rod Miller
Cowboy State Daily anchor Bob Geha sat down with Randall Luthi, Gov. Gordon’s chief energy advisor, and longtime political operative Rod Miller to discuss the state’s million acre land deal.
Wyo Moose Population Drops Amid ‘Perfect Storm’ Of Issues
Wyoming’s moose population has declined significantly in recent years because of a mix of factors
Natural Gas Faces Difficulties as Market is Flooded with Cheap Product
A victim of its own success, Wyoming’s natural gas industry has faced plummeting prices in recent years, leaving only one operator with active rigs in the state.
Bill Sniffin: Wyoming Senate Race: Lummis, Friess in the News
Former Wyoming U. S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis got some big endorsements this week and Jackson GOP Megadonor Foster Friess launched his statewide listening tour Thursday morning.
Cat Urbigkit: Quickly and in Darkness, Wyo Gov’t Works to Buy 1 Million Acres
For some, the thought of 1 million acres of private land being gobbled up by government – in a state that is already majority-owned by government – is a hard pill to swallow.
Sugar Beet Producers Feel Strain Of Bad Weather, Costs
Between a hard frost last fall that left sugar beets frozen in the ground and mounting costs for renovations in other factories in the Western Sugar cooperative, sugar beet growers in the Bighorn Basin are facing a grim financial future.
Mills, Wyoming Wants to be Recognized as a City
There are 99 incorporated cities and towns in Wyoming. One of those towns is Mills, on Casper’s western flank. The town may soon become a city according to the mayor.
Celebrating Wyoming Centenarians: At 105, Woman Advises Eat Chocolate & Drink Wine
After a lifetime filled with adventures, from run-ins with Nazis to climbing the Grand Teton at 76, 105-year-old Inger Koedt shares secret to longevity.
Wyoming House Kills Child-Marriage Bill
“Even Saudi Arabia right now is trying to take steps to eliminate child marriage,” said Rep. Charles Pelkey.
Bill Sniffin: Old Pilot, New Jet Planes Meet-Up at Quiet Airfield
Wyoming is full of wonderful airports for us older flyboys. I tend to like the smaller ones like Evanston, Rawlins, Worland, Sheridan, Hulett, Lander and the old one at Thermopolis.
Bob Geha: Wyoming Bill Would Boost Minimum Wage to $7.25
Wyoming House Bill would require all businesses in the state to pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Industry Leader: Wyoming Uranium Industry on ‘Its Death Bed’
A potential addition to President Donald Trump’s budget for the purchase of domestic uranium might not be enough to save Wyoming’s uranium mining operations, an industry leader said.
Bob Geha: Taxpayer Bill of Rights Legislation Introduced
Under this bill, voters would have to approve tax increases and higher debt levels.
Bob Geha: Wyoming State Income Tax Proposed
A bill that would impose Wyoming’s first state income tax has been proposed for consideration by the Legislature.
Barrasso on a Bernie – Trump Election: People Will Reject Socialism
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said in a hypothetical matchup between President Trump and Democratic candidate for president Sen. Bernie Sanders, voters will give the president another four years.
Change Orders Boost Capitol Building Construction Cost, but Added Expense Balanced Out
The cost of construction work on the Capitol Square Project in Cheyenne is expected to run about $30 million over original estimates but the extra costs were offset by reductions in other areas, keeping the project within budget.
Interstate 80 Toll Road Bill Dies Quick Death
If you were worried about Interstate 80 turning into a toll road, put those worries to bed.
FCC Chairman Visits Wind River Reservation for Gigabit-Speed Broadband Deployment
Wind River Internet is receiving over $4 million from the Connect America Fund Phase II auction to deploy gigabit speed service to 849 rural homes and businesses on the reservation.
Dave Simpson: I’ve Got Just the Solution for UW President
About a year ago, trustees from the University of Wyoming got on a plane and flew down to Arizona to interrupt the university president’s vacation with the news that they wouldn’t be renewing her contract. Surprise! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Sundance Winter Festival This Weekend: Racing on Skis, Barstools, Inner Tubes
The Sundance Winter Festival on Saturday is a mix of activities aimed at creating a little fun in the middle of Wyoming’s long winters.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon Delivers 2020 State of the State Address
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon delivered his second State of the State speech today to a joint session of the Wyoming Legislature.
Cat Urbigkit’s Legislative Preview: State Land Transfers, Wolves, Brucellosis
Here are the issues Range Writing columnist Cat Urbigkit is paying attention to as the Wyoming State Legislature convenes Monday.
Don Day: Weekend Weather Forecast for Wyoming
The strong and moist jet stream winds coming in from the Northwest continue to slide through Wyoming.
One and two feet of snow were reported in the mountains of southern Wyoming and northern Colorado last night.
Wyoming Coal Bankruptcies: Who is Responsible for Reclamation?
Since 2015, six coal companies operating in Wyoming have filed for bankruptcy, causing some to question who will be responsible for reclaiming the defunct operations’ mines.
Bill Sniffin: Terror Tales of Winter Driving on Wyoming’s Snow-Packed Roads
The Summit, Elk Mountain, and The Sisters on Interstate 80. Laramie Peak on Interstate 25. Separation Flats north of Rawlins. South Pass southwest of Lander. Antelope Flats north of Jackson. These are just a few of the places where anxious people drive during Wyoming’s often-horrible winter weather.
Sleeping Giant Ski Area to Close After Season Ends
The Yellowstone Recreations Foundation announced that the ski area would close for good after this spring’s ski season
Wyoming Weather: Don Day Forecast for Wednesday
We’ve got a lot of tough sledding to get through here in Wyoming. If you are a snow lover, you’ll love this forecast for the next week to 10 days.
C.J. Box’s “The Highway” to Become Television Series
Wyoming author C.J. Box will have his book “The Highway” turned into a series on ABC Television for the 2020 – 2021 season.
WYDOT Spends 30% of Budget to Keep Wyoming Roads Clear During Winter
WYDOT annually maintains about 6,700 miles of road which will cost roughly $28 million this year on winter road maintenance — about 30 percent of its annual budget.
Dave Simpson: Strike ‘Heartland’ From the OK List
Those of us who live in Flyover Country are in big trouble once again with our more evolved bi-coastal cousins.
Wyoming’s Economy: Trona is Bright Spot for Wyoming Mining
Wyoming is home to the largest trona deposit in the U.S. 50 percent is exported to other countries and the demand is likely to increase.
Cat Urbigkit: Grizzly Bears, Cattle, and the Tangled Web of Activism
In more of the same-old-predictable strategy, there have been two notices of intent to sue over conflicts between grizzly bears and cattle in the Upper Green River region of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Here’s a quick overview of that issue, then we’re taking a deep dive into who is threatening to sue.
Don Day: How the Approaching Storm Will Impact Roads in Wyoming
Wyoming’s weatherman Don Day says travelers in the Cowboy State should pay attention to the approaching winter storm as it is significant.
Bill Sniffin: Here in Wyoming, Lives the Wealthiest Man in the World
We have all seen this Wyoming guy. He doesn’t look rich. But if you examine his life and measure his level of happiness, there is a compelling argument he could very well be the richest man in the world.
Transparency: State Ombudsman Should be Empowered to Resolve Public Record Disputes
Column: Wyoming lawmakers and Gov. Gordon deserve real credit for their efforts to improve citizens’ access to public records. But it was dismaying to hear last week that the office may actually have little power to sort out disputes.
Sections of Interstate 80 in Wyoming Closed Due to Multiple Accidents
More accidents on Interstate 80 on Friday morning has led the to closure of the Interstate between Laramie and Cheyenne.
Wyoming Legislator Says Bill Prohibiting Gun Buyback Programs is “Goofy”
Rep. Sara Burlingame, D-Cheyenne, said: “I just don’t see the urgency for spending time in a budget year for a hypothetical crisis that seems very unlikely to occur.”
Favorite Super Bowl Recipe in Wyoming? Ground Beef
Wyoming’s favorite Super Bowl recipe is ground beef. What’s wrong with that?
Wisconsin High Schooler Asks Legislators: “Does Wyoming Exist?”
An email sent to 60 members of the Wyoming State Legislature came from a Wisconsin high school senior who said his teacher had asked him to prove that Wyoming does not exist.
Wyoming Beef: Big Marketing Opportunities with Farm-to-Table Movement
Last summer, the Business Council initiated a beef study that could provide beef producers and processors information essential to capitalizing on Wyoming branded beef products.
Opinion: We’ll Walk Across Hot Coals to Re-elect Donald Trump
So, what have non-coastal, common-sense folks like us – odoriferous Walmart shoppers, wearers of hats with ear flaps, purveyors of homespun wisdom – learned from the presidency of Donald J. Trump?
Bill Sniffin: Is it Really 2020? Reflections on a Half Century in Wyoming
Further back in 1974, Wyoming was starting to boom. Our Gov. Ed Herschler won his election with a slogan “Growth on Our Terms.”
Farm Bureau Provides Tips for Tackling Springtime Ag Challenges
Spring is fraught with dangers for Wyoming’s agriculture producers, but networking and planning can help farmers and ranchers mitigate the worst mother nature has to offer.
Northwest College Adds Video Gaming (eSports) as Competitive Sport
Northwest College is looking to increase its enrollment by offering a new sanctioned competitive program — video gaming.
Eating Wyoming: Casper’s Little Shop Of Burgers
It’s creepy, crawly, weird and wacky and offers up some of the best burgers around. A horror-themed restaurant serves up whimsy with a side of fries, and it’s the best kept secret in Casper.
Ray Hunkins’ Book About Wyoming is a Delight
At 224 pages, the new book, The View from Thunderhead by Ray Hunkins, is a delight. You almost wish it were even longer.
Wolf Pups Killed on Road Became Used to Humans, Officials Say
According to park officials, the wolf pups had become habituated to humans due to a number of hikers who violated the required 100-yard barrier between people and wolves.
Joan Barron: Hall of Fame Reporter
Joan Barron is being inducted into the Wyoming Press Association Hall of Fame, at the group’s annual convention this week.
Energy Development Part of Complex Problem in Wyo Mule Deer Decline
Wyoming’s mule deer population is down about 40 percent since the 1970s. Researchers say energy development has played a role in the decline.
Rock Springs Woman Receives Maximum Sentence in Animal Cruelty Case
A Rock Springs woman who pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty will serve six months in the Sweetwater County Detention Center.
Wyoming, Montana to Sue Over Coal Export Terminal
Wyoming and Montana will join forces to sue the state of Washington over its refusal to allow the construction of a coal export terminal, Gov. Mark Gordon announced Tuesday.
Wyoming Law Enforcement Not Likely to Enforce Fed Tobacco Law
Until the Wyoming Legislature passes a new state statute reflecting the federal law, officers won’t do much, if anything, regarding possession of tobacco products by those under 21.
Treasure Seeker Rescued from Yellowstone Canyon
An Indiana man who illegally rappelled into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone this month before being pulled out by rescuers says he was searching for hidden treasure.
Hundreds March for Martin Luther King, Jr. in Cheyenne
The late Liz Byrd, the first African American woman to serve in the Wyoming State legislature, was the driving force to get the state of Wyoming to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
On her efforts, her son, former State Representative Jim Byrd, told Cowboy State Daily’s Bob Geha: “When she saw something that was wrong and she thought she could fix it, she was relentless.”
Wyoming Coal Decline Could Continue, but Developments Might Help Industry’s Future
The short-term outlook for coal may be bleak, but he said there are several developments underway in 2020 which could impact the industry’s long-term outlook.
Encampment Hosts 34th Annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival
A plethora of unusual winter activities awaits those who travel to Encampment this weekend for the town’s annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival. The carnival on Friday and Saturday, entering its 34th year, features activities ranging from the artistic to the athletic, including a snowman painting contest , “human saucer bowling”, and snow-golf. The event was…
Meatless Options Having Little Impact on Wyoming Beef Producers
Despite a growing trend toward meatless meal options, Wyoming’s beef producers are not seeing much of a decline in the demand for their product.
Legislature Brings $1.25 Million Impact to Cheyenne
Visiting legislators generate about $1.25 million in direct spending during a typical 40-day session. Direct spending means that this is what the legislators spend in Cheyenne, whether it’s for meals, lodging, transportation and business services.
Bill Would Prohibit ‘Gun Buyback’ Programs in Wyoming
A measure that would prohibit governmental entities from running “gun buyback” programs has been filed for consideration by the Legislature during its upcoming session.
Wyoming Ag Year in Review: Crops Hit Hard in 2019, but There Was a Silver Lining
Agricultural producers were hit hard by weather across Wyoming throughout 2019, but on the upside, government agencies rose to the occasion on many fronts
Wyoming Drone Pilots Have Concerns About Proposed FAA Rules
Several Wyoming drone pilots are expressing some concerns about proposed FAA rules that would require drones to broadcast user ID information.
Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby This Weekend
Ice, fish and cash prizes will take center stage this weekend as one of Wyoming’s most notable ice fishing derbies — the Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby — marks its 37th year.
Nanobots, Fossil Fuel Issues, and the End of Work as We Know It
Futurist Jeff Wacker says the future of work could be the biggest issue of the 21st century. Automation, unique robots including microscopic nanobots, and Artificial Intelligence will continue to erode the job market. “I have a friend who says we will always need people to keep the robots running – really? We already have robots that repair other robots.”
Wind, Winter Storm Force Grand Teton to Delay Mountain Goat Cull
Several days of wind and snow in western Wyoming forced National Park Service officials to delay plans to eradicate non-native mountain goats in Grand Teton National Park
CREG: Latest Wyoming Revenue Estimate Shows $48 Million Drop
Wyoming legislators will have $48 million less to spend over the next two years than originally believed, according to a report issued Friday.
Wyo Tech School Founder Eric Trowbridge to Speak at National Tech Summit
Eric Trowbridge, the founder of a Cheyenne technology school aimed at introducing students to computer programming, plans to tell attendees at a national technology conference that technology can work in rural America. Trowbridge, founder and CEO of the Array Technology and Design School, will be one of the speakers at the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit…
How Private Weather Companies Work with the National Weather Service
Ever wonder how private weather entities like Wyoming’s DayWeather or AccuWeather works with the National Weather Service?
How the Wyoming Legislature builds the state budget: A primer
On Feb. 10, the 2020 Budget Session of the Wyoming Legislature officially begins, one that could be somber and frustrating — considering Gov. Mark Gordon has told lawmakers that after mandated expenses they only have around $23.5 million to play with.
The Value of Rural Subdivisions
Rural subdivisions suffer from love/hate status. While many residents hate to see fragmentation of rural land, many other people dream of living on a few acres outside of town.
Capitol’s new furniture might not be delivered until after 2020 Budget Session
Months after Wyoming hosted a grand reopening of the state Capitol building, legislative and executive staffers are still working with folding tables and temporary furniture.
West brings opera rehearsal to Cody High School
Music students at Cody High School got a glimpse into the world of professional music in November when Kanye West brought the cast of his new opera to Cody for rehearsal.
Attitudes Toward Vets Have Changed, Says Air Force Official
One of the largest public Veterans Day celebrations in the state took place Monday at the American Legion Post 6 in Cheyenne.
Hunting with Heroes brings disabled veterans together for healing, outdoor recreation
War is hell, but returning to civilian life can be equally daunting for many military veterans, especially those whose wounds complicate the reintegration process.
Cody restauranteurs struggle with labor shortages
A low unemployment rate is creating some difficult situations for Cody’s restaurants.
First lady encourages Wyoming youth to “be best”
Melania Trump is encouraging Wyoming young people to “Be Best.”
Refurbished movie theater first step to building arts community
Refurbishing a movie theater in Cheyenne so it can serve as a venue to world-class concerts is a first step in building a thriving arts community in Wyoming, according to a Cheyenne couple.
Everything autumn celebrated at Sundance’s Pumpkin Patch Festival
A plethora of pumpkins and a collection of scarecrows can be seen on the streets of Sundance this weekend as the city hosts its annual Pumpkin Patch Festival.
Wyoming ag dwindles as gross domestic product, but continues strong as cultural commodity
Once the subject of high expectations, Wyoming’s agriculture industry was plagued with obstacles from the outset.
Ransomware attack still affecting Campbell County Health
A ransomware virus attack on Campbell County Health continued to plague its computer network, causing disruptions in service to Campbell County Hospital and connected systems on Monday.
Cody marks 38th annual western arts celebration
More than 107 artists had their work displayed in Cody recently as the community celebrated its 38th annual “Rendezvous Royale,” a week-long celebration of western art.
Longtime sports reporter joins Game and Fish
Longtime Wyoming sports reporter Robert Gagliardi has left the world of newspapers for a position with the state Game and Fish Department.
For adventure close at hand, Cheyenne residents hike or bike Hidden Falls
Curt Gowdy State Park offers Cheyenne residents and visitors from northern Colorado a great escape that’s just minutes from the capital city.
Lander celebrates fruit-filled heritage with ‘Apple City Festival’
It’s not widely known that Lander once was once such a leading producer of apples that it earned the nickname of Wyoming’s “Apple City.”
Laramie food truck wins top honors at national wing contest
The owner of a Laramie food truck was recognized recently as creating the best traditional buffalo wing sauce in the country in a national competition held at the home of the buffalo wing.