Jen Kocher
Jen Kocher is Cowboy State Daily's reporter in Gillette, Wyoming.
Hard-hitting, thorough, and relentless, Kocher is a bulldog who prides herself in finding the stories that are challenging, meaningful, and difficult for others to attempt.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Jennifer has lived all over the West and moved to Wyoming just under a decade ago where shes written for dozens of magazines and publications throughout the state.
With masters degrees in creative writing and nonfiction and several awards under her belt, she loves writing features and long-form stories as well.
Outside of work, Jennifer loves anything to do with birds, wine, hiking or traveling.
Latest from Jen Kocher
Search On For Missing Hiker And Dog In Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains
Searchers continue to scour Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains for Jonathan Bailey and his yellow Lab Wrigley, missing since Saturday when they didn’t come back from a hike. “Anyone can get turned around out there,” said a former Sublette County sheriff.
Jen KocherSeptember 08, 2026
Two Crook County Girls Targeted By Alleged Sex Predators In One Month
Two teen girls from rural Crook County in a month have been targets of alleged sex predators. Authorities say it’s troubling how girls from small Wyoming towns are meeting older men online — and terrifying that the men turn up in person to meet them.
Jen KocherSeptember 07, 2026
No Body! Barrel Retrieved From Fremont Lake Doesn't Contain Human Remains
The barrel pulled from Fremont Lake on Saturday didn't contain what searchers had hoped: the body of Virginia Uden. However, searchers say there’s still a trash can to be brought up that may contain the bodies of the two Uden boys killed with Virginia.
Jen KocherAugust 31, 2026
Barrel Up! After 46 Years, Victim Of Triple Murder May Be Out Of Fremont Lake
A barrel lifted from Wyoming’s deepest lake Saturday night may finally solve at least part of a 46-year-old triple murder. Authorities believe It may contain the body of Virginia Uden who, along with her two boys, was killed by her ex-husband in 1980.
Jen Kocher & Zakary SonntagAugust 30, 2026
More Evidence Found During Intense Search For Gillette Man Missing Since June
An intense search in rugged territory in northern Campbell County this past week has found more evidence of 43-year-old Derek Schaff of Gillette, who has been missing more than two months. It brings officials closer to “the answers our family so desperately needs,” said his sister-in-law.
Jen KocherAugust 23, 2026
Gillette Incumbent Angelos Wins GOP Nod For Senate District 33
Wyoming State Rep. Abby Angelos won the Republican nomination for Senate District 33 in Cambell County, beating challenger Dwayne Dillinger by nearly 400 votes.
Jen KocherAugust 19, 2026
