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
‘It’s Like He’s A Ghost’: Search On After Rock Springs College Student Vanishes
The family of a Rock Springs college student who vanished without a trace two months ago is desperate for answers. “It's like he’s a ghost,” says a longtime friend of Steven Sanches, who was last seen leaving campus around noon on Feb. 5.
Jen KocherApril 04, 2026
Utah Investigator Says He Has New Evidence That Shows Kurt Cobain Was Murdered
A Utah investigator turned over new evidence to police, on top of a report by a team of forensic experts who say Kurt Cobain’s death wasn’t a suicide, it was was murder. A retired Seattle Police captain agrees and says original investigators botched the case
Jen KocherApril 04, 2026
Rock Springs Activist Defends Raid On Wisconsin Beagle Lab, Says Arrest Was Worth It
A Rock Springs animal rights activist who helped raid a Wisconsin beagle lab earlier this month said saving abused dogs was worth getting arrested. “It’s not a crime to rescue abused animals when they are suffering,” she told Cowboy State Daily.
Jen KocherMarch 25, 2026
Family Still Haunted By Mysterious 1983 Disappearance Of Rawlins Welding Student
In 1983, 24-year-old welding student John Boutin vanished from Rawlins after raising concerns about misconduct at his shop. Authorities and his family believe he was killed and are still seeking answers in the unsolved case.
Jen KocherMarch 21, 2026
Wyoming's First 'Wind Phone' Helps Gillette Residents With Grief Of Losing A Loved One
People grieve in different ways. One Gillette therapist installed a "Wind Phone" in a park to allow a person to pick up the receiver, dial a number or not, and speak freely to a loved one to share memories or grief without judgment. "I felt at peace," one woman said.
Jen KocherMarch 15, 2026
Legislation Making Child Stalking And Grooming Felonies Headed To Gov's Desk
Bills making child stalking and grooming standalone felony crimes are headed for the governor's desk. The stalking bill came from a high-profile case where a 41-year-old in Glenrock stalked and harassed a 16-year-old teen for a year and received probation.
Jen KocherMarch 02, 2026
