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Headshot of Cowboy State Daily's business and tourism reporter, Renée Jean.
Business and Tourism Reporter

Renée Jean

Renée Jean is the business and tourism reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Cheyenne. Previously, Renée spent seven years covering energy and agriculture in North Dakota and Montana. She has won many writing awards over a 30-year career, and has written magazine articles for Guideposts.

Latest from Renée Jean

Wyoming has become a top retirement destination, outpacing even Florida and Arizona. Affordability, open spaces, and friendly faces are among the attractions. Walter and Sharon Merschat are retired in Casper. They've salvaged a former notorious drug house in the city, moved it and turned it into an attractive Airbnb. Now it's providing supplemental retirement income for the couple.

Wyoming Ranked Number One Retirement Destination Due To Affordability, Open Spaces

Wyoming has become the top retirement destination in the country, according to a recent census study. Wyoming has 76% more retirees moving to the state than No. 2 South Carolina and 105% more than No. 3 Idaho. “The state’s been wonderful," one retiree said.

Renée JeanMarch 29, 2026

Atlantic City was a Wyoming gold rush boom town that drew fortune-seekers from all over. Deadly winters and dangerous work made for a tough life that raised generations of even tougher kids — a legacy that still defines the town.

Growing Up In Atlantic City, The Wyoming Gold Rush Town That Had No Mercy

Growing up in Wyoming's Atlantic City was tough. Childhood ended as soon as a kid could swing an axe. This was no Victorian picture-book village. This was a mining town clinging to a dusty slope in the high country where survival was a daily challenge.

Renée JeanMarch 29, 2026

Cowfish outside eating 3 28 26

Eating Wyoming: Lander's Cowfish Gets National Nod As ‘Best In Wyoming'

Lander’s Cowfish restaurant has earned a national nod from Tasting Table, which named it Wyoming’s best small-town restaurant. Not a stranger to national recognition, it received a James Beard nomination earlier for the restaurant’s chef, Chris McDonald.

Renée JeanMarch 28, 2026

Buffalo Navy veteran Lonnie Frericks thought his dream of being a farmer was past. Then he came to Buffalo, Wyoming, where the veteran and a tiny runt goat named Tenacity crossed paths. “If you live, I’ll take care of you,” he promised.

Meet Tenacity, The Tiny Runt Goat Helping 20-Year Buffalo Navy Veteran Heal

A Navy veteran thought his dream of being a farmer was past. Then he moved to Buffalo, Wyoming, where the veteran and a tiny runt goat named Tenacity crossed paths. “If you live, I’ll take care of you,” he promised.

Renée JeanMarch 28, 2026

David Brockman, owner of The Coin Shop in Cheyenne, still has about 100 complete state quarters sets. He's been spending them, because he doesn't believe they will ever be worth much more than face value. However, if you happen across a rare "pooping horse" Wyoming quarter, that's worth much more.

Wyoming’s Rare ‘Pooping Horse’ Quarter Could Be Worth A Lot More Than 25 Cents

A die break on Wyoming’s 2007-P state quarter created an infamous error that makes the bucking bronco seem to be “pooping." As most state quarters remain worth face value, a “pooping horse” could be worth up to $100 and maybe more.

Renée JeanMarch 28, 2026

In the same family since 1895, the Antlers Ranch has huge swaths of pristine Wyoming woodland with trophy fishing streams and lots of room to roam.

Historic Antlers Ranch In Meeteetse Sells After 131 Years With Same Family

After 131 years in the May family, Meeteetse’s Antlers Ranch has new owners. Those close to the deal say the new owners want to preserve this storied landscape where bison herds still roam and has been in the same family for five generations.

Renée JeanMarch 27, 2026

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