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Zak Sonntag

Zak Sonntag is a general assignment and features reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Casper, Wyoming. Previously, Zak wrote for the Casper Star-Tribune, along with the City Journals and Deseret News in Utah. He's an award-winning journalist with the Wyoming Press Association and the Utah Society of Professional Journalists Headliners Contest.

Latest from Zak Sonntag

When Iranian forces brought down a U.S. Army helicopter Monday, Dillon Jackson’s reaction wasn't shock so much as recognition. “There’s a lot of ways that could have gone differently,” said the Kemmerer native, who spent 22 years flying Navy helicopters.

Wyoming Navy Pilot Flew Missions Over Strait Of Hormuz, Now Watches War From Home

Dillon Jackson, a Kemmerer native, spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy flying helicopters over some of the world’s most volatile waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. “The thing most people don’t understand is just how narrow it is," Jackson said.

Zakary SonntagJune 13, 2026

Rusty Rawson and his son Sterling, now 14, were living homeless lives surrounded by violence, drugs and gangs in Las Vegas when Rusty made the best decision he could have as a parent — he askeds his young son what to do. "Dad, everything will be OK if we go back to Casper,” was the answer.

How A Casper Father And Son Saved Each Other From Lives Of Gangs And Drugs

Living homeless in a Las Vegas wash, hooked on meth, and surviving by the reflexes of his past gang life, Rusty Rawson turned to his adolescent son for guidance. The answer brought them back to Casper and toward a life that seemed out of reach.

Zakary SonntagMay 31, 2026

Judge Andre Rudolph grew up in Cheyenne, played running back for UW and once ran down a defendant to earn the nickname “Batman.” Before his sudden death this month, he also changed the lives of lawbreakers willing to take his help and accountability.

Judge Andre Rudolph Grew Up In Cheyenne To Become A Superhero From The Bench

Judge Andre Rudolph grew up in Cheyenne, played running back for UW and once ran down a defendant to earn the nickname “Batman.” Before his sudden death last week, he also changed the lives of lawbreakers willing to take his help and accountability.

Zakary SonntagMay 24, 2026

Whether she’s calming a group of rambunctious 3-year-olds or coaxing a smile from a woman who’s 102, Casper’s Merrily Johnston is an amazing performer. Recently honored as America's Clown of the Year, her celebrity in goes mostly unnoticed. She has a magic touch with kids eager to wear one of her face paintings.

Did You Know? Casper's Merrily Johnson Is America's "Clown Of The Year"

Earlier this year, Casper's Merrily Johnson's 30-year dedication to being a professional clown was recognized with the community’s highest honor when she stood in Nashville to accept the award for “Clown of the Year.”

Zakary SonntagMay 23, 2026

Singer, songwriter Michael DeGreve played at Cheyenne's Hitching Post for 30 years

Cheyenne Musical Legend Michael DeGreve Dies At 78

Longtime Cheyenne performer Michael DeGreve, who sang at The Hitching Post six nights a week for 30 years, died Monday in Oregon. The singer, who performed with Neil Young, Graham Nash and other legends, had been battling prostate cancer, his wife said.

Zakary SonntagMay 12, 2026

Father Chad Ripperger grew up fly-fishing and hunting in Casper, Wyoming, who is one of the most influential and well-known exorcists in the Catholic Church.

The Exorcist From Casper: Chatting With One Of The World’s Top Demon Fighters

Father Chad Ripperger is one of the Roman Catholic Church’s most experienced and well-known exorcists. Originally from Casper, Ripperger also fly-fishes, likes good Scotch, and speaks with a mechanic's calm about the discipline he never asked for — fighting demons.

Zakary SonntagMay 03, 2026

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