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Outdoorsman Barrett Liquori uses a Springfield Hellcat 9 mm pistol to shoot off roughly half of a white-tailed buck’s antler to free it from entanglement with a dead buck’s antler.

Texas Hunter Shoots Buck’s Antler Off To Free It From Deadlocked Deer

A Texas hunter used his pistol to shoot off part of a buck’s antler and free it after it became entangled with a dead deer and was near death from exhaustion.

Mark HeinzDecember 17, 2025

Vincent Gardea

Cheyenne Teens Charged In Botched Gun Heist That Left 18-Year-Old Dead

Three Cheyenne teens face charges after a botched gun theft left an 18-year-old dead. Prosecutors say the teens planned to rob someone selling a firearm when one teen opened fire, killing the victim during the attempted heist.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 16, 2025

Colorado’s Front Range faces potential wildfire-related power shutoffs Wednesday amid high winds and dry conditions, but Wyoming utilities say they don’t expect outages. Officials will keep monitoring in case the weather worsens.

High Winds, Dry Conditions Could Trigger Wildfire Power Shutoffs In Colorado

Colorado’s Front Range faces potential wildfire-related power shutoffs Wednesday amid high winds and dry conditions, but Wyoming utilities say they don’t expect outages. Officials will keep monitoring in case the weather worsens.

Kate MeadowsDecember 16, 2025

Dones have been reported flying over the Jim Bridger Power Plant, usually at about 2 or 3 a.m.

Mystery Drones, Or Maybe UFOs, Over Sweetwater County Are 'The New Normal'

Strange flying objects over Sweetwater County’s Red Desert and Jim Bridger Power Plant are so common now they're "the new normal," the sheriff’s office says. But no one is giving any answers about what they are. 

Clair McFarlandDecember 15, 2025

A Wyoming family shares an inside view of their struggles to ranch in pricey Jackson Hole and pass their ranch on to the next generation. It’s part of a new eight-part Cowboy Channel documentary that started Sunday.

Inside A Jackson Hole Family's Fight To Keep The Diamond Cross Ranch Going

A Wyoming family shares an inside view of their struggles to ranch in pricey Jackson Hole and pass their ranch on to the next generation. It’s part of a new eight-part Cowboy Channel documentary that started Sunday.

Renée JeanDecember 16, 2025

The National Finals Rodeo saw tighter competition this year with a trial run of a new quarter-point scoring system. A computer system upgrade meas judges can score by full or half points, which opens the door for averages with quarter-points instead.

New Rodeo Points System At NFR Makes Scoring More Precise And More Competitive

The National Finals Rodeo saw tighter competition this year with a trial run of a new quarter-point scoring system. A computer system upgrade means judges can score by full or half points, which opens the door for averages with quarter-points.

Jackie DorothyDecember 16, 2025

A Chevy Impala ended up inside the Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse after the driver hit the gas instead of the brakes. Owner Jerry Zhang said repairs to the Riverton Japanese steakhouse will take a lot of time and money.

Pressing Wrong Pedal Sends Car Smashing Into Riverton Japanese Steakhouse

A Chevy Impala ended up inside the Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse after the driver hit the gas instead of the brakes. Owner Jerry Zhang said repairs to the Riverton restaurant will take a lot of time and money.

Andrew RossiDecember 15, 2025

Six years, two judges and multiple failed negotiations have passed since a welder started building his storage shop without a permit from the city of Laramie. The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday told the newest judge on the case to pick a side — landowner or city.

Supreme Court Tells Judge To Pick A Side In Welder's Six-Year Fight With Laramie

Six years, two judges and multiple failed negotiations have passed since a welder started building his storage shop without a permit from the city of Laramie. The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday told the newest judge on the case to pick a side — landowner or city.  

Clair McFarlandDecember 15, 2025

Alcova’s Sloanes General Store is hoping someone will return their 10-foot Apatosaurus. This photo was taken last December.

Alcova Grinch Makes Off With 10-Foot, 300-Pound Green Dinosaur

The owner of Sloanes General Store in Alcova, Wyoming, will be out $8,000 if whoever stole the store’s Sinclair dinosaur doesn’t return it. Stealing the 10-foot, 300-pound green Apatosaurus may seem harmless, but its value makes the heist a felony.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 15, 2025

President Donald Trump says he’ll cut environmental rules he says make tractors too costly and hard to fix. He backs new EPA changes that give farmers more time before diesel equipment is slowed or shut down. Here, a combine works a wheat field near Carpenter, Wyoming, in a file photo.

Trump Targets Tractor Regulations, Promising Relief For Wyoming Farmers

President Donald Trump says he’ll cut environmental rules he says make tractors too costly and hard to fix. He backs new EPA changes that give farmers more time before diesel equipment is slowed or shut down.

David MadisonDecember 15, 2025

Rodeo diehards flock to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, where belt buckles symbolize pain, pride and a way of life. Western culture is more than a trend for riders and fans, it’s an identity. And when it comes to buckles, go big or go home.

At The NFR: When It Comes To Belt Buckles, Go Big Or Go Home

Rodeo diehards flock to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, where belt buckles symbolize pain, pride and a way of life. Western culture is more than a trend for riders and fans, it’s an identity. And when it comes to buckles, go big or go home.

Zakary SonntagDecember 15, 2025

Wyoming oil and gas lease sales have rebounded in 2025, with a sixth sale set for Dec. 30 after years of record lows. But industry leaders say Biden-era rules and higher minimum bids still cloud investment and leave key questions unanswered.

Wyoming Oil And Gas Lease Sales Surge As Biden-Era Rules Cloud Future

Wyoming oil and gas lease sales have rebounded in 2025, with a sixth sale set for Dec. 30 after years of record lows. But industry leaders say Biden-era rules and higher minimum bids still cloud investment and leave key questions unanswered.

Kate MeadowsDecember 15, 2025

Around Wyoming, selling read Christmas trees is a popular fundraiser for Boy Scout troops and other groups.

Real Or Fake? Wyomingites Split On What Type Of Christmas Tree To Put Up

In Wyoming, it's easy to think that every household would have a fresh evergreen harvested from the forest decorated and ready for the holidays. But not everyone wants the mess and stress of a live tree.

Wendy CorrDecember 15, 2025

Wyoming has joined a national self-exclusion program, letting problem gamblers ban themselves from betting. Experts say it can help, but warn it’s only one tool to address surging addictions.

Wyoming Gamblers Turn To Self-Ban Program As Addictions Surge

Wyoming has joined a national self-exclusion program, letting problem gamblers ban themselves from betting. Experts say it can help, but warn it’s only one tool to address surging addictions.

Scott SchwebkeDecember 15, 2025

Roy Vavra mysteriously disappeared in January 2006 when he failed to show up for a hunt with his close friend. Over the past 20 years, there have been no sightings or significant clues to indicate what might have happened to him.

Family Picks Up Search For Missing Gillette Cowboy After Nearly 20 Years

Roy Vavra mysteriously disappeared in January 2006 after friends reported seeing an unknown white pickup parked in his driveway. Apart from one unconfirmed sighting, there have been no traces of the Gillette man in nearly two decades.

Jen KocherDecember 14, 2025

A popular Yellowstone National Park grizzly called Ojo claws the brains from a bison carcass. He was one of four male grizzlies feasting on the carcass.

Why A Yellowstone Grizzly Eating Bison Brains Is So Interesting

Wildlife biologists say it's rare for grizzlies to eat from the head of a bison because it would be difficult to get through the thick skull. That's what makes the instance of Ojo, a one-eyed Yellowstone bear, eating the brains of a bison so unique.

Mark HeinzDecember 14, 2025

When a 1,000-pound bison dies too close to tourist hotspots in Yellowstone National Park, rangers have to move it. That’s a big job that takes tractors, winches, and front-end loaders.

How Yellowstone Rangers Use Heavy Equipment To Drag 2,000-Pound Carcasses Away

When a 2,000-pound bison dies too close to tourist hotspots in Yellowstone National Park, rangers have to move it. That’s a big job that takes tractors, winches, and front-end loaders.

Andrew RossiDecember 14, 2025

Flock Safety cameras are positioned around Jackson, and after two years surveilling passing cars, Mayor Arne Jorgensen and the Jackson Town Council recently asked city staff to review how the cameras and data gathered by them is managed and protected.

Privacy Advocates Worry About “Robot Army” Of Surveillance Cameras In Jackson

Critics of the 28 license plate-reading cameras in Jackson say they are the equivalent of robo-cops writing down your license plate number every time you drive by. They say the cameras amount to a surveillance state and citizens should be alarmed.

David MadisonDecember 14, 2025

Ben McArthur of Casper and his son Mateo like filling their family’s freezer with elk mean from late cow elk tags.

Late-Season Cow Elk Hunts Fill Freezers But Test Hunters’ Grit In Wyoming

Elk hunter Ben McArthur said he appreciates availability of late-season cow elk tags in Wyoming as it's challenging. “It's fun because it matches up with holiday weekends. Weather conditions can be miserable, but if you get after it, you can be successful."

Mark HeinzDecember 14, 2025

Rocky jogging past Siberian villagers, filmed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Remember When: Rocky’s Siberian Training Site In “Rocky IV” Happened In Wyoming

When Rocky Balboa opted for the isolation and desolation of frigid Siberia while training for his revenge fight with the Soviet’s indestructible prizefighter Ivan Drago, it’s actually Wyoming that plays the part of the Russian wasteland. The filming happened 40 years ago outside of Jackson.

Jake NicholsDecember 14, 2025

Pygmy Panther Trailhead.

The Legend Of The Little People Who Inhabit Wyoming's Pryor Mountains

Tales of encounters with the “little people” of Wyoming's Pryor Mountains aren’t limited to Native American lore. One professor said he knows several people in modern times who have seen the legendary creatures with their own eyes.

Wendy CorrDecember 14, 2025

Male ruffed grouse attract mates by cupping their wings and flapping them rapidly, to create a “drumming” sound that can be heard a quarter-mile away.

When A Ruffed Grouse Starts Air Drumming, He's Looking To Get It On

When a male ruffed grouse is looking for some action, he doesn't put on a Barry White record while having some Courvoisier. Instead he begins air drumming by beating the air with his wings. It’s rare to catch them in the act, as one lucky wildlife photographer did.

Mark HeinzDecember 14, 2025

Left, this original authenticated tintype of Billy the Kid sold for $2.3 million at auction. This record sale, the most ever paid for an outlaw photo, created a buzz and a surge of fake Billy the Kid photos. That's what many historians think this photo at the right is, an image that claims to show the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid in a sweater playing croquet. American West historian Corey Recko, who has authenticated other historic photos, believes the croquet player is not Billy the Kid.

Photo Of Billy The Kid Playing Croquet Debunked Just Like All The Others (Except One)

There has only been one verified photo of Billy The Kid and it sold for $2.3 million in 2011. Since then, there have been a wave of newly "discovered" Billy The Kid photos but all have been debunked, including the one of him supposedly playing croquet.

Jackie DorothyDecember 14, 2025

The Jessen Reindeer Ranch rents rendeer for events in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. Raising and caring for reindeer is expensive, but can easily bring in more than $100,000 in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Colorado Ranch Earns More Than $100,000 During Holidays Renting Reindeer

The Jessen Reindeer Ranch rents reindeer for events in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. Raising and caring for reindeer is expensive, but can easily bring in more than $100,000 in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Andrew RossiDecember 14, 2025

Casper food truck owner Ticker Lock transforms into the “Jolliest Claus,” a top-hatted Santa who entertains kids at events, home visits and parades. He mixes humor, heartfelt moments and faith while keeping his own naughty list.

Casper’s ‘Jolliest Claus’ Swaps His Food Truck For Top Hat Santa Magic

Casper's Ticker Lock goes from running his Rockin Burgers N Dogs Food Truck to donning his elaborate Santa outfit for 20 or more appearances during the holiday season. “It’s seeing the kids’ reaction that makes it all worthwhile," he said.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 14, 2025

Truxel dishes advice on having a good time at Gilley's saloon and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Looking For Love At The NFR: Urban Cowboy Ruins A Honky-Tonk Dream At Gilley's

Rodeo fans stampede to Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, but one obnoxious “Arizona Urban Cowboy” manages to ruin every romantic possibility. Between mechanical bulls and honky-tonk heartbreak, the only place to escape might be the dance floor at Gilley's.

Zakary SonntagDecember 13, 2025

Nebraska ranchers built a producer-owned beef plant that’s reviving North Platte’s shrinking economy. Wyoming ranchers like the idea but say it’s challenging to copy in the Cowboy State.

Cattle Ranchers Revive Nebraska Town With Bold Producer-Owned Beef Plant

Nebraska’s new producer-owned packing plant opened in May and is among the first to be built in America in a generation. It’s also an experiment that’s already rewriting the future for a small western town that was once the fastest shrinking community in Nebraska.

Renée JeanDecember 13, 2025

Grizzly 122, The Boss, is Canada’s favorite bear. He lives in Banff National Park, Alberta.

Meet 'The Boss,' Canada's Legendary 700-Pound, 28-Year-Old Grizzly Who Beat A Train

In Wyoming, the most famous bear was Grizzly 399. In Canada, it's a gigantic 700-pound grizzly known as "The Boss." Not only did he walk away after being hit by a train but biologists say he's fathered half the cubs in Banff National Park in Alberta.

Mark HeinzDecember 13, 2025

Wyoming’s Yellowstone bison look miserable when caked in snow and frost, but their thick coats, fat reserves and efficient digestion keep them warm and fueled through brutal winters. Even so, late winter stress, thin ice and humans kill many each year.

Buried In Snow, Yellowstone's Bison Have No Problems Weathering Winter

Wyoming’s Yellowstone bison look miserable when caked in snow and frost, but their thick coats, fat reserves and efficient digestion keep them warm and fueled through brutal winters. Snow acts as extra insulating layer, said one biologist.

Mark HeinzDecember 13, 2025

Bryan Price, his wife, Siqi, and Homes For Our Troops Executive Director Bill Ivey, prepare for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Price home southwest of Casper.

Wyoming Army Veteran And Paralympian Gets A New House Near Casper

Army veteran and two-time Paralympian Bryan Price received a fully accessible house near Casper from Homes For Our Troops. It gives his family long-term stability and independence after years in spaces not suited for his wheelchair.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 13, 2025

Wyoming’s infamous winter winds were in full force this week, leaving dozens of blown-over semitrailers littered across the state’s highways. Just off I-25 in Chugwater, it was even too windy to pour a cup of coffee.

Just Off I-25 In Chugwater, It’s Too Windy Even For A Cup Of Coffee

Wyoming’s infamous winter wind was in full force this week, leaving dozens of blown-over semitrailers littered across the state’s highways. Just off I-25 in Chugwater, it was too windy even to pour a cup of coffee.

Renée JeanDecember 13, 2025

3D printing has revolutionized many fields, now it’s becoming an option for mounting hunters’ trophy antlers and horns, with 3D printed big game skulls.

3D-Printed Skulls Mean Hunters Don’t Have To Boil Heads To Mount Trophy Antlers

Until 3D printing technology along, hunters would boil an animal’s skinned head for hours making it easier to scrape off the remaining flesh or get a tank full of carnivorous beetles, eager to devour the flesh and brains, picking the skull clean.

Mark HeinzDecember 13, 2025

The lowly sloppy Joe might be at the bottom of Americana comfort food totem pole, but it’s enjoying a revival. At Smith Alley Brewing Co. in Sheridan, chef Andrew Nord combined Steamboat Stout with a simple blend of ingredients and created his spin on the classic sammy.

The Humble Sloppy Joe Is Making A Comeback and Sheridan Chef Is Leading The Charge

The lowly Sloppy Joe might dwell at the bottom of Americana comfort food totem pole, but it’s enjoying a revival. Chef Andrew Nord at Smith Alley Brewing in Sheridan is reinventing the sandwich with a gourmet makeover featuring the brewery's Steamboat Stout.

David MadisonDecember 13, 2025

Surveyor Edward Gillette saved a railroad thousands of dollars by rerouting tracks near Donkey Creek in northeast Wyoming, and the grateful company named the new town of Gillette after him. But he never lived there, instead later settling in Sheridan.

Wyoming History: Gillette Named For Railroad Surveyor Who Never Lived There

Surveyor Edward Gillette saved a railroad thousands of dollars by rerouting tracks near Donkey Creek in northeast Wyoming, and the grateful company named the new town of Gillette after him. Before then it was known as Donkey Town.

Dale KillingbeckDecember 13, 2025

At least 14 Black Angus cows have vanished from multiple ranches northeast of Greeley, Colorado. Ranchers suspect theft as authorities investigate the baffling disappearances.

Mystery Deepens Over Missing Cattle In Northern Colorado

Dozens of Black Angus cows have vanished from multiple ranches northeast of Greeley, Colorado. Ranchers suspect theft as authorities investigate the baffling disappearances. Rancher Chad Sanger, who is missing 9 cows, says there are no holes in his fences.

Scott SchwebkeDecember 13, 2025

The alleged torture of a moose in Uinta County is the latest in a string of Wyoming residents accused of cruelty to animals, raising concerns about the state’s reputation. “It makes us look like a bunch of freaking jackasses,” outdoorsman Zachary Key said.

Moose, Wolf, Horse And Wombat Cruelty Allegations Staining Wyoming’s Reputation

The alleged torture of a moose in Uinta County is the latest in a string of Wyoming residents accused of cruelty to animals, raising concerns about the state’s reputation. “It makes us look like a bunch of freaking jackasses,” outdoorsman Zachary Key said.

Mark HeinzDecember 12, 2025

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Zygmunt Samiec in Sublette County. Zygmunt writes, "Sunrise over Temple Peak, Wind River Range."

Photo by Zygmunt Samiec

Today's question to Don Day

Mark James Mullins of Douglas
In regard to your thunderstorm season article, can you reassess the data on a per-capita basis, especially when considering population of the states? It could affect me as I own a hill on my property which I plan a communications tower and likely will have a lightning rod installed when it goes in.
Don Day
FEMA has a good lightning database that takes into account lightning risk, potential property loss, etc. based on population and lightning frequency. Data is available on a county by county basis. Lots and lots of lightning data available here which may help in quest for more lightning information. https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning
DD

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Legacy 16

Creating a Legacy in Comprehensive Dental Care

Legacy Dental is a new dental partnership built upon the foundation of generational practice and guided by the principles of bringing innovative and comprehensive care to patients in need.

November 21, 2025

A volunteer with Food Bank of Wyoming helps sort and pack food at a mobile pantry in Pinedale in October 2025.

Government Shutdown Reveals Long Term Hunger Crisis in Wyoming

With the current hunger crisis stemming from the government shutdown, the Food Bank ramped up the amount of food it is sourcing and distributing, made possible thanks to donor support and emergency funds from the state.

November 17, 2025

John Hardee and Sean Michaels stand outside the Hilltop Bank branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Officers in Hilltop Bank’s Cheyenne Office Share an Uncannily Similar Career Story

Both Josh Hardee and Sean Michaels began their careers working in finance before they felt the calling to public service. Even if their day-to-day lives look a bit different these days—Hardee spent nearly two decades with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, while Michaels rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy during a decorated military career—the Hilltop officers say that calling to serve others has remained.

November 10, 2025

Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: A Love Letter To My Wife Nancy On Her Birthday

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “When you have spent 60 years with your best friend, the person you love, it is appropriate to write her a personal love letter. This is my best attempt.”

Bill SniffinDecember 13, 2025

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Colorado Should Honor Trump’s Pardon of Clerk Tina Peters

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, "Late Thursday, President Trump announced he was issuing a full pardon for Tina Peters. This has been a long time coming, and will certainly provoke a fiery response from the Left. I hope this national hero can come home for Christmas."

Jonathan LangeDecember 12, 2025

Scott clem

Scott Clem: Free Speech — The Unpopular Truth We Don’t Want to Hear

Columnist Scott Clem writes, "Christians must defend truth without becoming jerks for Jesus. Boldness must be paired with humility and love. Respect the office, but reserve the right to tell the present holder of the office that he or she is out of line."

Scott ClemDecember 12, 2025

Wyoming Life

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