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Sheridan, Wyoming's Jim Benepe during one of his two appearances as a pro golfer at The Masters. Inset: Masters ball marker

Sheridan Golfer Jim Benepe Is Wyoming's Only Direct Link To The Masters

Only one Wyoming native has ever teed it up at The Masters, and his name is Jim Benepe. Nearly four decades after the Sheridan product shocked the PGA Tour by winning his debut event, Wyoming golfers still make the April pilgrimage to Augusta, Georgia.

David MadisonApril 10, 2026

Gennavieve Boomer, 19, of Casper did not commit a felony when she hit an elk while speeding on the highway, killing a friend in her car, a jury ruled Thursday. She was instead convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, and speeding.

Woman Who Hit Two Elk While Speeding, Killing Friend In Car, Acquitted Of Felony

A 19-year-old Casper woman did not commit a felony when she hit two elk while speeding on a highway, killing a friend in her car, a jury ruled Thursday. She was instead convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, and speeding.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon apologized to Secretary of State Chuck Gray this week for telling Gray to “shut up” last week, calling for more formality at meetings from now on. It’s the latest in a long-running feud between the governor and secretary of state. They're seen here in a file photo.

Gordon Apologizes For Telling Gray To 'Shut Up,’ Urges More Formality At Meetings

Gov. Mark Gordon apologized to Secretary of State Chuck Gray this week for telling Gray to “shut up” last week, calling for more formality at meetings from now on. It’s the latest in a long-running feud between the governor and secretary of state.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Accused of monopolizing the tractor repair market, John Deere agreed this week to settle a long-running right-to-repair lawsuit. Farmers are skeptical, saying the company’s promises come across as, “Trust us, we really mean it this time.”

Right To Repair: John Deere Settlement Could Mean Payouts For Wyoming Farmers

Accused of monopolizing the tractor repair market, John Deere agreed this week to settle a long-running right-to-repair lawsuit. Farmers are skeptical, saying the company’s promises come across as, “Trust us, we really mean it this time.”

Kate MeadowsApril 10, 2026

Tyler Lindholm authored Wyoming’s 2015 Food Freedom Act and has come out swinging after the state seized USDA-inspected beef from a farm stand in Cheyenne and banned it from selling meat. 

Wyoming Food Freedom Act's Author Says State Is Wrong For Banning Meat Sales

Crook County rancher Tyler Lindholm, who authored Wyoming’s Food Freedom Act, is not happy after the state seized USDA-inspected beef from a farm stand in Cheyenne and banned it from selling meat. "Legislative intent is a thing and I know my intent," he said.

Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Big Horn County Sheriff and green sign 4 10 26

Greybull Woman Charged With Stealing $155,000 From Elderly Parents

A Greybull woman made her first court appearance Friday, accused of stealing about $155,000 from her parents over 10 years, and could get up to 40 years in prison. Authorities say she paid back $62,000, and she feels that’s “fair.”

Greg JohnsonApril 10, 2026

A 50-year-old Texas man who did “significant” damage when he walked on several Yellowstone National Park thermal features was sentenced to jail time, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming announced Thursday. The extensive trail of footprints he left behind could be there for decades. Above, the footprints left at Canary Spring.

Texas Man Gets Jail For Leaving Trail Of Footprints On Yellowstone Hot Springs

A Texas man will spend time in jail after causing “significant” damage to several thermal features in Yellowstone. Although most thermal trespass charges there result in fines, this sentence reflects the "extensive nature of the violation and damage."

Andrew RossiApril 10, 2026

Jackson is the hottest U.S. destination for early summer bookings, according to data from AirDNA which tracks AirBnb, VRBO, and other short-term rentals. The trend mirrors a Gen Z pivot from beach vacations to mountain escapes.

Jackson Hole Is Hottest U.S. Destination For Early Summer Bookings

The Jackson Hole area is the hottest U.S. destination for early summer bookings, according to data from AirDNA which tracks AirBnb, VRBO and other short-term rentals. The area has a 57% occupancy rate on the books for June, a 20% increase over last year.

Renée JeanApril 10, 2026

Joseph Kibler, who ran first for the GOP nomination, then floated a write-in or unaffiliated run, then sought the Constitution Party nomination for the Wyoming governor’s race, announced Friday he’s stepping away from his campaign.

Gubernatorial Candidate Vying For Constitution Party Nomination Suspends Campaign

Joseph Kibler, who first ran for the GOP nomination, then floated a write-in or unaffiliated run, then sought the Constitution Party nomination for the Wyoming governor’s race, announced Friday he’s stepping away from his campaign.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2026

Juliette Martinez faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of her 4-month-old son. The boy's father, Joseph Hanson, also has been charged with first-degree murder. His booking photo was not available from the Laramie County Detention Center.

Mother Charged With First-Degree Murder In Death Of 4-Month-Old Had 58 Missing Texts

The parents of a 4-month-old Cheyenne boy who died of severe brain injuries made their first court appearances Thursday on first-degree murder charges. Police say 58 texts from before the boy was taken to the hospital were missing from the mother’s phone.

Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Despite being in the Wyoming Freedom Caucus together, neither Rep. Ken Pendergraft (right) nor Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (left) were shocked Thursday to find they're endorsing different candidates in the Wyoming governor’s race.

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Members Split On Who Should Be Governor

Despite being in the Freedom Caucus together, neither Rep. Pendergraft nor Rep. Haroldson were shocked Thursday to find they're endorsing different candidates in the governor’s race. Pendergraft is behind Brent Bien while Haroldson supports Degenfelder.

Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Becky Hadlock

Weston County Clerk Quits One Day After Felony Arrest On Election-Related Charges

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock resigned Thursday one day after she was charged with two felonies, the chair of the local Republican party, Kari Drost, has confirmed. The resignation averts a civil trial that had been set for Monday.

Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Wyoming pipeline 4 9 26

Keystone XL's Second Coming? — This Time As A Wyoming-Bound Pipeline

A Denver energy analyst says the cancelled Keystone XL pipeline isn't entirely dead. It's being resurrected in a new form, with Canadian segments feeding a proposed Bridger pipeline to Guernsey. The first Wyoming public meeting is on April 13 in Newcastle.

David MadisonApril 09, 2026

Green meteor captured on Lander resident Dan McOmie's videocam

Giant Green Fireball Explodes Over Northeastern Wyoming on Wednesday Night

Although a green meteor was spotted in five states Wednesday night, it entered the atmosphere in Converse County and exploded over Wright, Wyoming, in Campbell County. The American Meteor Society says the fireball was flying sixty miles a second.

Andrew RossiApril 09, 2026

Wyoming ranchers are split on the USDA considering a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to beef following a devastating screwworm outbreak. Some say it could mean lower prices, but others will be “greatly opposed to it."

Wyoming Ranchers Split On Opening Mexico Border To Beef After Screwworm Outbreak

Wyoming ranchers are split on the USDA considering a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to beef following a devastating screwworm outbreak. Some say it could mean lower prices, but others will be “greatly opposed to it."

Kate MeadowsApril 10, 2026

A Bison cow managed to pull herself free of the water in muck in Yellowstone National Park’s Blacktail Pond. The area is notorious for bison drownings.

Yellowstone Photographer Captures Bison's Heroic Escape From Notorious Death Trap

Yellowstone’s Blacktail Pond is a death trap for bison when they fall through ice or get stuck in mud there. Wildlife photographer Pete Bengeyfield thought for sure that one unfortunate bison was doomed but was thrilled to see her escape.

Mark HeinzApril 09, 2026

Gillette police 8th ave 4 9 26

Gillette Woman Says She Tried To Burn Down Shed To Kill ‘Black Panthers’ Inside

When trying to burn down a stranger’s shed because there are “black panthers” inside, it may be less incriminating to not use mail addressed to yourself to start the fire. Instead, a Gillette woman was bound over Wednesday to face a felony arson charge.

Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

Cheyenne Police Car 7 16 25

Cheyenne Parents Charged With First-Degree Murder In Death Of 4-Month-Old Son

The parents of a 4-month-old accused of causing the "extensive injuries" that led to his death were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree murder. Cheyenne police say the boy died after a month on life support.

Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

After mistaking his own reflection in a sliding glass door for a rival ram, a desert bighorn sheep headbutted the door, and then fled, startled by the shattering glass.

Bighorn Ram Destroys Sliding Glass Door After Mistaking Reflection For Rival Ram

A bighorn sheep ram destroyed a sliding glass door in Yuma, Arizona, last week after seeing his own reflection and mistaking it for another ram. A former Wyoming Game and Fish wildlife supervisor wasn't surprised. "That's normal behavior," he said.

Mark HeinzApril 09, 2026

Stephen Craig Campbell Mix Collage 26 Feb 2025 12 20 PM 8503 2 26 25 1

Man Accused In Green River Bombing To Plead Guilty In Identity Theft Case

A man accused of injuring his wife with a bomb in Green River and then eluding authorities for 44 years is expected to plead guilty in an identify theft case. After the bombing, he allegedly stole the identify of a dead college classmate.

Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2026

Cody Roberts outside of Sublette County District Court on Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Cody Roberts, Wolf Abuser, Gets 18 Months Probation, Prison Possible If He Fails It

Cody Roberts, known for torturing a wolf in February 2024 in Daniel, Wyoming, was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months’ probation and fined $1,000, with prison and more fines possible if he fails probation. The judge called the crime disturbing.

Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

A $500 million commercial-scale Converse County solar project has been delayed because the company can’t find a buyer for its power. “We know the project isn’t real until they break ground,” said state Sen, Brian Boner, adding he’s not surprised.

$500M Converse County Solar Project Delayed Without Buyer For Its Power

A $500 million commercial-scale Converse County solar project has been delayed because the company doesn't have a buyer for its power. “We know the project isn’t real until they break ground,” said state Sen, Brian Boner, adding he’s not surprised.

Kate MeadowsApril 08, 2026

Becky Hadlock

Weston County Clerk Arrested On Felony Election-Related Charges

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock was arrested Wednesday morning on two election-related felony charges, then released on her own recognizance roughly two hours later. Each is punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

Big piney icebox

Big Piney Man Facing 20 Child Porn Felonies Could Get 240 Years In Prison

A Sublette County man charged with 20 felony counts of sexual exploitation of children for allegedly distributing child pornography could face up to 240 years in prison if convicted.

Greg JohnsonApril 09, 2026

A grizzly feasts on a carcass in Yellowstone National Park.

Grizzlies Face Carcass Shortage After Mild Winter And Wolves Getting Them First

A mild winter means fewer rotting big game carcasses for Wyoming grizzlies to feast on this spring and wolves are getting them first. "I had three feet of snow in my yard last year. Now I have three inches of grass,” said wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026

New York resident Christine Fitzpatrick is facing conspiracy to commit forgery and theft charges in Casper Circuit Court after being caught trying to withdraw money from a Casper bank with fake identification. She successfully obtained $12,500 from a Buffalo bank earlier that day, Casper Police report.

New York Woman Accused Of Being Part Of Organized Gang Scamming Wyoming Banks

A 38-year-old New York woman faces charges in Casper Circuit Court for her role in an alleged scheme to scam Wyoming banks out of thousands of dollars. Police allege she’s part of an organized fraud ring.

Dale KillingbeckApril 08, 2026

Inset: President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order related to the nuclear power industry in 2025.

As Trump Pushes To Quadruple Nuclear Power, Not All Projections Show Growth

A federal agency that examined how the country’s energy system could evolve over the next quarter century is forecasting little to no growth for nuclear energy at a time when Wyoming and the federal government are banking on expanding the industry.

David MadisonApril 08, 2026

A host of Cheyenne Police Department officers responded to a traffic stop related to a shots-fired report Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Cheyenne Teens With Toy Guns Trigger ‘Shots-Fired’ Report, Heavy Police Response

A car full of Cheyenne teenagers trying to shoot each other with realistic-looking toy guns touched off a “shots-fired” report and a heavy police response Tuesday evening. Police say they’re lucky they, or others, weren’t shot for real.

Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2026

Hunters worry that the wording of the Greyhound Protection Act inserted into the U.S. House Farm Bill could lead to bans on training hunting dogs.

Hunters Say Federal ‘Greyhound Protection Act’ A Sneaky Way To Ban Working Dogs

Hunters worry that language slipped into the federal Farm Bill to protect racing greyhounds could ban the training of hunting and cattle dogs with “live lures." A Wyoming outdoorsman says the language is so vague it could even include police dogs.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026

A well-dressed, bow-tie-wearing baby goat is back to bounding around his Campbell County property after falling into an 8-foot-deep sump drain over the weekend. “I don’t recall we ever rescued a goat before,” said the fire department’s spokesman.

Campbell County Firefighters Rescue Bow-Tie-Wearing Baby Goat From Drain Pipe

Campbell County firefighters rescued a bow-tie-wearing baby goat after it fell into an 8-foot-deep sump drain over the weekend. The goat was dressed up to celebrate Easter. “I don’t recall we ever rescued a goat before,” the fire department said.

Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2026

The firm developing the $4 billion Seminoe Pumped Storage Project on Tuesday said the 970-megawatt pump storage project to provide stability to the electric grid can begin work in 2029. They assured Natrona County commissioners downstream fisheries wouldn't be impacted.

Firm Says Seminoe Pumped Storage Project Can Begin Work In 2029, Could Create 500 Jobs

The firm developing the $4 billion Seminoe Pumped Storage Project on Tuesday said the 970-megawatt pump storage project to provide stability to the electric grid can begin work in 2029. They assured commissioners downstream fisheries wouldn't be impacted.

Dale KillingbeckApril 08, 2026

While Wyoming was among the first states to hand sensitive voter data to the Dept. of Justice last year, six GOP-led states and 23 Democrat-led states are fighting the initiative in court. "The Radical Left and media will stop at nothing," Chuck Gray said.

Here's What Red States That Didn't Hand Voter Data To The Feds Are Saying

While Wyoming was among the first states to hand sensitive voter data to the Dept. of Justice last year, six GOP-led states and 23 Democrat-led states are fighting the initiative in court. "The Radical Left and media will stop at nothing," Chuck Gray said.

Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

After weeks of intense work, Yellowstone National Park’s massive snow removal operation has reached Sylvan Lake high in the mountains of northwest Wyoming. That puts the crews less than 10 miles away from the park’s East Entrance.

Yellowstone's Massive Multi-Month Snow-Clearing Convoy Reaches East Entrance

A convoy of bulldozers, snowplows, and their chainsaw-wielding operators reached Sylvan Lake along Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance Road this week. They've been clearing hundreds of miles of snow-covered roads since the beginning of March.

Andrew RossiApril 08, 2026

A data center is proposed to go next to the blue-ribbon Montana trout water immortalized in the movie "A River Runs Through It.” Neighbors are scrutinizing the plan as industry insiders say the hunt is on in Wyoming and Montana for new data center sites.

Where ‘A River Runs Through It’: Inside The Hunt For Data Center Sites

A data center is proposed to go next to the blue-ribbon Montana trout water immortalized in the movie "A River Runs Through It.” Neighbors are scrutinizing the plan as industry insiders say the hunt is on in Wyoming and Montana for new data center sites.

David MadisonApril 07, 2026

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak says the city of Cheyenne’s push for annexation is “the mayor land-grabbing” for tax revenue. Mayor Patrick Collins says he “understands the narrative, but it just isn’t true."

Laramie County Sheriff Says Cheyenne Annexations A ‘Land Grab’ By Mayor

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak says the city of Cheyenne’s push for annexation is “the mayor land-grabbing” for tax revenue. Mayor Patrick Collins says he “understands the narrative, but it just isn’t true."

Kate MeadowsApril 07, 2026

Grizzly 760, the grandson of Wyoming’s famed grizzly 399, had a reputation for being mellow and polite toward people.

Fans Still Mourn Death Of Grizzly 760, Wyoming’s Most Polite Bear

Grizzly 760 was the grandson of the famed Grizzly 399, said to be mellow and Wyoming’s most polite bear. He was killed in 2014 after stealing a hunter’s deer carcass, which fans of the bear are still mad about.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2026

Sprinkler don day 4 7 26

It's A Month Early But Even Meteorologist Don Day Says It's OK To Turn On Sprinklers

Meteorologist Don Day is the first to caution against prematurely turning sprinklers on. But even though it's a month early, he’s warmed up to it. “At this point, we don't foresee a prolonged freeze that’s long enough to cause pipes to break,” he said.

Andrew Rossi & Jackie DorothyApril 07, 2026

Michael Ohern and one of the 101 animals siezed from his home in October 2025.

Cheyenne Man With 101 Neglected And 22 Dead Animals Pleads To Four Misdemeanors

A Cheyenne man who had a hoard of 101 neglected and 22 dead animals pleaded guilty last week to four misdemeanors. The director of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter said that's an example of "virtually nonexistent" animal cruelty laws in Wyoming.

Greg JohnsonApril 07, 2026

Biologists believe this healthy three-and-a-half legged elk was living on borrowed time but were amazed at its condition. Video of the elk was taken at a ranch in Missoula. “He was in really good condition coming out of the winter," one biologist said.

Biologists Surprised At How Healthy Three-And-A-Half Legged Elk Appeared To Be

Biologists believe this healthy three-and-a-half legged elk was living on borrowed time but were amazed at its condition. Video of the elk was taken at a ranch in Missoula. “He was in really good condition coming out of the winter," one biologist said.

Andrew RossiApril 07, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 6, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Wyoming Delegation Stands By Trump After 'Whole Civilization Will Die' Post

Wyoming’s congressional delegation did not condemn President Trump’s Tuesday pre-Iran-ceasefire threat that “a whole civilization will die tonight," while some cast it as a call for genocide. "It’s time for Iran to choose peace," said Sen. Barrasso.

Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2026

Lisa Kinney

Democrat Lisa Kinney Enters House Race, Says Protect Public Lands

Calling for more state sovereignty over key issues, former state lawmaker and attorney Lisa Kinney is running for the Democratic nomination for Wyoming’s only U.S. House seat. She could face whoever survives the huge rumble in the Republican primary.

Clair McFarlandApril 07, 2026

A Teton County family promises to price-cap 70% of the homes in a new 553-house neighborhood south of Jackson. It would be the first major non-luxury development of 100 or more homes in the nation’s wealthiest county in 30 years.

Family Attempts First Major Non-Luxury Housing Development In Teton County In 30 Years

A Teton County family promises to price-cap 70% of the homes in a new 553-house neighborhood south of Jackson. It would be the first major non-luxury development of 100 or more homes in the nation’s wealthiest county in 30 years.

Clair McFarlandApril 06, 2026

The Star Plunge hot springs in Hot Springs State Park have been temporarily closed because management let its insurance lapsed.

$3 Million State Buyout Of Star Plunge, Hotel Could End Decades Of Disputes

Wyoming lawmakers have set aside $3 million to buy the Star Plunge and Hot Springs Hotel. That could end decades of disputes, as well as an ongoing lawsuit, clearing the way for the Star Plunge to reopen after closing abruptly more than a year ago.

Renée JeanApril 06, 2026

A record $4 million University of Wyoming jersey patch deal hits days after President Trump signed an executive order tying federal funding to compliance with college sports rules. UW Athletics says it needs $8 million in revenue sharing to compete.

Record $4 Million UW Athletics Deal Hits As Trump Orders NCAA Overhaul

A record $4 million University of Wyoming jersey patch deal hits days after President Trump signed an executive order tying federal funding to compliance with college sports rules. UW Athletics says it needs $8 million in revenue sharing to compete.

David MadisonApril 06, 2026

Rick Milonas and green Rock Springs sign 4 6 26

City Worker Files Ethics Complaint Against Rock Springs Council Member

An ethics complaint has been filed against Rock Springs City Councilman Rick Milonas by a city employee, who says Milonas falsely accused him of “advancing a ‘gay agenda.’” The councilman also criticized the mayor and says the complaint is “retaliation.”

Kate MeadowsApril 07, 2026

Daily Features

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Sunrise 4 11 26
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Tyler Maxfield. Tyler writes, "Stopped on the highway for this picture of the sunrise in LaBarge."

Photo by Tyler Maxfield

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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Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism

Family Fun Awaits This Summer in Southwest Wyoming

Sweetwater County’s abundant natural playgrounds offer all kinds of opportunities to get out and play. Beyond outdoor escapades, you’ll find exciting summer shows, chances to see desert wildlife and a historic look at the Great American West at a variety of museums.

April 09, 2026

Graphic of guns

Western Americana & Firearms Collecting Resurges in Cody, Wyoming with Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions

Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions is working to restore Cody, Wyoming as a premier destination for Western and firearms collectors with its upcoming May 1–3 auction featuring over 1,200 lots. The catalog is now live, offering a wide range of historic arms and collectibles with multiple bidding options available.

April 09, 2026

Vision Beyond Borders team praying over Iran overlooking Iran on the border

Hope for Iran

In the midst of unrest, loss, and uncertainty, many in Iran are searching for truth. Despite the dangers of following Jesus, lives are being changed as God’s Word reaches those who have never had the opportunity to read it for themselves.

March 26, 2026

Opinion

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Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: Why Is It So Hard To Say 'I’m Sorry?'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Why is it so hard for today’s politicians to admit the wrongness of a situation? Even though they were not at fault personally, the ball was in the court of the Freedom Caucus members as it were, since they were the recipients of the checks."

Joan BarronMarch 21, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: Turning 80 Thoughts: Quit Smoking, Stay Active, Be Health-Selfish

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Here are my five life lessons that have kept me going for 80 years! I plan to keep going and keep learning.”

Bill SniffinMarch 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Your Participation Can Make Politics Better

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes, “If you have never attended a party meeting, you would be amazed at the depth of understanding on display. Its participants are anything but 'deplorables.'”

Jonathan LangeMarch 20, 2026

Wyoming Life

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