AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter
AdvertiseGet Free Daily Newsletter

Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News

News

Headlines

View all
A rare cremello mustang mare called Moonflower here is pictured here on Aug. 30 with her foal, Saffron, in the Stewart Creek Herd Management Area in Wyoming. On Oct. 19, BLM agents killed Saffron and two other cremello horses.

Horse Advocates Livid At BLM For Shooting Rare Blue-Eyed Mustangs For Being 'Blind'

Wild-horse advocates are incensed by what they say was the needless killing of three rare blue-eyed cremello mustangs by the Bureau of Land Management during a recent roundup. The BLM says all three horses were killed because they were blind.

Mark HeinzOctober 31, 2026

Sheridan’s housing market mirrors communities across Wyoming, where the average family only qualifies for about $220,000 less than the median home price of $585,000. That’s pricing out its “missing middle” — nurses, teachers, cops and blue-collar workers.

The Average Sheridan Family Qualifies For $220,00 Less Than The Median Home Price

Sheridan’s housing market mirrors communities across Wyoming, where the average family only qualifies for about $220,000 less than the median home price of $585,000. That’s pricing out its “missing middle” — nurses, teachers, cops and blue-collar workers.

Renée JeanNovember 01, 2026

Jerry Ewen flew more than 1,000 missions during a year in Vietnam as a Dustoff pilot, flying wounded soldiers from battle zones medical care.

Greybull Vietnam Vet Gets Gold Medal For 1,000 Medevac Missions To Save Wounded

Greybull Vietnam veteran Jerry Ewen has been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for flying medevac helicopters on more than 1,000 missions during the war. His efforts to save lives nearly cost him his own on his last flight before coming home to the U.S.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 31, 2026

Dan Koldenhoven with his wife, Misty, and their two children.

‘He Loved His Rig’: Fallen Wyoming Oilman Honored With 3D-Printed Replica Of Rig

When a Cheyenne oilman died suddenly after coming home from a shift, his grieving family wanted a special way to honor him. A local business made a 3D-printed replica of the oil rig he helped build from the ground up. “He loved his rig,” his widow says.

Emma Jane JacksonOctober 31, 2026

Aladdin's coal tipple is on its last legs. Wyoming preservation groups hope to save it. It's among the last wooden coal tipples still standing.

Race Is On To Save West's Last 19th-Century Wooden Coal Tipple In Aladdin

Leaning and close to collapse, the race is on to save the West’s last 19th-century wooden coal tipple in Aladdin, which has stood since 1895. One organizer of the rescue said every other wooden tipple in the U.S. built before 1900 has collapsed.

Renée JeanOctober 31, 2026

For some, prairie dog hunting isn’t as simple as driving around until they find the rodents. Serious hunters hire guides to take them to target-rich prairie dog towns.

Push To Ban Prairie Dog Hunting Won’t Stop Rancher, Outfitter From Blasting Them

A Wyoming rancher and a South Dakota prairie dog hunting guide say the push in Colorado to ban shooting prairie dogs on public land is a horrible idea. They tear up the landscape and spread noxious weeds that livestock and wildlife can’t eat, they say.

Mark HeinzOctober 31, 2026

UW geology undergraduate and Williams Conservatory student employee Heizkah Jackson, 20, points toward the black bamboo that recently flowered and is beginning to die. 

‘Bad Omen’: UW’s Black Bamboo Has Finally Bloomed, Which Means We're Doomed

A black bamboo plant located in the University of Wyoming's Williams Conservatory since 1994 has bloomed for the first time and is turning into a corpse. According to legend, this only happens every 50 to 120 years and means we're all doomed.

Kolby FedoreOctober 31, 2026

Paul and Lynn Montoya of Laramie, Wyoming, talk about abruptly being kicked off the cruise ship they were living on in Cambodia.

Wyoming Couple Who Sold Everything To Live On Cruise Ship Stranded In Cambodia

A Laramie couple who sold their home so they could live on a cruise ship is stranded in Cambodia after the company ran out of money for fuel. After spending $450,000 so far, Paul and Lynn Montoya are stuck. "I'm angry," Lynn Montoya said.

Renée JeanOctober 30, 2026

Kandice Gunter recently moved to Casper from Nevada, but vanished along with her pickup and never showed up for her kids.

Casper Woman Missing After She Didn't Pick Up Her Kids From Boys & Girls Club

A woman who recently moved to Casper to be near her children has vanished along with her pickup after failing to pick up her kids from the Boys & Girls Club. Her sister says they usually talk three times a day but hasn't heard from her since Wednesday.

Kolby FedoreOctober 31, 2026

Davis Middle School Evanston 10 30 26

Transgender Substitute Teacher Sues Evanston Schools Over Firing

A transgender substitute teacher who was fired from Uinta County School District 1 is suing the district, saying it violated the Constitution. The teacher had been tasked with supervising the boys' locker room in 2025.

Clair McFarlandOctober 30, 2026

Jackson Police Officer Liam Fowler spotted smoke while driving on Flat Creek Drive and knew "something was off." His decision to pound on the door got the family out safely. “We had no idea our house was on fire,” homeowner Jim "Jimbo" Rooks said.

Hero! Jackson Police Officer Spots ‘Something Off,’ Saves Family From Burning Home

Jackson Police Officer Liam Fowler spotted smoke while driving on Flat Creek Drive and knew "something was off." His decision to pound on the door got the family out safely. “We had no idea our house was on fire,” homeowner Jim "Jimbo" Rooks said.

Kolby FedoreOctober 30, 2026

Mix Collage 30 Oct 2026 06 21 PM 9723

Albany County Sheriff Denies ICE Numbers Saying He Has Helped Agency

Albany County Sheriff Aaron Appelhans says he has not honored requests from ICE to hold people for up to 48 hours past their release date for the agency to pick them up. ICE says his department has honored those requests - during the Biden administration.

Clair McFarlandOctober 31, 2026

Next to the main residence is a state-of-the-art 9,650-square-foot airplane hanger with a direct taxiway to a runway. The hangar's mezzanine level is a unique space with a stone-clad fireplace and bar area perfect for entertaining.

14-Acre Alpine, Wyoming, Estate With Airplane Hangar Lists For $48.5 Million

For those who prefer an airplane hangar and runway on their own property, this 14-acre, Alpine, Wyoming, estate may be a good fit. The $48.5 million property has 17 bedrooms, 17 baths, employee housing, room for a chef, and a cabin for guests.

Renée JeanOctober 30, 2026

Casper PD police Car 2

Casper Man Could Face Life In Prison For Choking Woman Unconscious

A Casper man is accused of holding a woman captive for more than a day, beating her and choking her unconscious. The man, who has a criminal history, faces six charges and could get life in prison on an aggravated kidnapping count alone.

Kolby FedoreOctober 31, 2026

Sweetwater County Fire Chief Scott Kitchner (right) and Assistant Fire Chief Jacob Ribordy (left) were placed on leave after concerns were brought to the district's board of directors by volunteers and other district personnel.

Sweetwater County Fire Chief, Assistant Put On Paid Leave After Complaints

The Sweetwater County Fire District's top two leaders have been placed on paid administrative leave after complaints about their leadership. Board Chair Jeff Varley says an outside investigation is underway and emergency responses won't be impacted.

Kate MeadowsOctober 30, 2026

Cheyenne police car and green sign 10 19 26

Cheyenne Man Misses 48 Court-Ordered Drug Tests, Runs From Cops At Nearly 100 MPH

A Cheyenne man wanted on warrants for missing 48 court-ordered drug tests was caught Thursday after leading police on a chase that reached nearly 100 mph at one point. It’s his fourth arrest since July 23, and he’s a suspect in a gaming parlor larceny.

Greg JohnsonOctober 30, 2026

State Rep. Liz Storer, left, and Shannon Brennan.

Even Adjusting For Wealth, Teton County Race Is Most Expensive In Legislature

Even after adjusting for Teton County’s wealth, its contested House District 23 race is still the most expensive state legislative seat going into the general election. The Republican Party gave Rep. Liz Storer's GOP challenger $52,000.

Clair McFarlandOctober 31, 2026

Components for the steam generator system for the Natrium nuclear power plant in Kemmerer.

Is AI Safe Enough To Develop Nuclear Power? Wyoming Is About To Find Out

AI is speeding up the work on Wyoming’s next-generation nuclear power plants, including TerraPower's Natrium plant in Kemmerer. “We’re using AI itself to check our plans, check our designs,” said Bill Gates during a visit to the site this month.

Emma Jane JacksonOctober 30, 2026

Mix Collage 30 Oct 2026 12 12 PM 8712

"Eating, Eating, Eating": Wyoming Bear Activity Still Very High

By accounts from all across the West, this year has been bonkers for bears, and it isn’t over yet. Bear activity is still quite high in Wyoming. A black bear in the Snowy Range flipped over an elk hunter's generator and then just stared at the hunter.

Mark HeinzOctober 30, 2026

State capitol 10 30 26

Wyoming's Not-So-Scary Trick-Or-Treat Forecast: Warm And Drizzly In Some Spots

Wyoming's not-so-frightening forecast for Halloween calls for temps in the 40s and 50s, a little rain, and no howling winds. "This is looking like a really good evening for trick-or-treaters," Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day said.

Andrew RossiOctober 30, 2026

The Big Piney, Wyoming, football team left Thursday afternoon for the roughly 800-mile round trip to their playoff game against Pine Bluffs.

800 Miles For One Playoff Game? For Wyoming Athletes, That's Just How It Is 

Big Piney’s football team faces an 800-mile round trip for its first playoff game Friday. Mountain View coach Dustin Rees, whose team could log over 3,000 miles this season, says that’s just how it is in Wyoming — especially when the playoffs begin.

Kolby FedoreOctober 29, 2026

Northern Arapaho tribal leaders oversaw a heavy-equipment operation Thursday to remove a driveway entrance to the Foundations for Nations evangelical church, then plant tribal flags where the entrance had been.

Northern Arapaho Tribe Tears Out Driveway Into Church, Plants Tribal Flags

Northern Arapaho Tribal leaders gouged out the driveway leading from a tribal road into a church property Thursday, then planted two of the tribe's flags. It's the latest outcry after the church pastor called out "idolatry" in tribal rituals.

Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2026

To crack a multi-year poaching case against Dakota Jordan of Lander, Game and Fish wardens used DNA taken from seized big game animal heads and carcasses left to rot.

Lander Poacher 1st In Wyoming To Get Instant Lifetime Hunting Ban In All 50 States

Lander's Dakota James Jordan is the first Wyomingite to see his hunting privileges immediately revoked for life in all 50 states after pleading guilty to poaching deer, elk and moose in Fremont County. "A good deterrent," an ex-game warden calls it.

Mark HeinzOctober 30, 2026

The National Education Association has spent roughly $1.8 million working to oppose Prop. 1, the Wyoming ballot initiative to cut 50% of residential property tax on qualifying homes.

National Education Association Pours $1.8 Million Into Beating Prop. 1

The National Education Association has spent roughly $1.8 million working to oppose Prop. 1, the Wyoming ballot initiative to cut 50% of residential property tax on qualifying homes. “Why would they care?” about Prop. 1, asked a sponsor of the measure.

Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2026

State Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, far left, and, from top left, Brent Bien, Rebecca Bettel and Megan Degenfelder, below.

Rep. Mike Yin Files Campaign Finance Complaints Against Wyoming Gov. Candidates

State Rep. Mike Yin filed election-finance complaints Wednesday accusing Wyoming gubernatorial candidates Rebecca Bextel, Brent Bien and Megan Degenfelder of accepting more than the legal limit for individual donations.

Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2026

FBI Director Kash Patel visited Wyoming law enforcement leaders Wednesday at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. The FBI talked with Wyoming sheriffs and other agency heads about its technology capabilities, managing various crime trends, and working together. Here, he poses for a photo with Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak.

Kash Patel Meets With 50 Wyoming Cops At War Memorial Stadium

FBI Director Kash Patel met with Wyoming law enforcement leaders in Laramie on Wednesday, then released a video montage touting the state as a law and order haven. "Wyoming is doing some of the best work in the country," Patel said.

Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2026

Two loose dogs take off after chasing horses at Kaylee Little’s horse breeding business in Gillette on Tuesday night. Little said she recognized the pair from photos shared by another local owner whose horse was attacked earlier this month.

'They Don't Quit': More Gillette Livestock Mauled And Pony Killed By Roaming Dogs

After a Gillette veterinarian reported an attack on her horse, other livestock owners say roaming dogs are a growing threat across the county. One encounter proved fatal. “He didn't deserve to suffer like he did,” one owner said of her pony Woodrow.

Emma Jane JacksonOctober 29, 2026

When water is on the floor in the boiler room of the old Deming Elementary School in Cheyenne, it forms the outline of a body.

The Ghost At Cheyenne's Deming Elementary Hates Cussing, Sex And Drugs

A former custodian at Cheyenne’s Deming Elementary says the school’s ghost — reportedly a janitor murdered there 80 years ago — seems to hate cussing, sex and drugs. She’s heard footsteps and saw a mysterious man on stage vanish when she turned to him.

Renée JeanOctober 29, 2026

Towering skeletons and other Halloween decorations are already waiting for trick-or-treaters at a home in the Wolcott Street area of Casper. The neighborhood has become a Halloween destination for families from across the city.

Halloween Mecca: Casper Neighbors Spend $500 Each For Up To 1,300 Trick-Or-Treaters

Casper’s Wolcott Street is a Halloween mecca, where homes get as many as 1,300 trick-or-treaters and spend up to $500 each on candy. “There have been times when there were 100 people standing in front of our house,” Wolcott resident Greg Groves says.

Kolby FedoreOctober 29, 2026

This nearly 100-year-old school building in Wheatland has sparked a local debate — sell it or tear it down?

$200,000 Offer For Wheatland School Sparks Debate Over Whether To Sell Or Demolish

“This is just a mess,” said a Platte County School District 1 board member about a growing debate over whether to sell a nearly 100-year-old Wheatland school or demolish it. Meanwhile, the school board has rejected a $200,000 offer to buy it.

Kate MeadowsOctober 29, 2026

UFO natrium terra power

UFO Experts Tell Kemmerer Residents to Keep Their Eyes on the Skies Above Natrium

Robert Hastings, a world-renowned UFO researcher and author says whatever has watched nuclear sites for decades will take notice of Wyoming’s, too. “There are many cases where these objects have maneuvered around civilian nuclear-power plants,” he said.

Emma Jane JacksonOctober 29, 2026

Julien Reeves

Casper Man Accused Of Fleeing Police At Up To 105 MPH In The Dark With Lights Off

A Casper man who tried to outrun police in the dark at an estimated 105 mph with his lights off admitted that he “should of just pulled over” and “faced the ticket” after wrecking the truck he’d just bought. He faced a list of charges in court Thursday.

Greg JohnsonOctober 29, 2026

Tom Hirsig is stepping down as Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO following the 2027 Daddy of 'em All. He began his tenure leading the world's largest outdoor rodeo since 2015.

Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig Stepping Down, 2027 Will Be Last Year

Longtime Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig is stepping down after the 2027 Daddy of ’em All, the CFD board announced Thursday. He took heat after eliminating slack competition, but that didn’t influence the decision, said the CFD board chairman.

Renée JeanOctober 29, 2026

Federal prosecutors say Christopher Roy Bretas, 49, tried to have nearly a kilogram of meth mailed from Mexico to a Casper apartment disguised as candy and addressed to “Crystal Ramirez” — all while he was still technically a federal inmate.

Feds: Inmate Sent Kilo Of Meth Disguised As Mexican Candy To Casper Apartment

Prosecutors say a federal inmate tried to have a kilo of meth disguised as candy from Mexico sent to someone at a Casper apartment last year. The man, who was already doing time for a meth distribution charge, could face life in prison.

Kolby FedoreOctober 29, 2026

J.R. Larsen, left, returns George Long’s long-lost wallet and family keepsakes to his daughters in Cheyenne.

Daughters Overjoyed When Stranger Finds Father's Wallet Lost For Decades

While hiding Christmas gifts, a Cheyenne man stumbled upon a hidden wallet dating to 1959. Decades after it vanished, he tracked down the owner’s daughters, who were thrilled Wednesday to get back a piece of their father's past 20 years after his death.

Kolby FedoreOctober 29, 2026

Democrat Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr, left, and Republican candidate for sheriff Eric Snow.

GOP Teton Sheriff's Candidate Claims 'Retaliation' From Sheriff, May Sue

Eric Snow, the Republican candidate for Teton County Sheriff, says the Democratic incumbent Matt Carr's office has waged a retaliatory campaign against him throughout his campaign, and his attorney said they may sue. Carr denies the allegations.

Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2026

Republican gubernatorial nominee Eric Barlow (left), Constitution Party nominee Rebecca Bextel (center), Democratic nominee Ken Casner (right)

Wyoming Gov Race: Barlow Out-Raises Bextel 4-1, Bextel Filing Amended Report

Wyoming campaign finance reports filed as of Wednesday morning show Eric Barlow has out-fundraised his opponent Rebecca Bextel in the gubernatorial race by nearly four-to-one. Bextel says her numbers are much higher and is filing an amended report.

Clair McFarlandOctober 28, 2026

Prometheus Hyperscale has abandoned plans for a massive data center spanning Natrona and Converse counties.

Prometheus Abruptly Drops Natrona Data Center Plan, Eyes New Wyoming Locations

Prometheus Hyperscale has abandoned plans for a massive data center spanning Natrona and Converse counties, blindsiding officials even as its multibillion-dollar southwest Wyoming project moves ahead. "That was kind of a shock," a commissioner said.

Emma Jane JacksonOctober 28, 2026

Joseph Martinez

Baby Murder Trial, Day 3: Jury Takes 90 Minutes To Find Father Not Guilty

A Laramie County jury deliberated only 90 minutes Wednesday before finding a Cheyene man not guilty of the first-degree murder of his 4-month-old son in 2025. Hanson blames his wife, Juliette Martinez, who is still charged with first-degree murder.

Kerry DrakeOctober 29, 2026

A 2009, 2010 and baby-blue 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor were among the former city fleet vehicles Cheyenne sold at its annual surplus auction this month. The three old cop cars have between 92,000 and 112,000 miles.

Once The King Of Police Cars, Cheyenne’s Old Crown Vics Head To Auction

Three Crown Vic Police Interceptors hit Cheyenne’s auction block this month. For a generation of Americans, they were the silhouette of Five-O: Long hood, huge trunk, upright roof and headlights that could inspire a brake check from a quarter-mile away.

Kolby FedoreOctober 28, 2026

U.S. Marshals who shot and killed Steven Sheesley during a March 12, 2025, arrest attempt in Evanston have been cleared of wrongdoing. Uinta County's top prosecutor said Wednesday they were reasonable to think the man, who was on meth, was trying to shoot them.

DCI Says Fugitive Killed By Feds May Still Be Alive If Not For Evanston Woman

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation says a 34-year-old man killed by U.S. Marshals during a manhunt last year might still be alive if an Evanston woman had not blocked the Marshals from entering her home, where he was hiding.

Greg JohnsonOctober 28, 2026

Wolf 1479F was a young female member of the Junction Butte Pack in Yellowstone National Park. She was killed legally by a hunter in Montana in 2025.

Critics Blast Wyoming, Montana Wildlife Officials Over Anti-Wolf And Grizzly Bias

Wyoming and Montana wildlife commissions are receiving increasing criticism over their approaches toward predators such as wolves and grizzly bears. Critics say the officials favor hunters, anglers and trappers over interests of the general public.

Mark HeinzOctober 28, 2026

As the U.S. Department of Justice prepares to monitor Wyoming’s general election operations Tuesday, it is appointing Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s former No. 2 office staffer, Jesse Naiman, to oversee the job.

Feds Tap Former Chuck Gray Deputy To Run DOJ Election Monitoring

U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced Wednesday that Chuck Gray's former deputy will oversee a federal operation monitoring Wyoming’s general election next week. State authorities told the monitors they must stay at least 100 yards away from the polls.

Clair McFarlandOctober 28, 2026

A routine speeding stop in South Dakota turned into a wildlife investigation when a trooper discovered 70 harvested ducks in the driver's vehicle, 52 more than is legally allowed. Only three of the packaged ducks met legal transportation requirements.

Speeding Driver Caught With 70 Ducks In South Dakota, 52 Over The Legal Limit

A routine speeding stop in South Dakota turned into a wildlife investigation when a trooper discovered 70 harvested ducks in the driver's vehicle, 52 more than is legally allowed. Only three of the packaged ducks met legal transportation requirements.

Kate MeadowsOctober 28, 2026

Albany county cow 10 28 26

Laramie Woman Wouldn't Give Up On A Cow That Couldn't Get Up For A Month

A cow that had been hit by a vehicle was down for weeks, in snow and bitter cold, before a Laramie woman finally got someone to intervene and end its suffering. It took perseverance and a lot of dead ends. "I couldn't stop thinking about her," she said.

Kolby FedoreOctober 28, 2026

Daily Features

View all
Sunrise 11 1 26
PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Calvin Wolf. Calvin writes, "Elk hunting this morning. Northeast Wyoming, near Hulett."

Photo by Calvin Wolf

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

Sponsored

View all
Shannon A. Brennan Running for WY House District 23

Teton County is the Gateway for Counter-Conservative Activists in Wyoming: Wyoming Actually IS Becoming Colorado Blue

How dark-money Super PACs and a network of nonprofits allegedly tied to Teton County are fueling a political shift that threatens Wyoming’s conservative values and culture.

October 29, 2026

Individual Diabetes Education Session

Are You Tough Enough to Know Your Numbers? Take the Journey to Better Health This November

Wyomingites are known for their resilience, self-reliance, and ability to handle tough terrain. But when it comes to personal health, being “Wyoming tough” means having the courage to face your health metrics head-on.

October 28, 2026

Sponsored Content Wyoming GOP

Wyoming Republicans Urge Voters to Back GOP Candidates, Vote Yes on Proposition 1

The Wyoming Republican Party addresses primary election spending restrictions, outlines its support for Harriet Hageman and Chuck Gray, and urges voters to support property tax relief.

October 28, 2026

Opinion

View all
Gail symons 3 23 25

Gail Symons: It's Almost Anyone-But-Chuck November, Choose Wisely

Columnist Gail Symons writes: "In one of my earliest memories of Chuck Gray, he was berating a former U.S. senator who'd come to Wyoming to support the Convention of States effort. The outburst wasn't a one-off, and I won't vote for Chuck Gray."

Gail SymonsOctober 05, 2026

Sniffin headshot 7 2 25

Bill Sniffin: I Left My Heart At The Snow King Inn, In Old Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes, "Our family’s go-to place in Jackson Hole was the Snow King Inn at the foot of the town hill in Jackson. Why on earth would you change the name? It makes me sad. The old resort had the best initials in the ski business: S-K-I."

Bill SniffinOctober 03, 2026

Joan barron headshot 4 27 24

Joan Barron: The Legislature Is Running Out Of Old Hands

Columnist Joan Barron writes, “A record bunch of freshmen lawmakers will need to be educated, or at least helped to find the bathroom.”

Joan BarronOctober 03, 2026

Wyoming Life

View all

Outdoors

View all

Crime & Courts

View all