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When Spencer Long and Morgan Kulik wed recently at the Diamond View Ranch near Powell, they saw a perfect opportunity to do their first brand. Eventually, the couple wants to start their own ranch where horses and cattle will bear their family’s brand.

Pennsylvania Couple Starts Tradition With First Brand At Wyoming Ranch Wedding

When Spencer Long and Morgan Kulik got married at the Diamond View Ranch near Powell earlier this month, they had a branding — with their own brand. The Pennsylvania couple's goal is to own ranch where horses and cattle will bear their family’s brand.

Andrew RossiAugust 23, 2026

In America’s golden age of big bands and jazz, the tiny out-of-the-way Garden Spot Pavilion in Elk Mountain, Wyoming, drew the biggest names of the day. Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and Lawrence Welk were among the stars to play the Pavilion.

Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey Among Big Names To Play Elk Mountain’s Garden Spot

In America’s golden age of big bands, the tiny out-of-the-way Garden Spot Pavilion in Elk Mountain drew the biggest names of the day. Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and others were on regular rotation to play to raucous, alcohol-fueled crowds until 4 a.m. 

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

Harve Ray was a more notorious Hole-in-the-Wall outlaw than Butch Cassidy in the late 1800s, but no photo evidence of him existed until recently. A Wyoming historian has uncovered an 1897 photo that identifies him as part of a branding on Kirby Creek, seen above at right.

Wyoming Historian Uncovers Only Known Photo of Hole-in-the-Wall Outlaw Harve Ray

Wyoming historian Michael Bell has officially verified a photo of the notorious Hole-in-the-Wall outlaw Harve Ray who ran with Butch Cassidy in the late 1800s. The 1897 photo, the only known photo of the outlaw, shows him at a branding on Kirby Creek.

Jackie DorothyAugust 23, 2026

80-somethings brawling in the parking lot, irreverent jokers, indoor smoking and an ear lost in a brawl are all part of the lore at Glenrock's Deer Creek Lounge. The down-and-dirty dive has a reputation for other vices, too.

Drinking Wyoming: Glenrock’s Smoky Deer Creek Lounge A Down-And-Dirty Dive

It’s a hot August afternoon at the Deer Creek Lounge in Glenrock, and a man named Nile is reflecting proudly on the time he clocked his 84-year-old brother in the mouth. “I should have hit him a second time,” he said.

Zakary SonntagAugust 22, 2026

The only deeded residential property on the eastern shore of Lake De Smet is for sale and priced at $7.5 million. Texaco owned the property, but it became a retreat with views of the lake, Bighorn Mountains and the legendary "Smetty" lake monster.

Only Home On Lake De Smet's Eastern Shore Is Available For $7.5 Million

The only deeded residential property on the eastern shore of Lake De Smet is for sale and priced at $7.5 million. Texaco once owned the property, but it became a retreat with views of the lake, Bighorn Mountains and the legendary "Smetty" lake monster.

Renée JeanAugust 23, 2026

Cornelius “Cork” Kelly left Pinedale one final poem — a humorous, tender and deeply personal obituary. He lived as a teacher, poet, swimmer and cherished friend. "And regardless of the manner of my dying, at least I am on the road again," Kelly wrote.

Beloved Pinedale Teacher Says His Final Goodbye In A Poem

Cornelius “Cork” Kelly left Pinedale one final poem — a humorous, tender and deeply personal obituary. He lived as a teacher, poet and father of 10. "I am dead. And regardless of the manner of my dying, at least I am on the road again," Kelly wrote.

Kate MeadowsAugust 22, 2026

A power substation with wind turbines in the background in Wyoming.

Why America’s Energy Grid Has To Change — And What It Means For Wyoming

To the “tech bros,” the future is simple. Either America rebuilds its energy grid fast, or it will hand the coming AI revolution — and the billions in economic impact that comes with it — to foreign countries, some of whom aren’t America’s friends.

Renée JeanAugust 22, 2026

“Doc” Barry arrived in the Bighorn Canyon in the 1890s seeking gold, but after losing a fortune, he built a luxury dude ranch where guests could only get to via wagon or whitewater. All that remains today is a ghost camp infused with memories.

Wyoming History: Wagon, Whitewater Only Way To ‘Doc’ Barry’s Bighorn Dude Ranch

“Doc” Barry arrived in the Bighorn Canyon in the 1890s seeking gold, but after losing a fortune, he built a luxury dude ranch where guests could only get to via wagon or whitewater. All that remains today is a ghost camp infused with memories.

Jackie DorothyAugust 23, 2026

Somewhere on the long dirt road to Hog Park in Carbon County, Snoopy still waits after 30 years. Nobody knows who painted the giant beagle on a Sierra Madre boulder on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, but Wyoming families have grown up watching for him.

What The Heck … Is That Giant Snoopy Head High In Wyoming’s Sierra Madre Range?

Somewhere on the long dirt road to Hog Park in Carbon County, Snoopy has been hanging out for at least 30 years. Nobody knows who painted the giant beagle on a Sierra Madre Range boulder, but Wyoming families have grown up visiting him.

Kolby FedoreAugust 22, 2026

In the month since the Cowboy State Daily told 4-year-old Charlee Lacey's story of collecting “hero patches” from first responders, she’s been flooded with hundreds of them.

First Responders Send Hundreds Of ‘Hero Patches’ To 4-Year-Old Rock Springs Girl

In the month since Cowboy State Daily told 4-year-old Charlee Lacey's story of collecting “hero patches” from first responders, she’s been flooded with hundreds of them. Her mother says there are "no words" to express how much they mean to the girl.

Andrew RossiAugust 22, 2026

Crystal Curiel and Salvador Curiel-Aviles

Cheyenne-Area Squatters Tell Homeowner He Can’t Touch Them — Then Get Arrested

A couple accused of moving into a locked-up home and selling off the owner’s possessions allegedly told the homeowner they were squatters, they have rights, and he couldn’t do anything about it. Then they were arrested.

Greg JohnsonAugust 21, 2026

David Kolesky was one of the first male cheerleaders recruited to raise team and fan spirits at the Cowboy football games for the 1965 season. His best friend and fellow "yell king" Nick Vuko said that Kolesky was crazy and fun-loving.

How An Injured Football Player Became UW’s First Male Cheerleader 61 Years Ago

When Nick Vuko was sidelined with a football injury in 1965, the Wyoming tailback refused to stay off the field — returning with buddy David Kolesky as UW’s first male cheerleaders. It helped that they weren't afraid to make spectacles of themselves.

Jackie DorothyAugust 22, 2026

About 90% of the $550,000 the Make Liberty Win PAC spent on Wyoming's primary went to Freedom Caucus candidates. Overall, those supported by Make Liberty Win failed in their races.

PAC That Spent $550K Helping Freedom Caucus Had 87% Failure Rate

For Virginia-based PAC “Make Liberty Win” $479,000 of the $550,000 it spent helping Freedom Caucus-aligned candidates went to lost races. Sen. Cale Case, who was targeted by the group, said he was unsurprised: "(People) are really tired of the negative campaigning.”

Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2026

Wyoming ranchers are riled at President Trump’s Friday announcement that the U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported without tariffs. They say Wyoming would be better off if allowed to sell state-inspected beef across state lines.

Another Trump Call For Imported Beef Riles Up Wyoming Ranchers

Wyoming ranchers are riled at President Trump’s Friday announcement that the U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported without tariffs. They say Wyoming would be better off if allowed to sell state-inspected beef across state lines.

Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2026

As fall hunting season nears, Wyoming Game and Fish is facing public scrutiny after the sudden resignation of Director Angi Bruce and the appointment of an interim director. In a rare move, Game and Fish will give a state of the agency update Monday.

After Director Quits, People Asking What’s Up With Wyoming Game And Fish?

As fall hunting season nears, Wyoming Game and Fish is facing public scrutiny after the sudden resignation of Director Angi Bruce and the appointment of an interim director. In a rare move, Game and Fish will give a state of the agency update Monday.

Mark HeinzAugust 21, 2026

A former Wyoming police chief wants to name the tallest peak in Sheridan County for Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024. The 11,000-foot peak known to locals as “Sheridan High Point” doesn’t have an official name.

Wyoming Police Push To Name Mountain Peak After Fallen Officer Sgt. Krinkee

A former Wyoming police chief wants to name the tallest peak in Sheridan County for Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024. The 11,000-foot peak known to locals as “Sheridan High Point” doesn’t have an official name.

Kolby FedoreAugust 21, 2026

Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Tuesday Night Massacre And Life In Post-Freedom Caucus Wyoming

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "It was nearly a Custer-esque asskicking, and the Wyoming GOP primary election left the flyblown corpses of right wing populist politicians festering under the hot sun of the Big Empty. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is dead."

Rod MillerAugust 21, 2026

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Wyoming 'Future-Proofs' Oil And Gas Industry With Nation's First Bonding Pool

On the heels of a Biden administration proposal to raise oil and gas bonding requirements by 1,900%, Wyoming is creating the nation’s first state-backed bonding pool to shield independent producers. "We're not on defense now," an industry spokesman said.

Renée JeanAugust 21, 2026

A group of cow elk with a bull in Wyoming.

Wyoming Hunters Are Already Filling Their Freezers With Early Season Cow Elk

With Type 8 tags, Wyoming hunters can go after cow elk as early as August — despite the heat — in places where numbers have swollen well over Wyoming Game and Fish objectives. Hunters say access to private land is the key to success.

Mark HeinzAugust 21, 2026

When the next lunar eclipse reaches its maximum at 10:12 p.m. on Thursday, 96.2% of the moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow. What makes it unusually striking will be its deep blood-red color, said a former Wyoming state climatologist.

"Unusual And Spectacular": Next Week's Lunar Eclipse Will Be Blood-Red And 96% Full

When the next lunar eclipse reaches its maximum at 10:12 p.m. on Thursday, 96.2% of the moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow and blood-red. “We'll see a reddish moon with a slight sliver of silver at the edge,” one Wyoming astronomer explained.

Andrew RossiAugust 21, 2026

The intersection of Carey and Randall avenues in Cheyenee across from the Wyoming Capitol was a hot corner for political signs.

Campaign Signs Are Classified As Trash By All Of Wyoming's Municipalities

Now that Wyoming’s primary election has come and gone, the innumerable campaign signs that popped up over the last year are starting to disappear. Although they could be re-used for many things, they are classified as trash by all Wyoming municipalities.

Andrew RossiAugust 21, 2026

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Mexican National Accused Of Snake River Canyon Rampage Wasn't Drunk, Prosecutors Say

The Mexican national accused of trying to ram numerous travelers in the Snake River Canyon two summers ago was not drunk, prosecutors said this week. “The individual deliberately targeted our vehicle and attempted to kill my family,” one driver said.

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

Eric Barlow (right) speaks to a voter days before the primary election.

No, Closet Democrats Didn't Nominate Republican Barlow For Gov., Politicos Say

Despite claims that Eric Barlow won the Republican primary for governor due to closet Democrats, political analysts disagree. Also, an analysis of voter registration and turnout percentages predicts Barlow winning even without the margin of likely crossover.

Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2026

Wolf 1090F, of the Mollie’s pack in Yellowstone National Park, recently hit the age of 12 years. That makes her her the oldest living wolf in the park, and one of the oldest ever.

Nevada Hunter Vows To Kill Famous Yellowstone Mollie's Pack Wolf 1090F In Wyoming

A Nevada hunter and social media influencer is vowing to come to Wyoming to kill the leader of Yellowstone National Park's oldest wolf pack, the Mollie's. “The matriarch 1090F is going down on the 15th of September,” he says.

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

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Authorities Not Saying If False Rasner Trump Endorsement Text Brings Consequences

Authorities are tight-lipped or uncertain over whether consequences could follow a mysterious text blast on Primary Election Day that said — falsely — that President Donald Trump had endorsed U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner. 

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

John Smallbone

Douglas Man Wanted On 72 Child Sex-Related Charges Is Back In Wyoming Jail

John Smallbone was Wyoming’s most wanted man for less than four hours after no-showing an arraignment hearing on 72 child sex abuse and pornography charges. Now he’s back. “He’s here. We got him back this morning,” said the Converse County undersheriff.

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

Alibi Wood Fire Pizzaria & Bakery, a Laramie landmark for decades, is being sold.

Laramie Landmark The Alibi, Made Famous By Guy Fieri, On The Market For $3 Million

The Alibi, a Laramie landmark since 1953 and a favorite for generations of University of Wyoming students, is on the market for nearly $3 million. Now known for its wood-fired pizza, it was made famous by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

Horse advocates say it’s been proven that mustangs rounded up in Wyoming have been sent to slaughterhouses in Canada.

Mustang Advocates Say Report Proves Wild Horses From Wyoming Sent To Slaughter

Mustang advocates say a New York Times report proves horses rounded up from the range in Wyoming and other states have been sent to slaughter. An advocacy group is now asking Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to shut down all sales of wild horses.

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

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Libertarian Party Nominates Republican Cale Case And Democrat Karlee Provenza

In a statement about how it should be able to send anyone it chooses into the election, the Libertarian Party nominated Republican Sen. Cale Case and Democrat Rep. Karlee Provenza at its convention. The Secretary of State’s Office rejected the nominations.

Clair McFarlandAugust 21, 2026

Roy Scott Reid

Wyoming Man Says He Cruised Billings Homeless Shelters 'Looking For Hookers'

A 78-year-old Wyoming man has pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated sex trafficking after telling investigators he was “looking for hookers” as he cruised Billings, Montana, homeless shelters. He allegedly offered women cash, food and vodka for sex.

Kolby FedoreAugust 20, 2026

Drake Alexander Ingalls

South Dakota Man Charged With Murder In Wyoming Says He Was Defending Tinder Date

A 24-year-old South Dakota man doesn’t deny shooting and killing another man while in Newcastle on a Tinder date gone wrong, but it wasn’t murder, his defense attorney said Wednesday. He was defending the woman he had driven nearly 90 miles to meet.

Greg JohnsonAugust 20, 2026

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The Impact Of Trump's Expansion Of Hunting, Fishing On Wildlife Refuges In Wyoming

Three of Wyoming's national wildlife refuges will see modest changes from the new plan to open 92 million acres to hunting and fishing. It's touted as the "largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2026

After Tuesday's Republican primary election gutted the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the caucus says it’s far from dead — and will regroup. “I don’t think any of us anticipated this kind of loss,” said former chair John Bear.

Wyoming Freedom Caucus Says It’s Not Dead After Devastating Primary Losses

After Tuesday's Republican primary election gutted the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the caucus says it’s far from dead — and will regroup. “I don’t think any of us anticipated this kind of loss,” said former chair John Bear.

Clair McFarlandAugust 20, 2026

An Alta coffee shop owner asked pro-life group not to meet at his Driggs, Idaho, shop — then compared his right to do so in his business to refusing to host the KKK. Death threats have been "nonstop" since their clash went viral.

Alta Coffee Shop Owner: 'Nonstop Death Threats' Since Clash With Pro-Lifers

An Alta, Wyoming, man says he and his wife have received "nonstop death threats" since a confrontation with a pro-life group inside their Driggs coffee shop, Wydaho Roasters, went viral. “You'd think we're performing abortions in our shop," the owner said.

Kolby FedoreAugust 19, 2026

Joe Ricketts speaks Wednesday at the Saving Yellowstone summit at the Jackson Fork Ranch near Bondurant.

Polarizing Billionaire Joe Ricketts Says He’s Focused On 'Saving Yellowstone'

Billionaire Joe Ricketts once wanted to build a mega-resort on his 1,300-acre ranch and rename Bondurant “Little Jackson Hole.” Now he's focused on "Saving Yellowstone." "If we don’t move now, it will be gone forever,” he said Wednesday.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

House Speaker Chip Nieman and other Wyoming Freedom Caucus members outside the Capitol during this year's legislative session.

The Great Wyoming Freedom Caucus Massacre — By The Numbers

After Tuesday’s primary, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is being gutted from about a 35-member bloc in the state House to about 10. Of those likely to reach the House after the general election, about 43 say they don’t align with the controversial caucus.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Lake Helen in Wyoming's Cloud Peak Wilderness, part of the state's more than 3 million acres of federal roadless areas.

Fate Of 3.3 Million Acres Of Roadless Areas In Wyoming About To Be Decided

The 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule could soon end, opening 3.3 million acres of national forests in Wyoming for road construction. Harriet Hageman calls the rule a disaster, while roadless supporters say it protects prime hunting, fishing and tourism.

Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2026

State Treasurer Curt Meier (left), Secretary of State Chuck Gray (right)

Primary Election Winners: Curt Meier Got The Best Deal Per Vote, Chuck Gray The Worst

Among Wyoming GOP primary election winners, Treasurer Curt Meier got the best deal of campaign expense per vote at $1.61, and U.S. House nominee Chuck Gray the worst, at $44. Including the runners-up, Reid Rasner spent the most with a staggering $209 per vote.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Eva Martinez

No Death Penalty For Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Killing Newborn 38 Years Ago

The death penalty won’t be pursued against a Cheyenne woman accused of murdering and abandoning her newborn baby boy in a ditch 38 years ago. “The baby was a fully developed, full-term, 6.5-pound baby,” authorities report.

Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2026

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Herd Of Wandering, Hungry Cattle Doesn’t Care Grazing Is Banned At Yellowstone

A herd of cattle inadvertently broke into Yellowstone National Park earlier this week, grazing where no cattle have grazed for more than 120 years. That’s because the park has banned issuing grazing permits in Yellowstone.

Andrew RossiAugust 19, 2026

Laramie County Sheriffs Office truck 2 11 25

Attempted Murder Charge For Teen Accused Of Putting Gun To Head Of Another Teen

A Cheyenne 17-year-old has been charged as an adult with attempted murder for allegedly putting a gun to the head of a Colorado teen, then shooting at him multiple times as the other teen was driving away.

Kerry DrakeAugust 19, 2026

The 11-turbine Casper Wind Farm is on its way out.

Defunct For Years, 'Eyesore' Casper Wind Farm Turbines Finally Coming Down

The 11 turbines at the Casper Wind Farm north of Evansville are finally coming down after years of inactivity. There were high hopes for the turbines when commissioned in 2009, but a former county commissioner now calls them an "eyesore."

Dale KillingbeckAugust 19, 2026

A small data center is taking shape in Fremont County, but officials there say they don't know much about the project and aren't sure just how much regulatory power they'll have. Fremont has some of Wyoming’s most permissive zoning laws. Above, construction on a data center outside of Cheyenne.

Plan For Data Center Puts Spotlight On Lax Fremont County Zoning Laws

A small data center is taking shape in Fremont County, but officials there say they don't know much about the project and aren't sure just how much regulatory power they'll have. Fremont has some of Wyoming’s most permissive zoning laws.

Kate MeadowsAugust 19, 2026

John Bear, left, and Ken Pendergraft

Near-Total Massacre For Freedom Caucus In Wyoming Primary

Tuesday marked a rough night for the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, as its members and allies fell to a slew of legislative newcomers in the Republican primary election. "Wyoming citizens spoke loud and clear tonight!" said caucus critic Rep. Landon Brown.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

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Eric Barlow Wins GOP Nomination For Governor Over Trump-Backed Candidate

Sen. Eric Barlow, a legislator of 14 years, won the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor Tuesday, over Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien.

Clair McFarlandAugust 19, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Rick Slagowski. Rick writes, "Fremont Lake sunrise in Pinedale, Wyoming."

Photo by Rick Slagowski

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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Opinion

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Bill Sniffin: Political Crunch Time Brings Out Desperation And A Few Funny Lines

Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “This is a desperate time for politicians. Just how negative can they go? Here in Wyoming, we discovered it is pretty darned deep.”

Bill SniffinAugust 08, 2026

Rod miller headshot scaled

Rod Miller: Changes Around The Ol’ Campfire

Columnist Rod Miller writes, "It was a hot, sultry night in the Red Desert, without a breath of cooling breeze. All that could be heard was the grumbling of the exhausted cowboys and rattlesnakes copulating in the sagebrush."

Rod MillerAugust 07, 2026

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Tom Lubnau: Why You Should Consider Steve Friess For U.S. House

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Chuck Gray's approach to politics is akin to a yapping Chihuahua, making lots of noise and getting headlines, but getting little done.  Most concerning is Gray dumping all of Wyoming voters’ election data to an agency of the federal government whose use is unrestricted."

Tom LubnauAugust 05, 2026

Wyoming Life

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