Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
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Sheridan Manufacturers Are Adding Robots And Hiring Workers At The Same Time
Robots are showing up in Wyoming, but workers at a Sheridan manufacturing plant aren't worrying about them taking their jobs. In fact, they are using robots to increase what existing workers can produce while hiring more employees to support growth.
Renée JeanNovember 14, 2026

Chuck Gray Says He Will Champion Wyoming Energy In Congress Except "Woke Wind"
Appearing on Tim Pool's popular podcast, Rep-Elect Chuck Gray said he will spend his time in Congress pushing for access to markets for Wyoming energy and fighting government subsidized wind projects. “I call it woke wind,” Gray said. “The media hated it.”
Charlie SpieringNovember 14, 2026

Rare Bear River White Bison Calf Among 14 To Be Sold By Wyoming State Parks
Bear River State Park is home to a rare white bison and officials are now selling another of her white offspring, an unnamed bull calf. The calf is not an albino but rather had an ancestor an estimated 100 years ago that was a Charolais.
Jackie DorothyNovember 14, 2026

Hanna Woman Turns Dead Things Into Jewelry, And People Love It
Most people steer clear of dead animals, but Draya Cruz loads them into her truck, cleans their bones, and turns them into earrings. From snake vertebrae to mink skulls, the Hanna woman is giving Wyoming's dearly departed a fashionable second life.
Kolby FedoreNovember 14, 2026

Gillette Man Endures Fires, Rodents, Severe Illness To Complete 2,650-Mile Pacific Crest Trail
Two years after completing the Appalachian Trail, Gillette native Jordan Thorn took on the monstrous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Though he endured fires, rodents and severe illnesses over the 5 1/2 months, he said it was worth the trek.
Amber SteinmetzNovember 14, 2026

Judge Overturns Wyoming Education Department's Special Ed Violations
A Wyoming district judge has overturned state findings that Sweetwater County School District No. 1 violated federal special education law in a case involving student privacy and parental rights. The ruling comes amid broader scrutiny of the district's special education program.
Kate MeadowsNovember 14, 2026

Air Force Vet Sent To Jail For Collecting His Own Helmet From VFW Post
A former Wyoming VFW commander spent what he called 11 harrowing days in jail, when he was accused of stealing a helmet from a VFW post. Air Force vet Richard Knapp was only collecting his own helmet, however, and the case was dropped.
Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2026

'Not What Wyoming Wants' Barlow Says Of Trump Federal Lands Sale Announcement
Gov.-Elect Eric Barlow on Friday said the Trump administration's announcement this week to sell federal public lands to state, local, and tribal governments is "not what Wyoming wants regarding its federal lands." Incoming Rep. Chuck Gray also opposed the plan.
Clair McFarlandNovember 13, 2026

A Lander Woman Walked Into An Animal Hoarding Crisis, And The Town Stepped Up
Cori Slingerland had never handled a hoarding case before entering a Lander home filled with roughly 19 cats and waist-high garbage. But she stepped in anyway and the community rallied. “I’ve got to get these animals out of here,” she says.
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 13, 2026

Old Payphone At Lusk Rest Area Is A Relic From Another Era — And It Still Works!
Tucked inside the Lusk Rest Area in eastern Wyoming is a nostalgic relic from another era: An old Qwest payphone that still works. It takes coins, has a dial tone and and a woman's recorded voice pops on to remind you that a 1 must be dialed first.
Kolby FedoreNovember 14, 2026

‘Brings You Back to 9/11’: Sudden FAA Ground Stop Strands Wyoming Flyers
Passengers across Wyoming were stuck just like thousands of other Americans on Friday as the FAA grounded every flight in the country citing safety concerns. "It's Friday the 13th," said one hunter from Pennsylvania who was stuck in the Cheyenne airport.
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 13, 2026

'It's Insanity': Critics Question Need For Elk Hunt In Grand Teton National Park
Critics are again questioning the need for an elk hunt that has taken place almost every year in Grand Teton National Park since 1950, when it was part of legislation to expand the park. One described hunting elk with tourists nearby as "insanity."
Mark HeinzNovember 13, 2026

Public-Lands Advocates Say Forest Service Chief Illegally Built Cabin In Idaho
Public-lands advocates claim that a "a piece of shit cabin" was illegally built on Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest by Michael Boren, who is in charge of the U.S. Forest Service. "It is an eyesore," said Aaron Murphy of American Hunters & Anglers.
Mark HeinzNovember 14, 2026

‘Blue Wave’ Has 2nd Amendment Advocates Worried About Renewed Gun Control Push
After a Democratic "blue wave" in the midterms, Second Amendment advocates say they worry about a renewed push for gun control. “At the national level, there is definitely cause for concern,” Mark Jones, national director of Gun Owners of America, said.
Mark HeinzNovember 14, 2026

Despite What Popular Atlas Says, There’s No ‘Shemale’ Ranch In Wyoming
No, despite what a Wyoming atlas might say, the “Shemale Brothers Ranch” in Albany County isn’t a real place. What initially seemed like a case of 19th century gender-bending, when the ranch was founded, turned out to be a misprint in a well-known map.
Mark HeinzNovember 13, 2026

California Man Accused Of Threatening Gillette Cop's Family After Bar Fight
A California man faces two felony charges after allegedly threatening to shoot a woman at a Gillette restaurant, then fighting police before he was tasered three times. He then allegedly threatened an officer's family on the way to jail in a patrol car.
Kolby FedoreNovember 13, 2026

State Will Retry Cheyenne Man For Attempted Murder When It Finds Missing Witness
The State of Wyoming says it will retry Adrian Maggos of Cheyenne for attempted second-degree murder after it finds witness Parres Mondragon, his former girlfriend. Mondragon ignored a subpoena and Maggos' four-day trial ended in a mistrial Nov. 6.
Kerry DrakeNovember 13, 2026

Wolf 1090F Now Tied For Yellowstone's Oldest, Exceeds Average Lifespan By Decade
Mollie's matriarch 1090F wolf turns 12.5 years old this month, tying her for the oldest known wolf in Yellowstone since restoration in 1995. She has already exceeded the average lifespan by nearly a decade and observers say she appears healthy.
Mark HeinzNovember 12, 2026

Utah Company Expanding To Green River Promising Union Jobs Amid WE Soda Cuts
A Utah mechanical contractor sped up its southwest Wyoming expansion plans after WE Soda announced 350 layoffs, signing with local unions to match mine-level wages and vacations. “We want to keep all the work in Wyoming,” the company president says.
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 13, 2026

Family Member Describes Man Killed In I-80 Shooting Near Cheyenne As 'Troubled'
The 27-year-old man who was killed by Laramie County sheriff's deputies along I-80 east of Cheyenne on Wednesday was "troubled" and "in and out of jail," a family member told Cowboy State Daily. The sheriff's office said it is still investigating.
Kolby FedoreNovember 12, 2026

Glenrock Mourns 17-Year-Old Wrestler And Football Player Killed In Car Crash
Glenrock is mourning 17-year-old Kristian Martin, who died Tuesday in a car accident. Martin wrestled and played football for the Glenrock Herders. "He was the kind of kid you genuinely loved having in the room," the Glenrock USA Wrestling Club said.
Kolby FedoreNovember 13, 2026

Lander Doc Says New Hospital Staffing Plan Means A Bunch Of Traveling Doctors
A Lander pediatrician is harshly critical of the local hospital’s new staffing program which he says replaces local doctors with traveling doctors. He compared it to a school run entirely by substitute teachers. “These physicians don’t live here," he said.
Renée JeanNovember 13, 2026

Teton Is Only Wyoming County With Its Own Lobbyist; Just Raised Pay To $10K A Month
Teton County is the only county in Wyoming with its own lobbyist. It just voted to renew the contract of Nick Agopian, and gave him a raise to $10,000 a month. It's a little steep, said one commissioner, but added Agopian is "good at his job."
Clair McFarlandNovember 13, 2026

Judge Says College File Of Trans Protestor's Alleged Victim Not Relevant For Trial
After transgender protestor Rihanna Kelver was accused of pointing a gun at a man, Kelver's attorney subpoenaed the man's college files - as possible proof that the man is prone to anti-trans aggression. The judge ruled Tuesday that those files aren't relevant to the case.
Clair McFarlandNovember 12, 2026

"Asshats" Steal Sasquatch Statue In Albany County, Residents Demand Return
A Sasquatch statue in Albany County has been ripped from the roadside tree where he's been lurking for years, and residents want him back. One person is furious over the theft and how it was stolen. “The asshats left the screws in the tree," she said.
Andrew RossiNovember 12, 2026

One Woman's Random Act Of Kindness: $20 Bills To Cody High Students For Lunches
A random woman began handing out $20 bills to several Cody High School students at the Albertsons deli counter for lunch Tuesday and asked nothing in return. "It’s just great to see such kindness in this world," one of the students told Cowboy State Daily.
Andrew RossiNovember 12, 2026

Blackmail: Man Allegedly Threatens To 'Drill Out' Business Partner's Kneecaps
A Colorado man is accused of threatening to 'drill out' his Wyoming business partner's kneecaps, making ominous references to thermite, and warning of "irreversible repercussions" if he didn't get his money. He faces 10 years in prison for blackmail.
Kolby FedoreNovember 12, 2026

Author Of America's "Most Banned Book" Speaks At Campbell County Library
The author of America’s “most banned book” spoke Thursday at the Gillette library – which has been fraught with book controversies for years. She said her book "Sold" shouldn't be in elementary schools but it's "earned a place in high schools and college."
Clair McFarlandNovember 12, 2026

Barlow's Attorney General Is A Democrat. Former Wyoming AGs Say It Doesn't Matter
Incoming Republican Gov. Eric Barlow has chosen Walter Eggers, a Democrat, as his attorney general. Three former Wyoming AGs say party affiliation does not matter for the non-political position. "It's about the law," said former AG Gay Woodhouse.
Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2026

Wyoming Dad Searching For Baby’s Overdue Medicine Finds Boxes Of Mail Left On Road
Levi Johnson had to do some detective work when his baby’s medicine failed to show up in his Burns mailbox. When it finally arrived, he found four baskets of mail left beside the road. He says a postal carrier later acknowledged leaving them behind.
Renée JeanNovember 11, 2026

Suspect Dead After Shooting Involving Laramie County Deputies Along I-80
A suspect was shot and killed during an encounter with Laramie County sheriff’s deputies Wednesday afternoon along I-80 east of Cheyenne. The shooting brought a large police response to the highway, where officers worked to control traffic while emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Kolby FedoreNovember 12, 2026

Story’s Wagon Box Restaurant Listed For $3.195 Million, New Chef Plans Reopening
The historic Wagon Box restaurant in Story is listed for $3.195 million, but owner Paul McNiel isn’t “hellbent” on selling. A new chef from Washington, D.C., hopes to reopen the restaurant by mid-December as McNiel considers a sale or seeks a financial partner.
Renée JeanNovember 12, 2026

Wyoming's Warmest Year Ever Continues, Photogs Say Fall Color In South Is Best Ever
With seven weeks to go, the National Weather Service says 2026 will be the warmest year in Wyoming's recorded history. Photographers say the fall colors in southern and western Wyoming is the best they've ever seen.
Andrew RossiNovember 11, 2026

Angry Farm Owners Put Store On Market, Accuse City Of Cheyenne Of 'Crony Capitalism'
David and Tommie Kniseley have put their farm store 'WY Fresh Farm' on the market after a bitter fight with the Cheyenne City Council, and they're accusing the city of "crony capitalism" on their way out. They closed the store permanently Saturday.
Kerry DrakeNovember 11, 2026

Convicted Colorado Child Sex Offender Flees Trial On Harley, Spotted In Wyoming
A convicted child sex offender who disappeared during his Colorado trial, ditched his ankle monitor and fled on a Harley-Davidson was later spotted in Wyoming. Jurors found him guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl with disabilities.
Kolby FedoreNovember 11, 2026

Who Took A Sublette Commissioner's Sign One Day After He Helped Kill A Project?
A Sublette County commissioner said someone stole the sign to his ranch, committing a felony, one day after he helped kill a development project. The project developers don't admit taking the sign, but say it's not theft since it was on their property.
Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2026

Report: Ranchers See Prices For Cows Drop 20% Since Start Of 90-Day Beef Plan
Ranchers are getting nearly 20% less for cows used in ground beef since President Trump's 90-day plan to lower prices, according to a new report. Meanwhile, meatpackers are paying less and consumers are seeing little savings at the grocery store.
Kate MeadowsNovember 11, 2026

Wyoming Energy Leaders Call New Federal Permitting Reform Bill A ‘Game Changer’
Sens. Barrasso and Lummis voted to advance a permitting overhaul that supporters say would cut years of federal red tape for Wyoming energy projects. "This is a game changer for Wyoming," said Ryan McConnaughey, of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 12, 2026

Another False Alarm: Cops Called On Strangers — Who Are Christmas Light Guys
Cheyenne cops were called when someone spotted strangers around a neighbor’s house. Turns out, they were putting up Christmas lights. Calls like this are frequent. Of the 2,348 suspicious-activity reports this year, only 22% led to criminal investigations.
Kolby FedoreNovember 11, 2026

Rural Laramie County Woman Says Badger Ruining Her Life, Murdering Her Chickens
A Laramie County woman said she’s at wit's end trying to combat a badger that “murdered my entire chicken flock” and has since evaded her efforts to trap it. She says the lone badger is an "overachiever" and her livestock dogs haven't been any help.
Mark HeinzNovember 11, 2026

Happy Ending! After 84 Days On The Run In Montana, Dog Finds Her Forever Home
For 84 days, a 4-year-old collie mix outsmarted a small army of volunteers determined to bring her home. On Tuesday, a dog that spent nearly three months running from people found her forever home with the one person she had come to trust the most.
Kate MeadowsNovember 11, 2026

Wyoming Mom Whose Baby Died In Filthy Camper Now Faces 10 Child Porn Felonies
The Manderson mother whose 2-month-old baby died in a sweltering, filthy camper now faces 10 new felony charges after investigators say they found videos on her phone of children being sexually abused. Destynie Study is facing 10 new felony charges.
Kolby FedoreNovember 10, 2026

Reid Rasner Sues Campaign Consulting Firm For Not Providing "Quality Strategy"
Former Wyoming congressional candidate Reid Rasner is suing his campaign consulting firm for not providing "quality and valuable advice and strategy" in the U.S. House race where he finished fifth. The complaint says he paid the company $2.2 million.
Clair McFarlandNovember 10, 2026

Oops! Man Says He Was Going To Give Cops His Meth, But They Found It First!
Christopher Gore was planning to hand his drugs over to the police. He just hadn't gotten around to it yet. That's what the Wyoming man told cops after they discovered more than a pound of meth in his impounded truck. He was sentenced to 10 years Tuesday.
Kolby FedoreNovember 11, 2026

Barrasso Blames China For Trona Layoffs: “The Cause Is Clear: It's Communist China”
At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. John Barrasso called WE Soda’s layoff announcement of 350 jobs a "devastating blow" and pointed the finger overseas for the industry downturn. “The cause is clear: it's Communist China,” he said.
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 10, 2026

Yin Files New Election Complaint Against Bextel, Noting Corporations Donated To Her
Democratic lawmaker Mike Yin filed a new election finance complaint against former gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Bextel, noting that she listed corporations as donors, in violation of Wyoming law. Reports say a ranch and LLC both gave her money.
Clair McFarlandNovember 10, 2026

Fire Destroys Two Douglas Businesses, Damages Century-Old Downtown Landmarks
Two downtown Douglas businesses were destroyed and several historic buildings suffered extensive damage from a fire that erupted Monday afternoon. The city's downtown remain closed Tuesday morning as investigators searched for the source of the blaze.
Kolby FedoreNovember 10, 2026

License Plate Readers Help Authorities Find Missing Powell Teen Safe In Minnesota
Authorities say license plate readers helped locate a missing Powell teen's red pickup in Minnesota, more than 700 miles from home. The girl was found safe and was reportedly was traveling to meet someone she had met online.
Kate MeadowsNovember 10, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured in Buffalo, Wyoming, by Nick Thom.
Today's question to Don Day
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.
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
Opinion
Bill Sniffin: Whatever Happened To Those Terrible Winters We Were Warned About?
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: How To Eat An Elephant, And Deal With Data Centers
Opinion by Joan Barron
Dennis Sun: Is The Beef Herd Rebuilding?
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Jonathan Lange: Wyoming Can Restore U.S. Confidence in Elections
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Rod Miller: The Big Empty Needs A Political Junk Drawer
Opinion by Rod Miller
Sponsored
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A Wyoming Native Turns His Love of the Outdoors Into a Growing Business
Launched in January from Star Valley, WY, RanchPouch is a flavored, electrolyte lip pouch-no sugars, no additives, no nicotine. Designed to fuel your body’s hydration during any outdoor adventure; easy to use and easy to pack.
November 09, 2026

Holiday Giving: Smith’s and Food Bank of Wyoming Partner to Help Nourish Neighbors this Thanksgiving
November 04, 2026

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
Opinion
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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

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: 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
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Wyomingites’ D.C. Birthday Visit Highlight: Trump Veterans Day Speech At Arlington
Sean BarryNovember 12, 2026
Nine Bats Across Wyoming Test Positive For Rabies, Four In Sheridan County
Andrew RossiNovember 10, 2026
Planes Keep Flying Over Buffalo Area Wildfire, Disrupting Firefighters for Hours
Emma Jane JacksonNovember 09, 2026
Carbon Monoxide Leak At Cody Ice Arena Sends Busload Of Hockey Players To Hospital
Kolby FedoreNovember 09, 2026
Wyoming History: How Wyoming Detective Stopped ‘Yellow Kid’ — Chicago’s Most Notorious Conman
Jackie DorothyNovember 09, 2026
Outdoors
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Lander Woman Says She Jumps Into Freezing Rivers To Build Mental Toughness
Kolby FedoreNovember 08, 2026
Idaho Votes For Model 1873 Winchester As State Gun — What Would Wyoming Choose?
Mark HeinzNovember 08, 2026
Notorious Dog-Killing Hot Springs: Why Yellowstone Is Not A Great Place For Dogs
Andrew RossiNovember 07, 2026
Wyoming Prairie Dogs Have Their Own Towns, Family Feuds — And Angry Neighbors
Kate MeadowsNovember 07, 2026
‘I Saw What I Saw’: Woman Says She Spotted Bigfoot In Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
Kolby FedoreNovember 07, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Testicle-Grabbing Charge Dropped But Casper Man Admits To Biting Police Officers
Dale KillingbeckNovember 10, 2026
Weekend Mailbox Rampage In Rural Johnson County Could Land Vandals In Prison
Kolby FedoreNovember 10, 2026
Police Search Rock Springs High School With Guns Drawn After Weapon, Bomb Threat
Kate MeadowsNovember 10, 2026
Utah Bulls Shot In The Testicles, Authorities Baffled At Cruel Crime
Kate MeadowsNovember 09, 2026
Cheyenne Student Hit By Car At Crosswalk, Same Location Aunt Struck Decade Earlier
Kolby FedoreNovember 09, 2026


