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Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses Through Drive-Thru

Powell Man Banned From McDonald's After Driving Horses, Wagon Through Drive-Thru

Powell resident Allen Hatch was banned from McDonald's earlier this week for driving his draft horses and wagon through the drive-thru. Although employees were excited to see them, the manager reportedly was not. “We've been 86ed from McDonald's,” he said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, stood on the Wyoming Senate floor Thursday morning and told her colleagues that the state's county clerks were afraid — not of election fraud, but of overblown calls for election reform.

Another Election Reform Bill Dies As Lawmaker Rejects National “Populism”

In speaking against an election audit reform bill Thursday, Sen. Tara Nethercott said the state's county clerks don't support the measure and that lawmakers should stop "pandering" to fears manufactured by national rhetoric. The legislation failed 21-9.

David MadisonFebruary 26, 2026

Bobby Maher, 14, was stabbed to death outside the Eastridge Mall in Casper in April 2024. His death “shocked” Casper and the state, Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen said.

30-75 Years For Casper Teen Who Held 14-Year-Old Bobby Maher Down During Stabbing

The now-17-year-old who held 14-year-old Bobby Maher down while a friend stabbed him was sentenced Thursday to 30-75 years in prison. The teen said he’s “found God,” while the prosecutor argued the murder “shocked the conscience of the community.”

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 27, 2026

Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, presented the bill and walked the committee through a new approach to property tax relief. "It's been a journey, ladies and gentlemen," Hicks said. "And I think we've refined what we're trying to do."

House Panel Advances Major Property Tax Cut For Homeowners


A House committee Thursday advanced a bill that would lower the tax rate on homes people live in and stop collecting school taxes on those properties, with the state picking up the tab instead of local governments. The bill passed 7-2.

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2026

Under a cloud of public questioning, Gillette Police Chief Chuck Deaton abruptly retired from the department on Thursday. Deaton’s reasoning for the retirement is that it was time “for me to move on.”

Details Scarce As Gillette Police Chief Abruptly Retires

Under a cloud of public questioning, Gillette Police Chief Chuck Deaton abruptly retired from the department on Thursday. Deaton said it a statement that it was time “for me to move on.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026

Representative Andrew Byron, R-Jackson, corner crossing on Thursday, February 26, 2026

Hunters, Ranchers Say Corner Crossing Bill Isn’t Ready As It Heads To Wyoming Senate

A corner-crossing bill received pushback from both hunters and ranchers Thursday but the committee still forwarded it to the Senate. One hunter said, “let’s just go out and corner-cross,” then write a new bill to address any problems that come up.    

Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2026

Dozens of whistle stops have been revealed for the western leg of Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast tour. In Wyoming, that includes: Laramie, Medicine Bow, Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Green River.

Dozens Of Wyoming Stops Announced For New Big Boy Train Western Tour

Dozens of whistle stops have been announced for the western leg of Big Boy’s historic coast-to-coast tour in 2026. In Wyoming, that includes: Laramie, Medicine Bow, Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Green River.

Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2026

The mother of a man who died in a workplace accident in 2024 has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the woodchopper involved.

Mother Sues Manufacturer Over Wyoming Son's Woodchipper Death

A Kentucky mother is suing Bandit Industries, claiming a Bandit Intimidator 18XP woodchipper without key safety features caused her son’s fatal 2024 workplace accident near Alpine, Wyoming. The complaint said her son “frantically” tried to stop the machine but couldn’t.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

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Ex-U.S. Army Ranger From Casper Jumps Into The U.S. House Race To Succeed Hageman

A former U.S. Army Ranger on Thursday formally entered Wyoming’s U.S. House race for the seat U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman is vacating to run for Senate. David Giralt said by necessity and desire, he will run a “grassroots” campaign.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 26, 2026

Janet Sanchez

Wyoming Inmate Sues, Claims Botched Health Care Led To Leg Amputation

A Rawlins woman claims her leg was amputated because of negligence by the Wyoming Department of Corrections’ former health care contractor. She’s serving 10-15 years in prison for selling meth.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026

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Wyoming Senate Committee Doesn’t Want State Collecting Union Dues

Wyoming senators advanced a bill to ban most state entities from collecting union and political group dues, while dropping new reporting rules for those groups. “The intent is to bust unions and bust associations,” alleged a Wyoming Education Association representative.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, testifies at the House Judiciary Committee Meeting on the kratom product regulation bill on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Capitol in Cheyenne.

Bill To Ban Kratom From People Younger Than 21 Passes Wyoming House Committee

A bill to ban the delivery of kratom to people younger than 21 is another step closer to becoming Wyoming law. Even so, some express concern over the unregulated substance and a coroner said it’s “highly addictive and at high doses, can cause death.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

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Omaha Public Works Officials Say Broken Water Main Likely Caused Sinkhole

The sinkhole that generated international attention earlier this week for swallowing up two vehicles in Omaha may have been caused by a broken water main. City officials say a water main was broken and actively running water at the time of the collapse.

Andrew RossiFebruary 26, 2026

Accused of torturing a wolf two years ago in a case that received global condemnation, Cody Roberts has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty. He will face prison time if he fails strict probation requirements.

Wyoming Man Cody Roberts Signs Plea Agreement In Notorious Wolf Torture Case

Accused of torturing a wolf two years ago in a case that received global condemnation, Cody Roberts has agreed to plead guilty or no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty. He will face prison time if he fails strict probation requirements.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

A Laramie County rancher shot a roughly 2-year-old male wolf near Carpenter, Wyoming. Wildlife officials say it may be the first recorded legal wolf killing in the county, and its origin remains unclear.

"That Ain't No Coyote": Rancher Kills Wolf In Southeastern Wyoming Near Carpenter

A Laramie County rancher shot a roughly 2-year-old male wolf near Carpenter, Wyoming, where wolves are almost never seen. It may be the first recorded legal wolf killing in the county, and its origin remains unclear.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2026

State Senate President Bo Biteman, left, and House Speaker Chip Neiman.

Wyoming Senate, House Choose Teams To Hash Out $170 Million Budget Gap

Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman on Wednesday announced the appointment of the five senators he's sending to smooth out $170 million in budget differences between the Senate and the state House of Representatives. The House picked its members Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2026

State Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, has been a vocal supporter of the PRCA moving its headquarters to Wyoming.

PRCA Bill Stumbles, But $15M From State For Move To Cheyenne Not Dead

A House committee gave a surprise “no” vote Wednesday for $15 million to move the PRCA headquarters to Cheyenne. But the money for the move isn’t dead, supporters say.

Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2026

Tyler Roy

Buffalo Man Accused Of Making Pipe Bombs After Trying To Buy Fuses At Local Stores

A Buffalo man who walked into two local hardware stores with a length of galvanized steel pipe and asked if the stores sold “fuses” has been arrested on suspicion of making pipe bombs. He told police he makes homemade “fireworks” and “smoke bombs.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 26, 2026

Representatives of Wyoming law enforcement agencies attend Wednesday's meeting of the House Revenue Committee at the Capitol in Cheyenne on Feb. 25, 2026.

Controversial Gun Rights Bill Passes Committee, Cops Still Don’t Like It

A Wyoming Senate committee on Wednesday forwarded a gun rights bill to the House floor. While tweaked, law enforcement officers still don’t like it, claiming it could allow criminals to sue them over technicalities.

Mark HeinzFebruary 26, 2026

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Massive Turnout As Bill To Purge Sex Books From Kids' Library Sections Heads To Senate

In a passionate debate held Wednesday over a bill that would let people sue libraries for keeping sexually explicit books in the children's section, some argued the Bible could spark lawsuits. “We have a lawsuit hanging over our head,” said Rep. Crago.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

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USDA Reports 15,000 Small Farms Closed or Consolidated Last Year In The U.S.

The U.S. lost 15,000 small farms in 2025 due to being sold or consolidated. Although Wyoming has avoided major losses, Farm Bureau president Todd Fornstrom said, "When you get rid of so many small farms, you’re taking rural people out of rural America."

Andrew RossiFebruary 25, 2026

Entrance to the grounds at the Veterans Home of Wyoming in Buffalo.

Wyoming Lawmakers Bet Big On $87 Million Veterans Home Remodel

Wyoming lawmakers approved an $87 million remodel of the Veterans Home in Buffalo after years of delay and rising estimates. Supporters argued action can’t wait, while skeptics warned the state’s construction spending is “adding up.”

David MadisonFebruary 26, 2026

This is what was left of a semitrailer that exploded on impact with an illegally parked semi along Interstate 80 on Feb. 1. Driver inattention is being investigated as a potential factor in the truck drifting from the far left lane, through the right lane and into the parked semi.

There’s Been Hardly Any Winter, So Why So Many Deaths On Wyoming Roads?

There’s been hardly any winter in Wyoming so far this year, but highway fatalities are up nearly double compared to the last two years. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says that shows speed and driver inattention are more deadly than road conditions.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026

Senator Wendy Schuler at the Senate Education Committee Meeting discussing Tim Tebow rule

Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Version Of “Tim Tebow Law” For Homeschool Athletes

Wyoming lawmakers on Wednesday advanced a bill expanding homeschoolers’ access to public school activities from grades 6-12 to all K-12. The move mirrors “Tim Tebow Laws” in other states allowing equal participation for homeschooled athletes.

David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026

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Senate Committee Forwards Firefighting Bills Over Fear Of Brutal Fire Season

A lone monitoring station on the Laramie Range is reading just 3% of its normal snowpack. That's a number that explains why, 40 miles down the road in Cheyenne, lawmakers were advancing legislation to put more firefighters in the field before fire season.

David MadisonFebruary 25, 2026

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Governor Won't Push To Oust Platte County Commissioners

Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday said will not be waging a civil case to remove three Platte County Commissioners from office, despite citizens’ complaints. He said many claims were speculative and voters have the power to make changes in the primary.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

Debbie Pommel speaks with Gov. Mark Gordon after winning the BigWYO award.

From Hawaii Ranch To Wyoming Range: Casper’s Debbie Pummel Is Tourism Award Winner

Hawaii native Debbie Pummel, a Casper resident for 33 years, won Wyoming’s 2026 BigWYO tourism award for her three decades of leadership in the state’s hospitality industry and her dedication to mentoring future tourism professionals.

Renée JeanFebruary 25, 2026

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, left, and Troy Lake in Washington, D.C., prior to Tuesday night's State of the State address. Lake, the Cheyenne diesel mechanic pardoned by President Trump, was Lummis' guest to the address.

Wyoming Diesel Delete Mechanic Pardoned By Trump Goes To State Of The Union

One year ago, Troy Lake was in federal prison for "deleting" emissions systems on ailing diesel engines. On Tuesday, he attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. 

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

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Supreme Court Rules Sentence For Teen Who Fatally Shot Ex-Girlfriend Appropriate

The Wyoming Supreme Court Tuesday ruled that the lengthy sentence for a Casper teen who pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge was appropriate. The teen’s attorney argued it violated Wyoming statutes and represented “unusual” punishment.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 25, 2026

Thermopolis residents Matthew and Lindy Be Hughes rent a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They were there on Sunday when the city exploded in violence; vengeful drug cartel gangsters went on a rampage after the government killed their leader.

Wyoming Couple Weathers Chaos In Puerto Vallarta, Has No Plans To Leave

A Thermopolis couple who rent a vacation home in Puerto Vallarta is doing fine after cartel violence rocked the city. “Sunday was a day from hell. We didn’t know what was going on," Lindy Be Hughes told Cowboy State Daily. The couple has no plans to leave.

Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2026

President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. At 1 hour, 47 minutes, it was the longest on record.

‘What A Difference A Year Makes’: Delegation Praises Trump’s State Of The Union

Wyoming’s congressional delegation praised President Trump’s Tuesday State of the Union address, with Sen. John Barrasso comparing his first year to Biden’s time in office: “What a difference a year makes.” State Democrats say that year has been disastrous.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026

Gov. Mark Gordon

Gordon Says House Made 'Cuts In Name Only,' But Budget's Looking OK

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon told reporters Tuesday he’s optimistic about the budget, though the House made some “cuts in name only.” House Appropriations Chair John Bear disagreed and cited bleak projections.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2026

Outdoorsman Trinity Vandenacre (right) interviews a Colorado rancher about the effects of wolves on the cattle industry there.

Influential Outdoorsman Says Wolves Cost Western States More Than Tourism Brings In

It’s commonly argued that wolves are worth millions to the economies of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, because they’re such tourist magnets. Others, like outdoorsman Trinity Vandenacre, say wolves ultimately drain more from the states’ economies than they bring in.

Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2026

WY fresh owner David Kniseley (left), Cheyenne city council member Pete Laybourn (right)

Cheyenne Forced Annexation Fight Over Farm Heats Up Ahead Of Final Vote

Things got heated at the Cheyenne city council meeting Monday over whether the city would annex a popular farm business. When the owner didn't accept being called out of order, the mayor said, "You can sit down and you cannot accept it. I don’t care.”

Kate MeadowsFebruary 24, 2026

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So Far, The Wyoming Business Council Remains Alive

After a Senate bill to reform the Wyoming Business Council stalled on Tuesday, the agency continues to remain alive in both chambers. "The question is, how much money will they have," Sen. Chris Rothfuss told Cowboy State Daily.

David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026

Jose A. Gonzalez

First-Degree Murder Charge For Wind River Man Accused In Retaliation Ambush

A Fremont County man accused of helping ambush a man on the Wind River Reservation has been charged with first-degree murder and bound over for trial on Friday. Five others were also allegedly involved, including one who told informants he “took him out.”

Greg JohnsonFebruary 25, 2026

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Committee Passes $3 Million Forest Health Bill Program To Help Reduce Wildfire Risk

Sen. Larry Hicks on Tuesday argued that now is the time to pass a $3 million forest health bill because the Trump administration has created favorable conditions that haven’t existed in his three decades working in forestry and natural resources.

David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026

Bondurant Valley

"The Next 6-8 Weeks Are Critical": Meteorologists See Hope For More Winter Weather

With less than a month left in the winter season, Wyoming is getting some much-needed snow in the mountains. Meteorologists believe there are encouraging signs for continued snowfall. "The next six to eight weeks are absolutely critical," Don Day said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 24, 2026

Wyoming lawmakers advanced a resolution Monday seeking state control over federal mineral leasing after removing language affirming federal land ownership. Sen. Bob Ide said the ownership language was the “biggest burr under the saddle."

In Push For Federal Mineral Leasing Control, Who Owns The Land?

What started Monday as a straightforward hearing on letting Wyoming run the federal mineral leasing program turned into a debate over something far bigger — whether the state should formally acknowledge that the federal government owns the land beneath its feet.

David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026

Daily Features

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PinYour Wyoming Sunrise: Friday, February 27, 2026

Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Ken Montgomery. Ken writes, "I captured this shot this morning in Clark. This is heading into the Clark’s Fork Canyon with Heart Mountain in the distance. Just nature and God as the filter!"

Photo by Ken Montgomery

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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Tom Lubnau:  Checkgate Theater — Everyone Knows The Ending To The Investigation

Columnist Tom Lubnau writes, "Disband the committee. Stop wasting time. Stop pretending the outcome is uncertain. What happened stinks. It may not be illegal, but it damaged the institution — and pretending otherwise only deepens the damage."

Tom LubnauFebruary 22, 2026

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Joan Barron: This Will Be 'The Check-Gate Session'

Columnist Joan Barron writes, "The check passing wasn’t just an amazing error of judgment. It was a monumental breach of protocol and the ethics of the Legislature."

Joan BarronFebruary 21, 2026

Lange at chic fil a

Jonathan Lange: Is This About 'Bad Optics,' Or A Witch Hunt?

Columnist Jonathan Lange writes,  “Maybe we should pass a rule that campaign donations can only be hand delivered on the House floor. That would give the people of Wyoming unprecedented transparency.”

Jonathan LangeFebruary 21, 2026

Wyoming Life

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