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Longtime Knifemaker Transforming Dubois' Outlaw Bar From Dive Into Destination
Dubois craftsman Ben Barto owns Bone Daddy Knives, a hobby turned big business that’s now bankrolling a transformation of Dubois' Outlaw Bar and giving the once-seedy watering hole a new vibe. “This was just a dump when we bought it,” Barto said.
Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Laramie Elk Caller, 9, Guns For World Title Against Others Nearly Twice His Age
Laramie 9-year-old elk caller Axl Anton is set to compete against teens nearly twice his age in the world elk calling championship this month. He's already "in the top five best callers in the country, if not the best,” said a hunting industry insider.
Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2026

Last Road Trip For Gillette Mom And Dying Daughter Derailed By Broken-Down SUV
A Gillette woman's plans for one last summer road trip with her dying daughter have been derailed by a failed transmission in their 26-year-old SUV. But she's not giving up hope. “This is the last chance I have to do this with my daughter,” Londen Tabor said.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 11, 2026

Newcastle Family 'Shell-Shocked' By Vandalism Of Rare Dinosaur Footprints
A trespasser trying illegally to make a copy of rare dinosaur footprints on the "Paleo Park" Zerbst Ranch near Newcastle ended up vandalizing the site. “I was shell-shocked. “We have spent years protecting them,” said the owner.
Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2026

Homeless To Home Plate: Wyoming Man's Fantastic Journey To The Savannah Bananas
Green River's Bradlee Skinner was homeless, delivering pizzas and wondering how his life had unraveled. Now he performs before sold-out crowds with the Savannah Bananas, baseball's wildly popular entertainment phenomenon. And it all started with a selfie.
Kate MeadowsJuly 11, 2026

As Dead Trees Clog Wyoming Wilderness Trails, Some Argue For Using Chainsaws
So many dead trees are piling up on Wyoming’s remote wilderness trails, some outfitters say they should be allowed to use chainsaws to clear them rather than working for days with hand tools. Chainsaws have been banned from those areas for 62 years.
Mark HeinzJuly 11, 2026
Ghost Bridge: Nobody Claims Ownership Of Abandoned 122-Year-Old Bridge Over North Platte
The Old Government Bridge spanning the North Platte 20 miles southwest of Casper is rusting, mostly abandoned and nobody claims ownership of it. But if those nuts, bolts and steel beams could speak, they would tell stories about bootleggers and murder.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 11, 2026

Rain Gives Wyoming Mule Deer A Boost, But They’ll Need To Pack On Fat For Winter
Wyoming’s mule deer are enjoying lush forage for now in the high country, but there’s concern if the low country dries out and winter hits hard. "If it's any sort of normal winter, it's going to be rough," says Bill Ames of the Wyoming Mule Deer Alliance.
Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2026

Best-Selling Wind River Reservation Mysteries Author Inspired By Famous Chief Left Hand
When Margaret Coel first started writing history – then murder mysteries – she just shut up and listened to the Arapaho elders she met with. This ability to listen led her books to the New York best-seller list and ended up mirroring real life more than she expected.
Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

From Basic Box To VIP Showpiece: New Chute 9 To Debut At Cheyenne Frontier Days
Diehard rodeo fans say there's no better place to watch Cheyenne Frontier Days than Chute 9. Now it's even better as it's been rebuilt as a three-level VIP cathedral. “It’s the most incredible outdoor rodeo experience in the country," CFD's Tom Hirsig says.
Renée JeanJuly 11, 2026
How A Legendary Ex-Yellowstone Ranger Chased Down The Notorious 'Sunshine'
Although young, "Sunshine" was already a dangerous inmate at an institute in Worland. When hand three others escaped, a legendary former Yellowstone ranger was called to hunt Sunshine down. "He's young, but he's a pretty tough hombre,” the warden said.
Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

Cheyenne’s Habitat Fix Turns Eight Homes Into Affordable Housing For 12 Families
Two single moms shut out of Cheyenne’s starter-home market are among 12 families getting a chance at homeownership in a new Habitat for Humanity neighborhood. Once set for eight houses, it grew to 12 after Cheyenne rewrote building and zoning rules.
Renée JeanJuly 11, 2026

Mexican Trucker Accused Of Furious Canyon Rampage Trying To Stay In U.S.
A Mexican national who faces eight felonies is attempting to stay in the country after he allegedly chased down and tried to ram travelers off the road in Snake River Canyon. He "deliberately crossed the centerline and targeted our vehicle," one victim said.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026

Here Come The Robots: Robotic Weed-Pullers, Sprayers, Cattle Herders Coming Our Way
From autonomous machines that pull weeds instead of spraying herbicides to robotic platforms that can herd cattle and ultraviolet-light systems that fight crop diseases without chemicals, agricultural robotics are coming to Wyoming, one UW prof says.
Kate MeadowsJuly 11, 2026

Second Half Of Smarter Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Proposed, From Guernsey To Oklahoma
A new crude oil pipeline proposed between Guernsey and Oklahoma that could carry up to 1.3 million barrels of crude per day would strengthen Wyoming’s role as a key crossroads. A national analyst said Guernsey is the Rocky Mountain's "most important hub."
Renée JeanJuly 10, 2026
Sinks Canyon Public Land Damaged By Illegal Off-Roaders 'May Never Recover'
Off-roading tire ruts have marred Fossil Hill at Sinks Canyon near Lander for more than two decades, and a retired ranger says such illegal drivers tearing up public lands are a growing problem. “I just don’t think that site is going to recover," he said.
Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2026

Could Data Center Jobs Stop Young Adults From Leaving Wyoming?
As Wyoming watches up to 70% of its young adults leave by age 30, a Cheyenne native’s path at Microsoft shows how data center jobs could help reverse the state’s biggest export — it’s own people. Tommy Martin returned home a decade ago and built a career.
Renée JeanJuly 10, 2026

Former Gillette Little League Coach And Board Member Faces 13 Child Porn Charges
A former Gillette Little League coach and board member could get up to 130 years in prison if convicted of 13 child pornography charges. “He personally coached my son in soccer, so I was shocked,” said the league’s president.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2026

Distant Video Of Bear In Bighorn Mountains Reignites Debate Over Grizzlies In Area
A Lovell man says he thinks a bear he spotted off Dayton Gulch Road in the Bighorn Mountains last week was a grizzly. Casey Jones took a quick video of the bear and said,"The hump between the shoulders, that’s what got me to thinking it’s a grizzly."
Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2026

One Of Rasner's Four Defamation Cases Settles, Iowa Dad Apologizes
One of congressional candidate Reid Rasner's four defamation cases has settled and the Iowa dad he sued has apologized. “I regret making social media posts accusing Mr. Rasner of misconduct and recognize that the posts were wholly false," the man said.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026

Judge Denies Reporter's Request To Throw Out Evidence On Laptop & Cellphones
A Platte County judge has denied a former reporter's request to throw out all evidence on her laptop and two cell phones. The woman is facing 20 forgery and perjury-related charges in two court case. She also waived her right to jury trials.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2026

Rock Springs Girl Saved By First Responders Collecting "Hero Patches" To Honor Them
4-year-old Charlee Lacey knows she and her mother owe their lives to first responders, so the Rock Springs girl is on a mission to honor them by collecting "hero patches” from around the world. "She sees them as superheroes,” her mother said.
Andrew RossiJuly 10, 2026

Investigators Say Colorado Bear That Ate Human Remains Shouldn’t Crave People
Investigators don’t think a bear or bears that ate parts of a human body found Sunday near Grand Mesa in western Colorado will develop a taste for people. They likely didn’t hunt the person, but instead scavenged someone already dead.
Mark HeinzJuly 10, 2026

Big Horn Grandpa, Mom Charged After Baby Dies In 95-Degree Feces-Filled Trailer
A Big Horn County grandfather and mother have been charged after a baby died Monday in a 95-degree trailer filled with feces, garbage and a 5-gallon bucket of human waste. "The infant's diaper was completely saturated in urine,” an investigator says.
Kolby FedoreJuly 09, 2026

‘Quiet Moments Are The Hardest,’ Mom Says Of Casper Woman Killed By Ex-Boyfriend
Two months after a Casper woman was killed during a child custody exchange with her ex-boyfriend, her mother says she wants people to know who her daughter was. "The quiet moments are the hardest," she said. "She had her whole life ahead of her."
Kolby FedoreJuly 09, 2026

Eastern Wyoming Irrigation District Warns Water Could Vanish By Early August
With Pathfinder Reservoir less than 24% full, some farmers and ranchers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska are being warned they could be out of irrigation water by the first week of August. Drought has left reservoirs drained and canals low.
Kate MeadowsJuly 09, 2026

Hageman Demands Answers From Zuckerberg About Cheyenne Data Center Contamination
Wyoming U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman in a Thursday letter is demanding answers from Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg about how its Cheyenne data center contaminated the city’s wastewater system. “I am deeply concerned,” she wrote.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2026

Another Day, Another Huge Endorsement For U.S. House Candidate David Giralt
David Giralt acknowledges that he has less name recognition than some of the nine other Republicans he's running against in the GOP race for U.S. House. He's also touting endorsements by six sitting U.S. House members — plus rocker Ted Nugent.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2026

State Audit Finds $1.3 Million Deficit In Guernsey, Town Official Says No Money Is Missing
A state audit of the Town of Guernsey's finances flagged a $1.3 million deficit and identified multiple issues with the town's accounting practices. Treasurer Hillary Dawson said the large negative number does not mean the town is missing money.
Kate MeadowsJuly 09, 2026

Hot, Hot, Hot: Triple Digits Forecast In Wyoming For At Least Three Days
The National Weather Service is predicting a record-breaking weekend for many locations in Wyoming with "dangerously hot conditions" in the forecast. Temperatures will be hottest in the Big Horn Basin with Worland and Greybull expected to top 110 degrees.
Andrew RossiJuly 09, 2026

Wyoming Local Officials Say They Never Signed Data Center Nondisclosure Agreements
Wyoming local government leaders in data center-heavy areas who spoke with Cowboy State Daily on Thursday say they've never signed nondisclosure agreements with data center companies. The agreements can be legal if built correctly, however.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2026

Attorney For Cheyenne Teen Accused Of Killing Mom Wants Him Out Of Adult Court
A Cheyenne boy who was 14 when he allegedly shot his mom in the head and charged as an adult with first-degree murder should be in juvenile court, his attorney argues in a Tuesday court motion. It claims his mother “verbally and physically abused” him.
Greg JohnsonJuly 09, 2026

Trial Set For Uinta County Rancher Charged In Moose Torture Incident
A Uinta County rancher charged with videotaping two others torturing a sickly moose by roping, riding and spurring it is continuing toward a trial date next month. Two other men in the case have entered plea deals with a special prosecutor.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2026

Arapaho Members Furious At Christian Preacher Who Spoke Against Rituals
Several Northern Arapaho Tribe members are outraged at a Christian pastor who spoke against their religious customs and encouraged worship of Jesus instead. One Arapaho member told Cowboy State Daily that the church is "not welcome here anymore."
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2026

Say Hello To Google, The Mystery Owner Behind Wyoming's Largest Data Center Project
The 2.7-gigawatt data center once called Project Jade 8 miles south of Cheyenne has been unmasked as a massive Google campus. Google’s project, according to planning documents, will be a 716-acre campus in the Switchgrass Industrial Park.
Renée JeanJuly 08, 2026

Eyewitness: Dump Truck Driver In Deadly Crash On Teton Pass "Driving Way Too Fast"
A Jackson driver who watched Tuesday's deadly Teton Pass crash unfold says he nearly passed the dump truck moments before its brakes failed and crashed into six vehicles, killing two people. "He was driving way too fast,” the eyewitness said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026

Texas Motorcyclist Hit By Dump Truck On Teton Pass Thought He Was Going To Die
A motorcyclist who was hit by an out-of-control dump truck Tuesday on Teton Pass said he could feel his bones "crunching" as he tumbled across the pavement. "I thought I was going to fly off the cliff," he said. Two people were killed in the crash.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026

Green River Residents Shut Down License Plate Reader Camera Project
A vocal crowd converged Tuesday on the Green River City Council meeting and opposed a $112,000 federal grant for the police department to install license plate reader cameras. Then the City Council and mayor voted 6-1 against finalizing the grant.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2026

'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite Reaches Wyoming As Health Officials Seek Source
Wyoming has confirmed three cases of a parasite known for causing explosive weekslong diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and more. The likely source is imported fresh produce, Wyoming epidemiologist Matt Peterson says.
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026

Jane Doe Found Dead On I-25 On-Ramp In April ID'd As Wyoming Woman
The Jane Doe found dead on Interstate 25 near Cheyenne in April has been identified as Brittany Smith, a 37-year-old Wyoming woman. Smith was struck by a northbound Kia Sportage on the on-ramp from Missile Drive on April 20.
Jen KocherJuly 08, 2026

Laramie Man Allegedly Kicks Trooper In Groin At End Of Truck Towing Camper Chase
It was an alleged kick to the groin of a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper that could get a Laramie man up to 10 years in prison after running from the law in a pickup towing a camper. The “intense pain was causing me to be nauseous,” the trooper said.
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026

Aggressive Black Bear Drives Women From Bighorns Camp Before Shredding Tents
Two experienced Wyoming outdoorswomen said a large black bear aggressively entered their camp in the Bighorns late Sunday and turned it into "total chaos." When they returned the next day after escaping to a cabin, their camp was completely torn apart.
Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2026

Judge Rules Reid Rasner Can Keep Suing Former Lawmaker For Defamation
A Casper-based judge on Wednesday declined to dismiss U.S. House candidate Reid Rasner's defamation suit against former state legislator Austin "Kit" Jennings. The judge said allegations Jennings accused Rasner of “serious sexual misconduct” fit defamation law.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2026

Casper Council OKs 6-Month Halt To Gambling Expansion
An appeal from a gaming company wasn't enough Tuesday to sway the Casper council against a six-month halt on expanding gambling in the city. "I don’t feel we need to tell people how and where they can spend their money,” said one council member.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2026

Police: Naked Man Says Psychedelic Shrooms Made Him Attack Cheyenne Officers
A 31-year-old man reportedly told police that psychedelic mushrooms led him to strip naked in a busy intersection, then kick, headbutt and try to bite multiple officers, at least two nurses and a doctor. He made his first court appearance Wednesday.
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026
Daily Features
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Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Marge Dowell. Marge writes, "Sunrise outside of Cody."

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Sunny and hot in Wyoming on Sunday. Extreme heat warning or heat advisory for much of the state. Mostly clear to partly cloudy skies overnight. Highs from the mid 80s to around 110. Lows from the low 50s to low 70s.

Daily Cartoon 2: Sunday, July 12, 2026
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: July’s Parades Are Coming Out Parties For Our Wyoming Politicians
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: 'Property Tax Initiative’ May Be Too Generous
Opinion by Joan Barron
Jonathan Lange: Green River Gets It Right On Surveillance Cams
Opinion by Jonathan Lange
Dennis Sun: Oregon Initiative is a Real Threat to Agriculture
Opinion by Dennis Sun
Rod Miller: Sombrero Etiquette for Politicians
Opinion by Rod Miller
Sponsored
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Heading to Cheyenne Frontier Days™?
Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go
July 08, 2026

The Wyoming Way: Helping Neighbors, Feeding Families, Strengthening Communities
From young families and grandparents raising grandchildren to caregivers and retirees, Wyomingites across the state are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Food Bank of Wyoming is encouraging communities to come together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. This WyoGives Day, July 15, donors can help support both local families and Wyoming producers.
July 07, 2026

AAA Urges Drivers to Keep Wyoming Roads Safe This Fourth of July
With 61.4 million travelers expected to drive to celebrate the Fourth of July, AAA calls on Wyomingites to protect everyone on the road by planning a safe ride home, and slowing down and moving over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder.
June 29, 2026
Opinion
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Rod Miller: Sombrero Etiquette for Politicians
Columnist Rod Miller writes, "Nothing says 'dude' or 'drugstore' more than a politician wearing a hat that makes them look they are cos-playing. So please consider this screed as a helpful primer on the proper wearing of a cowboy hat – a Stetsons for Dummies, if you will."
Rod MillerJuly 10, 2026

Bill Sniffin: July’s Parades Are Coming Out Parties For Our Wyoming Politicians
Columnist Bill Sniffin writes: “Early in the year, most politicians operate in obscurity. But once July’s parade season hits, political competition rises to the top of favorite activities.”
Bill SniffinJuly 11, 2026

Joan Barron: 'Property Tax Initiative’ May Be Too Generous
Columnist Joan Barron writes, "Property taxpayers like me are confused. Property taxes pay a large share of the cost of public schools. That lost property tax money will need to be replaced — back-filled — most likely by sales taxes."
Joan BarronJuly 11, 2026
Wyoming Life
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Powell Man Turns $3,000 Van Into ‘Dumb And Dumber’ Mutt Cutts Shaggin’ Wagon
Kolby FedoreJuly 05, 2026
Dubois’ One-Of-A-Kind Military Tank Parade Celebrates America's 250th
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Hiland, Wyoming, Is Not A Ghost Town — Just Ask The 10 People Living There
Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2026
Gillette Celebrates Fourth Of July With Flyovers, Parade And 4,000 Free Hot Dogs
Julie MankinJuly 04, 2026
Wyoming History: Remarkable Life Of Wamsutter's John Bugas — FBI Star, Busted Nazis
Dale KillingbeckJuly 04, 2026
Outdoors
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Save It For Later: 'Snow Farming' Is Keeping Ski Seasons Alive Across Rockies
Leo Wolfson For Cowboy State DailyJuly 06, 2026
Inside The Mission To Save 136-Year-Old Anderson Lodge In Wyoming Bear Country
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2026
Montana Rancher More Than 100 Miles From Rocky Mountains Says Grizzly Mauled Horse
Mark HeinzJuly 04, 2026
Black Bear Leads Authorities On Two-Day Dumpster-Raiding Chase Through Worland
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2026
‘Spectacular' Solar Halo Spotted Over Devils Tower
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2026
Crime & Courts
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Albany County Camper Charged With Pulling 2 Guns During Brawl With 3 Other Campers
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
‘I Did Something Very Wrong’: Probation For Cheyenne Teacher Who Begged Student
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
Vandals Blow Up 13 Porta Potties In Montana, Company Blames Wyoming Fireworks
Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2026
Colorado Man Accused Of Shooting Buddy With Stolen Gun After Leaving Baggs Bar
Greg JohnsonJuly 07, 2026
Gillette Man Blows Fingers Off Hand With Firework Outside Bar, Four Others Hurt
Kolby FedoreJuly 06, 2026

