Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
Mutiny! Wapiti's Iconic Big Boy Replaced By Captain Morgan Along North Fork
The iconic Wapiti Big Boy, perched along the North Fork Highway between Cody and Yellowstone for 13 years, has been replaced by Seagram's Captain Morgan. Not to worry, says owner James Geier: Big Boy will return after a little rehab.
Andrew RossiOctober 07, 2026

Encampment Is Latest Wyoming Town To Wrestle With Airbnbs And Housing Shortage
Encampment is looking to a Jackson town ordinance as a model to regulate short-term rentals as it wrestles with a shortage of affordable homes. Critics question whether restrictions will create more housing for workers or leave vacation homes empty.
Renée JeanOctober 07, 2026

"Victory For Everyday People": After Six Years, Teton County OKs Affordable Housing
After six years of permitting wars, the Teton County Commission on Tuesday approved an affordable housing project on private land. “This is a victory for snowplow drivers, teachers, mechanics, janitors, and everyday people,” one proponent said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026

11-Year-Old Casper Girl Finds $100 Bill Outside Walgreens With Meth Folded Inside
An 11-year-old Casper girl thought she'd hit the jackpot when she found a folded $100 bill outside Walgreens. Then she opened it, and white powder spilled on her and the family's van. Fire-EMS says the substance field-tested positive for meth.
Kolby FedoreOctober 06, 2026

Evanston Man Blasts Truckers For Unauthorized Parking, Locals Fire Back
An Evanston man tried to lead the charge against truckers who have been parking in the Evanston visitor center, which is not authorized. But, townspeople wouldn't stand for it because there aren't enough spaces available. "Unless you drive one, shut up!"
Kolby FedoreOctober 06, 2026

Montana Town Shuts Down Filming Daily Wire's Pro-ICE Movie, And Then Reinstates It
After town leaders revoked permits for a Daily Wire pro-ICE movie because of a public outcry, Livingston city leaders held an emergency session on Monday night and voted to let production finish. "This is absolutely deplorable to me," said one local actor.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 06, 2026

Sheridan Driver Faces 10 Years For Crash That Killed 18-Year-Old Good Samaritan
More than a year after 18-year-old Riggin Schaffer (pictured) was killed while trying to help a crashed driver on a dark Wyoming highway in Albany County, prosecutors have filed a felony DUI case against the Sheridan driver he stopped to help.
Kolby FedoreOctober 06, 2026

Tribal Data Center Study Had 'A Lot Of Options', But Community Said No Thanks
A Wind River Reservation study proved a small data center could work, a tribal business leader says, but the community remains resistant at a time when other tribes have banned them. One tribal member equated data centers to the Standing Rock pipeline.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 06, 2026

Lander Ultramarathoner Runs 220 miles In 51 Hours To Win Mammoth 200 Race
Gabe Joyes, a professional ultramarathoner from Lander, won the Mammoth 200 in California in his first 200-mile-plus race. Joyes finished the 220-mile course in 51 hours, 35 minutes, and 11 seconds, stopping for a few 15-minutes naps along the course.
Andrew RossiOctober 06, 2026

Bomb Squad Disables Explosives In Newcastle Cemetery And Then Behind Loaf N Jug
The Campbell County Bomb Squad was called Monday to assist with explosive devices found at Newcastle's Greenwood Cemetery and then behind the Loaf n Jug, a half-mile away. It's the second time in 18 months Newcastle has had to deal with "bottle bombs."
Kate MeadowsOctober 06, 2026

Idaho Man Hospitalized After Tackling Black Bear In Home To Save Family
A Salmon, Idaho, man tackled a black bear that broke into his home, then wrestled the animal in their yard to protect his family. The man is recovering in a hospital and three bears were euthanized. "I think instinct took over," a family friend said.
Kaitlyn Hart & EastIdahoNews.comOctober 06, 2026

Former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan Endorses Lisa Kinney For U.S. House
Former Gov. Mike Sullivan endorsed Democrat Lisa Kinney for U.S. House on Tuesday. “It's important Wyoming have somebody dedicated to public service, who works well with people and has proven their leadership like Lisa has, and Chuck hasn’t," he said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026

Trump Endorses 'True Friend Of MAGA' Chuck Gray For Wyoming's U.S. House Seat
President Trump endorsed Chuck Gray for U.S. House on Tuesday, describing him as "an America First Patriot and a true friend of MAGA." Trump said Gray, who won the GOP nomination with about 25% of the vote, has been a "tremendous Secretary of State."
Clair McFarlandOctober 06, 2026

117-Acre Jackson Hole Compound That Couldn’t Be Built Today Sells For $39.5M
A compound too large to build under today’s rules in Teton County has sold for $39.5 million. Spanning 117 acres, 70% of the land is protected by conservation easements. “Luxury at this level is increasingly about irreplaceability,” the broker said.
Renée JeanOctober 06, 2026

Young Bicyclist In Serious Condition After He's Hit By Vehicle Near Rural Burns
A young boy riding his bicycle on a county road near Burns was struck by a vehicle Sunday and had to be airlifted to a Colorado hospital, where he is in serious condition. Authorities say the juvenile frequently biked on the Laramie County road.
Kate MeadowsOctober 06, 2026

‘Absolute Blow’: After Nearly 50 Years, Hulett Family Sawmill To Shut Down
After nearly 50 years of operating in Hulett, Bearlodge Forest Products has announced it will shut down after Oct. 31. “This is an absolute blow” to a community with deep ties to Wyoming’s timber industry, says Sen. Ogden Driskill.
Renée JeanOctober 05, 2026

Parents Want Profane Anti-Trump And GOP Signs At Natrona County School Bus Stop Gone
An abandoned saloon east of Casper has become the center of an unusual dispute over profane anti-Trump and GOP messages, private property and a school bus stop where rural kids are picked up and dropped off each day. Now, the sheriff is investigating.
Kolby FedoreOctober 06, 2026

'The Beast' Is A Monster Wyoming Bull Moose, But Good Luck Getting A Glimpse
A bull moose called The Beast is huge enough to have a shot at dethroning Grand Teton celebrity bulls such as Hoback and Shoshone. But few see him because he lives on private property in southwest Wyoming, far away from wildlife paparazzi — and hunters.
Mark HeinzOctober 05, 2026

50-Seat SkyWest Plane From Denver Smashes Into Deer While Landing In Sheridan
A 50-seat SkyWest flight from Denver collided with a mule deer while landing in Sheridan last week. No passengers were hurt and the plane wasn't damaged, but the deer was killed. Such incidents are "extremely rare," an airport official said.
Clair McFarlandOctober 05, 2026

Doctor Saves 50-Year Friend After Fall From Horse In Rugged Wyoming Backcountry
A group of 50-year buddies on a horseback ride through rugged Wyoming backcountry became immediate emergency responders when one was thrown from his horse and lay motionless in the dirt. Fortunately, one of those friends is a combat-veteran Navy doctor.
Kolby FedoreOctober 05, 2026

‘Nothing Good About It’: Neighbors Don't Want Rural Power Plant North Of Cheyenne
A planned Black Hills Energy gas-fired power plant north of Cheyenne is still years away from construction, but its potential neighbors aren’t waiting to voice their opposition of it. “There’s just nothing good about it,” said one about the proposal.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 05, 2026

Rock Springs Teen Agrees To Boot Camp In Shooting Of Two Men At Bonfire
A Rock Springs teen accused of shooting shooting two men at bonfire last year agreed to boot camp while pleading no contest Thursday. Her deal urges 5-7 years in prison, which can be cut to about a year if she completes Wyoming's "boot camp" program.
Clair McFarlandOctober 05, 2026

Drought Forcing Custer State Park To Auction Off At Least 600 South Dakota Bison
South Dakota's Custer State Park will auction off at least 600 bison next month, a 38% increase from last year because of drought conditions on the range. “Ultimately, the purpose of the auction is herd management,” said a state parks spokesman.
Kate MeadowsOctober 05, 2026

Wyoming Industry Leaders Say Manufacturing Jobs Can Stop Youth From Leaving State
With 70% of Wyoming's graduates leaving by the time they're 30, industry leaders say manufacturing is the key to stopping the brain drain. Wyoming Business Alliance Dir. Renny McKay says Sheridan is an example of what a manufacturing center can look like.
Renée JeanOctober 05, 2026

5,000-Gallon Oil Spill Near Riverton Mostly Contained, Cause Still Unknown
A pipeline leak that spilled more than 5,000 gallons of crude onto public land near Riverton has been contained, but how it happened and how long the oil flowed remain unanswered. Pipeline officials say crews worked all weekend to clean up the area.
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 05, 2026

Casper Man Could Get 10 Years For Hammer And Knife Attacks At East-Side Motel
A Casper man faces as much as 10 years in prison after police say he hit a man in the head with a hammer and threatened him with knife, then chased others with the weapons. When confronted by police, he reportedly told them, “You’ll have to kill me.”
Dale KillingbeckOctober 05, 2026

6 Feet Deep At 20 Below: Wyoming Gravediggers Say Job Is 'Not For Everybody'
Wyoming gravediggers battle 5 feet of frost, 20-below funerals and the occasional coffin that isn't where it's supposed to be. This job isn't for everybody, they say. As for Loni Wilson, she'll be lower maintenance. “Oh, just throw me in a dumpster," she said.
Kolby FedoreOctober 04, 2026

After Lightning Bolt Kills 220 Sheep, Carcass Composters Spring Into Action
When a bolt of lightning killed 220 sheep in southwest Montana’s remote Gravelly Range last month, it left the area littered with piles of electrocuted carcasses. The race was on to remove them before they became a magnet for hungry grizzly bears.
Mark HeinzOctober 04, 2026

Officials Say Wyoming Teens Targeted By Violent Online Extremist Group ‘764’
Federal and state law enforcement officials say Wyoming teens are being targeted by a violent online extremist group called “764.” Kids across the nation are coerced into sex acts, satanic rituals, and hurting pets and other people, they say.
Jen KocherOctober 04, 2026

Landowners Fed Up With New Breed Of Trespassers Who Think Rules Don't Apply To Them
Landowners across Wyoming and the West say they are encountering a new breed of "entitled trespassers" who think gates and No Trespassing signs don't apply to them. They believe if they have a good reason for being there, they have a right to be there.
Kate MeadowsOctober 03, 2026

By The Numbers: How Much Beef Can You Get From A Cow?
Turning a 1,500-pound cow into a freezer full of steaks, roasts and hamburgers is more complicated than it might sound. But if you're fed up with pricey grocery-store beef, here's what you can expect if you go straight to a Wyoming ranch.
Kate MeadowsOctober 03, 2026

Case Closed: DNA From Fingerprint Cards Solves 48-Year-Old Murder Of Billings Girl
DNA taken from five fingerprint cards nearly a half-century old finally solved the murder of 16-year-old Corina Contreraz, who was killed in Billings, Montana, in 1978. "Her spirit is finally free, and we can breathe again," said the girl's cousin.
Jen KocherOctober 04, 2026

At $7.7M, Centennial Ranch Offers Jackson Hole Luxury At About A Third The Price
Cross Creek Ranch is a 372-acre spread that offers Jackson Hole-level luxury in the Snowy Range near Centennial. It is publicly listed for the first time at $7.7 million, while comparable home in Jackson would run about $30 million, its agent says.
Renée JeanOctober 04, 2026

From Wyoming, With Love: The 50k Ultramarathon That Made Me Barf On Denver
We were somewhere between Mile High Stadium and Taco Bell No. 6 when the Chalupa began to take hold. I wondered if this was why I was assigned to run in the Taco Bell 50K ultramarathon on Saturday: to throw up bits of Wyoming all over Denver.
Clair McFarlandOctober 04, 2026
Artist Chris Navarro Unveils Snow Fence He Created Out Of Wind Turbine Blades
Celebrated Wyoming artist Chris Navarro unveiled his long-awaited snow fence project on Saturday that he created out of discarded wind turbine blades. If the blades prove useful as snow fences, WYDOT will look to replicate the project elsewhere.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 04, 2026

It’s Been 30 Years Since Powell Firefighter, Son Electrocuted During Crash Rescue
It’s been 30 years since Powell firefighter Bruce Honstain and his son, Joshua, were electrocuted while the father was trying to rescue his son from a crash. A sculpture of them outside the fire station in Powell is a reminder of sacrifice and heroism.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 04, 2026
Florida Woman Asks For Help Proving Taxidermy Horse Has Historical Wild West Past
A Florida woman bought an old taxidermy horse because she was told it had ties to President Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. But there’s no proof. So she’s asking Wild West aficionados to help her out. "I think there's a story to this horse," she said.
Kolby FedoreOctober 04, 2026

For Some, Fall Colors Season Across Wyoming And Montana Is Almost A Religion
For fans of high-country colors across Wyoming and Montana, finding the best spots and foliage-watching routes is almost a religion. “The trees start to look like they’re on fire, they’re so blazingly bright,” said one foliage author.
Anna-Louise JacksonOctober 04, 2026

Blind 9/11 Survivor Saved By Hero Guide Dog Coming To Wyoming To Share Story
Michael Hingson was 78 floors up in the World Trade Center's North Tower when the first plane hit on Sept. 11, 2001. Michael's guide dog Roselle helped him down 1,463 stairs to escape. 25 years later, Hingson will share his story in Wyoming.
Kolby FedoreOctober 04, 2026

Lifelong Wyoming Hunter Finally Bags His First Bull Elk Just Shy Of Turning 67
Though born in Wyoming and having spent his life here as an avid hunter, one goal eluded Mike Berryman: Bagging a bull elk. Two weeks before turning 67, he met that goal last week on the opening morning of rifle season in the South Fork area near Cody.
Mark HeinzOctober 04, 2026

Cadaver Dogs Are Sniffing Out Lost Graves On Wyoming’s Oregon Trail Route
The Oregon Trail has been called the nation's longest graveyard. Cadaver dogs are helping Wyoming historians search for Oregon Trail graves that time, weather and development have nearly erased. “It’s a constant battle for preservation,” one historian said.
Renée JeanOctober 03, 2026

Wyoming Woman's 5,000-Mile Mustang Ride Began With A Promise To Stay Alive
When Lisanne Fear sat down to write a suicide note, she couldn't bring herself to part with a mustang named Phineas. Her love for Phineas grew into a 5,000 mile trek across the country with a clique of adopted mustangs to raise awareness for wild horses.
Zakary SonntagOctober 03, 2026

Author And Former Longtime Ranger Says Dumb Tourists Think Yellowstone Is Disneyland
Author Bob Richard, who was a longtime ranger, says Yellowstone tourists don't pay attention to rules because they suffer from the "Disney Syndrome." “They think Yellowstone is a park,” he said, and to them it's a safe and controlled environment.
Andrew RossiOctober 04, 2026

As It Turns 150, Centennial Is Growing But Not By People Who Plan To Live Here
Centennial has endured 150 years of change, from timber and mining booms to tourism. Now residents of the Snowy Range town say people buying homes and turning them into short-term rentals squeeze local businesses because employees can't afford to live here.
Renée JeanOctober 03, 2026

The Story Behind The 90-Year-Old Mangled Wreck On Casper Mountain Is Murky
Although the popular story behind the mangled car below the Bridle Trail in Casper is linked to a deadly 1937 crash, the surviving engine number and archives suggest hikers have been looking at another wreck. A box of negatives may answer the mystery.
Kolby FedoreOctober 03, 2026

1,289-Year-Old Whitebark Pine — World's Oldest — Found In Grand Teton, But It Was Dead
Two University of Wyoming scientists were excited and dejected after discovering the world's oldest whitebark pine in Grand Teton National Park recently. That's because the 1,289-year-old tree had died in 2021. “Every tree has its limit," said a UW researcher.
Andrew RossiOctober 03, 2026
How A Casper Neon Artist Is Saving Herself As She Saves Famous Tumble Inn Cowboy
Casper neon artist Connie Morgan’s work on the Tumble Inn Cowboy sign has put her in the spotlight, but she also felt her life growing dim with relationship and financial woes. Then she decided to “to get real with myself" and allow others in to help.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 03, 2026

Wyoming History: Hartville Mayor Had To Stage A Coup To Take Office In 1906
Hartville voters elected Anthony Wilde mayor in 1906, but he had to stage a coup to claim his office after the sitting mayor and town clerk refused to leave. Wilde, also the town's justice of the peace, then threw the clerk — his father-in-law — in jail.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 04, 2026
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise was captured by Kayla Henderscheid. Kayla writes, "Beautiful sunrise while antelope hunting out on the Red Desert."
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
Fred Harrison: Who Educates Our Children? Wyoming Needs Freedom, Not Stagnation
Opinion by Fred Harrison
Dave Simpson: Will There Be Anarchy If Prop 1 Passes?
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: It's Almost Anyone-But-Chuck November, Choose Wisely
Opinion by Gail Symons
Bill Sniffin: I Left My Heart At The Snow King Inn, In Old Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Opinion by Bill Sniffin
Joan Barron: The Legislature Is Running Out Of Old Hands
Opinion by Joan Barron
Sponsored
View all
Will the Next Generation Choose Wyoming?
Wyoming’s next generation needs more than a love for Wyoming to establish a future here. They need opportunities that give them a reason to continue calling the state home. NC Means Business is helping create more opportunities for our young by bringing Natrona County together through informed dialogue and support for economic development.
October 01, 2026

For A Small Population State, Prediction Markets Sure Do Like Wyoming
Wyoming has fewer than 600,000 residents, but prediction markets are putting serious money behind its elections, economy, sports, and local events.
September 29, 2026

Trusting God to Provide: Miracles in Cuba
Vision Beyond Borders has been supporting pastors in Cuba for over 30 years. As conditions in Cuba worsen, Christians are leaning on God, helping their communities, and seeing miraculous provision.
September 24, 2026
Opinion
View all
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
View all
Wyoming Artists Say AI Fakes And Asian Sweatshops Threaten Western Art Market
Renée JeanOctober 03, 2026
Cody Blacksmith N.J. Pawley Wasn’t An Artist — Until Robert Redford Told Him He Was
Renée JeanOctober 03, 2026
'It's My Dad, And Then It's My Kid': A Diamondville Family's Unthinkable Two Days
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 03, 2026
Because No One Stops At Stop Sign, Casper Family Enlists 12-Foot Skeleton To Help
Kolby FedoreOctober 02, 2026
Is Wyoming Going Electric? EV Registrations Surge Tenfold In Two Years
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 01, 2026
Outdoors
View all
Now Retired, Wyoming Sheriff Still Haunted 29 Years After Camper Went Missing
Jen KocherOctober 02, 2026
Pregnant Photographer Mooed At By Tourist Mob Talks About Viral Grand Teton Video
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 02, 2026
Colorado Backs Off Killing Wolves That Attack Cattle As Population Stalls At 45
Mark HeinzOctober 01, 2026
Montana Wildlife Officials Kill 14 Black Bears On One Property Near Bozeman
Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2026
A Horse Is Living With Bison In Yellowstone And Is Not Interested In Coming Home
Andrew RossiSeptember 30, 2026
Crime & Courts
View all
Judge Ignores Plea Agreement, Gives Ex-Brand Inspector Jail Time For Moose Torture
Dale KillingbeckOctober 03, 2026
Diamondville Shocked, Devastated After Teen Dies In Hunting Accident
Emma Jane JacksonOctober 02, 2026
Rawlins Man, Six Others, Get Prison After Bust Of Major Wyoming Drug Ring
Kerry DrakeOctober 02, 2026
Cops: Gillette Man Admits Truck Used To Take $50K Worth Of Copper, But It Wasn’t Him
Greg JohnsonOctober 02, 2026
Judge: Worland Boys' School Solitary Confinement Case Should Go To Trial
Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2026


