Cowboy State Daily - Wyoming News
News
Headlines
View all
Repeat Cody Sex Offender Accused Of Pleasuring Himself Next To Van Of Camp Kids
A registered Cody sex offender is accused of exposing and masturbating alongside a van of camp kids while making direct eye contact with those in the van. He’s the same man convicted in 2023 for repeatedly exposing himself to female coffee baristas.
Kolby FedoreJuly 14, 2026

Washington Grandfather Recovering In Hospital After Yellowstone Bison Attack
The man who made international headlines after being attacked by a bison in Yellowstone on Friday is in a hospital recovering with several broken bones. Carl Ison-McDaniel of Kendall, Washington, thanked well-wishers and said he was doing "OK."
Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2026

Ranchlands Near Wheatland Eyed For $26 Billion 'Transformational' Data Center
A company called Site Layer 4 wants to rezone 5,344 acres of ranchland near Wheatland for a data center and power plant. The project, they say, adds 300 jobs and substantial tax revenue, but neighbors worry about water, wildlife and the viewshed.
Renée JeanJuly 13, 2026

Arapaho Tribe Tells Christian Church To Leave Reservation; Church Says No
Northern Arapaho Tribal leaders have told a Christian church to leave the reservation after the pastor preached "a pipe cannot hear your prayers.' The pastor said she's staying, and won't apologize for preaching that "Jesus is the only way."
Clair McFarlandJuly 13, 2026

The Wrangler’s Galloping Horse Will Ride Again in Cheyenne
The galloping horse and rider at Wrangler’s Western-wear store has been a fixture in downtown Cheyenne since the 1950s, but it broke down four years ago and efforts to fix it failed. Now a Cheyenne family rebuilt the horse in time for Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Kerry DrakeJuly 13, 2026

Wyoming's 'Explosive Diarrhea' Cases Double, Linked To Travel Outside Of U.S.
Wyoming has confirmed six cases of Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause weeks of explosive diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss. Medical experts link five of the six cases to travel outside the U.S. "It is not funny, that's for sure," an ER doctor said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Northern Wyoming Bakes Under Highest Recorded Temps Ever, Awaits Relief
For many northern Wyoming communities, Sunday was the hottest day in recorded history. Worland, Riverton, Sheridan and Buffalo set marks of between 105 and 110 degrees. Even Yellowstone hit a record.
Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2026

Wyoming Game And Fish Backs Off Proposal To Tighten Tag Regs For Disabled Vets
After an outcry, Game and Fish has backed off its proposal to prevent veterans with PTSD and other non-apparent disabilities from hunting during special early seasons. The public was "loud and clear," said Bill Brinegar of Hunting With Heroes,
Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2026

Lovell Woman Charged With Felony For Allegedly Burning Child, Fracturing Skull
A Lovell woman is being charged with felony child abuse after doctors found a young child suffering from severe burns, brain hemorrhages, possible skull fracture and other injuries that medical experts concluded were consistent with physical abuse.
Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Body Of North Carolina Man Recovered From Snake River After Weeklong Search
The body of Tory Raether was found in the Snake River a week after leaping into the swift currents. Family and friends remember Raether as a devoted husband, father and mentor. "The world needs more people like Tory," close friend Brad Johnson said.
Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

Holy Smokes: Muzzleloader Is Loads And Reloads Of Fun For Kids At State Shoot
Historic muzzleloaders have developed a loyal following among Wyoming 4H kids who prefer a "boom" over a "kick" when they shoot a firearm. Eighty-five devotees ages 8-18 loaded and reloaded over the weekend at the Wyoming State Shoot in Douglas.
Jackie DorothyJuly 13, 2026

Feds: I-25 Remains Wyoming's Main Artery For Cartel Drug Trafficking
Federal officials said Monday fentanyl seizures in Wyoming have already exceeded last year's total, and said Interstate-25 remains a major drug-trafficking route for Mexican cartels.
Kolby FedoreJuly 13, 2026

America’s Longest Small Town: Why Route 66 Is The Quintessential American Experience
Historic U.S. Route 66 is America's longest small town — a 2,400-mile neighborhood that one historian calls the "quintessential American experience." 90-year-old Wayne Schell has driven the entire route dozens of times and continues to drive it today.
Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Legendary Hollywood Producer Goes To Wyoming Bar And Talks Redford, Gable, De Niro
Hawk Koch, a Hollywood producer and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, stopped by the Shell Bar last week to talk about his work on movies such as "Chinatown," "Marathon Man," and "Wayne's World" and his encounters with legendary actors.
Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2026

Tourist Seriously Injured After Yellowstone Bison Launches Man 8 Feet In The Air
A tourist was seriously injured Friday evening after being thrown 8 feet into the air by a bull bison in Yellowstone National Park. Professional photographer Mike Macleod filmed the incident and said the bison was "angry, agitated and charging anything and everything."
Andrew RossiJuly 11, 2026

Wyoming Historian Clay Gibbons Outlives Cancer Prognosis, 'Grateful For Every Day'
Wyoming Historian Clay Gibbons has not only outlived the pancreatic cancer prognosis he received but it hasn’t stopped his quest for digging up Wyoming history or advocating for ranching. Gibbons says faith, family and friends are everything.
Jackie DorothyJuly 12, 2026

Gillette Siblings On Mission To Return Purple Heart To Family Of Korean War Vet
A Gillette brother and sister are on a mission to find the family of a frame-encased American flag with a Purple Heart medal. They've enlisted the help of Gillette American Legion Post #42 that says the Korean War vet was attached to a frontline battalion.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 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

Glass-Plate Family Photos Help Tell Story Of Buffalo Bill State Park In Early 1900s
While camping at Buffalo Bill State Park in 1997, Carole Thurmond Wills was stunned to learn her family once owned that land. Wills now is creating an interactive walk using photos taken by her grandfather on glass-plate negatives from 1899-1912.
Amber SteinmetzJuly 13, 2026

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

From Wyoming Coal Miner’s Son To Closer: How Larry Morgan Achieved The American Dream
Born in a near ghost-town in Wyoming, Larry Morgan’s life is a rags to riches story that begins and ends in Wyoming. Yet he insists the real story isn’t about money so much as freedom — and he's got a best-selling book on Amazon that tells his tale.
Renée JeanJuly 12, 2026

Dubois Tootsie Roll Drop Remembers How Candy Saved ‘Frozen Chosin’ Marines In Korea
A candy drop at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois was more than just fun for kids. It honored the "Frozen Chosin" Marines who depended on Tootsie Rolls for calories, field repairs and sheer survival on minus-40 degree days in the Korean War.
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

Wyoming History: Chief Red Cloud Was Locked Up In Casper For Killing Wild Game
In 1894, Chief Red Cloud and a band of 50 Indians came through Natrona County on the way to the Wind River Indian Reservation and killed some wild game for food. He was arrested and spent time in a Casper jail while his wife mourned outside.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 12, 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
Daily Features
View all
Today's Wyoming sunrise at Big Piney Creek in Sublette County was captured by Tyler Maxfield.

Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Sunny in Wyoming on Tuesday, with a chance of rain in the west. Extreme heat warning or heat advisory for much of the state. Fire danger, breezy in some areas. Highs mainly in the 90s and low 100s. Lows in the 50s and 60s.

Daily Cartoon 2: Tuesday, July 14, 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
Dave Simpson: Democrats Double Down On Crazy
Opinion by Dave Simpson
Gail Symons: Fast Political Labels Are Lazy. Try Thinking.
Opinion by Gail Symons
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
Sponsored
View all
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
View all
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
View all
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
View all
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
View all
Trial Set For Uinta County Rancher Charged In Moose Torture Incident
Dale KillingbeckJuly 09, 2026
Attorney For Cheyenne Teen Accused Of Killing Mom Wants Him Out Of Adult Court
Greg JohnsonJuly 09, 2026
Police: Naked Man Says Psychedelic Shrooms Made Him Attack Cheyenne Officers
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026
Laramie Man Allegedly Kicks Trooper In Groin At End Of Truck Towing Camper Chase
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2026
Eyewitness: Dump Truck Driver In Deadly Crash On Teton Pass "Driving Way Too Fast"
Kolby FedoreJuly 08, 2026

