Andrew Rossi
Andrew RossiĀ is a features reporter for Cowboy State Daily based in northwest Wyoming. He covers everything from horrible weather and giant pumpkins to dinosaurs, astronomy, and the eccentricities of Yellowstone National Park.
Ā Previously, Rossi was the News Director for Big Horn Basin Media in Cody. He earned several awards from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, including multiple awards for Best News Reporter and Best News Talk Show.
Ā A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Rossi previously worked at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. He has collaborated with Disney/Pixar, the BBC, The Washington Post, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and several other national and international media outlets. He is also a cofounder of The Cody Theatre Company in Cody.
Latest from Andrew Rossi
Ā Park County Search And Rescue Coordinate Five Rescues In Four Days
Between July 5 and 8, Park County Search and Rescue coordinated a slew of rescues, including some which were life-threatening. Multiple agencies and helicopters across northwest Wyoming responded to the emergencies.
Andrew RossiJuly 16, 2024
Four Wyoming Students Win Mike Rowe's Work Ethic Scholarships
Four Wyoming students are among the latest round of Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship winners which were announced on Thursday night. The popular āDirty Jobsā TV host says heās fighting a shift in society that doesnāt value hard work.
Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2024
Tourist Drives Car Into Acidic, Inactive Yellowstone Geyser; Five People Injured
A tourist with four passengers drove a car on Thursday into an acidic and inactive Yellowstone geyser. All five were transported to a nearby hospital. The car was completely submerged and Grand Loop Road was closed as crews worked to recover it.
Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2024
Heat Records Fall Across Wyoming, And More Could Follow
The heat wave thatās been baking much of the U.S. West is making its way into Wyoming. Several towns in the western part of the state set record highs Thursday, and more will follow as the heat moves across the Cowboy State.
Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2024
Nearly 90 Years Old, Wyoming's First Air Conditioner Still Works
When the Cody Theatre opened on the historic Western townās main street in 1937, one of its main attractions was being the first air-conditioned building in Wyoming. Nearly 90 years later, it's still working and is a great example of if it ain't broke, donāt fix it.
Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2024
125 Years Ago, The Largest Dinosaur Of The Time Was Unearthed In Albany County
On July 3, 1899, one of the most significant paleontological discoveries occurred when a massive 87-foot skeleton of a Diplodocus was unearthed in Albany County. It was the largest dinosaur ever found at the time and sent shockwaves through the paleontological world.
Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2024
Climbing Devils Tower At Night Is Dark, Dangerous ā And "Otherworldly"
Anyone looking toward Devils Tower after sunset on the Fourth of July might have noticed balls of light slowly ascending its sheer sides. Those were climbers wearing lights and they say, the experience at night is "otherworldly."
Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024
Cody's Buffalo Bill Statue Rededicated On 100th Anniversary
The iconic Buffalo Bill statue named "The Scout" was rededicated on Thursday, the 100th anniversary of its placement. Historians say the statue for the town of Cody is what the bucking horse and rider is to Wyoming or what the bald eagle is to the U.S.
Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024
Ring Nebula Is The Grand Prismatic Spring Of Wyoming's Summer Skies
The Ring Nebula, also known as Messier 57, is the Grand Prismatic Spring of the cosmos. Located in the constellation Lyra, it's one of the most colorful celestial sights in the night skies over Wyoming this summer.
Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024
Wyoming Paramedics Advise Not Shooting Fireworks From Your Orifices Or At People
To stay injury-free this Fourth of July, paramedics in Wyoming advise not to shoot fireworks from any of your orifices or at people. Cutting down on alcohol is a good strategy too, they say.
Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024
Wyoming's Fourth of July Starts Early With Cody Stampede Parade
Fourth of July in Wyoming got its traditional early start Wednesday with the first of two Cody Stampede Parades. Thousands of people packed Sheridan Avenue for Grand Marshal Larry the Cable Guy and horses ā lots of horses.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2024
More Felonies For Alleged Natrona County Drug Trafficker Named āTree Killerā
A man known around Casper by the nickname āTree Killerā whoās suspected of being a major trafficker of fentanyl and methamphetamine in central Wyoming faces three new felony charges.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2024
Happy Fourth Of July: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming
Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate Independence Day on Thursday with parades, barbecues, concerts and firework shows. Here is a list of many of the celebrations. If we missed any, let us know!
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2024
Expect A Wet Wyoming Fourth Of July Up To 15 Degrees Cooler Than Average
Wyoming residents can expect Mother Nature to rain on their parades, barbecues and campouts for this weekās Fourth of July celebrations. It will also be as much as 15 degrees cooler than average.
Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024
Dog Almost Dies In Abandoned Water Tank Before Worland Firefighters Rescue Her
A dog was found at the bottom of an abandoned water treatment holding tank in Worland. With sheer concrete walls and no ramps or ladders, there was no way for the unfortunate pooch to escape. Thanks to Worland firefighters, she survived and is recovering.
Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024
It's Earthflow Season, And They're Wreaking Havoc On Wyoming Roads
An earthflow is actively destroying a road in Meeteetse and there's nothing anyone can do about it until the area dries out. It can happen anywhere in Wyoming, and does. Although with summer, the "earthflow season" is coming to an end.
Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024
Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway One Of The Most Important Fossil Deposits In The World
The Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway is a unique record of a time when Greybull, Wyoming, was beachfront property and when dinosaurs roamed the shores of an ancient sea about 160 million years ago during the Jurassic Period.
Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024
Don Day's Wyoming Weather Forecast: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Chance of afternoon rain across Wyoming on Sunday. Breezy in most areas. Highs from the low 80s to the low 90s. Lows from the Ā 40s to the 60s.
Andrew RossiJune 29, 2024
Once-In-A-Lifetime Nova Should Appear In Wyoming Skies This Summer
Like clockwork, a nova from the star T Coronea Borealis has been seen every 80 years for centuries. Astronomers expect the explosion to appear in the skies a couple years early this time which means it should be visible above Wyoming before the end of the summer.
Andrew RossiJune 27, 2024
Park County Man Swinging Baseball Bat Shot In Leg During Road Rage Showdown
A Park County man was shot in the leg on Sunday in a wild road rage incident. The individual allegedly chased someone down and then got out of his vehicle swinging a baseball bat when he was shot.
Andrew RossiJune 25, 2024
Outdoors People Stupefied At Canoe Tied Horizontally On Top Of Vehicle
Sporting goods store owners in Cody had a hard time comprehending a photo on Yellowstone: Invasion of the Idiots that showed a canoe tied horizontally on a Subaru. Both said they had never seen anything like it before and expressed dismay at today's gene pool.
Andrew RossiJune 24, 2024
Federal Committee Recommends Renaming Devils Tower To Bear Lodge
A federal committee has recommended that the Sec. of Interior change the name of Devils Tower to Bear Lodge. She can't, however, because Wyoming is the only state exempt from the Antiquities Act. Only an act of Congress could do so.
Andrew RossiJune 24, 2024
Mount St. Helens Acting Up But Won't Trigger Yellowstone Supervolcano
The scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said he's getting a lot of calls from the public wondering if the hundreds of earthquakes detected under Mount St. Helens could trigger the Yellowstone supervolcano. Nothing to worry about, he says.
Andrew RossiJune 23, 2024
Donāt Panic! Several āYellowstoneā Spinoffs In The Works For When Series Ends
Kevin Costner made it official on Thursday, he will not appear in the second half of "Yellowstone's" fifth and final season. But rabid fans of the franchise donāt have to panic ā there are several additional spinoffs in the works.
Andrew RossiJune 21, 2024
Supercell In Southeast Wyoming Produces Tornado, Softball-Sized Hail
Huge hail, 60 mph winds and at least one tornado touched down in southeast Wyoming on Thursday afternoon as a supercell thunderstorm passed through the area. The tornado touched down near the town of Yoder.
Andrew RossiJune 20, 2024
Kids Playing With Fire Suspected Of Burning Railroad Bridge In Rock Springs
Three juveniles playing with fire are suspected of accidentally setting a timber-frame railroad bridge on the southside of Rock Springs ablaze Wednesday. The bridge is a total loss and will be rebuilt by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Andrew RossiJune 20, 2024
Tourist Risks Life By Climbing Rocks Next To Yellowstone Lower Falls
A tourist at Yellowstoneās Lower Falls risked his life on Wednesday by climbing out to a dangerous section of rocks above the raging 308-foot waterfall. A professional rock climber and author told Cowboy State Daily the action was so idiotic he was "laughing at the stupidity."
Andrew RossiJune 19, 2024
Look For Huge Full Moon Friday During Once-A-Generation Lunar Standstill
The full moon will look huge Friday as it hits a once-in-a-generation phase called ālunistice,ā or lunar standstill. The phenomenon, which happens every 18 1/2 years, will make the moon will appear gigantic and especially bright.
Andrew RossiJune 19, 2024
Yellowstone To Blast 100,000 Tons Of Rock To Widen Golden Gate Canyon
Yellowstone National Park officials announced Tuesday that they plan on blowing up 100,000 tons of rock to significantly transform Golden Gate Canyon. They say the effort will make the area more scenic, safe, and accessible.
Andrew RossiJune 18, 2024
Here Comes The Snow! Up To 4 Inches Of Snow Expected For Parts Of Wyoming
As the calendar turns from spring to summer this week, the weather around Wyoming hasn't heard the news. Up to 4 inches of snow expected in Wyoming's higher elevations and the Beartooth Highway.
Andrew RossiJune 17, 2024
Think Wyoming Weather Is Volatile? Itās Nothing Compared To Space Weather
Longtime Wyoming climatologist Jan Curtis spends much of his time studying space weather. So does meteorologist Don Day. And the fantastic aurora borealis display we witnessed last month is just the tip of the iceberg.
Andrew RossiJune 16, 2024
Forget The Calendar, Codyās Ishawooa Snow Horse Is The True Sign Of Wyoming Summer
Every year, the snowpack in the southern stretch of the Absaroka Range melts to reveal the Ishawooa Horse's Head. Ranchers on the South Fork have looked at it as a sign of summer and they've done it for more than a century.
Andrew RossiJune 15, 2024
Wyoming's Loneliest EV Chargers Sits In The Middle Of Nowhere
Many may ask why the heck someone would put a solar-powered EV charger in the middle of nowhere in central Wyoming. Turns out it's left from Rivian's testing of EV trucks in the rugged and brutal Cowboy State terrain and weather.
Andrew RossiJune 15, 2024
Itās The Middle Of June, But Thereās A Winter Storm Watch Out For Yellowstone
It may be the middle of June, but Yellowstone tourists may be in for a cold dose of Wyoming weather Monday and Tuesday with a Winter Storm Watch out for the national park and Beartooth Pass.
Andrew RossiJune 14, 2024
Washington Man Gets Week In Jail For Leaving Boardwalk At Steamboat Geyser
A 21-year-old Washington state man has been slapped with seven days in jail after leaving the boardwalk at Steamboat Geyser for a better photo, the U.S. Attorneyās Office announced Thursday. Steamboat is the world's largest active geyser.
Andrew RossiJune 13, 2024
Weather Is Transitioning From El NiƱo To La NiƱa Which Means Hotter, Drier Conditions
Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day says weather patterns have transitioned from an El NiƱo to a La NiƱa which means Wyoming can expect a hotter, drier summer.
Andrew RossiJune 13, 2024
Woman Claims Carjackers Crashed Her SUV Off Highway; Cops Say She Was Drunk
The Park County Sheriffās Office says the claim by a woman that carjackers hit her over the head, stole her SUV then crashed it into a gully off Highway 14-16-20 is bogus. They say she was drunk and wrecked it herself.
Andrew RossiJune 11, 2024
Wyoming Rock Hounds Going Nuts Over One-Of-A-Kind 2.5 Billion-Year-Old Boulder
Wyoming rock hounds are going nuts over a one-of-a-kind 2.5 billion-year-old banded iron boulder discovered by a father-daughter duo from Laramie who donated to the University of Wyoming Geological Museum.
Andrew RossiJune 09, 2024
Yellowstone A Huge Inspiration For Yogi Bear And Boo-Boo In Jellystone
The original Yogi Bear cartoons by Hanna-Barbera shows Jellystone Park as a funhouse mirror version of Yellowstone, which was a key to its incredible success. An animation historian says Yogi and Boo-Boo were the original "tourons."
Andrew RossiJune 09, 2024
How Mountain Man āLiver-Eatingā Johnson Was Buried In Wyoming Decades After His Death
Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of the reburial of legendary mountain man John āLiver-Eatingā Johnson in Cody, Wyoming. But how that happened is a tale almost as unbelievable as Johnsonās legend.
Andrew RossiJune 08, 2024
Aladdin Coal Tipple Is One Of Last Of Its Kind And Could Collapse At Any Time
Built between 1888 and 1895, the Aladdin Coal Tipple in northeast Wyoming is one of the remaining wooden coal tipples still standing in the Western United States, but it's in bad shape and could collapse at any time.
Andrew RossiJune 08, 2024
Bird Flu Confirmed In Wyoming Dairy Cattle For First Time, Stock Growers Not Worried
The Wyoming Dept of Agriculture on Friday said, for the first time, bird flu has been confirmed in a Wyoming dairy cattle herd. Jim Magagna, of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, said "It certainly didn't cause any concern with our group of beef cattle producers."
Andrew RossiJune 08, 2024
'Catastrophic Failure' On Teton Pass; Road Closed After Highway Falls Off Mountain
A ācatastrophic failureā of Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass overnight Friday saw a huge section wash down the mountain. The "lifeline" between Jackson and Victor, Idaho, is expected to be closed for weeks, according to WYDOT.
Andrew RossiJune 08, 2024
Teton Pass Closed Down Again -- This Time For Giant Mudslide
A mudslide shut down Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass in the early morning hours of Friday less than a day after a humongous two-lane crack closed it.
Andrew RossiJune 07, 2024
Forced Closure Of Teton Pass Due To Large Cracks Stretching Across Entire Road
Large cracks that stretched across the entire highway creating an 8-inch shelf in the road on Teton Pass forced its closure for a few hours on Thursday. Although it's reopened, WYDOT is assessing the damage and potential danger created by it.
Andrew RossiJune 06, 2024
WYDOT Flooded With Calls Over Closing Popular Rest Area For Renovations
The Waltman Rest Area in the middle of nowhere between Casper and Shoshoni is closed for three to four weeks for renovations. But thatās way too long for many fans of the stop, who have flooded WYDOT with calls about it.
Andrew RossiJune 05, 2024
Alleged Drunk Driver Severs Gas Line Plowing Through Cody Gun Range
A suspected drunk driver plowed through an indoor gun range in Cody on Saturday night and severed a gas line in the process. The owner said it was a miracle the building didn't blow up.
Andrew RossiJune 04, 2024
Missouri Man Steals Endangered Ferret Pelt From Wyoming Museum
The pelt of an endangered Wyoming black-footed ferret is back where it belongs in the Meeteetse Museums after a visitor stole it on an āimpulse.ā Despite the odds of finding it, it was recovered intact and the thief arrested, prosecuted and punished.
Andrew RossiJune 03, 2024
With Cloudy Wyoming Skies Expected, Good Luck Seeing Rare Parade Of Planets
When six of the solar systemās eight planets, and a crescent moon, align in Tuesday's early morning pre-dawn sky, Wyomingites will likely see nothing but clouds moving in from the Pacific Northwest.
Andrew RossiJune 03, 2024
Why Wyoming Is One Of Only Two States Without A Zoo
Besides being the two least populated states, Wyoming and Vermont have something else in common ā the only states without a zoo. While you could put one in the Cowboy State, it would be a permitting nightmare.
Andrew RossiJune 02, 2024
Grizzly 399, The Most Famous Bear In The World, Gets Her Own 8-Foot Bronze Statue
An 8-foot-tall statue of Grizzly 399 with the four cubs she raised in 2020 was dedicated Saturday at its new home at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. The bronze on the statue reads, āQueen of the Rockies.ā
Andrew RossiJune 02, 2024
The Numbering System Behind Wyoming's License Plates
If county numbers on Wyoming license plates were assigned by the same criteria as they were in 1930, there would be a lot of changes. Campbell County would be #1 instead of Natrona County. Converse County would be #2 instead of Laramie County. Here's why:
Andrew RossiJune 02, 2024
Fossil Geeks Excited Over 52 Million-Year-Old Salamander Discovered Near Kemmerer
The 52 million-year-old foot-long fossil salamander from a fossil quarry near Kemmerer is only the third specimen of its kind ever found. Plus, it's the first Paleoamphiuma ever found with soft tissue preserved in it.
Andrew RossiJune 01, 2024
Beartooth Highway Will Finally Be Fully Open After Snowstorm, Repair Delays
After a monster snowstorm and corresponding avalanches, the entire 69 miles of the Beartooth Highway should finally be open Saturday morning ā and hopefully stay open for the summer season.
Andrew RossiMay 31, 2024
First Grizzly Relocation Of The Year In Wyoming After Bear Ate Cows
The Game and Fish Department said they didn't kill the grizzly who ate some cows earlier this month because the bear had no previous run-ins with the department. The department opted to relocate the bear away from cows instead.
Andrew RossiMay 30, 2024
Grizzly 399 May Be Old But She Still Knows How To Kill Elk
Although people have romanticized Grizzly 399 as a giant, cuddly teddy bear, she's a grizzly. Earlier this week, spectators saw what apex predators do as she ripped apart two elk calves so she and her cub Spirit could have some lunch.
Andrew RossiMay 30, 2024
Millions Lost In Overnight Fire At Cody Bronze Art Foundry, 100% Loss Says Owner
Millions of dollars of art and equipment were destroyed in an overnight fire at the Caleco Foundry in Cody. The establishment, one of only two bronze foundaries in Wyoming was totally gutted. One artist says he lost over $5 million worth of art.
Andrew RossiMay 30, 2024
Wyoming May Be In For Another Spectacular Aurora Show
The same group of sunspots that delivered mid-May's amazing aurora displays across Wyoming and the rest of the United States is turning toward Earth this week, meaning another spectacular show may be on the way.
Andrew RossiMay 29, 2024
Blame Game Heats Up Over Whether Wyoming Wolves Are Killing Colorado Cattle
Since wolves were reintroduced in Colorado last year, the blame game over whether that state's 10 new predators are killing ranchers' cattle or if Wyoming wolves are ranging south has gained steam.
Andrew RossiMay 29, 2024
Now Beartooth Highway Hit By Avalanche, Remains Closed
Officials want to open Beartooth Highway, one of the main routes to get to Yellowstone, but still can't. Opening day was delayed due to weather and now it's because an avalanche has pummeled the road.
Andrew RossiMay 28, 2024
People Outraged After Guy Named Nick Defaces Yellowstone Thermal Feature
Some guy named Nick seems to love the thermal features at Yellowstone National Park that he scratched his name and a message into one of them over the Memorial Day Weekend, to the outrage of many fans of the park.
Andrew RossiMay 28, 2024
Gigantic Boulders Not Crashing Down On Highway In Wind River Canyon Is Good Sign
It's a good year so far in Wind River Canyon as there's been a decrease in rocks and boulders crashing down on the highway. The Wyoming Dept of Transportation believes it could be a sign that rockfall mitigation projects are working.
Andrew RossiMay 27, 2024
NFL Network Puts Wyoming In Spotlight With Documentary On Heart Mountain Eagles
The NFL Network will premiere a half-hour documentary Monday on the Heart Mountain Eagles, the high school football team for the Wyoming Japanese-American internment camp during World War II that went undefeated in 1942.
Andrew RossiMay 27, 2024
Wyoming Has A Front-Row Seat For Rare Parade Of Planets Lineup
People in Wyoming have a front-row seat to view a rare āparade of planetsā lineup of six planets and a crescent moon that will be visible in a line June 4. It's the first time such an alignment has been visible in at least 30 years.
Andrew RossiMay 25, 2024
Gigantic Corpse Flower Set To Bloom Over Memorial Day Weekend
Cosmo, a rare 7-year-old corpse flower at Colorado State University, is preparing to bloom for the first time over Memorial Day Weekend. The gigantic flower, which can grow up 12 feet tall, is known for the overwhelming stench of death it produces when it blooms
Andrew RossiMay 25, 2024
Grizzly Attack Survivor Says Ordeal Was Most Violent Experience Of His Life
The disabled veteran who was mauled by a grizzly on Sunday in Grand Teton National Park said he never let go of his bear spray during the attack. He said when the bear went in for the "kill shot" to his neck, she bit into the can.
Andrew RossiMay 24, 2024