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Dale Killingbeck

Killingbeck is glad to be back in journalism after working for 18 years in corporate communications with a health system in northern Michigan. He spent the previous 16 years working for newspapers in western Michigan in various roles.

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Natrona County Officials Remove Road Barricade Erected By Ranchers

Barriers erected by a ranch family along County Road 505 were removed on Tuesday morning per the order of the Natrona County commissioners. The county announced it will now move forward to legally claim the road.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 16, 2024

Natrona County Ranchers Block Off Road Claimed By County

A Natrona County ranch couple blocked off a portion of County Road 505 where it crosses their property, potentially impacting two major road projects. One commissioner said, "The county is extremely concerned."

Dale KillingbeckJuly 15, 2024

Balloonist, Passenger Injured In Crash Landing At Casper Event On Saturday

A balloonist and passenger participating in the Casper Balloon Roundup sustained injuries when they crash landed on Saturday in Casper. Once thrown out of the basket, the balloon sailed another quarter of a mile away.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 15, 2024

Carmeron Wagner flies his balloon, left, in the early morning above central Casper.

Let's Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Casper

Cowboy State Daily reporter Dale Killingbeck on Friday hopped into a wicker basket, and let a pilot launch him into the air over Casper by blasting flames into a nylon balloon.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

Walter and Sharon Merschat have restored the exterior of the home that includes gingerbread-style siding at the top. Original windows had to be replaced because the mountain winds blew them out during the buildings first winter.

Casper Couple Transforms Former Drug House Into Wyoming Mountain Retreat

When Walter and Sharon Merschat heard that a 'drug house' was getting demolished by the City of Casper, they stopped inside to take a look. They saw the woodwork and told the city "you can't do this." The city gave them one month to move the house.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

A grid is laid out at the Willow Springs archaeological site. The site is in the Laramie Valley and once may have served as a stagecoach stop on the Overland Trail.

Forgotten 1860s Wyoming Stagecoach Stop Reveals Artifacts Thousands Of Years Old

A recent dig on a long-forgotten archaeological site at a private Laramie Valley ranch has uncovered more than 10,000 artifacts that date back to prehistoric times, the Plains Indian Wars and an apparent mercantile in the 1870s.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024

Coates Road residents are concerned about the paved and gravel portion of their roads and the impact heavy haul gravel trucks would have on them if a proposed gravel pit is approved.

Group Says It Has 15,000 Signatures Opposing Controversial Casper Gravel Pit

An organized group says it’s gathered 15,000 signatures opposing plans to mine gravel from 300 acres of state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain. The project’s manager said Thursday the project push go forward.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 12, 2024

In Brief: Man Charged With Fighting Arrest, Breaking Leg Of Casper Police Officer

A 41-year-old Evansville man who wanted to use drugs one more time before entering treatment is accused of breaking the leg of a Casper police officer while fighting his arrest.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 10, 2024

In Brief: Casper Man Shot During Fourth Of July Fight Over Fireworks

A man was shot and taken to a Casper hospital on the Fourth of July during a fight over personal fireworks. An argument between a small group of people and the man who was shot erupted at the basketball courts at a local park.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2024

Logan Wilson at this weekend's golf tournament for the foundation started in memory of little Brooks Anderson. Inset, Jamie Anderson gets her son Brooks to laugh. She said her journey of loss has caused her to go deep into the study of grief. She started a blog that has helped other women.

NFL's Logan Wilson Back In Casper Supporting Coach Who Lost Baby To SIDS

Casper's Logan Wilson was back in town this weekend participating in the Brooks Joshua Memorial Golf Tournament to raise awareness for SIDS. The NFL star's high school coach lost his baby to SIDS eight years ago.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024

Three generations of auctioneers, Warren, Jace, and Ty Thompson, watch the proceedings at a livestock event.

3rd Generation Of Famed Thompson Auctioneer Family Fast-Talking Way To The Top

For three generations in Wyoming and Montana, the Thompsons have been the region’s famed fast-talking auctioneer family. It’s an art that’s in their blood, and they’re the best at it.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024

The Fort Laramie Bridge across the North Platte River intially served Wyoming Territory and then the state of Wyoming through county ownership until 1958.

Wyoming History: Fort Laramie Bridge Connected West To Indian Wars And Gold Boom

The 149-year-old, 400-foot Fort Laramie bridge is a remarkable feat of 19th century engineering. It spanned the North Platte, connecting the Army to the Great Sioux War and fortune-seekers to a gold boom.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024

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Casper Man Accused Of Bragging About Sex With Young Kids Pleads Not Guilty

A 25-year-old Casper man who allegedly bragged about sex acts with young kids pleaded not guilty Friday. Christopher Schmidt also is accused of inviting other men to participate in the abuse.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2024

Natrona County contractors work on construction of a lodge at the top of Casper Mountain. The county has said that if County Road 505 is blocked, deliveries of material to the site could be affected.

In Brief: Natrona County Moves Ahead To Take Disputed Road From Landowners

After a judge ruled Natrona County doesn’t own a disputed road it has used and maintained for years, the commissioners said Tuesday they're moving ahead with legal efforts to take the road from landowners.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 03, 2024

A 14-year-old Casper girl was seriously hurt Monday evening while riding a skateboard when she collided with an SUV.

‘Life-Threatening’ Injuries For 14-Year-Old Casper Skateboarder Who Hit SUV

A 14-year-old Casper girl on a skateboard suffered “life-threatening” injuries when she collided with an SUV on Monday evening.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 02, 2024

Members of the Martinez family who run the 200-acre C Bracket Horse Barn operation are from left, Scott, Wyatt, Levi, Ransom, and Christy.

Want To Learn To Be A True Wyoming Cowboy? There’s A Place For That

For those who want to embrace the true Wyoming cowboy culture beyond the stereotype pushed by B movie Westerns, the C Bracket Horse Barn in Evansville offers a hands-on education.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 01, 2024

Copman's Tomb is a distinctive feature in the Bighorn Basin

Wyoming History: Copman’s Tomb Named For Man Who Wanted To Fly Off It In 1880s

Copman’s Tomb, in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin, is named for a German trapper, farmer and inventor who in the 1880s invented a flying machine -- which reportedly worked -- and planned on flying it off the mountain top.

Dale KillingbeckJune 30, 2024

A BLM sign sits beside Circle Drive or County Road 505 south of Casper Mountain asking for input about BLM trails on its lands.

Judge: Natrona County Can’t Stop Landowner From Blocking Off Road

A judge ruled Thursday that Natrona County cannot stop a local ranch family from closing off parts of County Road 505. The judge said the county doesn’t own the road and they cannot block the landowners from gating it.

Dale KillingbeckJune 27, 2024

Bobby maher justice center and memorial 4 18 24

Casper Teen Accused Of Holding Bobby Maher Down During Stabbing Pleads Not Guilty

The Casper 15-year-old accused of holding 14-year-old Bobby Maher down while another stabbed him to death pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Dale KillingbeckJune 26, 2024

Gravel trucks were using County Road 505 on June 18, 2024, to haul gravel to the BLM project on Muddy Mountain.

Oops! Natrona County Maintained Rural Road For Years, But Never Owned It

After years of maintaining County Road 505, Natrona County officials sued local landowners when they threatened to block off the road. Turns out, the county doesn't even own the road -- the landowners do. Both sides were in front of a judge Wednesday.

Dale KillingbeckJune 26, 2024

Mitch Godwin takes on the yoke device with 950-pounds attached to walk 100 feet across the gym.

Sheridan Native Wins 2024 U.S. Strongman Nationals

Sheridan native Mitch Godwin calls himself a regular “working-class guy” with his day job at the local wastewater treatment plant. Outside of that, he’s a beast in the gym, winning the U.S. Strongman Nationals earlier this month.

Dale KillingbeckJune 25, 2024

Arrest Warrant Issued For Torrington Woman In Major Drug Trafficking Scheme

An arrest warrant issued Friday seeks a 25-year-old Torrington woman for her alleged involvement in a statewide fentanyl and meth trafficking ring that was busted in March.

Dale KillingbeckJune 24, 2024

Kim Merchant built his covered wagon in 2001 and then joined wagon train reenactment from Fort Laramie, Wyoming to Virginia City, Montana. He said he learned patience on the trip.

Casper Man Who Built His Own Covered Wagon Likes To Live Like It’s 1869

Casper 77-year-old Kim Merchant likes to live like it’s 1869, including building his own covered wagon and teaching others how hardy and self-sufficient Wyoming’s first pioneers had to be.

Dale KillingbeckJune 22, 2024

Esterbrook Community Church was officially recognized by the Episcopal Church at a dedication ceremony in 1946. The building was constructed in 1943.

Esterbrook Church, Where Couples Go For A Perfect Wyoming Western Wedding

The call from overseas did not surprise the pastor. Just another couple who wanted to get married at the base of Laramie Peak in the little log church building with the bell in Esterbrook, Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckJune 22, 2024

Historic Fort Laramie was an important military and exploratory outpost along the trails that brought pioneers to the West.

Wyoming History: Fort Laramie Was Where The West Was Won — And Lost

Wyoming’s historic Fort Laramie has been called the most important fort not only in Wyoming, but in the entire West. It was viewed as a lifeline for emigrants, housed troops, and offered a strategic meeting place for whites and natives to resolve their differences and trade.

Dale KillingbeckJune 22, 2024

Patrick Stafford, center, and his band Full Tilt play Stafford’s tunes at Chris LeDoux Days in Kayee, Wyoming.

Meet Casper’s Singing Firefighter, Who Burned Up The Stage At Chris Ledoux Days

Patrick Stafford is a firefighter in Casper who is also an aspiring musician. The country guitarist and songwriter was well-received during his set at Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee last weekend.

Dale KillingbeckJune 22, 2024

A rider between Glenrock and Casper covers her two miles of ground as part of the National Pony Express Association’s 2024 re-ride.

Pony Express Riding Through Wyoming In Annual Re-Ride This Weekend

The annual National Pony Express Association’s re-ride was kicking up dust through central Wyoming on Friday, and will be blazing a trail through the Cowboy State until early Sunday.

Dale KillingbeckJune 21, 2024

A memorial for Bobby Maher, the Casper 14-year-old who died after being stabbed outside Eastridge Mall on April 7, grows near the spot of the altercation. Maher's favorite color was blue.

Judge Orders Mental Exam For Teen Accused Of Stabbing, Killing Bobby Maher, 14

A judge Friday ordered a mental exam for a Casper teen who’s charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing and killing 14-year-old Bobby Maher while he was trying to protect his girlfriend April 7.

Dale KillingbeckJune 21, 2024

Casper is likely to lose its daily Delta SkyWest flight to Salt Lake City after the Natrona County Commission voted to pull $600,000 in air guarantee money.

Natrona Commissioners Pull $600K For Air Guarantee, Likely To Lose SLC Flight

After convincing the city of Casper in April to pony up $400,000 to guarantee air service to Salt Lake City, the Natrona County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday pulled it’s $600,000 contribution.

Dale KillingbeckJune 20, 2024

A semi hauls gravel up County Road 505 or Circle Drive for the Muddy Mountain.

Natrona County Sues Ranchers Over Threat To Close Off Road

Natrona County has sued to stop a ranch family from closing off County Road 505 that leads south off Casper Mountain. Turns out, the county doesn’t legally own County Road 505 -- the family does.

Dale KillingbeckJune 19, 2024

This image from body cam video released by the Casper Police Department shows the moments right after an officer fired seven shots at suspect Trae Spurlock, hitting him six times. Spurlock's face has been intentionally blurred.

Body Cam Video: Suspect Shot, Killed By Casper Police Talked About ‘Death By Cop’

Dramatic body cam video released by the Casper Police Department on Monday shows an uncooperative suspect telling police he wasn’t going to jail and that “death by cop doesn’t sound too bad” before he was shot and killed.

Dale KillingbeckJune 17, 2024

Lenea Brown, 17, of Casper was shot in the head and killed near Buckboard Park on May 14. Her ex-boyfriend, Eavan Castaner, has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder.

Casper Teen Pleads Not Guilty In Murder Of Ex-Girlfriend

A 16-year-old Casper boy on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend, Lenae Brown. Eavan Castaner is being charged as an adult.

Dale KillingbeckJune 17, 2024

G-Ma’s Restaurant sits on the south side of West Yellowstone Highway and in addition to locals gets vistors traveling from the airport into Casper who are looking for a mom-and-pop restaurant.

Eating Wyoming: The Best Biscuits & Gravy In Wyoming? Try G-Ma's Diner In Mills

One regular describes G-Ma’s Diner in Mills, the local joint that feels like home. Plus, it's the home of the best biscuits and gravy in Wyoming. If you don't believe it, just look at their coffee mugs. They say so.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2024

A lighting strike during a thunderstorm on June 17, 1921, set Midwest Refinery oil storage tanks on fire. It would take a huge effort to prevent further disaster.

Wyoming History: June 17, 1921, The Day Lightning Set 7 Huge Oil Tanks Ablaze

A thunderstorm over Casper on June 17, 1921, left disaster in its wake when it struck a huge oil storage tank ablaze, which spread to six others, burning for days and consuming 350,000 barrels of oil.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2024

After 115 years, Wyoming's only remaining steel truss bridge, Monarch Bridge near Sheridan, has officially been retired.

115-Year-Old Last Remaining Wyoming Steel Truss Bridge Put Out To Pasture

The historic 115-year-old Monarch Bridge, the last steel truss bridge in the Wyoming, was officially retired last week and put out to pasture. It once provided thousands of miners and tons of coal a passageway across the Tongue River northeast of Sheridan.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2024

This wood engraving depicting Sioux warriors charging at the Battle of the Rosebud was printed in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper on Aug. 12, 1876.

Wyoming History: Battle Of The Rosebud Started Great Sioux Wars Of 1876

Battle of the Rosebud was the opening shot of the Great Sioux Wars of 1876, bolstering Sitting Bull and his allies to a historic victory at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Dale KillingbeckJune 16, 2024

Not all bulls get along. These three do. College National Finals Rodeo contractor Kirsten Vold said part of her efforts are aimed at keeping things peaceful in the bull pens.

Keeping Bulls From Being Bullied Just Part Of The Gig For CNFR Stock Manager

For 25 years, Kirsten Vold has conducted a symphony of controlled chaos managing the bulls and broncs from 10 College National Finals Rodeo stock contractors. That includes keeping bulls from being bullied.

Dale KillingbeckJune 15, 2024

Gillette College’s Haiden Thompson flies into the arena on a horse named Turbo during barrel racing competition on Wednesday night.

Wyoming’s Haiden Thompson Eyes Pro Card, But Won’t Repeat As CNFR All-Around Cowgirl

2023 College National Finals Rodeo All-Around Cowgirl Haiden Thompson won’t repeat, but that hasn’t stopped the Gillette College rider from planning to get her PRCA card.

Dale KillingbeckJune 14, 2024

Last School Board Meeting Of School Year In Casper Filled With Sorrow

The last school board meeting of the school year in Casper was not light and upbeat as they usually are this time of year. The two teen murders earlier this year have left Casper and its school community shellshocked.

Dale KillingbeckJune 12, 2024

Casper Man Shot While Allegedly Trying To Get Officer’s Gun Identified

The Natrona County Coroner’s Office has identified the man shot and killed by police Thursday while allegedly trying to get an officer’s gun as Trae Spurlock, 26. But the office denies releasing other details of the shooting.

Greg Johnson & Dale KillingbeckJune 11, 2024

Natrona county school district building and jeanette ward 6 11 24

Jeanette Ward Blasts School Policy, Says Kindergarten No Place For Sex Lessons

Dissatisfied with a Casper school board meeting Monday, Rep. Jeanette Ward told Cowboy State Daily that she finds it, “very curious and shocking when educators or former educators get angry because they can’t have conversations about sexual orientation with kindergartners.”

Dale KillingbeckJune 11, 2024

Thayne Elshere begins his exit off the bull during competition at the College National Finals Rodeo.

Brothers Ride For Different Wyoming Teams, But Share Family Legacy Of Rodeo

Thayne and Talon Elshere are both bronc riders who currently occupy first and second place in the College National Finals Rodeo being held in Casper this week. The brothers, from a deep rodeo family, are riding for different Wyoming teams.

Dale KillingbeckJune 10, 2024

Members of the Platte Bridge Company enjoy bringing to life the history of the state from the 1820s to the 1880s.

Casper-Based Reenactor Group Brings The 1820s - 1860s To Life

The Casper-based Platte Bridge Company boasts nearly 60 reenactors intent on bringing the 1820s through 1880s off history pages and into reality for the public. They plan on traveling to several Wyoming events this summer.

Dale KillingbeckJune 09, 2024

A horse is loaded into an equine transport cargo box in this file photo.

For The Right Price, Horses Can Fly First Class, But Usually Trailered To Wyoming

Like their wealthy owners, high-priced horses travel in style, flying first-class as they’re moved between estates and to compete. At the Sheridan polo grounds, the ponies come from as far away as South America, but the last legs are usually by trailer.

Dale KillingbeckJune 08, 2024

The Kirby Jail and Town Hall building in Kirby, Wyoming, is the sole link to the community’s beginnings.

Wyoming History: Kirby Jail Is The Remaining Link To Town’s Rowdy Past

The historic Western jail in Kirby, Wyoming, is listed on the National Historic Registry and links the little community to its storied, and sometimes rowdy, past with coal miners, gamblers and prostitutes.

Dale KillingbeckJune 08, 2024

A man was killed in an officer-involved shooting incident in the 5000 block of Pay If Forward Drive in Casper on Thursday night, June 6, 2024. It was in the vicinity of an apartment complex, but police report the apartments were not involved in the incident.

Suspect Killed In Casper Officer-Involved Shooting

A suspect was shot and killed by Casper police Thursday night when he allegedly tried to get control of an officer’s firearm during an attempted arrest, the Casper Police Department reports.

Dale KillingbeckJune 07, 2024

A photo of a real estate sign in the neighborhood northeast of Evansville that was allegedly turned into a target. Neighbors said bullets sometimes ricochet off the sign into adjacent areas.

Rural Wyoming Couple Says Trigger-Happy Neighbor Terrorizing Everyone

An Evansville, Wyoming, man who likes to shoot his guns is allegedly terrorizing his neighbors, who told Natrona County commissioners this week that includes bullets ricocheting across their properties and hitting the siding of homes.

Dale KillingbeckJune 06, 2024

A Mills mobile home that housed an extended family of five suffered extensive damage in a Monday morning fire. The family lost much of their possessions and are trying to figure out next steps.

Wyoming Family Of Five Shellshocked After Devastating House Fire

An extended Mills family of five lost their home to a fire Monday. On Tuesday, the family was trying to figure out next steps and how to replace possessions that were lost.

Dale KillingbeckJune 04, 2024

Frosty's Bar and Grill in Casper, Wyoming.

‘I Just Ran Someone Over’: Casper Man After Parking Truck On ‘Old Drinking Buddy’

A 55-year-old Casper man is accused of deliberately running over an "old drinking buddy" after they argued at a local bar. He told those in the bar that, "I just ran someone over," according to court documents made available Monday.

Dale KillingbeckJune 03, 2024

Jim Shipley demonstrates his sharp edge on a piece of leather-like material.

Throwback Wyoming Mountain Man Makes His Own Razor-Sharp Rock Knives

Making razor-sharp knives, arrowheads and other tools by flint knapping rock was life-or-death for prehistoric humans and early Wyoming mountain men. Casper’s “Flint Knapper Jim” has been perfecting the art for 20 years.

Dale KillingbeckJune 02, 2024

Dale Leatham holds some 50-caliber machine gun shells he found on airport property – the site of a World War II Army Air Corps base.

Reporter’s Notebook: Remembering Wyoming’s Only Customs Agent Who Died Last Month

John “Dale” Leatham was Wyoming’s only U.S. Customs agent. For 48 years, he made himself available 24/7 at the Natrona County International Airport. The stories he had and the guests he befriended were truly one of a kind. Wyoming lost a true ambassador.

Dale KillingbeckJune 02, 2024

Wyoming Veterans Memoiral Museum Director John Woodward holds a painting by Ted Gostas that is in the museum’s collection.

Wyoming Vietnam War POW Used Art As A Medicine, And Means to Help Others

U.S. Army Capt. Ted Gostas of Cheyenne was captured during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam in 1968. He endured five years of torture as a POW. For years following, his heartbreaking art has also been powerfully healing.

Dale KillingbeckJune 02, 2024

Green River, Wyoming, has been an important Wyoming rail hub for more than 150 years.

Wyoming’s Oldest, And Still Active, Railroad Union Predates Statehood By 21 Years

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Division 103, Wyoming’s oldest and still active union, has been taking trains from Cheyenne to Rawlins and Green River for 155 years. And it's still going strong.

Dale KillingbeckJune 01, 2024

Brother and sister, Jim Baker and Elizabeth Jennings stand next to the commemorative headstone honoring their great-great-grandfather Francis’ brother, Adam Culp. Frances also served at Platte Bridge Station.

Wyoming History: Fort Caspar’s 1860s ‘Forgotten 9’ Finally Get Headstones

It may have taken 160 years, but nine members of the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, aka Fort Caspar’s 1860s Forgotten 9, finally got headstones on Saturday. It's part of a project to identify and recognize soldiers who died at the fort and in the region.

Dale KillingbeckJune 01, 2024

Justin Armando Marquez (left), Ryan Schroeder and family (right)

Family Of Slain Casper Man Applauds After Killer Sentenced To 70+ Years

The family of Ryan Schroeder erupted in applause on Thursday as a judge sentenced Justin Armando Marquez to at least 70 years in prison for the stabbing death of Schroeder. Schroeder's daughter said the family has been left with "overwhelming grief."

Dale KillingbeckMay 30, 2024

Dale Gregory of Casper enjoys reenacting the life of a mountain man at an annual rendezvous.

Casper Man Committed To Keeping Mountain Man History Alive

Dale Gregory of Casper never quite grew out of his childhood dream of being a Wyoming mountain man. Now he lives the lifestyle and shares it with others at the Fort Caspar Museum because he says it's important to keep the history of the West alive.

Dale KillingbeckMay 27, 2024

The lone remaining original trolley from those that served Sheridan, Wyoming, more than a century ago sits on the private property on the north side of the city.

Wyoming History: No. 115 In Sheridan Is State’s Last Original Streetcar

For a time in the early 1900s, Sheridan was a modern municipal wonder with electric trolleys and inter-urban cars ferrying people to mines, shopping and the old fort. Now car No. 115 is Wyoming’s last original streetcar.

Dale KillingbeckMay 26, 2024

A screenshot from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show shows the competition’s judge hold the ribbon with Natasha Wilson and Rowan celebrating the win.

Wyoming Dog Dazzles At Westminster Show, Wins Best Of Breed

Rowan, a Bracco Italiano dog who lives in Douglas, won Best of Breed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He received a giant medallion for the win and bragging rights that the best Bracco Italiano dog in the world lives in Wyoming.

Dale KillingbeckMay 26, 2024

President Franklin Roosevelt visits the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone during a tour of the Western states in 1937.

Wyoming History: FDR Escaped A Political Pressure-Cooker At Yellowstone

It was September 1937 and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was politically exhausted from unsuccessfully trying to stack the Supreme Court, so he escaped the pressure cooker of Washington, D.C., politics in Yellowstone.

Dale KillingbeckMay 25, 2024

Casper Foster Dad Pleads Not Guilty To 20 Charges Of Child Sex Abuse

Steven Marler, a nationally recognized foster parent from Casper pleaded not guilty Tuesday on 20 felony charges alleging he sexually abused multiple children in his care over a period of 10 years.

Dale KillingbeckMay 22, 2024

Rajion Vu is accused of shooting and killing a man in a drug deal gone bad near this intersection in Casper.

Wyoming Man Who Shot And Killed Drug Buyer In The Back Claims Self-Defense

An alleged Evansville drug dealer claims he shot and killed a customer in self-defense, but the prosecutor questions that because the victim “was shot squarely in his back.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 21, 2024

A simple marker in the middle of nowhere between Pinedale and South Pass City, Wyoming, tells of the death of Ralph Faler on April 5, 1921. He was caught in a blizzard delivering the U.S. mail.

Wyoming History: Pinedale Mailman Paid Ultimate Price In 1921 Blizzard

Delivering the mail across Wyoming’s vast empty spaces wasn’t for the faint of heart more than a century ago -- especially Pinedale and South Pass City. Mail carrier Ralph Faler got caught in a blizzard and never made it out.

Dale KillingbeckMay 19, 2024

Shooting victim Lenea Brown turned 17 on May 4. She was shot and killed May 14. The day of her death, her dad received the copy of her birth certificate he had been seeking so he could help her get her driver’s license.

Casper Shooting Victim's Father Shares Broken Heart

The father of Lenea Brown, 17, who was gunned down at a Casper park Tuesday, told Cowboy State Daily he's devastated. He wants justice for his daughter who exuded compassion, including wanting to give the brother of Bobby Maher a hug “and tell him it’s going to be OK.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2024

Brendan Blackburn of Blackburn Cattle Company said he enjoys hauling cattle and working with the people on the Wyoming ranches he meets as part of his job.

Cattle Hauler’s Mission: Get The Mommas And Babies To Summer Pasture

A day in the life of a Douglas-based cattle hauler in May involves lining up to ranch cattle chutes and successfully getting calves and momma cows onboard for a trip to their summer pasture.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2024

The Blue Heart Collaborative’s first meeting involved adult representatives from agencies and organizations related to the youth culture in Casper. A meeting on June 7 is planned as a means to hear from the city’s youth.

Casper Adults Shocked Into Action By Two Teen Murders In 37 Days

A pair of teen murders in 37 days has shocked adults in Casper, Wyoming, to act against a growing culture of youth violence. At a Friday meeting, local groups considered all options, including patrolling the city with teams of watchers.

Dale KillingbeckMay 18, 2024

Casper Man Accused Of Sex With Infant, Possessing Child Porn

A 25-year-old Casper man accused of having sex with an infant and asking other adults to participate was in court Wednesday to face 10 felony charges of child sexual abuse and child pornography.

Dale Killingbeck & Greg JohnsonMay 17, 2024

A Casper 17-year-old is facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in the head at this local park the morning of May 14, 2024.

Casper Teen Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend Said He’d ‘Celebrate When You Die’

The Casper 17-year-old charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in the head Tuesday told her in a text message he planned to “celebrate when you die,” according to court documents released Thursday.

Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2024

Casper Boy, 17, Charged With First-Degree Murder In Killing Of High School Girl

A Casper 17-year-old identified only as E.C. who reportedly had bragged about wanting to have a “gun battle” with police was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday in the shooting death of a local high school girl.

Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2024

A 17-year-old Casper girl was shot to death the morning of May 14, 2024, in the 6800 block of Buckboard Road on Casper’s southwest side.

Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of 17-Year-Old Casper High School Student

Casper police confirmed on Wednesday they’ve made an arrest in the early Tuesday morning shooting death of a local 17-year-old girl. The victim has been identified by the coroner as Lenea Brown.

Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2024

Casper Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting of a high-school-age female in a southwest city neighborhood early Tuesday.

Casper Police Investigating Early Tuesday Shooting Death of High-School Age Victim

The Casper police are investigating the shooting death of a high-school age student in a southwest neighborhood early Tuesday morning. Police say “involved parties” in custody and witnesses being interviewed.

Dale KillingbeckMay 14, 2024

Casper Man Fights Extradition To Utah On 8 Child Sex-Related Charges

A 26-year-old Casper man arrested Thursday on warrants out of Utah is fighting extradition to that state on eight charges related to alleged felony sexual exploitation of a minor.

Dale KillingbeckMay 13, 2024

The Wild Lunch Market in downtown Casper at 124 E. 2nd St. offers customers grab and go sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods, and fresh coffee, tea, and cold drinks.

Eating Wyoming: Casper’s Wild Lunch Market, As Mom-And-Pop As It Gets

The Wild Lunch Market is easy to miss in downtown Casper, but for those in the know, it’s a favorite spot that’s as mom-and-pop as it gets for homemade sandwiches, wraps and cool movie memorabilia.

Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2024

Wyoming History: It’s Been A Century Since 100-Year Floods Devastated Central Wyoming

Dozens were killed when torrential rains in July and again in September 1923 brought a double dose of 100-year floods that put Thermopolis and other towns under water and caused the worst train wreck in Wyoming history.

Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2024

The RMS Titanic carried two passengers that were headed for Wyoming on the night of April 14, 1912, when it struck an iceberg. They were Johan Julian Sundman, left, and Hugh Wooner, right.

Wyoming History: Wyoming-Bound Passengers Among Survivors Of Titanic Disaster

Two people aboard the RMS Titanic when it sunk in 1912 were headed for Wyoming. Both would live to tell their harrowing stories — and one made it to his Casper destination.

Dale KillingbeckMay 11, 2024

A Casper police investigation into a Feb. 1 shooting near the intersection of 15th Street and Cottonwood has resulted in a murder charge against an Evansville man.

State Of Wyoming Sues To Keep $500,000 Seized In Fatal Drug Deal Gone Bad

The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office is asking a judge to forfeit nearly $500,000 seized from the safe of an Evansville man who is charged in a February murder during a drug deal gone bad.

Dale KillingbeckMay 10, 2024

Natrona County Coroner Says Suicide Rate An Astronomical ‘Top Four In The World’

The Natrona County coroner says 2024 is shaping up to be a “crazy year” for unnatural deaths, with suicides through the first four months of the year on a record-shattering pace that ranks in the "top four in the world."

Dale KillingbeckMay 08, 2024

The Natrona County commission Tuesday agreed to pay for continued SkyWest Delta Connection service from Casper to Salt Lake City.

Natrona County OKs Another $600,000 To Guarantee Salt Lake Flight

Having already balked at paying the full $1.3 million tab for a year of guaranteeing a Casper-Salt Lake City flight with SkyWest, the Natrona County Commissioners OK’d another $600,000 on Tuesday.

Dale KillingbeckMay 08, 2024

Casper Mountain Preservation Alliance Chairperson Carolyn Griffith thanks people for coming out on a Sunday afternoon to explore the School Section of land at the base of Casper Mountain.

Opponents Of Casper Gravel Pit Threaten Lawsuit If Governor Doesn’t Halt It

A group opposed to a controversial gravel pit planned for state-owned land near Casper Mountain sent a letter to Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday threatening legal action if he doesn’t halt it.

Dale KillingbeckMay 08, 2024

Casper Man Who Blurted ‘I Killed Somebody’ During Hearing Pleads Not Guilty

A 44-year-old homeless Casper man who blurted out “I killed somebody” during an unrelated court hearing on a probation violation changed his mind on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge.

Dale KillingbeckMay 08, 2024

Many participants walked a 3 ½-mile trail through the School Section to see the nature and beauty of the land.

What’s So Special About State Land Proposed For Controversial Casper Gravel Pit?

Around 100 people showed up Sunday to see for themselves just what’s so special about the “School Section” of state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain where a gravel mine operation is proposed.

Dale KillingbeckMay 06, 2024

An overview of the Guernsey Dam, which feeds agriculture and ranching operations downriver.

Irrigating Wyoming – It’s Complicated, Involves Lots of Dams And Careful Monitoring

In central and southern Wyoming, a system of dams, canals and irrigation that allows agriculture to thrive today goes back to the vision of the first U.S. president to ever live west of the Mississippi River -- Teddy Roosevelt.

Dale KillingbeckMay 05, 2024

Split Rock was an important landmark along the Oregon, Mormon and California trails with its distinctive "split" that resembles a gunsight.

Split Rock, Wyoming’s Natural Gunsight, An Important Landmark On Historic Trails

For hundreds of years, or perhaps longer, a peculiar gunsight-like rock formation called Split Rock has provided direction for travelers in central Wyoming’s Sweetwater River Valley, including the historic Oregon, Mormon and California trails.

Dale KillingbeckMay 05, 2024

Shelby Shank said her 6-year-old dog will go into semi-retirement next year after a long string of dog show successes.

Champion Wyoming Aussie Shepherd Off To Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Sansa, a champion Australian shepherd from Casper, will join a Douglas pooch representing Wyoming at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Super Bowl of dog shows, in New York on May 11.

Dale KillingbeckMay 05, 2024

A photo of Gehrett with all the stripes of a chief gunner’s mate at the display in the Wyoming Veterans Memorial.

Wyoming History: Casper Sailor Crossed Equator With Herbert Hoover 100 Years Ago

A globe-trotting Casper sailor who enlisted in the U.S. Navy after a scrape with the law in 1925 crossed the equator with Herbert Hoover and took plenty of photos. His photos are on display at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum in Casper.

Dale KillingbeckMay 04, 2024

Casper mountaineer Dr. Joe McGinley will not get this seventh summit of the tallest peak on ever continent this May. A virus has stopped his quest to conquer Mount Everest.

Virus Ends Wyoming Mountaineer's Second Attempt To Climb Mount Everest

Casper mountaineer Dr. Joe McGinley’s second attempt to summit Mount Everest in a year has been stopped by a cold virus that is affecting his heart. Everest remains his last of climbing tallest peaks on all seven continents.

Dale KillingbeckMay 03, 2024

Justin Foster, owner of Colonial Coins & Currency in Casper, said accusations he conspired to steal a customer's $100,000 coin collection "destroyed my business." Charges against him have been dropped.

Charges Dropped Against Casper Coin Dealer Accused Of Faking Theft Of $100K Collection

Criminal charges have been dropped against a Casper coin dealer originally accused of being part of a wild scheme to fake the theft of a customer’s $100,000 collection. He says police and the city have “destroyed my business with fake accusations.”

Dale KillingbeckMay 03, 2024

The Hall of Justice in Casper was evacuated and a special response team for hazardous substances called in after a suspicious package was delivered Thursday.

Second Wyoming Courthouse In 3 Days Evacuated Because Of Suspicious Package

The Casper Hall of Justice was evacuated and shut down for hours Thursday as a suspicious package was investigated. It was the second Wyoming courthouse in three days closed for a potential threat.

Dale KillingbeckMay 02, 2024

The Green River Carnegie Library is in poor shape, but despite rumors it's slated for demolition, it's not. At least not yet.

Green River’s Historic 117-Year-Old Carnegie Library Won’t Be Torn Down — Yet

Sweetwater County commissioners say that, despite social media rumors, there are no plans to tear down the crumbling 117-year-old Green River Carnegie Library. But it could happen sometime, as it’s in bad shape and could be too expensive to fix.

Dale KillingbeckMay 01, 2024

Jenny Hunter said when her son J.R. died in 2015, the pain of loss was unbearable. But God gave her a way to cope and the idea that led to J.R.’s Hunt for Life.

Casper Woman Survives Son’s Suicide By Keeping Others From Theirs

A Casper mother said her son was depressed and openly talked about suicide. When he took his life, Jenny said her own sense of despair was overwhelming. Now she keeps going by trying to help others from making the same choice her son did.