Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson is managing editor for Cowboy State Daily at the headquarters in Cheyenne.
A veteran journalist of more than 31 years covering Western issues and politics, Greg spent stints in Wyoming as managing editor for the Gillette News Record and Laramie Boomerang. Greg's produced award-winning journalism, and has built a national reputation for his extensive coverage of Wyoming energy -- especially coal.
He previously spent seven years editing and reporting in Alaska, and was managing editor for Sarah Palin's hometown paper when she was tapped as John McCain's running mate in 2008. Greg studied music and English at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Outside the office, Greg likes photography, reading and all things sports.
Latest from Greg Johnson
Record-Setting Death Valley Heat Wave On The Way To Wyoming
A heat wave that saw Death Valley hit a record high of 128 degrees Sunday is coming to Wyoming. While the heat won’t be that extreme here, some spots in eastern Wyoming could have a record-setting string of highs in triple digits.
Greg JohnsonJuly 08, 2024
World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Wow Rock Springs Fourth Of July Paradegoers
Hundreds of people waited for hours Thursday to watch the word-famous Budweiser Clydesdales lead off the Rock Springs Liberty Parade. And the gentle giants didn’t disappoint.
Greg JohnsonJuly 04, 2024
Big Boy 4014 Gets Big Welcome At First Whistlestop In Laramie
In the world of steam engines, Big Boy 4014 is a rock star, and it got a rock star welcome on Sunday. Hundreds of people lined up in downtown Laramie for the first whistlestop on its 2024 summer tour.
Greg JohnsonJune 30, 2024
Rozet Man Accused Of Stealing 168 UPS Packages Says He Did It For ‘The Rush’
A man who worked as an overnight cleaner at a Gillette UPS facility allegedly told investigators he stole at least 168 packages for “the rush” he gets by taking things. He waived a Monday hearing and elevated to felony-level court.
Greg JohnsonJune 24, 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
Yellowstone Bison Was ‘Defending Its Space’ When It Gored Elderly Woman
An 83-year-old South Carolina woman visiting Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison Saturday that was “defending its space,” the National Park Service reported Monday. She was airlifted to a hospital in Idaho.
Greg JohnsonJune 04, 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
Wyoming Kappa Sisters Defiant And Determined To Keep Sororities For Women
Riley Gaines was among a defiant and determined group that rallied for Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma members Tuesday, saying the sorority let down its UW chapter by giving the sisters “the brother they never wanted.”
Greg JohnsonMay 14, 2024
Affidavit: Sheridan Assistant Principal Gave Teen Beer Before Alleged Sex Contact
Sheridan High School Assistant Principal Jacob Meyer, 33, remains in jail, accused of “sexual intrusion” on a girl about 15 years younger. He’s also accused of having indecent photos of her and giving her beer.
Greg Johnson & Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2024
Shocking Video Shows Cody Roberts Kissing Weak, Injured Wolf In Wyoming Bar
A shocking video clip provided to Cowboy State Daily on Friday evening shows Daniel, Wyoming, resident Cody Roberts in a local bar kneeling over and lifting the head of an obviously weak and injured wolf to kiss it.
Jimmy Orr & Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2024
Juvenile Dead After Stabbing At Casper Mall
Casper police are interviewing potential suspects and witnesses to a melee of area juveniles at the Eastridge Mall on Sunday that left a youth dead with injuries “consistent with a stabbing.”
Greg JohnsonApril 08, 2024
Photo Shows Wyoming Man With Tormented Wolf Before It Was Killed
Cowboy State Daily has obtained a photo of a wolf that was captured and had its mouth taped shut while it was reportedly taken to a local man’s house and a bar in rural Daniel, Wyoming, before it was killed.
Greg Johnson & Mark HeinzApril 06, 2024
Search Intensifies, But Still No Sign Of Missing Gillette Woman
After a second full day of searching, including with a helicopter, drones and dogs Monday, 55-year-old Tami Sturgeon of Gillette remains missing. She disappeared Saturday evening after a day of shed hunting.
Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiMarch 26, 2024
City Attorney For Rock Springs Captures Video Of "UFO" Near Green River
The Rock Springs city attorney and part-time UFO investigator captured 40 minutes of video early Sunday morning of an unidentified flying object near Green River. He's reaching out to local airports now and radar stations to see what they picked up.
Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiMarch 11, 2024
Suddenly Gone: UW, City And Childhood Coaches Mourn Swimmers After Fatal Crash
The childhood coaches of the three University of Wyoming swimmers who died Thursday in a one-vehicle crash told Cowboy State Daily about their lives and reflected on their deaths with shock, grief and tenderness. It's shared by the greater UW and Laramie community.
Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2024
Saratoga Town Councilman, Father Of 3 Killed In Wyoming Backcountry Avalanche
Saratoga Town Councilman Jacob Fluty, 34, died Friday when he was caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling in an area of the Medicine Bow National Forest known as “Avalanche Alley.”
Andrew Rossi & Greg JohnsonFebruary 11, 2024
Wyoming’s Chicken Wing King Tailgates As A Made Man With Bills Mafia
Trent Weitzel of Laramie is the two-time defending Buffalo Wing Festival champion and official chicken wing for Buffalo Bills tailgate parties, making him a made man with the Bills Mafia. This week he's been with hundreds of Bills fans shoveling out the stadium.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 21, 2024
Wyoming’s Chicken Wing King Drives 22 Hours In Snowstorm To Tailgate For Buffalo Bills
Laramie native Trent Weitzel, owner of the Double Dubs buffalo wings food truck empire, drove 22 hours in non-stop snowstorms to make this weekend’s Buffalo Bills playoff game. Weitzel has been part of the Buffalo Bills’ official tailgate party all season.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 14, 2024
Early Morning Evanston Fire Kills Siblings, Ages 6 and 3, And Family Member
A fire that burned through an Evanston mobile home early Saturday morning killed two young siblings ages 6 and 3, along with an adult family member with them in the house.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 01, 2024
Rawlins 10-Year-Old Got His Christmas Wish — He Didn’t Die
Rawlins 10-year-old Talyn Reimer’s Christmas wish list was simple — he wanted to not die before the end of the year. He got his wish, and the large tumor in his head has all but disappeared.
Greg JohnsonDecember 26, 2023
What The Heck … Is Up With That Gillette House You Can Practically See From Space?
Ed Lambert of Gillette doesn’t mind being compared to “Christmas Vacation’s” Clark Griswold. That’s what he’s going for with his small house that’s covered with so many lights it can practically be seen from space.
Greg JohnsonDecember 24, 2023
Bomb Threats To Cheyenne Airport And Frontier Mall Turn Out To Be Bogus
A pair of email bomb threats to Cheyenne Regional Airport and Frontier Mall on Tuesday morning prompted the evacuation of the mall and police sweeps of the facilities. Both threats were found to be bogus.
Greg JohnsonDecember 19, 2023
What The Heck Is … Ayres Natural Bridge, A Rare Wonder Everyone Drives By On I-25?
Just minutes off of I-25 near Douglas is Ayres Natural Bridge — a natural limestone and sandstone bridge that formed naturally over La Prele Creek over millions of years. While there are many spectacular natural arches in the American West, Ayers is one of only three natural bridges in the United States with water under it.
Greg JohnsonDecember 17, 2023
Wyoming Woman Rescues Abandoned Older Dog After It Was Dumped On Highway
Becca Grace was driving from Sheridan to Story about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday when she saw a little dog running after the truck which apparently abandoned her on the side of the road.
Greg JohnsonDecember 14, 2023
Who The Heck … Decorates That Tree In The Middle Of Nowhere North Of Sheridan?
For more than a dozen years, German Segura, a long-haul trucker from Texas, has been decorating a lonely little pine tree in the middle of nowhere between Sheridan and Billings on I-90.
Greg JohnsonDecember 10, 2023
Men Ditch 800 Fentanyl Pills While Running From WHP At ‘Well Over 100 MPH’
Three men led Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers on a long-distance high-speed chase at “well over 100 mph” Friday, while also ditching 800 fentanyl pills and meth out of the speeding vehicle.
Greg JohnsonDecember 09, 2023
Hit-And-Run Driver Kills Miniature Horse Near Gillette
The owner of a miniature horse in Campbell County made a sad discovery Saturday when he came upon the animal dead on the side of a road, killed by a hit-and-run driver.
Greg JohnsonNovember 13, 2023
Why The Heck … Does Green River, Wyoming, Have An Intergalactic Spaceport?
The Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport began nearly 30 years ago as a joke. But the FAA actually approved the name change to the city's backup airstrip, and the town became home to the nation’s only official intergalactic spaceport.
Greg JohnsonNovember 13, 2023
‘Fire Of Significant Size’ Closes Rawlins City Landfill
What city officials report is a “fire of significant size” in the construction and demolition section of the Rawlins Landfill closed the facility hours early Saturday afternoon.
Greg JohnsonNovember 12, 2023
‘UW’ Painted On Pair Of Bronze Rams On CSU Campus Ahead Of Border War Game
A prankster used paint to brand a life-sized bronze sculpture of a pair of rams on the Colorado State University campus with “UW” ahead of Friday’s Border War rivalry football game between CSU and UW.
Greg JohnsonNovember 03, 2023
What The Heck … Is That Apocalyptic Ruined City On The Way To Yellowstone?
What appears to be an apocalyptic ruined city on the ridge of Shoshone Canyon between Cody and Yellowstone’s East entrance is Wyoming’s Holy City.
Greg JohnsonOctober 30, 2023
What The Heck … Is That 400-Foot Snaggle Tooth Rock North Of Rock Springs?
Boar’s Tusk is what’s left of a long dormant volcano that now looks like a 400-foot snaggle tooth-looking rock formation in the middle of nowhere north of Rock Springs.
Greg JohnsonOctober 22, 2023
Feds Spend $2 Million On Land Near Laramie To Save Rare Wyoming Toad
The federal government recently bought roughly 1,000 acres near Laramie as a preserve for the rare and endangered Wyoming Toad, in hopes of helping the toad population recover.
Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2023
‘Please Stop’: Hanna Market Pleads With Anonymous Toilet Paper Thief
People have been stealing the extra rolls of toilet paper from the Hanna Hometown Market women’s bathroom, prompting the manager to make a public plea: “Please stop.”
Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2023
Town Of Lusk Steps Up For College Football Team When Bus Burns Up
The town of Lusk, Wyoming, was quick to muster help for the South Dakota School of Mines football team Saturday night when one of its buses burned up south of town.
Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2023
What The Heck … Is That Giant Mineral Dome In Thermopolis?
It looks like something from a science fiction movie. The giant mineral dome in Thermopolis is called Teepee Fountain, and it’s been growing there for nearly 115 years.
Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2023
Biden’s DOE Denies Wyoming’s Pitch For $1.25 Billion Hydrogen Hub
Wyoming officials said Friday they’re “disappointed” that a $1.25 billion Western region hydrogen hub isn’t included in a $7 billion Biden administration hydrogen network.
Greg JohnsonOctober 13, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Flagpole And Marker Off I-25 North Of Wheatland?
That memorial at mile marker 91 of Interstate 25 north of Wheatland is for Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Logsdon, who was killed in the line of duty Oct. 13, 1998.
Greg JohnsonOctober 09, 2023
Why The Heck … Is A Camel The Mascot For A Wyoming High School?
For more than 100 years, a camel has been the mascot for Campbell County High School in Gillette. And for more than a century, people have been asking why?
Greg JohnsonSeptember 24, 2023
Centurylink Outage Leaves Thousands In Wyoming Without 911 Service
Thousands of Centurylink customers on Tuesday, including 911 service for people in Casper and northeast Wyoming, were left without phone service after a fiber break.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Old Stagecoach Stop Off I-80 Near Green River?
Anyone driving through southwestern Wyoming on I- 80 may have seen the signs for the historic Granger Stage Station. The small, simple stone building was a nexus point for one of the most important periods of U.S. history.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 17, 2023
UW Football Will Get $1.85 Million For Playing No. 4-Ranked Texas
The University of Wyoming football team is a 28.5-point underdog going into Saturday’s game at the University of Texas, but the Cowboys will get $1.85 million for the effort.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 14, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Airplane On A 70-Foot Pole Along I-90 In Wyoming?
An early 1950s Beechcraft Twin Bonanza perched on a 70-foot pole just off Interstate 90 near exit 189 at Sundance, Wyoming, swivels to show which way the wind’s blowing.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 12, 2023
Laramie Church Elder Who Called Out Transgender Student Back On UW Campus
Todd Schmidt, a Laramie church elder who called out a transgender student by name on a sign, is back presenting in the University of Wyoming student union after a recent injunction lifted a ban on him being there.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 08, 2023
Cheyenne Animal Control Catches ‘Escape Artist’ Pup On The Loose Since 2019
Chewy is a 5-year-old border collie mix that’s been on the radar of Cheyenne Animal Control since 2019. They’ve dubbed him an “escape artist,” but finally caught him last week.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 06, 2023
What The Heck Is … That 30-Foot Virgin Mary Statue On I-80 At The Nebraska Border?
Drivers on Interstate 80 going though Pine Bluffs on the Wyoming-Nebraska border can’t miss the Our Lady of Peace shrine, a 30-foot, 180-ton statue of the Virgin Mary.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2023
Wyoming’s ‘Double Dubs’ Repeats As Festival Favorite At Buffalo Wing Fest
Trent Weitzel, aka Wyoming’s Wing King, and his Double Dubs crew repeated as Festival Favorite at the 2023 National Buffalo Wing Festival on Sunday in Buffalo, New York.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2023
Owner of Wyoming’s Largest Radio Station Chain Admits Hiding $19.5 Million From IRS
Susan Patrick, who co-owns more than 20 radio stations around Wyoming, has pleaded guilty to intentionally hiding $10 million in business receipts from the IRS and $9.5 million in personal income.
Leo Wolfson & Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2023
Giant Fireball Streaks Across Night Sky Over Southern Wyoming
A giant fireball reported streaking over southern Wyoming and northern Colorado in the wee hours Sunday morning was likely an unusually large meteor.
Greg JohnsonAugust 28, 2023
One Of Only 2 Known Rare Union Pacific Buses Coming To Cheyenne
Michael Pannell of Cheyenne loves all things Union Pacific and collects historic railcars. Now he’s purchased a rare UP passenger bus, one of only two known to still exist, and bringing it to Cheyenne.
Greg JohnsonAugust 27, 2023
Wyoming’s 'Double Dub's' Aims To Repeat As National Buffalo Wing Fest Champs
Fresh off setting two world records, Wyoming’s Weitzels Wings (aka Double Dub's) is preparing to defend its title as Festival Favorite at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York over Labor Day Weekend.
Greg JohnsonAugust 27, 2023
What The Heck Is … That 60-Foot Pyramid In the Middle Of Nowhere Off I-80?
Just minutes off Interstate 80 about 20 miles east of Laramie is the Ames Monument, a 60-foot pyramid in the middle of Wyoming pastureland.
Greg JohnsonAugust 19, 2023
What The Heck Is … The Vore Buffalo Jump Along I-90 In Northeast Wyoming?
Discovered in 1969, the Vore Buffalo Jump in northeast Wyoming contains the bones of more than 20,000 bison that were herded into and slaughtered there by Plains Indians. The site also has tools used to butcher the bison, arrowheads and even toys.
Greg JohnsonAugust 07, 2023
What The Heck Is … With Betty Boop, Big Boy And That Sinclair Dinosaur North Of Cheyenne?
People first notice Bob’s Big Boy, a saddled-up Sinclair dinosaur and Betty Boop on roller skates. And there’s much more on Stuart Flynn’s property along Yellowstone Road just north of Cheyenne.
Greg JohnsonJuly 31, 2023
Wyoming People: Andrew Gregory Survived A Tornado Dropping A Warehouse On Him
Andrew Gregory had just ended his shift at North Antelope Rochelle Mine on June 23 when a tornado ripped through, dropping a warehouse on top of him. He lived to tell about it.
Greg JohnsonJuly 30, 2023
Filmmaker To Build Memorial Commemorating 1969 Apollo 11 Mission In Wyoming
A California filmmaker says because Wyoming is the first state to celebrate July 20 as Moon Landing Day in recognition of the historic 1969 Apollo 11 mission, he plans to build an Apollo 11 monument here.
Greg JohnsonJuly 18, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Giant Abraham Lincoln Head Overlooking I-80 At The Top Of Sherman Hill?
That gigantic Abraham Lincoln head at the highest point on Interstate 80 in the country represents an important milestone in U.S. transportation, recognizing the importance of the Lincoln Highway, America's first east-west cross-country stretch of road.
Greg JohnsonJuly 16, 2023
Former University Of Wyoming QB Josh Allen Buys $7.2 Million Home In California
Former University of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen has bought a $7.2 million home in Southern California close to the ocean and a private golf club.
Greg JohnsonJuly 13, 2023
Wyoming’s Big Boy 4014 Locomotive Rescues Freight Train Stuck In Nebraska
During a break in its recent tour of the tracks between Cheyenne and the College World Series in Omaha, Big Boy 4014, the heaviest locomotive of all time, powered up to help move a stuck freight train.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2023
One Dead, Another Life-Flighted After Head-On With Wyoming Mine Transport Bus
A Sunday morning head-on collision between a pickup and a mine transport bus south of Wright on Highway 59 killed the driver of the truck and sent the driver of the bus to the hospital in a helicopter.
Greg JohnsonJuly 10, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Lonely Grave On A Hill Overlooking Interstate 80?
Ever wonder who’s buried in that lonely grave on a hill overlooking Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins? It’s Clement S. Bengough, born into English nobility and died a recluse in Albany County, Wyoming.
Greg JohnsonJuly 09, 2023
Former Marine Driving Vintage Army Jeep Across America Says Wyoming ‘Full Of Patriots’
Capt. Scott Montefusco, a retired U.S. Marine and FBI agent, made several stops in Wyoming on his way from San Francisco to New York City. He says he loves Wyoming because “it’s full of patriots.”
Greg JohnsonJuly 03, 2023
What the heck is … That Lonely Tree Growing Out Of A Rock In The Middle Of I-80?
That weird little tree growing out of a rock in the middle of Interstate 80 is more than a curiosity, it’s Wyoming history. And it could be old — very, very old.
Greg JohnsonJuly 02, 2023
Weitzels Wings A Month Away From World Record Try At Selling 42,000 Buffalo Wings In 24 Hours
Wyoming's Weitzels Wings aims to sell nearly 50,000 buffalo wings over 24 hours next month to set a new world record.
Greg JohnsonJune 30, 2023
Pro Rodeo Cowboy Was On His Horse With Rope In Hand When Lightning Struck And Killed Him
The rodeo community is stunned in the wake of the death of Nebraska pro roper Terrel Vineyard, 27, who was on horseback with a rope in his hand when lightning struck him. Vineyard and his horse were killed.
Greg JohnsonJune 28, 2023
Gillette Man Uses Fake $100 Bill To Pay For Court-Ordered Drug Testing
A 36-year-old participant in Campbell County’s 24/7 drug program may face more charges after he paid for his court-ordered twice-daily drug testing with a fake $100 bill.
Greg JohnsonJune 28, 2023
Giant Supercell That Dropped Tornadoes, 2.5-Inch Hail On Wyoming Was Visible From Denver
A pair of supercell thunderheads created dramatic thunderstorms across much of eastern Wyoming on Monday, dropping tornadoes and 2.5-inch hail.
Greg JohnsonJune 27, 2023
It's ‘Miraculous’ Tornado That Hit Wyoming Coal Mine Wasn’t A ‘Mass-Casualty Event’
There were an estimated 400-600 workers at the North Antelope Rochelle coal mine in northeast Wyoming when an EF2 tornado with wind speeds estimated at 120-130 mph hit it Friday.
Greg JohnsonJune 26, 2023
Wyoming Coal Mine Hit By Tornado To Resume Operations By Tuesday
About 36 hours after a large tornado ripped through part of the North Antelope Rochelle coal mine 60 miles south of Gillette, nobody remains hospitalized and operations at the mine are expected to resume by Tuesday, says mine owner Peabody Energy.
Greg JohnsonJune 25, 2023
Tornado Blasts Coal Mine In Northeastern Wyoming; Eight Hospitalized, Trains Flipped
Update: Eight people were hospitalized Friday evening when a tornado made a 'direct hit' on the North Antelope Rochelle Mine which straddles Campbell and Converse counties. The twister flipped train cars, destroyed vehicles, and hit at least one building.
Greg JohnsonJune 24, 2023
Tornado Flips Trains, Levels Building At Wyoming Coal Mine; Responders Assume ‘Mass-Casualty Event’
The North Antelope Rochelle coal mine south of Gillette took a “direct hit” from a tornado Friday evening, flipping trains and destroying a building. No word on the extent of the impact, but responders “treating this as a mass-casualty event.”
Greg JohnsonJune 24, 2023
Building ‘Nightmare Monte’ Lowrider A Dream Come True For Wyoming Father And Son
When nobody would buy his rusted-out 1984 Chevy Monte Carlo, Jimmy Mora said he decided to rebuild it himself out of “spite.” A decade later, he and son Antonio have created a championship lowrider they call the “Nightmare Monte.”
Greg JohnsonJune 18, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Lonely Big Boy Statue In the Middle Of A Field In Wapiti, Wyoming?
The Wapiti Big Boy may seem like it’s been randomly abandoned in a Wyoming field on the highway to Yellowstone National Park. Truth is, it’s well cared-for and Big Boy’s owner put him there on purpose.
Greg JohnsonJune 11, 2023
Laramie Firefighters Pull Three Ducklings From Storm Drain — A Big Relief For Worried Mom
Laramie firefighters rescued three dirty, stressed-out ducklings from a storm drain Tuesday and reunited them with their worried mom, who was waddling and flying around quacking the whole time.
Greg JohnsonJune 08, 2023
What The Heck Is … That Giant 13.5-Foot-Tall Head On A Corner In Laramie, Wyoming?
What the heck is that giant 13.5-foot-tall head at the intersection of Clark Street and Snowy Range Road in Laramie? Well, Cowboy State Daily can confirm that it’s NOT President Joe Biden.
Greg JohnsonMay 27, 2023
Of 352 Lightning Strikes In Laramie County In An Hour Wednesday Evening, One Damaged Rural Home
A brief, but powerful, thunderstorm dumped inches of hail across much of Laramie County on Wednesday evening while lightning played whack-a-mole with area buildings. Of the 352 recorded lightning strikes, one damaged a home in a rural subdivision.
Greg JohnsonMay 25, 2023
Cody Police Investigate Video Showing ‘Aggressive’ And ‘Outrageous’ Traffic Stop Of Teen
A viral video of a traffic stop in Cody, Wyoming, uploaded Monday shows an officer being overly “aggressive” and displaying “outrageous” behavior, says Gillette defense attorney Steven Titus. As an attorney who has reviewed "thousands of traffic stops," Titus said the video shows the officer lied about the incident.
Greg JohnsonMay 24, 2023
Laramie Russell Street Roadside Toilet Returns For Second Movement
Less than a month from finally hauling off an old, discarded toilet that had been at the side of a busy Laramie street for at least two years, city Code Enforcement Officer Brian Forster said the commode returned over the weekend for a second movement.
Greg JohnsonMay 22, 2023
'Beautiful But Practically Harmless' Tornado Touches Down Northeast Of Laramie
There’s a reason David De Pastina keeps his eyes to the sky, and Thursday his fascination for weather watching paid off when he captured a series of sharp images of a skinny, snake-like funnel cloud that touched down northeast of Laramie.
Greg JohnsonMay 18, 2023
‘People Suck’: Laramie Woman Says Karma Will Catch Up With Whoever Stole Her Garden Gnome
When Laramie resident Melissa Desiervo vented on Facebook about someone stealing Mr. Gnome, her garden ornament, she didn’t expect a flood of support — or a new gnome.
Greg JohnsonMay 10, 2023
Another Gillette School Threat: 12-Year-Old Talked About Shooting Up School Dance
Last week’s ticketing of a 12-year-old suspected of threatening to shoot people at a school dance is the latest in a long string of violent threats made by Gillette students.
Greg JohnsonMay 09, 2023
After More Than Two Years, Laramie Removes Historic Russell Street Roadside Toilet
It had been on his radar for awhile, but Laramie Code Enforcement Officer Brian Forster said a Cowboy State Daily call asking about an old toilet that had been on the side of the road for more than two years was “the push to get rid of it.”
Greg JohnsonMay 06, 2023
Titus Swen, UW Featured Running Back Dismissed From Team In November, Signs With NFL’s Colts
Titus Swen, who was the University of Wyoming’s featured running back last season before being dismissed from the team by coach Craig Bohl, has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts.
Greg JohnsonMay 01, 2023
Cheyenne Teen Girl Critical After Being Shot In Head At Lincoln Park
A teenage girl is in critical condition at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center after being shot in the head at Lincoln Park in the early morning hours Sunday.
Greg JohnsonApril 30, 2023
Meandering Moose Breaches Security At Sinclair Oil Refinery
An unauthorized visitor breached security at the Sinclair oil refinery east of Rawlins in the early morning hours Monday – a young bull moose. A security guard who has worked there since 1966, said it's the first time a moose broken into the facility.
Greg JohnsonMarch 27, 2023
Colorado Lawmaker Warns Wyoming: Beware The ‘Bleed-Over Effect’ Of Gun Restrictions
A Colorado legislator became so impassioned over gun control proposals in his state he tweeted it could spark “civil war.” He warns Wyoming to be wary of similar efforts here.
Greg JohnsonMarch 15, 2023
Wyoming Ranchers Say Knickers, The Humungous Holstein, Has Nothing On Cowboy State Cattle
A humongous Holstein named Knickers stands head and shoulders above the rest of his herd at his home in western Australia. Cattle growers in the Cowboy State say that while the steer is impressive, Wyoming’s home-grown cattle have an edge.
Greg JohnsonMarch 15, 2023
With 511 inches Of Snow, Jackson Doesn't Have Any Place To Put The Snow; New Record Possible
Snowmageddon has hit much of Wyoming, and in Jackson it’s piled so high there’s nowhere left to put it. It’s great for skiers, though, with 511 inches so far and a chance to break the all-time record.
Greg JohnsonMarch 15, 2023
Lawsuit Claims “Boneless” Chicken Wings Are A Fraud, And Wyoming’s Wing King Agrees
A federal lawsuit claims Buffalo Wild Wings is deliberately defrauding customers by passing off deep-fried and sauced up chunks of chicken breast as boneless wings. Laramie's Trent Weitzel, reigning National Buffalo Wing Festival champ, agrees that boneless wings are ridiculous.
Greg JohnsonMarch 14, 2023
Worm Moon Says It’s Spring, Wyoming Weather Says Not Yet
That giant Worm Moon we saw rising earlier this week is supposed to a sign that spring is coming. But Wyoming citizens should look for robins and bluebirds as a more accurate sign.
Greg JohnsonMarch 09, 2023
Wild Wyoming Storm Strands Four Snowplows And a Wrecker
While plowing the roads and highways around Carbon county on Wednesday, a WYDOT snowplow got stuck. Then another. Then a third. Then a fourth. Then a wrecker large enough to pull the snowplows out got stuck...
Greg JohnsonFebruary 23, 2023
Bad Weather Postpones Wyoming’s ‘Storm Of The Century’
A strong winter storm making its way through Wyoming has shut down a planned showing of the PBS documentary Storm of the Century: The Blizzard of 49 in the town of Sinclair.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 21, 2023
California Considers Banning K-9s Because They Might Bite Criminals; Wyoming Official Calls It Ridiculous
California state lawmakers are trying to outlaw police K-9s from being used because criminals could get bit. Wyoming and national law enforcement authorities are calling it ridiculous.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 16, 2023
Conrad Dobler, Former UW Standout And ‘Pro Football’s Dirtiest Player,’ Dies At 72
Dubbed the dirtiest player in the NFL over his 10-year career with three teams, former University of Wyoming standout Conrad Dobler, 72, died Monday in Pueblo, Colorado.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 14, 2023
Lawyer For Wrong-Way Driver Suggests He Was Concussed, Not Impaired After Crash That Killed 5
The Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper who arrested Arthur Nelson after he caused a multi-vehicle crash that killed five students by driving the wrong way on Interstate 80 said he failed extensive field tests for driving impaired.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 02, 2023
Rulon Gardner, 51, On Comeback Trail, Wants To Wrestle In 2024 Olympic Games
Afton's Rulon Gardner was 29 when he won gold at the Sydney, Australia, Olympic Games in 2000. More than two decades later, he wants to do it again. Gardner told Cowboy State Daily it's the most "Wyoming" thing he can think of to do.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 28, 2023
Trooper Describes Fiery, Chaotic Scene On Night Of Multi-Car Crash That Killed 5 Students
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper who responded to a multi-vehicle crash that killed five people on Interstate 80 described a scene more suited to a dystopian horror film.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 25, 2023
Wrong-Way Driver Charged With 11 Felonies, Including 5 Counts Of Aggravated Homicide
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper who responded to the multi-vehicle crash that killed five people on Interstate 80 described a scene on Sunday more suited to a dystopian horror film. Only the wrong-way driver walked away unscathed.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 25, 2023
Father Of Two Daughters Killed On I-80: ‘I Forgive’ Driver Who Caused Fiery Crash
Phil Prime says its up to the court system and God to punish the wrong-way driver who caused a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 80 east of Rawlins that killed five people, including two of his daughters Suzy, 18, and Andrea, 23.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 24, 2023
Charges Pending For Driver Who Triggered Chain-Reaction Crash That Killed 5 Students On I-80
Arthur Nelson, who drove a Dodge Ram 3500 truck the wrong way on Interstate 80 on Sunday evening, remains in the Carbon County jail awaiting formal charges from the county attorneys office. Hes accused of causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed five young people from Arkansas.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 24, 2023
Five Students Dead After Wrong-Way Driver Causes Chain Reaction Crash On Interstate 80 Near Rawlins
A deadly weekend on Wyoming highways was capped Sunday evening when five students from Arkansas were killed when a Dodge Ram 3500 driving the wrong way on Interstate 80 caused a chain-reaction crash.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 24, 2023
As Cheyenne Homeowners Watch And Laugh, Thieves Get Stuck In Snow While Robbing House
While watching a pair of thieves get stuck in their driveway while robbing them, a Cheyenne couple isnt laughing about having the property they bought in October damaged and burglarized "by crackheads" several times a week.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 23, 2023
Wyoming Law Enforcement Says Steering Wheel With Keyboard Invention Is Horrible Idea
Wyoming law enforcement officials say a steering wheel with a keyboard attached is a horrible idea and recommend not using one. The inventor of the product tried to raise $10 million to produce but killed the effort after no one donated any money to it.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 18, 2023
Wyoming Gas Prices Shoot Up After Cold Snap Shuts Down Refineries
Typically the lowest-priced gasoline in Wyoming, the Tumbleweed station in Laramie had regular unleaded for $1.99 a gallon last week. On Thursday, it jumped to $2.75.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 06, 2023
Why Did Amazon Just Dump Off 13,000+ Packages Resulting In Cheyenne Post Offices To Close?
There's a reason that nearly all Cheyenne post offices closed down when Amazon dumped 13,000+ packages off at the same time. There's an agreement the post office signed with carriers to finish deliveries and they had to scramble employees to get it done.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 05, 2023
Basement Argument Ends In Shooting, Attempted Murder Charge For Cheyenne Man
A verbal altercation in a basement Tuesday afternoon escalated when 20-year-old Solomon Nunez allegedly pulled a firearm and shot another man, Cheyenne police report.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 04, 2023
Cheyenne Post Offices Close Down After Amazon Dumps 13,000+ Packages Off & Allegedly Refuses To Deliver
Cheyenne postal workers say several post offices in Cheyenne were closed on Tuesday after Amazon dropped off 110 pallets of packages at the post office and were refusing to deliver packages in Cheyenne because of the recent storms in Wyoming.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 04, 2023
Jack Nokes, Voice Of War Memorial Stadium, Hangs Up Microphone After 41 Years
Jack Nokes, the public address announcer for the Wyoming Cowboys, is stepping down after 41 years. In the 72-year history of War Memorial Stadium, there have only been two PA announcers, Walt Miller and Jack Nokes.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 03, 2023
Greg Johnson: It’s So Whack I Can’t Be Sweet
Greg Johnson writes: Im too young to be a flower child, too old for Generation Z or Millennials, too poor to be a yuppie, not entitled enough to be a liberal and too geeky to be hip."
Greg JohnsonJanuary 01, 2023
Wyoming Cowboys Fans Have Mixed Reviews Of Barstool Sports Announcers In Arizona Bowl
Some Wyoming viewers of the Arizona Bowl sponsored by Barstool Sports thought the announcers were hilarious. Others thought they were juvenile and belonged in a frat house.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 01, 2023
‘Hasn’t Set In Yet,’ Says Widow Of Wyoming EMT Killed Last Week While On Duty
Closure wont be easy for Ashley Harris, whose EMT husband Tyeler Harris was killed when a semitrailer plowed into his ambulance while responding to a crash on Interstate 80 on Dec. 21.
Greg JohnsonDecember 31, 2022
Drunk Campbell County Man Threatens, Points Loaded Gun At Deputy
A drunk 65-year-old man who pointed a loaded gun and threatened to shoot a Campbell County deputy Thursday is lucky he wasnt shot himself.
Greg JohnsonDecember 31, 2022
Greg Johnson: You’re Never Too Old To Believe In Santa
Greg Johnson writes: If theres one universal tradition thats consistent year after year, its giving. Thats because the holidays arent about the stuff, theyre about the spirit behind the stuff. I count myself lucky I grew up in a house where giving outweighs the getting.
Greg JohnsonDecember 24, 2022
With One EMT Killed and Another Critical, Wyoming Responds With ‘Broken Hearts’
Less than 36 hours after a semitrailer plowed into a Carbon County ambulance, killing one EMT and critically injuring another, a pair of GoFundMe efforts have raised more than $70,000.
Greg JohnsonDecember 24, 2022
Cody’s Mike Leach Dead At 61; Celebrated College Football Coach Loved Wyoming, Came Back Often
Widely-admired college football coach Mike Leach, who died on Monday, came back to his hometown of Cody, Wyoming often. Last summer, he was the honorary marshal for the Fourth of July parade.
Greg JohnsonDecember 14, 2022
T. Rex Skull Found in Neighboring South Dakota Sells For $6.1 Million; Whole Region Is Ground Zero
A 200-pound, 6-foot-7 Tyrannosaurus rex skull found in the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota was sold on Friday in a Sothebys auction for $6.1 million.
Greg JohnsonDecember 11, 2022
$100,000 Wyoming Bell-Ringer Will Man His Red Kettle ‘As Long As I Possibly Can’
For the Salvation Army, the holiday season is make-or-break as a small army of red kettle bell-ringers deploys across the Cowboy State. Leading that army is Martin Tigar of Casper, who spends up to 48 hours a week bringing in donations with his unique two-fisted bell-ringing style.
Greg JohnsonDecember 10, 2022
Can A 1,500-Pound Bull Just Disappear? Wyoming 8-Year-Old Hasn’t Given Up Search For Sparkles
Its been nearly a month since Sparkles went missing, but the 8-year-old Wyoming girl who bottle-raised the 3-year-old, 1,500-pound Black Angus bull hasnt given up hope of finding her best friend.
Greg JohnsonDecember 06, 2022
Jackson Man Claims $6.7 Million, Wyoming Looks To Pay Out $107 Million In Unclaimed Assets
A Jackson man who recently claimed a $6.7 million payout from the state of Wyoming didnt win a lottery drawing. Hes one of thousands of people in the Cowboy State owed a share of more than $100 million in unclaimed assets.
Greg JohnsonDecember 06, 2022
Titus Swen: Dismissed UW Running Back Says System ‘Just Ain’t Fit My Style’
After getting kicked off the team on Monday, former UW running back Titus Swen told Cowboy State Daily that he plans to enter the transfer portal and play for another program his senior campaign.
Greg JohnsonNovember 28, 2022
Modern Day Cattle Rustlin’? Wyo Third Grader Can’t Find Her 1,500-Pound Bull Named Sparkles
An 8-year-old from Medicine Bow, Wyoming, who bottle-raised a 1,500-pound bull named Sparkles, is distraught because her bull is missing. Sparkles follows Kali Villarreal around like a pet and is very friendly with people. The family suspects it has been rustled.
Greg JohnsonNovember 24, 2022
Greg Johnson: How I Made My First Real Date Projectile Vomit The Night Before Thanksgiving
Greg Johnson writes: Before getting out of the car, she made me promise to never tell anyone about what happened that night. I held up my right hand: pinky swear, double-dog-dare I promise. Its our secret. Of course, the first thing I did when I got home was tell my mom.
Greg JohnsonNovember 23, 2022
Serial Drive-Thru Flasher Gets 170-Degree Water Dumped On Genitals At Cody Coffee Hut
A 34-year-old Cody man and repeat registered sex offender got 170 degree water dumped on him when he drove through the drive thru for at least the fifth time while exposing himself at a local coffee hut.
Greg JohnsonNovember 22, 2022
Wyoming Amber Alert: 14-Year-old Feared In ‘Grooming Situation’ With 36-Year-Old Man
A two-state Amber Alert dispatched to Wyoming and Montana is the result of what authorities believe is a grooming situation involving a 14-year-old girl and a 35-year-old man driving a black Ford F-150 with license plate 1 - 36929.
Greg JohnsonNovember 17, 2022
Wyoming Scrabble Group Not Pleased With Some Changes To Official Scrabble Dictionary
Heres the sitch: Some serious Wyoming board gamers are a little hangry about the latest overhaul of The Official Scrabble Dictionary, which has added about 500 new words and eliminated the notorious 200.
Greg JohnsonNovember 17, 2022
Whew, Lucked Out Again! Dubois Earthquake Won’t Lead To Civilization-Ending Super-Volcano Eruption
A 3.5-magnitude earthquake recorded in the Wyoming wilderness in northwest Wyoming over the weekend is likely not a precursor to a devastating eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera supervolcano.
Greg JohnsonNovember 14, 2022
Republicans Gain Four Seats, Dems Lose Two In Wyoming Legislature
Republicans had a successful outing in Tuesdays election, adding even more seats to their super-majority in the Wyoming Legislature. Democrats, on the other hand, dropped from nine state lawmakers to seven.
Greg JohnsonNovember 09, 2022
Sheridan Senior Runs For 517 Yards, Sets New Wyoming State Rushing Record
Had he posted it in the NFL, Colson Coons stat line wouldve obliterated all fantasy football records. The Sheridan running back set a new Wyoming record with 517 yards Friday against Cheyenne Central.
Greg JohnsonNovember 08, 2022
97% Of Wyoming Education Association’s PAC Candidate Spending Goes To Dems
The Wyoming Education Association's political action committee gave 96% of its candidate funding to Democratic candidates for the Wyoming Legislature, all of whom are challenging Republicans for state seats.
Greg JohnsonNovember 08, 2022
A Room Full Of Tarantulas? Wyoming Firefighter Says ‘Absolutely!’
KeeGan Johnson, a Rawlins firefighter, and his family want to bust some of the myths about tarantulas, saying theyre not the malevolent monsters Hollywood makes them out to be. Theyre teddy bears, he says.
Greg JohnsonNovember 05, 2022
Increased U.S. Coal-Fired Power Production Leads To Solid Third Quarter For Peabody Energy
Peabody Energy, which operates three Powder River Basin thermal coal mines, reported its Wyoming operations were in the black by $38 million as rail shortages eased and power plants built up stockpiles.
Greg JohnsonNovember 03, 2022
Although Medical Aid In Dying Is Expanding In North America, Wyoming’s GOP Legislature Unlikely To Follow
Although Rep. Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) sponsored a medically-assisted suicide bill in 2015, she said because Wyoming's legislature has grown even more conservative, it is unlikely it would ever pass a euthanasia bill.
Greg JohnsonNovember 01, 2022
Natrona County GOP Drops Lawsuit Against Wyoming Republican Party
The Natrona County Republican Party is dropping its lawsuit against the State GOP. Further, it has no plans to pay any past dues to the state party.
Greg JohnsonOctober 24, 2022
Two Wyoming Students Mauled By Grizzly Outside of Cody; One Tried to Pull Grizzly Off Of Friend
Two athletes from Northwest College in Powell are recovering from serious injuries suffered in a grizzly bear attack on Saturday outside of Cody. When one of the athletes saw the grizzly attacking his friend, he attacked the grizzly with his bare hands and tried to pull it off of him.
Greg JohnsonOctober 17, 2022
New Zealand’s Livestock “Fart Tax” Is Disastrous Policy Says Wyoming Ag Expert
A proposal that will make New Zealand the first nation in the world to tax the farts and burps of livestock emissions would devastate the U.S. cattle industry if it happened here, says lifelong Wyoming rancher and industry advocate.
Greg JohnsonOctober 12, 2022
Oath Keepers With Badges? Wyoming Law Enforcement Agencies Respond
A Laramie Police Department official says a state lawmakers claim the LPD is playing down the revelation that one of its officers has been identified as a member of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers is inaccurate and irresponsible.
Greg JohnsonOctober 06, 2022
Ghost Stories: Wyoming’s Cigar-Making Prison Poltergeist
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, theres arguably no place creepier to explore alone in the dark than the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie.
Greg JohnsonOctober 05, 2022
Police Officer And Former UW Soccer Player Killed In Off-Duty Crash
A former University of Wyoming womens soccer player and police officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department died in an off-duty crash Thursday.
Greg JohnsonOctober 04, 2022
No Litter Boxes: Gillette School Board Disclaims ‘Furry’ Policy For Kids Who Identify As Animals
The Campbell County School District Board of Trustees assured parents on Tuesday that there are no litter boxes in school bathrooms to accommodate students who identify as animals.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 28, 2022
Cheney: If Trump is Party’s 2024 Nominee, ‘I Won’t Be A Republican’
Appearing at a public policy festival in Texas on Saturday, Cheney made it clear that if President Trump is the Republican nominee for president in 2024, the congresswoman will no longer consider herself a Republican.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 25, 2022
Wyoming’s “Double Dubs” Wins Best Chicken Wings Competition At National Wing Festival
Wing lovers voted Laramie, Wyoming's "Double Dubs" best-in-show at the Super Bowl of chicken wing competitions in Buffalo, New York.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 24, 2022