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Jen Kocher

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Chance Englebert's family refuses to give up until they have answers of what happened to him nearly six years ago on the night he disappeared during a family trip to Nebraska. For her birthday, Englebert's grandmother, Linda Kluender, gifted herself a newly restored billboard along the two-lane road in western Nebraska.

Family of Missing Moorcroft Man Refuse To Give Up As They Revamp Billboard Again

It’s going on six years since Moorcroft's Chance Englebert vanished while visiting in-laws in Nebraska. His family remains desperate for any news of him, so every two years they repair a billboard to repair the faded image and peeling vinyl.

Jen KocherMarch 04, 2025

The disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito captured headlines around the globe. The young up-and-coming YouTuber was found dead in Bridger-Teton National Park in Wyoming in fall 2021. A new Netflix series about the murder is putting Wyoming in the spotlight again.

Netflix Docuseries On Gabby Petito Murder Puts Wyoming In Spotlight Again

The search for Gabby Petito in fall 2021 had the world watching northwest Wyoming. The missing YouTuber was ultimately found murdered in Bridger-Teton National Forest, and a new Netflix docuseries puts Teton County Coroner Brent Blue and the investigative team in the spotlight again.

Jen KocherMarch 02, 2025

The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, Wyoming. The parent organizaiton of the facility says it’s making changes even as police investigate two recent deaths there. But there are still more questions than answers about how one woman could freeze to death outside the center or another by overdose.

Beleaguered Assisted Living Center In Gillette Trying To Earn Back Public Trust

After making international headlines when an elderly female resident was found frozen in January, the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette announced Friday it will continue to not admit new patients until it’s fully staffed and has reduced the number of contracted staff.

Jen KocherMarch 01, 2025

Cowboy State Daily’s Wendy Corr Receives Major Western Award For Podcast

Cowboy State Daily News Director and podcast host Wendy Corr has been honored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. John Wayne, George Strait, and Reba McEntire are among honorees.

Jen KocherFebruary 26, 2025

Wyoming veterans say they are hopeful new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration will help return the U.S. military to its former levels of excellence, along with improve post-service support for veterans.

Wyoming Veterans Hopeful Hegseth Will Make U.S. Military Great Again

Wyoming veterans told Cowboy State Daily that years of social programs and diversity initiatives have weakened the military and they hope that’s over. They want to see the return of high standards, greater access to mental healthcare and more help transitioning veterans post-service.

Jen KocherFebruary 23, 2025

Jeff Ginter always knew he was a weird kid, but he learned to embrace his psychic powers throughout a career in law enforcement. Now he’s one of Wyoming’s top psychics, including helping solve cold cases around the world.

How A Former Law Enforcement Officer Became A Top Psychic Investigator

Jeff Ginter always knew he was a weird kid, but he learned to embrace his psychic powers throughout a career in law enforcement. Now he’s a top psychic, working to solve cold cases in Wyoming and around the world.

Jen KocherFebruary 22, 2025

Sheridan Kids Taken By Mom Still Not Home, But Believed Safe, Police Report

After a dayslong search for a pair of young children from Sheridan who were taken Sunday by their mother, local police Wednesday night called off an alert asking people to be on the lookout for them.

Jen KocherFebruary 20, 2025

Police in Sheridan, Wyoming, are asking the public’s help in locating 4-year-old Lindsey Fogli and her 3-year-old brother Colin, reported missing Sunday. They’re believed to have been taken by their mom.

Sheridan Police Ask For Help Finding 2 Young Kids Taken By Mom

Police in Sheridan, Wyoming, are asking the public’s help in locating a 4-year-old girl and her 3-year-old brother reported missing Sunday. They’re believed to have been taken by their mom.

Jen KocherFebruary 19, 2025

Ryan Schroder, center, of Casper went missing before finally being found murdered in 2021.

Family Of Murdered Casper Man Says Wyoming Needs Missing Person Law

The family of a Casper man who went missing before finally being found murdered says Wyoming needs better protocols to handle cases like his. That’s why they support a new law to do that moving through the Legislature.

Jen KocherFebruary 18, 2025

Nobody has seen or heard from Natasha Requejo since last July, leaving family and friends desperate for news of the missing mom of seven from Lusk, Wyoming. Her boyfriend at the time says she just walked off one day, leaving him and her kids behind.

Family, Friends Desperate For News Of Lusk Mother Of 7 Missing Since July

Nobody has seen or heard from Natasha Requejo since last July, leaving family and friends desperate for news of the missing mother of seven from Lusk. Her boyfriend says she just walked off one day, leaving him and her kids behind.

Jen KocherFebruary 15, 2025

Gillette Man Charged With Murder For Killing Half-Sister Pleads Not Guilty

The Gillette man accused of shooting his half-sister in the head and killing her last month pleaded not guilty Thursday. Vincent Hackett faces a second-degree murder charge.

Jen KocherFebruary 13, 2025

Wyoming: A State For Single Dudes

Wyoming ranks as the state with the third highest ratio of bachelors in the United States. For every 100 single women, 106 unmarried men are milling around. In the early 1900s, there were proposals considered that would tax bachelors to encourage them to get married.

Jen KocherFebruary 09, 2025

Other Authors

Shayna Ritthaler was 16 when she ran away with 17-year-old Michael Campbell, whom she'd met online. Within days, Campbell shot and killed her at his mother's home in Sturgis, South Dakota, in October 2019.

Grandparents Of Murdered Upton Teen Plead For Missing Persons Bill

By the time authorities were legally able to enter the home on Oct. 7, 2019, it was too late. Shayna Ritthaler was found dead in a closet covered with clothing. Wyoming is one of six states that don't have missing person reporting requirements.

Jen KocherFebruary 08, 2025

Gillette, Wyoming, police are investigating the death of an 88-year-old assisted living patient found dead outside in a courtyard of the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.

Coroner's Report: Senior Died Of Hypothermia At Gillette Assisted Living Center

A coroner's report released Tuesday revealed an ongoing investigation into two deaths at a Gillette assisted living center. In January, an 88-year-old resident was found dead of hypothermia outside while a 66-year-old resident died of an overdose in November. Five employees have been terminated.

Jen KocherFebruary 05, 2025

Amber Smith, a forensic analyst at the Wyoming State Crime Lab in Cheyenne, demonstrates how this Hamilton aparatus works in this file photo. It can process nearly 90 individual DNA samples at a time.

Bill Would Open Post-Conviction DNA Testing To More Wyoming Felons

A bill is moving through the Wyoming Legislature to give access to post-conviction DNA testing to more Wyoming felons. The measure was headed to the Senate floor Monday.

Jen KocherFebruary 03, 2025

Allen Thompson, executive director for Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, testifies in favor of Senate File 114, which would establish protocols for law enforcement in taking missing persons reports.

Wyoming One Of 6 States Without Missing Person Protocols; New Law Would Change That

Wyoming is one of six states without protocols for when people go missing. A bill that passed to the state Senate on Thursday would change that, requiring timely reporting and listing on national databases.

Jen KocherJanuary 31, 2025

Gillette Man Accused Of Shooting Half-Sister In The Face To Face Murder Trial

A Gillette man accused of killing his half-sister last week when he allegedly shot her in the face was in court Thursday, but not for long. He waived a preliminary hearing and will face a murder trial.

Jen KocherJanuary 30, 2025

Nearly 50 illegal immigrants were arrested in Denver on Sunday, January 26, 2025

Feds Raid Denver Party, Arrest 49 Illegal Immigrants; Investigations Ongoing In Wyoming

Federal agents on Sunday raided a private party in southeast Denver and arrested 49 illegal aliens including alleged members of Tren de Aragua. Agents say investigations are ongoing in Wyoming.

Jen KocherJanuary 27, 2025

Chris McDonald, 51, completed the elite FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, as one of 1% of senior law enforcement officers throughout the country and world. His road to law enforcement began much earlier, however, when he joined the Marines as a teen.

How A Budding Gillette Baseball Star And Marine Became A Pedophile Hunter

Chris McDonald grew up in Gillette and planned on a career in baseball. Then duty called and he became a Marine in Operation Desert Strom. Now he’s a pedophile hunter, leading DCI’s Internet Crimes Against Children division.

Jen KocherJanuary 26, 2025

4 Fired In Wake Of 88-Year-Old Found Dead Outside Gillette Assisted Living Center

Four people working at a Gillette, Wyoming, assisted living center have been fired in the wake of an 88-year-old resident there being found dead in an outside courtyard Jan. 10. The terminations were announced Thursday.

Jen KocherJanuary 24, 2025

The Wyoming Senate unanimously passed a bill to the House that would close loopholes in the state's protection orders regulations.

Wyoming Legislators Unanimous On Closing Protection Order Loopholes

Protection orders are getting a makeover by the Wyoming Legislature this session. Sailing through are bills to close loopholes that can leave victims unprotected and allow for permanent protection orders.

Jen KocherJanuary 23, 2025

Report: “Give Me A Hug Now,” Gillette Man Tells Mom After Shooting Sister In Head

A Gillette, Wyoming, man has been charged with second-degree murder on claims he killed his sister. Police report that after he shot his sister in the head, he told his mother, “Give me a hug, because I am going to jail.”

Clair McFarland & Jen KocherJanuary 22, 2025

Family Grows More Desperate To Find Lander Man Missing More Than A Month

The family of a Lander, Wyoming, man missing more than a month is growing more desperate to find him. His car was found in Utah, but there’s no other trace of Brent Layman.

Jen KocherJanuary 19, 2025

88-Year-Old Patient Found Dead Outside Gillette Assisted Living Center

Gillette, Wyoming, police confirmed Thursday they are investigating the death of an 88-year-old assisted living patient found dead outside in a courtyard of the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center. A cause of death hasn’t been released.

Jen KocherJanuary 16, 2025

Daring, Dangerous Undercover Operations Bust Up Cartel-Run Sex Trafficking

In a daring and dangerous move, the director of a Las Vegas nonprofit went undercover to infiltrate cartel-run sex trafficking networks. Working with law enforcement, the operation has rescued many young victims kidnapped in Mexico and the U.S.

Jen KocherDecember 28, 2024

Don Ohlin, aka Velcro, reaches his congregation at the Iron Horse Church and beyond through videos on YouTube and social media.

How A Loan Shark Enforcer Found His Calling As A Wyoming Biker Pastor

A former loan shark and enforcer who goes by the handle “Velcro” has a lot in common with the people he ministers to. The Cheyenne biker has found his calling helping prisoners find safe homes once they’re released from prison.

Jen KocherDecember 21, 2024

Dan Gryder replicated the DB Cooper jump above the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon, on the 50th anniversary of the hijacking to determine that the Cooper would not have been able to hold on to the bag of $200,000.

Part 3: Who is D.B. Cooper? After 53 Years, Push To Solve Notorious Crime In Overdrive

Cowboy State Daily's story about a parachute found by a high profile investigator has kicked the stalled investigation of one of America’s most notorious mysteries into overdrive. The new evidence has rekindled ex-FBI agents and others to finally solve the D.B. Cooper case.

Jen KocherDecember 15, 2024

Amber Scholz was 21 when she disappeared from her Rock Springs, Wyoming, apartment in the early morning hours off Nov. 8, 1981.

Family Still Desperate For Answers 43 Years After Young Wyoming Mother Vanished

Amber Scholz was a 21-year-old mother in a custody battle with the father when she vanished from her Rock Springs home in 1981. Now 43 years later, her family is still desperate for answers.

Jen KocherDecember 08, 2024

Jenna Rose Gerwatowski is a 23-year-old Michigan woman who has gone viral on TikTok telling her story of how her mail-in DNA test linked her grandmother, who was living in Pindedale, Wyoming, to a decades-old death of a baby in Michigan.

DNA Test Links Pinedale Woman To 27-Year-Old Cold Case Of Dead Baby Found In Septic Pit

A 23-year-old Michigan woman says she was shocked to learn that her Ancestry DNA test kit helped lead to the arrest of her grandmother living in Pinedale, Wyoming. Michigan State Police say the DNA links the grandmother to a 27-year-old cold case of a dead baby found in a Michigan septic pit.

Jen KocherDecember 08, 2024

For 53 years, the only unsolved hijacking in the nation's history has remained one of world's greatest mysteries. The bombshell discovery of the parachute likely used by D.B. Cooper in his infamous hijacking may finally close the case.

Part 2: Who is D.B. Cooper? The Bombshell Discovery That Could Solve Infamous Hijacking

Part 2 of a series. For 53 years, the only unsolved hijacking in the nation's history has remained one of world's greatest mysteries. The bombshell discovery of the parachute likely used by D.B. Cooper in his infamous hijacking may finally close the case.

Jen KocherNovember 24, 2024

Dan Gryder unearthed a harness and canopy belonging to Richard McCoy II at his family's property in Cove City, North Carolina. Gryder is convinced this was the rig used in the D.B. Cooper hijacking in 1971. Richard McCoy II bore a stunning resemblance to the famed hijacker.

Who is D.B. Cooper? New Evidence May Crack One Of America’s Greatest Mysteries

A parachute found in an outbuilding in North Carolina could be the new evidence that may crack the 53-year-old D.B Cooper case. It could lead investigators to the identity the man who jumped out of a hijacked plane carrying $200,000.

Jen KocherNovember 23, 2024

Proposed Law Would Allow Permanent, Lifetime Protection Orders In Wyoming

Legislators will consider a new law allowing Wyoming judges to issue permanent, lifetime protection orders. Victims of sex assault, stalking and domestic violence say it could save them from repeatedly being re-victimized.

Jen KocherNovember 17, 2024

For nearly 30 years, the cremains of an unidentified man known as Coal Train Carlos has been buried in this grave marked "Unknown Man" at Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, Wyoming. His body was found frozen in a railcar at a Campbell County coal mine in 1995. This lifelike portrait of what he may have looked like was done by Carl Koppelmqn of California.

The 30-Year-Old Cold Case Of “Coal Train Carlos,” Found Frozen In A Railcar

It’s been nearly 30 years since the body of a mysterious unidentified man was found frozen in a railcar at a Wyoming coal mine. Dubbed "Coal Train Carlos,” authorities are no closer to identifying him, but a citizen sleuth has taken up the cold case.

Jen KocherNovember 17, 2024

A number of recent human-on-human crimes — including murder — have attempted to be covered up and blamed on bear attacks. But law enforcement and wildlife experts say it’s not hard to see through those bogus claims.

Trying To Get Away With Murder By Staging It As A Bear Attack Is A Bad Idea

A number of recent human-on-human crimes — including murder — have attempted to be covered up by blaming them on bear attacks. But law enforcement and wildlife officials say it’s a really bad strategy.

Jen KocherNovember 16, 2024

FBI Asks For Help To Find Crow Tribe 13-Year-Old Girl Missing More Than A Month

The FBI is asking for help to find Sa’Wade Birdinground, 13, a member of the Crow Tribe in Montana who was last seen Oct. 6 at a home near the Wyoming border. Searchers have used dogs, divers, drones and helicopters to find her, but no luck so far.

Jen KocherNovember 09, 2024

3D imaging of a John Doe whose badly decomposed remains were found in Cheyenne in November 2023. The imaging recreates what the man may have looked like, and with various features like with or without facial hair.

3D Imaging Helps Recreate Face Of John Doe Found In Cheyenne A Year Ago

DNA from a badly decomposed man found in Cheyenne in November 2023 hasn’t so far helped identify him. But the Laramie County coroner hopes new 3D imaging of what he may have looked like will.

Jen KocherNovember 08, 2024

Braigene Marcel Collins was reported missing when she didn't show up to work in September at the 49'er Inn & Suites in Jackson and her coworkers did a welfare check on her. The Teton County Sheriff's Office reported Nov. 1, 2024, that she's been found safe.

Jackson Hotel Worker Missing Since September Found Safe

A Jackson hotel worker missing since September has been located safely in another state, the Jackson Police Department announced Friday.

Jen KocherNovember 02, 2024

Members of the "Old Farts Society" Chuck Butler, George Dunlap and the group's oldest member, 90-year-old Bill Todd, get together at The Local in Gillette weekdays at 8 a.m. to solve the problems of the world.

Wyoming Coffee Klatch: Gillette’s Old Farts Talk Energy, Trump And “Ridiculous” Tax

At a meeting of the Gillette Old Farts Society coffee klatch earlier this week, one member said, "We're all a bunch of rednecks, and we think you should get to keep what you earn. So, if you work your butt off and earn money, you should get to keep it.”

Jen KocherOctober 27, 2024

Blue, who asked to be identified by her first name, attends a weeklong celebration in Colombia hosted by Afton, Wyoming-based Libertas International after its founder, Tyler Schwab, and his nonprofit helped rescue her from her sex trafficker, who was recently arrested in Argentina.

Wyoming Man Helps Rescue Girl Abused By Dad And Trafficked For Sex By Mom

When she was 7, her dad abused her, and her mother began sex trafficking her to men when she was 10. Now Blue is 18 and trying to help children after being rescued with the help of a Wyoming man and her new Cowboy State “mother.”

Jen KocherOctober 19, 2024

Jackson Hotel Worker Called In Sick A Month Ago, Hasn't Been Heard From Since

Police in Jackson, Wyoming, are asking for help in finding a 30-year-old hotel worker who’s been missing for a month. Braigene Collins called in sick to work Sept. 14 and hasn’t been heard from since.

Jen KocherOctober 17, 2024

Be Cautious With QR Codes: The Latest Scams Are Ingenious

Wyoming cybersecurity experts warn about a growing threat going into the holiday season — scanning QR codes with your phone. If you’re not careful, they can be yet another way digital thieves can rob you blind.

Jen KocherOctober 13, 2024

Andrea and Scott warner pose with Dale during a visit to the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp outside Newcastle. Now 20, Dale Warner was 14 when he took guns to school and threatened to kill people. He now says he deserves to be in prison, and that it's saved his life.

At 14, Dale Warner Threatened School Killings In Gillette; Now He Says Prison Saved His Life

Dale Warner was 14 when he brought two guns to a Wyoming junior high school and threatened to kill people. Now 20 and serving a 12- to 20-year sentence, he says prison saved his life.

Jen KocherOctober 12, 2024

The 2024 Wyoming Smokebusters, back row from left: Crew Supervisor Shawn Ankeny, Robert Zaragoza, Sheldon Buckingham, Bryce Teran, John Murphy, Module Leader Jeremy Deplitch, Joshua Cole, Randy Stephens, Walter Eiden, Kevin Brown and Crew Supervisor Lee Loberg. Front row: Jared Millard, Christopher Robertson, Zachary Manning, Tyler Jones, James Skinner and Jeremiah Carson.

Wyoming Inmates Put To Work During Heartbreaking Wildfire Season

With more than 700,000 acres burned due to wildfires across the state of Wyoming, resources are tapped. Thankfully a crew of inmates known as the Smokebusters are helping the firefighters. So far, they have worked on 26 fires in eight counties.

Jen KocherOctober 06, 2024

Dr. George Harrison, pictured inset standing near the first tee at Rolling Green Country Club in Green River, was for decades the quintessential hometown doctor for Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. He was known for making house calls and refusing payment.

The Kindest Doctor In Wyoming: Remembering Rock Springs' Dr. George Harrison

Dr. George Harrison never turned down anyone, for any reason. Even 35 years after his death, people tear-up remembering his kindness -- mentioning his house calls at any hour, $3 office visits and refusing payment when people couldn't afford it.

Jen KocherSeptember 29, 2024

The Walmart Superstore in Riverton, Wyoming.

Riverton Man Could Get 10 Years For Skip-Scanning $2,200 Worth Of Football Cards

A Riverton man is accused of scanning cheap Post-it notes and other items instead of $2,200 worth of football trading cards at the local Walmart. The skip-scanning scam could get him 10 years in prison.

Jen KocherSeptember 23, 2024

Chris Hicks has spent half of his 38 years in prison for being an accessory in two Gillette murders in 2005.

Should Adults Convicted As Teens And Serving Life Sentences Get a Second Chance?

After Chris Hicks was convicted of conspiracy to commit two murders at age 19, he was sentenced to life without parole. Now 18 years later, his lawyer is trying to overturn the sentence to give him a second chance.

Jen KocherSeptember 22, 2024

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Nogales, Arizona, seized nearly $4.6 million in fentanyl and meth totaling close to 650 pounds in January 2019.

Rocky Mountain High: Utah "Absolutely Obliterates" Record For Fentanyl Seizures

In the first quarter of 2024, the DEA has seized a record number of fentanyl pills in the Rocky Mountain region and is on pace to break all records in the area. Utah “absolutely obliterated” its record for fentanyl seizures and Colorado is likely to break its record too.

Jen KocherSeptember 21, 2024

Teacher Erin Beck and the first class of students at Homestead Learning microschool in Campbell County, Wyoming.

Gillette Mothers Create Their Own Little Schoolhouse On The Wyoming Prairie

They call it a “microschool,” but in many ways, a pair of Gillette mothers have brought the one-room schoolhouse concept back. Starting with eight students, what they’ve built is literally their own little schoolhouse on the Wyoming prairie.

Jen KocherSeptember 15, 2024