Business and Tourism Reporter

Renée Jean

Renée Jean is the business and tourism reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Cheyenne. Previously, Renée spent seven years covering energy and agriculture in North Dakota and Montana. She has won many writing awards over a 30-year career, and has written magazine articles for Guideposts.

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Latest from Renée Jean

Meier, Gray Believe Land Purchase In Washington Could Open Way For Coal Exports

In an effort to export Wyoming coal to the Pacific Rim, Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray believe purchasing land in Washington state could give Wyoming the legal standing to make it happen.

Renée JeanMarch 05, 2025

President Donald Trump said Monday, March 3, 2025, there’s no more delaying 25% tariffs that will go into effect on Canada and Mexico on Tuesday. That’s expected to impact Wyoming, which does more business with Canada than any other foreign country.

Wyoming Businesses Wait To See Impact Of Tariffs, Going Into Effect Tuesday

President Trump on Monday said there’s no more delaying 25% tariffs that will go into effect on Canada and Mexico on Tuesday. That’s expected to impact Wyoming, which does more business with Canada than any other foreign country.

Renée JeanMarch 04, 2025

Two Wyoming Trona Mines Bought For $1.4B To Create World’s Largest Producer

London-based WE Soda has bought Genesis Alkali’s two trona mines in southwest Wyoming for $1.4 billion. It makes WE Soda the No. 1 producer of natural trona in the world.

Renée JeanMarch 03, 2025

At sunset, this boot by Catherine Johnson Morris starts to look a lot like a giant boot made of real leather, even though it's really made of sand.

The Woman Behind The Gigantic Sand Sculptures At Glendo

A Casper woman’s addiction to building intricate sand sculptures takes her all over America. But she practices in her home state at Glendo, where she built a 6-foot-tall cowboy boot (which is still standing). She says Wyoming sand is the best.

Renée JeanMarch 02, 2025

Drinking Wyoming: Frosty’s, A True Casper Dive Bar Proudly Serving Horrible Liquor

Frosty’s in Casper, is a typical dive bar in many ways — and proud to serve one of the most terrible tasting liquors. It’s one of the few places outside Chicago with Jeppson’s Malort, a rite-of-passage drink people say tastes like old socks.

Renée JeanMarch 01, 2025

Angelcyn Heall during the summer in Happy Valley near Cheyenne. It's built as a historic English mead hall.

Cheyenne Man Builds His Dream House: Throwback Medieval English Mead Hall

Cyning Meadowcroft built his dream home in Happy Valley near Cheyenne using a near-extinct construction method called a "cruck" to build it. The former Brit built the medieval English mead hall home by himself and trucked two old-growth oak trees 2,000 miles round-trip to begin the project.

Renée JeanMarch 01, 2025

A Cyclone Drilling crew working Rig 38 hit 6,000 feet in 24 hours, a new record at the time in July 2017.

Why Wyoming’s Oil And Gas Industry Isn’t Yet “Drill Baby Drilling”

Optimism is high in Wyoming’s oil and gas sector with President Donald Trump's promise to "drill, baby, drill." But there’s also uncertainty about how more drilling will impact prices.

Renée JeanMarch 01, 2025

Wyoming’s lumber industry isn’t huge, but is heartened to hear Trump say America doesn’t need lumber from Canada. But the industry needs more than tariffs to save it — like changes to forest management. Here, logging trucks collect usable timber harvested while fighting the Elk Fire in the Bighorn National Forest in fall 2024.

Trump Says US Doesn’t Need Canada’s Timber, And Wyoming’s Lumber Industry Agrees

Wyoming’s lumber industry isn’t huge, but was heartened to hear President Trump say America doesn’t need timber from Canada. The industry says it needs more than tariffs to save it — like changes to forest management.

Renée JeanFebruary 28, 2025

Trump Says US Needs To Double Or Triple ‘Electrical Capacity,’ Wyoming Says It’s Ready

President Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting Wednesday and suggested the country must double or triple its “electrical capacity.” Wyoming energy officials say they are ready to help make that happen.

Renée JeanFebruary 27, 2025

Wyoming Grows Lead In Race For Rare Earths Thanks To Bigger Haul From Huge Deposit

Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. is reporting even better returns at its Halleck Creek rare earth mining site. That helps grow Wyoming’s lead in the race for domestic production — and processing — of critical rare earth minerals.

Renée JeanFebruary 26, 2025

The Aladdin General Store in Aladdin, Wyoming, is the state's oldest operating general store. It's also had a U.S. Post Office for the past 127 years, until recently.

Wyoming’s Oldest General Store In Aladdin Loses Its 127-Year-Old Post Office

The tiny outpost of Aladdin in northeast Wyoming is home to the state’s oldest general store, which has also served as a local post office since 1898. But no more. The Postal Service has discontinued its contract with the Aladdin General Store.

Renée JeanFebruary 25, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman says she doesn’t trust the U.S. Postal Service’s latest promise to back off its controversial Delivering for America plan and not take away as much mail processing from the Cheyenne and Casper post offices.

Hageman Doesn’t Trust USPS, Wants More Protection For Rural Post Offices

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman doesn’t trust the U.S. Postal Service’s latest promise to not take away as much mail processing from the Cheyenne and Casper post offices. She’s filed a bill that would protect rural post offices.

Renée JeanFebruary 25, 2025

Other Authors

Dones have been reported flying over the Jim Bridger Power Plant, usually at about 2 or 3 a.m.

Bill That Attempts To Stop Mystery Drones From Flying Over Sensitive Areas Moves Forward

A bill that would attempt to stop mystery drones from flying over sensitive areas around Wyoming is nearing the finish line. Meanwhile, a state House committee heard Monday that giant SUV-sized drones are still being spotted.

Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2025

The crew at Industrial Screen and Maintenance, a fabrication shop in Casper, were having fun with a Texas red chili made from brisket. Owner Lindsey Robinson was among those helping serve the chili, at far right.

Texas Red Chili Wins Popular Casper Chili Cook-Off For Fifth Time

A Texas red chili was voted No. 1 at the popular API Chili Cook-Off in Casper on Saturday. It’s the fifth time Norman Jackson’s secret recipe has won, as thousands of people packed the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper for the 32nd annual event.

Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2025

Rooftop systems are less prone to breaking than ground-based systems, according to Creative Energies out of Lander a company thats been in Wyoming since 2001.

Not All Solar Panel Systems Are Nightmares For Their Owners

Several Cowboy State Daily readers wrote in to talk about their experiences with solar panels after a Happy Valley family living near Cheyenne shared their nightmare experience. They also shared tips on how to select the right system.

Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2025

Six Degrees And Snowing At 7:30 p.m. And Nate Ditto Is Cutting Down A 50-Foot Tree

Arborist Nate Ditto was trying to beat the clock by cutting down a 50-foot tree before a snowstorm hit Cheyenne last week. To make things more interesting, it was six-degrees and snowing at 7:30 p.m. and he was still at it. He says he likes the adrenaline he gets from his job.

Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2025

Where The Heck In Wyoming Is This One-Of-A-Kind Western Iron Art Fence?

Lela Emmons of tiny Savery, Wyoming, stumbled on an unusual artistic fence in the 1990s and took photos of it. But she forgot where it was and hasn’t been able to find it again in about 30 years. She hopes someone in Wyoming can solve the mystery.

Renée JeanFebruary 23, 2025

All of the drinks - Starting from left, the Rusty Nail (scotch and Drambuie), Where there's Willow There's a Way ( willowbank tea and brandy), Gin and Tonic with lime, and Revival Root (sarsaparilla tea, Makers Mark, and cream).

Drinking Wyoming: Whiskey Was The Go-To Medicinal Remedy Of The Wild West

Survival in Wild West Wyoming depended on treating illnesses without the help of modern medicine. Whiskey figured in a lot of treatments for all sorts of medical problems — some good and some quite insane.

Renée JeanFebruary 22, 2025

A line of people wait at the Cheyenne Post Office while other customers access their P.O. boxes in the background.

USPS Does About-Face, Now Won’t Move Mail Processing Out Of Cheyenne, Casper

The U.S. Post Office did an about-face Friday on its controversial plan to move local mail processing out of Wyoming’s main hubs. Cheyenne and Casper now won’t ship local mail to other states.

Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2025

Why Cheyenne Had To Give Up Putting Windshield Barnacles On Cars

With tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid parking tickets, Cheyenne started using the high-tech windshield Barnacle device on cars. Less than three years later, that’s been abandoned because too many Wyoming windshields are chipped or cracked.

Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2025

Clock Ticking Again For Small Businesses To Report Ownership

Small business owners now have until March 21 to file forms disclosing their ownership. But even the federal agency in charge isn’t firm on that deadline with legislation and a court case pending.

Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2025

Wyoming Native Reid Rasner Puts Together $47.45 Billion Offer To Buy TikTok

Casper native Reid Rasner has put together a $47.45 billion bid to bring the popular social media app TikTok to Wyoming, which he said would keep the app away from China and boost the state’s economy.

Renée JeanFebruary 20, 2025

Virginia Company Scouting Wyoming For Spot To Build Uranium Fuel Plant

Virginia-based BWX Technologies is not just looking to deploy small micro nuclear reactors in Wyoming. It’s scouting the state for possible sites to build a uranium fuel plant.

Renée JeanFebruary 19, 2025

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy gave himself an “A” for the controversial Delivery For America plan that gutted rural delivery. Now he says he’s quitting, sparking hope from many in Wyoming that the plan goes with him.

Postmaster General, Who Gave Himself An “A” For Gutting Rural Mail Delivery, Is Quitting

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who gave himself an “A” for the controversial Delivery For America plan that gutted rural delivery, announced on Monday he is quitting. Wyoming leaders are thrilled.

Renée JeanFebruary 18, 2025

The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association voted last week to buy bitcoin, which has exploded by 400% over the last five years. The association is the first law enforcement group in the United States to invest in bitcoin.

WHP Association May Be First Law Enforcement Group In Nation To Buy Into Bitcoin

The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association voted last week to buy bitcoin, which has exploded by 400% over the last five years. The association says it may be the first law enforcement group in the United States to invest in bitcoin.

Renée JeanFebruary 18, 2025

Why Are These Three Turkeys Endlessly Circling A Gravestone?

If you walk into a graveyard and see three turkeys endlessly circling one headstone, it could be offsetting -- even spooky. That was the scene at a cemetery in North Dakota last week. Although it may seem bizarre, turkey growers say it's no big deal.

Renée JeanFebruary 17, 2025

Casper has had a Cupid of sorts for the past 10 years in Joe Eason, a former heavy metal drummer who does singing telegrams as a side gig. Valentine’s Day especially he delivers up to 35 of the most embarrassing singing telegrams he can muster.

Former Metal Drummer Turned Singing Cupid Delivers Love — And Embarrassment

Casper has had a Cupid of sorts for the past 10 years in Joe Eason, a former heavy metal drummer who does singing telegrams as a side gig. On Valentine’s Day, he delivers up to 35 of the most embarrassing singing telegrams he can muster.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Earthsky.org editor Marcy Curran is celebrating 40 years as founder of the Cheyenne Astronomy Society. She's always loved bringing the stars down to earth for others.

Cheyenne Stargazers Love Space So Much They Built Their Own Observatory

Cheyenne’s Marcy Curran, the cofounder of the Cheyenne Astronomy Society and an editor of a major astronomy publication, has spent 40 years studying the sky. She and her husband recently built their own observatory.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Yellowstone Has An Active Ancient Undersea Wasteland 7,300 Feet Above Sea Level

Monument Geyser Basin is one of the most unique areas of Yellowstone National Park. Its ancient undersea wasteland at 7,300 feet above sea level features formerly underwater cones that are still active.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Wyoming’s first human case of bird flu was caused by an infected poultry flock in Platte Valley. The person is hospitalized in another state, and is the nation’s third hospitalization.

Wyoming Confirms First Human Case Of Bird Flu, 3rd Hospitalization In U.S.

Wyoming’s first human case of bird flu was caused by an infected poultry flock in Platte County. The person is hospitalized in another state, and is the nation’s third hospitalization.

Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025

Willie Banks preparfes eggs on the grill at Diamond Horseshoe Cafe in Cheyenne.

Egg Prices Have Restaurants Scrambling When It Comes To Breakfast

Wyoming restaurants are facing higher and higher egg prices amid an outbreak of the bird flu. Because of the huge increase in prices, some Wyoming restaurants say they are closing down temporarily.

Renée JeanFebruary 15, 2025

A long line of people waits for service at the Cheyenne U.S. Post Office annex.

Hageman’s Postal Service Investigations Find Denver Mail Being Processed In Cheyenne

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman has been investigating the U.S. Postal Service and found that Denver mail is being processed in Cheyenne. The Denver centers are so overwhelmed, they can’t keep up, yet plans are to transfer Wyoming mail there.

Renée JeanFebruary 13, 2025

Google tapped Wyoming outdoor wildlife guide Adam Lackner for its Super Bowl ad campaign, showcasing all 50 states. The Cowboy State’s ad shows off wild Wyoming, as well as one of the state’s leading outdoor guide businesses.

Google Hired Yellowstone, Grand Teton Wildlife Guide For Super Bowl Ad

Google tapped a Wyoming outdoor wildlife guide for its Super Bowl ad campaign, showcasing all 50 states. The Cowboy State’s ad shows off wild Wyoming, as well as one of the state’s leading outdoor guide businesses.

Renée JeanFebruary 12, 2025

This office building used by Registered Agents Inc. in Sheridan is the official address for about 120,000 LLCs registered in Wyoming, Fremont County Assessor Tara Berg estimates.

Already No. 1 For LLCs, Can Wyoming Attract The Huge Companies Leaving Delaware?

Tesla, Meta, Dropbox are a few of the huge tech companies leaving Delaware for other states like Texas and Nevada. Why not Wyoming, which has surpassed Delaware for No. 1 in business incorporations per capita?

Renée JeanFebruary 11, 2025

A postal customer mails Christmas buckeyes to family and friends Monday at the U.S. Postal Service office on Capitol Avenue in Cheyenne.

Postal Regulatory Commission Says Rural Populations Will Suffer Under ‘Delivering For America’ Plan

The Postal Regulatory Commission has issued an advisory opinion that is very critical of the Delivering for America Plan. Rural populations, in particular, won’t be receiving first-class mail for six or more days under the plan, the commission says.

Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2025

The Cabin That’s Almost A Mansion On Last Chance Road In Jackson Hole

For a mere $11.5 million, resort-style life awaits in a cabin that’s almost a mansion in Jackson Hole. With a 720 credit rating and a $2.7 million downpayment, financial calculators put your monthly payments at just $54,000, for a 30-year loan.

Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2025

Special Op Is Being Planned To Rescue An 1893 Tree That’s Part Of Wyoming History

Deep in the most remote area of the Shoshone National Forest is a unique piece of 1893 history, inscribed on a beetle-killed tree and it's is in danger of being lost. A rescue mission is being attempted, but some money might be needed for a helicopter to sling the artifact out.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

Wind turbines in Carbon County, Wyoming.

Despite Chilly Climate, It’s Business As Usual For Wind, Solar Energy In Wyoming

Wind and solar energy projects in Wyoming are moving ahead with their projects, despite the recent chill from both federal and state lawmakers. Most of the projects are on private property, project managers say, which helps de-risk the projects.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

After 100 Years, Cavalryman Steakhouse Closes, Moves To Special Events Model

If you've spent any time in Laramie, you know the Cavalryman Steakhouse. It just celebrated its 100th anniversary and is moving to a special events model. The historic restaurant will only be open for special occasions like holidays, weddings, football games and the like.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

Christine Meadowcroft and her children posing with their new solar panels

Wyoming Family Learns Solar Panels Aren’t For The Faint Of Heart

A Happy Valley family who lives near Cheyenne found out the hard way that solar panels aren’t for the faint of heart. They do work, and they do defray energy costs, but there are a lot of headaches that go along with it. It helps if you have the patience of a saint.

Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025

Pete Bass talks about his life with Cowboy State Daily at his coffee shop in Evanston, For Pete's Sake, where he likes to say he serves good coffee and bad puns.

The Coffee Comes With Redemption At Pete’s Sake In Evanston

"For Pete's Sake" coffee shop in Evanston serves more than just coffee. For owner Pete Bass, it's a mission. That mission is to tell his story of redemption to anyone who feels like they need a second chance. Prison, he says, was God’s way of offering him another chance -- every time.

Renée JeanFebruary 08, 2025

State Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rock Springs, has proposed significant changes to Wyoming's license plate rules.

Wyoming License Plates Would Be Mailed, Not Redone Every 8 Years Under Proposal

State legislators are considering a bill that would not require a redesign of license plates every eight years. That means you can keep your plates until they wear out. Also, people would get them via mail, not their county treasurers.

Renée JeanFebruary 05, 2025

Bill Gates was in Kemmerer in June 2024 for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the TerraPower Natrium nuclear plant.

TerraPower Nuclear Training Center In Kemmerer Will Be One-Of-A-Kind In The World

The 35,000-square-foot nuclear training center TerraPower is building in Kemmerer, Wyoming, will be the only one of its kind in the world. Plans are for it to train all the company’s nuclear techs wherever in the world their Natrium reactors are.

Renée JeanFebruary 04, 2025

Semitrucks cross the Peace Bridge at the U.S.-Canada border in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. After Canada agreed to implement border security measures, President Donald Trump paused his proposed tariffs for 30 days.

Tariff Trade War On Hold With Mexico, Canada; Wyoming Lawmakers Declare Victory

Monday was a tumultuous day for the stock market, but Trump walked away with some big concessions from Canada and Mexico — just as Wyoming lawmakers predicted he would.

Renée JeanFebruary 04, 2025

Kevin Kolenda is accused of scamming the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby in 2018. He sold an insurance policy against the derby’s $10,000 prize, and when someone won, didn’t pay out.

Law Catches Up To Man Accused Of Scamming Saratoga’s $10,000 Ice Fishing Derby

The law has caught up to a man accused of scamming the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby in 2018. He sold an insurance policy against the derby’s $10,000 prize, and when someone won, didn’t pay out. He’s accused of defrauding others of nearly $1 million.

Renée JeanFebruary 03, 2025

Casper Doctor Now Official Orthopedic Partner, Provider For Pro Motocross Racing

Dr. Joe McGinley has climbed the tallest mountains on six of seven continents and invents medical devices. But before that, he had a passion for motocross, giving it up for medical school. Now the Casper doctor is back as the official orthopedic partner and provider for Pro Motocross racing.

Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2025

Finnegans Wake (5), with Victor Espinoza riding, wins the 29th running of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2015.

Champion Thoroughbred Finnegans Wake To Make Wyoming Home In Retirement

Finnegans Wake, a racehorse with world-famous bloodlines, is a champion thoroughbred that’s making Wyoming home in retirement. Horse racing insiders say he won’t be the last, either, as the Cowboy State is attracting more industry stars.

Renée JeanFebruary 02, 2025

Students in the Manufacturing Industrial and Technology Department at Western Wyoming Community College.

Nuclear Power Tech Poised To Explode As Wyoming’s Next Six-Figure “It” Job

The wages for nuclear power techs are expected to range into the six figures, and it’s a good thing because Wyoming will soon need hundreds of these techs. Western Wyoming Community College is training people for this emerging career.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

Shawn Robin Chape, originally from Rozet, Wyoming, roping a calf in the first round in 1.9 seconds flat to win the 2024 Australian breakaway roping title.

A Wyoming Cowgirl Is Australia’s Newest Breakaway Roping Champion

A cowgirl from Rozet, Wyoming, named Shawn Robin Chape is Australia’s newest breakaway roping champion. She lassoed the title in a blazing fast 1.69 seconds, setting a new arena record. She credits her Wyoming roots as a huge part of her success.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

Eating Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Was The World’s Original Galloping Gourmet

“The Galloping Gourmet” on PBS had nothing on Buffalo Bill Cody, who was the original foodie of the West. He brought Mexican food to New York, popcorn to Europe and gourmet dining experiences to the masses.

Renée JeanFebruary 01, 2025

Governors, Famous Author Fans Of 2025 BIG WYO Winner Diane Shober

Diane Shober is 2025’s BIG WYO winner after 21 years as the Wyoming Office of Tourism director. That had a long line of people, including governors and New York Times best-selling author C.J. Box saluting her drive to promote Wyoming.

Renée JeanJanuary 29, 2025

Along the Interstate 90 corridor to and fron Sturgis, South Dakota, Devils Tower is a busy place during the annual motorcycle rally.

Even At Nearly $5B A Year, Wyoming Tourism Not Close To Potential, Industry Says

At nearly $5 billion a year, tourism is Wyoming’s second-leading economic driver. Even so, the state’s tourism industry says it’s just scratching the surface of Cowboy State tourism’s true potential.

Renée JeanJanuary 29, 2025

Bill Would Bolster Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes And Other Wyoming Agritourism

More Wyoming farmers and ranchers are turning to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other agrotourism to bolster their bottom lines. The state Legislature is considering a bill that would extend tourism liability coverage for these attractions.

Renée JeanJanuary 28, 2025

The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition is introduced in the state Senate on Monday, where all four balconies were stacked with people representing Wyoming's tourism industry.

Tourism Industry Is Gearing Up To Take On A New Legislature

With 28 lawmakers who are either new or in new roles, tourism is gearing up for a charm offensive. It started with a show of force at the Capitol on Monday, but the lobbying effort is going to continue throughout the year.

Renée JeanJanuary 28, 2025

Lummis To Lead Digital Asset Subcommittee, Will Work With Trump On Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis has been named the nation's first chair of the Digital Asset Subcommittee. Known for her expertise in cryptocurrency, one of her first priorities is the passage of a bill to create a strategic bitcoin reserve.

Renée JeanJanuary 27, 2025

Bowling is making a comeback in a big way thanks to a high-tech video game-style makeover.

Can Bowling Become Cool Again? Cheyenne's Derby Lane Says "Absolutely."

Bowling has been in a decline since the ‘80s, but a high-tech video-game approach is changing that. The new style is what the recently opened Derby Lanes in Cheyenne is all about.

Renée JeanJanuary 26, 2025

It takes some next-level marketing and effort to sell exclusive multimillion-dollar Jackson Hole properties to billionaires.

How To Sell Jackson Hole Real Estate To Billionaires

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to sell exclusive multimillion-dollar Jackson Hole properties to billionaires, Latham Jenkins can tell you. It’s next-level effort that goes far beyond just walking potential buyers through a building.

Renée JeanJanuary 25, 2025