Wyoming Life
News
Sheridan 4-Year-Old Defies Medical Odds, Awakes From Coma And Is Recovering
Doctors said 4-year-old Serafina Blue Day might not be able to talk or hear after she suffered brain damage in a two-story fall last month. But then she woke from 10-day coma and by Sunday, she'd regained her spunky personality.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
Let's Go Hot Air Ballooning Over Casper
Cowboy State Daily reporter Dale Killingbeck on Friday hopped into a wicker basket, and let a pilot launch him into the air over Casper by blasting flames into a nylon balloon.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024
Casper Couple Transforms Former Drug House Into Wyoming Mountain Retreat
When Walter and Sharon Merschat heard that a 'drug house' was getting demolished by the City of Casper, they stopped inside to take a look. They saw the woodwork and told the city "you can't do this." The city gave them one month to move the house.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024
The American West: The Battle of Granby -- 2004
Marvin Heemeyer climbed into his improvised tank-bulldozer, cranked up the engine, and proceeded to drive through the wall of his rented building onto the parking lot of business neighbor Cody Docheff’s newly constructed concrete plant.
James A. CrutchfieldJuly 14, 2024
The American West: Fort Laramie Attacked
Though one of the most important military forts in the West, Fort Laramie lacked fortifications. It was an open assemblage of buildings that one might usually expect to find within protective walls of any U.S. Army fort in the Nineteenth Century.
Terry A. Del BeneJuly 14, 2024
Are We Dating The Same Guy? Wyoming Women Use Facebook To Avoid Dating Disasters
A Wyoming woman created “Are We Dating The Same Guy 307” Facebook page in 2023 as a forum for women to share information about the statewide dating scene and to help expose cheaters. In less than 18 months, it has become a very active page with more than 10,000 members.
Jen KocherJuly 14, 2024
Forgotten 1860s Wyoming Stagecoach Stop Reveals Artifacts Thousands Of Years Old
A recent dig on a long-forgotten archaeological site at a private Laramie Valley ranch has uncovered more than 10,000 artifacts that date back to prehistoric times, the Plains Indian Wars and an apparent mercantile in the 1870s.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 14, 2024
Chapel Of The Transfiguration: 100 Years Of Worship In Grand Teton National Park
The Chapel of the Transfiguration was built in Grand Teton National Park 100 years ago when early settlers got fed up with a 25-mile ride to church on Sundays. Now it's a must-see tourist destination, popular wedding chapel, and still-functioning Episcopal church.
Jake NicholsJuly 14, 2024
Cody Stampede Launched Click Thompson's Career As Top Rodeo Photographer
The Cody Stampede launched two-time Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher "Click" Thompson’s career. He was back last week to shoot the Stampede and host a master class for aspiring rodeo shutterbugs.
Renée JeanJuly 14, 2024
Wyoming Bartenders: Wrong Orders, Bad Tips, Getting Hit-On, Here's What Bugs 'Em
As a public service to our readers, Cowboy State Daily visited many Wyoming bars and asked the bartenders about their jobs. They like most everything about their profession but there are a few things that drive them crazy.
Jake NicholsJuly 14, 2024
Decades After Visiting As A Kid, Cheyenne Man Gets Wish For Yellowstone Return
Paul Terry visited Yellowstone National Park as a kid and always longed to return, but never did. That is until this week, when the 78-year-old Cheyenne man had his wish granted by AARP.
Leo WolfsonJuly 14, 2024
Cody’s First Church Was Built With Money Won In High-Stakes Poker Game
The “Poker Church,” as it’s affectionately known, was the first church built in Cody. It was partially built with winnings from a lively poker game in 1900 that included Buffalo Bill Cody.
Amber SteinmetzJuly 13, 2024
Four Wyoming Students Win Mike Rowe's Work Ethic Scholarships
Four Wyoming students are among the latest round of Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship winners which were announced on Thursday night. The popular “Dirty Jobs” TV host says he’s fighting a shift in society that doesn’t value hard work.
Andrew RossiJuly 13, 2024
Heat Records Fall Across Wyoming, And More Could Follow
The heat wave that’s been baking much of the U.S. West is making its way into Wyoming. Several towns in the western part of the state set record highs Thursday, and more will follow as the heat moves across the Cowboy State.
Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2024
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
Guernsey State Park’s Castle Could Be Most Over-The-Top Picnic Shelter In U.S.
It’s not every day one goes to a state park just for its architecture, but Guernsey State Park is a little bit different. It’s a very large and complex picnic shelter that looks so much like a castle, that’s what everyone calls it.
Renée JeanJuly 07, 2024
Wyoming’s Bucking Horse Logo Dates Back To WWI — And It’s Not Steamboat
There are few things that say “Wyoming” more than its bucking horse and rider logo. What’s not as well-known is its origin. It was drawn during World War I by a Wyoming artist fighting in the war. And it wasn't based on Steamboat.
Leo WolfsonJuly 07, 2024
NFL's Logan Wilson Back In Casper Supporting Coach Who Lost Baby To SIDS
Casper's Logan Wilson was back in town this weekend participating in the Brooks Joshua Memorial Golf Tournament to raise awareness for SIDS. The NFL star's high school coach lost his baby to SIDS eight years ago.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024
The American West: How Calamity Jane Earned Her Stripes As An Army Scout
Sporting buckskin and a rifle, Calamity Jane looked every bit the part of a Western frontierswoman. She didn’t take kindly to the word “no" and quickly proved herself as an invaluable Army scout for troops in the Black Hills region.
Candy MoultonJuly 07, 2024
Nearly 90 Years Old, Wyoming's First Air Conditioner Still Works
When the Cody Theatre opened on the historic Western town’s main street in 1937, one of its main attractions was being the first air-conditioned building in Wyoming. Nearly 90 years later, it's still working and is a great example of if it ain't broke, don’t fix it.
Andrew RossiJuly 07, 2024
Wyoming History: Gebo Was Built By A Mining Boom, Now It’s A Ghost Town
As a booming coal mining community, Gebo exploded into the biggest town in the Bighorn Basin. It saw people from 16 nations settle there, but Gebo couldn’t survive the bust that came after its boom. Now it’s a ghost town.
Renée JeanJuly 07, 2024
Wyoming History: Fort Laramie Bridge Connected West To Indian Wars And Gold Boom
The 149-year-old, 400-foot Fort Laramie bridge is a remarkable feat of 19th century engineering. It spanned the North Platte, connecting the Army to the Great Sioux War and fortune-seekers to a gold boom.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 07, 2024
Before The Hitching Post, The Rollins House Was Wyoming's Unofficial 2nd Capitol
Before the Hitching Post became Cheyenne’s unofficial second state capitol — where most legislators would hobnob over drinks and dinner, sometimes working out their differences at all hours — there was the Rollins House on present-day 16th Street.
Renée JeanJuly 06, 2024
Tiny St. Alban’s Chapel In The Middle Of Nowhere A Favorite Wyoming Wedding Spot
Nestled in the Snowy Range Mountains sits a quiet mountain chapel. With stunning views of the Centennial Valley , St. Alban’s Chapel near Little Brooklyn Lake draws outdoor enthusiasts, engaged couples and parishioners of St. Matthew’s Cathedral to the site year after year.
Amber SteinmetzJuly 06, 2024
Legendary Cowboy Crooner Dave Stamey Won Over Wyoming One Show At A Time
Cowboy singer-songwriter Dave Stamey is one of the most celebrated Western entertainers alive today. Eight-time Entertainer of the Year, seven-time Male Performer of the Year and five-time Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association.
Jake NicholsJuly 06, 2024
The American West: Transcontinental Railroad Challenge No. 1 — Where To Put It
Before the first transcontinental railroad could open the untamed West to the rest of the nation, a crucial decision had to be made — where to put it.
James A. CrutchfieldJuly 06, 2024
125 Years Ago, The Largest Dinosaur Of The Time Was Unearthed In Albany County
On July 3, 1899, one of the most significant paleontological discoveries occurred when a massive 87-foot skeleton of a Diplodocus was unearthed in Albany County. It was the largest dinosaur ever found at the time and sent shockwaves through the paleontological world.
Andrew RossiJuly 06, 2024
Anchor Dam: After A Decade And Millions Spent, It Literally Never Held Water
When it was conceived in the 1950s, Anchor Dam in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin was going to be an oasis. But a decade of building and millions of dollars later, the project was plagued with so many flaws it was abandoned. Also, it literally never held water.
Renée JeanJuly 06, 2024
Climbing Devils Tower At Night Is Dark, Dangerous — And "Otherworldly"
Anyone looking toward Devils Tower after sunset on the Fourth of July might have noticed balls of light slowly ascending its sheer sides. Those were climbers wearing lights and they say, the experience at night is "otherworldly."
Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024
Cody's Buffalo Bill Statue Rededicated On 100th Anniversary
The iconic Buffalo Bill statue named "The Scout" was rededicated on Thursday, the 100th anniversary of its placement. Historians say the statue for the town of Cody is what the bucking horse and rider is to Wyoming or what the bald eagle is to the U.S.
Andrew RossiJuly 05, 2024
With 30 Tanks And Military Vehicles, Dubois 4th Of July Is An American Classic
Dubois is one of the only towns in America that can field 30 military tanks and vehicles in its Fourth of July Parade. That's because Dubois is home to the world's largest private collection of fully restored military vehicles.
Renée JeanJuly 05, 2024
Weekend In Wyoming: Central Wyoming Fair, Gold Rush Days, And More
The Central Wyoming Fair is back with its outrageous poultry costume contest, carnival and monster truck rides. Or pan for gold at Gold Rush Days in South Pass City. Or celebrate all things western at Laramie Jubilee Days....
Renée JeanJuly 04, 2024
Ring Nebula Is The Grand Prismatic Spring Of Wyoming's Summer Skies
The Ring Nebula, also known as Messier 57, is the Grand Prismatic Spring of the cosmos. Located in the constellation Lyra, it's one of the most colorful celestial sights in the night skies over Wyoming this summer.
Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024
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
Wyoming Paramedics Advise Not Shooting Fireworks From Your Orifices Or At People
To stay injury-free this Fourth of July, paramedics in Wyoming advise not to shoot fireworks from any of your orifices or at people. Cutting down on alcohol is a good strategy too, they say.
Andrew RossiJuly 04, 2024
Wyoming's Fourth of July Starts Early With Cody Stampede Parade
Fourth of July in Wyoming got its traditional early start Wednesday with the first of two Cody Stampede Parades. Thousands of people packed Sheridan Avenue for Grand Marshal Larry the Cable Guy and horses — lots of horses.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2024
Reporter’s Notebook: ‘Star Spangled Banner’ On A Chainsaw A CSD Tradition
What started out as a way for outdoors writer to annoy his neighbors has become a patriotic Cowboy State Daily tradition. Mark Heinz comes in with his 2024 chainsaw rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024
Happy Fourth Of July: Where To Watch Fireworks Across Wyoming
Dozens of Wyoming communities will celebrate Independence Day on Thursday with parades, barbecues, concerts and firework shows. Here is a list of many of the celebrations. If we missed any, let us know!
Andrew RossiJuly 02, 2024
Wyoming Won't Be Ditching Traditional Fireworks For Drones On July 4
More cities -- such as Boulder, Colorado -- are ditching their traditional Fourth of July fireworks blowouts for elaborate, computer-choreographed drone light shows. Not in Wyoming though. We still like to watch stuff explode.
Mark HeinzJuly 02, 2024
Expect A Wet Wyoming Fourth Of July Up To 15 Degrees Cooler Than Average
Wyoming residents can expect Mother Nature to rain on their parades, barbecues and campouts for this week’s Fourth of July celebrations. It will also be as much as 15 degrees cooler than average.
Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024
Dog Almost Dies In Abandoned Water Tank Before Worland Firefighters Rescue Her
A dog was found at the bottom of an abandoned water treatment holding tank in Worland. With sheer concrete walls and no ramps or ladders, there was no way for the unfortunate pooch to escape. Thanks to Worland firefighters, she survived and is recovering.
Andrew RossiJuly 01, 2024
Origin Of Famous Baby-Switching Prank In ‘The Virginian’ May Be Unraveled — Again
Many Wyoming communities have claimed they inspired the baby-switching prank pulled by The Virginian in Owen Wister’s famous novel of the same name. A historian, however, says the location really is Thermopolis.
Renée JeanJune 30, 2024
It's Earthflow Season, And They're Wreaking Havoc On Wyoming Roads
An earthflow is actively destroying a road in Meeteetse and there's nothing anyone can do about it until the area dries out. It can happen anywhere in Wyoming, and does. Although with summer, the "earthflow season" is coming to an end.
Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024
Wyoming History: Copman’s Tomb Named For Man Who Wanted To Fly Off It In 1880s
Copman’s Tomb, in Wyoming's Bighorn Basin, is named for a German trapper, farmer and inventor who in the 1880s invented a flying machine -- which reportedly worked -- and planned on flying it off the mountain top.
Dale KillingbeckJune 30, 2024
Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway One Of The Most Important Fossil Deposits In The World
The Red Gulch Dinosaur Trackway is a unique record of a time when Greybull, Wyoming, was beachfront property and when dinosaurs roamed the shores of an ancient sea about 160 million years ago during the Jurassic Period.
Andrew RossiJune 30, 2024
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
Believe It Or Not, Rural Wyoming 2-Story Outhouse Makes Sense
One of the more bizarre and interesting attractions at the Grand Encampment Museum in southern Wyoming is a historic 2-story outhouse, and believe it or not, it actually makes sense.
Amber SteinmetzJune 30, 2024
The American West: Fr. Pierre De Smet, The Jesuit Priest Who Baptized The West
Jesuit priest Fr. Pierre-Jean De Smet was born in Belgium, but found his life’s calling establishing Catholic missions throughout the early settlement of the West, including holding the first Catholic mass in Wyoming.
Candy MoultonJune 30, 2024