Episode Details

It's time to take a look at what's happening around Wyoming for Friday, August 1st. I'm Wendy Corr, bringing you headlines from the Cowboy State Daily newsroom - Brought to you by the Converse County Tourism Promotion Board! Discover Douglas and Glenrock in beautiful Wyoming, where rich history, outdoor adventure, and welcoming communities await. Feel the Energy of Converse County at www.ConverseCountyTourism.com.

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Sublette County authorities are calling a grand jury to decide whether to indict Cody Roberts, a Daniel man who ran over a wolf with a snowmobile, brought it muzzled into a bar, then shot it in February 2024.

Cowboy State Daily's Clair McFarland reports that Roberts paid $250 last March toward a citation for violating Wyoming Game and Fish regulations against possessing wildlife - but he could still be charged under a different law if a grand jury sees fit.

"The case was just kind of a PR disaster for Wyoming, not to mention our laws. It shown a spotlight on our laws and the whole world wanted to stereotype Wyoming over this, it seemed like at the time, but Roberts, meanwhile, paid $250 toward a Game and Fish citation for possessing wildlife. And so a lot of the outrage was, well, why isn't he facing something more serious? Well, with this grand jury convening so A, they can look and see if a more serious charge applies to him under the evidence. And B, they can also make people talk. They can subpoena, you know, witnesses, and as long as there's not like a fifth amendment incrimination or spousal privilege privilege situation, they can basically make them talk."

The incident with the wolf exploded into international headlines, sparking outrage across the country from sportsmen and animal rights activists, and put both the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming's wildlife management laws under scrutiny.

Read the full story HERE.

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Brian Nesvik of Wyoming was on the verge of Senate confirmation Thursday to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with Republicans working long hours to counter blanket stalling by Democrats of President Donald Trump's nominees.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved Nesvik's nomination on a 10-9 party-line vote nearly four months ago on April 9. But Cowboy State Daily's Sean Barry reports that only this week did Senate Republican Leader John Thune of South Dakota finally get around to initiating floor action on Nesvik.

"The Republicans have been hit with extreme stalling tactics by the Democrats who are really unhappy with the hyper partisan activities by the Republican Party, pushing legislation on strictly partisan votes. They're stalling everything. It's not about Brian Nesvik, it's about everybody. They're dragging it out as long as possible. Because the longer that you drag it out, the more you slow down the agenda overall."

Read the full story HERE.

But with Nesvik poised to become the new head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cowboy State Daily's Mark Heinz reports that his open support for delisting grizzly bears has been the deciding factor in whether people supported or opposed his confirmation.

"A lot of folks' opinions, one way or another, seem to hinge on Nesvik's open support of delisting grizzly bears. You know, some people think, hey, that's great. It's way overdue. He goes from Wyoming and goes to Washington and gets done what we needed done. But then other folks are saying, No, we really do not need Grizz