Wyoming

Wyoming Doubles Down on Commitments to Rodeo and PRCA

Published

2 months ago

January 23, 2026

Wyoming Doubles Down on Commitments to Rodeo and PRCA

Wyoming is known as the “Cowboy State.” Lately they have made several moves to prove just how committed they are to that saying.

One of the very public statements the state has made came in reaction to a request by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). According to the Cowboy State DailyPETA sent a request in 2024 that Wyoming institute a law to allow people to opt out of a license plate that proudly displays the silhouette of a cowboy riding the legendary saddle bronc horse Steamboat.

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The letter from PETA stated, “If you continue to promote rodeos, we ask that your license plates at least more accurately reflect the cruelty that animals exploited for entertainment endure with the silhouette of a bloody spur.”

In response, Wyoming decided to face the request head on with their solid answer. In January 2026, WYDOT unveiled a new license plate to give people another option. The option is a full on rodeo specific plate.

All reports lead to Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, being behind the push for the response plate. When the new plate became available, Sen. Boner sent a letter to PETA.

“Our newest license plate elevates the very traditions you hoped we would set aside,” he wrote. “Rather than minimizing the presence of horses and riders on our roads, we opted to celebrate them even more prominently.”

A portion of the money from the rodeo plate will go to support the University of Wyoming and other community college rodeo programs within the state.

Wyoming Makes More Moves to Support Rodeo

The recent activity from the state of Wyoming continues to prove its commitment to rodeo and the western way of life. Two cities in particular have reached out in hopes of securing the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the PRCA headquarters.

Cheyenne, Wyo. was the first location reported to be interested in getting the organization to move its headquarters. An email was sent to members on November 5, 2025 notifying them that a change was being considered. While at the time, the email indicated that this was simply a consideration and “far from certain”, Wyoming has gone on to become much more serious.

The economic development organization called Cheyenne LEADS has reportedly pledged $15 million to help entice the largest rodeo organization in the world to make the move. Along with that, just recently, the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee recommended that the state offer another $15 million as an incentive in its draft budget.

This money would be tagged as “tourism” related, but given that the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is being considered for the move as well, this would fit.

Now, the city of Cody, Wyo. has stepped forward, expressing their interest in being the home of the rodeo organization.

Cody has a strong Western heritage and culture. The nightly rodeos all throughout the summer, along with one of the biggest PRCA rodeos over the Fourth of July run, all add to the lure of Cody, Wyoming, and its support of cowboys and rodeo.

Cody has dubbed itself as the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, so its representatives feel like Cody would be a better location over Cheyenne, but did admit that the ultimate goal is to work for the state and that if the headquarters of the association is going to make a move, they just need to ensure that move is to Wyoming.

What Will the PRCA Do?

This is truly the biggest question facing all involved. While both Cody and Cheyenne say they have met with PRCA CEO Tom Glause on several occasions, the PRCA has downplayed the move.

In an interview with 5 KOAA News, PRCA Chief Marketing Officer Paul Woody said, “The move is beyond the preliminary stage. It’s been thought through and discussed at length, but there’s no pending vote from our board of directors on when or if we would accept an offer,” said Woody.

Not everyone is excited about the move. Even some of the Wyoming lawmakers have expressed concern over lack of transparency involved in the preliminary stages.

PRCA members have also voiced concerns. While certainly members have valid concerns, ultimately it will be the PRCA Board of Directors who will make the decision.

Should Wyoming go forward and make the $30 million a concrete offer, that could entice the association and its board beyond any concerns of their members.

The officials from the PRCA have said that they are simply exploring the opportunities and want to make sure that if and when a move were to happen, it will benefit the membership and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

There will, no doubt, be heated discussions on this topic, likely among many. Members of the PRCA, members of the Hall of Fame and even Wyoming government officials and residents have something to gain and something to lose in the transaction.

With the spotlight on the move, some in Texas have also stepped forward with the idea that it would make sense to have the headquarters located within their state.

Over the coming months, this is sure to be a hot topic and when more information becomes available, Rodeo On SI will be your source.

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Wyoming

Wyoming Residents Reminded: Test and Maintain Your Private Wells

Published

5 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Press Room

Wyoming Residents Reminded: Test and Maintain Your Private Wells

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging residents who rely on private wells to take a closer look at their water systems as part of National Groundwater Awareness Week.

Friday, March 13, has been designated “Know Your Well Day,” an initiative aimed at educating the thousands of Wyoming residents who depend on private wells for their drinking water. Officials say the goal is to remind homeowners to regularly “test, tend, and treat” their wells to ensure their water is safe.

Unlike public water systems, the quality of water in private wells is not regulated by state or federal agencies. That means the responsibility for monitoring water safety falls on the well owner.

“Because private well owners are responsible for their own water quality, routine testing is the most reliable way to ensure a safe water supply,” said Wylee Rizzitello, who helps oversee the state’s Know Your Well program.

State officials recommend private well owners test their water at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates. Additional testing may be needed if water changes in taste, odor, or appearance, or after events like flooding or system repairs.

Homeowners are also encouraged to inspect their wells regularly, making sure caps are secure and that the area around the wellhead is free from potential contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides, or motor oil.

If testing reveals contaminants, WDEQ recommends working with a certified professional to install an appropriate water treatment system.

To help residents maintain their wells, the agency provides educational resources, including fact sheets and instructional videos on collecting water samples. Find more info here.

Weirdest Creatures in the Cowboy State

Wyoming’s animals are wild and weird. Pronghorns rocket across the plains, bison casually block roads, and sage grouse strut around like they own the place. Coyotes, eagles, and mountain lions pop up out of nowhere, making it feel like the state is one big, unpredictable wildlife show.

Spring Field Guide for Spotting Birds Returning to Wyoming

Audubon of the Rockies lists several places you can spot birds that have come back to the Cowboy State.

Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media

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Wyoming

Wyoming 3A and 4A Girls State Basketball Tournament Set for Casper

Published

17 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Press Room

Wyoming 3A and 4A Girls State Basketball Tournament Set for Casper

The final weekend in the 2026 Wyoming High School basketball season is here. The 3A and 4A girls’ basketball state championships are in Casper, where two teams will win a state title during the second weekend in March. The Class 3A and 4A girls’ games will be at the Ford Wyoming Center (FWC) and Casper College (CC). Both defending champions can defend their title after qualifying for the state tournament. The defending champions in Class 3A are the Douglas Bearcats, who have officially won seven in a row. The Cheyenne Central Indians will try to repeat in 4A.

WYOPREPS 3A-4A GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE 2026

Day one action in 3A is at the Ford Wyoming Center. Day two is at Casper College. The consolation and third-place games are at Casper College. The championship is at the Ford Wyoming Center on Saturday, March 14. It is the first of the four big school state championship games.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12:

Final Score: (2W) Lander 52 (3E) Burns 43 – The Tigers’ 13-point lead was trimmed to 2 in the 4th quarter, but Lander answered with a 7-0 run to regain control of the game. Then a 10-0 run over the last 3 minutes helped them pull away. Goklish had 13 points to lead 3 Tigers in double figures. Barrett scored a game-high 24 points for the Broncs.

Final Score: (4W) Lovell 57 (1E) Wheatland 48 – The Bulldogs pulled away with a 15-7 third quarter. Ali Walker and Brooklin Clark combined for 36 points and 13 rebounds. Anderson had 19 pts to lead 3 Bulldogs in double figures. Lovell shot 51 percent, including 62.5 percent in the 2nd half. They also had 12 second-chance points.

Final Score: (2E) Douglas 39 (3W) Pinedale 37 – The Bearcats built a 9-point lead in the 2nd half and held off a Wranglers comeback. Pinedale had a chance to tie the game with 5.1 seconds left, but missed a free throw. Douglas makes 1-2 FTs, and the Wranglers didn’t get a shot off in the last 2.1 seconds. Leah Ewing led Douglas with 12 points. Sarah Smith added 9 points & 15 rebounds. Alyxis White scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Wranglers.

Final Score: (1W) Cody 82 (4E) Buffalo 43 – The Fillies used a 23-point 2nd quarter to pull away, and then added 26 in the 3rd quarter. Grace Hays scored 24 points to lead five Fillies in double figures. Cody scored 18 points off turnovers and had 17 second-chance points. The Fillies shot 55 percent and held the Bison to 29 percent from the floor. Karly Davis scored 22 points to lead Buffalo.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13:

Game 5: Burns vs. Wheatland, 9 a.m. (CC) – loser out

Game 6: Pinedale vs. Buffalo, 10:30 a.m. (CC) – loser out

Game 7: Lander vs. Lovell, 3:30 p.m. (CC) – semifinal

Game 8: Douglas vs. Cody, 5 p.m. (CC) – semifinal

SATURDAY, MARCH 14:

Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 9 a.m. (CC) – Consolation Trophy Game

Game 10: Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 10:30 a.m. (CC) – 3rd Place Game

Game 11: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 2:30 p.m. (FWC) – Championship Game

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Day one action in 4A is at Casper College. Day two is at the Ford Wyoming Center. Day three is trophy day, and for 4A, all the games are at the Ford Wyoming Center. The championship is at the Ford Wyoming Center on Saturday, March 14. It is the third of the four big school state championship games.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12:

Final Score: (2E) Cheyenne Central 57 (3W) Evanston 42 – Central jumped out to a 9-0 lead and never trailed. Evanston pulled within 10 in the 4th quarter, but was outscored 10-5 the rest of the game. Wade & Needham scored 10 points each for the Indians, who scored 30 points off 29 Evanston turnovers. Hiatt had 21 points for the Red Devils.

Final Score: (1W) Green River 45 (4E) Sheridan 38 – OT – The Wolves survive the Broncs. They outscored them 10-3 in the extra session. Isa Vasco scored 23 points to lead all scorers. She scored the last 13 points of the game for GR and had the tying 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left in regulation. Bilyeu & Erramouspe had 11 pts each for Sheridan.

Final Score: (3E) Thunder Basin 44 (2W) Star Valley 39 – OT – The Bolts outscored the Lady Braves 13-8 in OT. Addy Rouse led 3 TB players in double figures with 18 points. TB was 11-13 at the FT line in OT. The Bolts scored 15 points off 18 SV turnovers. Ambrey Nelson paced the Braves with 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Final Score: (1E) Cheyenne East 63 (4W) Natrona County 22 – The Thunderbirds used a 21-point 2nd quarter to pull away. East had 6 players score between 9 and 12 points. They scored 23 points off 24 NC turnovers, and East shot 54 percent for the game.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13:

Game 5: Evaston vs. Sheridan, 9 a.m. (FWC) – loser out

Game 6: Star Valley vs. Natrona County, 10:30 a.m. (FWC) – loser out

Game 7: Cheyenne Central vs. Green River, 3:30 p.m. (FWC) – semifinal

Game 8: Thunder Basin vs. Cheyenne East, 5 p.m. (FWC) – semifinal

SATURDAY, MARCH 14:

Game 9: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 9 a.m. (FWC) – Consolation Trophy Game

Game 10: Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 10:30 a.m. (FWC) – 3rd Place Game

Game 11: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 5:30 p.m. (FWC) – Championship Game

James Johnson Winter Showcase Basketball Tournament 2026

Photos from game action at the James Johnson Winter Showcase tournament in Cheyenne.

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Shannon Dutcher

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Wyoming

WYDOT warns of texting scam claiming to be from “Wyoming DMV”

Published

1 day ago

March 12, 2026

Press Room

WYDOT warns of texting scam claiming to be from “Wyoming DMV”

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is warning residents about a texting scam, known as “smishing,” in which fraudulent messages claim to be from the “Wyoming DMV.”

The texts have demanded payment for traffic tickets, personal information, and have threatened recipients with driver’s license suspensions, additional fines and legal action. Some messages include suspicious web links.

The texts threaten driver’s license suspensions, fines and legal action in an attempt to obtain personal information(WYDOT)

WYDOT said it does not send text messages or seek personal information this way. The agency also noted it does not collect ticket fees and does not refer to itself as “The DMV.”

Residents who receive a message of this type are urged not to open it and not to share any personal information. The scam texts can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission through a link on WYDOT’s website.

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