Former Wyoming offensive lineman Caden Barnett recently revealed that he met with the San Francisco 49ers at his pro day, along with several other interested teams, according to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated.
“There were a few teams at pro day. I met with a few scouts,” Barnett said. “I met with the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals at pro day.”
Barnett is projected as a late-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the 49ers currently do not hold selections beyond the fourth round, he could remain an option as an undrafted free agent if he goes unselected.
The 49ers are widely expected to address the offensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft. Key needs include competition for a starting left guard, along with long-term successors at offensive tackle and center.
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Barnett (6-3, 316) spent five seasons at Wyoming, appearing in 47 games for the Cowboys. He primarily played offensive tackle early in his career before transitioning to guard for his final season.
The offensive lineman impressed at his pro day, turning in a performance that included a 5.05-second 40-time and a 31-inch vertical jump.
Barnett earned career-best marks from Pro Football Focus in 2024, posting an 80.0 overall grade, along with 82.0 in run blocking and 70.4 in pass protection. Those figures declined slightly in 2025, when he recorded an overall grade of 71.3, a run-blocking grade of 73.2, and a pass-blocking grade of 65.8.
In 2025, Barnett started all 12 games at right guard, logging 792 offensive snaps. He allowed just one sack, 18 total pressures, and was flagged for four penalties over the course of the season.
Renee Penton-Jones raised her son and daughter mostly as a single mother. Though she is Methodist, her ex-husband and kids were Catholic, and she relied “on the safety” of the Catholic Church for support. The Casper resident enrolled her children in Saint Anthony School and had them take part in church activities. The Christian education and physical activity her children received “meant the world” to Penton-Jones.
Last month, Penton-Jones’ son, James Stress, told her “that there was going to be a discussion with the church” about things that had happened to him as a boy. He didn’t want to talk about it with her then. She “really had no clue” what her son’s words could mean.
On March 31, Stress and two others filed a lawsuit alleging that a former Wyoming youth minister, Doug Hudson, who once worked at Our Lady of Fatima Church, had sexually assaulted them in the 1990s when they were boys. According to the complaint, Hudson had “plied” each of them “with copious amounts of alcohol.”
The lawsuit also named the Diocese of Cheyenne, which oversees parishes throughout Wyoming, and Our Lady of Fatima Church as defendants, stating that they failed to “supervise and control” the youth minister, which allowed for the alleged sexual assaults to occur.
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Penton-Jones learned about the allegations last week through a news article that a friend sent to her. She was busy at work preparing for an Easter buffet and initially read only the headline. Then she sat at her desk and read the whole story. “It was just very disturbing, very upsetting, very shocking,” she told WyoFile. She called her son after to see that he was OK. And she wrote a comment on Facebook reacting to the news:
Renee Penton-Jones
“As a single mother raising two children, I TRUSTED that they were safe within the arms of the Catholic Church. I TRUSTED that my son would be in a loving and caring, Christian environment when he was with the youth counselor hired by the church,” Penton-Jones wrote.
“I couldn’t have been more wrong and I can never undo the pain and suffering inflicted on my child. My heart breaks for him and the others who were subjected to this cruel and inhumane treatment right under the eyes of the church. I pray to God that there will be acknowledgement, apologies and accountability.”
Penton-Jones said she was unsure whether she could look to the church as the same place of safety that it had been to her for so long. “I would have to think about that,” she said. “There’s a lot of emotion. There’s anger. There’s frustration, like I told you, guilt, there are so many things that go through your head. How did I miss it? What didn’t I see?”
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Cheyenne initially declined to comment on the lawsuit, but told WyoFile that the diocese planned to respond publicly to the allegations “in the near future.”
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The diocese shared its statement with WyoFile on Tuesday. The message refrains from commenting on the specific accusations in the lawsuit because the matter “is now the subject of active litigation.” At the same time, it expresses the diocese’s “awareness of the seriousness of such claims and its concern for all individuals who may be affected.”
“The Diocese recognizes that allegations of abuse — particularly those involving minors — can cause deep pain and lasting harm,” the message states. “Any person who comes forward with such allegations deserves to be heard with respect and compassion.”
The Diocese of Cheyenne, the statement continues, “remains committed” to protecting children and vulnerable people and upholding policies and procedures “to promote safety, accountability, and compliance with civil and Church law.”
“Out of respect for the legal process and all parties involved, the Diocese will refrain from further public comment while the matter proceeds,” the statement reads.
“All I can say is that I respect that there’s recognition,” Penton-Jones told WyoFile after a reporter read the statement to her.
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When the lawsuit was filed, WyoFile attempted to contact Hudson through multiple avenues. None of those attempts were successful. A new court summons for Hudson lists a Kentucky address.
“I trusted him implicitly,” Penton-Jones said of Hudson. “I trusted the church with my children. So it was a huge shock.” If she had the opportunity to say something to Hudson, she would ask him “a lot of whys” and “How could you?”
Local Catholic Church members and others have reached out to Penton-Jones to “express their love and disappointment and prayers for healing and accountability.”
“It’s been a blessing to me,” she said. “To know that there’s so much positive in such a horrible situation, it’s comforting.”
Her “overwhelming thought is that the church be held responsible.”
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“An apology would be ideal,” Penton-Jones said. “I can’t answer for my son. Good grief. I don’t know how you recover from that. How it affects your whole life.”
Funeral services for Anna Buckingham, 84-year-old Buffalo resident who passed away Monday, April 6, will be held on Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with Pastor Paul Gilbert officiating.
Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside committal service to immediately follow the funeral. Donations in Anna’s memory may be made to the Grace Fellowship Building Fund at 108 N. Burritt in Buffalo, Wyoming, or the Learning Tree Christian School at 820 W Fetterman Street Buffalo, 82834.Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.
M Joyce Lockwood: 1942 – 2026
Our mother was born on December 14, 1942 to Jim and Thelma Kramer in Tucson, Arizona. She and her sisters (Joan and Jerry) grew up in Longmont, Colorado. She dreamed of being a vet one day and enrolled at Colorado State. While at college she met our father, Daniel Harbour, and soon they married. College would have to wait as within a short time, Thomas (1962) was born, followed by Stephen (1963) David (1965) and Joel (1968).
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Our childhood was magical! Our refreshment chairman always had snacks, stories, hugs, and made the world’s best Christmas cookies! Sadly, the marriage ended. After a few years, mom introduced us to Harold Lockwood, who would become her husband and our dad in 1972. Through this marriage she gained another son, 12-year-old Steve (we now had a big Steve and a little Steve). Also, joining the family was daughter, 11-year-old Leslie, who lived with us part-time. Mom was raising five boys, six if you count Harold! Chaos, noise, dirt, broken walls, worry, more bills than money…paradise on earth for our mom.
Dad decided to move to Douglas, Wyoming and open a carpet and flooring store in 1976. Every woman dreams of packing up her life and moving to a tiny town! Mom was all in, supporting our dad and her family. They worked side-by-side and built a successful business. Mom did the books and managed the store while dad installed flooring and began teaching his sons the trade. Life can’t stay simple, big news, guess what? You are going to be a grandma! Leslie and her husband came to stay at our house. Five sons, a daughter, a new son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter, Nettie. Mom made a home for everyone. Helped care for the baby and our overwhelmed sister. She continued maintaining the house and working side-by-side with dad. Yet again life hit our mom with a curve ball. Tom was in a terrible dirt bike accident in 1981. Several times we were told Tom would not survive. Our mother’s dedication and faith resulted in Tom recovering beyond what anyone could have ever hoped for.
Life carried on, Leslie (Brian) had more kids (Nettie, DJ, Marcus, Nicky and Gabby). Big Steve had kids (Joshua, Crystal and Alicia). David had a son (Luke), sadly God only gave him a short time on earth. During this time in David’s life, he was a bit overwhelmed. He called our folks and said he needed them. They dropped everything to stand beside him. The earthly love of our mom and dad pulled David through. Life went on and mom and dad continued supporting and caring for all of us. Stephen (Ann) had a daughter and sons (Stevie Rae, Jacob and Lucas). David (Kristl) had more kids (Luke, Blake, Ivy, Anastasia, Isaac and Nevaeh). Joel (Tara) had four kids (Megan, Cassie, Ethan, and Amaya). Mom loved being Grandma Lockwood.
Sadly, Harold passed in 2019, they had 47 happy years together. Mom will be buried next to dad on the family’s land in Rist Canyon, Colorado on May 30 at noon. A memorial reception will follow at 2 p.m. at the Howling Cow Café in Bellevue.
Garrett Tyler West: 1978 – 2026
Garrett Tyler West, 48, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on April 4, 2026, in Winnemucca, Nevada.
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Garrett was born on February 10, 1978, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Lanny and Linette West. He grew up in the small town of Hanna, Wyoming, where he developed his lifelong love for the Wyoming outdoors. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Wyoming, a path that perfectly matched his adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for the land he called home.
To know Garrett was to know someone who lived life fully and with great heart. He loved nothing more than hunting and fishing, immersing himself in Wyoming’s great outdoors—whether it was early mornings in the field, casting a line on a quiet lake, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscapes that surrounded him. His daughters Shelby and Scarlett were the absolute center of his world, and his grandchildren Sophia and Matthew brought him endless joy and pride. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that his family will hold onto forever.
Garrett was also a devoted movie buff with a quick wit and a movie quote ready for nearly any situation. He could lighten the mood or make a point with just the right line, often leaving everyone laughing. One of the family’s favorite stories was the notorious Bigfoot sighting he shared with his brother-in-law, Wayne—a tale that grew more legendary with every retelling and never failed to bring smiles around the table. In his early adult years in Laramie, he was inseparable from his loyal dog Bandit, and more recently, his beloved dog Nocona was his constant companion.
Garrett’s warmth, humor, and love for his family touched everyone who knew him. He was a proud father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle who found his deepest happiness in the simple things: time spent with loved ones, days in the wilderness, and the everyday moments that made life meaningful.
He is survived by his daughters, Shelby (Bryce) West and Scarlett Phillips; grandchildren, Sophia and Matthew Salzer; parents, Lanny and Linette West; sister, Christina (Wayne) Tucker; nephew, Jordan (Ross) Tucker; and niece, Ashlie (Justice) Tucker.
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Garrett was preceded in death by his grandparents: June and Harold West and Max and Mae Case.
Though his time with us was far too short, Garrett’s spirit lives on in the stories we’ll continue to tell, the love he poured into his family, and the Wyoming wilderness he cherished so deeply. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
James Walter Landers: 1946 – 2026
James Walter Landers, 79, passed away February 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Jim was born in Casper, Wyoming, to Minerva and Harvey Landers and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1965. During high school, he played bugle in the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. He attended the University of Wyoming and went on to earn his dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1974.
After a brief period practicing in Gillette, Jim moved to Cody in 1977, where he opened his dental practice and served the community for nearly four decades. Known for his humor and genuine interest in others, he cared for generations of families.
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He was active in his profession, serving as President of the Wyoming Dental Association and as a national dental examiner. He was also inducted into the International College of Dentists.
Jim was active in ski racing, serving as a Technical Delegate for races across Wyoming and Montana.
He was known for his generosity, wit, and playful sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, woodworking, and traveling throughout the American West and internationally.
His proudest role was being a father. He raised his daughter, MacKenzie, on his own from the time she was two and remained deeply proud of her throughout his life. He was also a devoted grandfather.
He is survived by his daughter, MacKenzie Landers Thorn; and his grandchildren, Kingsley Thorn and Landers Thorn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Minerva and Harvey Landers, and is also survived by his sister, Patty and many dear friends.
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A Celebration of Life will be held at Cody Methodist Church in Cody, Wyoming, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.
A full obituary is available at www.ballardfh.com.
Barbara Kidd Carpenter: 1936 – 2026
Barbara Kidd Carpenter, 89, from Casper, Wyoming. Daughter of Wyoming pioneer families, Lucille Love Kidd (of Hanna) and David Kidd (of Casper).
Barbara was a loving, respectful, and proud woman who cherished her large extended family and friends. We all admired her tenacity, love for family, and genuine interest in her loved ones’ lives. Her generosity and close connection to her family made her a wonderful gift, and she was renowned for her gift-giving.
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She started school at Park Elementary, a few blocks from home, graduated from NCHS, and then attended the University of Wyoming, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Athletics played a pivotal role in shaping Barbara’s life, encompassing a diverse range of activities such as alpine ski racing, swimming, hunting, fishing, tennis, and golf. Throughout her journey, she relentlessly pushed the boundaries of her physical abilities and the capabilities of her equipment. Joint replacements have emerged as a blessing in disguise, providing her with the mobility and support she needed to continue her athletic pursuits.
Barbara Kidd met and fell in love with her life partner, Dawn Carpenter, while they were attending the University of Wyoming after his Marine Corps service in the Korean War. Barbara and Dawn had five spirited and active children who filled their house with adventure, lively conversations, and the presence of people. Their extended family and friends were always visiting, and there were many celebrations throughout the years. Her family of five kids: Kim Nyenhuis of Fort Collins, Colorado., Bill Carpenter of Anchorage, Alaska., Brad Carpenter of Casper, Wyoming, Kristin Carpenter Queen of Casper, Wyoming and Kelley Carpenter Klein; turned in 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a dedicated servant who held leadership roles in several community organizations, including the PEO Chapter Y, PTO for Crest Hill Elementary, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, and various community service groups. Community was of utmost importance to her.
This super fun, hilarious, and naughty lady is survived by her brother, Bill Kidd; five children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dawn Carpenter; brothers, Tom Kidd and Bob Kidd.
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Caryn Ann (Calder) Mullin: 1964 – 2026
Steve Oldham (Nikki) of Benson, Utah; and Jamie Klaassen (Jeff) of Queen Creek, Arizona.
Caryn is preceded in death by her husband, John Mullin; mother, Dodie Wenzel; and stepfather, Joe Wenzel.
Funeral services will be held April 3, 2026, 1 p.m. at 6521 N 2400 W, Amalga, Utah. Burial will be April 4, 2026, 2 p.m. in Dry Fork Cemetery, Vernal, Utah.
Donald Ray Stapleton: 1955 – 2026
Donald Ray Stapleton was born March 29, 1955, in Falls City, Nebraska to Raymond Lee and Lela Jean Stapleton. He passed away on April 7, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming and took his last breath in his GTO to the kingdom of our lord.
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Donald lived in Kansas, Nebraska and Utah but spent a majority of his life in Wyoming. While living in Big Piney he met the love of his life, the vivacious Belle Wassenberg. They were married on August 24, 1974, and celebrated 51 years together. On June 7, 1979, they were blessed with their son, Solomon Perry Stapleton.
He enlisted in the Army in 1972 and was trained as a mechanic. Don had a variety of different career choices from rough neck to roustabout, lawn care, garbage collection, custodial, was a jack-of-all trades and a master of several.
In his leisure time he enjoyed the outdoors going rock hounding, four-wheeling, ghost town exploring and back roading. Don loved working on vehicles, especially classic muscle cars like his 1972 GTO. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was fortunate to attend a truck race in Las Vegas and a cup race in Atlanta. He was also a fan of football, basketball, baseball and the Olympics.
Don will be sorely missed for his sense of humor, generosity and tutelage of distressed children/people; i.e. Paddy Workman, Danny Bilbeisi and Joe and Donna Mae; that were welcomed into his home and became part of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Belle; sons, Sol and Dan; daughter-in-law, Andrea; grandsons, Ernie and Jude; brothers, Robert and Paddy; sister, Linda; half-sisters, Michelle and Cheryl; and many cousins, aunts and uncles and friends.
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May God speed him on his next journey…
Services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at First Christian Church at 10 a.m.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney, Wyoming at 11 a.m.
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