JACKSON, Wyo. — As the temps rise and more people head toward the water to recreate, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) sent out an annual reminder to avoid harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs).
According to the WDEQ, cyanobacteria is also known as blue-green algae and can form HCBs that pose risks to human and animal health. HCBs usually appear in mid-to-late summer and can occur in streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They can vary in appearance — they can be green, tan, brown or blue-green, and can float in or on the water, producing cyanotoxins and other irritants. HCBs can often look like spilled paint, clumps, grass clippings or scum. They can also stick to surfaces underwater like rocks or plants.
If a person or animal is sick after exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom, seek medical attention or a veterinarian. More information on the health risks and symptoms can be found on WDH’s website. The WDH will follow up on all HCB illnesses reported, and the WDEQ will investigate potential blooms to determine if they are harmful. The WDH will also issue different levels of advisories for bodies of water where HCBs could pose a risk to people and animals.
To view a webmap of current and past advisories, to view answers to frequently asked questions, or to report a suspected bloom or bloom-related illness, visit the WDEQ webpage here.
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If a suspected bloom is present, the WDH and WLSB recommend the following:
Avoid contact with water in and around the bloom, especially in areas where cyanobacteria are dense.
Do not swallow water from the bloom. Boiling, filtration or other treatments will not remove toxins.
Rinse fish with clean water and eat only the fillet portion.
Avoid water spray from the bloom.
Do not allow pets or livestock to drink water near the bloom, eat bloom material or lick fur after contact.
If people, pets or livestock come into contact with a bloom, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible.
Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, Cap City News is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.
Candidates were asked:
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the Cap City News Election Tracker.
Jessica Crowder (R), Wyoming House District 43
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
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Wyoming is built on hard work, strong communities, and the responsible use of our natural resources. The families in House District 43 and Wyoming face real challenges — from the need for a more resilient, diverse economy to the increasing outmigration of young people. Wyoming families also face rising costs of healthcare, housing and more. House District 43 deserves a representative that puts people first and works to strengthen the place we call home through steady and thoughtful leadership.
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
As a legislator, I will use my experience working with landowners, businesses, and local governments to support the industries that define Wyoming while encouraging thoughtful growth and diversification. Our future depends on good jobs, strong schools, and communities where families can put down roots and thrive. We can honor the values that make Wyoming what it is while building something that lasts—an economy that works for working people, an education system that prepares the next generation, and communities that remain resilient and connected.
The rising cost of healthcare and the difficulty of accessing services are real challenges for Wyoming families. We need reforms that reduce costs, expand access—including to mental health resources—and meet people where they are. The 2026 Health Insurance Affordability Task Force is working to address rising costs, and I will work with this group and others to develop effective solutions that deliver the quality care our communities deserve.
Tax and housing reforms must be reviewed for possible refinement so people can afford to buy homes, stay in their homes, and build equity and pride of place. At the same time, every Wyoming county depends on a different mix of revenue, and we all rely on stable, predictable local funding for essential services. I will participate in honest, informed conversations about how to provide relief to those who need it most without jeopardizing essential services.
Wyoming’s economy depends on our core industries and new businesses that invest here. Both need clear, consistent processes and regulations so they have confidence in choosing Wyoming. Economic growth also relies on strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce. When these pieces work together—predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, workforce readiness, and responsible budgeting—they create a stable environment that encourages growth, provides good jobs, and protects taxpayers.
What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
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I believe we maintain and create opportunity by respecting the people who live here and the land that sustains us. I grew up on a ranch and now raise my family in Laramie County, where we run a ranch and small business, so I understand the challenges facing families, landowners, and employers. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land management, and public policy, I’ve supported working lands, defended local interests, and strengthened communities. The values that guide this work—practical problem solving, respect for local knowledge, and a commitment to community—have broad application beyond land management and would serve me well in the legislature.
TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently confirmed two additional cases of measles in Teton County, bringing the statewide total to six cases, with five cases having occurred in Teton County.
A release from the WDH states that one recently-confirmed case is an adult with no identified links to the previous three Teton County cases, while the other case is also an adult, who had direct exposure to a previously identified case.
“This underscores the highly contagious nature of the measles virus,” the release states.
According to the release, the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times:
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Target Jackson Hole, 510 S Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
July 5, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
July 6, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
July 7, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
July 8, 2026, 9:00 AM through noon
“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death,” the release states. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection.”
For more information on measles, including case counts, exposure locations, and guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website.
