A weekly news rundown sharing the local stories and happenings of Cheyenne and Laramie County. Tune in every Friday for new episodes.
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The Cheyenne Coin Shop murdersIn 2015, a double homicide was committed at The Coin Shop in Cheyenne. Nobody was arrested for nine years. This week, the man who made the initial 911 call reporting the incident, Douglas Smith, was sentenced despite continuing to defend his innocence. WTE's Ivy Secrest breaks down the crime and the week-long trial that played out in Laramie County District Court. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stories from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37826525
Jason Sanchez: Cheyenne Community Recreation and EventsJason Sanchez is the head of the city of Cheyenne's Community Recreation and Events department. He joined WTE reporter Noah Zahn on Wyoming Watch this week to chat about what some of his divisions are working on. The conversation included discussions about a new veterans memorial in town, ongoing safety updates at the downtown Spiker Parking Structure and sixth-penny sales tax priorities. Stick around until the end for a recap of the top stories from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37726225
Behind the scenes at Cheyenne Frontier DaysThis week, we're sharing a conversation Noah Zahn had with our staff photographer Milo Gladstein. He told shared what it's like working behind the scenes at Cheyenne Frontier Days, something most of the hundreds of thousands of attendees who come back every year never get to see. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stories from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37629205
The past and future of CFD's Indian VillageNative Americans have been a key aspect of CFD since its inception in the late 1800s. This year is the final year of the Native American Indian Village as CFD constructs the new, larger Morning Star Indian Village, set to open next year. This week on Wyoming Watch, WTE's Ivy Secrest brought the mic to Frontier Park to speak with vendors and dancers as they reflect on their past and discuss the future. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stories from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37542045
Trouble in town for the Cheyenne GunslingersThe Cheyenne Gunslingers have been performing Old West-style melodramas in Cheyenne since 1983. They are now kicking off their 2025 season as Cheyenne Frontier Days begins this year. At the same time, the city of Cheyenne is considering relocating them once again to make way for the 15th Street Railcar Experience. The group of volunteers opposes this move, but feel they have little leverage as the city owns the land they perform on and the city’s governing body moves forward with the railcar project. This week on Wyoming Watch, Noah Zahn spoke with Roger "Lucky" Barnes, the chief marshal of the Gunslingers, and Pamela "Trixie" Schliske, another Gunslinger. Stick around until the end for a recap of the top stories from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37451915
Conversation with Cheyenne band Bonamo Throughout the summer, the Wyoming Arts Council has helped organize “Tunes on the Trail,” a program bringing local musicians to perform unplugged sets in Wyoming’s natural and historic areas. Next Friday, it’ll be coming to Laramie County at Curt Gowdy State Park. This week on Wyoming Watch, arts and entertainment reporter Taylor Staples spoke with Bonamo, the Cheyenne-based band who will be performing. They're an acoustic trio made up of Kevin Ramler, Joe Evans and Steve Scott who plays folk, bluegrass and blues music. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37364185
Touring Cheyenne's 133-year-old pumphouse Over the past several weeks, the Cheyenne City Council has been discussing whether to maintain, restore or sell the Historic Pumphouse building. This week on Wyoming Watch (formerly The Perch), WTE's Noah Zahn took the microphone inside the building and chatted with local stakeholders and elected officials about the future of the pumphouse. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37279680
New Cheyenne Fire Rescue Chief Andrew DykshornThis week on The Perch, we're sharing a conversation our local government reporter had with the new chief of Cheyenne Fire Rescue, Andrew Dykshorn. Additionally, we'll be sharing the farewell words from the current chief, John Kopper, that he shared at a change of command ceremony Thursday afternoon. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37170885
A conversation with author B. Dylan HollisB. Dylan Hollis is a Laramie-based social media personality, author and baker who has over 10 million followers on TikTok. He recently released his second book, "Baking Across America," which features niche regional recipes from across the country. Hollis spoke with WTE's Taylor Staples about how he got his start, his experiences in Wyoming and his upcoming book signing event in Cheyenne on Wednesday, June 25, as the last stop on his tour. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/37084460
Why teachers are leaving Cheyenne high schools Cheyenne’s South High School has lost nearly 40 teachers, coaches and staff since August of 2024. Across all of Laramie County School District 1, that number is 115 in the same timeframe. This week, WTE state government reporter Hannah Shields spoke with two high school teachers at South High School, Dan Marcum and Tascha Burton, about why they think this is happening. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36979535
Lawmakers propose abolishing Wyoming's property tax system Wyoming lawmakers voted Tuesday to draft a bill that abolishes the state’s property tax system. During a meeting of the Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee in Gillette, the proposal was introduced by Sen. Bob Ide, R-Casper, who said it’s time for lawmakers to start over from scratch. Taxpayers are “paying unrealized gains” on inflation, he said, and it’s time for the state to “shift to a new system.” Furthermore, recent property tax reform passed in the last two years has created complexity in assessment for both the taxpayers and county assessors, he said. This week, WTE reporter Hannah Shields breaks down these meetings and the conversations surrounding it. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36881320
Why some doctors are leaving Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Several doctors have left Cheyenne Regional Medical Center over administrative accountability and staffing concerns over the past year. In December, a group of hospital providers cast a vote of no confidence in CRMC President and CEO Tim Thornell. Following an an investigation from the CRMC Board of Trustees, the board unanimously voted to have "full confidence" in Thornell. This week, WTE reporter Noah Zahn shares what he has heard from several doctors on their decision to leave the hospital and the response from hospital administration. Stick around until the end for a roundup of upcoming events in the area and a recap of the top stores from the WTE newsroom over the past week. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36779660
A conversation with Wyoming author Craig JohnsonWyoming author Craig Johnson is publishing his newest Wyoming mystery book this week, set in the Rock Springs area. This week, he spoke with the WTE's Taylor Staples on The Perch. The new book, called “Return to Sender” is the 28th story in the series featuring stories of Sheriff Walt Longmire in the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming. In the interview, Johnson shared how he develops his stories by immersing himself in Wyoming history and culture and never falls out of love with continuing to get to know and develop his characters. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36683980
What is a Wyoming Stable Token? Wyoming is leading the country as the first to create a state agency-administered stable token, and state lawmakers are considering ways to integrate and promote digital assets in its finance system. The state is expected to produce its first stable tokens in early July. This week on The Perch, WTE reporter Hannah Shields explains what stable tokens are and how they are expected to benefit Wyoming. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36587885
Potential impacts of Medicaid cuts on Wyoming Wyoming Hospital Association Vice President Josh Hannes dives into how a potential $880 billion cut to Medicaid program spending would impact hospitals, nursing homes and health insurance for Wyomingites. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told reporter Hannah Shields earlier this week that "Medicaid reforms are unlikely to negatively impact" Wyoming. Other news outlets recently reported House Speaker Mike Johnson is ruling out major slashes to the $900 billion Medicaid program. This week on The Perch, Hannes spoke with the WTE's Hannah Shields about what to expect. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36502505
A Wyoming Vietnam veteran makes his first trip to Washington D.C. Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran Billy Fiorelli is making his way to Washington, D.C., next week with his husband, Paul, for the first time in their lives. The trip is completely paid for by Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP, as part of AARP’s Voyage of Valor, which takes American veterans on trips to the nation's capital. Billy Fiorelli said it was important for him to make this trip now, because when he gets home, he’ll begin chemotherapy treatments to combat stage 3 cancer after doctors found tumors on his aorta and lymph nodes. He has previously beaten cancer three times. This week on The Perch, he spoke with the WTE's Taylor Staples about the upcoming trip. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36404255
Cheyenne chef Petrina Peart talks about competing on NBC's new cooking show Petrina Peart is a local chef and the executive chef at the Wyoming Governor’s Residence. She recently competed in the first season of the new NBC show "Yes, Chef!" as one 12 chefs selected to compete in the cooking show. The show is hosted by chefs Martha Stewart and José Andrés. Peart was born and raised in Jamaica, and didn’t get into cooking until she joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. This week on The Perch, she spoke with the WTE's Taylor Staples about her culinary journey and her experience on the show. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36301320
Cheyenne high school senior opens shop in Frontier MallKacee Lillie began selling shirts and earrings she designed when she was 14. Now 18 years old, she has opened a boutique in Frontier Mall in Cheyenne. This week on The Perch, Kacee shared how she got in the business, her concerns about tariffs from the Trump administration, and how she navigated her life as a high schooler starting and running a business. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36215510
Is the 15th Street Railcar Experience worth it for Cheyenne?Cheyenne City Council members Michelle Aldrich and Dr. Mark Rinne discuss the proposed 15th Street Railcar Experience. Aldrich is strongly opposed to the project, saying it is unrealistic and a waste of money. Rinne says it will be a net benefit for the community and is very attainable. The two visited the WTE this week to have a conversation with reporter Noah Zahn about why they support or oppose the project that the city has been working on for several years. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/36092060
Rep. Harriet Hageman town hall dramaAfter Wyoming's U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman's town halls grew chaotic across the state – particularly one in Laramie – she transitioned from in-person to tele-town hall events. Following the announcement, the Wyoming Democratic Party and the Laramie County Democratic Party moved to host their own in-person town hall at the same time to allow people to voice their concerns and submit their findings to Hageman. Residents had the option to sign up to attend the tele-town hall online, but some never received the link after signing up, claiming they were intentionally excluded from the list. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35999340
Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor William Intriligator on how music shaped himWilliam Intriligator has been conductor and music director of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra for the past 17 years. This week, he came on The Perch to share what music has meant to him, how its driven his life and his work in Cheyenne. He spoke with Taylor Staples, the WTE's arts and entertainment reporter. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35894780
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Mark Gordon full interviewThis special episode of The Perch airs the full interview Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon had with Wyoming Tribune Eagle Managing Editor Brian Martin and the WTE Editorial Board on Monday, March 17, 2025. The conversation included the governor's take on the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, as well as how happenings in Washington, D.C., may impact the Cowboy State. This includes topics from DOGE federal layoffs to Wyoming property taxes. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director William Intriligator on how he approaches his work and art in Cheyenne. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35800920
Gov. Mark Gordon on the current state and future of WyomingGov. Mark Gordon sat down with Wyoming Tribune Eagle Managing Editor Brian Martin to share his thoughts on this year's 2025 legislative session and how happenings in Washington, D.C. may impact the Cowboy State. This episode airs excerpts from the full hour-long interview with the governor, which is available to listen to in full and unedited on a special episode of The Perch, uploaded today, March 21, 2025. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director William Intriligator on how he approaches his work and art in Cheyenne. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35799995
Key Takeaways from Wyoming's 2025 Legislative Session Last week, the Wyoming Legislature wrapped up its 2025 general session. It gained national attention after the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline Republicans, gained majority control of the House of Representatives. This is the first time in the nation a Freedom Caucus has gained majority control of a state legislative branch. Hannah Shields, our state government reporter, shares what she learned from her coverage of the session this year. Next week, we will share a conversation we had with Gov. Mark Gordon to hear his thoughts after the session wrapped up. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35680385
Danae Hays gives behind the scenes look of comedy before Cheyenne show After going viral on TikTok during the pandemic and never having performed on a stage before, Danae Hays began her first tour around a year ago after amassing a large following online. She is performing tonight, if you’re listening on Friday, at the Cheyenne Civic Center. Her conversation with the WTE's Taylor Staples explores her transition from viral internet celebrity to live stand-up comedy and how she uses comedy to deal with struggles in her life. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35569615
Wyoming lawmaker on her bill to ban trans athletesWyoming Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, shares her story from the challenges she faced as a youth and collegiate athlete to why she is now pushing for legislation that would ban trans athletes from competing in female collegiate sports in Wyoming. This week, she spoke with WTE reporter Ivy Secrest. This episode is the second of two parts covering the bills. Last week, The Perch shared a conversation with Santi Murillo, an advocate for the queer community in Wyoming and the first trans athlete to compete at the University of Wyoming. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35476110
Former trans athlete discusses potential bansSanti Murillo was the first trans athlete at the University of Wyoming. Now, she is advocating against bills that would further restrict trans athletes' access to sports in the state. She shared her story with WTE reporter Ivy Secrest. This is episode is the first of two parts covering the bills. Next week, The Perch is bringing you a conversation with Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, who is sponsoring one of those bills. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35377790
Wyoming law enforcement officials concerned about property tax cutsLocal sheriff departments and fire departments across Wyoming are at risk of losing a significant amount of funding this year as the Wyoming Legislature considers further property tax cuts. This week, WTE reporter Ivy Secrest shares her conversation with Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak and Laramie County Fire Authority Chief Jason Caughey on the issue. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming Capitol over the past week, as well as a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35279150
Mid-session update: Wyoming Legislature hits the halfway pointNote: As of this week, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle is changing the upload date of The Perch from every Wednesday morning to every Friday morning. The Wyoming Legislature is now halfway through its 2025 legislative session. This week, reporters Hannah Shields and Carrie Haderlie share what they've been covering so far, and which bills will be advancing to the second half of the session. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming Capitol over the past week, as well as a preview of upcoming local events. New episodes published every Friday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35184855
Cheyenne's New Children's MuseumCaroline Veit has been working to bring a children's museum for over a decade. Driven by a passion to bring Cheyenne children an opportunity she never had growing up, the museum is set to open soon in downtown Cheyenne. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Taylor Staples shares her conversation with Veit. Stick around to hear a recap of local headlines and happenings at the Wyoming State Capitol over the past week and a forecast of upcoming events in the next week. New episodes published every Wednesday. Provide feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. /episode/index/show/b374c6d0-7514-4561-bc41-c010501116f4/id/35057815
