WyoFile’s mission is to inform and engage Wyoming through in-depth reporting in the public interest. We make our reporting available to you and the rest of the Wyoming press corps, which can republish our work for free. WyoFile also shares a curated list of reporting from around the state to keep you up to date on local news. While WyoFile does not have a paywall, some local newsrooms do. If you see stories you value reading, we encourage you to consider supporting these local Wyoming newsrooms by subscribing or advertising. You can support WyoFile by becoming a member and donating to keep our news free for everyone.
Low snow cancels World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb
Jackson Hole Daily
The World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, hosted annually at Snow King Mountain, has been canceled. Insufficient snow is to blame, according to the Jackson Hole Snow Devils, the Jackson Hole Daily reports. “Our team worked hard to explore every possible option to make the event happen, including alternate routes on the mountain,” the Snow Devils explained. “Despite our best efforts, the snow conditions simply do not allow us to host a safe and high-quality race this year.” Read the full story.
Douglas golf course prays for rain after call on Platte River
Douglas Budget
A lack of snow and rain this winter prompted the State Engineer’s Office to prohibit junior water rights’ holders from pulling from the Platte River. This includes, among other entities, the Douglas golf course. Normally, the golf course relies heavily on its ponds to irrigate the greens, but currently they are empty and being relined, a project which will save water going forward. That has the golf course staff hoping that spring will bring enough precipitation to lift the restriction and refill the irrigation pond by May 1, the Douglas Budget reports. Read the full story.
Cheyenne mulls stormwater fee repeal in wake of legislative pressure, lawsuits
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
The Cheyenne City Council is considering repealing the city’s stormwater runoff management system user fee. Before being paused in December, the program was set to impose a fee on nearly all land within city limits based on the total square footage of hard surface area. As adopted, it would have charged property owners a rate of 24 cents per 100 square feet of hard surface. However, due to various issues, including lawsuits against the city and actions in the Wyoming Legislature, city officials are being advised to do away with it altogether, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. Read the full story.
Powell man’s McDonald’s drive-thru visit goes viral
Powell Tribune
As Powell resident Allen Hatch left McDonald’s on Jan. 30, he wasn’t laughing. But it wasn’t because he was asked to keep his wagon and draft horses Onyx and Coal out of the drive-thru. It was because he spilled his soda while leaving the establishment. “I need to install a cupholder on my wagon,” he said during a Tuesday interview, filled with laughter, with the Powell Tribune. Hatch found himself in the center of an international brouhaha after being photographed as he ordered and picked up his modest combo meal at the Powell location of the famous restaurant. Read the full story.
Sweet legacy: Casper institution Donells Candies marks 70 years of business
Oil City News
Don Stepp made a long, slow drive over wintery roads from Colorado Springs to Casper in January 1956 to see a brand new shopping center on what was then the east end of Casper. It was called the Hilltop Shopping Center, and developer Thomas Sandison was eager to get it filled, Oil City News reports. According to Don’s son, Mike Stepp, Sandison was already calling by the time his dad made it back home to his wife, Elma. “He said, ‘Well, if your candy is as good as everybody says it is, I want you here,’” Mike said. Read the full story.

