WyoFile regularly examines remarkable, notable and fascinating Wyoming lives — of those living and gone. If you have an idea for an individual you would like us to profile, email editor@wyofile.com.
Early childhood educator Kendra West builds better beginnings in southwest Wyoming
Bucking trends of insufficient child care capacity and expensive options, West fueled expansion of Evanston’s early childhood landscape.
Remembering Bobbi Barrasso — what a spirit
“In Bobbi’s world, a room full of strangers quickly became a room full of friends,” reflected one former colleague and longtime companion.
‘Specializing in Guns for the Ladies,’ Linda Romero reflects on 37 years of business
The sole proprietor of Frontier Antiques and Collectibles discusses life in her iconic Cheyenne shop
WyoProfile: Judge Melissa Owens, arbiter of Wyoming’s abortion ban suit
Tarred as an activist by the Freedom Caucus, others describe instead a strong, smart, independent jurist who’s well-suited to the biggest Wyoming case in nearly a decade.
Penelope Shihab brings the world of entrepreneurship to Wyoming
From her roots as a Palestinian refugee to the University of Wyoming, Shihab inspires others to achieve their dreams.
Lakers icon Jerry Buss grew up in Kemmerer. But the town’s done little to honor its famous son.
Wyoming shaped the basketball tycoon into the person who would go on to run one of the most famous franchises in sports.
Ashlee Lundvall broke her back. Then she found her purpose.
The Park County woman spun her grave injury into a life of pioneering outdoor access and shattering barriers. Today, she’s an accomplished hunter, devoted mom and Wyoming’s only female Game and Fish commissioner.
This is Artemis Langford: UW’s first transgender sorority sister speaks
After making history as the first openly transgender woman to join a Wyoming sorority, Langford watched as right-wing media misrepresented her. Now, she’s telling her story.
A horse-drawn POTUS hopeful is touring Wyoming. And suing Yellowstone along the way.
Red Lodge, Montana attorney Walter Clapp says he gave up everything to run for president in pursuit of a singular solution to the country’s woes: a larger U.S. House.
How a small-town coach created Wyoming’s biggest winner
Todd Dayton developed a system in Cokeville that produced the most high school football victories in the state’s history
Gail Symons wants you to vote
Access to the ballot box is the one true equality in the United States, according to Symons, so she’s set out to build an informed Wyoming electorate.
How Lander lost a librarian
Nate Shoutis left his dream job due to what he described as a climate of discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and the censorship of educators.
The ‘Veggie Lady’: Wyoming’s locally grown food broker
LeAnn Miller works to connect rural producers with urban consumers in a state of vast highways and harsh growing conditions.
A roadside breakdown in the Shirley Basin changed his perspective on life
Douglas Balmain tramps about the Shirley Basin as a “student,” drawing inspiration for what it might teach him about leading a lifestyle with purpose.
Raymond Silva, trailblazing Mexican American educator, son of Wyoming
Forced to live in segregated housing as a child, the son of farmworkers went on to get his master’s in teaching from UW.
Sheridan teacher revolutionizes school’s approach to reading
Crystal Lenhart’s passion for literacy closed the gap in reading proficiency at Big Horn Elementary.
First ascent, Second Tower, last man
After a world-famous Teton skyline crumbled, a 94-year-old climber who was part of its history reflects on time and the shared impermanence of mountains and men.
Pathway pioneer Tim Young rides off into the sunset
A passion for human-powered travel fueled a career advocating for and shepherding Wyoming path and road safety projects. In retirement, Young plans to spend time on the trails he helped make possible.
Sylvia Bruner took Buffalo museum from brink to prestige
Bruner had big dreams for the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum when she became director in 2016. But first, she had to put out some fires.
Neon niche: Tube-bender Connie Morgan lights up Wyoming
Morgan’s Casper business, GloW Neon Lights, is breathing life into a dying craft.
Ray Kasckow’s ‘collaborative spirit of intellectual adventure’
How an insatiable curiosity for Wyoming’s people and places builds community.
From fungi to arcana, a life defined by nature and history
Professor, archivist and beekeeper Jack States’ enthusiasm for history and science led to discoveries and insights on interconnectedness.
Cheyenne peace activist leaves luminous legacy
Driven by generosity and a hearty joie de vivre, Margaret Laybourn “stood for the underdog.”
Grizzly mama of the Tetons sets out to break a record
She’s 27 years old, reputed for being a stellar mother and knows her way around a crowd. If you live in Jackson Hole she might be your nosy neighbor. Regardless, her olfactory senses are terrific. Wyoming resident Grizzly 399 has lived a wild life that has garnered attention around the world. Like the best of…
Floppy hats, bean cans and dinosaurs: J.P. Cavigelli digs ’em all
Wyoming offers a lifetime of discoveries for paleontologist J.P. Cavigelli. The dino digger shares his infectious curiosity and humor.
Maintenance savant Jed Lane keeps Wyoming Capitol running
The HVAC specialist is so essential to state government one lawmaker has threatened to pass a law banning his retirement.
Through black ice and whiteouts, plow driver minds South Pass
Severe conditions have created a busy season for Kevin Maynard and WYDOT’s fleet of drivers. Staff shortages only complicate the tricky equation of keeping state highways open.
Wyoming won’t forget late football legend Dobler
Years in the NFL trenches brought the offensive guard fame but left his body crippled and mind corroded.
Cheyenne woman saves countless lives, including her own
Seventeen years into recovery, Karen Miller continues to help those struggling with substance use disorders.
Moats, Wyo’s media attorney, goes out fighting for the right to know
Bruce Moats’ retirement blows another hole through the fraying fabric of Wyoming journalism.
Katie Burchett turned loss into inspiration for pediatric care
As founder and CEO of the Olivia Caldwell Foundation, she supports groundbreaking pediatric cancer research, in the name of her daughter.
From the barn to the boardroom, Jim Nielson imbued goodwill
Cody pillar died in November at age 91. Friends and family recall a man of understated strength and enormous generosity.
‘Making stone soup’: Laramie Latina activist reflects on her work
Connie Coca’s recipe for change involves planting seeds and enabling the community to take ownership in their growth, she said.