Home / Chronology / 2011 - 2020

2011 - 2020

2011

  • "...retired Sen. Al Simpson of Cody...warned that unless the national debt is brought under control..."America is not going to just collapse, but we won't be No. 1," Simpson said. "And our credit will be adjusted. We won't be the most reliable currency in the world because we have a dysfunctional government that won't address things." (Cody Enterprise Dec. 28, 2011)

2012

  • ...In the general election, Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen won a second term, beating challenger John Palmer." (Wyoming Tribune Eagle Dec. 30, 2012)
  • March 2012, US Ambassador to Tunisa Gordon Gray meets with Wyoming Adjutant General Major General Luke Reiner, Maj. Jim Cudney, the bilateral affairs officer in the U.S. Embassy in Tunis and Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen. The meeting was to discuss the Wyoming National Guard's (WYNG) continued partnership with the Tunisian government and how the WYNG could continue to help the North African nation's transition following the upheaval of the Arab Spring. [1]
  • July 2012, Buffalo man & paleontologist Randy Moses unearths a skeleton in his front yard while installing a mailbox. After analysis, it is believed to be a man in his 40s whose coffin was unintentionally left when the early cemetery was moved from the site. [2]
  • December 1, Casper College professor James Krumm is killed on campus by his son, Christopher Krumm, with a bow and arrow. Christopher had killed his father's live-in girlfriend before shooting his father and taking his own life.

2013

  • "For the first time in 17 years, the federal government was shut down earlier this year as a result of congressional intransigence over the funding and implementation of the federal health-care reform law, among other things....The shutdown also caused headaches for state tourism officials, who had to deal with fallout from the closure of Wyoming’s national parks, some of the state’s biggest tourism draws." (Wyoming Tribune Eagle Dec. 31, 2013)
  • "...the Legislature’s passage of a bill that would allow Wyoming to join the 43 other states that offer multi-state lotteries. Mead signed the bill into law on March 13, paving the way for the Cowboy State to set up a lottery corporation, which aims to get a lottery framework up and running sometime in the coming year." (Wyoming Tribune Eagle Dec. 31, 2013)
  • February, Legislature passes SF104, effectively stripping the Superintendent of Public Instruction's office of many of its ministrative duties and transferring control to the Wyoming Department of Education to a director appointed by Governor Matt Mead. The bill become known as the "Hill Bill" and touched off a string of lawsuits filed by then Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill.
  • August, the remains of Ronald Holtz are discovered in an abandoned mine shaft on the Remount Ranch. His wife, Alice Unden, now 75, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the 1974-1975 murder. In a strange twist, Unden's 4th and then current husband, Gerald Unden, was arrested in November on unrelated homicide charges in Fremont County and confessed to the September 1980 murders of his wife and her two children.
  • EPA's Clean Air Act redraws boundary lines for the Wind River Reservation to include Riverton. Governor Matt Mead appeals the decision and files a lawsuit on behalf of the state.

2014

  • In January, the first Tesla supercharger station for electric vehicles opens in Lusk. The four unit station is located in the courtyard of the Covered Wagon Motel, the first of several planned in Wyoming by the company to provide cross-country travelers with power for their cars. [3]
  • January, the Wyoming Supreme Court rules the "Hill Bill" unconstitutional in a 3-2 vote and restores control of the Department of Education to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
  • In September, firearms accessory manufacturer Magpul announces plans to move its manufacturing operations to Cheyenne from Erie, Colorado, citing Colorado's new gun-control legislation limiting high-capacity magazines. The new factory was up and running by February 2015.
  • April 22, alleged animal hoarder Kimi Peck is cited with 55 counts of not having current rabies vaccines after Cheyenne Animal Control searched her RV in the Walmart parking lot. “We were aware of the history of Peck from an email we received stating she had animals with her that were near death, but that was not the case when our officer inspected them Tuesday,” Bob Fecht, director of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter said, “All 55 of the dogs were well-fed, well-watered, not in distress, and not one piece of feces could be found.” [4]
  • October 21, same-sex marriage legalized in Wyoming after U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl overturned Wyoming's 100-year-old ban on gay marriage.
  • December 30, a fire on Dubois' main street destroys 8 businesses and three historic buildings. Extreme low temperatures make fighting the fire difficult. The fire is ruled accidental.

2015

  • February, the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints announces plans to build its first temple in Wyoming at Afton.
  • February, the WyoTech campus in Laramie is sold to Zenith Education Group following scandals that forced Corinthian Colleges to sell several of their campuses. In early May, Zenith laid off nearly one third of the WyoTech staff, citing low enrollment.
  • March 20, University of Wyoming men's basketball team looses first round to University of Northern Iowa in their first appearance in the NCAA Championship tournament since 2002. The team was ranked for the first time in 25 years.
  • April 10, the Wyoming Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) permanently closes, making Wyoming the only state in the nation without an ACLU office.
  • April 13, UW President Dick McGinity announces his plans to step down when his contract expires in June 2016. By mid-May, the Board of Trustees announces their plans to keep the search for the next president open.
  • April 15, Wyoming Department of Health reports the worst flu season in at least 15 years.
  • Late April hard freezes and snows cause large crashes on I-80. The first crash on April 16, involved an estimated 45 vehicles near the Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie. The second crash on April 20, involved nearly 60 vehicles 18 miles west of Laramie and resulted in one death.
  • May 12, Laramie becomes the first town in Wyoming to pass an LGBT Non-Descrimination ordinance.
  • May, higher than average rainfall during the month causes flooding across the state.
  • In early May, Deseret Health Group announces they would be closing two nursing homes in Saratoga and Rock Spring. On May 8, for the first time in state history, the Wyoming Department of Health stepped in and took over operationof the facilities until new owners could be found. On May 13, it was announced that Washington-based EmpRes Healthcare Management would run the Rock Springs home. On May 20, it was announced that Montana based Health Management Services would be the new managing company for the Saratoga home.
  • May 11, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services announces plans to kick off their Wyoming Grown program intended to bring former residents back to the state to live and work.
  • May 18, Western Sugar Cooperative announces plans to close their Torrington factory possibly by the end of 2016 and laying off 70 workers. The factory first opened in 1926.
  • May 25, a month of excessive rain causes rock and mud slides takes out sections of railroad tracks and close US 20 through Wind River Canyon on Memorial Day. A WYDOT employee barely escapes the slide.
  • May, Downtown Rock Springs adopts a colorful mascot and asks locals to help name him. Boomer is chosen from suggestions using an online survey. [5]
  • June 6, the State of Wyoming hosts a welcome home day/reunion for Vietnam Veterans at the Casper Events Center. [6]
  • June, Harlem Globetrotters basketball team drafts University of Wyoming's Larry Nance, Jr. [7]
  • June 26, US Supreme Court announces a 5-4 decision that the US Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Governor Matt Mead releases a statement on Twitter saying, "Today the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling on same-sex marriage. Some will agree and some will disagree with the ruling. This is understandable as many have strong-held personal and religious beliefs about marriage. The ruling, in fact, is contrary to my personal beliefs. Wyoming fought and lost this case in the federal court system. However, whatever view one holds on the matter, we all must acknowledge the Court has spoken. Wyoming will continue on with respect for the law and respect for all our citizens." [8]
  • June 26, Governor Matt Mead is elected chairman of the Western Governor's Association. He announces that he will focus on the Endangered Species Act saying “Western states have shown leadership in species and habitat conservation and the bipartisan nature of WGA allows the Western Governors to be well-positioned to continue leading on the issue. This is a western issue and my focus as Chairman will center on habitat conservation, recovery of species and making the law better.” [9]
  • June 25, University of Wyoming's Larry Nance, Jr. is drafted by the the Los Angeles Lakers as their 1st round pick, 27th overall. Nance becomes the 28th Cowboy to be drafted in the program's history and the first since 1995. [10]
  • June 29, Governor Matt Mead announces that the State of Wyoming joins 11 other states in a lawsuit opposing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act, published today in the Federal Register. “This rule expands the reach of federal agencies to lands and waters beyond the bounds set by Congress,” said Mead. “It is wrong for Wyoming, for every state and for the United States, and it is unlawful.” [11]
  • July 10, The state of Wyoming celebrates 125 years of statehood with a celebration in the Capitol Complex, Cheyenne, hosted by the State Park and Cultural Resources Department. The festivities included speakers on the Capitol steps, live music, children's games and activities, carriage rides, a special exhibit in the State Museum, and portions of the state constitution on display in the State Archives. The night was capped off by fireworks beside the Capitol Building.
  • July 18, a small plane crashes north of Buffalo Bill Reservoir, killing all four aboard. [12]
  • July 29, Gov. Mead announces the creation of the Governor’s Marijuana Impact Assessment Council (GMIAC) to collect, review and coordinate scientific data on the effects of legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use – focusing on the impacts to public health and safety. The Council will present their findings during the 2016 Legislative Session. [13]
  • August 19, Following a five year debate, the Casper City Council votes to allow residents to keep up to 6 chickens within city limits. This comes on the heels of a decision in July to allow bees within city limits. [14]
  • August 26, Five 55 gallon drums of honey fall off a flat bed trailer, creating a sticky mess in South Pass on Highway 28 near Lander. Initially reported as a hazardous material spill, Fremont County Fire Protection District is called out and attempts to wash the mess off the highway. [15]
  • September 30, US District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl grants Wyoming and Colorado’s request for a preliminary injunction on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) hydraulic fracturing rule. The injunction prevents the BLM’s rule from taking effect until the states’ cases have been fully resolved. [16]
  • October 7, Wyoming's first ever confirmed human rabies victim dies in Utah. [17]
  • December 9, Capitol Building closes to the public for renovation work. [18]
  • December 9, Governor Mead receives the 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award from the American Recreation Coalition (ARC). [19]
  • December 18, Lauri Nichols is named president of the University of Wyoming. She becomes the first woman to hold the office. [20]

2016

  • January, Big Horn High School (Big Horn, Wyoming) was recently named one of America’s top 500 schools by Newsweek magazine, in part because of the number of students earning a high school diploma. The district that it’s part of, Sheridan County School District No. 1, was recognized by msn.com as the state’s best. The website named Big Horn the best high school." [21]
  • January 30, Kenny Sailors, former University of Wyoming basketball player and inventor of the "jump shot" dies at age 95. [22]
  • March 4, Gov. Matt Mead announces his updated Energy Strategy. [23]
  • March 31, Arch Coal Inc. and Peabody Engergy, two of the largest coal mines in the Powder River Basin, announce massive layoffs. 465 miners are laid off between the two companies. [24] In response, Gov. Matt Mead opens temporary community resource centers in Casper, Gillette and Douglas. [25]
  • April 4, Former President Bill Clinton visits Cheyenne to campaign for his wife, Hillary, and urges Wyoming Democrats to caucus for her. [26]
  • April 5, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders visits Laramie to campaign ahead of the Wyoming Democratic county caucus on April 9.
  • April 25, the U.S. Postal Service unveils a new postage stamp featuring Yellowstone National as part of a 16 design set commemorating the National Park Service centennial. [27]
  • July 26, 35 black-footed ferrets are released onto the BV and Pitchfork Ranches near Meeteetse near the spot where the species was rediscovered in the 1981. Prior to that, they were thought to be extinct. [28]


1. "Wyoming Guard's partnership with Tunisia growing,"US Army website, March 3, 2012. (accessed July 2015)

2. "Buffalo Man Has A Bone To Pick," Buffalo Bulletin July 23, 2014 (accessed June 2015)

3. "Tesla Supercharger Arrives in Lusk," by Mark Wilcox, Wyoming Business Report, January 3, 2014. (accessed June 2015)

4. "Alleged Animal Horder Cited" Wyoming Tribune Eagle, April 23, 2014. (accessed June 2015)

5. "Help Name the New Downtown Rock Springs Mascot," SweetwaterNOW, May 3, 2015. (accessed July 2015)

6. "Welcome Home Wyoming Vietnam Veterans!," Oil City, June 5, 2015. (accessed June 2015)

7. "Harlem Globetrotters Draft Wyoming's Larry Nance, Jr." County 10, June 23, 2015. (accessed June 2015)

8. 6 tweets, Governor Matt Mead Twitter Feed, June 26, 2015. (accessed June 2015)

9. "Governor Mead Named Chairman of Western Governors’ Association," Governor's Office press release, June 26, 2015.

10. "Former Wyoming star Larry Nance Jr. selected by Los Angeles Lakers with 27th pick of 2015 NBA Draft" Casper Star-Tribune, June 25, 2015. (accessed June 2015)

11. "Wyoming Files Lawsuit with Eleven Other States over Waters of the United States Rule," Governor's Office press release, June 29, 2015. (accessed June 2015)

12. "UPDATE: Small Plane Crash Saturday West of Cody Leaves No Survivors – Four Dead," Basin Reboot, July 20, 2014. (accessed July 2015)

13. "Governor’s Marijuana Impact Assessment Council Announces First Meeting," Governor's Office press release, July 28, 2015. (accessed July 2015)

14. "Coming soon to a neighborhood near you: Chickens." Casper Star Tribune, August 19, 2015. (accessed August 26, 2015)

15. "Five 55 gallon barrels of a liquid fell off of a truck on Wyoming 28 on Tuesday initially causing alarm." County 10, August 26, 2015. (accessed August 2015)

16. "Federal Judge Blocks BLM Rules for Fracking on Public Lands" by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, September 30, 2015. (accessed October 2015)

17. "Lander Rabies victim has died in Utah; Health Department confirms the infection occurred inside a home", County 10, October 7, 2015. (accessed October 2015)

18. "Capitol to close for restoration efforts on December 9" (accessed December 2015)

19. "Governor Mead Receives 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award" (accessed December 2015)

20. "Laurie Nichols Named New UW President" Wyoming Public Media, December 18, 2015. (accessed December 2015)

21. "Small Wyoming High School Recieves National Recognition" Casper Star Tribune, January 17, 2016. (accessed January 2016)

22. "Wyoming’s Kenny Sailors Passed Away Saturday Morning", University of Wyoming Athletics Department, January 30, 2016. (accessed January 2016)

23. "Governor Mead Announces Updated Energy Strategy", Governor's Office press release, March 14, 2016. (accessed March 2016)

24. "465 PBR Coal Miners Laid Off" Gillette News Record, March 31, 2016. (accessed April 2016)

25. "Governor Mead Opens Community Resource Centers to Help with Energy Related Layoffs" Governor's Office press release, April 1, 2016 (accessed April 2016)

26. "Bill Clinton Talks Energy in Cheyenne" by Trevor Brown, Wyoming Tribune Eagle, April 4, 2016. (accessed April 2016)

27. "Postal Service Previews Last of 16 Stamps Celebrating National Park Service’s Centennial", United States Postal Service press release, April 25, 2016. (accessed April 2016)

28. "Black-footed ferrets released back at spot where they were rediscovered 35 years ago" Wyoming Game and Fish press release, July 26, 2016. (accessed July 2016)




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