The Wyoming Minute ⏰ Wednesday 18 June 2025
Lightning bugs surprise photographer, dog chases wolf in Yellowstone, motorcyclist's skillful save + immigration enforcement shift
🌤️ Good morning, Wyoming! Here’s today's Wyoming Minute, packed with the latest from our windswept plains to rugged peaks.
News
Latest happenings across the state.
🛑 ASSAULT CHARGES: Markus David Gallegos faces aggravated burglary charges after allegedly beating Kain Rutherford at the shuttered Big A liquor store in Wheatland Saturday night. - Clair McFarland, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Rutherford, a former UK resident, was found unresponsive with serious head and facial injuries but is now recovering.
⮑ Blood-spattered liquor bottles were found near Gallegos' home, linking him to the scene.
⮑ Gallegos faces 5 to 25 years in prison if convicted; investigation ongoing.


🎉 FAREWELL CELEBRATION: An estimated 4,000-6,000 fans braved pouring rain to celebrate the final Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee, breaking all attendance records as Ned LeDoux performed his father's classics. - Renée Jean, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The 15-year festival ended with Wyoming grit and cowboy pride intact.
⮑ "Dad did more in one lifetime than most could in five," Ned told the soaked but devoted crowd.
📸 NATURE SURPRISE: Lightning bugs light up a Sheridan photographer's storm chase near Clearmont, creating an unexpected natural fireworks show that's rare for our dry Wyoming climate. Kevin Palmer shared the magical discovery after setting out to capture lightning shots on Saturday. - Clair McFarland, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Why it matters: Fireflies need humid conditions to thrive - their presence suggests healthy microhabitats you might not expect in Wyoming.
🐕 WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER: A German shepherd leaped from a moving Jeep and chased a juvenile wolf near Canyon Village in Yellowstone, sparking heated online debate about park rules. Tour guide MacNeil Lyons captured the moment, describing it as "likely curiosity, not viciousness." - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The dog's owner received citations and may face court in July for the unleashed pet incident.
⮑ Park reminder: Keep pets leashed and maintain 100 yards from wolves and bears.

🏠 LEGAL RESOLUTION: Jeremy Merta entered a no-contest plea to felony unlawful entry for breaking into 85-year-old Wayne Williams' Riverton home while highly intoxicated last August. - Clair McFarland, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Williams fired a defensive warning shot that struck Merta, who survived after months of recovery.
⮑ Sentencing set for August 28 - if Merta completes probation successfully, the felony won't appear on his record.
🏍️ CLOSE CALL: Ohio motorcyclist Kyle Hamilton kept his 2023 Harley-Davidson upright after a white-tailed doe collision near Devils Tower, thanks to quick reflexes and two years of riding experience. The dramatic save was caught on camera by a trailing friend. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Both bikes sustained significant damage despite Hamilton's skillful handling.
🌾 POLICY SHIFT: President Trump reportedly considering easing immigration enforcement for Wyoming's agriculture and hospitality sectors, where an estimated 4,800 undocumented workers keep our farms and hotels running. - Renée Jean, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The move follows warnings from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins about food supply disruptions.
🚗 LEGISLATIVE PUSH: Wyoming's congressional delegation backs federal bills to limit state emissions rules following California's EV mandate repeal, targeting the Golden State's Clean Air Act exemption. - Sean Barry, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The move would affect 17 states that follow California's stricter standards.
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