News | Powell Tribune

Stiffer penalties and new rules: Wyoming justice, policing and public safety issues to watch this session

While passing a state budget remains the key priority this legislative session, lawmakers will also consider reforms and updates to the state’s policing and public safety laws, from restrictions on … more

By Maya Shimizu Harris, WyoFile.com | 1/29/26

From left, Tiana and Nathan Ballard speak with Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity Board President Amy Wells and former board president Paulette Bagnell in the kitchen of the Ballard’s new home the day after closing on the home with assistance from the group. Proceeds from the organization’s Habitat for Humanity stores in Powell are designated for helping families find affordable housing in an expensive market. The group also helps Powell families.

Habitat for Humanity helps local families own their own homes

The sound of children laughing filled the pristine rooms, echoing against the bare walls of their brand new home. Having just closed on the Cody house the previous day, Nathan and Tiana Ballard were … more

By Mark Davis | 1/27/26

Suspect in Cody standoff remains jailed

A California man who got into a multi-hour standoff with Cody police last week remained in custody on Monday. John M. Melbraaten, 41, faces a misdemeanor charge of interference with a peace … more

By CJ Baker | 1/27/26

Elk move through irrigation equipment on private land along the South Fork of the Shoshone River Valley. Private landowners host habitat for wildlife, including habitat for about two-thirds of all endangered species and more than 75% of wetlands and riparian habitat.

There's profit in conservation?

Doing the math out loud, Jeff Lazslo counted the tens of thousands of dollars he would need to outfit his Montana cattle ranch with virtual fencing. "I have to do the math while I answer that … more

By Mark Davis | 1/27/26

Powell to revise its rules for exotic pets

After the City of Powell’s rules for exotic pets drew a federal lawsuit, the city council is preparing to rewrite the ordinances. Whether they’ll make it easier to keep an unusual pet in town or … more

By CJ Baker | 1/27/26

Cody man missing, public asked for help

Authorities are asking members of the public to help them find a 50-year-old Cody man, who went missing late Friday night. Cody police say David M. Kelsey walked away from his home in the 2400 … more

By CJ Baker | 1/27/26

Members of the state champ Powell Middle School robotics team gathered for a picture with their teacher sponsor and Park County School District 1 board members recently to celebrate the achievment. Pictured front row, from left: students Carter Krueger, Kate Gunn, Noah Adams, Colson Sherman and Arthur Crawford. Back row: Teacher Kix Carter, board members Beau Fulton, Trace Paul, Tracy Morris, Ben Borcher, Superintendent Jay Curtis, and board members Kim Dillivan and Lillian Brazelton.

Powell Middle School robotics wins state

Prior to Covid, the Powell Middle School robotics team was at the top, winning back-to-back state titles in 2018-2019. Then the sponsor left, participation dipped and the program struggled … more

By Zac Taylor | 1/27/26

Legislature to consider bill to fund study of 911 system

In early January, Park County’s 911 system went down for an extended period. Departments shared alternative numbers on social media to call in the meantime, but the issue has remained in … more

By Zac Taylor | 1/27/26

‘Wednesdays Around the World’ and ‘What’s The Tea?’ return for spring semester

The schedule for the popular lunch series, “Wednesdays Around the World,” and weekly series, “What’s The Tea?” is set for the spring 2026 semester at Northwest College. The events are open … more

1/27/26

Brucellosis detected in Sublette County cattle

TORRINGTON (WNE) — The Wyoming Livestock Board announced last week that a brucellosis-affected herd was identified in Sublette County through routine annual surveillance testing. … more

1/27/26

Girl Scout Cookie season starts next week

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming will kick off their 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season on Jan. 30. Girl Scouts everywhere hone their entrepreneurial skills as they find new and … more

1/27/26

The Bureau of Land Management is offering up 271 oil and gas parcels for lease totaling more than 350,000 acres across the state, although not in the Big Horn Basin.

BLM seeks initial input for September 2026 sale of oil and gas leases in Wyoming

CHEYENNE — The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day public scoping period on Jan. 21 to receive public input on 271 oil and gas parcels totaling 357,358 acres … more

1/27/26

The Bureau of Land Management announced plans to conduct a controlled burn in Cottonwood Canyon east of Lovell. Pictured is a controlled burn from a previous year.

BLM Cody Field Office plans to conduct a prescribed burn

CODY — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody Field Office plans to conduct a prescribed burn in Cottonwood Canyon, 10 miles east of Lovell, as part of BLM’s commitment to keeping public … more

1/27/26

A hen sage grouse leads her brood from wetlands to a night roost in sagebrush on the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.

Wyoming abruptly defunds, dissolves sage grouse conservation groups after 21-year run

State wildlife officials on Thursday informed eight regional groups tasked with safeguarding the largest, most important population of sage grouse remaining in the world that their funding and … more

By Mike Koshmrl, WyoFile.com | 1/27/26

Powell’s Dr. Mike Tracy adopted a 15-mile stretch of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail about 20 miles from the nearest road, south of Yellowstone National Park. Tracy adopted the trail through a coalition dedicated to maintaining the trail system and hikes to the section with a saw in his pack as often as possible, inviting local friends to come along.

Adopting two oceans: Powell man finds purpose on Continental Divide, fights to conserve trail

Despite his long, athletic legs, Powell High School Principal Tim Wormald was no match for 307 Health’s Dr. Mike Tracy while on a summer wilderness hike. “I have long legs, obviously, but I … more

By Mark Davis | 1/22/26

Cody school board upholds firing of teacher, coach

At a Tuesday meeting, the Park County School District 6 Board of Trustees unanimously voted to uphold the firing of a Cody High school teacher and coach. The board’s decision to … more

By CJ Baker and Zac Taylor | 1/22/26

Over 30 acres could be added to city

The City of Powell could soon grow a little bit bigger. Next week, the city will begin formally considering a pair of annexation requests that would bring more than 33 acres of rural Park County … more

By CJ Baker | 1/22/26

Powell Senior Center Director Linda Dalton looks over renderings of a new senior center last year. The Powell City Council supports the idea of using a 1% sales tax hike to pay for it.

Powell council endorses 1% tax for new senior center

The Powell City Council plans to ask voters this fall to approve a temporary, 1% sales tax to help build a new senior center. The proposal still needs to be fleshed out and discussed with other … more

By CJ Baker | 1/22/26

NWC’s Abigail Jeffrey awarded for academics, involvement on campus

Northwest College’s pick for the Shaping Wyoming’s Future award wanted to leave Montana for college, so she chose a school close enough to Park City but still out of state. Now, it’s … more

By Zac Taylor | 1/22/26

Cody man allegedly caught selling meth

Following months of surveillance and investigation, state agents recently arrested a Cody man that they suspect was selling meth in the area. Authorities say they caught Michael S. Hopper, 58, … more

By CJ Baker | 1/22/26