News | Powell Tribune

Edge of the world: Former Powell resident working in Antarctica has chance encounter with Sen. Lummis

When a former Powell resident crossed paths with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., at her workplace last week, it wasn’t the chance encounter that was necessarily unusual, but the location: McMurdo … more

By CJ Baker | 1/29/26

Travel and hospitality veteran to lead Travel Council

After a monthslong, nationwide search, the Park County Travel Council has a new executive director. The county’s marketing arm, which operates as Cody Yellowstone, announced Wednesday that it … more

1/29/26

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association picks Cheyenne over Cody

Leaders of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced Monday that they’re preparing to move the organization from Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, passing over a competing proposal … more

By CJ Baker | 1/29/26

The Powell City Council is considering a new set of ordinances that would govern e-bikes, powered scooters and other devices, including one measure that would ban them and traditional bikes from being ridden on Bent Street between First and Third streets.

City proposes new rules for e-bikes, scooters

The City of Powell currently has no specific rules for the growing number of electric-powered bicycles and scooters that cruise the city’s streets, but that could soon change. Last week, the … more

By CJ Baker | 1/29/26

Tanya Bartholomew, a neighbor to the property with a short term rental in the Cody's Country neighborhood in Wapiti, points to a map held by fellow neighbor Mike Johnson showing the neighborhood layout. Both said the property's use as a short term rental — it was still listed on sites such as AirBnB at the time of the meeting — has disrupted neighbors.

Commissioners deny permit for short term rental in Wapiti

Park County commissioners unanimously denied a permit that would have allowed a Wapiti homeowner to continue using his property as a short term rental. Commissioner Dossie Overfield, who made … more

By Zac Taylor | 1/29/26

Soroptimist award winners Kelsey, Rebekah, Amanda, McKenzie and Hope stand with, from left, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Committee members Christin (back row) and Karri, Saffire, Dawn and Jerri.

Soroptimist awards grants to mothers for continuing education

In January, Soroptimist of Powell awarded a total of $7,000 to five head-of-household mothers who are continuing their education. Soroptimist is a global voluntary organization that … more

1/29/26

AAUW scholarship available

The Cody Branch of the American Association of University Women will be awarding a $2,000 scholarship. Deadline for the application is April 1, and the scholarship will be awarded May … more

1/29/26

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