Independent Notes: Change — it’s always difficult, but promising.
Change, it’s never easy. I thought about that as I joined the Etna Ward for church services this past Sunday. The change is all the more difficult when something like the decades old Etna Ward building of The Church…
Community remembers the Etna church after decades of worship
This feature appeared in the April 1, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent – “What an exciting and eventful day that is before us. This will be the last church service in this chapel,” Bishop Michael Hofhiens said as…
Greys River Collaborative ready for projects in 2026
Justin Laycock, Greys River District Ranger, and Brett Storey, representing the Greys River Collaborative are gearing up for more work regional work on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. “The Greys River Collaborative is a group of local citizens that have an…
Independent Notes: Bank of Star Valley’s success helped others find success, such as SVI Media.
One of the most successful business stories in Wyoming can be found right here in Star Valley. Let me take you back 30 years, when the local bank was sold to an out-of-state banking company. It didn’t go over well…
Game & Fish talks hunting seasons in Star Valley meeting
Wyoming Game Fish representatives gathered public comment on proposed seasons during a Star Valley open house held in the Thayne Community Center, March 19. “We have our hunting season regulations open for public comment and so we have proposed seasons…
Deering sworn in as Circuit Court Judge in the Third Judicial District
“It has been a great blessing in my life to have the opportunity to come to Wyoming,” Thomas Deering said just after taking the oath of office as the new Circuit Court Judge for the Wyoming Third Judicial District Friday,…
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans a new Etna chapel
Construction of a new Etna Chapel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will start in the coming month. The site on the east side of U.S. Highway 89 in Etna, where the current church is located, will…
Bank of Star Valley celebrates 30 years
The Bank of Star Valley celebrates 30 years of business on Friday, March 27. All three branches, Alpine, Thayne and Afton, will host the anniversary celebration with refreshments, door prizes, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 27. Thirty…
Alpine addresses recreational fires, fireworks and new administrator
Fire safety ordinances, administrative policies and a new town administrator were all part of the Alpine Town Council matters considered on March 17 meeting. Fire Safety Ordinances The Council held a work session discussion regarding potential updates to ordinances…
Independent Notes: Allow time to develop working relationships and not missing the moment for a kind word.
There are those times when we should consider giving something, like a working relationships, a little more time to develop. I find that to be the case with both my occupation and in public service. I found that to be…