Young girl killed in tragic ATV accident
A four-year old girl was killed after a tragic ATV accident on the afternoon of July 3 in the Thayne/Bedford area. According to information from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) the girl and her family were visiting relatives in…
Kinky Creek Fire 86% at 880 acres
Firefighters continue to patrol and secure containment lines on the Kinky Creek Fire as the incident remains 880 acres and 86% contained. Crews are currently focused on the remaining section of uncontained line located within a steep and hazardous boulder…
Independent Letters to the Editor: July 1, 2026
The following Letters to the Editor appeared in the July 1, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. Campaign Civility Dear Editor Last week I was disheartened to receive hate in my mailbox. In the form of a political mass…
Governor Awards Energy Matching Funds for Critical Minerals Project
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announced that he has approved a project to receive Energy Matching Funds (EMF) from the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA). Visionary Metals Corp was awarded $250,000 for its Granite Mountains Nickel-Copper Project. Since 2022, the Wyoming State Legislature has appropriated $155…
Independent Obituaries: July 1, 2026
The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the July 1, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society. Leslie A. Bell Jr. Leslie A. Bell Jr., beloved father, grandfather, and…
Wyoming and Mountain West Launch MW+ Streaming Platform POWERED BY KISWE
• New digital platform delivers enhanced fan experience, expanded access, and innovative monetization opportunities Wyoming Athletics in conjunction with the Mountain West Conference announced the launch of MW+, a new direct-to-consumer digital subscription platform, powered by leading streaming technology and…
WYDOT warns drivers of extensive delays while crews set arches for wildlife project
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is continuing with work on the Kemmerer South wildlife crossings project that began earlier this year, despite material delays on a a 30-mile stretch of US 189 between Evanston and Kemmerer. Beginning Tuesday, July…
Emergency Management preparing for high-potential wildfire season, encourages vigilance and preparedness
Provided by Lincoln County Emergency Management Wildfire Potential Lincoln County Emergency Management is preparing for a high-potential wildfire season as drought conditions persist and long-term forecasts favoring higher-than average temperatures through the summer. This, coupled with expected fireworks and…
Wyoming Sees Swift Increase in Elderly Population, Outstripping Most Other States
CHEYENNE – The elderly population (age 65 and over) in the state grew 2.9 percent between July 2024 and July 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. In comparison, Wyoming’s total population only grew 0.3 percent during the year. The…