Popcorn, music, dirty soda bar, new Cokeville apparel, family and friends were all part of the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the mural on the Cokeville Town Hall.
Though two months have passed since the mural was completed, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held on July 24, 2026. The mural was part of the Semiquincentennial Grant Program that was launched last year in Wyoming.
A block of Main Street was closed off for the event that drew close to 200 people. Current residents, former residents and family of residents all gathered for a short program followed by drinks, popcorn and music.
“The ribbon cutting ceremony couldn’t have turned out better! It was a beautiful night, and we were so happy to have the overwhelming support from the community. I am proud to belong to a community with an amazing heritage and bright future,” said Ashbee Thompson, Beautification Committee chair.
Deb Tims, a Beautification Committee member, presented the winners of the community voting coloring contest. The three winners, Rachel Hoffman, Gentri Pond and Annie Kelley. All received an award, and a copy of their art that had been turned into postcards. The postcards will be available at the Cokeville Town Hall.
The Logan Gallery mural artists Tanner Stephenson, David Frias and MacKenzie Maness were in attendance and got to visit with the community and be part of the ribbon cutting. They spent the two days prior painting the doors for the Cokeville Fire Department, which is part of the Bear River Fire District, incorporating a new logo designed by Maness.
Each artist shared a few words about the mural and their experience when coming to Cokeville. Stephenson said, “Cokeville has been so welcoming and meaningful,” he continued to say that he has “done 120 murals and this has been the most impactful project.”
Fire Chief KayDell Luthi thanked the artist for “helping to make Cokeville a beautiful place and a new face on the fire doors. Big thank you to the Bear River Fire District Board for their dedication and service that makes these things possible and to make it successful.”
Mayor Colby Peck shared a few thoughts before he, the artist, beautification committee members, artist selection committee members, town council members and Fire Chief Luthi cut the ribbon.
“As you look across this wall, you can see the journey of this town unfold. You see the trails carved by pioneers and settlers. You see the strength of ranching families, the arrival of the railroad, the rise of commerce, and the determination of the people who built lives here through hard work, sacrifice and vision,” Peck said.
Stephenson, Maness and Frias all showed emotion as Peck spoke about the mural.
‘The railroad running through the center of this mural reminds us that communities are always moving forward. Generation after generation, this town has adapted, grown, endured hardships and continued building towards something better,” Peck said as Stephenson smiled and nodded.
Tears fell down the face of Maness as Peck spoke about how the mural was truly a community effort. Maness had spoken earlier about how she loved coming to Cokeville, the warm welcome they received, the helping hands offered in a variety of aspects. “In many ways, the creation of this mural reflects the very history it portrays people working side by side to build something lasing for future generations, said Peck.
The evening ended with E.J. Pauni’s mix of tunes playing as many socialized, ate (and spilled popcorn), drank dirty drinks and danced in the street.
Bare Fire knocked down to 443 acres
August 8, 2026
The Wyoming Incident Management Team 3 is currently managing the Bare Fire. The fire, which was detected on Tuesday, August 4th, is continuing to burn in heavy timber. Preliminary investigations indicate it was a lightning start. After a morning mapping... Read More
Power in the One: Over three decades of lifting the hands that hang down
August 8, 2026
Visitors to Star Valley express wonder at the beauty of this place with its abundant outdoor recreational offerings and robust arts community, but folks who make their home here know that the heartbeat of this community lies in a... Read More
Van Abbema and Singleton take top times at Vaquero Loco
August 8, 2026
• Oliverson and Wayment log fastest local finishes The 22nd Annual El Vaquero Loco took place this past Saturday as ultramarathoners from the area and outside the state tested themselves among the scenic backdrop of the Salt River Range. In... Read More
Independent Notes: The Lincoln County Fair -- a great tradition.
August 8, 2026
Years ago we would take a night with our children and go to the Lincoln County Fair when it was located on the south side of Afton in an area now filled with commercial businesses and offices. It was smaller... Read More
Wyoming Business Council plans statewide listening session August 13
August 8, 2026
The Wyoming Business Council is wrapping up a summer of listening sessions around the state and preparing for a virtual statewide meeting August 13 aimed at gathering more feedback on economic development, jobs and growth, CEO Josh Dorrell shared.... Read More
Legal aid services offered for low income residents
August 8, 2026
Legal assistance, for those who qualify financially, may be available through Legal Aid of Wyoming. That was the report from attorney Kelly Blue at a Kemmerer Rotary meeting in July. Blue is board president for Legal Aid of Wyoming. “Legal... Read More
Bruce resigns as Game & Fish Director for position in Gov. Gordon's office
August 7, 2026
The office of Governor Mark Gordon announced Friday afternoon that Angi Bruce, Director of the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, resigned effective immediately. Bruce has accepted a position as Director of Special Policy Initiatives in Governor Mark Gordon’s office. She... Read More
Bare Fire remains at just over 800 acres
August 7, 2026
Wyoming Team 3, a type 3 incident management team, assumed command of the Bare Fire yesterday. While the fire was active yesterday afternoon, no growth was observed, and the fire remains at an estimated 800 acres in size. Approximately 137... Read More
4-H County Shotgun Shoot showcases youth skill and sportsmanship
August 7, 2026
Provided by Shar Perry 4-H/Youth Educator UW Extension -Lincoln County The annual North Lincoln County 4-H Shotgun Shoot brought together youth from across the Star Valley area for some friendly competition, learning, and sportsmanship. Participants demonstrated their shotgun shooting skills... Read More
Star Valley surgeon urges patients not to wait on foot, ankle problems
August 7, 2026
A Star Valley Health orthopedic surgeon is telling patients with foot and ankle problems not to put off treatment. “Don’t hesitate,” Dr. Trask Muir said during an interview on the SVI Radio. “It’s better to come in early, learn... Read More
LCSD#2 parents encouraged to download EZ Arrival app
August 7, 2026
Lincoln County School District #2 is offering a new tracking app for parents who have students riding buses to and from school or activities. Designed to help parents track their child while they ride any LCSD #2 school bus,... Read More
New fire engine headed to Thayne this fall
August 7, 2026
• Four-wheel-drive pumper is expected to serve the community for the next 30 years A new fire truck is expected to arrive in Thayne mid-September, replacing an aging engine and upgrading much-needed specs to serve the community. Thayne Fire Chief... Read More
Sports Friday Interview: Coach Sid Chaulk, Kemmerer Rangers Football
August 7, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8-7-Sid-Chaulk.mp3 Read More
Sports Friday Interview: Adam Calkins - Kemmerer Athletics and Recreation Association
August 7, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8-7-Adam-Calkins.mp3 Read More
Summer Camp leads to Soldotna: Braves and Stars clash in just over three weeks
August 6, 2026
One of the most engaging weeks of the entire season takes place before the football campaign even starts. The week-long Star Valley Braves football camp caps off the last time the program will see each other in organized activities... Read More
Independent Obituaries: August 5, 2026
August 6, 2026
The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the August 5, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. Obituaries For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society. Kathy Giles In Loving Memory of Kathleen Joann Giles Kathleen... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Town of Afton Administrator Violet Sanderson
August 6, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8-6-Violet-Sanderson.mp3 Read More
Afton prepares a master plan, with first meetings coming in August
August 6, 2026
• West Alley work will begin soon Afton is taking the town into the coming years with a master plan and the town council has approved the early stages of the planning process. “The town council had just passed... Read More
Bare Fire surpasses 800 acres
August 6, 2026
The Bare Fire, burning the timber of Sublette County inside the Big Piney Ranger District and is now estimated at 810 acres in size after igniting on Tuesday August 4. Firefighters on scene include a type 1 helicopter, two type... Read More
Iran war renews concerns about the lasting toll of traumatic brain injuries to US troops
August 6, 2026
By BEN FINLEY and LAURAN NEERGAARD Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — When Joe Shearer was a Marine fighting in Iraq, a blast from an enemy mortar round knocked him down and made him vomit. He got up and kept going... Read More