Municipalities in southwestern Wyoming came together for a meeting of planning and coordination in Cokeville September 30.
The Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) hosted the crowded meeting of mayors and town council representatives in the Cokeville Town Council Chambers.
Ashley Harpstreith, WAM Executive Director, emphasized the importance of meetings like Cokeville held throughout Wyoming.
“It’s always great to be back out in the member communities, especially on the opposite side of the state, because the further you are away from Cheyenne, the further you are away from Cheyenne,” she offered with laugh following two hours of in-depth conversation that helped the towns coordinate their activities, ideas and possible changes in revenue, in addition to working with a new Legislative session.
“It’s good to hear on the ground the real issues facing our communities and how we can match that up with the low hanging fruit and use our ability to work together and problem solve on similar issues, all the way to legislature at the state level and federal issues that we’re all trying to solve together,” Harpstreith advised.
Pinedale Mayor Matt Murdock is the current President of WAM and works with the director on key issues. He conducted the Cokeville meeting, as he will do with similar meetings around the state. Mayor Murdock also represents WAM to the Legislature.
Speaking of the Cokeville meeting, Harpstreith said, “This helps people understand the importance of WAM. Now you help everyone from Cokeville to Kemmerer to Afton [understand WAM].”
She continued, “We facilitate the connection between all 99 cities and towns and help them with education, especially as we have a big election, even at the municipal level.”
She suggested the instruction and coordination comes at an important time as several towns will be changing their leadership positions with the November 2026 elections.
“There isn’t a manual for how to lead a municipality until we (WAM) wrote one that’s based on state statute and local control that is authorized from the Wyoming State Constitution,” Harpstreith pointed out. “We make sure that they are educated and have the guidelines in place to effectively and efficiently run your communities.”
The director said WAM will be coordinating several local concerns with the new Legislative session.
”I would say the main themes are infrastructure funding and what the state’s role is in economic development and how that interplays with what we’re doing already on the ground level,” she advised of the municipality’s work with the Legislature. “This includes things like industrial siding, and utilities.”
She added, “We’re looking, of course, always at revenue. We have a really important initiative on the ballot, Nov. 3 with a property tax initiative, and if that goes through, what that looks like moving forward.”
Cokeville hosts WAM for regional reports
October 7, 2026
Municipalities in southwestern Wyoming came together for a meeting of planning and coordination in Cokeville September 30. The Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) hosted the crowded meeting of mayors and town council representatives in the Cokeville Town Council Chambers.... Read More
Lower Valley Energy pushes focus on multiple projects before the ground freezes
October 7, 2026
As winter months approach, Lower Valley Energy (LVE) has been focusing on projects that need to be addressed before snow flies. Among those projects include tree-trimming and underground line work. LVE CEO Bear Prairie said the utility is currently... Read More
Rumpf Named Preseason All-MW – Cowgirls Picked Seventh
October 7, 2026
• Rumpf named to 10-person team. UW tabbed to finish seventh in the league The Mountain West announced its Preseason All-Mountain West accolades and the predicted order of finish Wednesday morning at the league’s annual media day in Las Vegas.... Read More
Meyer Named Preseason All-Mountain West
October 7, 2026
Pokes picked fifth in Preseason Poll Wyoming sophomore guard Nasir (Naz) Meyer was named Preseason All-Mountain West on Wednesday. The announcement comes as head coach Sundance Wicks along with guards Khaden Bennett and Uriyah Rojas attend Old Trapper Mountain West... Read More
(Photo Gallery) - 2026 SVHS Homecoming
October 7, 2026
There were plenty of things to see and do during the week for SVHS Homecoming. Here are a few shots of the experience. Be sure to grab the Homecoming poster in the October 7, 2026 edition of the Star Valley... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Mayor Eric Green - Town of Alpine
October 7, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-7-Donald-Shelton-1.mp3 Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Donald Shelton - Lincoln County Democratic Party
October 7, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-7-Donald-Shelton.mp3 Read More
Pink Night will honor Billy Hoopes
October 7, 2026
Pink Night is an idea that has grown across the country. Taking place for a home match during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the color of pink has also colored the families of anyone who has battled... Read More
Lincoln County Victims Foundation created
October 7, 2026
The Lincoln County Victims Foundation, led by organizer and president Christina Hobbs, is establishing a countywide task force designed to connect victims with practical resources such as counseling, food, child care, emergency housing and longer-term support. Hobbs said... Read More
Fighting Hunger Games Food Drive set for October 13
October 7, 2026
Sierra Mitchell, with the Afton Food Pantry, discussed the event during an October 5 appearance on the Weekday Wake-up. Youth volunteers will distribute door hangers to approximately 5,000 homes, then return from 6 to 8 p.m. on collection night... Read More
Cats in Afton are being trapped and relocated by volunteers
October 6, 2026
There is an effort to address an unwanted cat colony in Afton, with volunteers working to trap, spay or neuter and find homes for the cats before the population grows further. There are currently three cat colonies in the... Read More
Removing over 250 pounds of trash from the Salt River
October 6, 2026
A “small but mighty” group of more than a dozen volunteers participated in this year’s Salt River Cleanup. Organizer of the event and owner of Star Valley Raft and Paddle Noah Christenson said the cleanup fell on the first day... Read More
LIEAP home heating assistance program accepting applications for 2026-27
October 6, 2026
CODY (WNE) — Concerned about paying winter heating bills? The Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 heating season. A new application is required every heating season. LIEAP is a federally funded... Read More
Judge jails man in moose abuse case and warns: Wyoming values wildlife
October 6, 2026
• Former state livestock brand inspector appeared stunned as he received a harsher sentence than his plea deal called for. By Amanda Manchester, WyoFile.com A Uinta County judge issued a stark warning Friday when he sentenced three men for... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Wyoming Department of Revenue - 50% Property Tax Initiative
October 6, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-6-Dept-of-Revenue.mp3 Read More
Cowboys Set for Showdown with Spartans on Friday Night
October 6, 2026
Contest on CBS Sports Network The Wyoming Cowboys remain on the road with a Friday evening trip to San Jose State for a Mountain West matchup at 7 p.m. MT at CEFCU Stadium. It marks the fourth road contest for... Read More
Wyoming attorney general urges consumers to claim compensation for inflated generic drug prices
October 6, 2026
SHERIDAN (WNE) — Attorney General Keith G. Kautz is urging consumers to check their eligibility for compensation for certain generic drug purchases and to submit a claim for compensation. This month, the U.S. District Court for the District of... Read More
Goldstein and Joy bring Peace of Music Global Tour to Afton
October 6, 2026
Marvin Goldstein and Vanessa Joy return to offer their fourth concert to Afton fans on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. in the historic Ford Theatre. Guests can expect to enjoy an array of old favorites and new hits,... Read More
Public Invited to Community Screening of Wyoming PBS Doc, ‘Home from the Vietnam War’ in Thayne
October 6, 2026
By Wyoming PBS THAYNE—Wyoming PBS invites the public to a free community screening of its new documentary, “Home from the Vietnam War,” on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Thayne Community Center, 250 Van Noy Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m.... Read More