The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the November 4, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
Tommy Cynova
(March 17, 1947-October 14, 2026)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tommy Cecil Cynova.
Tommy is survived by his sister Debbie and husband Stan Talik of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, his four sons, Shane and Renae Cynova of Powell, Woming, Andy and Lecia Cynova of Hayden, Idaho, Stuart and Linda Travis of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jason Travis of Afton, Wyoming. He had multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tommy was born in Amarillo, Texas, to Alvin and Jean Cynova.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force. After his time in the service, Tommy was employed by Simplot where he worked until he retired.
Tommy enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and rides on his side-by-side in the mountains that he loved so much.
Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Brenda Cynova and his parents Alvin and Jean Cynova.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Afton, Wyoming.
Matt Piepenburg
Matthew James (Matt) Piepenburg of Grover, Wyoming went home to Jesus on November 1, 2026 at age 49. Matt was born on August 9, 1977 in Santa Maria, California. He lived most of his life in Atascadero and Paso Robles, California.
He moved to Grover in 2021 shortly before his mother, Beth, passed away. He continued to live in Grover with his stepfather, Steve, until he passed away from end stage renal failure. Matt had previously had two kidney transplants and did not want to suffer through dialysis again.
Matt was employed as a manager at Hastings Ace Hardware in Afton, Wyoming. He is beloved by his dad Steve, their neighbors, and everyone he worked with.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. with a viewing at 12 Noon at Schwab Mortuary in Afton.
Linda Allen
Linda Lindberg Allen, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at her home with her husband by her side. She was under the care of her husband, Dennis, and Symbii Home Health and Hospice.
Linda was born on June 25, 1947, in Afton, Wyoming, to Carl Anthon Lindberg and Maude Kennington Lindberg. She grew up in Osmond, Wyoming. She attended Star Valley High School and graduated in 1965. She continued her education at Utah State University from 1965 to 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education.
On December 10, 1968, she married Dennis Kent Allen in the Logan, Utah Temple. During her support in Dennis’s military career, Linda made their home in many different locations, including Alabama, Hawaii, the Philippines, California, North Dakota, and Montana. They moved to Idaho Falls after his retirement in 1988.
Linda is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has served in a variety of capacities, including as an organist, Relief Society, and Young Women. In addition to her church callings, she also served her community as a Pollster. Besides being a talented Pianist and Organist, she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and was a seamstress. She was also known for her baking skills, especially her family’s famous fudge and chocolate zucchini cake. She was a devoted wife, friend, mom, grandma, and great-grandma who showed us how to love others, life, and our Heavenly Father.
Linda is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Dennis Kent Allen of Idaho Falls; her sons: Darren Kent (Tara) Allen of Salem, Virginia, Kelly John (Kristi) Allen of Idaho Falls, and Jamison D (Rachel) Allen of Lehi, Utah; her daughters: Rebecca Lyn Allen of Norton, Massachusetts, and Julie Leilani (Steve) Smith of Smithfield, Utah; her brothers: Kent C. (Marilyn) Lindberg of Providence, Utah, and Carl Elman (Donna) Lindberg of Houston, Texas; 20 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her baby daughter, Heidi Marie Allen, and her parents, Carl Anthon and Maude Kennington Lindberg.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2026, at Thunder Ridge 1st Ward, 4459 John Adams Pkwy. The family will visit with friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.
(Video) - Bear Lake Girls Basketball vs Teton
November 14, 2026
The Bear Lake Bears open up their season as they face the Teton Timberwolves on Saturday night with a scheduled varsity tip-off time of 7:30 p.m. Video is here as well as on the SVI Media YouTube channel. Audio will... Read More
Wyoming Survives Together, So Let’s Talk About Suicide
November 14, 2026
By Governor Mark Gordon For generations, the celebrated independent spirit of the West seemed anchored by an unspoken expectation: buck up, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with it; but that is the stuff of movies and... Read More
Independent Notes: Concerns about the mid-term elections and what it means for Wyoming.
November 14, 2026
With the mid-term elections complete across the country, I again find myself concerned about Wyoming and our mineral based economy. As the shift in Congress comes with the new year, what will it mean to a state that thrives... Read More
Brown kicks Braves to fifth straight title in 16-13 win over Cody
November 13, 2026
The Star Valley Braves outlasted the Cody Broncs in a tight 16-13 final score to claim their fifth straight Wyoming 3A state football championship on Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. It is the 13th straight season that... Read More
(VIDEO LINK) - Star Valley versus Cody
November 13, 2026
The Wyoming State Football Championships are taking place this weekend at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. On Friday the 3A title game between the Star Valley Braves and the Cody Broncs is scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff. Video broadcast... Read More
(VIDEO LINK) - Cokeville Panthers versus Big Horn Rams
November 13, 2026
The Wyoming State Football Championships are taking place this weekend at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. On Friday the 2A title game opens up the action as the Cokeville Panthers face the Big Horn Rams with a scheduled start time... Read More
Why Faster Machines Do Not Always Mean More Output
November 13, 2026
Machine speed is only one part of productivity. Explore how equipment placement, staffing, and workflow affect production output and efficiency. Read More
WHSAA wrestles with South dilemma
November 13, 2026
This past week, Cheyenne South High School announced that their football team would not be fielding a varsity team in 2027 and instead opt for a sub-varsity schedule in an effort to build the program. It’s been a huge... Read More
Lady Braves end season at State
November 13, 2026
• England and Neuenschwander earn All-Conference The Star Valley Lady Braves completed a successful season at the Wyoming state volleyball tournament over the weekend. It was a good season with a disappointing ending as the program had aims on... Read More
Holiday preparations underway for Afton and Thayne
November 13, 2026
Communities and businesses have been preparing for the holiday season to both Thayne and Afton with lighting events this month. Residents can enjoy decorated displays, participate in activities, and celebrate the beginning of the season. Afton: Afton’s annual Light... Read More
SVI Sports Night: November 12, 2026
November 13, 2026
In the final episode of SVI Sports Night of 2026, Jake Hibbard looks at a fifth-straight 3A State Championship game pitting Cody versus Star Valley. We look deep into the matchup and inside the numbers to break it down. We... Read More
How Better Wire Harness Design Simplifies Repairs
November 12, 2026
From accessible connectors to accurate diagrams, see how thoughtful wiring harness design can simplify troubleshooting for trucks and farm equipment. Read More
Trump administration wants to trim BLM process behind Rock Springs Resource Management Plan
November 12, 2026
• ‘The current planning process is too slow, too complicated and weighed down by outdated requirements,’ BLM Director Steve Pearce said. By Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile.com The Department of the Interior is proposing updates to the regulations that govern... Read More
New 4-H LEGO Robotics Club forming in Star Valley
November 12, 2026
Provided by Shar Perry 4-H/Youth Educator UW Extension, Lincoln County Youth interested in robotics, technology, and hands-on learning are invited to join a new 4-H LEGO Robotics Club being organized in Star Valley. An informational meeting will be held on... Read More
Star Valley FFA launches hydroponics program
November 12, 2026
Provided by Star Valley FFA – The Star Valley FFA, along with their Ag classes, have been hard at work with new hydroponics, a way of growing plants without soil. Using this system they are able to grow lettuce,... Read More
Panthers head back to 2A title game
November 12, 2026
• Cokeville faces Big Horn on Friday at 12 noon It was a season that promised a lot of success as a senior-laden and experienced Cokeville Panther squad delivered in 2026. CHS used their dominant run game to... Read More
Star Valley Search & Rescue respond to two calls
November 12, 2026
The Star Valley Search & Rescue were dispatched to two different incidents on Thursday, November 5. The first call came in at roughly 1:20 p.m. for an injured horse rider in the Spring Creek area southwest of Fairview. Star... Read More
Afton weighs petition to permit cargo containers in residential districts
November 12, 2026
Afton Town Administrator Violet Sanderson recapped the town’s previous action on cargo containers in Afton. “Back in 2022 or 2023, the town council at the time had voted and approved for cargo shipping containers to be utilized in the general... Read More
Greys River Collaborative working the Middle Ridge and planning 2027
November 12, 2026
The Greys River Collaborative, a group of local government, forest representatives and land managers that focus on projects in the Bridger Teton National Forest is currently coordinating the Middle Ridge project for the close of the 2026 season. “We... Read More
LCSD#2 Board accepting applications to fill seat; new board members sworn in
November 11, 2026
The LCSD#2 Board of Trustees held their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 11. Trustee Jake Long submitted his resignation from his position on the board after serving two years. Long was elected to the Lincoln County Commission and will... Read More