• Not Getting Sued, Appreciation for Veggies and the NFL Draft
The Masters has the tagline “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” and far be it from me to argue with that. Mainly because I feel like they would sue me. Seriously, have you read the stories and seen the online posts about people trying to start something or even simply bring something into Augusta National that they shouldn’t? They get escorted out, banned, put in golf jail and all sorts of things. So, in speaking of my annual NFL Draft Party that I try and shepherd each year, it’s something similar to the Master’s tagline, but for the purposes of copyright infringement. It isn’t.
First of all, I’m not exactly sure what number this is for the Draft Party. I think it’s the 24th Annual Dahl E. Llama Draft Party but I didn’t set out for this to be a thing so I really don’t remember what year was the first. My bones, joints and overall digestive system remembers though. It’s been a long time. Back when I started, you would get banned from being invited the following year if you brought vegetables. Now, we’re all in our 40’s, 50’s and 60’s so it’s a good idea. Sugar? Better be in moderation now or at least gear your diet for the week around the party itself. Tailgate food and the like are still the standard and quite honestly, it’s pretty great. I make sure the TV works and provide the sarcastic comments and the homemade root beer and the real chefs and cooks do the rest. The good news for that is we’re all middle aged and even beyond so many of us have undergone “The Change” of our lives which means as men, we have studied smoked meats and marinades.
Anyway, a chance to hang out with family and friends is always a welcome thing to look forward to and this year’s Draft Party is no exception. I hope you all get to enjoy this oasis of football that is held at this time of year and that you get to enjoy the busting of chops and the jokes that accompany a room full of men prepping for retirement who still act like they’re in junior high.
Here’s a look at a few players from the area schools who could hear their name called.
University of Wyoming: Caden Barnett (OL) and John Michael Gyllenborg (TE) –
Nicknamed the “Vanilla Gorilla”, Barnett has been interviewed by a few teams including the Broncos where former teammate Frank Crum is on the offensive line. I think he will hear his name at some point during the weekend. If not, he may do as Crum did and earn a job anyway as a free agent. Gyllenborg is the very definition of a gamble. He has the physical traits and measurables but he was rarely healthy in a UW uniform. Maybe fate has a pro career in store for him, but his availability is a huge red flag to those in the draft room.
BYU: Keanu Tanuvasa (DT), Jack Kelly (LB) and Chase Roberts (WR) –
Tanuvasa could go earlier rather than later in the draft and will likely hear his name on Friday. Kelly is a tough player who piqued the interest of coaches and scouts during the NFL Combine. Roberts was also invited to the Combine and had a solid career. It doesn’t hurt that BYU has a history of wide receivers in the league.
Utah: Spencer Fano (OT), Caleb Lomu (OT) and Dallen Bentley (TE) –
Fano is considered the second-best tackle prospect in the entire draft so he will almost certainly be a top-15 pick on Thursday next week. It’s possible he slides out of the teens but I wouldn’t bet on it. The Utes may have two linemen picked in the first round as Lomu is also among the top prospects and could be late first round or early second round material. As for Bentley, the production of former Utes at that position again doesn’t hurt.
Utah State: Ike Larsen (FS) – Larsen could have left last year and didn’t which makes it all the more disappointing he missed half the season due to a suspension for breaking team rules. That may or may not affect his draft position next week. I could imagine hearing his name or he could be the free agent type who beats out someone else. I’d be surprised if he’s not on an NFL roster in 2026.
KICK IT OR KEEP IT: "The Weekend" by Train
April 19, 2026
A song released one month ago by Train is up for vote in this week’s Kick It or Keep It. If voted to be kept, “The Weekend” will be added to the Swift 98 playlist. Vote to either kick or... Read More
Domenic Bravo, Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism to speak to the Star Valley and Fossil Basin Chambers
April 18, 2026
The Star Valley Chamber of Commerce will host an April Lunch and Learn featuring Domenic Bravo, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, who will visit Lincoln County on Wednesday, April 22, to speak to both the Star... Read More
Man accused of killing Charlie Kirk pushes to ban cameras from court
April 17, 2026
By MATTHEW BROWN and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM Associated Press PROVO, Utah (AP) — The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk wants a judge to ban cameras from the courtroom and says live broadcasts of the prosecution are violating his right to... Read More
Southwest OHV group plans trip from Evanston to Cheyenne for the 250th
April 17, 2026
• SWOT includes Lincoln County in expanding outdoor group Southwest Wyoming Off-road Trails (SWOT) will celebrate the 250th Anniversary for signing of the Declaration of Independence with a cross state OHV ride this summer. Mark Tesoro, spokesman for SWOT and... Read More
Star Valley Sports Journal: Not Getting Sued, Appreciation for Veggies and the NFL Draft
April 17, 2026
• Not Getting Sued, Appreciation for Veggies and the NFL Draft The Masters has the tagline “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” and far be it from me to argue with that. Mainly because I feel like they would sue me.... Read More
Sublette Antelope migration reviewed in Wyoming G&F day-long session
April 17, 2026
• Meeting included stakeholders from southwest Wyoming Protection of the migrating southwest Wyoming antelope herds was the focus of a day-long session with Wyoming Game & Fish Commission and respective stakeholders in Rock Springs. Commissioner Kent Connelly represented Lincoln... Read More
“Finding Neverland” selected as 2026 community theater production
April 17, 2026
Salt River Community Theater has announced the organization’s 2026 Fall Musical as “Finding Neverland,” which is the story of author James Matthew Barrie’s inspiration for his creation of “Peter Pan.” Jaclyn Lechner, who serves as Executive Director of Salt River... Read More
Potential tweaks to district bid policy part of future discussion
April 17, 2026
The Lincoln County School District #2 Board of Trustees held their regularly scheduled meeting April 8, and discussed a multitude of items facing the area. Those in attendance included Chairman Darnell Simpson and board members Dave Jenkins, Lynn Call,... Read More
SVI Radio: Kentucky Derby Giveaway Show
April 17, 2026
SVI Radio’s Weekday Wake-Up on Friday, April 17 was dedicated to the Star Valley and Lincoln County Search & Rescue units and a VIP Kentucky Derby Experience raffle hosted by The Fishing Dog Foundation. The show included guest interviews from... Read More
Fundraiser created to help 7-year-old following ALD diagnosis
April 16, 2026
A Facebook auction and GoFundMe has been created to support the family of Raydon Bowen of Kemmerer following a diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder. “Raydon, who just turned 7, is full of energy, adventure, and a love for life,”... Read More
UW Board of Trustees Appoints Sheetz as Executive Vice President
April 16, 2026
A senior higher education administrator, physicist and former military officer has been named executive vice president of the University of Wyoming. Kraig Sheetz, currently serving as the vice dean for engagement and research at the U.S. Military Academy at West... Read More
Governor Gordon Announces He is Not Seeking a Third Term
April 16, 2026
The following is a release from the office of Governor Mark Gordon – • Sets Agenda with Cabinet for the Remainder of His Administration “We have just come off a solid legislative win, securing the Essentials Budget to help meet... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman - April 16
April 16, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-16-Harriet-Hageman.mp3 Read More
ChatGPT maker OpenAI shifts its focus to business users amid Anthropic pressure
April 16, 2026
By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer The same ChatGPT chatbot that gave OpenAI’s chief financial officer Sarah Friar a tilapia recipe for a recent Sunday night dinner at home is also now doing her most mundane tasks at work like... Read More
Star Valley builds bridge to Ukraine community in crisis
April 16, 2026
• Advocates return to U.S. for political support through petition signatures Star Valley welcomes guests from throughout the world in all seasons of the year. While most of those guests visit for entertainment and tourism, one group of... Read More
Independent Obituaries: April 15, 2026
April 16, 2026
The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the April 15, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society. Cecil Dana Cecil Robert Dana, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend,... Read More
Classical Night of Music Concert to light up the Ford
April 16, 2026
The Star Valley Arts Council (SVAC) is hosting its second annual Classical Night of Music on Saturday, April 18 on the Ford Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Local music artists will gather to share music and dance favorites in a... Read More
Spring Has Sprung Craft Fair happens Saturday
April 16, 2026
Star Valley’s annual Spring Has Sprung Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds South Exhibit Building in Afton. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with goods and food offered throughout... Read More
(Video) - Bear Lake Softball vs Snake River
April 15, 2026
The Bear Lake Softball team hosts the Snake River Panthers on Wednesday afternoon with a start time of 4 p.m. Read More
Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf trade in response to US naval blockade
April 15, 2026
The commander of Iran’s joint military command on Wednesday threatened to halt trade in the Gulf region if the U.S. does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports. No vessels have made it past U.S. naval forces during the first... Read More