This past weekend we at SVI had a day where we were trying to earn some money to make the trip to Alaska next month (that’s wild!) and stream the game between the Star Valley Braves and the Soldotna Stars. A day like that is like pushing a cart up a hill and then once it starts to clear the top, gravity takes over and it’s just about getting through the day. Not that I had a ton of that, the organizer kudos go to Duke Dance but we all tried to play our parts and do what we could. The thing about an event like that is you can feel super busy in your own little segment and somehow feel that your part is the whole thing.
It’s not.
I was on the basketball court, but there was a softball diamond, a soccer field, a volleyball area and then stuff like horse rides, a dunk tank, concessions and all sorts of things. I’ll bet those folks felt like they were the main busy part too. And they’re right. It’s all part of the same effort but none of that is successful if the community doesn’t show up and you sure did. Thank you for that. Teams for all of those tournaments, sponsors and local businesses who felt strongly enough to help us put it together and then an army of volunteers. Some were there for an hour, some for 12. Thank you to all, it was a fun day and helps us get closer to our goals. My cousin “Dean” was talking to me about it afterward and said, you know, there’s not a lot of communities that size that will put up their money and effort all the times that [this] one does. He’s right. There’s a steady stream of things that people step up to support in one way or another and we are fortunate to be a part of it.
So again, a very hearty thank you to anyone who had anything to do with SVI Day. Whether you bought a taco or shaved someone’s head. I am glad to be part of the area that does so much for each other.
Lower Valley Energy responds to gate failure at Swift Creek Reservoir
July 13, 2026
The public is being encouraged to avoid Swift Creek Canyon after a gate failure at the upper reservoir resulted in large flows of water and debris. In a released statement, Lower Valley Energy stated that the sluice gate at the... Read More
Fourth Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed by Wyoming Department of Health
July 13, 2026
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has confirmed a third case of measles in Teton County, marking the state’s first measles outbreak of 2026. The case is an adult with an unknown vaccination status and is linked to the previous... Read More
Rallying around Ryker
July 13, 2026
The Star Valley community is once again showing support when needed after a local 12-year-old boy was diagnosed with cancer. Family, friends and strangers have participated in fundraisers and even volunteered to help keep the doors open at his... Read More
Governor Orders Flags Lowered for Death of Senator Lindsey Graham
July 13, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon, (R-Wyo.,) has ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff per flag policy and by order of the United States President for the death of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The flags will remain lowered until... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: John Taylor, bringing The Wall That Heals to Star Valley
July 13, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-13-John-Taylor.mp3 Read More
SVI Radio Interview: Kelly Hoffman, Lincoln County Fire Warden on restrictions
July 13, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-13-Kelly-Hoffman.mp3 Read More
Teton County Search and Rescue sends helicopter to help recover body on Colorado's Longs Peak
July 13, 2026
JACKSON (WNE) — Teton County Search and Rescue sent its helicopter to Colorado at the tail end of Independence Day weekend for a “very technical high elevation body recovery” on Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s according... Read More
US and Iran each assert they control the Strait of Hormuz after another heavy exchange of fire
July 13, 2026
By JON GAMBRELL Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Iran each asserted Monday they controlled the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend of attacks across the Middle East, further threatening any diplomacy to end... Read More
Sam Neill, New Zealand actor who starred in 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78
July 13, 2026
By MARK KENNEDY and CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s... Read More
Body of Alpine woman found deceased along Highway 89
July 12, 2026
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an Alpine woman who’s body was found near Wapiti Village on Highway 89. Sheriff Shane Johnson said Rita “Jamie” Gerondakis, 70, was found next to the road at 114850 Highway... Read More
Body of missing Snake River drowning victim found by Palisades campers
July 12, 2026
The body of Tory J. Raether, 55, of Charlotte, North Carolina was found by campers along the shore of Palisade Reservoir on Saturday. According to the Star Valley Search & Rescue, the campers in the McCoy Creek area spotted Raether... Read More
KICK IT OR KEEP IT: "Joy" by Role Model
July 12, 2026
A new song by pop/rock group Role Model is up for vote in this week’s Kick It or Keep It. If voted to be kept, “Joy” will be added to the Swift 98 playlist. Vote to either kick or keep... Read More
Independent Notes: Riding Behind Richard Petty
July 11, 2026
“Pull in behind Mr. Petty.” “Sure!” That’s what the person advised as SVI pulled up to line up for the Alpine parade. My wife Kim and I lined up the SVI 25th float behind Richard Petty, Grand Marshal for the... Read More
Second Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed by Wyoming Department of Health
July 11, 2026
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult from Teton County. Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe illness. The public may have been exposed to measles at the... Read More
Sports Journal: Thank you for helping with SVI Day
July 11, 2026
This past weekend we at SVI had a day where we were trying to earn some money to make the trip to Alaska next month (that’s wild!) and stream the game between the Star Valley Braves and the Soldotna... Read More
Wyoming authorities call on Rocky Mountain Power to explain role in massive November power outage
July 11, 2026
• A report indicates inadequate communications during maintenance projects darkened 250K homes and businesses and knocked out a coal-burning power unit. By Dustin Bleizeffer, WyoFile.com The massive, multiple-utility power outage last fall that left some 250,000 customers across... Read More
LCSD#2 not making cuts for school activities
July 11, 2026
With the conclusion of the 2026 Wyoming Legislature there was school recalibration. This endeavored to solve what had been what was determined to be an underfunded school model based on the state constitution. However, the “silo” model chosen by legislators... Read More
Independent Letters to the Editor: July 8, 2026
July 11, 2026
The following Letters to the Editor appeared in the July 8, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. $3.6 Million Sounds Generous—Until You Do the Math By Amber Hyde Disclaimer: The following article is protected speech under the First Amendment... Read More
Defense tries to sow doubt about evidence in Charlie Kirk's killing
July 10, 2026
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press PROVO, Utah (AP) — Lawyers for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk tried to sow doubt about the case Friday, while a prosecutor countered that authorities have “overwhelming” evidence... Read More
What Matters Most When Investing in a Laser Marking Machine
July 10, 2026
When investing in a laser marking machine, there are many factors to consider. Here, we break down what matters most to find the ideal system for your process. Read More