• New UW forward is a native of Lithuania
University of Wyoming head men’s basketball coach Jeff Linder announced the addition of Jonas Sirtautas (Yo-Nus) to the 2023-24 roster on Monday. He will join fellow Lithuanian Oleg Kojenets in the Brown and Gold.
“We are excited to welcome Jonas to the Cowboy basketball family,” Linder said “Jonas comes from one of the premier programs in Europe in Zalgiris and is an explosive athlete Wyoming fans will enjoy watching for years to come.”
The 6-10, 185-pound forward is a native of Kaunas, Lithuania. He spent time with the club team Zalgiris in his hometown of Kaunas. He was also picked to be a part of the NBA Academy last season in the United States.
His father, Darius is a legendary former professional player in Lithuania and is currently one of the nation’s top player developers. His sister, Ugne signed on to play for Providence this season.
Letters to the Editor: June 17, 2026
June 20, 2026
The following Letters to the Editor appeared in the June 17, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. The President and Vietnam Dear Editor We sure have the stupidest President ever in the White House. He claimed that several times,... Read More
Wyoming Game & Fish Director urges more authority in Grizzly Bear policy
June 20, 2026
Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce told listeners of the Weekday Wake-up that the state is doing its share to study and monitor grizzly bears, yet remains constrained by federal rules governing the animals’ status. Bruce reminded the public... Read More
Ribbon Cutting for Wyoming Classical Academy-Alpine is June 25
June 20, 2026
Community members are invited to attend the ribbon cutting for the Wyoming Classical Academy (WCA) in Alpine on Thursday, June 25. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a formal ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Classical Academy... Read More
Rick Sessions retires from Afton Airport management
June 20, 2026
Rick Sessions brought his near 20-year career to a close early this summer after overseeing one of the state’s more popular airports in Afton Sessions watched the aiport grown in size and the number of flights during his tenure.... Read More
Incoming UW president unveils his vision as trustees tackle budget challenges
June 19, 2026
By Rachel Finch Laramie Boomerang Via- Wyoming News Exchange LARAMIE – The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees approved new budget measures Wednesday while incoming President Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves unveiled a sweeping leadership reorganization aimed at improving communications... Read More
Governor Mark Gordon Convenes Advisory Panel to Coordinate New World Screwworm Monitoring, Communications, and Protocols
June 19, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) convened an ad hoc panel discussion this week with State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel, State Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Samantha Allen, and Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Curren of the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) to drive proactive protective... Read More
Wrestling generations past honor Clark at community gathering
June 19, 2026
• SVHS career spanned from 1999-2026 This past weekend, many former students and athletes who wrestled under Eddie Clark in his 27 years at Star Valley High School came together to say thank you and enjoy a few hours... Read More
Isabel Vasco Named Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year
June 19, 2026
Future University of Wyoming soccer player, Isabel Vasco, earned an honor for her play this past season. She was named Wyoming’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Vasco put up impressive numbers for Green River High School in 2026. She tallied... Read More
Teichert qualifies for NHSFR
June 19, 2026
Cokeville resident Clay Teichert qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) in the Bull Riding event after placing 3rd overall in the Idaho State High School Finals. Tiechert received a no score in the 1st and 2nd... Read More
Rotary Club of Star Valley hosts Culpepper & Merriweather
June 19, 2026
The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will be in Star Valley for a stop at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Afton on June 24. Cory Frome, spokesman for Rotary Club of Star Valley, is helping with ticket sales. He explained... Read More
Grand Teton National Park kills black bear amid raft of early summer ursine conflict
June 19, 2026
• At least five black bears have obtained human food this season. By Christina MacIntosh Jackson Hole News&Guide Via- Wyoming News Exchange JACKSON — Grand Teton National Park has seen elevated bear conflict — and bear activity —... Read More
Severe drought stresses Wyoming ranches, agriculture
June 18, 2026
By Shiloh Martin Cody Enterprise Via- Wyoming News Exchange CODY — “This drought is probably as bad as I’ve seen in my life operating as a rancher,” said Dustin Taylor, the owner of Meeteetse’s E Spear Ranch. Taylor normally... Read More
Fire Danger Raised to HIGH
June 18, 2026
Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. While the landscape may still appear green, heavy dead and down timber and fuels... Read More
New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets
June 18, 2026
By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE, JAKE OFFENHARTZ and STEPHEN WHYNO Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson held up the golden NBA championship trophy for a forest of outstretched hands to touch as fans celebrated the New York Knicks’ first title... Read More
U.S. lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officials
June 18, 2026
By WILL WEISSERT and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the... Read More
Western Wyoming Community College Announces Planned Name Update to “Western Wyoming College”
June 18, 2026
Western Wyoming Community College (Western) today announced a strategic update to its institutional name, transitioning to Western Wyoming College (Western). The change is designed to better reflect the breadth and quality of the College’s academic offerings, including its growing bachelor’s... Read More
BLM approves Shute Creek CO2 disposal and pipeline project
June 18, 2026
KEMMERER (WNE) — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the Shute Creek 7-34 carbon dioxide disposal project in Lincoln and Sweetwater counties. The well will be more than 18,000 feet deep and will permanently sequester excess carbon... Read More
Disposable Calibration Gas: Pros and Cons
June 18, 2026
Compare the pros and cons of disposable calibration gas, including portability, cost, storage, waste concerns, and long-term value for safety teams. Read More
Independent Obituaries: Jun 17, 2026
June 18, 2026
The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the June 17, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society. Eldene Petrovich Eldene Veigel Petrovich passed away on June 6, 2026, at her... Read More
SVI Radio Interview: U.S. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman
June 18, 2026
https://svinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/6-18-Harriet-Hageman.mp3 Read More