Rethinking the Ledger: Public Libraries Shift Focus Beyond Property Taxes
By Andre Williams, Thayne Branch Library Public libraries across the country are rewriting their financial playbooks. As fluctuating real estate markets and strict legislative caps threaten traditional revenue models, municipal library systems are aggressively pivoting toward alternative funding strategies to…
Stronger than the Storm: Neighbors rebuild what wind and hail destroyed
This feature appeared in the September 16, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. At first, the storm sounded like a train. Then it sounded like a herd of bison running full speed through the walls of Charlotte Parsons’ house….
Independent Notes: Good Working Relationships
I often encourage those involved with public service to maintain good working relationships along the way. That could become invaluable at a later date. I have taken the Town of Afton for a visit with the Bridger-Teton National Forest….
Braves blast Tigers 56-0 in home opener
Playing on the home turf for the first time in the 2026 season, the Star Valley Braves turned in a dominant performance on both offense and defense in a 56-0 shutout of the Lander Tigers. Despite cold, windy and wet…
(Video) – Ririe Bulldogs vs the Aberdeen Tigers
The spotlight is on Ririe Friday night as the Ririe Bulldogs (1–3) welcome the Aberdeen Tigers (2–2) for the SVI Media East Idaho Game of the Week! Ririe returns home looking to get back in the win column after a…
(Video) – Jackson Football hosts the Rawlins Outlaws
The undefeated Jackson Broncs (3–0) return home Friday night as they welcome the Rawlins Outlaws (1–2) for a Wyoming 3A matchup under the lights. Jackson has been one of the early surprises in Wyoming 3A, opening the season with three…
(Video) – Star Valley Football hosts Lander in home opener
The Star Valley Braves (2–1) finally return to Afton Friday night for their 2026 home opener as they welcome the Lander Valley Tigers (0–2) to Braves Field. The First Bank of Wyoming Countdown to Kickoff will begin at approximately 5:30…
Fatality reported in single-vehicle accident in Snake River Canyon
A single-vehicle accident that included a fatality took place on Friday morning at mile marker 131 on US 89 in the Snake River Canyon. According to information from the Alpine Fire District and the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the initial call…
Injuries reported in two-vehicle accident north of Thayne
A two-vehicle accident took place on US 89 on Thursday, September 17 that resulted in significant injuries. According to information provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP), at 8:04 a.m., a woman and an infant were traveling in a van…
(Video) – Lady Braves Volleyball hosts the Cody Fillies
It’s a Friday afternoon rematch in Afton as the Star Valley Lady Braves (7–6) welcome the Cody Fillies (7–4) for a Wyoming 4A cross-quad matchup! These two teams are already familiar with each other after meeting at the Star Valley…