“The County Commissioners have organized a member of each town to be a part of this economic development group,” said councilman Dave Jenkins. Jenkins was selected by the Alpine Town Council to serve on the county economic development board. “We are meeting in Cokeville once a month.”

According to Jenkins, the county is now ready to move forward with the economic development organization and is asking towns within the county to draft resolutions in support of the organization.

“We need to make it official that we want to participate in this group,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins is now looking for public input with regards to what sort of economic development Alpine residents would like to see in the area.

Star Valley residents were both stunned and surprised as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the future construction of a temple site in the area.

According to the LDS Church, there are currently 135 temples in operation with 13 more under construction and 18 that have been announced to be built in the future.  With so many differing locations for these buildings, it is a rare occasion for such a facility to be built in such a rural area. With the lack of one centralized incorporated town, Star Valley will almost certainly be the world’s smallest population to boast such an addition.

Some recent smaller population areas to add a temple include Snowflake, Ariz., with a population of between 5,500 and 6,000 residents and Vernal, Utah which has just over 9,000 citizens.

According to Ken Bassett, City Manager for Vernal, the temple will likely bring an underappreciated positive impact to the area in a variety of ways.

“It is a great opportunity for the area,”  he said in a telephone interview with the Independent.  “When it was announced in Vernal, it was very warmly received.  We had no clue that it would ever happen.”

Bassett explained that the Vernal facility was converted from an old tabernacle which had fallen into disrepair and no longer met building codes.  Because of the historic nature of the building, the community was excited to see the process move forward.  Bassett also said that Vernal differs from other Utah towns in terms of LDS church membership and that the city was about “50-50” in terms of LDS member and those of other faiths when the temple was dedicated in 1997.

The mayor at the time, a member of the Catholic church, spent a considerable amount of time with the LDS Church’s Temple Division to better understand the nature of the structure.

“I would emphasize that the temple division has a lot of bright individuals and respect the area in which they are working with and will respect and make sure all the area criteria is met,” Bassett continued. “They bend over backwards to make sure that this property will be taken care of.  I have found that regardless of the location, the temple division is very respectful and knowledgeable about how things should work and they pay their fees and do things the right way.”

The new building is expected to draw temple patrons from the region.  Depending upon future designations, church members from other towns such as Cokeville, Kemmerer and Montpelier will almost certainly be included in the Star Valley temple district with other cities under consideration.

“When you look at that, it is more people coming into your community,” said Bassett. “I think local merchants get excited because usually your patronage is a clean crowd that spends money and doesn’t cause problems. More hotel visits, more restaurants, and I think the retail community was very excited. Many [of our retail community] were not members and they just knew that it was going to draw more people into their business and it certainly has. We are grateful for that. The church does an incredible job with the finest contractors and the finest materials. I sure it will be beautiful.  We really had no growing pains. A few have even moved to Vernal who wanted to be in a rural area with a temple.  During the winter this is going to be a great blessing to a lot of people in Star Valley.”

It is estimated that approximately 100 couples perform temple work in Idaho Falls each week from the Star Valley area.

As well as adding to the LDS Church’s overall total, the Star Valley temple will be the first such structure within the State of Wyoming.  Currently, members of the LDS faith travel outside of the Cowboy State to attend the temple.  Some of the closest to the border include Billings, Mont., Logan, Utah, Idaho Falls, Idaho and Rexburg, Idaho.  A temple is currently under construction in Fort Collins, Colo., which would make it the closest to the border in terms of mileage until the Star Valley site is completed.

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

The U.S. Commerce Association is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

Since June of 2006 when long-time owners Dawn and Doug McCaskill decided to retire and close down the valley’s lone alley, the bowlers of Star Valley have been without a local place in which to compete.
During that time, the bowling enthusiasts, along with casual users of the old bowling alley, either didn’t bowl at all, or rather found solace in other communities like some ten-pin refugee.

With the completion of Skyview Lanes and Family Fun Center, not only is the wait for a new Star Valley facility over, it should be well worth it.  The new business is located in Afton, but with modern amenities should attract a wide variety of people across the area looking for entertainment.

Skyview boasts a state-of-the-art bowling area with eight lanes, a game area which will feature the latest in video game technology and equipment as well as a restaurant which can seat up to 60 people.
The new business will likely be a welcome addition to an area that has been starved for such a venue and comes out of a somewhat unlikely scenario.  Gale Haderlie and Kris Simkins have worked hard in conjuction with other members of their family to completely transform the building that once housed Agri-Star Auto Parts for upwards of 30 years.  Although the thought of turning the existing building into a bowling center began as an innocent and simple notion, Kris laughs when thinking back over the past 10 months and the obstacles that have peppered the process.

“I didn’t have any idea what it would take to make this happen,” she said.  “With the current state of the economy and the difficulties we encountered securing funding for this project we are grateful that it is finally complete.”

A big part of that final step now comes in the form of Travis Simkins, Kris’ son and managing partner.  Remodeling a building that was originally built for another purpose took a great deal of work and effort.
“We ended up entirely gutting the inside of the building and starting from scratch,” he replied.  “To convert the building was a lot bigger than we thought.  It was just a steel building and we had to clean out over 30 years of auto parts and items and it took nearly 10 months.

Now that the fun center is a reality, work with the bowling enthusiasts has also commenced.

“As the proprietor, we facilitate the leagues, but it’s the organizers who have put together the leagues,” Simkins replied.  “We’ll be working close with them, and we want to do the best we can to move forward; especially with the junior leagues.

Simkins went on to speak about avenues to education through bowling.

“There are scholarships available and we want to bring a focus on bowling to Western Wyoming,” he added. “We met with a lot of the other facility owners around the state and they have big tournaments in Cheyenne and Gillette.  To be able to bring a tournament like that to Star Valley would be beneficial to the town and the entire area as those people are willing to come and spend money in your town as they compete.”

The business is currently exploring avenues with state firemen, police and search & rescue organizations.

“We’re also looking at creating a lot of times for open bowling as well as a variety of leagues and work with the people and provide them with the option of participating in multiple leagues if they choose, he said.”

The bowling area utilizes automatic scoring and animated segments for bowlers as well as convenient features such as automatic bumpers.  And for those who don’t care what time it is, cosmic bowling with the aid of black lights promises to be an area favorite.

Although Simkins is working closely with the bowling community and the new eight lanes feature the latest technology in the industry, Sky View Lanes is far from your standard bowling alley.

“When people come through the door, they’re going to have the option of using the big screens to watch sporting events, or play on the Wii or X-Bos systems with games like Rock Band or Guitar Hero,” he added.  “There will also be things like pool tables, pinball machines and other games that will be rotated regularly.”

And after spending some time getting acquainted with the new entertainment hub of the valley?
A guy’s gotta eat doesn’t he?

The Strike Zone Cafe will feature favorites that have been researched and will be operated by Tiffani Lloyd.

In all, Skyview Lanes and Family Fun Center may prove to be more than just an option for valley residents, it promises to become the location for many happy outings.

The Strike Zone Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  Bowling hours are tentatively scheduled to extend from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends, although hours may be expanded based upon public interest.

Now with a new modern facility located on Doc Perkes Lane just south of their previous location, owner Larry Chavez not only sees the fruits of his labor in the present, but sees a bright future for Printstar and their 12 employees.

“The business of going through the previous location was just more than it could handle,” he stated.  “Especially with the acquisition of Thrifty Print and the office supplies it just spurred the need for more space.  In addition it just gives us so much more flexibility to own our building.  Besides that, in the next 12 to 18 months, we’re working towards securing an exclusive partnership with some companies like HP [Hulett Packard] or Canon and offer their products at a very competitive price.”

Other expansions include moving materials such as boxes and packinging.  Chavez is also looking at the feasibility of utilizing their FedEx drop off point to offer an expanded packaging service.    Another business that has joined in with Printstar is Lasting Impressions photography.

“With the addition of Lasting Impressions, it moves along with our aim of offering diversity to the customer,” Chavez replied. “Anything that has to do with print to paper, we want to be able to offer it in an efficient manner.”

Much of the building is dedicated to production which includes single and two-color printing presses which expands Printstar’s ability to offer  their full color products.  Expansion of their wide-format printing and banners is also underway, but it’s the office supplies that appears to be the most pressing.

“One of my goals for the office supply department, is that we want to get to the point where we’re competitively priced with the items that people feel that they have to go out of the valley to purchase,” Chavez added. “We’re trying to keep those dollars local.”

Chavez admits that perhaps the biggest challenge of the printing business is keeping up with advancements in the industry.

“Technology has taken the printing business along faster than I’ve ever seen,” he added.  “It’s a challenge to keep up.  The biggest obstacle is making that transition from the way we’re currently doing things, and making them more streamlined and digital.”

Another additional program will cater to the many scrapbook enthusiasts around the area which will include a supply of specialty paper, scrapbook kits, tools and items such as vinyl rolls cutting masks and items customer’s Cricket.   In addition the scrapbooking department will include many designs of stickers and much more. Scrapbooking classes are in the planning stage and should be ready to get started in the next 30-60 days

Chavez sees possible satellite stores outside of Afton and providing service to those stores using efficient methods.  Printstar and their staff invites Star Valley residents to drop by on April 24, which will be Printstar’s Grand Opening Fiesta to kick off their new facility and their next wave of in-house specials and marketing.  In addition, Printstar will be having giveaways and prizes as part of the festivities.

For more information on Printstar or the services they offer, call 885-9000.

Star Valley Ranch was once very quiet during the winter months.  At least comparatively.

But as the valley’s growth has affected the areas of Alpine, Nordic Ranch and Etna, the growth and the very nature of the fact that Star Valley Ranch is now an incorporated town has made it a very attractive option for a whole new generation of residents.

Part of that mentality is being forged through by business owners such as Laurie Butkay, who is ready to fill the food needs of the area for 12 months a year.  When asked why she was making this jump, it’s easy to hear the conviction about her community.

“It’s because it’s a town now,” she stated.  “Star Valley Ranch is a township now and every town should have  restaurant.”

Offering an old diner atmosphere, combined with the unique and plentiful activities at the disposal literally yards away from her grill, the Cedar Creek Grill sits poolside at the Ranch, even when the pool is empty.

The beautiful mountain views make it so calm and peaceful,” Butkay added.  “We have areas so you can sit outside and enjoy it.  You can even call from the ninth hole and call in an order and we can serve them right out the door.  The golf course and the basketball courts serve as an athletic background for people. In the winter, there are snowmobilers and we’re close to an ice skating rink and there ‘s even some mothers putting together hockey teams, so I think we’ll be a welcome addition all year ‘round.”

In addition to having pride about her town, she’s also very proud of her cuisine which is drawing rave reviews from her patrons.

“The people are the best part,” she added. There are people from all over the world who live here so it’s amazing to meet them.  Of course the beautiful views are always rewarding.  I think people are always overwhelmed at the amount of food that they are served and I take a lot of pride in what I serve and how I serve it.”

The Cedar Creek Grill is also a family affair.

“It’s an old fashioned diner and it’s designed for people to just come in and hang out and enjoy some homemade soups and chilis.  We also serve a good breakfast.  We’re open from 9-3 every day, 7 days a week.  We’re a family operated business.  My oldest daughter is working now and my two youngest work on the weekends.  To come out here in the mornings; this is kind of a morning coffee drinkers place and it’s fun to listen to the stories about how the valley has changed from the people who have helped build it.  I’ve learned a lot about the history of the valley just by listening.  We have a wide assortment of people here; from a federal judge to a gentlemen who helped build Las Vegas, this is a great place to meet and greet.”

The Cedar Creek Grill also fills some of the more basic needs, carrying milk, eggs, and of course, the Independent.  But, the service doesn’t stop at the door, as catering is also a passion of Butkay.

“I can cater big or small,” she concluded.  “Wherever they need it to be.  I’m able to carry it into Thayne or Afton.  My specialty is a mashed potato bar and it’s phenomenal.  We do a lot of things on the pool grill.  We even cater for Christmas and holidays.

For more information about the menu, drop on by the Cedar Creek Grill, located poolside at Star Valley Ranch, or give them a call for an order at 883-8089.

After all, a great town, should be well fed.

Just off Afton’s busiest intersection heading east on fourth avenue, it might be easy to slip past one of the valley’s newest businesses.

But if you’re in the market for a thorough manicure, pedicure or tanning session that will make you feel rejuvenated, then you might want to turn your attention to Toe Candy Nail Spa, Afton’s newest addition.

The business is the result of many years of work in the industry.

“I’ve had a nail salon in the past, and I’ve always wanted to do it again when my kids got a little older,” stated Stephanie Findley, Owner and licensed Nail Artist.  “I was working in a previous salon but we wanted to make little more money and my husband was willing to finance it so here we are.”

Toe Candy Nail Spa, unlike some other locations, does not deal with hair and is a nail only salon specializing in acrylic nails and toes.

Despite what might look like a small locale upon first glance, an excellent use of space allows for a variety of options including a very modern pedicure chair and a state-of-the-art tanning bed.

“I have an awesome tanning bed that has skin-rejuvenating lamps installed in the facial area,” added Findley.  “The LED lights that increase collagen and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.  This is actually good for your skin.”

Customers inside Toe Candy feel that there is a high level of detail to their nails, and that they not only look great, but last much longer.

“I’ve been doing nails for 20 years and I feel I’m very experienced,” said Findley.  “I like to be detail oriented and like to do a very good job.  I think I’m the only nails-only salon in the valley.”

While an appointment to get one’s nails done may at times require some juggling with children, Toe Candy comes complete with a play room so that customers can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that the little ones are entertained.

For your next manicure, pedicure, acrylic nails or tanning experience, contact Toe Candy Nail Spa at 885-NAIL (6245) or drop by their location at 32 East 4th Ave., in Afton.

Because sometimes amazing results come in small packages.