Looking Back at Pages from the Past
The following stories are summarized from past issues of the Caribou County Sun over the last fifty plus years. The Enterprise thanks Mark Steele for permission to use the contents, and the Grace Public Library for access to the archives.
5 Years ago, 2019
Idaho State Police responded to a motorcycle crash on State highway 34 at mile marker 72 near Henry. Orlo Jensen, 67, of Preston was west bound on a 1984 Honda Goldwing motorcycle, when for unknown reasons he failed to negotiate a curve causing his motorcycle to leave the roadway. Jensen was transported to Caribou Memorial Hospital in Soda Springs where he died from his injuries. Jensen was wearing a helmet. The crash is under investigation by the ISP.
Gaye Gunnell volunteered her sculpturing talents to restore the monument of a bedded ewe and lamb, which currently sits north of the geyser, with the encouragement of Marjean Duren. The monument was given to local stockmen 80 years ago as a memento to the importance of livestock in Caribou County.
Firefighters worked Friday night on the Sheep Creek Fire of August 2. The fire which is located five miles southeast of Montpelier, started on private lands. Four engines, as well as the Bear Lake County Fire District responded to the call. Fire investigators were still trying to determine the cause. Those participating in Bear Lake Raspberry Days are urged to use caution as hotter temperatures and dryer fuels are resulting in
quicker ignition.
Huckleberry season is here, and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest wants to remind the public that while personal berry picking is welcomed, the commercial picking of huckleberries with intent to sell is strictly prohibited. “We want all individuals to experience unique activities on their public lands,” said Mel Bolling, Caribou-Targhee Forest Supervisor. “By limiting huckleberry picking to recreational use only, we are able to give more people those opportunities.”
The Caribou County Senior Center reported that the 2019 Annual Golf Scramble fundraiser to benefit the Caribou County Senior Center was held at the Oregon Trail Country Club. 16 teams participated, including first place Team Humberg (Daryl Humberg, Ron Singleton, Jake Henry, Cassidy Parker), second place Caribou Memorial (Dillon Liechty, Dusty Edwards, Chris Richmond, Jacob Smith), and many others. Todd Hunzeker Ford sponsored a 2019 Ford Ranger Truck for the “Hole in One” giveaway.
10 Years ago, 2014
Mary and Rodger Sorenson were selected as Caribou County’s Fair and Rodeo Grand Marshals for 2014. The couple have lived in Soda Springs since 1975. Mary was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, while Rodger was born in Grace, raised on a dry farm in the in the Ten-Mile Pass area north of town, and graduated from high school in Soda Springs. Mary and Rodger met while attending BYU in Provo, where Mary was majoring in music and Rodger in mechanical engineering. The married in 1965, moved to Billings for pilot training, and then to Minneapolis where Rodger went to work for Northwest Orient Airlines. After moving to Soda Springs, Rodger commuted to domiciles in Seattle, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit while Mary shouldered the responsibility of raising the family of four daughters and one son. A small ranch was purchased on the Big Lost River to give the children an opportunity to learn to enjoy the wildlife and ride horses, chase cattle, pick rock, change hand line sprinklers, and operate large equipment.
The Albert and Marva Christman family met from Thursday through Saturday at Cub River for a family reunion with an amazing 88 people in attendance. Albert and Marva have been married for 68 years.
Utah Jazz guard Ian Clark, finishing his first year with the team, visited the Soda Springs Stake Center. He played in 23 games for the Jazz in his first year, after being a NCAA standout with the Belmont Bruins, leading them to three consecutive tournaments.
20 Years ago, 2004
The Family Privacy Act requires school districts to notify parents and guardians of their rights regarding the release of directory information. Certain information about district students is considered “directory information” and will be released to individuals who have an educational or reasonable purpose and who follow procedures for requesting the information, district officials said. Unless a parent objects to the release in writing to the principal of the school their student attends, directory information available on a child may be released as requested during the school and calendar year. “Directory information” includes such things as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, photographs, dates of attendance, awards received in school, and most recent school previously attended.
Soda Springs’ welcome sign brackets were in their final selections. City Director Lee Godfrey said that the need for the welcome signs to be placed at the entrances to town was something many people agreed upon. “I fell we need the welcoming to Soda Springs signs up,” Godfrey said. “People kind of miss them.” Council President Randy Prescott and Councilwoman Lynda Lee both said that they liked the geyser logo on the sign samples, and it would still leave the option of adding Oregon Trail cutouts to be added to the signs at a later date. The council agreed to proceed with the signs at the entrances to town.
Keith Rigby presented Caribou County Commissioner Bruce Dredge with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Top Five Rodeo award for the 2003 Small Outdoor Rodeo last week. Board members Joe Elsmore, Delvin Humble, Keith Rigby, Commissioner Dredge, Boyd Schvanveldt, David Banks, Valerie Ackerman, and Pat Stoor were recognized.
An 18 year old who escaped twice last week was apprehended in Reno, Nevada. Cody Binger, 18, of Arimo, was in court last week regarding violating a restraining order. When it came time to handcuff and remand Binger, he ran. The area west of the courthouse in Soda Springs was searched by deputies, police, and off-duty officers, until Binger was spotted in the block between Center and Second South. Binger was then taken to county jail, where he allegedly ate two bars of soap, drank a bottle of shampoo, and cut himself. He was taken to Caribou Memorial Hospital and treated, than transported to the BHC in Pocatello, where he escaped through a venting duct. He was arrested in Reno using a pay phone. The juvenile who had been found was Binger in her family’s vehicle was returned safely to her family.
The Soda Springs Class of 1954 held their 50-year class reunion in the banquet and ballroom at the Enders Hotel. Class members also decorated and rode in a float for the city’s annual 4th of July parade. The class started in the fall of 1950, with 34 members. The graduating class of ’54 included 27. Tribute was paid to eight class members who have passed away during the last 50 years. Participants enjoyed a steak dinner, reminiscence about high school activities (which included pranks on teachers and classmates), and entertainment by Kevin Keller and Dave Summers. Valerie Burrell served as the chair of the reunion and was assisted by secretary Darlene Davis. Mrs. Burrell put together a booklet of memories which included an update on each class member. In attendance were Valene Burrell, Sheryl and Grant Peterson, Robert and Sandra Christopherson, Ellen and Lew Nelson, Bill and Charlene Corbett, Doyle and Ruth DeKay, Alice Joy Nichols, Carol Parsons, Jean and Jim Jack, Rex and Ruth Maughan, Harry and Gail Mayne, Lynn Ray and Arnetta Sibbett, Darlene and J.L. Davis, Bob and Sue Archibald, Lorraine Stoker, DeWayne and Donna Christenson, Brent and Arlene Maughan, and Mike and Miki McDaniels. Rex Maughan was the driving force behind restoring the venue, Enders Hotel.
25 Years ago, 1999
Studio Connection of Grace, under the direction of Andrea Holyoak and Jana Mathews recently took some of their students to Salt Lake City to train with New York’s “Manhattan Dance Project.” Over the course of the two day training, Studio Connection dancers were able to have intense training from some of the finest dancers in the world. These dancers included Bill Vernon and Chet Walker. They were able to attend classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, swing, and theater dance. Each student was able to have a lot of individual attention from each instructor, and advance their training to the next level.
The Cheerleaders of America cheer instructors selected Sherlene Kirby, Soda Springs High School cheer coach, as ‘Coach of the Year’ at the cheer camp held at Thirkill School in July. The cheer instructors aid Sherlene received the first Coach of the Year honor they had awarded. Coach of the Year requires a great balance of patience, carrying fun and high expectations. Sherlene works well will the girls she coaches and has earned their respect over and over again. She values the friendships between the girls and she has the ability to push them to be their best without sacrificing those friendships and memories formed through cheering. The instructors came from California as part of the COA organization and commented on how much they enjoyed the Soda Springs area and would like the opportunity to return.
Crews from the City of Soda Springs were busy Friday and Saturday doing chip and seal. The city hires county employees on their days off and pays for the oil, using county equipment. Portions of six or seven streets were completed, including Third East from the state highway to the south
city limits.
30 Years ago, 1994
City officials discussed a suggestion to try and salvage the octagon cover over the recently acquired Octagon Springs that has local historical significance. Most everyone they talked with said it couldn’t be salvaged. The city will get materials in place to move ahead with rebuilding the spring cover if the old one can’t be used.
City Council of Soda Springs adopted a new animal control ordinance that will allow residents to pay for city violations of the dog and cat ordinance at city hall, saving the $50 court costs. The first fine is $20, the second offense is $30, and the third offense in a year will cost $50. If the cited person doesn’t pay the fine at city hall or protests the citation, they will be issued a misdemeanor ticket and the matter will be taken before the magistrate court. Last winter Chief Blynn Wilcox pointed out that the $50 court costs, plus fine, was probably a factor in people not claiming their animals and the city having to destroy them. He said the new ordinance would save residents money, hopefully return more dogs to their owners, and the city would receive more net revenue.
The Soda Springs School District requested that the old bricks and masonry items from the demolished junior high school be allowed to be placed in the city gravel pit. The city agreed, but clarified that all other materials would need to go to the landfill.
Problems with kids at the geyser tossing in rocks, sitting on it, and otherwise taking away from the natural beauty were discussed by the city. It was determined to put up a sign encouraging people not to be terrible.
A hybrid wolf apparently dug out of his pen in Liger Town Sunday, and killed 18 chickens, 11 geese, five turkeys, one goat, and injured a horse. The wolf was shot by sheriff’s deputy, but fled with an injured leg. 4 goats are still missing. There are allegedly 44 hybrid wolves at Liger Town, as well as numerous other predators. The owner insists that this incident was an anomaly, and the enclosures are secure.
40 Years ago, 1984
For those who like to do their own handy work, Mountain Bell is offering a free booklet on how to pre-wire your home or single-line business for telephone service. The booklet, designed for people who are remodeling or building new homes, gives specific guidelines for home pre-wiring. Consumers benefit by doing their own pre-wiring because they save money by providing both their own labor and materials. Those who do not enjoy the do-it-yourself concept can still ask Mountain Bell to handle inside wiring for a charge or can contract with other vendors providing such services. The FCC recently approved do-it-yourself wiring nationwide, although Mountain Bell had initiated the concept two years earlier. C.E. Hill, Idaho President for Mountain Bell, said the post-divestiture atmosphere offers more opportunity for customers to choose who they want to do their wiring. Wiring supplies needed to do home installation can be purchased at local hardware, telephone equipment or electrical supply stores.
Amanda Sure Jolley was crowned Princess in the 1984 Baby Pageant held in July in Grace. The first runner-up was Rachel Call. The 1984 Prince is Chase Cellan, with Elliot Olorenshaw as the first runner-up. In the 0-6 month division, Jeni Lyn Farnsworth was crowned Princess, Michelle Weeks was the runner-up, and LeOnna Poulsen won the most feminine category. Kali Kirby was the Princess in the 7-18 month old division, with Camilla Jones as runner-up and Veronica Stewart as most feminine. Crowned as prince in the 0-6 month division was Cole Fowler. Runner-up was Jospeh Young. In the 7-18 month category, Elliott Olorenshaw was the prince, and Jason Wilde was the most masculine. Winner of the prettiest hair category was Andrea Andreason. The best look-alike winners were Suzanne and Sandra Sorenson. CeCe Craner, daughter of Robert and Becky Craner, was crowned Little Miss Caribou, with Wendy Fowler as first runner up, Jamie Jepsen as second runner-up, Becky Gorton was third runner-up, and Krystal Fowler was fourth runner up.
55 Years ago, 1969
The famous Eh-Capa Riders, who made such a hit at the Caribou County Fair and Rodeo last year, are back again for a return performance, but were so pleased with their reception last year at Grace that they agreed to return in 1969. The riders will present a special performance, featuring some of their younger performers at the Little Buckaroo Rodeo on Thursday night, and will present a complete performance at the ICA Rodeo Friday and Saturday nights.
Carl Hayes of Soda Springs was the winner of the cycle given away by the Snow Drifters in July. The Hayes’ have two children, Patty, 17, and Landon, 13. Rauhn Panting won a helmet and Norm Bjorkman won a set of truck tie downs. The club wishes to thank everyone who bought tickets and supported them in the project.
On July 21 a 1964 auto was damaged to the extent of $240 when the hood latch came unhooked causing loss of vision. The accident occurred five and a half miles north of Soda Springs on Highway 34. Sheriff Ralph Marriott investigated.
