Community Notes
Reminder to stop for school buses!
Winter driving adds even more danger for children waiting for the bus in the morning and exiting the bus after school. Visibility can sometimes be affected by snowy conditions and wind, and the icy roads can present sliding danger and add to stopping times. Drivers throughout the county are reminded that it is unlawful to pass a stopped school bus from either direction. As soon as a bus slows and begins flashing its lights, the safest strategy for drivers is to give the bus the full right of way, and stop a safe distance behind (or if coming from the facing direction) in front of the vehicle. According to anecdotal reports from drivers, many times students are hurrying toward the bus from locations which are not easily visible from the road, and are not always paying attention to traffic on the road itself. As an extra precaution, give the bus time to well and fully depart the stop to allow for any straggling students to be spotted by the driver. It should go without saying, but there is absolutely no appointment that is more important than the safety of children on their way to school. It should also go without saying that passing busses is a sure path to a rather expensive ticket. In Idaho, a first offense can be punished up to $300. Second violations and up within five years constitute misdemeanor crimes, and can cost $400-$1000, and even result in jail time! Do everyone a favor and plan ahead for morning drives—give yourself room to be patient and cautious on
your commute.
On a related note, when driving in winter conditions, make yourself more visible by turning on your headlights, even during the daytime hours. Heavy snow can create difficulty in seeing other drivers on the road, and headlights and running lights greatly help.
Valentine’s Dance Planned for February
It was announced at the recent Soda Springs City Council meeting that the The Soda Springs Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the first annual Valentine's Day Dance on February 14th 7PM-10PM, at Tigert Middle School commons. According to organizers, “DJ Carp will be flippin' tunes for the evening. Door prizes will be had by those in attendance. Prize for the best dressed couple. Sunday attire. Admission by donation, proceeds to flower planters for Main St. Hors d'oeuvres generously provided by Caribou Medical Center. Mark your calendars and come have an evening of fun mixed with a bit of romance while helping a good cause.”
The Black Swan Inn in Pocatello has graciously provided a stay for a lucky couple. How to win? Just come to the dance! Want to donate door prizes or have questions: Contact Paul Gritton, 208-220-5254. Please let people know and plan to attend what will hopefully be a great
annual event!
The dance is open to adults, and kids over 16.
4-H Events
County 4-H will be holding several classes coming up.
On February 7 at 1 pm a class on baking and decorating cake balls will be held. The cost is free due to a grant from Nutrien. Cloverbuds will be allowed in the class with a parent.
Earlier in the day at 10 am a Valentines craft class will be held, limited to 10 students. Cloverbuds will again be welcome with a parent. The cost for this class is $10.
In all cases, students must be registered with Zsuite and have their fees paid to enroll.
Jennifer Smith, Goat Chairman on the Market Animal Committee, reminded local parents that it was time to start thinking about animal projects for the upcoming year. While the window for beef might be close to closed, pigs, sheep, and goats are still on the table. Smith noted that he would be happy to help people get started with goats, or pointed in the right direction with other animals. The Extension office can be reached at 208-547-3205 for questions about any
4-H issues.
VFW Post 9141 Soda Springs
An update on activities and resources from the SS VFW Post 9141: “It was a great weekend at the mid winter conference. District 7 had 2 Students go to state this year. Patriot pen we had Angela Zhu from Pocatello take first place and she will be sent to national for judging. Then for Voice of Democracy we had Kylisto Leading From Soda Springs take Fourth place. They both did amazing.
We are looking for anyone interested in being part of the VFW Auxiliary it is for any family member of a service member brother, sister, dad, mom, wife, kid. We need the number to hold our seat at congress for veterans benefits. That's the main reason family members should join. Second is your supporting veterans and active duty. Third you get all the benefits. Contact Brittany Hirsbrunner 801-819-4576.
If you want veterans to have benefits in the future and present we need the numbers at congress. By signing up you give your vote for VA benefits.
There is a vet center in Idaho falls that does family counseling, child counseling, spouse, parents, and also assists the veterans by getting them with other vets to help in this battle after combat. There number is 18779278387 anyone call the number even family members to vent even when it's not about suicide or PTSD. They assist in many situations.
Also, if any family member just needs more advice please call 2146508892 I'll give you contacts and a support group here in Caribou county and state wide.”
HAM Radio Class in February
Caribou County’s HAM radio operators are an invaluable piece of the emergency preparedness toolkit for the area. During times of emergency or disaster, amateur radio operators work to create a communications network that mobile, easily established and maintained, and responsive to emergency situations. Those interested in learning the ropes of amateur radio operation, or in obtaining a license, are in luck! Attend a free class to get licensed to use amateur radio on February 24th & 25th (Mon & Tue) in the evenings starting at 5:30 PM. Testing will be done at the end of the second evening. There is a small fee for testing and licensing paid to ARRL and FCC. Class itself is free. Call or email for more information. [email protected] or 208-220-5254. Signups: https://forms.gle/UVev9ntZuRPxqR5W6
