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.

2020

Governor Brad Little has announced that Idaho is adopting the latest guidance from the Trump Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of coronavirus.  Idaho is currently reporting nine confirmed cases of COVID-19.  Counties with confirmed cases include Ada, Blaine, Madison, and Teton.  Public health officials said there is no confirmation that community spread is occurring in the state at this time.  Community spread occurs when people contract the virus from an unknown source in their community.  Idahoans are encourages to not visit nursing homes, or longterm care facilities unless providing critical assistance, but should still find ways to connect with loved ones in those facilities, such as phone, text, Facetime, and others.  Discretionary travel, and social gatherings of more than 10 people should also be avoided, according to the Trump White House and Governor Little.  “If you are in the category of our vulnerable population,” Governor Little said, “the elderly or health-compromised, please stay home and away from other people for the next few weeks.  Idahoans need to be there for each other and reach out to neighbors and family members who need their support.  The governor encouraged school districts to follow the latest CDC guidelines for school closure when considering  whether to close school for a period of time.  “I am not mandating categorical closure of schools and other establishments at this time.  Local leaders and operators of those facilities will make their own judgement calls about whether to do that.  Idaho is a very diverse and expansive state.  A solution for the one area might not be a solution for another part of the state.”

Sheriff Kelly Wells informed the Grace City Council that Caribou County and many of the surrounding counties have a text to 911 system that can be used if calling is not available.  He asked that the city leaders help spread the word and if they are ever somewhere that texts will go through and not a call, like in the mountains, to use the 911 text system.  He informed them he has signs he can put up to notify people that they can use this new system.  

2015

Lava Hot Springs will host a Cake Walk and Musical Squares Pre-Birthday Party Event.  This event is one of the many planned for the town’s 100th birthday celebration.  Party hats and costumes are encouraged.  

The Grace Wrestling Club made up of wrestlers grades pre-Kindergarten through 9 is dedicated to providing young wrestlers the opportunity to wrestle throughout the year.  The club functions in addition to the high school, middle school, and elementary programs.  This past Saturday the club attended the IDAWAY Invitational hosted by Blackfoot High School.  Wrestlers who competed were Cole Younger, Carter Kimball, Braden Kimball, Cade Kimball, Mason Partain, Cash Spenser, Coy Shupe, Clayton Lunt, Will Cutler, Wyatt Cutler, Bray Skinner, and Rhett Jorgensen.  Place winners were 1st: Carter Kimball, Clayton Lunt, Coy Shupe and Will Cutler; 2nd: Mason Partain, Brayden Kimball; 3rd: Bray Skinner, Cash Spencer, and Wyatt Cutler.

2010

Information is being sought in the unlawful killing of a mule deer doe.  On March 2, Idaho Dept of Fish and Game Conservation Officer Nathan Stohosky discovered a dead mule deer doe on the Sant Road in Caribou County, approximately one mile north of the intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Sant Road.  The carcass was partially visible from the road when it was discovered.  An investigation revealed a small caliber bullet hole in the neck of the deer, and no parts of the animals were taken.

A routine traffic stop resulted in felony arrests and the seizure of 10 pounds of marijuana Saturday night in Soda Springs, SSPD Officer Tyler Scheierman said.  The Officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle eastbound on Highway 30 through Soda Springs for a traffic violation.  Two Oregon men were arrested as a result of a search of the vehicle and both were charged with felony counts of drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic drugs.

Using poignant illustrations of his own life, spiced with humor and one liners packed with wisdom.  Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku brought home the need for dreams, change and caring to Soda Springs High School and Middle School students as part of the Lock-In activities.  Dr. Kituku, originally from Kenya, is a motivational speaker and business trainer who draws on his rich cultural heritage and experience in corporate America to help others gain success in their lives.

2005

Dr. Mark and Larisa Harris hosted a Carribbean cruise recently for his staff of full-time and part-time employees at the Caribou Dental Clinic.  The tour group flew from the Salt Lake airport in February to Houston where they boarded a Norwegian cruise ship for a seven day vacation, with port stops in Cozumel, Cancun, the Island of Roatan in Hondurus, and Belize.  Tour members included Ann Randall, Faun Herd, Carol Woods, Gaylene Hopkins, Lanett Lau and husband Barry, Tamara Jensen and husband Tad, DeDe and Russell Clark, Wynn and Alan Crawford, and Marsha and Lawrence Rigby.

The Grace and North Gem High School wrestling team held their annual awards banquet Friday at the North Gem High school cafeteria.  A dutch oven dinner prepared by Bill Jorgensen was enjoyed by all.  Coach Justin Williams expressed his appreciation to his assistant coaches, Craig Pearson, Trevor Williams, and Brian Hook.  He also thanked his managers for their hard work this year.  The following wrestlers were honored for their outstanding effort this year: Brett Becklund—Outstanding Wrestler; Jake Millward—Most Dedicated; Shayde Stotts—Most Improved; Skylar Stotts—Best new-comer; Reed Crandall—Most Takedowns; Kim Fransden—Most pins; Tate Harris—Most Reversals; Shane Harris—Most escapes.

Bonnie Barker, daughter of Dow and Deanne of Soda Springs, was presented her Young Womanhood award and medallion by LDS bishop Mark Harris during Eighth Ward sacrament meeting Sunday, March 13.

2000

Jon Bunderson, K-9 Officer for the Soda Springs Police Department, displayed a cast of a partial track of what he believes is a wolf or wolf-like canine near his home on Rabbit Hill in Wood Canyon.  The officer has K-9s, a bloodhound for tracking, and several sled dogs.  Bunderson believes his dogs are what has drawn the wolf to his area for the second time this winter.  The first sighting was over a month ago when his dogs were “Acting funny” one night.  He shined a light up the hill and saw a dark, wolf-like animal that immediately took off.  A researcher familiar with wolves looked at the track and said it was a high probability of being a wolf or hybrid.  A dark colored animal meeting the same description was the center of trapping efforts late last fall near Conda, about five miles to the north, after it killed several sheep.  The animal was never caught before the sheep were moved out.  

The Grace-Shaun-Dels brought home three first place trophies when they traveled to Idaho Falls last weekend.  They competed in Novelty, Military, and Dance categories against five other A-3 teams.  The Shaun-Dels received a first in Novelty and Military.  In the category Show, the Shaun-Dels competed with the A-2 Division where they received another first.

On Sunday the 12th, the Soda Springs Baptist Church held their first service in their new sanctuary, and it was easy to see why a new sanctuary was needed, Pastor Jess McMurray noted.  Even though the new facility is twice the size of the old one, it was filled to capacity with worshippers and visitors.  The new building was started in the summer of 1999.  Not only does the new church have greatly improved handicap access, it also boasts of the latest in multi-media equipment for showing slides and videos.  The up-to-date sound system also enhances the music praise and worship portion of the service. 

1995

Caribou County Junior Miss presents “Hooray for Hollywood” on March 25.  This year, 28 young women have signed up for the scholarship program.  The girls participating in the event this year are: Emma Lee Call, Amanda Tingey, Summer Erickson, Ann Hart, Gwen Roberts, Whitney Lenay Wistisen, Amanda Monk, Marie Westbrook, Cheryl Lynn Ackerman, Traci Ellen Sorensen, Lindsay White, Danelle Dooley, Corrine Kator, Aileen Marie Perkins, Dawn Marie Yost, Camille Walters, Hilary Rigby,  Danielle Lish, Julianne Balls, Sara Johnson, Julie Conlin, Rebecca Hook, Melissa Renee Bowman, Kimberly Kaylyn Wistisen, Sarah Kempe, Roxanne Redford, Sheila Jones, and Tanya Yost.

The Soda Springs Cardette Drill Team took first place in show and 3rd place in military at the Intermountain Drill Team competition in Idaho Falls on March 17 and 18.

The Idaho State Women’s Bowling Association 52nd Annual Idaho State Bowling Association Championship Tournament in Pocatello has concluded its third week of competition.  The tournament is in its second year of two division competitions.  It previously consisted of three divisions.  The tournament will run for six weeks.  In Division II team Handicap, Doubles Handicap, in first place were Billie Smith and Debby Bassett of Soda Springs with 1,442.

1975

Second Lieutenant Norman K. Johnson of the Army Medical Corp was awarded the Army Commendation Medal by the U.S. Army for Meritorious Service, as special assistant to the Executive Officer, Administrative Officer for the Department of Clinics and Adjutant U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Eustis, Virginia, rom January 1973 to October 1974.  The citation reads: “Lt. Johnson consistently exhibited a high level of intelligence and managerial ability.  Because of his demonstrated competence he was tasked with implementing the Fort Eustis Ambulatory Patient Care Program.  Through his conscientious efforts, and thorough planning, the program received great emphasis and the problems encountered were met with minimum difficulty.  His ability to work well with subordinates, peers, and supervisors alike earned him the respect of all with whom he associated and proved him to be a dynamic leader.  Second Lt. Johnson’s exemplary performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself, the Army Medical Department, and the United States Army.”  Norman is married to the former Nina Varley.  They are the parents of two twin boys, Nickolas and Douglas, and are now living in Grace, Idaho.

Thirty-two new Stretch-and-Sew patterns have been added to the pattern collection at the Soda Library.  Included in these new patterns are Ladies halter tops, Men’s swim trunks, little girls one and two piece swim suits, little boys’ swim trunks, children’s raglan sleeve top, ladies blazer, men’s slacks and shorts, children’s tab front shirt, ladies tennis dress and tennis shorts, mens’ safari shirt and jacket.  The library is now receiving the following papers: Idaho State Journal, Caribou County Sun, Wall Street Journal, and the Salt Lake Tribune.  Three new magazines have been added, House Beautiful, the Saturday Review, and Seventeen.  

1970

Cowboy Roundup by Leon Perkins—The junior and senior classes have been holding joint discussion to decide the plans for their annual “Junior-Senior Prom” to beheld March 28.  The dance will be centered around the theme “A Time for Us” from the film “Romeo and Juliet”.  The classes have chosen colors of royal purple and orchid.  A standing committee with members from both classes has been set up.  The members are Katie Schenk, chairman; Lafe Holbrook, Jay Simons, Leon Perkins, Patricia Jenkins, Joann Hebdon and Ken Duce.

Cardinal Corner—Soda High incorporated a debate club last year under the direction of William A. Jensen.  This year the club was given school time for preparation and instruction, and so debate has grown from a small club with few wins and many losses, to a very capable and influential class of excellent students.  Last weekend Soda made its first big win at the Fifth District tournament in Pocatello.  One squad, consisting of two 2-man teams entered the open division and both teams came through with an amazing 5-win, 4 loss record.  What’s so amazing about that?  We won over Pocatello High and Highland High teams, which are considered to be the best in the district.  Lance Call and Jim Finlayson are our two-year debaters.  Rick Williams and Ken Atwood are first year students.

1965

Girl of the month at Soda Springs High School is JoAnn Cook.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Cook.  JoAnn is a junior and has been active in Pep Club, FHA, and is the manager for the Cardettes.  Boy of the month at SSHS is Randy Scheffel.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Scheffel.  He is a junior and is active in Key Club, “S” Club, and sports of all kinds.

An estimated $500 damage to city street lights was caused by vandalism on Saturday night according to Chief of Police Dean Lloyd.  Approximately 15 to 20 lights were shot out by a .22 caliber rifle, many of them being large gas street lights, totaling $300 damage and ten lights at Soda Springs High school estimated at $200 damage.  Lloyd stated that several leads were being investigated and that the case would not be closed until the guilty party or parties were apprehended and brought to justice.

The American Legion last week observed its 46th anniversary.  The Legion was founded March 15-17, 1919, by representatives of the various units of the American Expeditionary Force in Paris, France.