Looking Back at Pages From the Past
5 Years ago, 2019
The Bureau of Land Management has begun offering incentives to encourage qualified people to adopt one or more wild horses and burros removed from public lands. The program is part of an effort to confront the growing overpopulation of wild horses and burros on rangelands and in holding facilities which cost taxpayers around $50 million a year to maintain. In 2018, 81,950 animals were estimated to be in existence on public lands. The program allows the animals to be adopted for a number of applications, and they are often preferred by mounted public officials. The horses can also be adopted as part of 4-H training programs, after which they are sold during public auctions.
A study released by HireAHelper claimed that Idaho had the highest net growth in the number of people who had moved in the state, at 84.38%. The data was not broken down specifically in terms of why the movement had occurred, but did find that the growth was composed of a portion of moves into the state, as well as a larger number of moves within the state, with the highest number coming from moves of less than 50 miles away. The data was gathered from a variety of sources, in addition to professional moving companies. Rural to urban movement, as well as relocation for easier commuting are possible explanations.
The annual recognition Dinner for the South Caribou District of the Boy Scouts was held at Grace Stake Center. Members of the Grand Teton Council who attended included Ken Bernt, Clarke Farrer, David Widdison, Jason Eborn, and Larnell Cleaverly. Eagle Scout recipients included Hunter Andersen, Jacob Smith, Tucker Swensen, Gable Holyoak, Ivor Gibbs, Wylie Johnson, Jaden Thompson, Bronx Holbrook, Christopher Medina, Conner Veile, Keller Housley, Andrew Walker, Justin Harris, and Seth Harris. The Silver Beaver award was presented to Mike Nally. Ted Young and Andrew Berg were given the Distinction Award of Merit.
Ellen Carney discussed a number of current food recalls, and presented a recipe for Scrapple, made from liver or pork shank, salt, pepper, sage, and corn meal. A major recall from Tyson foods was making life difficult for school lunches and microwave meals as 60 tons of chicken nuggets were deemed unsafe to eat across the company’s distribution network.
House Bill 122 was headed for a vote. The bill would end criminal penalties for agricultural/industrial hemp products, as well as CBD containing medicinal products. Under the law at the time, farmers were prohibited from growing hemp for use in textiles , mulch, paper production, or any other use. Idaho was one of the few remaining agricultural states for which this was true.
Cunty Planning and Zoning held a meeting to consider a new zoning ordinance regarding subdivisions. The discuss was to include defining minimum lot requirements for residential houses in agricultural zones, bringing the code into compliance with state regulations, removing conflicts within the code, adding missing definitions, combining some of the zones for efficiency sake, and clarifying public hearing requirements.
10 Years ago, 2014
The Save the Drive-In Committee will have a table set up at Alco, where they will be selling donated items, including a bow/archery package.
The Economic Development Workshop for Rural Idaho took place at the Preston Fire Station. Dr. Scott Benson of Idaho state University presented an economic overview of the the economic state of the region. Other topics of discussion included business incentives, grants, the Idaho Main Street program, the New Market tax credits, presented by Business Specialists Jerry Miller and Christine Jarski.
The Grace City Council, consisting of Curtis Hardy, Kim Christensen, Gillian Lloyd, Mike Ridenour, and Mayor Jackie Bathlome discussed the city’s emergency plan, which included a list of the responsibilities of each council member and city employees in the event of an emergency. The city also discussed the purchase of new 700 mhz. radios to allow better communication between emergency service partners.
An exhibit of animal mounts was opened for display a the Soda Springs Public Library. The display was sponsored by the Safari Club, which advocates for science-based conservation through hunting. The display was intended to provide an interactive, “hands-on” opportunity for students to encounter animals they may otherwise not be able to encounter up close.
After the second failure of a new school bond in Bancroft (in both cases by two votes), the North Gem School District approved making a third attempt for the May 20 primary election. The 20 year bond, if passed, would require two-thirds of voters to pass, and provide $4.8 million to be spent on the construction of a new building to house the kindergarten through 12th graders.
The American Legion Auxiliary Post 61 announced its Idaho Syringa Girls State Delegates for 2014 from North Gem. The delegates included Megan Jenkins, Kambrie Christensen, and ShyCole Simons.
The swine weigh-in for this year included restriction related to an ongoing swine virus. Animals were required to be brought to the weigh-in in a contained trailer. Animals were to be contained inside the trailer, and access to them was to be limited to the judge and the owner for the duration of the weigh-in.
Zumba Kids, a 10-week spring session, began this week. The program for 5-13 year olds, involved a number of dance and music types designed to accompany exercise routines. Caribou Gymnastics also began a spring session which would feature teaching flexibility, balance, and strength utilizing the trampoline.
20 Years ago, 2004
The Soda Springs Rotary Club welcomed US Army Pfc B.J. Lewis, who was stationed in Iraq for the past year and was home on leave. He served as a squad machine gunner with the 101st Airborne. Attending with his parents Brian and Lynda Lewis, Pfc. Lewis gave a report on his combat experiences and observations of the Iraqi civilians. He shared memorabilia and pictures with the guests, and answered a number of questions from the audience about the modern military experience.
Fifteen girls participated in the 2004-2005 Caribou County Junior Miss Scholarship Program. Sponsored by the Soda Springs Lions Club, this year’s theme was “SURVIVOR: Caribou County.” Competing were: Melissa Ozburn, Abby Johnson, Stacy Allen, Chelcey Holbrook, Randi Christiansen, Katie Hansen, Kristi Mazza, Jennifer Torgesen, Cassanda Balls, Michelle Christensen, Brittany Brown, Pepper Pallante, Ashley Moldenhauer, Brittany Clark, and Calista Johnson. Cali Johnson was ultimately named the Junior Miss winner after the judges evaluated the Scholastic, Interview, Talent, Fitness, and Poise elements of the competition. Johnson received a $1,000 scholarship, and the winners of the individual contest categories received awards of varying amounts as well.
Voters in Soda Springs passed both a supplemental levy and a plant facility levy by 80 percent and 71 percent. The annual $530,000 supplemental levy, as well as an additional $750,000, would be used for the construction of a bus barn, Vo-Ag and shop facility, and an arts and crafts classroom at the high school, as well as other district needs. 200 of the total 248 voters voted in favor.
The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office announced that it was collecting old cell phones for distribution to those in need of emergency phones. Though the phones would no longer have active cell network accounts, all cell phones can be used for emergency calls regardless of network status.
The Soda Springs High school BPA members attended the State Leadership Conference at Boise State University, The students were involved in competitions and attended leadership workshops, the culmination of which was the presentation of the Professional Cup to the Soda Springs chapter by Andrea Krall. The award is given to the Idaho BPA chapter that performs the greatest number of service hours to school and community and also has the largest number of participants in the BPA torch awards program.
Grace FFA won the Dairy Judging contest in Rexburg. BYU-Idaho sponsors the Ag Rendezvous every year for FFA chapters demonstrating skills in Ag learning. Michael Toone led the freshman team. Grace also had a horse judging team including Stetson Jensen, Stetson Stoddard, Kayla Smith, Todd Wright, Brady Bowles, and Pam Sechser.
30 Years ago, 1994
The Caribou County Sheriff’s Department reported that the opened 839 cases during the 1993 year. They included 53 Agency assists, 23 animal complaints, 25 attempts to locate, 50 burglaries, and 15 domestic disturbances. Loss from theft or burglary totals $22,450 with $9,0004 recovered. Vandalism cost victims $8,809. One hundred forty-two people were booked into the Caribou County Jail, including 108 males and 22 females. Twelve juveniles were arrested and detained at the Saint Anthony Youth Services Center. Prisoners served 1,138 days in county jail. Ninety warrants were received, processed and served. 528 citations were served. 16 were for minor consuming, seven were for procuring alcohol for minors, six were for battery, one was for disturbing the peace, 15 were for failure to purchase licenses, 17 were for DUI, 9 were for inattentive driving, 315 were for speeding, and the rest were for other driving violations.
Soda Spring Cardinals captured the second place trophy at the A-3 wrestling tournament in Pocatello. Senior Joe Harding won the championship at 275 pounds; Chad Etcheverry took the second place after losing in overtime. Coach Month Hinojosa praised the efforts of all the kids. Also competing were Matt Kirby, Myron Allen, Josh Norman, Wade Price, Ben Fryar, Joe Harding, David Hopkins, and Mike Harding.
Ruth Mussler was announced to be to new art teacher at Grace and Thatcher Elementary schools. She will spend one day a week at Thatcher and a day the next week at Grace. Students would be learning everything from chalk still life drawings, block printing, line drawings, and much more.
Governor Cecil D. Andrus has announced the award of more than $6.7 million to 33 Idaho communities for construction of public facilities, housing, and senior center projects. The grants are awarded for projects that address health and safety factors and provide for positive economic impacts. The grants included funds for handicapped access remodels to the courthouse, electrical wiring for the Senior Center, and additional ADA renovations for the center.
40 Years ago, 1984
The Soda Springs City Council passed a resolution and an ordinance to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to allow the Federal Land Bank to be in a commercial zone, rather than the residential zone they were previously in. No one opposed the change at the public hearing.
The Soda Springs Library and City of Soda Springs were each presented with a set of three pictures by Dr. and Mrs. Evan Kackley, long-time residents now living in Boise. The set consisted of an 1890 photograph, and a silhouette of the scene, naming the homes and buildings. It was the Kackleys’ hope that the pictures would stimulate young people’s interest and serve as a remembrance to many.
The tenth annual Fifth District All Star Game was played in Pocatello over the weekend. The East squad defeated the West 109 to 92. Representing Caribou County were Scott Bailey and Shane Jensen of Grace, Steve Straatman of North Gem, and Richard Houseman of Soda Springs. Houseman scored 13 in the contest.
The Grace High School production of “Lil Abner” opened at the Elementary School auditorium. Byron Shaw and Chuck Stoddard led the preparations for the play, which reportedly had the largest cast in recent memory on stage at once.
During the City Council meeting in Grace, a letter from Mayor Roy Corbett was read in which he offered his resignation due to his inability to be in Grace and attend meetings in the foreseeable future. The council decided to accept the resignation. Corbett still hd almost two years left in his terms. The council decided to approve the appointment of Chairman BErdell McCurdy to the position of mayor until the next city election.
Students at Hooper and Thirkill elementaries participated in the “Great Balloon Race” sponsored by Weekly Reader in Soda Springs. Students launched helium balloons with messages attached identifying the school and asker the finder to return them so that the students could see how far they had gone.
A production of “Along the Way” was announced by the soda Springs Idaho Stake, with auditions to be held in Bancroft and Soda Springs. The play will require from 40 to 100 people in a variety of roles, and tells the story of Richard Ballantyne, founder of the Sunday School.
50 Years ago, 1974
Plans to modify the Blackfoot reservoir along with associated environmental impacts were discussed in a statement prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers. The original dam on the Blackfoot River was completed in 1909. During 1923 and 1924, the dam was raised five feet to its present high water mark of 6124. The corps plans to strengthen the existing dam, enlarge the spillways, and replace the outlet works.
The girls chosen to represent Soda Springs at this year’s Girls State in Caldwell. Nola Shuler of the American Legion Auxiliary stated that Penny Lamoreaux and Lori Sanders had been selected as the representatives.
The missing cab of the wrecked truck of Darrell L. Smith, who had been missing for several weeks, was discovered in the Snake River. Despite a helicopter and numerous ground searchers, there was still no sign of Mr. Smith himself anywhere near the accident scene.
Possible projects which might be funded by soon-to-be-available from “off-highway gas taxes” were discussed at a meeting of the Sno-Drifters. The funds make taxes collected from vehicles used off-highway could be used for recreational uses. Snowmobilers contemplated several potentially avenues for the funds to be used.
The sixth annual Selective Service System Lottery Drawing was held to establish the pool of inductees in the event of a mobilization. Peace was now in effect between the United States and Vietnam, as well as all other countries, but the pool was being maintained to ensure readiness.
Ralph Watson, manager of FMC Corporation’s Mineral Development Department, spoke out against proposed changes to federal mining regulations, claiming that the increased regulations would harm the economic development of mining interests throughout the state. He emphasized that the recent energy crisis highlighted the need for domestic energy security.
