Looking Back at Pages from the Past
5 Years ago, 2019
Salt Lake City police apprehended Kevin M. Martinez, 37, on a warrant issues through the Soda Springs Police Department on the charge of robbery. Soda Springs Chief of Police Scott Shaw announced the arrest, several weeks after the robbery of the Ireland Bank in Soda Springs which had occurred on March 25. Martinez was scheduled to be extradited to Caribou County for court proceedings related to the robbery.
A series of small earthquakes were reported by the USGS in the Soda Springs area during the week, though the majority of them were too small to be felt. A 3.3 magnitude earthquake was reported to have occurred six miles east of Soda Springs on April 4 at 3:45 a.m., and thirteen total quakes from 1.8 to 2.3 in magnitude over the next week.
The Soda Springs Family History Center held an open house, with a number of classes on genealogical research and family history searches. Antiques were displayed, and refreshments were served.
Although March had turned out to be a drier than average month, February’s precipitation had allowed the Natural Resources Conservation Service to give Idaho a positive forecast for the 2019 water year. The Bear River Basin was noted to be at 105 percent of average, with Bear Lake itself at 140 percent.
What was initially described on the agenda as an “adult toy simulator” to reported snickering at the Soda Springs City Council meeting turned out to be a NASCAR simulator car which would coming to town for the 4th of July weekend as part of a contest for which the winners would receive tickets to a NASCAR event in Las Vegas. It was also reported that a literal circus would be coming to town as another event for the 4th of July celebration.
Keller and Associates spoke to the Grace City Council about the next streps for the city with regard to the potential sewer upgrade. Phase I will involve testing various locations around the city to determine whether it would be possible to do rapid infiltration at theose sites. It was hoped that a DEQ grant would pay for
the testing.
The Tigert Middle School track team fared extremely well in its first competition of the year, against Malad and West Side. The TMS Cardinals took the top spots in the majority of running and field events, breaking six new school records. Izzy Shelton set a new TMS record of 81’9” in discus. Macie Clegg and Dawson Martinsen took top spots in the triple jump. Colton Kern (5’8”) and Tayah Gaines (4’10”) set new TMS 8th grade records. In the 400m, Macee Simmons set a new TMS 7th grade school record with a time of 1:06. Caleb Thompson and Macee Simmons took first in the 800m, as well as setting TMS records.
The Grace High School golf teams played at Blackfoot last week, and both teams placed first. The boys shot a 330, led by Jacob Smith, Jordan Mansfield, Stockton Lloyd, Makay Taggart, and Ryan McCurdy. The girls scored 185 on nine holes, led by Lindsey Lloyd, Zoeigh Walker, Amber Mansfield, Katelyn Andersen, and Britton Lloyd.
10 Years ago, 2014
A special encore performance by Ryan Pelton as an Elvis impersonator on the Grace stage was announced. Pelton had announced his retirement as an Elvis impersonator in 2011, when he last took the stage in Grace, in order to pursue an acting career. A film in which he starred, “The Identical,” had been delayed, so Pelton was once again performing as the King. Chicago singer D’arcy Park was scheduled to perform in the show as Ann-Margret. The event was conceived as a benefit to raise funds for the past and upcoming concert series presented by the Gem Valley Performing Arts Committee.
The annual Pinewood Derby was held at Bancroft LDS Church. It was under the direction of Cub Master Traci Thompson, Assistant Cub Master and Advancement Chair Cathryn Jenkins, Wolf Leader Jamie Hill, Bear Leader Cami Johnson, and Webelo Leaders Marianne Josephson, and Dorothy Ackerman. The winners from the Wolf pack were Wylie Johnson, Jaden Thompson, and
Mayson Jenkins.
Under the direction of Eli Hubbard, Grace High School Drama students were busy rehearsing for the upcoming production of “Way out West in a Dress,” in the humorous play about life in the old west. The show was reported to feature show girls, gunslingers, and out of work actors.
25 donors gave over 1,000 inches of hair to the Locks of Love program as a result of Dakota Siepert’s senior project. Some of those involved in the project were Sadie Worthington, Hailey Call, Sydnie Call, Anndee Neuman, Lauren Worthington, and Madilyn Lowry.
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo expressed concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency’s fiscal budget for 2015. Crapo’s primary concern was related to an expanded definition of waters regulated under the Clean Water Act, that Crapo felt would further “restrict the private property rights of Americans.” In Crapo’s opinion, the proposed EPA rules would “create more harm
than good.”
20 Years ago, 2004
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Job’s Daughters created around 200 new bird houses for local bluebirds, under the direction of Charlie Ross. Ross assembled the boxes, and the various youth service groups have been painting them for use around the area. Houses have been placed at Eight Mile Road, Bailey Creek, Tin Cup, and the highway to Montpelier. During the spring, Ross opens the boxes and removes the old nesting to prepare for the new season. The homes are also used by swallows. Ross noted that more houses were needed, and that their construction was relatively simple, and would be a good Eagle Scout project. The mountain bluebird is Idaho’s state bird,
of course.
Heidi Kelley, co-chair of the Junior Miss Scholarship Program expressed her gratitude to all the people who had helped with the successful event. The event was supported by the Lions Club, local merchants, and many volunteers. Billikaye Sims was the other co-chair for the year. Christine Smith, Jenny Gibbs, Linda Hubbard and Tiffany Unsworth were singled out for the help with the preparations. Rod Worthington and Eve Gentry were responsible for the lights and sound. Amada Martinsen and Lyndsi Godfrey took the “Be Your Best Self” program to the elementary schools. Kevin Keller emceed the program.
A number of citizens expressed their opposition to the potential building of a jail in the town of Soda Springs. The letters noted that a jail would be in opposition to the attempts to beautify the city, and that the money would be better spent on programs to help the youth, rather than a facility to imprison adults.
Alan Radford, postmaster at Grace, was honored last Thursday on his retirement by fellow postmasters and employees. He started as the postmaster in Grace in 1998. Radford was born and raised in Idaho Falls, served in the Air Force, and was hired on at the Idaho Falls Post Office in 1969. He moved to Grace with his wife Carol in 1998, where he ultimately retired. He looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren during his retirement.
The BLM and Caribou-Targhee National Forest hosted a Firewise Landscape Workshop for all nurseries, greenhouses, landscape contractors, homeowners associations, local homeowners, city officials, and fire departments in the region to learn about the problem of wildfires as a threat to liminal zones which include both urban and wildland landscapes.
A series of public meetings were planned by the Forest Service to discuss their proposed revisions to the Caribou Travel Plan. The proposal shows designated motorized routes, season and type of use for roads and trails, and designated routes for snowmachines through big game winter range areas. One of the proposed changes calls for a motorized road that loops from the Wenchell Dugway to Caribou City. That old historic wagon road has not been used for motorized travel in recent times and has been listed as a nonmotorized route. Terrace Canyon and Coyote Creek Trails will also be closed due to safety concerns.
30 Years ago, 1994
Rachel Hogan of Soda Springs earned an award for logging 500 hours in the American Quarter Horse Association Horseback Riding Program, sponsored by Drysdlaes Western Store of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The program recognizes AQHA members for their training with a series of patches, belt buckles, and gift certificates to commemorate various
milestones.
The National Guard will display historical U.S. flags from the 1776-1814 era at the three high schools in Soda Springs, Grace, and Bancroft. Ten different flags make up the display, which is accompanied by a video. It was noted that this would be a great opportunity for local scouts to earn their patriotism badges.
A spring hail storm hit the county over the weekend, covering the ground, roofs, cars, and unlucky people with hail from three-quarters to and inch in diameter. No major damage was reported, though a number of people reported some unpleasant scrambles indoors to get out of the line of fire.
Senator Larry Craig planned to visit Southeast Idaho to meet with senior citizens and representative groups to discuss issues relevant to seniors. Craig planned to cut a wide path across the region, from Lava Hot Springs, to Montpelier, to Preston,
to Malad.
Hollie Jo Humble put up 14 out of 25 shots to win $5 from the Soda Shoppe in the 5th and 6th grade annual Soda Shoppe Hoop Shoot in connection with the Girls’ Little League Basketball Tournament. Amanda Lopez placed second with 12 out of 25 shots. Lesly Godfrey came in 3rd with 9 out of 25.
Kevin Lynn Hebdon, son of Steve and Linda Hebdon of Chesterfield, received his Eagle Scout Award. Kevin was a member of the honor roll at North Gem High School, and a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. His Eagle Scout project involved establishing a sportsman access parking lot along the Portneuf River and installed a gate and a sign.
Chief Deputy Claude Snooks retired his badge, gun, and hat after serving 20 years with the Caribou County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Snooks began his law enforcement career 33 years earlier, when he served as a posse reserve officer with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Snooks then served with 5 years with the Midvale Police, 8 years with the Soda Springs Police, and 20 years with Caribou County. Snooks worked as assistant chief under Chief Lallatin, and then Blynn Wilcox with the SSPD. In 1974, he began work with the County Sheriff’s Office, and worked with Ralph Marriott, Kelly Izatt, Richard Weaver, and Ray Van Vleet. Snooks worked as the resident deputy in Bancroft for several years, and worked with K-9s Smoke
and Whip.
Lallatin’s ads for the week included “Chicken Parts” for $.59 a bag, 4 heads of lettuce for $1, potatoes for $.29 a pound, country style ribs for $1.39 a pound, meat pies 4 for $.99, motor oil for $.99 quart, a 16 ounce tub of imitation sour cream for $.49, and a 4-pack of toilet tissue for $.79.
40 Years ago, 1984
The Idaho Cattle Association with be sponsoring the “Heifer of the Year Contest” for Idaho 4-H and FFA members again. The Associate and Purebred Committees of the ICA co-sponsored the contest. The contest consists of a written exam the tests proficiency and knowledge of the cattle industry, ranching, and agri-business. The program is designed to acquaint members with the cattle industry and inspire them to pursue a career in the industry.
A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a Mack snowplow truck and did extensive damage at the State Highway sheds west of Soda Springs near Alexander. District Supervisor Guy Roper said damage to the truck and building might reach $100,000. The fire was being investigated, though arson was not suspected.
A fierce debate in the Idaho legislature over whether to permit the formation of a state lottery resulted a bill that made its way out of the House State Affairs Committee. The debate over the lottery has been a recurring one at the state legislature, which up to this week has not managed to make it to a final vote. The $223 million lottery receipts of Washington state were cited many times as an economic model for Idaho. On the other side of the debate, moral approbation against gambling and the unlikelihood that lottery sales would end up going to residents or education were the primary arguments against the bill. The bill had passed at very nearly two-thirds, but due to absent members, a new vote was called for.
Richard Weaver announced his re-election run for Caribou County Sheriff. Weaver stated that during the last several years, the Caribou County Sheriff’s Department had grown in size and complexity, and the need for experienced law enforcement was more important than ever.
50 Years ago, 1974
Two hundred and eighty-five people attended three hypertension screening clinics held during the spring. The clinics were conducted by the Southeastern District Health Department.
Fishing regulations permit anglers to use bows and arrows, spears, or mechanical devices for taking carp and other nongame fish in all waters during the open season set for the taking of game fish. Fishermen who have speared carp say that it is tricky, but great sport. During April and May, carp congregate in the shallows and may nearly crowd another out of the water. Carp can be fried, broiled, baked, and pressure cooked.
The Grace Legion Hut moved closer to completion after many years of food sales, rummage sales, and fundraisers had failed to finish it. The Caribou County Commissioners approved $15,000 from the revenue sharing for the county to bring the project to completion. The building will be under the supervision and control of the Legion and Auxiliary, and will be available for use by other community organizations, such as the Senior Citizens and others. A joint meeting of the Legion and its Auxiliary was held recently, with delegates of both present, including Dick Smith, County Commissioner for Grace, and Kenneth Fowler, County Auditor of Soda Springs.
