Looking Back at pages From the Past
What follows are summaries of stories contained in the pages of the Caribou County Sun during the same week in March over the last 50 years.
5 Years ago, 2019
Oaths of office were given to city attorney Gregg Haney, and new appointee to the Greater Soda Springs Community Development Corporation Katy Bergholm. A child pedestrian safety grant was awarded to the city to improve sidewalks and add flashing lights to portions of First East and Fourth South to enhance safety in the area.
Calen Wilson, of the Caribou Historical Society announced that work was proceeding on the old Stoor’s Grocery building on 100 East Hooper, which was being restored for use. City Director Alan Skinner was consulted about a building permit for the facility. Together with county officials, the city agreed to waive the building permit fees, and thanked Wilson and the historical society for its efforts at renovating the ZCMI, and the grocery store building. It was hoped that the building would be opened to the public by the fourth
of July.
The Catholic Ladies announced that their annual Lasagna Dinner would be held the following week at St. Mary’s Church in Soda Springs.
Fire Chief Curtis Peck in Grace reported that the fire department had been able to escort the girls basketball team out of town to the state tournament, as well as the wrestling team. The city of Grace discussed making changes to the junk ordinance, and planned to contact attorney Doug Wood. The potential of hiring a code enforcement officer was
also discussed.
The Hope Lutheran Church invited the public to the ordination of Deacon Robert Dierks, who would become the official paster of the church afterwards. The Reverend Doctor Paul Linnemann conducted
the service.
Soda Springs student Reagan Yamauchi was selected as one of the two alternates for the 57th annual United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C. Olivia Love of Eagle, and Emma Watts of Pocatello were the two finalists selected by Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch.
Senator Mark Harris announced that year’s HB 109, which would create a committee to investigate why the mortality rate for young mothers in Idaho was above the national average, and significantly above surrounding areas. The bill would also create a requirement for the committee to report its findings publicly during the legislative session.
Congressman Mike Simpson supports final passage of Senate Bill 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. The legislation included over 100 individual bills dealing with public lands, including two bills authored by Simpson related to recreation area management and
boundary adjustments.
10 Years ago, 2014
Soda Springs Mayor Jim Smith honored Clear Springs Food’s manager Jerry Giles with the “Soda Springs Super Heroes” award, partially in honor of his stewardship of the long running annual Fishing Derby, then in its 24th year. The fishing derby has brought hundreds of people into Soda Springs, and benefitted many local businesses, programs, projects, and individuals over the years. The derby has supported Job’s Daughters, Junior Archery Club, SSHS athletics, Soda Springs Library, the Food Bank, Veterans’ Memorial, and the Soda Springs Fire Department, among others. Clear Springs Trout Company was founded in 1966 by Jess Eastman to raise rainbow trout to sell to his previous employer, who he eventually bought out. The award was also given to the Kelly Park Ski Trail Groomers, under the direction of Jack Sturm, who were honored for their volunteer efforts in keepings trails groomed.
Grace Fire Chief Curtis Peck reported on SIFA training that the firefighters attended recently. He reported that he had been able to purchase some needed equipment for a discounted price while at the training, and that 9 of the 13 firefighters were certified for burning building response. The Caribou County Fire Department and the city of Grace entered into a Reciprocal Fire Fighting Emergency Assistance Agreement. Fire Chief Peck was invited to attend the East Idaho Fire Chiefs meetings.
Rod Worthington was recommended by Mayor Jim Smith and approved to fill an open position of the Planning and Zoning.
The city’s snow removal ordinance was discussed, and it was suggested that it be updated to be similar to the one in effect in Preston. Councilmember Rob Lau suggested signage that would inform citizens of the cities hours and parking restrictions be placed around town.
Caleb Williams, son of Justin and Melonie Williams of Chesterfield, was named the Student of the Month at North Gem.
The Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service reported that February precipitation levels across the state ranged from “above to well above” average for the month. The recent mountain snowfall, as well as the extended cool temperatures to maintain the snowpack were pointed to as supporting the higher water supply forecast.
Congressman Mike Simpson supported legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing what Simpson called “harmful greenhouse gas regulations.” The legislation would provide guidance to the EPA on proposed gas emission regulations to ensure economic viability. Simpson is the chair of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill passed by 229-183.
20 Years ago, 2004
Jon Bunderson of Skyline Racing Kennels is keeping close tabs on the daily results of the annual Iditarod sled dog race, in which three of his dogs had been leased out. One of his dogs was leased to the at-the-time 12th placed team led by Jason Barron, and a young puppy team driven by Barron’s wife Harmony included two of his Alaskan Huskies. Bunderson himself had been as high as fifth during the first half of the 350 mile Montana race through Montana, though his team was pulled soon afterward as a result of a “nasty tangle” of dogs, which led to his being bit and requiring treatment for infection and swelling. The Iditarod is 1,112 miles long on the northern route, and is expected to be run in 9 days or so by the top teams.
Two conservation groups, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Idaho Conservation League, said that selenium cleanup in East Mill Creek on Blackfoot River was “proceeding at a snail’s pace” and announced that they would be suing Nu-West Industries under provisions of the Clean Water Act through the law firm Advocates for the West. The groups contended that the Forest Service was aware of the selenium problem, but had not come up with a workable plan. Selenium is toxic to some animals, especially horse and sheep, in elevated quantities. Warning signs about the levels have been posted in Mill Creek, and suggested eating limits set for fish from the creek and nearby trout stream.
The City of Grace reported a violation of a drinking water standard, but that it was not an emergency and residents do not need to boil their water or take other corrective actions at this time. Samples collected and tested for coliform bacteria showed the presence of the organisms. Coliform bacteria in small quantities are generally not harmful, and are naturally present in the environment. However, they often indicate a problem in the wastewater treatment system. The city identified the problem as a malfunctioning chlorinator, which was subsequently repaired. The water was re-tested, and the bacteria was not found to be present in a subsequent series of tests.
Roger Chermaine, president of Chat-TV, reported that $8,500 worth of grants from the Idaho Community Foundation and the USDA Forest Service Rural Community Assistance program has allowed the local TV company to buy recording, editing, and programming equipment. Chat-TV is an affiliate of the Carriboo Development Foundation, who sponsored the grant. The studio is at 100 E Hooper, and broadcast on
channel 98.
The final discussion in the Let’s Talk About It series was held at the Grace Library, and centered on “Bloodlines: Odyssey of a Native Daughter” by Janet Campbell Hale. James Papworth, BYU-Idaho English Department faculty member was the guest scholar. Hale is an award-winning memoirist and member of the Couer d’alene tribe of the border region of northern Idaho, Washington, and Canada.
Top Scholar recipients were named from area high schools by University of Idaho and Us Bank. From Grace: Kimberly Burton, Michael Murdoch, Elisabeth Mussler, and Todd Wight. From North Gem: Kelci Crossley. From Soda Springs High School: Cassanda Balls, Michelle Christensen, Alex Coziah, Katie Hansen, Cali Johnson, Abby Johnson, Christopher McCormick, and Zach
Zander. [sic]
30 Years ago, 1994
Superintendent Lawrence Rigby reported to the school board at their regular meeting in the new Tigert Middle School. Rigby reported problems with the carpet, and expressed the belief that the district would need to replace some of the carpet in the spring. The bids for the gym construction at the middle school had come in at approximately $1 million more than the bond that had been passed. Rigby stated that he felt it was important to accept the bid as quickly as possible before contractors raised their rates. Guest speaker Mayor Kirk Hansen noted that the junior high was the first school building he attended 30 years earlier when he moved from Bear Lake county.
Soda Springs Republican Senator Dennis Hansen sponsored a bill in the state senate to allow for the one-time transfer of $10 million dollars from the Idaho Transportation Department to road and bridge repairs throughout the state, which would translate to $135,061 dollars to Caribou County for needed repairs, and $15,015 to the city of Soda Springs. The Idaho Association of Counties, Association of Idaho Cities, and Idaho Association of Highway Districts all supported the bill. The bill would allocate the money without being funded through additional property taxes, according to sponsor Hansen.
Russell Tigert Middle School Students of the Month for February were Andrea Christiansen and Glen Sanders in Seventh grade, and Suzy Conlin and Daniel Lindsay in
eighth grade.
Pennies Week was underway at Thirkill and Hooper Elementary Schools. Pennies Week is a fundraiser sponsored by the Soda Springs PTO. During the week, each students brings home a letter with two penny rolls, donated by West One Bank. If every child brings back two rolls, the goal of $650 dollars will be met. The donations will be used toward the purchase of computer furniture for both schools. The class that donates that most money will win a
popcorn party.
40 Years ago, 1984
For the fourth year in a row, Soda Springs High School Business Professionals of America brought home the “Chapter of the Year” award from the BPA Conference in Boise. The award is earned through the efforts of club members who are actively involved in not only the competitive events of the club, but also in service-oriented projects throughout the year. The Soda Chapter saw 41 students earn 50 awards in the 20 different events entered. One standout was the Soda Springs Emblem Building Team, who placed first. The team included Kellie Heuseveldt, Rob Brown, Andrea Gentry, Connie Clegg, Jamie Borman, and
Erin Humble.
The Cardette Drill Team completed their Jurassic Park movie ticket campaign. Jeff and Shauna Bowen generously donated nearly one-half of ticket sales to help the Cardettes purchase their new uniforms, which they wore during their fourth consecutive first place district championship. The team is planning an end of year extravaganza for its
grand finale.
Chemstar defeated FMC in the championship game in 5th and 6th grade recreation basketball, 32-21. Brock Lopez and Cody Harding each had 8 points in the win, while Tyson Vorwaller had 9 and Daniel Lakey and Steve monk had 4 each in the second-place finish. FMC defeated Rocky Mountain Carvings 21-18
for third.
Patti and Randy Hoopes, Brad and Tammy Smith, and Patricia and Jon Hall flew from Salt Lake Wednesday to San Jose, California, where they attended the AT&T Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which included George H.W. Bush, Clint Eastwood, Bill Murray, and
Leslie Nelson.
50 Years ago, 1974
Governor Cecil Andrus sent a letter to editor and publisher Vic Lansberry thanking him for spreading information about the possibility of re-establishing Amtrak service in southeast Idaho. The governor reiterated his pledge to see that Soda Springs received fair consideration as a stop on the route east of Pocatello.
Campaign Headquarters for the Caribou County Community Concert drive openedat the KBRV Radio station. There were plans for a volunteer staff member to be on duty at all times to assist workers and to answer calls seeking information. A kickoff dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hand. President Karen Sorensen provided at the dinner meeting. Mrs. Summers has been associated with Community Concerts for 21 years. She provided background on the Artists for the 74-75 seasons. Jolene Mecham, vocalist; Jana Loye Andersen, pianist; and Chris Langdon, vocalist, provided entertainment for the evening.
Twenty-three people are enrolled and attending the Red Cross Standard First Aid classes taught by Officer John D. Pyle. In conjunction with the classes, Russell Hoffman will show color slides of scenes from Alaska taken earlier in his career with the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service.
Ron Echols, former member of the Los Angeles Police Department, joined the Soda Springs Police Department on Saturday. Echols spent the summer of 1970 on an LDS Mission in the Soda Springs area. He said, “I liked the Soda area well enough to return with my family.” He likes all sports and is naturally looking forward to the
baseball season.
