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
The Soda Springs branch of Ireland Bank was robbed just before noon and then fled on foot in a white car. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken, following a note being presented to the teller. No firearm was reported to have been used in the robbery. The suspected robber reportedly ran past the Caribou County Sun toward the bank, and then back again a few minutes later. The video cameras and eyewitnesses reported that the man was wearing a disguise and apparated to have a dark wig, aviator sunglasses and a goatee that was assumed to be fake. Officers from the SSPD and Caribou County Sheriff’s Office combed the area and concentrated on the cemetery and geyser vicinity. Officers were on the scene within a minute of the 911 call. No bank personnel were injured and the bank was locked and closed for a full forensic examination. Police Chief Scott Shaw released a picture of the alleged robber, who was described as a white male in his 20s, approximately 5’9” to 6 feet, wearing tan boots, blue jeans, a hoodie, sunglasses, and a ball cap. This was the second robbery of the Ireland Bank in Soda Springs. The first was in 1991 and resulted in the murder of Tonya Crane by Timothy Dunlap, who had killed his girlfriend in Ohio with a crossbow.
Mazie Porter of the Presbyterian Women announced plans to put together welcome baskets for new move-ins to the area. Mayor Robinson felt that the city should also be involved in the effort. 22 businesses were approached, and most committed gifts or gift certificates to the cause. The basket used as an example contained $156 worth of gifts, including certificates. City Clerk Tausha Vorwaller estimated that there were an average of 30 new movie-ins a year or so.
It was reported that the number of size of tax refunds in Idaho was below that of the year before. Changes to federal tax law had resulted statewide in smaller per-check taxes, but overall smaller refund amounts at the end of the tax year. Residents were encouraged to check their withholdings for the next tax year.
The Soda Springs High School Band presented “A Night at the Movies” at Tigert Middle School Commons. The concert featured music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potter, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, along with music from a local composer.
The Soda Springs Cheerleaders attended the Idaho High School Cheer State Championship. They qualified to take their Pom, Show, and Sideline routines. The placed second in Pom, first in show, and third in the sideline, by virtue of which they ended up being the stte runners up for the 2018/19 season. The team included Hadley Leissing, Cooper Evans, Savannah John, Captain Ragan Thompson, Justyene Scroughams, Angel Royal, Becca Lau, Miah Gelser, Alyssa Farnes, Co-Caption Katie Sims, Rover Finlayson, Maya McKinley, Hailey Downs, Kira Dominguez, and Coach Tisha Young.
The Grace mayor and city council discussed the city junk ordinance. Attorney Doug Wood explained that the ordinance is enforceable as it is written, and could result in fines.
10 Years ago, 2014
The Soda Springs Chamber of Commerce discussed starting up Bingo again in Soda Springs. Bingo was held for many years at Mom and Dads, and the proceeds had been used to fund a lot of things around the city, including the pavilion at the city park, the Tally Ho Coach house in the park, scholarships for high school students, and more. Bingo is regulated by the state, and the sponsoring organization must have a license, which the chamber does. Porters advised that it was willing to host Bingo in its back room, if a group of volunteers could be found to help run it.
The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office implemented a drug detection program, with Deputy Kolby Call as the canine handler. Sheriff Ric Anderson said that the program “allows out law enforcement personnel to act as a major deterrent to the huge influx of drugs our county is experiencing.” It was reported that drug related arrests had increased by 14.3 percent from the prior year, with the Highway 30 corridor being cited as a
trafficking route.
Gary Eller and Hal Cannon from Nampa and Utah planned a series of performances around the region featuring songs written and made popular before the radio era. The pair also planned to discuss their search for historical songs directly related to early Eastern Idaho and northern Utah. The program was funded by a grant for the Idaho Humanities Council, a non-profit organization that serves as the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a member of the Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau, Gary Eller travels the state speaking on subjects of interest to local audiences. Eller is also a member of Chicken Dinner Road, the progressive blues band.
The North Gem School District bond failed by two votes, preventing the construction of a new school for a $4.8 million dollar bond. The bond required 67% of the vote total to pass, but missed it by 2, at 262-133. A similar result had occurred in 2012, with almost the same margin.
Filings for Caribou County elected officials for the primary closed Friday at 5:00. Phil Christensen filed to run for the First district commission seat. In the other commissioner seat, Earl Somsen and Tysen Hopkins were set for a primary contest. Annie Mendenhall, Susan Speelman, and Sharon Wells made up the Treasurer’s race. Assessor Aaron Cook ran unopposed. For Clerk of the District Court, Krista Christensen, Denise Horsley, Shelley Reeves, and Terri Stephens were on the ballot.
20 Years ago, 2004
The Bear River Task Force made several arrests in Soda Springs during the week, according to Caribou County Sheriff Ray Van Vleet. The task force included members from Caribou, Bannock, and Oneida Counties. Three Soda Springs residents were charged with felony and misdemeanor drug charges, including delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, delivery with a child present, and possession.
The Caribou County Commission planned a public hearing on a proposed burn ordinance for the county. The new ordinance would require a permit for any burning outdoors except for campfires that would fit under the guidelines for recreational or cooking fires used to dispose of leaves and other organic waste. Burning of household waste would not be allowed. All other outdoor burning would require a permit which can be obtained in person. The permits would be free, and the fires would be required to be constantly maintained.
The Soda Springs Police Department planned for the 4th annual Patricia Sorensen Bicycle Rally and Community Safety Fair. The event was to be held at the city park, with activities to include bicycle rally and helmet safety, Life Flight, Chubbuck Fire Department Smoke Trailer, child restraint checkup, Operation Lifesaver, ATV Safety, firearm safety, gun locks, and more.
SHS Track season began despite the snow. Four foot drifts and walls of solid ice were reported to be in place around the track, requiring a lot of effort to even get on the track. Fifty-one students were reported to be signed up and ready for the spring season, hoping to continue the winning traditions of Soda Springs. The coaching staff for the year included Ken Heuseveldt (head coach), Jeff Horsley (distance runners, shot put, discus), Jorrod Ackley (jumpers), Dan Moldenhauer (head pole vault), Gary Petersen (sprints and hurdles), Alan Erickson (pole vault), Bill Horsley )distance), Linda Siepert (400 and 800), and assistant Carol Heuseveldt.
Lew and Dan’s Thriftway continued to honor the service of the men and women of the armed forces, even though the Iraq War had officially ended and Iraq was operating under an interim constitution. The store has many employees with sons, grandsons, husbands, and brothers in the military. Linda Cotton, Leslie Anderson, Ric Anderson, Kim Fetters, Jeff Fetters, Kelsey Wilcox, and others spoke to Ellen Carney about keeping the public aware of those from the area serving abroad by keeping their pictures at the front of the store.
30 Years ago, 1994
The Soda Springs School District voted to ask the low bidder of the middle school gymnasium for a short extension of the bid, in order to seek an additional levy to allow for the construction of the gymnasium and the demolition.
The North Gem School Board selected R.D. Palmer as the superintendent for the district Palmer comes to the district with a lot of experience in education. His previous position was at the West Jefferson School District. Before that, he had worked with the administrations of Challis, and in 1964 at North Gem itself as
a principal.
Dawn Yost and Scott Pristupa were chosen as students of the month for North Gem. Dawn is a member of the varsity basketball team, an honor roll student, and a member of many clubs and activities. Scott is a North Gem junior and wonderful student.
Forty athletes took part in Soda Springs’ first “Karen Moon Memorial Winter Triathlon.” People came from as far away as Ogden to take part in the biking, skiing, and running competition. Tom Borschel of Idaho Falls was the overall and individual winner in the “solo” division. Borschel pulled away from the field during the bike stage, and finished 11 minutes ahead of second place Craig Burnham from Pocatello. Dale Moon of Soda Springs was third in
the contest.
Ryan Hansen, senior at Soda Springs High School, had the unique opportunity to serve a day in the Idaho State Legislature as a replacement for his father Dennis Hansen. Since Ryan had just turned 18, he was determined to be eligible to serve as a substitute in the legislature. Though the existing statute listed 21 as the age for a substitute, it was linked to the ability to vote, which had been lowered to 18 since the last time the issue was explored. Ryan was deemed qualified as a result, and spent time attending the Joint Finance Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. Many senators were reported to be impressed with his composure.
25 girls from the junior and senior high schools traveled by bus to Idaho Falls for the 8th annual Young Women’s Conference. The conference was sponsored by the Southeast Idaho Society of Women Engineers, School District 91 and 93, EITEC, American Association of University Women, and ZONTA. The conference was designed to increase the awareness of career opportunities for young women through a series of mini-seminars.
40 Years ago, 1984
Bancroft City Mayor Randy Ruger and City Clerk Sydney Mae Lowry signed a deed for property the city had recently abandoned, which had been prepared by the city’s attorney, Bruce Larson. Attorney Larson also drafted the Mandatory Garbage Collection Ordinance to be signed at the next meeting. The meeting was visited by two scouts and leader Cora Wistisen. The boys were working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badge. Councilmember Harris S. Gilbert called the council’s attention to the peeling paint in the foyer of the city hall and said he would like it taken care of when the weather warmed up.
The U.S. Postal Service conducted preliminary studies to determine future post office space needs in Georgetown. The studies included investigating various alternatives for locations and reworking of the current building. The Postal Service is reviewing growth factors, size requirements, potential locations, local traffic conditions, geographical conditions, topographic conditions, and environmental conditions which should be considered.
Dave Kynoch, Caribou County Sheriff’s deputy, was selected to attend the Steel Challenge IV, a world speed shooting championship in Los Angeles. The deputy explained that the event was a combat shoot among the world’s best pistol shooters. He planned to use his duty .45 auto to compete. The winner of the last contest won $7,500 in cash and
merchandise.
124 area high school students were winners in the recent Idaho Office Education Association at ISU. Over 700 students total competed in a series of events, revolving aroung the Office Occupations programs at ISU. Soda Springs winners included Dorothy Maughan, Brenda Lewis, Suzy Lott, Sandi Rosdahl, Sandi Herd, Robin Bassett, Robyn Swa, Mary Jolley, Robyn Swa, Patti Clark.
The PTO Carnival was scheduled for the end of March at Thirkill Elementary. A number of activities, including a fish pond, computer games, balloons, sponge throw, bean bag toss, a raffle, and much more
were planned.
50 Years ago, 1974
Four Soda Springs boys participated on the boxing card presented by the Idaho Athletic Commission in the Soda Springs gym. Boys from Pocatello VFW, Bannock Boxing Club, Ft. Hall, and Blackfoot were in action. Brent Erickson lost a close bout to Todd Shield of Blackfoot; Robin Peterson lost a close match toe Frank Dennis of Ft. Hall; Brad Nelson lost to Tom Legins of the Bannock club. Jim Poulsen of Soda Springs was the crowd favorite, as he knocked out Steve Donnigan of Pocatello in the second round with two hard right hooks to the jaw, the only knock out on the card.
The sections of Biology I from Soda Springs High School, taught by Orval Beus, visited the Caribou Trout Ranch operated by Al Dunn. The ranch has about seven million fish. Taking the eggs from the female is accomplished by a soft stroking process of the belly. Fertilization is done by uniting approximately five thousand four hundred eggs with one half ounce of sperm.
The “Jolly Juvenile Minstrels” was performed by Marguerite Findlay’s fifth grade class. The performance was accompanied by Mrs. Dorlene Mazza, and featured Brent Erickson, Dana Walrod, Sandra Norstrom, Sue Ann Lewis, Greg Skinner, Christine Hoff, Greg Wassmuth, Wally Walker, Jackie Checketts, Eric Pehrson, Shelley Stoor, Bret Thompson, Kevin Cowley, Fay Ann Winterbottom, Angela Sulik, Todd Passey, Richard Gough, Sally Rose, Andrea Smith, Wally Walker, Lauren Muir, Tom Porter, Becky Wilson, Pamela Smedley, Chris Morris, Dorene Wehrli, Christine Hoff.
