Community Notes

Broulim’s Donates to SEICAA

Renae Lynch, director of the Soda Springs SEICAA Office, announced that Broulim’s in Soda Springs had donated $827.23 to support local food security efforts.  Lynch noted “We are so thankful to Broulim’s Fresh Foods for their donations to our communities through the Feeding the Hungry Program!  We greatly appreciate your donations in support of our great communities.”

Spring Cleanup

It’s that time again!  County Free Landfill days are June 2-7, with most local areas working to coordinate around that week.

In Bancroft, from May 29 to June 4, a free dumpster will be located at 114 E. Center Street behind the city shop.  New county landfill regulations are the following: 10 tires maximum per household (20” and under), No AG Tires or Tracks (Fines for leaving them from $310-$900).  Yard debris can include branches, leaves, grass, and limbs.  Bagged household trash is acceptable.  No construction materials from building or demolition projects will be accepted.  Harmful chemicals will not be accepted, including paint, asbestos, cleaners, gas containers, fridges, AC Units, or other items containing freon.

Bins will be under surveillance due to previous issues.  The City reserves the right to ban future use of bins and Misc free amenities.  No Dumping in alleyways, sidewalks, or streets.  Fines will be issued for violations.

In Soda Springs, drop off of materials will be at the City Shop by Thirkill elementary from June 2 to June 6, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday June 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  There is no curbside pickup of landfill items.  Drop offs can include: yard debris, limbs, trees, appliances, batteries, paint, used oil, metal, tires (no businesses), trash, etc.  You can call City Hall at 208-547-2600 with questions or for assistance.  City Hall advises that any groups that are looking for clean-up projects to participate in should not hesitate to contact the city.

In Grace, there will not be a central dropoff location, but residents can call the city to have one of the commercial dumpsters left at the property for use during the June 2-June 7 window.  The dumpsters, as well as a flatbed truck, will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so contact City Hall at 208-425-3533 to be placed on the list for the use of the city’s resources.

Library Summer Reading enrollment season is here…soon

Summer Reading registration begins next week for the Soda Springs library, and runs through the end of May.  The easiest way to do so is to physically sign up at the library, as there are materials that need to be checked out.  The kick-off event to the Summer Reading program will be on May 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the library.  The event will be a story walk through the park.  Summer Reading proper begins in June.  There will be programs every Tuesday or Wednesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. for about an hour.  The programs are the same on each day.  June 3 and 4 will be “The Magic of Art”; June 10 and 11 will be “All the World is a Stage”; June 17 and 18 will be “Art is Musical”; June 24 and 25 will be the Grand Finale, with a water slide, prizes, and more.

The Grace Summer Reading program sign up will begin on May 19th.  As with Soda, the easiest way to sign up is at the library itself.  The kickoff event will be help on June 2 at 10:30 a.m. (younger kids) and 1:00 p.m. (older kids).  The event will be held at the Legion Hall building in anticipation of possible rain!

Caribou Historical Society awards Varilone Scholarship

By Bill Horsley, Caribou Historical Society

The Caribou Historical Society is pleased to announce that Brecklyn Golightly and Rebekah Evans have been awarded this year’s Tony Varilone Memorial Scholarship. The two very deserving young ladies met last Saturday at the museum for pictures and to meet with officers of the museum and members of the Varilone family. After pictures and awarding of the scholarships the group took a tour of the museum, and it is rumored the young ladies may have been arrested and briefly incarcerated but then quickly released for good behavior.

The Caribou Historical Society would like to thank the Varilone Family for allowing us to participate in this honoring of deserving young students and the memory Tony.  From almost the day of his arrival in August of 1984 Tony was involved in his community. Serving on the city council, joining the Lions Club, serving on numerous committees. And after his retirement from the Forest Service, he was named as Economic Development Specialist in this area and wrote numerous grants benefiting and improving business and job potential in Southeast Idaho. At the time of his death in December of 2015 he was the President of the Caribou Historical Society and was working on developing the old Oddfellows Hall for a museum. Ultimately that didn’t work out, but we think he would be pleased with our efforts at 100 East Hooper in preserving our heritage and serving our community.

Congratulations Brecklyn and Rebekah, and thank you Jeanne, Heidi, and Chris!

Lydia Hamilton wins 2025 EISF
Scholarship

The Eastern Idaho State Fair, in partnership with Butler Amusements, Inc., continued support for local high school seniors by offering six scholarships to students graduating in 2025. For the first time in the nineteen-year history of this scholarship program, we are excited to announce an increase in the award amount from $1,000 to $1,500 for each winner. The Fair’s commitment to agricultural education and youth programs is demonstrated by the $120,000 in college scholarships awarded since the program’s inception.

This year’s scholarship selection was especially challenging for the committee, with applicants representing nearly all 16 counties. “The youth participating in the Eastern Idaho State Fair events are crucial to preserving the hometown commitment that we value,” said Dennis Marshall, Board of Director Chairman.

These scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have participated in and supported 4-H and FFA at the Eastern Idaho State Fair for a minimum of three years. The recipients for 2025 have significantly surpassed this requirement, collectively amassing 46 years of participation in fair events, making their counties proud!

This year’s scholarship recipients include Lydia Hamilton from Grace High School.

The scholarship winners and their families were invited to a special dinner in their honor with the Eastern Idaho State Fair Board of Directors and staff on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Looking ahead, the 2026 scholarship will be available to all graduating seniors from the 16 surrounding counties. We encourage all interested students to apply; applications will be available starting January 1, 2026.