Community Notes

North Gem receives Education grant

The North Gem Education Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received an $8000.00 grant from the Idaho Future Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation.  These funds will support the North Gem Middle School and Elementary School with new Chromebooks.

The new Chromebooks will be used for learning keyboarding, for daily writing assignments, research in creating reports, interactive learning platforms and Skill building applications. 

“As an Education Foundation, we are excited and extremely grateful for the support of the Idaho Community Foundation. The funds we have received will help us ensure that education continues to be provided at the highest level in our schools!” said Rhonda Banks, Member and Grant Writer for the North Gem Education Foundation

About The Idaho Community Foundation: The Idaho Community Foundation connects Idahoans to a generous statewide network through the power of collective giving. Our grant making, community impact work and charitable advising services have strengthened nonprofits, schools and communities in every Idaho county for more than 35 years. We believe that shared philanthropy is more powerful than giving alone. For more information, visit: 
www.idahocf.org.

Soda Springs receives water line funds

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today awarded $500,000 in low-interest drinking water lead service line loan funding to the city of Soda Springs in Caribou County, Idaho.

The funding will be used to replace eligible appurtenances, which include lead service lines, galvanized lines requiring replacement, lead goosenecks, pigtails, and connectors.

This funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which supports inventorying and replacing lead service lines within a public drinking water system. The loan carries a simple 1% interest rate, is payable over 30 years, and has $305,211 of principal forgiveness. The favorable loan terms represent a $772,474 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation debt issuances.

Gem Valley Through the Lens Contest

Alexis Caroll with the Caribou County Extension office announced a photography contest, which will give the winners the honor of having their work hung in the new Extension Office location at the Event Center in Grace.  The Center is nearing the end of construction, and while it likely won’t be ready in time for this year’s Fair, it will become the new hub of activity for both the Extension Office as well as many Fair events.  

Alexis writes: “Show us the heart of agriculture in our community!  The Gem Valley Through the Lens Photo Contest invites youth and adults to capture the beauty, hard work, and everyday moments of rural life through photography.  Whether it’s livestock in the pasture, crops in the field, or quiet scenes on the ranch, we want to see your views of life on the land.  Winners will have their photos proudly displayed in the new 4-H office and County Event Center , celebrating the people, places, and stories that make our county special.”

Submit your best photos in the following categories 1) Pasture Portraits—Livestock and Animals, 2) Fields of Work—Farming and Equipment in Action, 3) Rural Life and Landscapes—Scenery and Daily Moments, 4) History--Find your favorite historical picture of our county

Don’t miss your chance to be featured and recognized for capturing the spirit of our local agriculture!

Rules: Participants can enter one picture in each of the four categories.  Submit High Resolution digital files (jpeg or png). 

Email entries to [email protected] by July 22, 2025.  Include your full name, photo title, category.

Winner will be selected to have photos hung in the new extension office and event center.  By submitting, you grant University of Idaho Caribou County Extension Office the use of your photo (with credit) for promotional, educational, or display purposes.

Call (208) 547-3205 with any questions.

Farmer’s Market every Thursday

The Farmer’s Market is back at Kelly Park this summer, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Thursday.  The Farmer’s Market provides locals a venue for selling a variety of items, from fresh produce to baked goods to craft creations and more!  Space at the Farmer’s Market is free but limited, so come down to the market on Thursday and speak with organizer Suzanne Weeks if you are interested.  The Market doesn’t have a fixed calendar, but is likely to run into October, depending on the weather.

The valley is alive with the Sound of Music 

The dates, times, and other details have been released for the Caribou Community Theater Guild production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “the Sound of Music.”  If you somehow are not familiar with the production, it tells the true story of the Trapp family singers, who escaped from Nazi controlled Austria at the outset of World War II.  The play is based on the memoir by Maria Augusta Trapp, who according to a number of nuns is a problem in need of solution.  

Performances will be held at the Soda Springs High School Auditorium July 21, 22, and 23 at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under.  On Monday July 21, a family night price of 4 tickets for $20 will be available!

Tickets are available from Cast, at the Haircuts, Etc., or at the door.

Cookout and Worship Wednesday

If you see this on Wednesday, make your way down to the Caribou Bible Church Lawn for a night of fun and worship with the community.  The Cookout starts at 6 p.m. and worship starts at 7 p.m.  The event is a no-stress, no pressure community gathering.

Soda Sip Summer Bash

It’s the third annual Soda Sip Summer Bash on July 12 from 4-7 p.m.  Come celebrate the summer and Soda Sip, which is a huge supporter of the community!  The event will take place on the field between Soda Sip and the church.  Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Give aways, and more.  The Food Hub Food truck will also be joining the fun.

Pack Walk July 11

Bel’s Dog Training is hosting a Free Pack Walk on July 11 at 8 a.m.  As Eisa’Bel explains, it’s “a great opportunity to work on leash manners, neutrality with other dogs, and basic obedience.”  There are not many chances to experience a group dog walk experience in the company of a professional dog trainer, who will be able to provide insight and tips to those interested on improving their dog’s socialization and obedience.

Pioneer Day Fireworks 9:30 on 24th

Bancroft’s Pioneer Day Parade and Rodeo will also feature fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on the 24th.  Mike Ackerman is still taking Community Sponsors for the event, and can be contacted at (602) 930-7257 or [email protected].  Whether you become a sponsor or not, come support the community of Bancroft on Pioneer Day!

Last week for soccer Registration

This is the last week to register for rec league soccer.  The deadline is July 11, and teams are being put together for boys and girls ages 5-14.  Registration can be done at city hall in person or online with the QR Code below.