LOOKING BACK AT PAGES FROM THE PAST
The following stories are summarized from past issues of the Caribou County Sun over the last fifty plus years. The Enterprise thanks Mark Steele for permission to use the contents, and the Grace Public Library for access to the archives.
2020
Extended periods of quarantine result in depression and fear of the coronavirus, and have a negative psychological effect on people, according to a recent University of Idaho study. Clarissa Richardson, an assistant professor or psychology at U of I’s Department of Psychology and Communication Students, said a series of surveys conducted on a pool of 300 participants nationwide to determine the psychological effects of the coronavirus pandemic showed that people who reported high levels of quarantine also reported higher levels of depression and in some cases PTSD symptoms. In addition, surveys showed that political affiliations can predict whether people adopt precautionary measures to prevent spreading coronavirus. “Fear surrounding COVID-19 largely predicted negative psychological health as was significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress,” Richardson said. “Yet, those with higher fear also were more likely to engage in precautionary behaviors than those with lower fear.”
The annual food drive which provides supplies for the Caribou County Food Bank, will not be held this year, due to the Covid virus. The food bank continues to be open on Wednesdays. Currently, patrons may provide a list or tell one of the volunteers what supplies they need, and their orders will be filled as they wait outside. Many individuals, groups, and businesses, have been concerned about those in need at this time. They have been most generous and have kept the food bank well stocked, despite the impact of the Covid virus. A food drive is tentatively planned for next spring, if the situation improves sufficiently. Although supplies are holding up well, those who wish to help out at this time may leave donations with Sarina Avila, Director of the Soda Springs SEICAA office, located in the red metal building to the rear of the city police offices. Any checks should be made out to Caribou County Food Bank, with a memo note of SEICAA.
This election season, the Idaho Debates on Idaho Public Television is temporarily shifting formats. Known for hosting live, in-person debates in the past, this election season, due to Covid-19, the Idaho Debates will be comprised of pre-recorded Q & A sessions with the candidates conducted via video teleconference. Candidates for Idaho Congressional District 1, Congressional District 2, and U.S. Senate have been invited to participate. Each candidate will be asked the same questions on issues relevant to their congressional or senate race. Those answers will be edited together to give voters a clear picture of where the candidates stand.
Forty cities and counties, including the City of Soda Springs, will participate in Governor Brad Little’s $124 million plan that uses federal coronavirus relief funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries and gives cities and counties the opportunity to pass on the savings to property taxpayers. Last week was the deadline for cities and counties to formally opt in to the Public Safety Initiative, which ultimately provides Idaho property taxpayers in participating cities or counties a 10 to 20 percent one-time reduction in their property taxes this year. The U.S. Treasury Department guidance gives the Governor discretion to determine expenditures that are necessary due to the public health emergency. The program is a necessary and appropriate use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds, because it ensures public health and public safety budgets are funded, first responders have the resources necessary to fight COVID-19, and avoids layoffs and furloughs while passing downstream savings to taxpayers.
Nate Burr of Rexburg set a new state record by landing a remarkable 31 inch Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Burr and a fellow angler had been fly fishing the Snake River for three days and looking for big trout without much success. As evening set in on the third day of slow fishing, their luck changed as a huge trout smashed Burr’s fly. Nate grew up in Tetonia and began his career as a fly-fishing guide at age 18. In recent years, he’s focused more on catching larger trout and less on catching big numbers of fish. “It was one of those brutally slow days,” Burr said. “Hunting big trout on streamers means a day on the water can go from zero to 100 in a split second. That was exactly the case with this fish.” After chasing the hooked trout for nearly half a mile downstream in a drift boat, the pair managed to finally scoop the fish with a landing net. After taking a quick phot and reviving the fish, Burr released the huge trout back into the Snake River, securing his name in the record books. Yellowstone Cutthroat trout over 30 inches are exceedingly rare, especially in river systems where they do not grow as quickly as in large lakes. Even more remarkable is that this fish just barely beats the 30.5 inch monster Yellowstone cutthroat trout record set in August by Sam Hix, also from the Snake River. The catch and release record program began in 2016 as a way to recognize anglers who wanted to release the trophy fish they caught back into the water.
Southeastern Idaho Public Health has confirmed the first death associated with with COID-19 in Caribou County on Oct. 1. The individual was a male in his 60s. Out of respect to these individuals’ families, no additional details will be released. This brings the total to 18 deaths due to COVID-19 in Southeast Idaho. 42 new cases were confirmed in the region—15 in Bannock county, 3 in Bear Lake county, 2 in Butte county, 9 in Bingham county, 2 in Butte county, 4 in Caribou County, and 9 in Franklin county. The total number of confirmed cases is now 3,193. Out of those cases, 2,547 have recovered.
1990
The Beehive girls from Grace 2nd ward met at the church to bake and package cookies to send to Eddie Cleaveland and his army regiment, who are now deployed in
“Operation Desert Shield” in Saudi Arabia. Eddie’s parents, Sandra and Ben Cleaveland, reside in Thatcher. He is the only serviceman from Grace that has been sent so far, and is among the at least five men serving from Caribou County in the Persian Gulf. Roger Cheramie, the County Red Cross chairman, is hoping to be able to send more items to the men and women deployed in Saudi Arabia. He would like to have the following, non-perishable items brought to the Red Cross office in Soda Springs: Writing paper, envelopes, playing cards, travel games, hard candies, cocoa packets, light salt snack, peanut butter, unsalted pretzels, cookies (no chocolate chips), canned tuna and fruit, light socks, shower things, news and sports magazines, liquid hand soap, sun-blockers, Gatorade or kool-aid, and tooth paste. These can be either on an individual basis or through community and church groups. He is in the process of working with
“Idaho Cares”—a continuing flow of needed items to be sent to the servicemen as long as they are deployed to the Persian Gulf.
Derinda Barnes was congratulated by Kerr-McGee plant manager Robert Griffin, at an open house at Kerr-McGee, in Soda Springs, Friday, in honor of her retirement. In appreciation for her 23 years of service, Derinda was presented with a recliner by Griffin on behalf of the staff and management. Upon completion of the sale of her mobile home, Derinda will be relocating in Oregon.
Of the thirteen persons arrested and formally charged by the Soda Springs Police Department during August, eight were adults and five were juveniles under 18 years of age. Three of the juveniles were charged with grand theft, and two for grand theft, petit theft, and vandalism. The adults were charged with dogs running at large, resisting and interfering with a police investigation, battery, disturbing the peace. Four juvenile warnings were issued, three for vandalism and trespassing, and one for discharging a BB gun in the city limits. There were three traffic accidents with one injury recorded. The City of Soda Springs has not had a traffic fatality since 1976. Seventeen traffic citations were issued for speed, one for reckless driving, and one for failure to have vehicle insurance, for a total of 19 citations.
Airman Daniel J. Mortensen Jr. has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Gorce Base in Texas. During the six weeks of training the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs received special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward and associate degree through the community college of the Air Force. He is the son of Shauna Bevins and stepson of Scott Bevins of Soda Springs. His father, Dan Mortensen, and stepmother, Jan Mortesense, reside in Fresno.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Steffensen returned home Monday morning from a 17 day vacation on Oahu and Hawaii, with the first six days on Oahu won by Carol as a Christmas promotion for two at the Hobron Outrigger Hotel, from Thomson Jewelers. On Oahu they rented a car and visited Diamond Head, spent a day at the Polynesian Center and attended their luau, went to Sea Life Park, heard the legend of formation of the islands, saw killer whales, turtles and dolphins. They toured the Arizona at Pearl Harbor, went to the pineapple factory, Hilo Hatties, the sugar cane field and pineapple plantations, attended a session at the LDS temple, went to the Punchbowl Cemetery and Memorial, the Ioloni Palace—only palace in the United Stated, went in the Kaneana Cave, visited the Aquarium Waimea Falls, went to the Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, shopped at the International Market, hiked into Sacred Falls at the bottom of an 87 foot drop. They went to the Valley of the Temples and the Byodo-In-Temple, the Bishop museum, the Aloha Tower—a 10 story building formerly the highest in Oahu. While marlin fishing, Jerry caught a 175 pound marlin off the reef a mile from Kona.
September Soda Springs Junior High Students of the month are: Corinne Kator, a 12 year old 7th grader who likes reading, dancing, cross country skiing, and playing the piano. Her favorite foods are spaghetti and pepperoni pizza. Corinne’s favorite colors are purple, pink, and turquoise, while her favorite class is art. She is the daughter of Kaye and Charles Kator. Corinne was chosen by her teachers because of her high academic achievement and positive behavior.
Herbert Catausan is the next 7th grade student of the month. Herb is the son of Florinda and Pater Catausan. They moved here from Chicago. Herb’s favorite color is black, and he likes pizza and science. His hobbies are soccer and collecting baseball cards. The teachers selected Herb because of his good work ethic and his scholarstic achievement.
Kasey Davis is our 8th grade girl selection. Her parents are Lonnie and Debra Gummersall. Kasey likes skiing, swimming, and riding bikes. Her favorite food is lasagna. She is 13 years old and turquoise is her favorite color. Kasey believes it is important to have a good education and do the best you can. Kasey was selected for her academic achievements, her smiling, bright personality, and good behavior.
Jeremy Phelps is a real cowboy. His hobbies are roping and riding horses and steers and playing basketball. His favorite subject is technology. He likes the color black and pizza, but does not like black pizza. Jeremy is the son of Shauna and Preston Phelps. He was selected by his teachers for being a good influence, good work habits, and excelling in the classroom. Jeremy thinks it is important to treat each other with respect and to be fair with everyone.
