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.

2021

The Caribou Memorial Hospital Auxiliary “Pink Ladies” would truly like to thank all of those who have donated to the Caribou Memorial Hospital Living Center over the years.  “We could never do the many compassionate things we are able to do without your support,” they said.  “The Caribou Memorial Hospital Living Center is closing so this brings an end to our auxiliary as well,” the group noted.  Any left over funds will be donated to the Caribou County Food Bank and the Caribou Memorial Hospital Foundation Board to go towards a scholarship for persons working at Caribou Memorial Hospital who are already pursuing a career in the medical field.  “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done!”

Dear Editor, I just finished reading your column about your birthday.  I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your pain. You’re a little older than I am.  I was born in Soda Springs in 1955, a very good year for Chevys.  I read the piece about the “32 Race Coupe” too.  I just wanted you to know that I read your paper every time I get a chance and enjoy it very much.  Every once in awhile I see someone in there that I remember, even though we moved when I was 8.  So put me down for a subscription because I feel guilty for reading it for free.  Good luck to you.

Mike Mathews, Rockland.

2011

Scam artists out to steal taxpayer dollars from the federal health system are targeting Medicare beneficiaries by telephone and offering free back or leg braces.  The call would go something like this: “Do you have back pain? If so, you may be eligible for a Medicare-approved back brace.  And while you are getting a back brace, we will also send you a free leg brace.”  Scam artists offer a number of free devices or services in exchange for the consumer’s Medicare number.  “Never give your Medicare number to strangers, including people at health fairs providing ‘free’ services such as toenail clipping, eye exams, blood pressure and cholesterol checks and diabetic shoes,” said Jacquie Kennedy-Gooch, coordinator of the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors office.

America has faced many major crises during its 235 years of existence, but none as dangerous as the spiraling debt now confronting us.  This year the federal government will spend $3.8 trillion.  For every dollar spent, 40 cents of that dollar will be borrowed.  Put another way, the Treasury Department has to borrow more than $4 billion every day.  That’s more than Idaho’s annual budget.  “That borrowing is real and it takes place every day.  This spending of money we do not have must end,” said Sen. James E. Risch. 

2001

The World Champion Cutter and Chariot Racing Association started a new tradition this year when they awarded their first ever Woman of the Year Award.  The recipient of that award is Arlene Wilker of Grace.  Arlene and Elwood Wilker have been involved in chariot racing for over 39 years.  They began with the Rocky Mountain Club from Montpelier in 1968.  Four years later they joined the Cache Valley Cutter Club and have been active members ever since.  The association presented her award at a banquet held on Saturday, March 31, and honored Arlene with a 8x10 plaque, a silver plated watch, and a dozen red roses.

James Hlavaty, Soda Springs, won the title of “King of the Hill” in the “Big Air” snowboard competition held at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday, March 31.  On Jan. 4 this year, James underwent open-heart surgery at Primary Children’s hospital, replacing the two major valves in his heart.  Six weeks after the surgery he was able to start training again.  Just 12 weeks after surgery, he was able to compete in the “Big Air” competition.

At Thirkill Elementary Jake Shumway worked as the principal for the day.  Jake is in the third grade and earned 209 points through the AR Reading Program to earn the right to be the big boss for the day.  Miss Dye acted as the assistant principal during Mr. Shumway’s tenure.

What was the biggest surprise in casting this year’s Grace High musical “Guys and Dolls?”  The number of freshmen who tried out for the show.  Especially freshmen boys.  Kellen Corbett, Mitch Hardy, Levi Keller, Michael Nielsen, Jacob Reno, and Jordan Skinner are all in this year’s musical.  Senior David Rasmussen plays Sky Masterson, the romantic leading man.  Playing opposite Devon is Diane Toone, who plays Sister Brown.  Other leading roles are Adelaide, played by Ashlee Kirby, and Nathan Detroit, played by Kyle Yates.  It’s a show you won’t want to miss.

As the weather improves, construction crews across Southeast Idaho will accelerate work on the most ambitious highway improvement year ever, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.  “Many big projects will be completed this year, such as the Portneuf Bridge replacement neat McCammon and the Hooper Street project in Soda Springs,” said Ed Bala, District 5 engineer.  US 30: Alexander junction (ID 34) to Soda Springs.  Work to reconstruct and widen approximately six miles of US 30 will begin with crushing, drainage pipe placement, and roadside excavation this spring.  Construction is expected to continue though the next two construction seasons.     

1991

LaRon Kimball met with the Grace Chamber of Commerce on March and reported on the progress of the fish cannery that he and his father have built in the old Anderson Lumber property.  They are tunning part-time to “Work out the kinks.”  The fish are raised at the family owned Black Canyon Trout Farm and brought live to the cannery.  They are then cleaned in an 8x12 room with the processing being done in another room.  The fish are blanched and the skin and bones are removed by hand.  The cleaned meat is then put into cans, also by hand.  One ounce of water and seven grains of salt are then added.  The can is placed into a machine that seals the lids on with a double rolled seal.  The lids are easy open and as with the cans, are aluminum and can be recycled.  The next process is to place them into a large pressure cooker and cook them at 250 degrees for 68 minutes.   The byproducts are also recycled by selling them for food to a local mink farmer.  Currently the work force is seven people and Kimball sees a crew of 10 when the plant gets producing at capacity. 

Other chamber businesses consisted of Kent Corbett reporting that the American Legion would like to be responsible for the care of the flags flown on Main Street.  This will begin immediately.

The plaques that list the names of those who have purchased a tree planted on Main Street are completed and will be set up in cement when the weather warms up. 

The Eastern Idaho State Fair Board has contacted the surrounding communities to see if they would be interested in selling raffle tickets.  The proceeds will be used as prize money for different events at the fair.  Grace will sell the tickets and participate in this project.  

Joan Farnworth has repaired the flag that was flying at the city park.  Since this flag has special meaning, the chamber is looking for an all-weather one to replace it at the park and will display this one at Security State Bank.

Pat Seiler met with the Grace City Council and they agreed that a resolution will be passed to promote Grace as a Gem Community.

Soda Springs residents are being urged to take the time to fill out a survey recently sent out on the quality of life in Soda Springs and then return it within 10 days of receiving it.  Robert Chambers, coordinator for the Center for Rural Economic Development, said one mailing was sent out to about 400 residents in the community who were selected randomly.  Their names—every third one—were selected form the city’s billing system to ensure randomness in the survey, which is six or seven pages long.  “We have had good luck in other surveys we have done like this.  WE usually get 30 to 40 percent returned,” he said about the questionnaire that asks about the satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the quality of life in Soda Springs.  Questions run from the availability of retail shopping to quality of water for household use.  IT discusses rental housing, criminal justice, local governments, outdoor activities, taxes, and a lot more.  Chambers, who is helping to do the survey as part of the city’s Gem Community efforts, said it would take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and stressed the importance to the city, retailers, and others who could benefit from the results.  “The information will inform the development group of the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of how people view their community and where they want it to go.”

Idaho agriculture generated more money last year than ever before, a joint meeting of the Senate and House agricultural affairs committees was told Tuesday.  Receipts estimates at $2.9 billion would raise farm and ranch gross income 7 percent over 1989 crop earnings, but costs of machinery, real estate, fertilizer, chemicals, and labor may raise input costs this year by as much as 35 percent.  A. Larry Branen, dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Idaho, said potatoes were the bright spot in Idaho agriculture in 1990.  Farmgate receipts for potatoes were up an estimated 34 percent, replacing cattle for the first time as the state’s chief commodity.  Receipts for 1900’s potato crop were expected to reach $750 million, compared to the state’s $700 million cattle industry.    

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Dennis Hansen, R-Soda Springs, has announced the will oppose an upcoming Senate floor vote to increase Idaho’s fuel tax by three cents per gallon.  “I oppose House Bill 295 because it is nothing more than a band-aid approach to our road and bridge problems,” Hansen explained.  “It sets no program for the future, and, really, no direction either,” Hansen added.  

1971

The big event for the week at Grace High School is the Sophomore Buddy Dance.  The day is Saturday, April 10.  “The Graduate” is the band and the sophomores are excited and hoping for your support to make this a success.  Everyone get your date and we’ll see you Saturday night at the Buddy Dance.  

Winners in the 1971 high school science fair held last week are as follows:  

Physical Science—First place Wade Harris, second place Brett Hamblin, third place Terri Sebold.

Biological Science—First place Kathy Porter, second place Kay Smith, third place, Chris Langdon.

Wade Harris was presented with a first place plaque for his burglar alarm entry.

Brett Hanbling’s rocket sled won second place and attracted much attention when it was launched across the gym.

Terri Sebold’s entry showing the conduction of an electric current won the third place award.

Sergeant Terry D. Latham, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Lathan of Soda Springs, was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in Vietnam.  The medal was presented to Segreant Lathan by Captain G.R. Robinson, Inspector Instructor, Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, last month.  The citation read: For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Segreant with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines on April 5, 1969.

The Soda Springs Cardettes proved that they are the best drill team in the district Saturday when they brought home a 1st place trophy.  The trophy was won at the first annual Fifth District Drill Team Competition held at Highland High School.  There were 11 teams participating with five of them competing against Soda.  They were judged on uniforms, personal appearance, alignment, showmanship, originality, and precision.

Canada geese, probably because they are usually seen at high altitudes, appear to be loading along, but they are actually moving at 70 to 80 feet per second.