Caribou County Caribou County, Idaho
August 1, 2024 | Vol. 1 No. 26
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NEWS IN BRIEF Friends identify a woman and two boys killed in Lake Powell accident
Bancroft Royalty at the head of the parade on Pioneer Day.
North Gem Cheer can't hide that Cowboy Pride!
Pioneer Day in Caribou County
The familiar cycle hit its midway point last week, as Bancroft hosted Pioneer Day festivities for Caribou County, following Soda Springs’ stewardship of Independence Day and preceding the start of the Caribou County Fair next week in Grace. For those who love festivals, spectacles, events, and food trucks the five or so weeks are an endless series of delights. And for those who love parades, Caribou County’s got you covered. The Pioneer Day parade made its way around the downtown blocks of Bancroft, dispensing candy as it went (except for Highland Milling, who gave out bags of oats). In addition to the traditional Fire Department, EMS, Sheriff’s, Rodeo Royalty, Elected County Officials, Senator Mark Harris, City Council, North Gem Cheer, Caribou Medical Center, Bayer, Bancroft Humanitarian, Advantage Plus, and Guardian Realty, the parade also saw entries from less common sources. The Class of 1974 was one such float, honoring the memories of Kirk Larsen, Gary Welch, Date Yost, and Maggi Obrien, all of whom passed too young. Nu Holsten Ranch, the Water Car’s Max Ellis Toolie, HydeA-Way Wagons, and RMSHA 2023 Junior Points Champion Roper Spencer all made entertaining entrances. A handcart crew lugged their eponymous conveyance around the square, and the young men of Bancroft were called out for their allegedly wild hair. The Joseph Glen Hogan Mail truck made an appearance, as did Bryant and Donna Smith, celebrating 60 amazing years together. The
parade was overseen by Grand Marshal Craig Wilker, and lent distinction by the Distinguished Young Women of Caribou County, who greeted the crowd. The Bancroft Rodeo (results in a separate story) filled the afternoon on Pioneer Day, as folks from close to home and farther afield descended on Bancroft for one of the oldest and most venerated rodeos in the region. Action was heavy, but the weather for once cooperated and kept things much cooler than they could have been. In attendance was the family of Chance Dimick, a local rodeo rider who was recently injured. A Venmo account has been set up for him as well, and further information will be forthcoming in a later edition. Kids’ races at the football field are something that everyone can enjoy. While a holiday race in the mid-90s seems like a good time to take it a bit easy, the competitors in Bancroft poured it on, leaving nothing on the field other than some sweat and a few scattered knee scrapings. As parents cheered them on, the kids from the youngest to the most competitive made for quite a sight as they chased their own personal gold. Vendors set up near the Trading Post downtown, offering a wide variety of items, from jewelry and books, to food and treats. The Trading Post itself was open for the day, as it has been on recent Pioneer Days. Not only were people able to grab a seat, get some food, play a few games of pool, and chat out of the heat, but they were also able to see the progress that Mike Ackerman and a crew
Caribou County Royalty.
Hayden Frandsen and Bryan Egley are trying to raise money to make it to Italy for an Ag Tour.
from Coburn Customs have been making. Owing to Mike’s work schedule and other obligations, the remodeling process has been a long and slow one, but a tour inside makes it clear that the dream is within reach. Ackerman hopes to have the Trading Post open for daily use before the end of the year, and that prospect seems absolutely achievable in its current state of completion. Trenton Dexter with Coburn Customs in Grace agrees. “I started this as just a job, but now it’s a lot more than just a jobsite to me,” he says. “This is the fourth year, and I think we’re getting really close.” PIONEER DAY On Page 2
The Hatch Band entertains the crowd in Bancroft.
Two 4-year-old boys, Gabriel Hart and Zeniff Cox, along with 72-yearold Missy Hayhurst Cox Bean died in a pontoon accident in Lake Powell on Friday, July 26. The National Park Service said, “The 25-foot privately owned pontoon vessel was being towed by another boater, when waves contributed to the towed vessel capsizing. Several of the eleven passengers became trapped under the overturned vessel”. Rangers responded and found one passenger on top of the pontoon, some in the water, and some unaccounted for. Two other passengers have been hospitalized, 7-year-old Audrey Cox, and Missy Bean’s husband, Roland Bean. The accident is still under investigation by local authorities and the National Park Service.
Officials confirmed humans caused the Bench Lake Fire, Redfish Lake starts reopening
As of Monday the Bench Lake Fire is 85% contained and has burned 2,595 acres. The U.S. Forest Service confirmed the fire was human-caused. No further information was included in the release. Visitors must remain 300 feet away from the west bank shoreline in Redfish Lake to ensure public health and safety. This also allows firemen to be able to continue to work in the area. Now that the fire is reaching total containment some areas are reopening to the public. Redfish Lodge guests with prior reservations are now allowed to stay. Smoke is still affecting the area, but officials say a lot of the smoke in the region is coming from the Oregon and California fires.
Dollywood theme park floods
Thunderstorms through eastern Tennessee dumped rain and caused flash flooding in Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood. According to officials one person was injured. Dollywood Parks and Resorts said, "With the assistance of Pigeon Forge Police and Fire Departments, park personnel directed guests to safety during the storm. At this time, one minor injury has been reported”. Dollywood was scheduled to reopen at 12:00 p.m. on Monday. The park is giving tickets to Sunday’s guests for admission on Monday, or providing rain checks for a future visit.
Plans announced for medical school at BYU
The Distinguished Young Women program finalists wave as they parade through town.
Roper Spencer, RMSHA 2023 Junior Points Champion rides in style.
IN THIS EDITION School Supplies List................................ Pg. 4-5 Puzzles..........................................................Pg. 5 Enders Survey..............................................Pg. 6
Looking Back................................................Pg. 7 Kids Day Parade Grand Marshal.......... Pg. 10 Sports......................................................... Pg. 12
The first presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints announced that Brigham Young University will be getting its own medical school. The school will focus on international health issues that affect the church’s members. The church said, “It is envisioned that unlike many medical schools, the BYU medical school will be focused on teaching with research in areas of strategic importance to the church".