Caribou County Caribou County, Idaho
November 14, 2024 | Vol. 1 No. 45
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NEWS IN BRIEF Richard Allen convicted in Delphi case
Veteran David Torgesen accompanied himself on guitar to "God Bless America."
Captain Lee Wilkerson was the featured speaker in Grace for the Veterans assembly.
A solemn Veterans Day was observed across the valley, as events to honor those who have served and are still serving in the armed forces were held. Hundreds attended traditional assemblies at the local high schools, and the winners of student essay contests presented their written words to audiences of fellow students, community members, and honored veterans. In Soda Springs, the high school gym was filled to capacity as Principal Jess McMurray welcomed those in attendance to “thank a veteran for the right to disagree” with each other. McMurray made the thoughtful point that even in times when there was so much division between people within the country that reminding ourselves that our ability to hold civil disagreements was the result of sacrifices made by our veterans would help change our mindset into something more positive. SSHS’s Brandon Stoor served as the Master of ceremonies, and introduced the SSHS band, who performed a rousing version of the “1812 Overture,” directed by Kimberly Mumford. This was followed by Thirkill Elementary School students, dressed and seated as a red and white and blue flag tableau, who performed a spirited variation on a classic, “Sweet Home America” and “We Say Thank You” under the direction of Makala Clark. Recognition of local veterans from the branches of the armed services was led by Sara Fryar, Destinee Sturgess, Kale Hopkins, Taylor Hirsbrunner, and Delaney Johnson. Jacob Hirsbrunner, Quartermaster of District 7 and Post 9141 representing the VFW, presented the finalists and winners of the Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy essays— Remington Call and Samantha Dickhaut, respectively— which are printed in this edition. The TMS and SSHS Choirs joined together for a solemn rendition of a musical version of the memorial poem “In Flanders Field” again directed by Kim Mumford. Veteran and SSHS staff member David Torgesen accompanied himself on guitar for an outstanding version of “God Bless America.” A special presentation of gifts created by Mrs. Miller’s 5th and 6th grade Art classes was made to the assembled veterans, after which the colors were retired by the Caribou County veterans color guard. The warm but respectful patriotic atmosphere of the event cannot be overstated, and as many filed out of the building afterward, equally many remained to chat and extend their thanks to the veterans honored during the morning’s events. Later on Monday, veterans were honored again at the Gem Valley Perfoming Arts Center in Grace. After the raising of the flag and a rifle salute veterans and their guests filed into the auditorium for a full program of music and commemoration. Jacob Hirsbrunner once again introduced the winners of the VFW essay contests—Brigham Mickelson and Josie Fox—who once again read their essays for the public and the special audience of the gathered service members. Air Force Captain Lee Wilkerson was the featured speaker for the afternoon in Grace, and gave a wonderfully personal, patriotic, and spiritual speech about how a faith in the creator, in whatever form it is believed, is part of what
makes America the amazing country that it is. Along with family, it is the bedrock of what sets this country apart from others. Wilkerson shared some of his own amazing history growing up and seeking to find his place in the world and what mattered to him, as well as some of the combat experiences that helped shape his views of what is important in life. By turns humorous and profound, Wilkerson spoke with a deep wisdom and sly smile to both the youth in the auditorium as well as the oldest veterans. The musical direction of Elizabeth Buxton, recently recognized by the state of Idaho for her dedication and success, led the Serendipity Show Choir through a wonderful series of arrangements, aided by the National Honor Society members who organized the program. Many other events, both large and small, were held across Caribou County in honor of one of the most sacred and important days on the calendar, including veterans breakfasts and dinners, cemetery visits, and quiet home gatherings. As Ronald Reagan famously noted, it’s appropriate to turn our thoughts to those who have given all in service of their country as the weather turns somber and the days grow shorter. And as we move into the darkest winter, we can do so in the knowledge that there are still those out there continuing to give all to keep us safe.
Veterans Day in Caribou County
Court overhaul in Idaho creates unforeseen problems
Flag raising ceremony in Grace
Geyser temporarily offline City Services Director Justin Hansen reported at last week’s city council meeting that the city’s famous “captive geyser” has been temporarily shut down due to issues with the equipment that is used to regulate and operate the fountain. “You can’t just go to the geyser store and buy one. The guy that built it pieced it together,” Hansen informed members of the City Council. There are very few geysers of similar types anywhere in the world, let alone anywhere nearby with spare parts or expertise. “The concept is simple, we need a valve and a pump and a timer. But it
runs off of 1800 psi, and it will take some doing. As of now we’re closed down.” While Hansen did not provide the council with a timeline to bring the geyser back online again, he expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved. As he noted, though, the timing was not ideal, as the winter weather makes all kinds of repairs more difficult. The geyser is one of the main draws for tourism to the city, and is often a stop off spot for tour busses and drivers heading between the national parks to the north and other locations. Winter is a less busy season for visits, but the geyser does see sightseers on
a year round basis. Updates will be given as available.
As of press time, the geyser was reported to still be turned off.
IN THIS EDITION Festival of Trees...........................................Pg. 2 Veterans Essays..........................................Pg. 3 PTO Craft Fair................................................Pg. 4
One of the most high profile murder cases of the last decade has finally resulted in the conviction of Richard Allen, who was found guilty of the 2017 murders of 13 year old Abigail Williams and 14 year old Liberty German. The case was followed closely by Indianans, as well as law enforcement and a large community of internet true crime afficionados, all of whom felt the crime could be solved. Cell phone footage from one of the victims’ phones contained a blurry video of “Bridge Guy” as he came to be known, as well as audio of him ordering the girls down to the river. Allen had been interviewed as a potential witness early in the investigation, but followup had been “lost in the cracks” according to officials. Ultimately, a clerk in the sheriff’s office noticed that Allen’s original statement had placed him near the scene of the crime, where the two girls would be found dead of severe knife wounds. Allen confessed in a recorded prison phone call, but later recanted, leading to the trial. A jury found him guilty of murder and kidnapping. He will be sentenced on December 20, and faces a maximum of 130 years in prison.
Looking Back................................................Pg. 7 Obituaries................................................... Pg. 10 Sports.................................................... Pg. 11-12
Last month, Idaho transitioned to a new public defender system, consolidating the 44 counties in the state into a statewide Office of the State Public Defender in an attempt to make the system more robust and responsive. Under the old system, counties paid for court transcripts. Because the new law eliminates the county’s obligation for paying for public defense, it has become unclear who needs to pay for the transcripts, which are used by defendants in the appeals process. Payment disputes over the production of the transcripts have resulted in delays in the appellate process, which may further complicate the outcomes of those cases. The shift in the law was not designed to change the funding source of the process, but like many laws, it has had unintended consequences. The Idaho Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on the issue, and will issue an opinion that hopefully will provide direction moving forward.
ISU Bengals defeat Wildcats 43-35 The last time the Idaho State Bengal football team defeated the Wildcats in Weber was right after the landslide victory of Ronald Reagan in 1984. Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, Gremlins, and the Karate Kid were all in their original versions as highest grossing films. Young and innocent Michael Jackson’s Thriller was an album that could never be outsold. In other words, it was a very long time ago. The Bengals had lost to the Wildcats 10 times in a row before the remarkable win, which improves them to a 5-5 season, and netted them the Train Bell trophy. Apparently, there was also some sort of BYU game which ended 22-21 over U of U.