Caribou County | April 9, 2026

Enterprise The Idaho

Easter comes to Caribou County

There was certainly no snow for Easter this weekend, which was sunny and bright if a little chilly early on. For a few diehard who are extremely devote to Easter Egg hunting, it was just barely possible to make it to hunts in Grace, Bancroft, and then Soda Springs with a well-executed plan for parking and leaving efficiently. For most people, though, each event was an exercise in anticipation followed by a quick burst of activity and then a more leisurely time for kids to find their friends and adults to eat any candy they had foolishly left behind.

For anyone who has an interest in seeing the full panorama of the Caribou County communities, the Grand Tour of events is a good chance to see up close some of the differences in the different people that live otherwise so close to each other!

In Grace, the Fairgrounds were once again divided up in sections for kids in different age categories in order to make the hunting more equal. Even had that not been the case, there was an abundance of eggs and other items for the taking, enough to satisfy even the most stalwart of hunters. The Easter bunny was on hand for pictures afterward, and many people pitched in to help clean up.

The event at the Fairgrounds is to some extent the primary County-level hunt, and as such has a large number of regional sponsors, and kids from all around the area.

A brief trip up the road found the Bancroft city Easter Egg hunt, sponsored by the North Gem Development Committee, at 10:30 at the church. Despite the smaller venue, egg hunters showed up in force, and the morning was a pleasant one spent with family and friends out in the sunshine.

The primary hunt in Soda Springs was the sixth annual Soda Sip Easter Egg Hunt, which took place between Soda Sip and the stake center building on the lawn overlooking Alexander reservoir.

As with the other hunts, it was a quick burst of adrenaline followed by some careful gleaning, and then collective candy feasting.

In all cases, the hunters were well-behaved and the candy supplies were plentiful!

Easter services were held at various locations across the valley throughout Holy Week and on Easter.

Easter weekend corresponded with General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout Holy Week, the church sponsored a “Living Christ

Easter Walk” at the church building in Niter. As previewed last week, the event is planning to move forward by alternating its location between Grace and Soda Springs in coming years. The Grace Stake and members hosted the event, which was similar to the form that it took last year, but different in ways that made each experience unique.

Once again, Easter was a fantastic mix of the sacred and the fun, and a good chance for the community to come together during a special weekend.

EASTER On Page 10

School Board 150 holds public forum for superintendent candidates

A public forum was held at Tigert Middle School to give the public a chance to speak with the two candidates for the superintendent position.

Superintendent Scott Muir, who was hired originally in 2021, has elected to pursue a superintendency in the Aberdeen School District. Soda Springs School District hosted a question and answer forum to allow the two finalists to meet with members of the community and answer questions about their vision moving forward.

The two candidates, L.T. Erickson and Stefanie Shaw, both introduced themselves to the audience that had gathered at Tigert Middle School, and then responded to a series of audience-generated questions from moderator Galen Wilson of the School Board.

L.T. Erickson is the director of Federal Programs and School Safety and Security in the San Juan School District in Utah. He oversees district safety and security, and is the exec-

utive director of the district’s education foundation. He has also served Director of Secondary Programs in the Twin Falls School District, Junior High Principal and Director of Federal Programs and Technology in the Snake River District, Assistant Principal and AD in the American Falls School District, and teacher in Cassia County School District. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s in education leadership, and

a bachelor’s in mathematics teacher education.

Stefanie Shaw is the Superintendent and Federal Programs director in the Dietrich School District. (Dietrich is in Lincoln County, just east of Shoshone and north of Twin Falls.). In her position she oversees K-12 education, including budget,

SUPERINTENDENT On Page 4

Bondi ousted

In an extremely busy and consequential week, President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after roughly 14 months in the position, ending a controversial tenure closely aligned with the stated Trump agenda. Bondi aggressively reshaped the Department of Justice, including removing career officials and pursuing cases against Trump’s political opponents. However, reports indicate Trump grew frustrated with her performance, particularly her failure to secure major prosecutions against rivals and her handling of sensitive issues such as the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Despite publicly praising her as a loyal ally, Trump replaced her with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting head of the department. Bondi’s tenure drew criticism from both parties, with opponents accusing her of politicizing the Justice Department, while some supporters believed she had not gone far enough in advancing Trump’s priorities.

In the last roughly two-week period, several other administration officials were removed or departed. Home Land Security’s Kristi Noem had already been dismissed weeks earlier, marking a first major cabinet-level change. Within the military, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth oversaw the removal or forced departure of senior officers including Randy George, along with David Hodne and William Green. Other changes have included the brief tenure and exit of Katie Zacharia and the departure of Corey Lewandowski from the Department of Homeland Security.

Airman rescued

On April 5, 2026, a U.S. airman was successfully rescued after a dramatic, high-risk mission deep inside Iran during the ongoing conflict. The airman, a weapons systems officer aboard an F-15E fighter jet, had ejected when the aircraft was shot down by Iranian forces. Injured and alone, he survived for roughly 36 hours in mountainous terrain, hiding from search parties and reportedly evading capture while armed with only a handgun.

U.S. forces launched a complex rescue involving special operations units, helicopters, and drones, along with intelligence support and deceptive tactics to mislead Iranian forces. The mission included intense combat conditions, with aircraft taking fire and some equipment losses reported.

Despite these challenges, the airman was extracted safely and transported for medical treatment. The operation was widely described as one of the most daring U.S. search-and-rescue missions in recent history.

UCLA over South Carolina 79-51

In the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, the UCLA Bruins women's basketball faced the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball in a highly competitive final. South Carolina entered as a dominant, defense-focused team, while UCLA relied on balanced scoring and perimeter play. The game was tightly contested through the first half, with multiple lead changes. In the second half, South Carolina’s physical defense and rebounding created separation, limiting UCLA’s scoring opportunities. Key performances from South Carolina’s starters helped them pull ahead late, ultimately securing the national title. UCLA remained competitive but struggled to overcome turnovers and second-chance points.

Soda Springs City Council April 1

The City Council met for a regular meeting on April 1. Items on the agenda included recognition for City firefighter Brandon Nilsson, updates on ongoing projects, and more.

Nilsson Recognition

Mayor Paul Gritton announced an award of valor for Soda Springs firefighter Brandon Nilsson. He stated, “Throughout my time in SS, one thing I have come to appreciate is the volunteers we have in our community, and the things they do. There are volunteers at this table and in this room. I know that a number of them have heard me say I appreciate them, and their making this the great place that it is.

With that said, our volunteers sometimes go way above and beyond what might be asked of them. I recently learned about an incident that occurred out at the reservoir…

I learned that one of our city firemen was present and participated in the rescue of one of the victims that was very near drowning. And that was in my opinion way above and beyond. He put himself at great personal risk, and he needs to be recognized for valor above and beyond.

I’m not sure why Mr. Nilsson thought he was summoned to this meeting, but I’m sure he has it figured out by now,” Mayor Gritton laughed.

A plaque recognizing Nilsson’s valor was presented. “It is an honor to recognize your outstanding valor and dedication to your community,” the plaque began. “Your actions and valor exemplify the character, values, and conduct held in high esteem by the community, the city of Soda Springs, and the SS Volunteer Fire Department. The service, sacrifice, and dedication you provide to the citizens of the city of Soda Springs, though often unrecognized, are deeply appreciated.”

Nilsson was congratulated and applauded by those in attendance.

In other topics, new cameras are all functioning. They are at City Park, restrooms, Kelly Park, Ball diamonds, parking lots, Enders inside and back and side of bldg., water system, etc. They are on the same system now, so they can be more easily monitored. The resolution is also much higher than it used to be, which should be helpful in the future.

Project Updates

The city is hopeful that they should have info by next week the cost of sewer line replacements for those affected by the Highway 30 construction. The average cost is estimated to be something like $3K-3.5K, though that is entirely linked to the footage involved. Some will be up to 90 feet and some are much shorter.

Bids for elements of the 2nd S project have been approved.

Boring under the RR tracks on S 2nd E will begin in the second half of April. Proposals are out for an energy efficiency and conservation grant. This would go toward a study of the city’s substations, transformers, etc. They will be looking for places to add efficiency to the system, as well as predict future growth’s effect on the system.

The silica sand is about 75% delivered for the trails. They will start with the parking area, and move outward down the trails.

Mayor Gritton thanked County Commissioner Bryce Somsen, who was in attendance, for the county’s help on the project. There will be a couple trails open by the end of next week on the upper part. The lower part will be done later, after some final authorization and coordination with other agencies is complete.

There were a number of questions about whether the trail parts will connect. Due to some property and land

Highway 30 Project update—Start Date April 20

Paul Gritton here. I wanted to give you a quick update on the 2nd S/Hwy 30 Reconstruction project. We don't have a lot of new information but as we learn more we will try to pass it on.

A reminder this is an Idaho Transportation Department project, directed and coordinated by them. I am told the timeline for the work to get done is very tight throughout the summer with an estimated completion date of mid October. We were notified on Friday April 3, that the estimated start date on the project is April 20th. The contractor is HK Contractors with the subcontractor doing the utility work being A+ Contractors. Anticipate traffic control and construction work to start the week of April 20th.

We have gotten information that will allow Director Squires to contact those property owners west of Main Street to discuss whether they want their sewer service lines replaced. Dan will be contacting each property owner individually to discuss.

The project will start on the west side of town but may involve other areas as the project begins. There will be many unknowns requiring

adaptation and schedule changes as the work is done.

This project will likely test our patience but I am confident that when it is done we will be proud of how it makes our city look. I am anticipating weekly project meetings with the contractors to hopefully get informed about the work and progression.

I've been informed that traffic on 2nd South/Hwy 30 will not be rerouted through city streets during the project but again there are many unknowns as the work is done. I was also told that complete blockage to accesses would be minimized as much as possible.

Feel free to contact City Hall with questions, 208-547-2600

A link to a video on Youtube with similar information: https://youtu. be/sDs7uUm2WGI

https://youtu.be/sDs7uUm2WGI?si=qg3Q67D6hocKW1kj

Though there will be out of pocket expenses to the City, the majority of the City's expenses for infrastructure replacement during this project will be paid for by funds allocated by Congressman Simpson for this project. We appreciate his efforts to provide funding to our community.

Press Release Soda Springs School District #150

In accordance with federal law, and effective immediately, the Idaho State Department of Education is requiring all Idaho schools, including Soda Springs School District #150, to retain all records to show compliance with fiscal and programmatic requirements. As per this requirement, the Soda Springs School District Special Education Department has followed this requirement by retaining the Individual Education Program (IEP) student files for a minimum of five years after a student’s high school graduation, or when he or she reaches the age of 18, or attends a school beyond the high school level. At this time, the Soda Springs School

CORRECTION

District would invite those students who were eligible for an Individual Education Program (IEP) during the school years of 2016-2021 to acquire these retained IEP files. According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g. 34 CFR Part 99) these files are privacy protected, and this information can only be claimed by those former students, or their legal guardian using valid identification. After a period of 45 days the unclaimed documents will be destroyed. If you would like to obtain this documentation, please contact the Soda Springs School District Special Education Secretary (208) 547-4426.

In last week's edition of the paper the grant source for the replacement of the tin on the Show Barn building at the Fairgrounds was listed as Idaho Ag Credit, but this was incorrect. The grant was procured through Ag West. We apologize for the error. We will be following the story of the Show Barn in coming months, and will bring you more information on what Ag West has made possible.

Legislative Updates - End of Legislative Session

Representative Mike Veile

As the 2026 legislative session has now concluded, I want to share a few final thoughts on the work of this year’s Idaho House of Representatives.

One of the Legislature’s dominant objectives this session was balancing both the 2026 and 2027 state budgets in light of significant tax reductions. The tax cuts approved in 2025 totaled approximately $450 million, and the One Big Beautiful Bill added another estimated $155–$200 million in state tax relief. Those decisions resulted in budget holdbacks for 2026 and a tighter budget framework for 2027.

A great deal of legislation continued moving through the process right up to the final hours of the session. In my view, that is not a particularly transparent way to conduct the public’s business. Too many bills were shuffled through different committees and brought to the floor for a vote before legislators — and certainly the public — had sufficient time to fully understand what was being proposed. I do not believe that process encourages meaningful public input or well-informed legislative decisions.

While the K–12 budget was largely left intact for the year, it still did not provide for raises for teaching personnel. In addition, as I have previously written, the Legislature continued its ongoing reduction of support for IDLA, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, which provides online supplemental coursework for public school students. Rather than advancing a policy bill to make those changes directly, the Legislature ultimately chose to impose a 50% budget cut.

A couple of bills that passed the

Key Dates - April 1776

April 1, 1776: Following the British evacuation of Boston on March 17, George Washington continued organizing the movement of the Continental Army toward New York City, which he recognized as the next strategic target.

Early April 1776: Benjamin Franklin made a difficult trip to Canada as part of a failed diplomatic mission to persuade the French Canadians to join the American cause.

April 1776 (Mid-month): The Continental Congress, spurred by the success of removing the British from Boston, began discussing the formal separation from Great Britain.

April 12 Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax in the spring of 1776. On April 12 that body unanimously adopted a document later called the “Halifax Resolves,” which was the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England.

“Spirit of ‘76”: The year 1776 is recognized as the “critical year,” where the war shifted from resisting tyranny to fighting for complete independence.

Preceding Actions: The Siege of Boston (ending March 17, 1776) was a major victory that bolstered colonial morale just before April.

Declaration Signer

Thomas Heyward

South Carolinians weren’t thinking about separation from England in the spring of 1776. Older colonial leaders were busy setting up a colonial

House did not make it through the Senate on the final day of the session. The first was S1247, which had originally been an E-Verify bill but was heavily amended into legislation requiring local law enforcement agencies to attend training and enter into a memorandum of understanding with ICE under the 287(g) program. The Senate did not look favorably on that kind of last-minute amendment process.

The second was H621aaH, which would have prohibited restrictions on weapons in courthouses except in actual courtrooms and certain ancillary rooms. Because it was brought forward at the very end of the session, the Senate did not have adequate time to fully vet and consider the bill before the session ended.

One of the concerns raised about both of these proposals was that their fiscal notes did not account for the costs that counties and cities would bear if the bills became law. For example, many counties would have needed to move security checkpoints and metal detectors from general county building entrances to courtroom entrances while also hiring additional security personnel. That could have created millions of dollars in new local costs. Likewise, the expenses associated with participation in 287(g) training would also have fallen heavily on counties. I think there is path for these bills but the full cost should be considered.

Serving District 35 this session has been both a fascinating experience and a tremendous honor. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of Bear Lake, Caribou, Teton, Bannock, and Bonneville counties in the Idaho House. Thank you for the trust you place in me, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our communities.

Representative Mike Veile District 35 A

Declaration signer Thomas Heyward

constitution, so younger men were sent to attend Congress in Philadelphia. The average age of the four delegates from Southa Carolina was 29. Thomas Heyward, educated in London and from a wealthy plantation family, was considered to be an outstanding poet. Heward signed the Declaration of Independence and stayed on to sign the Articles of Confederation.

Returning from Philadelphia in 1778, Heyward became a circuit judge and an officer in the militia.

During the siege of Charleston, Heyward presided over the trial of several Loyalists convicted of treasonous correspondence with the enemy.

He caused a sensation when he had them executed in full view of the British troops. In 1779, Heyward was wounded during an attack along South Carolina’s coast near his home. The following year, the British ransacked his home and captured him.

Imprisoned at St. Augustine, Florida, he celebrated the Fourth of July by changing the words of the song “God Save the King” to “God Save the Thirteen States.” Needless to say, the song became popular throughout the colonies.

The remainder of his life was devoted to agriculture as he helped found and became the first president of the Agricultural Society of South Carolina. He died in 1809 at the age of 62.

Senator Mark Harris

As it comes to an end, the Second Regular Session of the 68th Idaho Legislature proved to be an interesting one. First, however, I want to thank you and remind you what an honor it has always been for me to represent the great people of our Legislative District 35 in the Idaho State Senate. As such, I have the privilege of serving on the Senate State Affairs Committee, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and the Senate Resources and Environment Committee. This Session also marked my second year serving as the Idaho Senate Assistant Majority Leader. In past Sessions, I served in Senate Leadership as the Idaho Senate Majority Caucus Chair.

As opposed to previous Legislative Sessions, this year’s State budget had to deal with a budget shortfall. As a result, we have had to make tough decisions with some budget cutbacks in order to balance our State budget as required by the Idaho Constitution. At his State of the State address on dayone of this Legislative Session, Governor Little ordered a 3% cut across all State agencies and departments. However, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare had to make an additional 1% cut to some programs for a total of 4% overall budget cuts. I wish to specifically address one of the Medicaid budgets we heard and debated this Session. In the end, there was a 4% cut across the board for this budget, which is expected to save around $36 million for FY 2026 and $45 million for FY 2027. Among the services eliminated or reduced because of these cuts were the Early Serious Mental Illness program, Adult Peer Support Services, homes for Adult Residential Treatment, and mileage reimbursement for providers. The cost of implementing cuts to these services will amount to about $4 million in FY 2026 and $6 million for FY 2027. These program cuts will likely present problems in the future. Education budgets for K-12 made out pretty good this Session. There were no cuts or holdbacks for things like teacher pay. The problem is that school districts will have to pay more in operating expenses such as building maintenance and diesel costs for buses. Health insurance costs are going up, and overall school budgets have not had an increase for expenditures since the 2023-2024 budget year. My fear is these costs will be hard to catch up with as we continue to defer any increases.

We also worked on other legislation that will affect the lives of Idahoans. One piece of legislation that I sponsored with Senator Kelly Anthon (LD-27 and Senate President ProTem), was Senate Bill 1389 (S1389). This bill limits the liability of property owners who allow their facilities, at no charge, to be used as polling

places for Idaho elections. The legislation reduces barriers for property owners to offer their facilities as polling locations, and it provides clear legal protection for nonprofits hosting elections without jeopardizing their tax exemption. This legislation will increase the availability of polling places for county election officials. It is a good bill and will be especially helpful to many of our rural communities.

Another bill I sponsored was Senate Bill 1326 (S1326). This is a piece of legislation I sponsored with Senator Jim Guthrie (LD-28 and Chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee). This bill is a meaningful reaffirmation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and a protection of private property. It sets clear Constitutional boundaries for both State and federal agencies and departments by stating they must have either permission from the property’s owner or a court-ordered warrant to enter private property. Members of the Legislature have been hearing stories of State employees entering private property without permission from the owners and causing problems. S1326 helps make government employees more accountable and careful when entering private property.

Another issue I have been involved in is the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) fund. With the passage of last year’s House Bill 345 (H345), coupled with the 4% Medicaid cuts this year, and the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act in Washington, DC, our rural hospitals have been struggling to make ends meet. To help our rural health care providers, the U.S. Congress appropriated $50 billion to the states. Idaho is set to receive $929 million over the next five years. This money will be appropriated by the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) along with a committee of legislators appointed by the Senate’s President Pro-Tem and the Speaker of the House to prepare for the allocation of about $186 million per year. These funds are very important to our hospitals, and we need to get it to them as soon as possible.

There were other important pieces of legislation we considered and passed this year. You can read about all pieces of legislation and any legislative action taken at www.legislature.Idaho.gov.

Finally, I take the responsibility of representing Legislative District 35 very seriously and it was a pleasure working with Representative Josh Wheeler and Representative Mile Veile. We work together as a legislative team very well. I appreciate all those that have reached out to me during this Legislative Session and sharing your thoughts and concerns. I always try to do my best to keep up with your emails, texts, and phone calls. Thank you for your involvement in continuing to make Idaho the best State in our great country.

Soda Springs Independence Day Parade Route Announced

This year, the 4th of July holiday and festivities will take place during the construction project on Highway 30. Due to the extensive nature of the roadwork during that time, an alternate parade is necessary and has been announced. According to the city of Soda Springs:

“Due to future construction along the traditional Highway 30 parade route, the City of Soda Springs in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Soda Springs has received approval to temporarily relocate the Independence Day Parade for the 2026 celebration. This adjustment coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence and provides an opportunity to continue this longstanding community tradition with minimal disruption.

The parade will be held along Hooper Avenue/ Highway 34, beginning at the intersection of 4th East and Hooper Avenue, proceeding east then north, and concluding at 4th North

The success of this temporary route will depend on the cooperation of residents, business owners, and visitors. The City of Soda Springs appreciates the public’s assistance in ensuring a safe and orderly event.

Parade Staging and Line-Up:

Parade participants will assemble on 4th East, extending north into the Soda Springs High School parking lot. Participants may utilize parking along the east fence line of the lot, as well as designated areas on the south side of the high school.

Parade Route and Exit Plan:

Following the conclusion of the parade at 4th

Superintendent

from front page

financial operations, grants, special education, athletics and facilities. She has served as a principal, counselor, and Dean of Students in the district, as well as a Business Education teacher in the Gooding School District. She holds an educational specialist certificate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in educational administration, and a bachelor’s degree in business education.

Asked what the they would do to increase trust in the school district as the new superintendent, both candidates framed their answers around the idea of gathering information on the ground first, in order to get a clear sense of the community’s attitudes and how parents and district members felt about the current school environment.

“First, I need to get here and find out about your situation,” Stefanie Shaw said. She expressed a strong interest in meeting with and engaging with members of the community as the district plans its next steps forward.

L.T. Erickson mirrored that interest, and raised the importance of transparency between the school district and the citizens. “Taking time to listen is very important,” he said. Both candidates were asked about their thoughts on school consolidation. This was raised specifically in regards to the potential for reducing costs for the three districts.

Both candidates acknowledged the difficult nature of the question, and suggested that they were not familiar enough with the surrounding districts yet to have a strong opinion.

Erickson noted that “I’ve been around Idaho long enough to know that communities love their schools, and athletics, no matter how big they are. As far as consolidation, there are benefits but love of community schools is very important. Financially, it probably makes sense, but for communities it doesn’t.”

Shaw agreed that there was a need for a new high school, but that direct consolidation wasn’t the only, or the best, means of achieving it. As

North, participants will continue north on Hooper Avenue, turn west onto Hooper Road, and may return to the high school via Government Dam Road/3rd East.

Parking Regulations and Enforcement:

To ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow, the following parking restrictions will be in effect: Parking along the highway will not be permitted prior to 9:00 a.m. on the 4th of July.

Vehicles parked in violation of this restriction will be towed at the owner’s expense Beginning at 9:00 a.m., parking will be allowed

someone who grew up in the Utah school system, she explained that she was very familiar with consolidated districts, but didn’t know that it was necessarily right for Soda, Grace, and Bancroft. “Schools are the lifeblood of any community,” she said.

Shaw discussed arrangements whereby resources of different types might be shared to reduce costs to each district, but that their individual identities would remain in place. She did not go into specifics, but it’s an intriguing idea about an issue that has been on the minds of voters for decades.

With regard to the new school, Shaw noted that the bond for a new high school that was put forward last failed, but that before another was brought to voters she would learn much more about the residents. “Knowing the community is the only way to get a bond passed,” she said. “And being frugal.”

The two were asked about increasing “rigor” in the schools. Erickson discussed the idea that rigor is built up system-wide, and that if values and concepts are shared vertically throughout the school system, it creates a “team approach” to increasing academic and behavioral rigor.

Shaw discussed a program she initiated where she visits each classroom with teachers in her district as “rounds” to ensure that teachers are learning from and communicating with each other, and has found it very successful.

The candidates were asked about class sizes, and agreed that the smaller the better, and that they would work to try to make them as focused as possible.

The candidates were asked about other issues facing the Soda Springs School District—and school districts in general—and provided a range of thoughtful responses with specific examples from their work experience.

The School District met in executive session later in the evening, and extended an offer to one of the candidates. Because the offer had not officially been responded to as of press time, we will bring you word of the official hiring next week.

parallel to the curb and may extend into the designated bike lane

Attendees are asked to be courteous and mindful of local residents and businesses when parking

All vehicles must be removed promptly following the parade, as the roadway will reopen to through traffic; vehicles remaining will be subject to towing

Restricted Parking Area:

Parking will not be permitted on the east side of the highway between Kelly Park Road and 3rd North. Alternative parking will be available within the adjacent park area.”

Idaho AEYC Launches program to Support Idaho Families Welcoming Babies

Becoming a parent is exciting, joyful, and sometimes ... overwhelming. Knowing what your baby needs to grow, learn, and develop is important, but it can be hard to know where to begin. That's why Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) created You’ve Got This! From The Start, a program designed to support Idaho families from a child’s birth through kindergarten entry, at no cost.

As part of the campaign launch, Idaho AEYC will distribute 1,700 play kits for FREE (while supplies last). Each kit includes board books, soft blocks, balls, a plush cuddle toy, and parent guides that promote learning, play, and connection. This program will connect families with high-quality materials and resources and ongoing learning opportunities; simplifying how parents support their child’s learning and growth from day one.

Idaho parents expecting a baby in 2026 are encouraged to enroll and take the first step in this supportive journey. Over the first five years of a child’s life, a critical window for brain

development, families will receive ongoing, developmentally appropriate resources and learning opportunities that reinforce early childhood development and strong parent-child relationships.

“You’ve Got This! From the Start puts parents in the driver’s seat with age-age-appropriate toys and tools that make early learning feel doable,” says, Nicole Criner, Executive Director of Idaho AEYC. “Families face a constant stream of decisions. We’re here to offer support and guidance that helps parents feel even more confident in the decisions they’re already making for their child.”

The program removes common barriers families face, including cost and access to materials, by providing everything free of charge. By simplifying early learning support, Idaho AEYC aims to ensure every Idaho child gets a strong start in life. Because when it comes to supporting your child’s growth — You’ve Got This! For more information or to enroll, visit idahoaeyc. org/youve-got-start or contact outreach@idahoaeyc.org

War on Weeds—weeds are everybody’s problem

THE ISSUE: Prostrate Knotweed

Prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) is a low-growing summer annual commonly found in lawns, high-traffic areas, waste areas, and along driveways and sidewalks. Prostrate knotweed provides a food source to birds and mammals but is also a known host for many fungi, viruses, and nematodes. Prostrate knotweed quickly covers bare soil preventing native plant species from becoming established. Toxins from its roots and leaves alter the composition of the soil, making it unsuitable for native species.

Prostrate knotweed is a low-growing plant with wiry stems that radiate out from a central point and grow up to 2 feet in length. Small leaves and tiny white or pink flowers emerge from nodes that are covered in a papery sheath. Flowers have 5 petals and green centers.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options:

• Cultural – Prostrate knotweed thrives in compacted soils. Avoid compacted soils by aeration. Apply a 3-inch-deep layer of mulch to planting beds to reduce seed germination.

• Mechanical – Hand pulling plants before they go to seed. Rototilling or hoeing will also effectively eliminate plants.

• Chemical – A complete list of approved chemicals is available on www.pnwhandbooks.org. Type “prostrate knotweed” in the search, then select “Annual Broadleaf Weeds in New Stands” for recommendations. Always read and follow herbicide label directions! Tom Jacobsen, University of Idaho Extension Educator in Fremont County. (208) 624-3102 tjacobsen@uidaho. edu and Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Educator in Caribou County. (208) 547-3205

Fish and Game Corner

Wildlife underpass project on US-30 to begin near Montpelier in April

Construction efforts on three wildlife underpasses on US-30 are set to begin near Montpelier this month. This grant-funded project under the direction of Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will include the installation of two concrete box culverts, one bridge, and 6 road miles of 8-ft tall fencing between highway mileposts 442 and 448.

This short section of highway intersects with a topographic bottleneck, known as Rocky Point, that funnels migratory mule deer along a regionally important mule deer migration route. It is there within these few miles that motorists can encounter some of the worst points of conflict with wildlife on US-30 between Montpelier and the Wyoming border.

Data collected by Idaho Fish and Game and ITD shows that of the deer killed on just one 20-mile stretch of US-30, about 70% are reported at Rocky Point.

Once completed (estimated Fall 2026), this underpass project will improve driver safety while protecting migrating deer and other wildlife.

“This project is equally important to both ITD and Idaho Fish and Game and has received broad support from the Bear Lake County community because of the benefits to both human and wildlife safety,” said Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer with Idaho Fish and Game. “Hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts value this mule deer re-

source, and protecting it has added benefits to both the economy and quality of life in this part of southeast Idaho.”

The grant awarded to ITD to fund this $12-million project is part of $125 million in federal grants awarded to 16 states through the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.

“We are excited to get this project fully-funded and built,” ITD’s District 5 Environmental Planner Alissa Salmore said. “Local citizens and our Montpelier shed crew have been asking for a solution here for decades. It will be good to finally deliver this project, both for people and for wildlife.”

Fish Stocking Report

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!

• Bannock Reservoir – 1000 rainbow trout. Located within the Portneuf Wellness Complex near the County Fairgrounds in Pocatello, this community park offers trout fishing with many recreational amenities nearby. The six-acre pond is surrounded by playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts, running and biking trails, and an amphitheater for community events. Multiple docks provide fishing access around the pond.

• Blackfoot Reservoir – 30,000 rainbow trout. Blackfoot Reservoir is located approximately 16 miles north of Soda Springs. It covers 17,000 surface acres when full, making it the second largest reser-

BRAIN TEASERS

voir in the Southeast Region! Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbows, cutthroats, and small mouth bass in this body of water. The Bureau of Land Management manages a campground near the reservoir with 16 developed sites available on a first-come, first-served base. There are also day-use sites for picnicking. Other amenities include a boat ramp, drinking water, electrical hook-ups, fire rings, and vault toilets.

• Bear River – 3,000 rainbow trout. About 2,500 of these fish will be stocked in the very scenic Oneida Narrows reach of the river below the dam. This popular section of the river offers the longest continuous public access along the entire Bear River! Another 500 trout will be stocked in the Bear River below Alexander Dam.

• Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access.

• Dingle Gravel Pond –1,000 rainbow trout. This pond is located adjacent to the Bear River east of Dingle in Bear Lake County.

• Edson Fichter Pond – 950 rainbow trout. This 3-acre pond is located just minutes from downtown Pocatello and offers local anglers of all ages a convenient escape close to home. Nestled within the 40-acre Edson Fichter Nature Area, this pond features

several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Your dog is welcome to be your fishing buddy—if leashed while at the pond and on the trails. However, if they need to cool off or would like to practice their retrieving skills, there is a “puppy pond” built just for them on the same property.

• Kelly Park Pond (Upper) – 250 rainbow trout. Located in Soda Springs within Arthur Kelly Park, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it offers a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages. Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk!

• McTucker Pond – 2,500 rainbow trout. Located near Springfield, McTucker Pond is surrounded by willows and large cottonwood trees and provides many places for kids to fish from the bank. No docks are present anymore.

• Montpelier Rearing Pond – 250 rainbow trout. This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon in the hills east of Montpelier. It’s a great spot to take kids fishing! Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.

EVENT CALENDARS

SODA SPRINGS CARIBOU COUNTY

April 10 – Friday

BB W Glenn's Ferry Tournament

SB @ Glenn's Ferry Tournament

April 11 - Saturday

BB @ Glenn's Ferry Tournament

SB @ Glenn's Ferry Tournament Track @ Grizzly Invitational

April 12 - Sunday Presbyterian Services

Caribou Bible Church Services

Catholic Mass (8:30am)

Open Arms Church Services

LDS Services

Hope Lutheran Church

April 13 - Monday

Golf @ Snake River - Varsity Only

April 14 - Tuesday Planning & Zoning Meeting 6 pm

April 15 - Wednesday City Council Meeting 5 pm

BB @ Malad

SB @ Malad

April 16 - Thursday

Golf @ Grace - Varsity Girls all

JV

Golf @ Soda Springs - Varsity

Boys Track @ Bear Lake

GRACE

April 10 – Friday

HS Track @ Century

April 12 - Sunday

LDS Services

April 14 - Tuesday

HS Golf @ Blackfoot

April 15 - Wednesday City Council Meeting 6 pm

BANCROFT

April 12 – Sunday LDS Services

April 13 - Monday

City Council Meeting 8 pm

April 16 - Thursday

Track @ Murtagh

MS Track @ Bear Lake

CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU

Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee

Menu Subject to Change Without Notice Birthday Cake and Ice Cream is served in-house only!

April 10 - Navajo Taco, Mandarin Oranges, Birthday Cake and Ice Cream

April 15 - Hamburger Steak w/ Mashed Potatoes, California Veggies, Sourdough Bread, Peaches, Brownies

ON THIS DAY

1833 First US tax-supported public library opens in Peterborough, New Hampshire

1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee and 26,765 troops surrender at Appomattox Court House to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, ending the civil War in Northern Virginia

1910 First recorded sighting of Halley's Comet, seen in Gore, New Zealand

1950 Bob Hope's first TV appearance

1962 34th Academy Awards: "West Side Story" (Best Picture, Director, and 8 more), Sophia Loren (Two Women) & Maximilian Schell (Judgement At Nuremberg) win

1962 US President John F. Kennedy throws out first ball at Washington's new DC Stadium

1963 Winston Churchill becomes first honorary US citizen

1965 First baseball game at Houston Astrodome, Astros beat NY Yankees 2-1 in exhibition as Mickey Mantle hits MLB's first indoor homerun; US President Lyndon Johnson and wife Lady Bird attend

1967 First Boeing 737 (a 100 series) makes its maiden flight

1968 Martin Luther King Jr. buried in Atlanta

1975 First appearance of sports mascot, the San Diego Chicken

2012 "The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"

LUNCH MENUS

SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk

Monday, April 13

Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Fruit, Veggies

Tuesday, April 14

Nacho Supreme, Fruit, Veggies

Wednesday, April 15

Chicken Bowl, Fruit, Veggies

Thursday, April 16

Sloppy Joes, Tots, Fruit, Veggies

NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU

Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day

Monday, April 13

Biscuits and Gravy, Orange Chicken w/Rice, Deli Bar, Stir Fry Veggies, Pineapple Crisp

Tuesday, April 14

Sweet Pork Carnitas, Honey Mustard Chicken, Deli Bar, Roasted Squash, Peaches

Wednesday, April 15

Mac & Cheese w/Nuggets, Deli Bar, California Blend Veggies, Pears w/Blueberries

Thursday, April 16

Hot Beef n Cheese, Tator Tot Casserole, Deli Bar, Broccoli w/ Cheese, Mixed Fruit

GRACE LUNCH MENU

Monday, April 13

Lunches served with Milk

Corn Dog, Mac & Cheese, Food

Choices - Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges

Tuesday, April 14

Lasagna Rollup, Breadstick, Food Choices - Fresh Green Salad, Pears

Wednesday, April 15

Chicken Tender, Potatoes/Gravy, Roll, Food Choices, Corn, Applesauce

Thursday, April 16

Super Nacho, Food ChoicesRefried Beans, Fresh Veggies, Peaches

BIRTHDAYS

Gerald Young, Apr. 2

Tom Cartwright, Apr. 4

Jackie Winward, Apr. 4

Brett Lynn Crump, Apr. 11

Janice Jackson, Apr. 11

Jim Farmer, Apr. 11

Jennifer Jones, Apr. 13

Ebony Spruill, Apr. 16

Flossie Madson, Apr. 18

Carol Durfee, Apr. 19

Jessica Fuechsel, Apr. 20

Gary Lemarr, Apr. 20

DeVaughn Smith, Apr. 20

Robyn Alleman, Apr. 23

Paula Burgin, Apr. 23

Terry Mortenson, Apr. 25

Rick Stringham, Apr. 25

Roy Brown, Apr. 26

Benjimn Beckstead, Apr. 26

Pat Farnes, Apr. 28

Lucetta Holt, Apr. 29

Larita May Brown, Apr. 30

Ralph (Duffy) Woolsey, Apr. 30

If you would like to add yourself, your kids, loved one, friend or family member to our weekly birthday list, contact Sherrie at 208-766-4773 or email sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com

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 Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bill coauthored and sponsored by Congressman Mike Simpson, passed in the house of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote of 247174. The bill, which was first introduced in 2019, would provide agriculture workforce stability by allowing current workers that ability to get right with the law and reforming the H-2A visa program to provide more flexibility for employers.

“I am proud to sponsor the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which will provide much-needed relief for farmers in Idaho,” Simpson said. “Workforce uncertainty in eastern Idaho hurts both producers and consumers alike, and this bill sets us on the right path towards stabilizing rural economies, and discouraging illegal border crossings. Simply put, this bill is good for agriculture, good for Idaho, and good for our country and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to get it signed into law.”

“The Act gives year-round agricultural employers, like dairymen, access to a visa program for the first time,” said Rick Naerebout, chief executive officer of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. “The reality is that the dairy industry is heavily dependent on a foreign-born workforce, with 90 percent of our on-farm employees coming from outside the United Sates, despite competitive wages and prioritization of domestic workers. We applaud Congressman Simpson on his continued pursuit of this bipartisan solution that meets the need of Idaho’s dairy industry.”

“The FWMA is a necessary step in the process of having a stable, sufficient and skilled labor force to ensure that Idaho potatoes can continue to be delivered to consumers around the world,” Patrick Kole of the Idaho Potato Commission said.

The bill will establish a program for ag workers in the US to earn legal status through continued ag employment and contribution to the US ag economy; reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers; establish mandatory, national E-verify system for all ag workers.

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah in introducing the Making Obligations Right by Enlarging Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act, or MORE PILT Act. This bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on federal lands eligible for PILT payments to determine the actual property value of the land and the foregone property tax revenues that counties would have otherwise received. “Every single county in Idaho relies on the PILT program to fund critical county services and compensate for the tax base lost to federal lands,” said Risch. “Unfortunately, these payments do not begin to make up for the actual revenue loss rural communities sustain. This legislation is a critical step to ensuring counties are made whole,” he added.

“PILT payment are critical to rural Idaho counties that rely on the funds for essential services like roads and law enforcement,” Crapo said. “The MORE PILT Act would better reflect the value of land in Idaho owned by the federal government, in turn meeting the ongoing needs of those counties. The pandemic has stretched local budgets even thinner, and continued improvement on the PILT program will help these areas obtain a more sustainable funding system.”

1991 Representatives from Monsanto Company’s Soda Springs plant gave an update on environmental issues and the business outlook to the Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday in Soda Springs. Ken Lott said there

are two main issues regarding the environment—the Super Fund listing and the slag issue. Monsanto was placed on EPA’s Super Fund list for potential groundwater contamination. Kerr-McGee, FMC, and Simplot were also added to the list. Lott said the company in the past had used some unsealed ponds at the plant site and also had a leaking vessel that Monsanto found had caused contamination at the sure and one small area outside of it. They remediated the problems and have found steady improvement in the testing of the groundwater at the plant. Monsanto did not agree with EPA’s listing because the problem was taken care of and clean up was done by the company. “I don’t know what else we could have done,” Lott said about the numerous measures the plant took to correct the problem. He said he was not sure what the cost to the company may be, but a plant in Georgia that was names to the Super Fund list 10 years ago has spent $1.5 million in administrative costs to date and done no physical clean up yet. “It’s a tremendous expense the company has to bear,” he said.

The second environmental issue is that of slag and low levels of radiation coming from it. Slag has been used in the past on roads, some sidewalks, and in some cement work, including home foundations. The radiation levels in the slag, which is the left-over product from the company’s manufacturing of elemental phosphorous, is at about the same levels as is in the raw ore. Lott noted EPA in their recent study was concerned that the low levels could be a risk fir cancer, but said that the assumption comes from taking data from the atomic bombings in Japan and interpolating those extremely high dosage levels down to extremely low dosages—levels which have never been proven to cause cancer deaths.

He said recent hearings before the Science Advisory Board urged them to review the risk assessment and EPA’s recent study.

The Southeast Idaho Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging has established Community Councils for Aging Resources in Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs. The council are comprised of local community leaders who are committed to improving the quality of life for the elderly population. The council’s purpose is to address specific service needs and determine how the community’s resources can pull together and respond to those needs. The council is led by SICOG/AAA staff Sister Anthony Marie Greving and Judi Robinson. The Soda Springs Council members are Bart Conlin, Don Harding, Pastor Doug Robinson, Marie Robinson, Dell Maughan, Susan Yost, Mark Steele, Blynn Wilcox, Arlene Smith, Michael Peck and Roland Smith. Members of the Lava Council are Buddy Campbell, Joan Bocek, Sheldon Jones, Sheryl Doyle, Mike Doyle, Wally Whitehead, Elma Schultx, and Leah Wiseth.

George Reed of Blackfoot, Lions district governor for 39E was honored guest of the Soda Springs Club at the March 21 dinner meeting held at the Enders. Lion Kevin Keller conducted the meeting. The district governor,

another district officer and their wives were guests for the evening, as well as Cecil and Winifred Alldaffer. Reed stressed the need for increased membership and talked on the Lion’s Sight program. Immediate past president Mike Lauman conducted the meeting. Accountant Gerald Brown was guest speaker and gave an explanation of rules and procedures required for income tax reporting and an overall presentation on other taxes relevant to the group.

1976

Folk musician Gordon Lightfoot will present a concert in the Idaho State University Minidome at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 22. “We’re going to be seating on the north side of the Dome for improved acoustics and a better view of the stage,” said Bert Hansen II, the ISU Program Board publicity chairman. “The Minidome is sponsoring this concert,” he added. In Blackfoot tickets can be obtained at Block’s and Brown and Gesas. The ticket outlet in Twin Falls is the Music Center. According to a reviewer for the San Francisco Examiner, Lightfoot is “…the supreme contemporary folk singer…there is no better concert evening in contemporary folk.”

Recipes to be entered in the State Division of the National Beef CookOff must be in to Mrs. Kathleen Hayes, Rockland, by April 15. The Idaho recipes will be evaluated by a panel of competent experts and the winner selected. The State CowBelles will pay expenses to the National Contest for the recipe entrant that is chosen for Idaho. Rules for AMERICAN NATIONAL CowBelles beef cookoff include:

-The National Beef Cook-Off is conducted by the American National CowBelles, Inc. for the purpose of featuring beef recipes, understanding cuts of beef, and promoting the beef cattle industry.

-The contest will include a contestant from each state. Contestants need to be 21 years of age or older, and not have professional status.

-Any Beef dish using chuck, round, rump, or brisket may be entered in the Cook-Off program. It must contain a minimum of two pounds of beef and no more than six pounds.

-Garnishes with the dish are permissible. Accessories such as place mats, flowers, figurines, etc., are not allowed.

-The contestants are responsible for furnishing all ingredients, garnishes, and cooking equipment. Ranges will be provided.

First prize is $1000; second $500, and third $250. The National CookOff will be held in Slat Lake City on September 16 and 17, 1976.

On Monday, April 5, the Christian Education Committee met to continue work on plans for the summer. Coming up are Bible School, a Talent Show, and Youth Sunday. With springs comes housecleaning and the ladies have begun to give the church its shine for spring. On Tuesday, the Ruth Circle “house cleaned” the sanctuary while Dorcas Circle worked on the Annex. Mary Anna Circle will be in charge of cleaning the rest of the

church building. There will be a variety of Easter Services in the coming days. Maundy Thursday Communion Services will be held on April 15, Union Good Friday Services at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Easter Sunrise Services at the Presbyterian Church, with choirs presenting special music at the Easter Worship service.

Girls from Grace High School went to Twin Falls Wednesday to attend the annual State FHA Convention and compare notes and achievements with other FHA. Cathy Carter was elected State Vice President, and Jill Johnson was elected Historian for District 5. Those attending the convention were Jill Johnson, Sophomore; Cathy Carter, Sophomore; Tracy Conlin, Junior; Susan Miles, Freshman, and Diane Stevens, Freshman. Their teacher Pam Westerberg also accompanied them.

The FBI is borrowing the theme of draft board posters, which displayed a drawing of Uncle Sam pointing, and saying “We Want You.” The FBI is looking for clerical and special agent applicants, both men and women. The FBI is particularly interested in recruiting those from groups typically not represented by the agency in past years. Requirements from becoming a special agent are varied depending on the individual’s degree, work experience, and background. Applicants must be citizens of the US who have reached their 23rd but not their 35th birthday; graduates of state accredited resident law schools or graduates of a resident four-year college with a major in accounting. Other individuals with four-year college degrees who have had three years of specialized experience of a professional executive or complex investigative nature will also be considered. All have to be in excellent physical condition. Anyone with language ability will also be considered, particularly those fluent in Chinese, Russian, Spanish, or Arabic.

Thursday, April 9

Friday, April 10

Saturday, April 11

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG)

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an upcoming animated adventure comedy film based on the 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy and its 2010 sequel, as well as Nintendo's broader Mario franchise. Produced by Illumination and Nintendo, it is the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Saturday Matinee

2:00, (All seats $5) 6:00 & 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15 6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. 208-547-3282

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE

- To be sold for cash at a T rustee’s Sale on July 29, 2026, 9:00 AM in the Lobby, Caribou County Courthouse, 159 South Main Street, Soda Springs, ID 83276, the following-described real property situated in Caribou County, Idaho (the “Property”): A parcel of land located in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE¼NW¼) of Section 22, Township 8 South, Range 39 East, Boise Meridian, the same combining all of the lands described in that Deed Instrument No. 116890 and Quitclaim Deed Instrument No 202221, all recorded in the records of Caribou County, Idaho, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE¼NW¼) of Section 22, Township 8 South, Range 39 East, Boise Meridian, the same being marked and witnessed by a 1 ¼ inch diameter Brass cap monument per that Corner Perpetuation and Filing Recorded Instrument No. 128124 and depicted upon that Record of Survey Instrument No. 167133 all in the records of Caribou County, Idaho, the same being South 89°56'23" East a distance of 2629.04 feet from the Northwest corner of said section; Thence North 89°56'23" West for a distance of 1279.82 feet (North 89°56' West 1279.64 feet by record) along the North boundary line of said section; Thence South 00°00'23" East for a distance of 336.53 feet (South 336.63 feet by record) along a fence line to a 5/8 inch reinforcement bar with cap tagged, "GVS PLS 9169" located at a fence corner, the same being on the North most corner of the lands described in that Quitclaim Deed Instrument No. 116890, as recorded in the records of said County, the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; Thence South 60°08'23" East for a distance of 444.60 feet (South 60°08' East 444.6 feet by Record) along the Northeasterly boundary line of said lands to a found 3/4" pipe lo-cated on the Westerly right of way boundary line of Third West Street (Holmes Avenue by record) as depicted upon the Village of Bancroft Townsite Plat Instrument No. 7373, dated August 30, 1909, as recorded in the records of said County; Thence South 29°53'11" West (South 29°52' West by record) for a distance of 147.27 feet along said boundary line to a 5/8" reinforcement bar with cap tagged, "GVS PLS 9169" located on a fence line, the same being the Southeast corner of the lands described in said Quitclaim Deed Instrument No. 202221; Thence North 88°13'47" West for a distance of 311.83 feet along said fence line, the same being the South boundary line of said lands, to a 5/8 inch reinforcement bar with cap tagged, "GVS PLS 9169" located on a fence corner, the Southwest corner of the same; Thence North 00°05'08" West for a distance of 339.41 feet along a fence line the same being the combined West boundary lines of the above lands, the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING Commonly known as: 230 South 3rd West, Bancroft, ID 83217 Nissel Rena Baker, as Trustor conveyed the Property via a Deed of Trust dated June 12, 2020, in favor of Mort-gage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns, in which First American Title was named as Trustee. The Trust Deed was recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on June 12, 2020, as Instrument No. 204882, of Official Records. The Deed of Trust was assigned for value to Freedom Mortgage Corporation via an Assignment of Deed of Trust dated June 6, 2023 and recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on June 6, 2023, as Instrument No. 211286. Brigham J. Lundberg is the Successor Trustee pursuant to an Appointment of Trustee recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on January 29, 2026 as Instrument No. 215727. Freedom Mortgage Corporation (“Beneficiary”) has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust due to Trustor failure to make monthly payments beginning September 1, 2025, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and inter-est due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. By reason of said default,

the Beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by said Deed of Trust immediately due and payable. The total amount due on this obligation is the prin-cipal sum of $144,596.47, interest in the sum of $3,088.97, escrow advances of $4,231.67, other amounts due and payable in the amount of $4,208.89, for a total amount owing of $156,126.00, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other fees and costs that may be in-curred or advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Trustor. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include Trustee fees, attorney fees, costs and expenses of the sale, and late charges, if any. Benefi-ciary has elected and has directed the Trustee to sell the above-described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding by certified funds (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed, without any representation or warranty, including warranty of title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmen-tal or health hazards. The Trustor, successor in interest to the Trustor, or any other person having an interest in the property, or any person named in Idaho Code § 45-1506, has the right, at any time prior to the Trustee’s Sale, to pay to the Beneficiary, or the successor in interest to the Beneficiary, the entire amount then due under the Deed of Trust and the ob-ligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Deed of Trust with Suc-cessor Trustee fees and attorney fees. In the event that all defaults are cured the foreclosure will be dismissed and the foreclosure sale will be canceled. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 30 days for any reason. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Successor Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The above Trustor are named to comply with Idaho Code § 451506(4)(a). No representation is made that they are, or are not, presently responsible for this obli-gation. Important Notice to Potential Bidders: Federal law administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, requires certain residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the winning bidder at auction, you may be required to provide identifying infor-mation about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. This information is required by federal law and must be provided to complete the sale. Failure to provide required information after the sale may delay or prevent issuance of the foreclosure deed. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Dated this 17th day of March, 2026. Brigham J. Lundberg Successor Trustee 376 East 400 South, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Telephone: 801-355-2886 Office

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8AM-5PM (MST) HWM File No. ID22053

Publishing: 4/2/2026, 4/9/2026, 4/16/2026, 4/23/2026

#1214-04-02-09-16-23-26-T4

LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that IDAWY Solid Waste District (District) has submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) a Closure and Post-Closure Plan for the IDAWY Caribou Landfill Facility (Facility) located at 1979 Central Road, Grace, ID 83241 (42°38'06"N 111°44'37"W). The purpose of this submission is to provide Closure and PostClosure Plans in preparation for the closure and cessation of municipal solid waste landfilling activities at the Facility. This public notice is made pursuant to IDAPA 58.01.06.013, and as determined in Section 31-819 of Idaho Code. This application may be reviewed at the District office located at 241 S Main, Suite #3 Lower Left, Soda Springs, ID 83276, (208) 4171625. Office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, except holidays. An electronic copy can also be downloaded at: https://swti. org/cariboucl. The public is invited to comment on these plans. The 30-day comment period commences with the first publication of this announcement starting the week of March 23, 2026. Written comments will be accepted during the public comment period and should be directed to IDEQ at: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Pocatello Regional Office, Attn: Dustyn Walker, 444 Hospital Way #300 Pocatello, ID 83201.

#1215-03-26-04-02-09-16-2326-T5

Legal Notice STATE OF IDAHO LAND LEASE OPPORTUNITY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AUCTION OF LEASE

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article IX, § 8 of the Idaho Constitution and Idaho Code §§ 58-307, -310 and -313, the State of Idaho, Department of Lands (hereinafter “IDL”), will accept lease applications for public auctions of the lease set forth below. Lease application deadline for all leases is Thursday, April 30, 2026, by 5:00 PM (MT).

If more than one application is received for the lease, a live auction will take place in the future as determined by IDL. The lease will then be awarded to the bidder who will pay the highest premium bid therefore. Annual

rental rates are established by IDL.

Detailed information regarding the lease, including a specific legal description of the property to be leased, rental rates, and instructions to complete application and fee can be obtained by visiting IDL’s website at www.idl. idaho.gov.

Lease No., New Lease No., Term, Use, Legal Description, County

M800048 , TBD, 10 Years, Industrial, .06 acres of Pts SWNESW, T07S, R40E, S12, Caribou County

Contact Ryan Woodland at 208-525-7167 for more information.

#1219-04-09-16-23-30-26-T4

Request for Proposals (RFP) to Design, Procure and Install Multi-Sports Court Facility at City of Bancroft Memorial Park

The City of Bancroft is requesting proposals to design, procure and install a multisport court facility at Bancroft Memorial Park located at 374 S. 2nd E., Bancroft, Idaho 83217

The City of Bancroft has received federal assistance to fund the project.

A copy of the RFP may be obtained at the following address or an electronic copy can be emailed by requesting one via email or phone:

Kate Selvage

Southeast Idaho Council of Governments 214 E. Center Street Pocatello, ID 83205 208-233-4535 EXT. 1030 Kate.selvage@sicog.org

The City will be hosting a Pre-Bid Meeting to discuss the project, tour the project site and answer any questions related to the project. The Pre-Bid Meeting will be at Bancroft Memorial Park, located at 374 S. 2nd E., Bancroft, Idaho 83217 on April 20th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Attendance to the meeting is not required, but it is recommended. Proposals are due by 3 P.M. MST, April 27th, 2026 and must

NEWS OF RECORD

CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF

Layden Wild Brown, Pocatello, unlawful to purchase, consume or possess alcoholic beverage under 21 years of age, $300.00, costs $187.50

Rajan Dhanya, San Jose, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Lincoln Armstrong Holdaway, Salt Lake City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Joseph Gerald Petersen, Tetonia, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Damian K Vander Weg, Aurora, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jessica Schuyler Walker, Millcreek, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Gullermo Wall, Coaldale, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

SODA SPRINGS POLICE

Troy Logan Daynes, Montpelier, operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50

Delsie Shane Gunnell, Pocatello, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Dana Joseph McBride, Fort Collins, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Ivan Melnyk, Irvine, operate vehicle when unsafe or improperly equipped, $10.50, costs $56.50; IDAHO STATE POLICE

Danielle Faye Adams, Henderson, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Ariana Dawn Buttars, speeding in work zone, $50.00, costs $56.50

Saul Cuevas Lopez, Blackfoot, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Daniel D Dockstader, Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Parker Lee Hill, Bancroft, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jed Lewis Jenkins, Plain City, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

David William Oaks, Saratoga Springs, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

be addressed as follows: Sealed Bid for Bancroft Memorial Park Attn: Debbie Swenson P.O. Box 39 Bancroft, Idaho 83217

The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

Joseph D. Perry, Mayor City of Bancroft #1218-04-09-26-T1

Tyler K. Olson - 8703 DAINES, THOMAS & SMITH,

LLP 655 South 4th East, Suite 108 Preston, ID 83263 Phone: 208-852-1535 tyler@dtsattorneys.com Attorneys for Personal Representative

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF QUAIN STACY PETERSON aka QWAIN STACY PETERSON, Deceased.

Case No. CV15-26-0060 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JOSHUA PETERSON has been appointed personal representative of the abovenamed decedent. All persons having claims against the decedent or their estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented to the undersigned at the address indicated and filed with the Clerk of the Court.

DATED March 31, 2026. DAINES, THOMAS & SMITH, LLP /s/Tyler K. Olson Tyler K. Olson Attorneys for Personal Representative 655 South 4th East, Suite 108 Preston, ID 83263 Phone: (208) 852-1535 tyler@dtsattorneys.com #1217-04-09-16-23-26-T3

Alana Maria Thelin, Pleasant Hill, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 IDAHO FISH AND GAME

Brandon Allen Doyle, Lava Hot Springs, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout), $26.00, costs $165.00

Christian Royce Hinrichs, McCammon, fish without license (not salmon steelhead sturgeon or bull trout), $26.00, costs $165.00

MAGISTRATE COURT

Kayson Duane Call, Soda Springs, trespass with property damage in excess of $1,000, $500.00, costs $157.50 – Agency: CCSO

Nathan Gale, Grace, unlawful taking of game animals, birds or furbearers, $25.00, costs $5,405.00, 12 months probation – Agency: IDF&G

Michael T Hanbey, Colorado Springs, inattentive or careless driving, $150.00, costs $157.50 – Agency: SSPD

Troy C Hartman, Magic, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: SSPD

Jacob R Nelson, Pocatello, discharge any firearm from across a public highway, $191.00, costs $215.00, 3 days jail, 3 days suspended, 12 months Probation – Agency: IDF&G

Jeremy Alan Newton, Pocatello, discharge any firearm from across a public highway, $191.00, costs $215.00, 3 days jail, 3 days suspended, 12 months probation – Agency: IDF&G

Katherine Anne Siebeneck, Taylorsville, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $307.50, 60 days jail, 56 days suspended, 12 months probation, 100 hours community service – Agency: CCSO

Chance Tyler Smith, Marlin, inattentive or careless driving, $200.00, costs $157.50 – Agency: CCSO

Zonae Kathleen Smith, Soda Springs, fail to stop for damage accident or leaving the scene of, $700.00, costs $207.50, 30 days jail, 30 days suspended, 365 days drivers license suspended, 12 months probation – Agency: SSPD

Grace City Council Reports—March

This report is adapted from the official minutes recorded by Clerk Shelley Reeves, but has been edited for length and context. Motion passed unless otherwise noted.

3/04

Present: MayorDavid Pristupа, Council Members Kimi Lowe, Curtis Toone, Kathy Tillotson, Superintendent Riley Crookston, Clerk Shelley Reeves, Zoning Commission Member Bart Benson, Crystal Shawcroft, Kate Selvage, Curtis Peck.

Bills in the amount of $232,506.92 and payroll in the amount of $15,003.07 were reviewed for payment approval.

Zoning Commission Member Bart Benson asked to clarify what the city council would like the planning and zoning commission to express to the county planning and zoning commission concerning the proposed area of impact. The city council is mostly concerned with the area on the east side of the city limits where the city's water source is located. They would like the northern line kept at Rich Road since it is a known boundary. Mr. Benson stated that he and the rest of the planning and zoning commission would convey that to the county planning and zoning commission.

Mr. Benson stated that his personal thoughts on the impact area are: First, the impact area is meant to protect the city's infrastructure; second the impact area should not exceed the boundary where the city does not plan to annex in the next 5 years; and third the impact area should not be used to restrict development.

Mayor Pristupa opened the meeting to citizen input. Councilmember Toone asked if he could set up a tour of the wastewater treatment plant for his church group. Superintendent Crookston agreed to help with a tour. The city council rescheduled the training with Attorney Doug Wood for Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Councilmember Toone moved to assign the Fair Housing Resource Person for the city to Clerk Reeves Councilmember Lowe move to assign ADA Coordinator for the city to Clerk Reeves.

3/18

Bills in the amount of $561,820.54 and payroll in the amount of $16,745.91 were reviewed for payment approval.

Fire Chief Peck reported that the fire department had responded to assist the county with a downed power line in the Bancroft area. They also assisted the county with a weed burn that got out of control south of town. They are having training on Friday on trauma and the resources available to the firemen after responding to scenes. He also reported that the quick response truck needs a new clutch.

Mayor Pristupa opened the floor for citizen input. Jackie Barthlome asked when the road by her house would be open. It has been closed because of the bridge project which is still ongoing. The contractor is estimating that the bridge will be done by April 1st.

Councilmember Lowe moved to approve the Administrative Contract with the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments (SICOG) for the park project. Motion passed unanimously.

Councilmember Lowe moved to approve the Environmental Review for the City Park.

The city hall roof was damaged during a wind storm in December. Clerk Reeves turned a claim into the insurance but the city's deductible is $10,000.00 and the quote for the repairs is $3850.00 from KMR construction. Councilmember Tillotson move to approve KMR construction to repair the city hall roof.

The Association of Idaho Cities will be holding training on April 22 in Chubbuck. Clerk Reeves asked the city council to let her know if they would be able to attend so that she can get them registered.

Superintendent Crookston reported that they are getting ready for warmer weather by getting the sweeper running, fixing potholes, and raising the manholes. He is checking prices to rent some street repair equipment to fix the more major street problems. He asked the city council to keep him informed of any code enforcement issues that he needs to take care of.

3/24

Training for employees and council on legal issues regarding council operations with Attorney Doug Wood.

SS City Council

restrictions, some of the final design remains to be completed.

“We’re going to try to keep that tempo up. The county’s cooperation has been tremendous,”Mayor Gritton said.

Director Dan Squires announced that the city has hired a new recreation director. “I think she’ll be a very good fit,” Squires said. The name was not official as of the meeting.

The alternative route for the 4th of July has been singed off by ITD (see accompanying story.)

Jeff Young—Parks

The city will be sweeping next week, and getting their old sweeper back Wed. They found an alternate one, since parts are not being made for the one they have.

Bathrooms have been opened. “We’re just getting ready for all the summer stuff,” Young said.

City Cleanup is scheduled for June 1 through June 6. This corresponds with free landfill week, and the city follows

CARIBOU

continued from page 2

suit. A separate “Cardinal Clean up Day” is scheduled for April 23 from 2-4.

Hope Hansen—Library

Last Thursday the librarians attended a training in Idaho Falls.

The downstairs bathroom repair has been started. There was a longstanding leak behind the wall, and has been fixed by a plumber.

Upstairs, all the windows are in. They still need to build the shelves.

There is a community read on April 14 at 6pm at the Library. The featured book is “Anxious Generation,” which deals with parenting in the digital age. The Community Schools program initiated this. There are five copies, which are all checked out. Ashley Wright from the CMC will be leading the discussion.

Celeste Billman

Celeste Billman, who has served as the Recreation Director in the past, has been filling in while the new di-

Mail or drop o at the The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad Idaho 83252 100 E. 90 S., Malad, Idaho 208-766-4773

OBITUARIES

Caden Richard Langedyke

September 11, 1995 ~ March 28, 2026

With broken hearts, we share the passing of Caden Richard Langedyke, who left this world on March 28, 2026, at the age of 30. Caden was deeply loved and will be remembered for the joy, love, and laughter he brought into our lives.

He was born smack dab in the middle of hunting season on September 11, 1995, to Steve and LeAnn Langedyke. His arrival into this world came with intensity and urgency, but even then, he showed the strength that would define his life. He was a fighter from the very beginning. He was welcomed by his big sister, Sara, who was anxiously waiting to hold him and show him the ropes.

From a young age, Caden participated in Little League baseball and Boy Scouts, beginning a life filled with adventure, mischief, teamwork, and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time outside—especially camping up Millcreek Canyon with his family. Caden also loved to play with fire, both literally and figuratively.

Caden was charismatic and funny, always quick with a joke. He was also deeply empathetic and would do anything for anyone to help lighten their load. After graduating from high school, he set out for Oregon to find his own path. He spent 10 years there navigating life—attending music festivals, hiking, and gardening. Though there were stumbles and hardships along the way, he found his way back home to Idaho, to be with his family and help take care of our dad, before his passing.

During his time back home, Caden found himself and began to see his worth. He built a strong relationship and bond with his family. He discovered a passion for food and cooking, developed a love for golf, and enjoyed hitting the slopes. He cherished time spent with his niece and nephews, helped lighten the load for his parents, and filled the house with music and happiness.

After his dad passed away, Caden moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida, where his father was born, determined to make his mark—and he did just that. He found work in the hospitality business on Saint Pete Beach and also found the love of his life, Michelle

rector search was underway. She was thanked for her efforts, and expressed some amount of satisfaction to be returning to her Deputy Clerk position.

Women’s VB starts soon and runs every Thursday.

Baseball, T-ball, etc registration open now. If there are enough to have teams, they’ll start in May. Grace, Bancroft, Bear Lake and Marsh Valley are all involved.

Billman will help with Slam and Jam, so the new director will not be overwhelmed.

A Conditional Use Permit to put a shipping container at Kelly Park for the hockey rink storage needs to be approved by the council, after it goes through planning and zoning for recommendation.

Street Sweeper

Director Squires clarified that the current sweeper is a 2011, and has been very difficult to maintain. The streets funds balance may be used

Barker. Together, they worked hard to build a life they could be proud of. Caden and Michelle’s laughter and love brightened any room they walked into.

On Sunday mornings, he would call his mom to talk about their week and what life was all about. When schedules aligned, he would FaceTime Colt, Pacen, Kallaway, and Miles—to play Fortnite together or listen to any story or joke they had to tell. Being their Uncle was one of his favorite titles.

Caden was such a bright light. Everyone he came in contact with left better because they had met him. He was the definition of a free spirit. He was passionate about so many things. He had a tribe who loved him wholeheartedly. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and carried a tender heart. He is preceded in death by his father, Steve Langedyke and grandparents. He is survived by Michelle Barker; his mother, LeAnn (Forrest) Langedyke-Humphreys; his sister, Sara (Steven) Christensen; Colt, Pacen, Kallaway, and Miles Rasmussen; Brad (Bridget) Humphreys; and Aspen Humphreys.

Caden will be deeply missed beyond words and forever carried in our hearts. In honoring his life, we are reminded of how important mental health truly is, and we encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out, speak up, and know they are never alone. Remember you are loved.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 12 noon at the Bailey Creek LDS Chapel. Arrangements were under the direction of Sims-Horsley Funeral Home.

for the purchase of a new one. The old one is worth $10-15K in trade. Squires said that should keep it and just keep it going as long as it will, then auction it. “Sweepers lead a pretty tough life,” he said. It wouldn’t be out of this year’s budget, and it wouldn’t get here until November. Jeff Young noted that they get called out a lot to do things you wouldn’t think.

The purchase of a sweeper from within the budget was approved. 2026-5 Resolution for Financial Policies

There are stipulations that need to be in place. The city needs a financial policy, the utility disconnect policy, and to adopt 2026-7 procurement purchasing policy.

The plan needs to be adopted at the next meeting.

The utility turn off policy was discussed. The vacation rates are set in the fee schedule from Nov to March.

e Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition P.O. Box 331 Soda Springs, Idaho 83276 (U.S.P.S. -- 090-560) ISSN: 2997-1004

The Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition is published weekly at 76 South Main Street, Ste. 207, Soda Springs, Idaho. Postmaster, please mail address corrections to: The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 331, Soda Springs, Idaho 83276. Entered as “periodicals” at the Soda Springs, Idaho Post Office. Subscription rates are strictly in advance -- $55.00 per year delivered in Caribou County, and $67.00 per year delivered outside of Caribou County within the United States. The Idaho Enterprise reserves the right to refuse publication of any or all materials.

Caribou County's Newspaper Since 2024

PET CORNER

dling like the majestic creature I am.

Next thing I knew, I was chasing toys again. Running. Actually running! Not the “two steps and nap” kind—real running.

Fast forward to today…

I’ve lost 12 pounds.

TWELVE.

As Active Dog Month encourages pet owners to get moving with their furry companions, one local dog is proving just how life-changing a little exercise and proper nutrition can be.

Meet Rambo—a once “fluffy” pup with a big personality and, admittedly, an even bigger waistline.

Hi, I’m Rambo.

If you had met me a while back, you probably would’ve described me as… well… “extra lovable.”

My humans said I was about a 7 or 8 out of 9 on the Body Condition Score chart. I didn’t know what that meant, but I did know this: getting up was hard, walks felt short, and my joints? Yeah… not my favorite.

I loved food. A lot. Maybe a little too much.

But then something changed.

I moved in with a new foster mom and she started measuring my meals— turns out I was being fed more than I needed. They adjusted my portions to match my goal weight, not my “current fluff level” (rude, but fair). At first, I thought it was the worst idea ever. Then came the activities.

We started slow—short walks. I won’t lie, I wasn’t thrilled at first. But then… we added swimming. Have you ever tried swimming? It’s AMAZING. No pressure on my joints, just me pad-

My joints don’t ache like they used to. I can hop up without thinking twice. Walks are longer now—and I actually want to keep going. I’ve got energy to spare, and honestly? I feel like a whole new dog.

Rambo’s story is exactly what Active Dog Month is all about—helping pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives through movement and mindful feeding. Veterinarians often emphasize that even a small amount of weight loss can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. Reduced joint pain, increased mobility, better energy levels, and even longer lifespans are all tied to maintaining a healthy weight.

Rambo’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took consistency, commitment, and a willingness to make small but meaningful changes:

• Feeding for his ideal weight

• Monitoring portions carefully

• Incorporating low-impact exercise like swimming

• Gradually increasing activity through walks and play

If I could say one thing to other dogs out there…

Trust your humans on this one. I didn’t think I needed a change—but now? I feel incredible.

More adventures, more playtime, more life.

And fewer naps… okay, maybe just slightly fewer naps.

As Active Dog Month continues, Rambo’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change. Whether it’s an extra walk, a game of fetch, or a dip in the water, every step counts toward a healthier, happier life for our pets.

And if Rambo can do it? Any dog can. Rambo is also looking for his forever home! If you are interested in adopting Rambo, please call Soda Springs Animal Clinic

Bancroft Spring Cleanup starts

May 18

The City of Bancroft is hosting its annual Spring Cleanup event from May 18 through May 28, offering residents a convenient and free way to dispose of common yard and household waste. A dumpster will be available at 114 E. Center Street, located behind the city shop, where community members can drop off yard debris such as leaves, grass, and branches at no cost. This service is intended to help residents maintain clean and attractive properties while reducing waste buildup throughout the city. Participants should be aware of regulations set by the Caribou County Landfill. Each household may dispose of up to 10 tires, provided they are 20 inches or smaller, and all tires must be stacked neatly. Agricultural tires and tracks are strictly prohibited, with violations resulting in fines ranging from $310 to $900. Additionally, construction materials from demolition or

building projects are not allowed in the dumpsters. Bagged household trash is permitted, but hazardous or harmful materials are strictly forbidden. Prohibited items include paint, asbestos, chemical cleaners, gasoline containers, refrigerators, air conditioning units, and any appliances containing Freon.

The dumpster area will be monitored by video surveillance due to some rare issues that have occurred in the past. The city emphasizes that failure to follow the rules may result in fines and could lead to restrictions or bans on future use of free disposal services. Residents are also reminded that dumping in alleyways, sidewalks, or streets is not allowed under any circumstances.

For those who may miss the cleanup event, the county landfill will offer additional free dump days from June 1 through June 6, providing another opportunity for proper waste disposal.

HEALTHY TIP FOR KIDS

Fear at bedtime – how to outsmart nightmares

Cowboy Ted here with the Healthy Tip for Kids. Today’s topic is dealing with fear of bad dreams and how to outsmart nightmares.

The human body has a natural fight or flight response, which prepares you to fight to defend yourself against danger - or take flight and run away from danger.

Nightmares can cause us to feel fear - when there is no real danger.

If you’re having nightmares - right before you go to sleep – really think about the scary

movie or scary things in your dreams - and ask yourself if they are real or imaginary.

This allows your brain to remind your body - that it really doesn’t need to fight or take flight and should help you relax - before you fall sleep.

Healthy kids are no accident. When you are afraid of something, ask yourself if you are in real or imaginary danger and then take action to either fight, take flight or relax.For more healthy tips for kids visit my web site at www.cowboyted.com

Every tag has a purpose

BY ALLISON ELIASON

We see lots of cattle. Cattle on the range. Cattle on the ranch. Cattle at the sale.

Cattle. Cattle. Cattle.

We see a lot of cattle.

We see lots of tags. Blue tags. Red tags. Tags with numbers. Tags with letters. Tags with numbers and letters. Tags with no letters or numbers. Tags. Tags. Tags.

We see lots of tags.

It almost reads like a Dr. Seuss book, doesn’t it? A little silly, a little rhyming, a little repetitive. But underneath all the fun, there’s a lot of truth: every tag has a purpose, even if it isn’t obvious at first glance.

We see all types of cattle with all kinds of tags, and with the many cattle, tags, and ranches out there, I’ve learned no two operations use that information the same way. My little observation sparked a small debate in our household about the “best” way to

A fundraising Golf tournament for the Caribou Ladies Flag Team will be held at the Oregon Trail County Club just west of Soda Springs on May 8 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

That’s all well and good, you say, but what is the Caribou Ladies Flag Team? Well, a ladies flag team in horsemanship is a coordinated equestrian group that performs choreographed routines while carrying flags as part of rodeos, parades or community events.

Riders—usually dressed in matching attire—work together to present visually striking patterns on horseback, combining precision riding with pageantry. Each rider carries a flag, which may represent national, state or team colors. The team enters an arena or parade route in formation, often at a trot or lope, and executes synchronized movements such as circles, figure eights, crossovers and line changes. Timing and spacing are critical, as riders must maintain equal distances and mirror one another’s motions to create a clean, unified look.

use tags. Somewhere along the way, someone—not me—said, “Why even have tags if you don’t put your name on them?”

That’s when I realized we were coming at it from two completely different angles.

At the core, tags are about information. But who that information is for, and why it’s on there, is what determines what kind of information is there.

Growing up on a seedstock ranch, tracking genetics and bloodlines was an everyday thing. We wanted to know, with just a glance at a tag, the history of that animal. Different colors meant different breeds. Not only did it have the calf’s own identifying numbers, but also its sire, dam, and birth year. That tag carried a lot of information, but only we knew what it meant.

As our cattle are out on the range calving, trying to record all of that same data is pretty impossible. While we brand and tag, we are content to simply identify them as belonging to our operation. That tag merely helps people to see that it is ours, so long as they recognize the tag color. And even if they don’t recognize that, the back of

The performance emphasizes horsemanship, requiring good communication between rider and horse. Horses must remain calm and responsive despite the movement of flags and the presence of crowds, noise and other distractions.

Ladies flag teams often serve as ambassadors for their communities, opening rodeos, honoring patriotic themes or representing local organizations. While competitive teams exist, many groups focus on entertainment and tradition, showcasing both riding ability and teamwork in a way that celebrates Western heritage and community spirit.

Entry fees for the tournament are $45 per player, or $180 per team of four.

Prizes and awards include: 1st place—Premium Golf Gear Set; Raffle draw prizes, and Golf Poker prizes.

All proceeds from the event will be used to support the Caribou Ladies Flag Team.

You can sign up to help by calling 208-417-9400, or visiting the “Caribou Ladies Flag Team” Facebook page.

each tag has contact information in the event that our livestock wander through a fence or crosses into another herd. Of course they have to get up close and personal to see it, but it’s there.

Every year our favorite vet comes through to test our herd bulls, putting a new tag in them each time. That tag signifies to us, and anyone else that sees it, that the bull has been tested and cleared for use, But the numbers on his tag mean nothing in our books. The vet, however, keeps a record and the data on that tag is crucial to his files.

Feedlots that are constantly buying and selling calves use tags for a whole other purpose- traceability. Being able to quickly pinpoint where a batch of animals came from in the event of sickness or other outbreak is a must.. Having their tags marked helps them to spend more time taking care of the problem than sorting through papers for that information.

Sometimes the information on a tag isn’t even a number, letter, or symbol at all. A notch on the inside or a hole punch in the top can tell a rancher what ear it was born in, if it was doctored, or who its sire is. I didn’t say that all ways

and methods were what you would consider conventional.

Even after those tags have been pulled or fallen out, they still carry a lot of information. They tell a story. My little boys have a collection of tags they just can’t give. Some are from the cattle they pulled them from- new cattle we bought or favorites cows that diedor the places they found them at- the auction, the sheep trough on the range, or the loading chute in the desert. You see, it’s not just what’s on the tag—it’s who’s reading it. To one person, a jumble of letters and numbers; to another, it’s a guide for sorting, breeding, or tracking health history.

That’s what makes tags fascinating—they carry data, but also meaning. The same numbers or colors could mean entirely different things depending on who’s looking. For us, they’re memory. For the vet, medical records. For someone else, random symbols. At the end of the day, tags are functional, personal, and occasionally mysterious. They don’t tell the full story alone—but read through the right lens, they carry everything a rancher needs. And sometimes, that’s all the story you really need.

Cardinals Add To Win Column

BY JODY REEVES

The Soda Springs baseball team was able to pick up two wins over a pair of 4A schools last week. The Cardinals started the week off hosting the Bear Lake Bears. Going into that game the Cardinals were sitting on a four game skid and were desperately seeking to end that trend. The Cardinals got off to a solid start in the first inning of the game. After holding the Bears scoreless in the top of the first Soda Springs responded with a pair of runs in the bottom. Over the next two innings the game tightened up. In both the second and third innings the teams matched each other's output with each team earning a single run in each of those innings. In the fourth inning neither team would be able to cross the plate. The two early runs for the Cardinals continued to

be the difference in the game as they headed into the fifth inning. The Cardinals were able to continue to keep the Bears from reaching home plate in the top of the fifth and knocked in two more runs for themselves in the bottom of the inning. In the sixth inning the Cardinals defense continued to be solid once again holding the Bears to no runs. Soda Springs added one more run in the bottom of the sixth, now holding a five run lead over the Bears heading into the final inning. The Bears would need five runs to extend the game but the Cardinals shut the door on them once again and ended the game. The seven runs came from seven different players for the Cardinals. On the mound Kolten Peterson did the bulk of the work throwing eighty-nine pitches earning eight strikeouts along the way.

Following the solid home win the

Cardinals traveled to American Falls to face the Beavers on the road. The Cardinals were able to ride the momentum from their earlier win. After taking a two to one lead in the first inning the Cardinals opened things up in the top of the second. The Cardinal’s bats heated up as they were able to roll in six runs opening up a seven point lead heading into the third. In the third and fourth innings the Cardinals hit a bit of a slump and were unable to add to their lead and in fact gave up a run cutting their lead to just six. The Cardinals stepped up to the plate in the top of the fifth and woke back up driving in six more runs. This gave the Cardinals a substantial lead going into the bottom of the inning. The Beavers would need a big at bat to extend the game. American Falls did manage to score in the inning but not enough to send it to a sixth in-

ning and the Cardinals earned back to back wins. Isaiah Bowman crossed the plate three times and Tim Vedder led the team with two RBI’s. Junior Horsley got the bulk of the work on the mound in this one earning nine strikeouts.

The Cardinals will get plenty of chances to add wins this week. They hosted Declo on Tuesday, a game that had not taken place at the time of the writing of this article. Soda Springs will get plenty more chances as they hit the road to play in the Glenns Ferry tournament this weekend. We will have a rundown of all of those games in next week's edition.

BY JODY REEVES

With Spring Break in full swing the Grizzlies were the only local track team that saw any action last week. Grace took a partial team on the road to Preston to compete in a crowded field. With just a handful of their team going up against several larger schools the Grizzlies just could not compete in the team scoring. However several individuals made some great improvements.

For the boys team sophomore speedster Carter Mecham earned a new personal best time in the 100 meter sprint and followed that up with a fourth place finish in a very competitive 200 meter race. Bryant Moss earned a top ten finish in the javelin

and Case Williams threw a season best in the discus. The best boys performance of the day came from Jonah Wilkerson. Wilkerson finished fourth in the 300 meter hurdles and took the top spot in the 110 hurdles.

For the Lady Grizzlies Haiden Osborn continues to do well in the throwing events earning new personal bests in the discus and javelin finishing in the top ten in each event. Ashley King earned personal bests in the 200 and 800 meter races and Addie Wright earned one in the 100 meter race. Brooklyn Porter ran a season best in the 800 meter race and finished in fourth place overall. Finally Bella Eddins continues to perform well in the hurdle races running season bests in both while finishing

fifth in the 100’s and fourth in the 300’s.

The Grizzlies will be back to full strength this week as they will travel to Century on Friday.

BOYS RESULTS

100M Sprint: Carter Mecham 11.56, Bryant Moss 12.46

200M Sprint: Carter Mecham 23.31, Bryant Moss 26.06

110M Hurdles: Jonah Wilkerson 15.31

300M Hurdles: Jonah Wilkerson 42.39

Shot Put: Case Williams 31’2” Discus: Case Williams 95” Javelin: Bryant Moss 122’1” Long Jump: Jonah Wilkerson 19’2.5”, Carter Mecham 17’11”

GIRLS RESULTS

A Handful of Grizzlies Compete at Preston Invite Lady Cardinals Fall to Bears

BY JODY REEVES

Last week the Lady Cardinals ended up only having a single game. That game was on the road at Bear Lake. The Lady Bears had the good fortune of going into this game having already played in eleven games. Meanwhile this was just the Lady Cardinals third game of the season. Bear Lake came in with an impressive 8-3 record with their only losses coming from Lone Peak Utah, a one point loss to American Falls and a two

point loss to a very good Malad team. The Lady Bear’s wins have been pretty dominating for the most part so they were heavily favored in their match up with the Lady Cardinals. Soda Springs did their best to hang with the Lady Bears and early on they stuck with them. After one and a half innings the Cardinals trailed by just a single run. Then in the bottom of the second Bear Lake began to open the game up. Over the next two innings the Lady Bears extended their lead from one up to eight. The Lady

Cardinals continued to battle despite trailing. Neither team was able to score in the fourth and then both teams put up three runs each in the fifth. The Lady Cardinals needed a big sixth inning to extend the game. Unfortunately the Lady Cardinals only added one run in the top of the sixth while Bear Lake drove in three more and the game ended in the bottom of the inning.

Alyana Davis led the Cardinals with two runs and was a perfect four for four at the plate. Davis also add-

100M Sprint: Brynlee Hubbard 14.80, Addison Wright 15.79

200M Sprint: Brooklyn Porter 30.27, Alayna Smith 30.71, Brynlee Hubbard 31.54, Ahsley King 31.77

800M Run: Brooklyn Porter 2:32.08, Ashley King 2:47.63

100M Hurdles: Bella Eddins 17.06, Callie Yost 18.73, Brielle Yost 20.14

300M Hurdles: Bella Eddins 50.04, Callie Yost 52.46, Alayna Smith 59.53

Shot Put: Brielle Yost 25’1” Discus: Haiden Osborn 87’11”, Brielle Yost 52’10” Javelin: Haiden Osborn 88’3”, Ashley King 68’2” Long Jump: Brynlee Hubbard 12’5”, Alayna Smith 12’3”, Addison Wright 10’7.5”

ed a stolen base and threw a whopping one hundred sixty-three pitches. The Lady Cardinals will continue to seek out their first win of the season with a busy week this week. Soda Springs hosted West Side on Tuesday and Declo on Wednesday. They will then get just a one day break before heading to the Glenns Ferry tournament this weekend.

Cardinals 0 1 0 0 3 1 5 Bears 2 4 3 0 3 3 15