Caribou County | February 19, 2026

Enterprise The Idaho

The upcoming fire season was one of the topics discussed at the last County Commission. While overall water levels have been okay, snowpack has been very low. Image above from Tuesday outside of Grace.

Snowpack among issues at County Commission meeting

Last week’s meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was busy, with several public hearings on zoning issues, additional work at the Event Center, a look forward to fire season, and a number of other topics.

Road and Bridge Road and Bridge is working on a number of projects throughout the community. They are putting a new culvert in on Fish Hatchery road to fix a hole that had appeared.

Kevin McLain noted that there may be some “sticker shock” on preventative maintenance on vehicles. Commissioner Somsen stated that he would rather spend the money that way than on emergency repairs.

McLain noted that potholes along the flats are filling up with water.

The year end financial report shows that the department has excess funds accumulated through the state, but that they should not expect that to be the case going forward as the state budget contracts. Somsen stated that the governor was looking to eliminate 3% from the budget that would potentially come in for infrastructure excess. The funds that have already been received by the county are secure, but McLain and the commissioners discussed the best ways to maximize those funds.

Re-graveling, oiling, and packing in the roadways were discussed as priorities, including oiling roads outside of Grace along the mountain.

Emergency Services

Hobson presented a fire mitigation MOU with Sicog. They are up to 70 treatable acres. Phase 2 will be starting at Bailey Creek soon. Other areas will be included in the project scope. The grant will pay management costs, through the Idaho Department of Lands.

“Luckily with Sicog, they’ll come in and manage it for us,” Hobson said. They will write the grant for the county,

up to $5,000 of their time writing and processing it. If the grant falls through, the fee would still be owed to Sicog, but it has been a great cost-savings value to the county in the past.

Kya Simmons is putting in another request for a grant with the STATE EMS grant. That goes toward $230K for the ambulance, and $40K toward a gurney. The county would end up paying $60K in the difference, but would acquire a needed, $350K ambulance and gurney.

Hobson discussed the outlook for the upcoming fire season. “With our weird winter, we’ll see,” he said. There are multiple factors involved in determining water supplies for the upcoming fire season. While the snowpack is historically low, the aquifers are in good shape, he noted.

Hobson showed the commissioners the Starlink phones they been had acquired. They have been testing them in trucks, and they have been working well. “You plug it in, it does its thing, and it takes about a minute.” Even in the low speed mode, the phone is able to perform emergency tasks and maintain service. This is critical for communications across the county in emergency situations that need to be responded to in the field.

The unit for the device was around $200, with around a $50/month charge for full use access. Using unlimited data would increase the cost to around double on monthly billing.

Building and Maintenance

“I feel like I’m getting to where nobody wants to see me, because of what I bring you,” Rowdy Larkins laughed. The Event Center is mostly up and running, but various minor issues still occur as the building is being fully utilized.

An estimate from Rocky Mountain Fencing for the Event Center to install fencing to protect the area around the side between the two doors was dis-

cussed. A bid for a 6 foot chainlink fence around the HVAC system for $4,540 was approved.

Scott’s Lock and Key has also bid on a system for the Event Center exterior doors in a similar setup to the courthouse. As the traffic flow and access to the building becomes more familiar, there are some changes to the keying that have been requested. The commissioners agreed that changes were needed, but wanted to look at the most affordable options. Ultimately, it would be the case of being able to separate out the various parts of the center to their own discrete security, so that event access could be controlled more efficiently and easily.

A bid for welding ($21,205) to build stairs from the fire station to the attic was discussed.

Valances were another item that remains to be completed for the Event Center, and bids were being sought.

The orientation of the location of an additional cleaning/supply room that would be created at the end of the hallway where the public restrooms are located was discussed. Hobson and Larkins discussed the relative trade-offs between the different potential locations.

Dally Smith—Event Center

Smith, who handles scheduling for the Event Center, brought up the issue of the county employee policy for building rentals.

The Sheriff’s Office has also reached out about holding training in the building. Smith thought that an agreement should be written.

Clerk Stoor and Commissioner Somsen felt that county agencies or departments should be able to use the building as needed, since the county owns the building.

As far as the employees (outside of COUNTY COMMISSION

On Page 8

Lincoln Day Event Planned for Caribou County

There is no statutory requirement for a Lincoln Day event, as it is typically an at-will event put on by county and state Republican Party organizations. The gatherings typically acknowledge the first Republican President in U.S. history, Mr. Lincoln, and give party officials and interested citizens and voters a chance to meet up and discuss their visions. Often times, the event is something of a launch or precursor to the upcoming election season. The timing fills both of those roles this year, as the February 28 date is less than two weeks out from the March 13 deadline for can-

didate filings for the 2026 election. On even years, elections for state, national, and county offices are held. According to event planners, speakers are being secured for the event, though the primary purpose is to provide a public gathering and increase participation in the process.

The event will include breakfast, and candidates running for public office at many levels of government. It will take place at the Caribou county Event Center in Grace, at 117 W 1st N, right next to the Fairgrounds.

Alana Burns, recently appointed as a party outreach representative, noted

that “I would love to see some of my cohort—the millennials and younger—come out and make themselves a part of the process!”

Jesse Jackson dies at 84

It was reported on Tuesday that famed politician and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson had passed away on Tuesday. Over the last several months, Jackson had been hospitalized for a condition called “progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A statement from his family read, in part: “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless – from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history.” Jackson was a close aide to Martin Luther King, Jr. and formed the Rainbow Coalition after the King assassination, ultimately running for president twice on the ticket.

Alien confirmation?

Over the weekend, former President Barack Obama peaked the interest of podcast listeners when he appeared to confirm the existence of alien life forms, something which every president in the twenty-first century has so far promised to come clean on. “They’re real but I haven’t seen them. And they’re not being kept in…what is it? Area 51. There’s no underground facility unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president of the United States,” he said on Brian Tyler Cohen’s podcast. Later, Obama clarified that he had meant, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low.” Obviously, that put the entire controversy right to bed, right?

Pebble Creek closed for weather

Things may have already changed (again) by the time this paper is out, but early in the week officials at Pebble Creek Ski Area chose to “suspend operations” due to the lack of snowfall and unseasonably warm temperatures. The season, which has been difficult for everyone in the winter recreation field, began later than usual as a result of late snowfall. Some of the larger resorts in the region— Pomerelle, Grand Targhee, and Jackson Hole—are still in full operation, but Kelly Canyon and others remain only partially open, and on a day-to-day basis. Pebble plans to open back up on Wednesday, and Tuesday’s storm should help somewhat, but the calendar for the rest of the season remains unclear.

SUP Event Feb 26

Sons of Utah Pioneers are holding a pot luck dinner and program featuring Dr. James “Byrd” Yizar and Erica Barrus at the Caldwell Park LDS Church building at 135 South 7th in Pocatello, starting at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Market Animal Meeting

Last week, the Caribou County Event Center hosted a meeting for kids and parents interested in doing 4-H Market Animal projects for this year’s Caribou County and Eastern Idaho State Fair.

4-H club leaders were on hand to answer any questions from parents and their kids. Extension Educator Justin Hatch provided an overview on the basics of the Market Sale calendar and the necessary steps that kids (and parents) need to make sure they understand as the time draws nearer.

Chesterfield leader Royce Hatch spoke specifically to first timers about Market Projects and what to expect.

And 4-H’s Lisa Barfuss spoke with kids about the ever-present frustration of maintain documentation and a Record Book through to Z Suite software system.

The gathering was very well attended, with dozens of families on site to enjoy some donuts and a lot of critical information.

Anyone who missed the meet-

ing and would like details can call the Extension Office at (208) 5473205, visit their social media pages or website (https://www.uidaho.edu/ extension/county/caribou ), or visit the Event Center in person in Grace, next to the Fairgrounds.

Important dates--

Weigh-ins: Beef, Feb 28 1pm – 3 pm; Swine, April 11 10 am – 12 pm; Sheep, May 30 10 am – 11 am; Goat, May 30 11 am – 12 pm.

Club leaders—

Baconators: Carrie Lewis, Lisa Barfuss

Chesterfield: Royce Hatch, Brantley Hatch

Dirty Boots and Country Roots:

Brandi Carroll

Fish Creek Kids: Alice Egley

Geep Club: Katie Crofts

Grace 4-H Goat Club: Jen Smith

Muddy Buddies: Sara Jensen

Bancroft FFA: Heather Hendron

Grace FFA: Daryl Wadsworth

Bayer Supports North Gem Students’ Ski Trip

North Gem School would like to thank Bayer for their generous donation that allowed students to participate in a skiing trip this year. Thanks to their support, many students experienced skiing for the first time and enjoyed a fun, educational day on the slopes.

This opportunity helped students build confidence, try something new and create lasting memories. We truly appreciate Bayer’s continued commitment to supporting students and making experiences like this possible for our school.

Thank you, Bayer, for helping make this trip a success and for investing in opportunities that inspire our students.

Almost Time to “Putt across the USA”

Last year’s mini-golf at the Soda Springs Library event was a huge success, and this year’s should be just as amazing. The indoor putting challenge is scheduled for March 9th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the library. The major sponsor again this year is Ireland Bank, who made last year a fantastic event.

This year, a theme of “America 250” has been announced in order to add to the series of events planned around the state and country in honor of the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The afternoon promises a fun event that will raise funds for many of the projects on the library’s wish and necessity list.

Many holes of mini golf mayhem are currently being constructed by a number of local individual sponsors as well as businesses and organizations.

Each hole will follow a theme of the designer’s choosing, under the overall theme of A250. None of the final designs have been revealed yet, but the short list of possibles proves to be a range of entertaining idea—

Hope Hansen, and Luke Hansen

from traditional Revolutionary War themes to Idaho focused iconography; from the crossing the Delaware with Washington to driving Route 66 with James Dean!

All holes are being designed and built by volunteers in support of the

library and the mission statement of the Friends of the Library, which is “to promote, enhance and expand the services of the library for the benefit of the community through events, fundraising, and advocacy.” Friends of the Library President

Beth Cheirett stated: “We are incredibly grateful for the families, organizations, and businesses who are donating their time and talent to design the golf course. We have such a supportive community.”

Putters, balls and scorecards will be provided by the Friends of the Library, thanks to a sponsorship by Ireland Bank. “We are so grateful for their commitment to the community and the library,” Cheirrett said.

According to the Friends of the library, “All are welcome - no golf experience required. Since each hole will have a different designer, varying levels of difficulty are expected. There will be no official scores kept or competition hosted by the Friends, but teams are welcome to keep score and compete amongst themselves.”

Admission will not specifically be charged, but will be taken “by donation” at the door. Attendees are strongly encouraged by the organizers to sign up for a tee time in advance at sslibraryfriends.com/minigolf. Additional information can be found at sslibraryfriends.com/minigolf or by calling the library at (208) 547-2606.

Caribou County’s Thurman heads to Mrs. Idaho contest

We have been following the story of Jessica Thurman, who is the reigning Mrs. Caribou County. You read that right, if you haven’t seen the title before. Mrs. Idaho is s a beauty competition that was established to honor married women throughout the U.S. The contestants representing the 50 states and DC range in age from their 20s to 50s, and earn the right to participate in the national event by winning her state competition. The winner goes on to compete in the Mrs. World pageant. There has not been an overall Idaho winner since the contest began in 1977, but Kaley Sparling was the first runner-up in 2013 and was invited to compete at Mrs. World, which she won.

Thurman is a true Caribou County representative, serving on the Bancroft City Council and also heading the Recreation Department in Soda Springs, all while serving as an am -

bulance driver for county emergency services.

We asked Jessica a few last questions as she prepared to head out. Best of luck to her!

What are the specific dates and location of the event/s if someone were to travel for it?

I will be there for orientation, rehearsals, interviews and the pageant starting on Wednesday February 18th, but the actual pageant is on Saturday February 21st at 6:00pm, doors open at 5:30. The pageant will be held at the NNU Brandt Auditorium in Nampa, Idaho.

What will happen at the competition?

There is a competition open now for “fabulous face.” The winner of this competition is guaranteed a spot in the top 8 during the pageant, and

will get to choose a nonprofit / charity to donate all the proceeds to, and votes start at $1 on the Idaho America pageant website. Interviews are done the Friday before pageant night (50% of score). At the pageant, there is a costume portion (not judged, just something fun to represent Idaho and/or ourselves), swimsuit portion (25% of score), and formal (25% of score). those in the top 8 after all of these will then answer an on stage question. They will select a top 5, then move on to crowning 2 queens in the Mrs. Category. Mrs. Idaho American and then Mrs. Idaho America. Both queens will go on to compete for a national title.

What are you looking forward to about the event?

I look forward to meeting all the other girls. We are all there doing something we believe in and help lift each other up! It really is a sisterhood, and we all have each other’s backs. I also look forward to representing my amazing community, and state!

What are you most nervous about?

I am definitely most nervous about wearing a swimsuit on stage in front of the world! or tripping in my heels! or both...tripping in heels while wearing a swimming suit on stage!

What would it mean to win the Mrs. Idaho title?

To me, winning the title of Mrs. Idaho would be so rewarding! win or lose I am proud of how far I have gotten! It is not easy mentally, physically, or emotionally, especially in the Mrs. category after having kids and a family to juggle on top of everything else. Winning the title of Mrs.

Idaho would mean so much to me as I would get to not only represent my community and state, but all women, and moms who are just trying to do their best!

Anything else you’d like people to know?

For this pageant, we get to either come up with a platform, or promote an existing platform that we believe in. I have chosen to promote G.O.A.L. (Get Outside And Live) as my platform. I believe recreation can be so beneficial to anyone and everyone! We have so many resources in our beautiful state! from rock climbing to swimming or from sports to just walking on local trails. There is so much to do and see! Being a recreation director has just made my passion for recreation grow even more!

Legislative Updates - Week Five

Senator Mark Harris, LD35 Rep. Josh Wheeler

The Budget process in the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee (JFAC) seems to be advancing in good time. There are disagreements between some members of the committee on the number of cuts that should be made. The co-chairs of the committee, Senator Scott Grow (14) and Representative Josh Tanner (14) have proposed another 2 percent cut in the overall budget over and beyond the 3 percent the Governor has already proposed. These cuts together amount to a 5 percent cut overall which is digging into some budget items that are vital to some areas of the state.

One example of these proposed cuts involves the total elimination of the Idaho share of the Bear Lake Regional Commission. This funding is in the budget of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The loss of this funding is troublesome as this commission does a lot of work in the Bear Lake area for economic development and they also help with management of the quagga mussel check station in Logan Canyon among other things. I have asked several members of JFAC and the Governor’s office to replace this funding. I learned recently that the Governor has requested the funding be restored along with several other areas of critical funding. We will see what JFAC does with this request.

Another example of critical areas being cut is the funding for local transportation budgets. Counties, cities and highway districts have been notified that they will have to endure a 25 percent cut in the funds they get from the state. This cut is

formulated in the way the budget was calculated from the total transportation budget. This number is around $110 million. This is going to affect how local government maintains their road infrastructure as they rely on this money for repairing potholes and snow removal.

The budgets have not been set yet and there is growing opposition to some of these cuts including cuts in Medicaid and possibly some in education. We will find out more as the main budgets are voted on in JFAC next week and are sent to both Chambers for a vote.

Another concern that has risen is how short-term rentals (STR) are regulated. This is an issue that has come up every year for the last several years. There has been some disagreement between counties, resort cities and people who own STR’s. Some claim cities and counties are overregulated, and others say some are not regulated enough. The House has introduced a bill, House Bill 583 (H583). In a nutshell, this bill prohibits any requirements for operating licenses and prohibits registration fees, permits and inspections for those who own STR’s. Another bill, one introduced in the Senate, Senate Bill 1263 (S1263) allows license requirements for STR’s that consist of four houses or more, and those that make over $10,000 in revenue. These facilities would be required to be licensed. S1263 would exempt small “mom and pop” type STR’s from these requirements. Both bills require some safety measures. My hope is that the two groups of stakeholders can get together to find some common ground and consolidate their efforts into agreeing on one cohesive bill.

The work in the legislature is gearing up, and it is sure to be busy from now until the end of the session.

Representative Mike Veile

Rep Mike Veile, Legislative Update

So, it was a late, cold evening, and Shelly and I were walking to the parking garage after an event. Well, I decided to drive my 2015 Silverado that day... and of course, my battery was dead. The garage was nearly empty, and we felt like we would be there for a while. Then a set of headlights appeared in the distance. Representative Church (D, District 19- Boise area) pulled in, driving her trusty Prius

and immediately offered to help. If you ever tried to access a battery on a Prius, it’s not that simple. So she called in reinforcements and Representative Egbert (D, District 17) left her home and came to the lot with a Honda that I could actually access the battery and eventually breathed life back into the old Silverado.

On that cold, dark and lonely night , what stood out wasn’t party affiliation. It was the willingness to show up for someone else. In a building where we debate tough issues every day, moments like that are reminders that we are all neighbors first.

However, after that, I had an AFM lifter fail so the truck has been in the shop here in Boise anyway. I did not

Office Manager for The Idaho Enterprise!

Do you know & love our community? We are looking for an organized & reliable person with great interpersonal skills. You would be the face & voice of our paper in Caribou County !

Daily responsibilities:

• Talking to Our Community: Be the main point of contact for local businesses who advertise with us; and reach out to those not advertising with us.

• Subscriptions: Maintaining current & new subscriptions.

• Running the Office: Files, invoices, deposits, paper runs, mail, etc. Computer Skills: GSuite, Docs, spreadsheets (a love of writing would be a plus)

Email your resume & pay requirements to: People@TheCityJournals.com

As we close out week five of the legislative session, the pace continues to accelerate. Several of my bills moved through committee this week, including legislation focused on prior authorization reform and continued efforts to strengthen and incentivize medical preceptorships in Idaho.

On prior authorization, the goal is simple: reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on providers and patients while maintaining appropriate accountability and quality standards. We’ve spent significant time refining the approach to ensure it is both provider-friendly and fiscally responsible. If we are going to modernize the system, we need reforms that streamline approvals for high-performing providers while still protecting against waste and ensuring medical necessity standards are met. That balance matters.

Likewise, strengthening medical preceptorship pathways remains one of the most important long-term workforce investments we can make. Idaho needs more physicians—especially in rural communities—and incentivizing experienced providers to mentor medical students and residents is a practical, market-based way to build that pipeline.

More broadly, I’ve been encouraged by the serious work happening behind the scenes to restore and maintain critical healthcare services across the state. As budget conversations intensify, many of us are focused on protecting essential services while still honoring the priorities I continue to hear from constituents: smart budgeting, right-sizing government, and maintaining core services

know what an AFM lifter was either until I watched a few you tubes. So, if your 100K+ mile chevy starts ticking, get your wallet out. I will be bringing my other truck back up when I get home.

I will keep looking after Education. I am looking at some bills that were introduced this week that include additional requirements of teachers and administrators. I will oppose saddling public education with increased requirements particularly when the additional requirements are unrelated to educating children.

Idaho has the highest level of parental choice and freedom of any state. You can choose to educate your child in any manner you choose.

without unnecessary expansion. The thoughtful feedback many of you have shared has directly informed those discussions.

I was also deeply moved this week watching deaf students in the gallery sign the Pledge of Allegiance. Seeing the pledge expressed visually through sign language was a powerful reminder that patriotism and civic participation take many forms. It was one of those quiet Capitol moments that reinforces why public service matters.

Next week, I’ll be introducing a bill aimed at helping attract more tradesmen to Idaho through strategic regulatory relief. Our state has a real workforce gap in the skilled trades, and we need policies that make it easier—not harder—for qualified individuals to work here. This proposal focuses on targeted deregulation where appropriate, without sacrificing safety or quality standards.

Looking ahead, next week’s floor calendar is shaping up to include more controversial debates, including bills dealing with flags, bathrooms, and the budget itself as appropriations begin moving to the floor. These issues tend to generate strong opinions, and I want to thank the many constituents who have taken the time to reach out and clearly articulate their priorities. Hearing directly from you helps ground these debates in real-world impact rather than political noise.

As always, I remain focused on practical solutions that strengthen Idaho’s economy, protect essential services, and maintain our long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve and will continue to keep you updated as the session progresses.

Josh Wheeler Idaho State Representative

I respect and honor that freedom. I also am committed to properly funding public education and providing the best public education possible. I fully supported Representative Fuhrman’s HJM 11 that calls on the Federal Government to fulfill their obligation in funding special education I supported and voted for bill 542 that allows for action against social media companies for addictive algorithms. I believe that there is harm these companies’ products are doing to our children.

I appreciate your support and input as I strive to best represent the needs of District 35. I appreciate and consider the input I have been provided by my District.

Soda’s Rich Summers nominated for International Award

Former Soda Springs resident Rich Summers was recently nominated for “The One Voice Awards,” for his voiceover work on the 2025 documentary “The Fort Knox Story.” The award ceremony is being held in London on Saturday, 16th May 2026.

Summers grew up in Soda Springs, and was a familiar radio voice in the region, dating back to his time at KBRV. Eventually, Summers switched from radio to Voiceover work, where he has also found a great deal of success. His voice is instantly familiar, comfortable, and impressive. We had the pleasure of speaking with him on the occasion of the award announcement.

As a basic grounding, can you tell me a bit about what your life in Soda Spring was like? Are there elements of it that have influenced/informed your voice acting?

Growing up in Soda Springs in the 60’s and 70’s was a great time. We didn’t have computers or cell phones, so we played baseball in the summer, football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and ran track in the spring. We got outside and moved around. We raced slot cars on each other’s tracks, hiked, swam, fished at Ledge Creek, rode bikes everywhere, and stayed out till it was dark. Our parents didn’t have as many worries about our safety as parents do now. I’m sure having such a grounded and active childhood growing up in Soda Springs is translated into my reads when I audition or when I book a job.

What was your basic path like to where you are now? Has voice acting always interested you, or did you discover it by happenstance?

I started working in radio my senior year at SSHS. Started at KBRV. I attended Boise State (when the football field was green, haha!). After BSU, I came back to Soda and worked construction. As you know, the winters aren’t conducive to that, and several of us kept getting laid off for a few months every winter. I decided to go back to school at ISU, and I got a job on the FM station that had just been put on the air. I did the evening show. Eventually I ended up being the Program Director, and that led me into a long career in radio that took me from Soda Springs to Phoenix and a few places in between. Eventually I came back to Boise in 1998 and never looked back. Spent 20 years in country radio in Boise. Radio went through a pretty radical change with the deregulation, and corporate ownership. I left radio, or maybe radio left me, in 2018 (the corporate VP and I didn’t laugh at the same jokes). That’s when I made the jump to full time VO work.

In less than a week, the Presbyterian Church in Soda Springs will be hosting its annual Soup Luncheon.

The annual Community Soup Luncheon at the Presbyterian Church in Soda Springs will be here Tuesday, February 24th from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. for eating in. Take-outs for the day will begin at 10:45. The lunch will be held inside the Soda Springs Presbyterian Church at 109 S. 1st East, across from the City Park in Soda Springs. Those with questions are welcome to call 208547-3771 for information or to order take-outs the day of the event. Organizers want to spread the word that

What are some of your favorite roles/projects you have worked on?

That’s kind of hard to answer. Each project is different. Each genre has its own nuances and styles. It’s really more voice “acting” than voice “over”. If I had to pick, obviously one would be the Fort Knox story, which is the piece nominated. I’ve done voice work for Warner Music Nashville, Old Wisconsin Sausage, AeroMexico, Wild Turkey and others. I’ve also done voices for video games, nothing major like World of Warcraft or Call of Duty, but characters for games developed by smaller independent gaming companies. I’ve done voices for online slot machine games. They’re all fun, and each has their own stories in the script. As a voice actor, it’s your job to figure out what the writer was really thinking and trying to say, and WHO he is saying it to. Then you create a persona for that script, and hope that your audition books the job. Rejection is a pretty common thing. As voice actors, we all audition a LOT more than we book.

How did you “find your voice”?

Here’s the thing about that. I didn’t find my voice, per se. It’s mine. It’s what sets me apart from other voice actors. We all have our own, unique voice print. What we have to do is learn how to use the voice God gave to us. That took me a while. Radio and voice over/voice acting do not handshake well. They are two completely different worlds. Every year I spent in radio was a year of developing bad habits for voice acting. I had to learn how to reinvent myself and my craft. I started working with VO coaches who helped me break out of the radio sound. Just like a singer works with a vocal coach, voice actors that are serious about their career work with industry proven VO coaches. I still work with coaches now.

What would you advise people--especially younger students thinking about possible careers--to do by way of preparation if they were interested in voice acting as a profession?

The first thing to think about is this: A great voice does not guarantee you any success as a voice actor. I have a really nice pen. It doesn’t make me a great writer. If someone is thinking about getting into voice acting, the sooner you start, the better you’ll be. Be prepared to spend money on your career. Coaching and studio equipment aren’t cheap, but you have to be willing to invest in yourself, your equipment, and your career. Be prepared for it to take a while to develop. A good coach will tell you when you’re ready to start putting yourself out there. Be prepared to spend money on a professionally produced demo. Those aren’t cheap. And

everyone is welcome at the much anticipated community gathering.

This year, there will be eight kinds of homemade soup, including chicken taco, chicken noodle, potato cheese, chili, ham and bean, clam chowder, beef cabbage and Thai chicken curry. French bread, cake with cherries and whipped topping, coffee and water will round out the menu.

Come enjoy a hot bowl of soup and a fine time with friends and neighbors. There are bound to be at least a few people that you already know, and many more that you’ll be happy to meet. As much as anything, it’s a

be patient. Patient with yourself and the VO business. Nothing ever happens as fast as we would all like it to. It’s a marathon, not a 40 yard dash.

What is an average work day like for you?

I get up around 7am. First thing I do is check my email for any auditions that may have come in overnight and what the deadline is. Auditions that come in overnight are usually from overseas clients, and their turnaround time is often shorter than those we get from domestic sources. I head to my booth and start recording any auditions that are due by 9am MST. Then I start getting auditions from agents in the US. They usually give you at least 24 hours, or to the next morning to get those auditions done and back to the respective agents. Then, I look at what we call the “Pay To Play” voice casting websites. There’s a lot of work available to audition for, but you have to pay a subscription service to audition, hence the nickname. All said and done, I do anywhere from 15 – 25 auditions a day. If I book ONE job in 50 auditions, then I’m having a good couple of days. If I book one job in 100 auditions, then I’m having an okay week. Like I said, we all live with rejection every day, but it’s not really rejection. It just means you weren’t right for that job. The casting director might like your sound, but can’t hear it in the context of the project. They may shortlist you and keep you in mind for another project. So it’s not really rejection, it’s selection.

I usually finish auditions by noon or early afternoon. Then I spend some time doing self-marketing to potential new clients. Or maybe I’m working on invoicing and actual business chores. It is a business, and you have to be willing to invest the time in that end of it as well.

What would you like to say about the project for which you have been nominated?

The Fort Knox Story is such a beautiful piece. Beau Graves, the producer

wonderful chance to take some time during the busy week and appreciate the simple but profound act of breaking bread with your neighbors.

New this year, there is a “Sharing Table” with no longer needed items, which will be available for free.

There is also no charge for the event itself, though donations will be gladly accepted.

In the past, the church has used funds raised from the event to support well construction projects in Ghana, and that will continue to be the case. In addition, however, the church is partnering with Gem Valley Veterinary to help reduce the fe-

for Avalaunch Media in Lehi, Utah did an amazing job putting the visuals together with the music. He wanted a really grounded and storyteller read. The company’s founder had passed away, and this was a tribute to him. I was fortunate to be chosen to tell the story of the founder and his family. It just all came together. Really proud to have been part of it. Will we win? I mean, I hope so, but there are 9 other amazing voice talents from all over the world in that category. For me, just being “in the same room” with them is an honor. Anything else you’d like people from Caribou County to know about you, the profession, or anything else?

In this day and age, it doesn’t matter where you live to be able to work as a voice actor. It used to be that you needed to be in LA, or NYC, or other major metro areas where studios existed and produced content with voice acting involved. Technology now is such, that I can be in my booth, in my home in the mountains north of Boise, and be in a session with clients and producers from all over the world. I’ve voiced projects for clients in the UK, Indonesia, China, Mexico, Portugal, Brazil and others. Literally all over the globe.

By the way, I’m not the only voice actor with roots in Soda Springs. Marie Westbook-Belle grew up in Soda Springs as well. She’s now one of the most sought after female voice talents in the industry. You’ve probably heard her on movie trailers for studios like Pixar and Universal. Game promos for AAA video games from Blizzard and other notable companies. She’s extremely talented and deserves recognition as well. We’ve become good friends with our Soda connection and chat every so often. She’s an inspiration and living proof that you can grow up in Soda Springs and make a pretty great career out of voice acting. You should check out her website, https:// mariewestbrook.com.

To summarize, voice acting can be extremely rewarding and fun, and you can earn a pretty decent amount of money, IF you’re willing to do your due diligence, put in the work to become successful at it, and the patience and perseverance to stay at it until it all starts coming together for you. There are no overnight success stories in VO. Getting lucky just means you were prepared, and that preparedness met opportunity. That’s luck in the VO world. The “Fort Knox” documentary (which is about the company, not the gold storage location) can be found on Rich’s youtube channel https:// www.youtube.com/@richsummersvoiceover. Also, check out his website at richsummersvo.com. We thank him for his time, and wish him well at the awards!

ral cat population in Soda Springs, by providing a reduced rate for spays and neuters. The organizer of this project, Cindy Daniels, has become quite proficient in catching feral felines and hopes to take in several this month. She is planning to set out donation cans around town to help fund this project. One unneutered pair of cats and their offspring can theoretically produce over 1000 cats in just three years. “Holy Cats!” Marilyn Kukachka remarked. “We are hoping to help with the feral cat population in Soda Springs, reducing their offspring numbers and enabling them to live better lives,” she added.

What to know about Anthrax in Idaho cattle

BY ALLISON ELIASON

Anthrax. A word steeped in fear, shaped by images of terrorism, bioweapons, and national emergencies. Decades of spy thrillers, television dramas, and headlines have trained us to connect anthrax with deliberate attacks and weapons of mass destruction. It’s the kind of danger we expect to hear about in a government briefing — not in the range.

So when anthrax shows up in news infecting cattle, the shock isn’t from the bacterium hitting the headlines, it’s the fact that it came from a source within our own borders instead of an international plotting terrorist. In fact, it’s not manmade at all, it’s naturally occurring.

Even the news of cattle found infected with the bacterium sounds like a means to intentionally taint American’s food supply when in reality, the disease came merely by cattle doing what they do best- eating. But as shocking as it may sound, there indeed has been a herd of cattle confirmed to be infected with anthrax in neighboring Cassia County.

Recent confirmation of anthrax in cattle in neighboring Cassia County, is understandably concerning. Hearing the word anthrax attached to a local herd can spark fear and uncertainty. However, with a little understanding of how anthrax can occur naturally in the environment — and that well-established response protocols are already in place — helps put the situation into perspective. With prompt reporting, veterinary oversight, and coordinated public health measures, both ranchers and the general public can take comfort in knowing this is a known disease with proven safeguards.

The good news is that anthrax is actually a well-understood disease, and understanding how it can naturally occur in cattle helps clarify why the news of an infection doesn’t have to be so concerning.

Anthrax is derived from the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, a hardy organism that forms spores that can survive in the environment for decades. It thrives in an ecosystem of dry, alkaline soil, a condition magnified by drought and fire. After conditions of heavy rains, the spores are brought to the surface, leading to the contamination of grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.

In livestock, anthrax is most often an environmental disease, not something introduced intentionally. Weather events like drought, flooding, or soil disturbance can uncover dormant spores, creating conditions where animals may suddenly be exposed. Because the disease progresses very quickly in cattle, animals may show few warning signs before becoming seriously ill or dying.

Human infection with anthrax is rare, particularly in the US, and even more uncommon when cases are identified quickly in livestock.

BRAIN TEASERS

People do not contract anthrax from casual contact with healthy animals, and certainly not from any properly inspected beef. Instead, human exposure typically happens only through direct contact with infected animals or their remains.

This is why sudden livestock deaths are taken so seriously. When an animal dies from anthrax, the bacteria can be present in bodily fluids and tissues, and disturbing the carcass can increase the risk of exposure. For this reason, ranchers and the public are strongly advised never to handle or open an animal that has died unexpectedly and to notify veterinary or animal health officials immediately. When these precautions are followed, the risk to people remains very low.

In response to the confirmed case found in cattle in Cassia County, animal health officials and veterinarians have moved quickly to contain the situation and protect both livestock and public health. Established protocols are being followed to manage the affected area to prevent further environmental contamination and reduce the risk of additional exposure.

These measures include close monitoring of nearby livestock, biosecurity instruction for ranchers, and coordination between veterinary and public health agencies. Because anthrax is a known and well-studied disease, response plans are already in place long before these types of cases ever occur.

While the word anthrax understandably raises alarm, the reality is that this situation is being handled with proven safeguards designed to protect ranching operations and the surrounding community.

Renewal Notice Reminder

We are extremely grateful to all of our subscribers as we approach our second anniversary of serving Caribou County. As that time draws closer, many of you should be receiving a white mail envelope containing a renewal notice. The envelope is sent out by a third party, and is labeled “Newspaper Management Services” rather than “Idaho Enterprise,” but inside should contain accurate address and subscription information for your account. Before you toss any incoming mail out, take a second to check for our renewal notice (which can get mistaken for mass mailing). If you think you should have received a renewal and haven’t, don’t hesitate to call 208-766-4773 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and ask about your subscription status. If you would like to start a new subscription, the same number at the same times will work!

EVENT CALENDARS

SODA SPRINGS

COUNTY

February 20 – Friday

GBB State Tournament @ Kuna Girls Wrestling Districts @ Preston

February 21 – Saturday

GBB State Tournament @ Kuna

G Wrestling Districts @ Preston

February 22 – Sunday

Presbyterian Services

Caribou Bible Church Services

Catholic Mass (8:30am)

Open Arms Church Services

LDS Services

Hope Lutheran Church

February 23 – Monday

February 24 – Tuesday

BBB Districts

February 25 – Wednesday

MS BBB vs Snake River

February 26 – Thursday

BBB Districts

State Wrestling @ Nampa

GRACE

February 20 – Friday

GBB State @ Nampa Wresting Girls Districts @ Preston

February 21 – Saturday

GBB State @ Nampa

Wrestling Girls Districts @ Preston

February 22 – Sunday

LDS Services

Caribou Bible Church (2pm)

February 23 – Monday

BBB District

February 24 – Tuesday BBB District

February 25 – Wednesday JH BBB @ Marsh Valley

February 26 – Thursday BBB District

BANCROFT

February 22 – Sunday LDS Services

February 23 – Monday Booster Club Meeting

February 24 – Tuesday BBB Districts

February 26 – Thursday BBB Districts

CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU

Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee

Feb 20 - Cod w/Confetti Rice, Cauliflower, Dilly Bread, Applesauce, Berry Crisp

Feb. 25 - Swiss Steak, Baked Potato, Apples, Potato Bread, Snickerdoodles

BIRTHDAYS

Valerie Bolton, Feb.1

Mark Tompson, Feb. 3

Roger Moore, Feb. 4

Amelia Mae Crump, Feb. 6

LaRae Rasmussen, Feb. 7

Betty Moore, Feb. 7

JoAnn Rhodes, Feb. 11

Ulla Soderman, Feb. 12

Greg Elam, Feb. 13

Jan Barnes, Feb. 14

Dawn Briggs, Feb. 14

Margaret Barker, Feb. 15

Charley Davis, Feb. 19

Blair Smith, Feb. 19

Clay Gentry, Feb. 22

Richard Hansen, Feb. 22

Barbara Hamilton, Feb. 23

Patsy Tarbet, Feb. 26

Mike Cannon, Feb. 28

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

LUNCH MENUS

SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk

Monday, February 23

Chicken Burger, Port and Beans, Fruit Veggies

Tuesday, February 24

Nacho Supreme, Fruit, Veggies

Wednesday, February 25

Breakfast Burrito, Fruit, Veggies

Thursday, February 26

Sloppy Joe, Chips, Fruit, Veggies

NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU

Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day

Monday, February 23

Orange Chicken w/Rice, Biscuits and Gravy, Deli Bar, Roasted Squash, Pineapple Tidbits

Tuesday, February 24

Ramen Noodle Bowls, Deli Bar, Stir Fry Veggies, Peaches

Wednesday, February 25

Mac-n-Cheese w/Nuggets, Deli Bar, Country Trio Vegetables, Cinnamon Apples

Thursday, February 26

Beef-n-Cheese Quesadilla, Tator

Tot Casserole, Deli Bar, Chuckwagon Corn, Pears

GRACE LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Milk

Monday, February 23

Popcorn Chicken, Fried Rice, Fortune Cookie, Food ChoicesGreen Beans, Tropical Fruit Mix

Tuesday, February 24

Quesadilla, Seasoned Black Beans, Food Choices - Peas and Carrots, Cinnamon Apple Slices

Wednesday, February 25

Pepperoni Cheese Bread, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Food Choices - Fresh Veggies, Mandarin Oranges

Thursday, February 26

Pulled Pork Sandwich, Tots, Food Choices - Roasted Broccoli, Peaches

ON THIS DAY

1516 Consecration of Henry Vll’s Lady Chapel, part of Westminster Abbey, called “one of the most perfect buildings ever erected in England”

1831 First practical US coal-burning locomotive makes first trial run in Pennsylvania

1906 Will Keith Kellogg joins Charles D. Bolin in founding the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, now the multinational food manufacturer Kellogg’s, after falling out with his brother over development credit and wanting to add sugar to cereal

1910 Typhoid Mary (Mary Mallon) is freed from her first periods of forced isolation and goes on to cause several further outbreaks of typhoid in the New York area

1913 First prize inserted into a Cracker Jack box

1914 Four-year old Charlotte May Pierstorff mailed by train from Grangeville, Idaho to her grandparents’ house 73 miles away in most famous ‘child in the post’ instance (Children were “mailed” by their parents because it was cheaper to

mail then - if a child came in under the 50-pound parcel weight limit, than other ways to travel)

1952 American defending champion Dick Button becomes first figure-skater to land a triple jump in competition; performs triple loop in Olympic free skate in Oslo; wins gold medal ahead of Austria’s Helmut Seibt

1960 Bill Keane’s “Family Circus” cartoon strip debuts

1968 Children’s educational TV program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” debuts on NET (now PBS)

1985 Canned & Bottled Cherry Coke introduced by Coca-Cola

1985 William Schroeder is first artificial heart patient to leave hospital. He spends 15 minutes outside Humana Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky

2024 Brightest known object in the universe identified as a quasar, 500 trillion x brighter than the sun, powered by a supermassive black hole that devours a sun-sized mass every day

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

A 48 year old man died Saturday from an avalanche in the Sherman Peak area between Grace and Montpelier, the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office has reported. Allen Foss of Preston was snowmobiling when he was caught in an avalanche Saturday morning. Two other people escaped the avalanche but were unable to locate him. Search and Rescue teams responded from Franklin, Bear Lake, and Caribou counties. They were also assisted by other snowmobilers in the area and found Foss deceased under a large volume of snow. “The Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize that backcountry conditions are extremely dangerous at this time,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “With the recent heavy snowfall and existing snow conditions, avalanche danger is high. Use extreme caution while recreating, do not go alone, and carry emergency/rescue equipment including avalanche beacons,” they said. “Searchers continued to operate under precarious conditions and were able to retrieve the victim’s body and transport it off the mountain,” the sheriff’s office said. Avalanche conditions are extremely dangerous with a weak base and heavy, wet snow on top of that from the numerous snow storms in the past week. Numerous avalanches have been recorded along the Idaho and Utah border in the Cache National Forest on the Wasatch Range. Joan Farnworth reported on the 50th year of Fabulous Fabrics. “It all started on about Feb 1, 1971. Max Rigby told Faye he wanted to talk to me. I was at home sewing, so I went out to their home and Max said ‘Why don’t’ you open a fabric shop?’ I told him, ‘You know I don’t have a red cent.’ Then he told me he would finance me. I two weeks, I rented the little building where Robyn Thomas is now. Max, Faye, and I had so much fun ordering fabric from the wholesaler in Salt

Lake. The salesman said, ‘Bet these ladies won’t last 6 months.’

Within three months our space was way too small. Max then suggested we move to the Spudnut shop owned by LaVar Taylor. LaVar felt I couldn’t pay for it, so Max said he would. I made payments to Max for almost 30 years until everything was in the clear. In two years, it became too much for Faye, so that’s when I took the business over and ran it by myself.

In 1982, I had colon cancer and Dr. Obray said that I had six weeks to live. Thanks to him I am here today.

As time went on, people quit making readywear, so I took on ceramics. I poured, cleaned, and kiln baked many ceramics and porcelain dolls. It didn’t take long to find out that ceramics and fabrics are not a good mix. The interest turned to quilts, runners, and much more. I gave many classes and taught many people to sew. I also made many wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and catered countless weddings. In 2007, I had another sick spell with spinal meningitis and Dr. Obray again saved my life.

Thanks to many friends and strangers that have become friends, I’ve had 50 fabulous years. Next to my kids, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

2001

Idaho Public Television and the four-lane highway expansion west of

Soda Springs were topics that brought out a large crowd to the Soda Springs Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday. Ricky Jensen of the Soda Springs Radio Shack store is on the IPTV board. He introduced Terri Bergmeier, who is the manager of KISU, which serves this part of the state for Public Television. IPTV is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a state entity. “Idaho Public TV is a resource to use and to take advantage of,” Bergmeier said, noting 97 percent of the homes in Idaho receive the public TV station.

“We focus on education and community resources,” she said, adding that 60percent of the funding for it is by private contribution—the largest percent of any state in the nation. The state wide IPTV network broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The future is digital. By May 1, 2003, we will have reached out goal,” she said about new technology that will improve quality and capabilities, including four channels instead of one. Begmeier said the debate to privatize IPTV is still going on. The State Board of Education holds the license currently. It would have to be changed to a community-based licence if the legislature choose to transfer the program or change funding. Currently, the legislature picks up 28 percent of the budget.

Tim Swenson, resident engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, brought the chamber members up to

Bancroft City Council Report—Jan 21

This report is adapted from the official minutes recorded by City Clerk Debbie Swensen. It has been edited for length and context. Several of the issues were carried over to the net meeting, and will be fully reported on when they reach a resolution.

Mayor Perry suggested Jessica Vawser for the position of council president, due to her experience on the council. A motion to formalize the appointment passed 4-0.

Electrical Panel Bid Review

Mayor Perry and CM Ackerman inspected the control panel at Memorial Park well due concerns and a large difference in estimates from contractors.

CM Ackerman stated that there were loose wires causing multiple burn spots in the cabinet.

One of the main wires had loose connections and was getting hot which caused burn spots in the panel. The terminals need to be replaced and the wire needs to be repaired. The repair consists of cutting the wire back, using compression crimps and putting heat treat over the top. The soft start or variable frequency drive that starts the pump up slowly seems to be fine with no proven failures. At this point the soft start does not need replaced but the city should purchase a back-up soft start in case of failure. CM Ackerman liked the estimate from Watt’s Up Electric due to being similar to the issues they saw when inspecting the system. It was presumed to be a big savings to the city if they do the recommended repairs and then have a back up soft start on hand. Mayor Perry read the other estimate and explained his concerns to the council. The other quote is to completely replace the wires and other parts that don’t appear to have issues. Some of the items that need replaced were not listed and the wire listed was incor-

rect. CM Ackerman and Mayor Perry suggested the city hire Watt’s Electric due to the description of findings being closely similar to their inspection of issues. CM Ackerman noted that there might need to be a few additional items added once they get in and analyze things more closely. Cm, Jcssica Vawser asked if all of this could have been avoided with routine maintenance. CM Michael Ackerman and Mayor Perry stated that yes it could have been avoided by routine checks and checking the connections. CM Michael Ackeman stated that the biggest failure was the loose wires.

Cm, Trevor Parsons made a motion to hire Watt’s Up Electric for the repairs (up to $5k) and have them do routine maintenance going forward. Motion passed.

Complaint Discussion

One of the most intense discussions of the evening involved a complaint that had been filed by Mike Ackerman, prior to his being seated as a council member.

Ackerman informed council that he made a complaint as a resident regarding noise and parking. The first complaint was filed in March and the other on Dec 30 for noise.

The complaint involved noise from a semi-truck across the street from his location, which was being worked on with a welder and sledge hammer, creating a great deal of noise. Ackerman stated he had to leave his home, and played a video he had taken of the incident.

CM Ackerman stated that there are 33 trailers parked on public property right now, making the city look unsightly. He further stated stated that the ordinance needs to be reviewed and re-worded.

CM Vawser stated that there are no solid ordinances to stop the resident from parking there, to which CM Ack-

erman replied that this is why the code needs to be reviewed, and that there is a truck route recently plotted out by the city and those roads in his area are not on the truck route, causing the road damage.

CP Vawser stated that it is not constant everyday use and that is what the truck route is intended for. She stated that there have been no other complaints from other neighbors. She also stated that the city council has already discussed this issue in the past and came to the resolution that nothing in the code prevents the resident from parking there.

The issue of overall limited parking locations in town and vehicles parking on city or land owned by others was discussed in further detail by the mayor and council.

CM Ackerman would like to make changes to the existing ordinance. It would allow residents to have personal operative vehicles which are: trucks, cars, ATV’s and UTV’s. Mike stated that the city doesn’t need 33 trailers and semi-trucks parked on city streets.

Mayor Perry asked council to look at the ordinances and be willing to go through them go through them.

CP Vawser would like to ask the city attorney if it is legal for CM Ackerman to participate with making a motion or voting on this topic where he has personal involvement.

CM Vawser asked if there are time restrictions on noise. Resident (and former councilmember) Eric Christensen stated that it is from 6am to 11pm Monday through Thursday and later on the weekends.

CM Vawser noted that this situation happened during the middle of the day and asked if there is a decibel limit. Eric Christensen stated that the limit is pretty high, and set by DEQ.

CM Parsons stated that he understands CM Ackerman’s frustration, but we are a small mining and farming

date on the $8.4 million project from Soda Springs west to Alexander that will mak the two-lane State Highway into four lanes, with a fifth lane for turnoffs in some places. Swenson credited the City of Soda Springs and its residents for getting the project upgraded from just adding passing lanes in a few places to a four lane highway. “I applaud everyone in Soda Springs who helped do that,” he said about local efforts. He noted the increased truck traffic and general traffic on the road, which will increase as tricks bypass the Wasatch front during the Olympics coming to Salt Lake. Construction on the road will be mostly done this season, with materials already being worked on for the construction season. A temporary pavement will be placed on the north side for traffic while the south side of the highway is completed. The process will then be reversed for the north side.

Soda Springs High School Principal Michael Button and Counselor Dave Howell have received written notification from the National Scholarship Program that Matthew Batterton is a finalist for the prestigious Merit Scholarship Award, Batterton is a senior at Soda Springs High School and he will graduate June 1. He is the son of Cal and Sandra Batterton. The selection of some 7,900 Merit Scholarship winners from the finalist group is now in progress.

community. CM Parsons commented that he started his business while living in the middle of town. Cm, Parsons stated that he got turned in for a similar issue to this and his only complaint is that his neighbor did not come to him first.

CM Ackerman commented that CP Vawser has attempted to clean the cars and messes up for appearance reasons and this is no different. CM Ackerman noted that the noise issue

BANCROFT On Page 8

-INDOOR-

Thursday, February 19

Friday, February 20 Saturday, February 21

Greenland 2Migration (PG-13)

In the aftermath of a comet strike that decimated most of the planet, the Garrity family must leave the safety of their Greenland bunker to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home.

Thursday & Friday 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday, February 25 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. (All seats $5)

LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that IDAWY Solid Waste District (District) has submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a Final Design Application and Groundwater Monitoring Plan for the IDAWY Regional Landfill Facility (Facility) located at 348 Diamond Gulch, Georgetown, ID 83239 (42° 34' 59.6" N, 111° 28' 43.8'' W). The purpose of this application and plan is to provide final design information and a groundwater monitoring plan for the construction of a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill 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) 417-1625. 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/regional. The public is invited to comment on the design application and the groundwater monitoring plan. The 30-day comment period commences with the first publication of this announcement starting the week of January 19, 2026. Written comments will be accepted during the public comment period and should be directed to DEQ at: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Pocatello Regional Office, Attn: Dustyn Walker, 444 Hospital Way #300 Pocatello, ID 83201.

#1197-01-22-29-02-05-12-1926-T5

Notice of Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the East Branch Canal Company will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Legion Hall in Grace, Idaho at 1:00 pm.

Annette Elsmore, Secretary #1201-02-19-26-26-T2

Bancroft

continued from page 7

with his neighbor is a separate problem.

Mayor Perry would like to review the ordinance as a council and have further discussions.

Street Light Replacement-Rocky Mountain Power Estimate Review

CM Mike Ackennan would like to replace the current street lights updating to the LED lamps due to the savings and reimbursement plan offered by Rocky Mountain Power.

CM Ackerman brought a demo light to show council the difference between a yellow and white light.

The 3,000 is the warmer yellow light and the 4,000 is the white light. CM Parsons likes coming home to the warmer lights and feels it’s easier to sleep. CM Vawser also prefers the warm lights. Mayor Peny likes the white look of the 4,000. Council would like to go forward with the application for the energy savings grant that would cover the entire cost of replacing the lights.

Council voted and decided to go with the 4k white light cobra style.

CM Trevor Parsons made a motion to upgrade the 44 city lights to the 4k cobra style lights contingent upon having the funds in the budget and/or receiving funds from the grant.

Motion passed 4-0.

County Commission

their roles as county officials), there was some discussion of the issue. It was generally felt that a deposit needed to be taken in that case either way.

Clerk Stoor liked the idea, but expressed some concerns. The commissioners suggested that they continue in the same way as present, and adjust if they need to.

The issue of what 4-H’s priority for the large room availability was raised. Clerk Stoor explained that the understanding was that the 4-H always had precedence for the classroom, but that event center main area should be scheduled the same way across the board for everyone.

Cleaning hours and services were also discussed.

The issue of parking was raised. During recent large events, it was noted that due to a lack of immediate on-site parking facilities there have been cars parked on the grass areas and in front of the EMS bays. The location is such that a planned parking accommodation will be necessary to handle large events. The northeast corner of the block on which the Event Center sits is the most likely location for a parking area, along with marking perimeter spots around the block.

Whether the roads were wide enough to create angled parking on the widest sides was considered.

The Fair Board has discussed moving the gate opening to create additional parking access.

“The Parking is a disaster over there,” Commissioner Somsen noted.

Clerk Stoor advised that a mobile TV/projector provided for laptops to plug into was needed. Justin Hatch suggested that the Extension Office had one that they would be willing to let people use. This would be especially helpful for large meetings.

Vacation of Roads

The requested road vacations on block 1-8 and 12,13 in Chesterfield were presented prior to a public hearing on the matter. The PZ board met and voted to recommend approving the request.

A public hearing was called to discuss the matter, on Ellingson/Barker Ag Road.

Essentially, the county and Barker Ag are switching ownership of the roads in question in order to make the routes more efficient. Doug Wood clarified that a road vacation with a deed swap

should have all the components done at the same time.

Barker Ag and the commissioners, along with Wood and other interested parties, discussed the process as a whole, and came to a mutual understanding about the upcoming process.

Wood noted that when a road is vacated, it results in an even split between the landowners on either side.

After the public meeting was closed, a resolution to vacate the road in question was passed. 2026-02 to provide for the vacation of roads across several blocks in Alexander township.

Extension Office

“I had a neat opportunity come across my desk,” Hatch told the commissioners. The University of Idaho had some funds available for counties, and Caribou was awarded $9k to hire an additional summer help person. They way the funds are operated, the funds would come from UI, but the employee would be a Caribou County employee.

The funds will need to be allowed, as they will be over expected revenue, but as long as its spent and under the part-time cut off, it should be fine. The position would officially be “Seasonal” and could not go over the dispersed amount.

Public Hearing

Clerk Stoor presented ordinance 26-01, which regards the provision of a Historical Preservation Commission. Galen Wilson, of the Caribou Historical society, has been given a copy of the ordinance.

During the public hearing, it was discussed that the ordinance establishes the commission, but that the commissioners will need to determine the scope and mission of the commission as it moves forward. The establishment of the commission allows for the county to pursue a number of grants and other opportunities which require an official historical organization of such type to coordinate materials and locations. The wording calls for five members with five year terms.

The public hearing was closed and the commissioners approved the creation of the commission.

Treasurer Angie Mendenhall

A home in the county was owned by a resident of Bailey Creek who passed away. Water damage resulted from frozen/broken pipes recently. The status of the home with regard to the mortgage, and administrating the property

Building Permit Jake Barfuss submitted a building permit for a hickory shed.

CM Parsons explained that this building permit was put back on the agenda per council request due to requiring the applicant to get written approval from his neighbor to put the shed close to the fence and add a gate. The city has received a signed consent from the neighbor agreeing to the noted changes. Permit was approved.

Misc

CM Parsons asked about the previous discussions regarding the pump behind the school. There is not a backup generator at this point. Council discussed the need of having a backup. CM Ackerman asked if there is an issue with having both pumps on at the same time. Eric Christensen stated that he doesn’t think there is an issue with them being on at the same time because they have separation.

Jessica Thurman feels like the city should utilize the rodeo grounds more and would like to plan a summer city event. CM Thurman was told that a group was denied using the rodeo grounds. Eric Christensen informed CM Thurman that the individuals were not told they couldn’t use the rodeo grounds, but that that they would need to pay a fee if their event was for profit and non-profit events are free

is currently unknown. Without family members who are willing or able to take over the estate, no one is quite sure what the next step is. The home potentially has a reverse mortgage on it, which complicates the situation. Ultimately, the Treasurer is likely to be the public administrator called in to resolve the situation.

GIS—Ally Schwulst

Schwulst spoke to the commissioners about the GIS system. She created a dashboard, which works with the ARC system. The site features an interactive map, which allows a user to access information/data from IDWR and other resources. The dashboard also provides access to Caribou County’s traffic cameras, road construction alerts, fire reports, and other information.

The data is publicly available, but the intention is to bring a number of different data streams to one place, especially for use by county emergency officials to be able to easily get a comprehensive view of situations which require immediate monitoring.

“The goal is to give it to every county agency, and cities as well. The goal is situational awareness for us and our partners,” Hobson.

Attorney

Attorney Doug Wood reported on the Idaho Prosecutors Association meeting. Possibly gloating after the Superbowl, he showed off his Seahawks socks.

Clerk

Rowdy Larkins reported that the heat for the building is back to working. He noted that system will need to be upgraded in the future, however.

Casey Batterton has asked about space for the coroner’s office. The future of the Annex building is something that needs to be worked out before too long. Currently, refrigerators owned by the county are at Sims. Using some of the classrooms for 4-H classes in Soda is one possibility, although there are several entities interested in using the space.

An issue with a voter on the Franklin/Caribou line has emerged. The county has established that the voter does live in Caribou County, based on the jury duty system, as well as a number of other means. The address should not have been in the Franklin county system, according to the clerk’s office. The county border is very close to the county border. At one point, a state statute held that the

of charge. Due to the cost of power, garbage, maintenance, and clean-up, the city put fees on the grounds to help recuperate some of the cost. There has been an issue with collecting those fees since this policy changed. Some groups are willing to pay the fee without questions and others have been difficult.

CM Thurman would like to have a spring or summer event and utilize the grounds more.

CM Parsons asked what happened to the tree burn.

Council presented Eric Christensen with a 20 year service award and thanked him for all his hard work and devotion to the community. Eric thanked the newly elected officials and commented that it is a thankless job but they will do great.

Cm, Eric Christensen wants council to remember that patrons have good input and most people just want to be heard.

CM Parsons stated that this has been discussed previously and some of the vehicles and equipment just need attention and some can be auctioned or salvaged. The dump truck needs a transmission and the truck just needs a battery. The post office has a box to dispose of the old flags. CM Parsons stated that a lot of the items were moved to this shop from the other one and most of the items just need to go to the dump.

location of the bedroom determined which county the voter could vote in.

The county received a quote for a Meals on Wheels vehicle. Because the repair cost is higher than $1000, Stoor brought it before the commissioners. The commissioners approved the repair for $1,161. This is a 2005 Colorado.

The county needs someone to take over maintenance of the county website. Ally Schwulst suggested that she did not have the time to do it, but it was clarified that there are regulations which essentially require work on the website within the near term with regard to ADA compliance.

A Tricounty snowmobile board was discussed. Commissioner Somsen is on the board. Stoor needs a list of all the county boards available in her office.

Soda Springs

Mayor Paul Gritton of Soda Springs spoke with the commissioners about several issues.

An agreement with the county for a donation of silica sand was discussed. The approximate date for hauling and the amount were discussed. Kevin McLain felt that the process would not take especially long. This is for the Ledger Creek trail system. Roughly 100 truckloads will be involved to get the trail set. What the ongoing supply of sand following this year remained to be seen.

Gritton believes that the material will be loaded, and that the city has vehicles to contribute to the effort.

The city and the county discussed which start dates would work best, and agreed to enter into a contract with the city and Rubion for sand supply.

A draft MOU regarding building inspections was presented to the county. Wood noted that the language allowed for termination on the part of the city, but not the county. This would allow the county’s building inspector to be contracted by the city to provide building inspection services.

Larkins suggested that if the city ended up hiring someone to do residential inspections, he would be willing to continue on with commercial inspections in either case. The commissioners passed the MOU contingent on the addition of language giving the county the ability to terminate the contract in a clearly designated way. The agreement was signed in that way.

Grace City Council Report—Jan 21

This report is adapted from the official minutes recorded by City Clerk Shelley Reeves.

Present were Mayor David Pristupa; Council Members Kimi Lowe, Curtis Toone, Kathy Tillotson; Superintendent Riley Crookston; Clerk Shelley Reeves. Also present were Zoning Commission Member Karen Kladis, Crystal Shawcroft, Jackie Barthlome, Loy Raye Phillips, Matt Loertscher.

Bills in the amount of $6739.15 and payroll in the amount of $14,991.46 were reviewed for payment approval. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pristupa turned the time to Zoning Commission Member Kladis, who reported that the zoning commission held the public hearing on Zoning Map Amendments 202501, 2025-02, 2025-03, & 2025-05 on January 8, 2026. The zoning commission recommended approval of all of the zoning map amendments. Commission Member Kladis asked if the city council had anything for the zoning commission. There was nothing at this time.

In regard to an ongoing discussion of technology for broadcasting the city council meetings, Mayor Pristupa presented the price of using zoom to stream the meetings. A yearly subscription for zoom would cost $160.00 and the city would still need to purchase the Owl device to video the meetings for a price of around $1100.00. Mayor Pristupa asked the city council members to talk with their neighbors and see if they would be interested in joining the meetings if they were streamed online. This item will be tabled until next meeting.

The zoning map amendments were discussed. Councilmembers moved to approve Zoning Map Amendment 2025-01, which passed unanimously.

On amendment 2025-02, the motion passed with Councilmember Toone voting opposed.

Zoning Map Amendment 2025-03, and 2025-05 passed unanimously. Councilmember Toone moved to approve Mayor Pristupa as a signer on all bank accounts. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pristupa provided the city council with a bid that he had received from MR&E, the garbage company that provides garbage services to Soda Springs, Bancroft and the county. They stated that they could provide garbage services for the city for $13.26/can for residential customers. They would also provide to the commercial customers based on the number of containers and number of pickups weekly. Councilmember Tillotson asked about spring clean up and the fair. Mayor Pristupa stated that they said that they would provide whatever the city asked them to do. There was discussion about the fact that

the city just purchased new garbage cans. Mayor Pristupa stated that MR&E was willing to purchase those from the city. Superintendent Crookston stated that one employee now spends 13 hours per week on garbage, and that the sanitation fund should earn enough to pay the wages of one employee for a year. There was discussion that the city has just split the sanitation fund from the sewer fund and it would be good to see what the sanitation fund actually makes before deciding to go with another company. After discussion Councilmember Lowe moved to not contract with MR&E to provide garbage service for the city. Councilmember Toone seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pristupa stated that Attorney Doug Wood is willing to come do some training on open meeting law and public meetings for the city council, since many council members are new or not able to attend other training sessions. He asked if the city council would like to have that on a regular city council meeting night, or on an off week. The city council decided to hold it on an off week on February 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Superintendent Crookston reported that the gear box on the screw pump at the wastewater treatment plant went down and what they thought was a spare was a bad gear box. They contacted Motion Industries and they were able to get the city a new one and a spare. The employees were able to get the screw pump up and running. The cost of the new gear boxes was $7767.00. A motion to purchase the needed gearboxes passed unanimously.

Superintendent Crookston reported that the tech will be here on the 27th to fix the new pumps at the wastewater treatment plant. They are still under warranty.

The contractor that is replacing the bridge on east Center Street will be on site next week to work on getting traffic control done and the bridge will be closed as of January 30th. They will have the bridge in by March 30th and will be finished with the top by May 1st. The transportation alternatives program grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council has been submitted.

Mayor Pristupa attended the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting today and reported that the discussion was about Itafos moving mine areas. They were told that 2nd South in Soda Springs may be torn up until possibly November.

Councilmember Toone asked Superintendent Crookston to speak with the State Transportation Department about not pushing the snow from curb to curb so the snow doesn’t turn into an ice dam in the curb.

Mayor Pristupa read a thank you letter from past Mayor Jackie Barthlome.

NEWS OF RECORD

CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF

Natalie Bowen, Bancroft, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs

$56.50

Seth C Gunter, Lava Hot Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jeremy Scott Haskins, San Francisco, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, cost $56.50

Luke Rip Johnson, Kaysville, speeding, $33.50, cost $56.50

Kellsey Dawn Kneebone, Pocatello, fail to register vehicle annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

Jaxon T Martinez, Heyburn, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Parker John Phillips, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Cecil Paul Pugmire, St Charles, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jose E Vazquez-Vega, Loc El Calvario, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

SODA SPRINGS POLICE

Michael David Lucien Chaput, Idaho Falls, fail to register annual -

ly, $10.50, costs $56.50

Brandly L Culligan, Rock Springs, operate vehicle when unsafe of improperly equipped, $10.50, costs

$56.50

Matthew Flint Kunz, Soda Springs, operate vehicle when unsafe or improperly equipped, $10.50, costs $56.50

Kamri June Sant, Lava Hot Springs, fail to maintain liability insurance, $75.00, costs $56.50

Billie Rose Sparks, Montpelier, fail to register vehicle annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

IDAHO STATE POLICE

Joshua D Bearce, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Byron John Beardall, West Jordan, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

IDAHO FISH AND GAME

Jonathan Patrick Lee, Salmon, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout) $26.00, costs $165.00

Cindy Harris Cartwright

May 31, 1958 ~ February 11, 2026

Cindy “Brown” also known as Cindy Harris Cartwright returned home to her Heavenly Father on February 11, 2026. She passed peacefully in her sleep.

She was born on May 31st, 1958, in Dugway, Utah. Cindy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Tom Cartwright, five children Ryan Torgesen, Amber Torgesen, Brooke (Marc) Torgesen Gilchrist, Holly (Dustan) Torgesen Brown, and Traci (Nik) Torgesen McDonald. Nineteen grandchildren, their spouses and/or significant others. Cindy was preceeded in death by her parents Doyle and Camille Harris and her brother Gary Harris.

Cindy attended Utah State University where she met her former spouse, Bradley Torgesen. From there they moved to Soda Springs, Idaho. She dedicated her life to family, farming, and community. She was a successful business owner of Cindy’s Day Care for 25+ years. She helped raise and shape the lives of several generations of children in Caribou County. Her love and devotion were acknowledged by many over the years through graduation and wedding announcements.

Shortly after retiring she met and married Thomas B. Cartwright in Pocatello, Idaho on August 19th, 2009. They spent many happy years together traveling and watching

grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. She maintained loving connections until her dying day with all of her and Tom’s family.

With Tom, she found her most joy spending summers in Soda Springs, Idaho and winters in Mesquite, Nevada, where one of her favorite things was being known as “Tom’s wife!”

Mom, there will never be a day when you are not truly missed. With all our love.

The funeral was held at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center, February 17th , 2026.

In lieu of flowers, Cindy kindly requested donations be made to the Soda Springs Public Library in her memory.

Lois Wright

May 22,1929 ~ February 14, 2026

Lois Wright, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away on February 14, 2026. She was born on May 22, 1929, to William and Jane (Jennie) Wilson, arriving seven minutes after her twin sister Louise and proudly claiming her place as the baby of the family.

Lois’s life was shaped by resilience, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to family. She met her first husband, Donald Whitaker, at her sister Ruth’s wedding reception, and the two were married on August 26, 1947, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they welcomed five children: Bruce, Susan, Blaine, June, and Marianne. When Donald was tragically killed on the job, Lois faced the unimaginable challenge of raising five children under the age of nine on her own.

Determined to provide for her family, Lois bundled up her two youngest children and drove daily to Pocatello to attend college. She took every credit she could manage and completed her bachelor’s degree in just three years, earning her K–8 teaching credential. Her perseverance became a defining example to her children and all who knew her.

Lois later welcomed her sixth child, David, with Cliff Windisch. Though their marriage was brief, Lois continued forward with characteristic strength and optimism.

Her teaching career took her to Moses Lake, Washington, where she taught 6th grade for more than 30 years. She loved her students deeply and believed every child deserved a fresh start. No one entered her classroom with a reputation—only with potential.

Family remained the heart of Lois’s world. Every summer she made the drive back to Idaho to visit loved ones and build memories. After meeting William (Bill) Wright, she found a loving partner with whom she shared more than 40 years of marriage. The annual family reunion became one of her greatest joys. She planned games, gathered prizes, and made sure everyone had gas money so no one would

be left out. Her generosity and enthusiasm made those gatherings unforgettable.

Lois adored traveling and seeking out new adventures. Her final adventure took her to Mexico for Christmas, a fitting reflection of her lifelong spirit of curiosity and joy. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Bingham; her children Bruce (Julie) Whitaker, June Cunningham, Marianne Josephson, and David Windisch; 11 grandchildren; and a multitude of great-grandchildren—though the true number is hard to count, as many friends and loved ones were embraced as family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Bill Wilson; her twin sister Louise Johnson; her children Susan Whitaker and Blaine Whitaker; her son-in-law Darwin Josephson; and her grandson Tracy Josephson.

Viewing will take place on February 26th at 10:00 am to 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12 pm at the Chesterfield LDS Church located at 1001 Stalker Road Chesterfield, Idaho. A graveside service will be held on February 28 in Moses Lake, WA, at the LDS Church located at 925 North Grape Drive Moses Lake, WA

Lois lived a life of courage, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Her legacy continues in the countless lives she touched—her family, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.

Grace Seniors

Cardinals Begin District Tournament

BY JODY REEVES

The Soda Springs Cardinals are in the middle of districts this week but before district play could begin the final week of the season needed to wrap up. Several teams in the district had split their regular season matchups making every game played last week crucial to district tournament seeding. The only two teams that already knew their fates were Wendell who had made it through conference play unscathed and Aberdeen who not only hadn’t secured a conference win but had not won a single game all season. Of all the remaining teams Soda Springs was in the best position as they were set to face the winless Tigers in their final game of the regular season. The Cardinals relished the thought of playing the bottom team to get themselves back on track after dropping the three previous games to conference foes. Those three losses all but erased any chance of the Cardinals earning a first round bye in the district tournament. While the Cardinals were very heavy favorites in their season finale they needed to make sure they did not slip up and cost themselves a first round home game.

The Cardinals played that season finale in Aberdeen. It did not take long for the Cardinals to take con-

trol of the game. Soda Springs took advantage of their superiority by getting several players time on the court. In the first quarter alone the Cardinals played nine different players with seven of them putting up points for the team. All of that scoring led to the Cardinals earning a fourteen point lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was a similar result with five separate players scoring with several of those points coming from the foul line. Perhaps the most thrilling moment of the game happened at the halftime buzzer. A last second steal led to a nearly full court heave by Gavin Hansen that went in. Unfortunately the officials waived the shot off determining that he did not release the shot in time and robbing him of the shot of the year. Not that it would have made much of a difference in the final score, but I did watch the shot several times and it was clear that Hansen did have the ball out of his hands before the buzzer. Nevertheless the Cardinals now held a comfortable twenty point lead over the lowly Tigers at the half. As sometimes happens in blow out games the play got a little sloppy in the third. The scoring output dropped for each team as did the accuracy while the turnovers increased. That being said, the Cardinals continued to increase their

lead. During the fourth quarter the Cardinals did meet the threshold of the mercy rule and a running clock, ending the game early.

After all the games were finished and everything was tallied the Cardinals finished with the three seed in the district tournament. This matched the Cardinals up with the six seeded Tigers for the first round of the tournament. That game had not yet taken place at the time of the writing of this article but will have by the release of this article. I suspect that the Cardinals will control that game just as they did both regular season meetings with the Tigers. If that opening game goes as most people suspect it will, the Cardinals will then have to hit the road to face a tough West Side team on Thursday night. The two regular season games between these two teams were interesting in the fact that each one their road game. Thursday’s game will most likely come down to which team can get hot from outside as each team has some very good potential three point shooters. In addition to the outside shooting both teams have some very physical post players so rebounding will play a huge role as well.

Check next week’s article to see where the Cardinals will be playing next and how their chances of making the state tournament look.

Cowboys Miss Out On District Tournament

BY JODY REEVES

The 1A Rocky Mountain Conference has eleven total teams in it. With so many teams in the conference they have made the decision to have the six bottom teams participate in playin games to just qualify for the district tournament. This has been the protocol for several years. Teams that don’t find themselves in the top five at the end of the season have to face the possibility of going one and done in the play-in games. This is the position that the North Gem boys basketball team found themselves in last week. After a long season that saw the Cowboys struggle to pick up wins North Gem finished as the tenth seeded team. This matched them up with the seventh seeded Vikings from Challis. With the high seed playing host the Cowboys had to make the long trip to Custer County where they would need to secure a win to extend their season. In their lone regular season match-up, which was also in Challis, the Vikings blew out the Cowboys. North Gem knew they faced an uphill battle in this game but they came ready to face the challenge head on. The Vikings held the advantage in height over the Cowboys but that did not slow down the no fear attitude of

the Cowboys team leader Craig Yost. Yost repeatedly attacked the heart of the Vikings defense, putting in layups and earning trips to the foul line. By the end of the first quarter the Cowboys were hanging tough with the Vikings but did trail by five. Yost deserved much of the credit as he scored

nine of the team’s eleven points in the opening period. In the second quarter of action the Vikings would create a little more space and really try to limit Yost’s impact on the game. That is when the Cowboy’s Wakely stepped in and began to contribute. Wakely added seven points of his own in the

Cardinals and Grizzlies Wrestle In Ririe

BY JODY REEVES

Last Thursday the Cardinals and Grizzlies traveled to Ririe high school to face a pair of sixth district teams for some duals. It is becoming more and more common for these duals to feature several forfeit matches due to lack of numbers to fill each weight class. For that reason I will throw in a small plug here and say that if you have ever wanted your child to take part in a high school sport but are worried that there may not be a spot for them let me assure you there are plenty of spots available on every wrestling team in the county. It is an incredible sport that can build a ton of character and confidence. Also not to diminish any of the other sports coaches, our local wrestling coaches are some of the best around. Ok I’ll get off of my soapbox now. As I was saying there were plenty of forfeits in last week’s matches but in matches where there was competition the Cardinals especially did well. Both Caribou County teams faced off with Ririe and North Fremont. Soda Springs was able to get the better of the Huskies winning a close dual 25 to 21. When the Cardinals faced off against the Bulldogs numbers definitely became a factor as Soda Springs was forced to forfeit more matches than Ririe did. In that dual the Cardinals fell short by the score of 28 to 45.

Here is a rundown of how each participating Cardinal did in the duals. JT Cutler won both of his dual matches by forfeit but did wrestle an exhibition match which he also won this time by fall. Kellen Garbett was the only Cardinal to lose both of his matches however he went the distance in both matches losing each by decision. Jace Garbett did well winning his match over North Fremont by decision and his match over Ririe by fall. Troy Krupp and Elijah Dilworth each dominated their opponents, each picking up a pair of wins by technical fall. Carson Cook split in the duals. Cook beat his North Fremont opponent by fall then lost to Ririe by fall in the second round. Finally Ryker Hemmertt and Simon Krupp each wrestled one exhibition match and unfortunately each lost their one match. The Grizzlies did not fare as well in the two duals and were missing several wrestlers for this event. The Grizzlies had to forfeit several matches to the larger teams. Grace lost both duals going down 42 to 18 to North Fremont and 60 to 12 to Ririe. Jayden Lunt picked up two wins one by forfeit and one by injury time. Gabe Weigman, Tate Stoddard, and Jackson Juncker all lost both of their matches. All three wrestlers are new to wrestling and will improve as they move forward in their careers. Mark Hulse won his match against North Fremont by forfeit and

second and at the halftime break the Cowboys now trailed by eight. The game was not out of reach yet and as the second half began North Gem looked primed to make a run. In the first half of the third quarter the Cowboys outscored the Vikings five to three and had the lead down to just six. That is when the wheels fell off for the Cowboys. The Vikings finished the third quarter on an eighteen to zero run and never looked back. In the fourth quarter the Cowboys could not get the offense going again. Yost eventually fouled out of the game and the Vikings pulled away winning by a large margin.

North Gem’s season may have come to a premature end but the Cowboys will do what cowboys always do. They will pick themselves up, dust themselves off and ride again next season. They will be without some great senior leaders that are set to graduate but will return a solid group of players ready to prove themselves and leave their mark on North Gem High School.

Cowboys 11 13 5 1 30 Vikings 16 16 21 17 70 C. Yost 17, W. Wakely

lost to Ririe by fall. Hulse also wrestled an exhibition match against Ririe which he also lost by fall. Like his three teammates above he is young and will improve with time. Mack Jorgensen ended up wrestling in four matches on the night. Jorgensen’s two matches that counted towards team points were successful, winning one by forfeit and one by fall. Jorgensen then wrestled two exhibition matches that he split, winning one by fall and losing one by fall.

This week is districts for all three of our local teams. This year’s boys districts will take place on Thursday in Grace. Wrestling starts at 10 a.m. and there should be a number of local wrestlers that should qualify for state. The top two to watch are of course Soda Springs Dilworth and Grace’s

Kimball but there are plenty of others to keep an eye on. Jorgensen from Grace, Krupp from Soda Springs, and Frandsen from North Gem all should fare well along with several others. Girls districts are also taking place this week and will be a two day tournament that will take place Friday and Saturday at Preston. There is some fierce competition in the district and it is much harder to qualify for state. That being said, keep an eye on Dodge from Soda Springs as well as Eddins, and Cloud from Grace. They are a very fun trio of girls to watch as are all the others that will be representing the Cardinals and Grizzlies. There is plenty of wrestling action to see this week and all of it is fairly local so get out and support these young athletes and cheer them on to state.

Season Ends at District Championship Game For Lady Grizz

BY JODY REEVES

Last Thursday the Lady Grizzlies faced a familiar opponent in what ended up being the district championship game. For the fourth time this season the girls from Grace had to square off with their district rivals the Lady Pirates from Butte County. The teams had split the regular season matchups by the slimmest of margins. Then when the two faced each other in the second round of the district tournament the Lady Pirates blew out the Lady Grizzlies in what was perhaps the poorest performance of the season by Grace. After dispatching the Lady Pumas the Lady Grizzlies had once again earned the right to play Butte County. It was a must win situation for Grace. The double game elimination bracket that was set up meant that not only would the Lady Grizzlies need to win the most recent face off with the Lady Pirates but that they would have to turn right around and do it again to

qualify for state. That’s a tall order for most teams and unfortunately for the Lady Grizzlies and their fans the “if-necessary” game would not have to be played. On Thursday night the Lady Grizzlies looked like they may suffer another inexplicable blow out loss as the game got underway. The Lady Pirates quickly jumped out to a ten to one lead. After a timeout called by Coach Christensen the Lady Grizzlies settled down a little and started to claw their way back into the game. By the end of the first quarter Butte County still held a solid lead but the Lady Grizzlies were making some moves. The first quarter ended with Grace trailing by seven. Just a few minutes into the second quarter the Lady Grizzlies had fought their way back into the game, boosted in part by the play of junior Amanda Cooper who hit two quick buckets down low. Near the midway part of the quarter the Lady Grizzlies seized a brief one point lead off of an eigh-

teen footer by Kallie Stoddard. After the eight point run by the Lady Grizzlies the Lady Pirates responded with a six point run of their own. As the two teams headed to the locker room they were separated by just two points with the Lady Grizzlies trailing.

The Lady Pirates were able to get the first points of the second half and built their two point lead to six. The rest of the quarter the teams would battle back and forth with the lead hovering right around four to six points for much of the period. In the closing minute of the quarter the Lady Grizzlies finally got over the four point hump and cut the lead to just two points once again. The game remained close through the final quarter as well with the difference being just one or two possessions for much of the period. Unfortunately the Lady Grizzlies were never able to push past the Lady Pirates. Too many costly turnovers by Grace as well as giving up too many

offensive rebounds to the Lady Pirates doomed the Lady Grizzlies in this game. Some late game strategic fouling allowed the Lady Pirates to pull away a little to make this game appear as though it was not as close as it was. In the end the Lady Grizzlies would lose by seven. The loss meant that a solid group of senior girls had played their last game. The Lady Grizzlies will lose some solid players to graduation but will retain plenty of girls with varsity experience for next year’s team. Included in those girls coming back are two starters Cally Yost and Presliegh Steadman. It is never fun to have your season end before the state tournament but this year’s Lady Grizzlies had a terrific run that they should be proud of.

Grizzlies Find Success On Senior Night

BY JODY REEVES

The Grace Grizzlies boys basketball team hosted the Butte County Pirates for their senior night last Friday. Prior to tipoff the Grizzlies celebrated their four senior players by having their parents escort them onto the court to the applause of their loyal fans. Then during the halftime break the ten senior pep band members as well as the lone senior cheerleader got their turn in the spotlight as they got the same treatment with their parents escorting them onto the court.

The game itself was the last game of the regular season and it was a big one for the Grizzlies. Their opponent Butte County was not only

a huge rival of the Grizzlies but the Pirates had won the previous match-up. That meant that if the Pirates won on Friday they would get the number one seed in the upcoming district tournament. This also meant that not only would the Grizzlies need to win to earn the number one seed but they would have to win by more than seven points which was how far they had lost to the Pirates three weeks earlier.

It took a few minutes of game time but the Grizzlies got things rolling early on. Senior Chase Smith got six of his points in the first quarter and helped boost the Grizzlies to an eight point lead at the end of the first. The second quarter saw the biggest outpouring of points by each team. The Pirates attempted a run to get back into the game but the Grizzlies were able to fend off the attack and outscore the Pirates by five. Bodee Smith hit his first three of the game in that same quarter that added to the lead that stretched to thirteen at the halftime break. Though they already held a comfortable lead the Grizzlies did their best to slam the door shut on the Pirates in the third. The Grizzlies spread the scoring around and matched their second quarter output. Seven different Grizzlies scored in the third and the lead grew to over twenty points. In the fourth quarter the Grizzlies continued to pull away. Bodee Smith led the way with hitting three three-point shots in the fourth. The Grizzlies easily cruised to the win on senior night and secured the number one seed in the district tournament. By securing the number one seed the Grizzlies will get a bye in the first round and will await the winner between Butte County and Alturas Prep. Based on everything

we’ve seen this season Butte County should win that game easily. That will put the Grizzlies and Pirates facing off again. That game will have already taken place by the release of this edition but after the writing of this article. Though the Grizzlies got the big win on senior night they should be expecting a completely different team in the district tournament. Last Friday the Pirates were without a pair of 6’ 5” post players that are expected to play in the tournament. I suspect some very competitive games as it is likely that the Grizzlies and Pirates will meet no less than twice in the tournament and could be three

times. All of the tournament games will be on a neutral court in Aberdeen. The Grizzlies first game will have taken place on Tuesday with their next game scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday next week. Check out next week’s article to see how the Grizzlies are doing in tournament play and how their chances of a state berth look.