Caribou County | February 5, 2026

Enterprise The Idaho

Time Well Spent—Raising kids in the digital age

On Monday, Bonnie Speas and Cohlee Winward—Community Coordinators for the Soda Springs School District— hosted a Parent Night as part of its “Time Well Spent” series. The event was designed as an informational session to provide parents with resources and material to help them navigate the ever-changing world of an “always-on” internet and social media culture.

Speas and Winward plan to make the Parent Night event a recurring one. As a kickoff for the series, Monday’s presentation at the Idan-ha Theatre had a good turnout and gave the audience a chance to hear from professionals on one topic that all parents dread—social media and the effects it can have on their children.

As a result of the accommodations at the Idan-ha theatre, the evening began with a screening of the opening segment of the documentary “Childhood 2.0”. The film explores different experiences and attitudes about social media and the internet from modern kids, as well as their parents. The film looks to explore the gap between how parents think their children interact with the internet, and the reality of that interaction from the kids’ perspective. Beyond the laugh lines about dial-up internet and playing outside “until the streetlights came on,” the film makes the clear point that a modern child does not have an experience with peers and the world around them that a parent can adequately understand. The point is to try.

Detective Korey Payne from Bonneville County has considerable experience with the often harmful and even criminal actions that children can be exposed to, even in the county’s smallest communities. He spoke with the parents about the many issues that he encounters in his capacity as a detective with the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) task force. As part of his work, Payne works on “cybertips” received by Idaho children and parents about situations that need law enforcement intervention. In addition to detection and apprehension, he also participates in operations where he and other officers pose as a child in order to identify groomers and others with pernicious motives in order to monitor and arrest them.

Payne, who is a father himself, discussed some of the ruses he has seen perpetrators use to entice children into parasocial relationships that can sometimes turn much worse. It’s

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 welcomed to call 208547-3771 for information or to order take-outs the day of the event. Organizers want to spread the word that 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,

a well-known adage that you never know who you’re really interacting with online, but Payne has the firsthand experience to back up just how dangerous that can be. He outlined some of what he identified as the worst of the social media platforms for potential exploitation, which included the most well known (such as Snapchat and TikTok), as well as many that parents may have less familiarity with, like Discord. As Payne pointed out, new platform proliferate when old ones become heavily monitored, and the best tool is vigilance and parental involvement.

Some platforms, for instance, are able to disguise problems with their unregulated or untracked user base by presenting themselves as anodyne children’s games. Roblox, what Payne calls “the absolute worst place for your children to be online,” is one site that he singled out specifically for being very unwilling to assist law enforcement in preventing predators from accessing young players. “They do nothing to help law enforcement,” he said. Payne told a story about arresting “a 70 year old guy online talking to kids recent-

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set for Feb 24

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 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.

The luncheon is always a wonderful non-denominational time to gather with friends and enjoy a bit of warmth as the winter slowly makes its exit from the valley. Recent reports from the Groundhog in Pennsylvania predict six more weeks of winter, but at this point who can even say what that means?

Partial Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah Border Crossing

On February 2, 2026, Israel partially reopened the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt for the first time in nearly two years, allowing limited pedestrian movement under strict conditions as part of the ceasefire arrangements following the prolonged Israel-Hamas war. The crossing had been closed since mid-2024. During the pilot phase, up to roughly 150 people per day were expected to leave Gaza and 50 to return, with strict Israeli security screening and lists prepared in advance by Egyptian authorities and EU monitors coordinating the process. However, humanitarian aid trucks remain barred from entering through Rafah, a key concern for relief agencies given the ongoing food, medical and fuel shortages in the enclave after years of conflict and blockade. The limited reopening has drawn cautious international response — some governments and organizations welcomed the step as a humanitarian corridor, while others criticized the restrictions and warned that continued blocking of commercial aid undermines the ceasefire and exile options for civilians.

Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing

As of the evening of Monday, February 2, 2026, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, is reported missing and the case remains active. Nancy, who lives in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, was last seen on the evening of Saturday, January 31. Family members became concerned when she could not be reached and failed to attend church the following morning, prompting a missing-person report on Sunday, February 1. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation and has classified her as a vulnerable adult due to physical health issues and limited mobility, though authorities have said she is mentally alert. Investigators have emphasized that she requires daily medication, increasing concern for her safety. Law enforcement has treated her home as a potential crime scene after finding evidence suggesting she may not have left voluntarily, and homicide detectives have been brought in alongside searchand-rescue teams using dogs, drones, and ground searches. As of Monday evening, Nancy Guthrie had not been located. Savannah Guthrie was absent from the Today show and released a brief statement thanking the public for support and asking anyone with information to contact authorities, underscoring that the family’s focus is on Nancy’s safe return.

NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission Delay Due to Weather

In space exploration news, NASA’s Artemis II crewed mission to orbit the Moon, the first such flight with astronauts since the Apollo era, has experienced schedule delays due to unusually cold weather at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida that disrupted critical pre-launch testing (“wet dress rehearsal”). The launch, originally targeted for early February, is now expected no earlier than Sunday, February 8, pending completion of tests and favorable weather conditions. The mission will carry four astronauts — including historically significant milestones such as the first woman and first person of color to travel that far beyond Earth orbit — on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back.

Neon Nights at Thirkill

Thirkill Elementary hosted what the PTO referred to a “Family Dance” night for students, their parents, and families.

PTO President Amanda Larsen was joined by members of the PTO, Thirkill administration and staff, and many parents for an active night of safe and family-friendly fun. The dance is a tradition in town, and evolved from the original “Daddy-Daughter” style dance to one that allows for everyone in a family to participate.

“DJ FI” (Fiona Benson) ran the sound system throughout the night, playing a mix of songs for kids and adults alike as the two groups danced in the blacklit neon gymnasium. Benson is professionally trained as a dancer, and used that skill and knowledge to lead the dancers through various games and activities throughout the night.

Glowsticks were handed out to the dancers, and the gym was decorated in full day-glo glory.

Photographer Shena Smith was present with her photo booth, which was a major draw for kids and parents looking to keep a permanent record of the event. Her booth is available for bookings, and she can be reached through True Expression Photography contact information

on her professional pages.

“The point is connection, getting families into the school and having positive experiences here,” PTO president Amanda Larsen said. “We’re doing it for fun—we’re getting to use Shena’s photo booth this year, which is super fun and cool. And Fiona is part of a dance company, and we’re super lucky. We’ve got legit people!”

In addition to the those already mentioned, Larsen thanked Beth Cheirrett, “who did all the decorations, and she did such a good job with the look of everything.”

Also thanked was Degerstrom. “Degerstrom is a big reason we can do this tonight—they gave us a generous donation that will allow us to do fun things for many years to come, we hope. We’re trying to be wise how to make the biggest impact with our resources, so we decided for now to make this event more special because it’s one we already one that we love so much and feel like is successful at the mission of bringing the community together.” More information on the Degerstrom donation is set to be released in upcoming weeks. Larsen also thanked Shannon Steele and Thirkill staff who helped make the event a success.

Benson--”DJ Fi”--handled the music duties for the night.

with a lot more to come this year.

PET CORNER

• Loose or broken teeth

A Dog’s Honest Confession: My Mouth Is... Kind of Gross

Hi. It’s me. Your dog. You know, your best friend. Your loyal companion. The one who kisses your face every morning.

Before you let me lick your nose again, I should probably confess something.

My mouth is disgusting. Now don’t look so shocked—this is a judgment-free zone, right? Let me explain.

On a typical day, I might:

• Greet my friends by sniffing and licking their butts (it’s polite in dog culture)

• Snack on something mysterious I found in the yard (could’ve been a leaf... could’ve been a dead animal)

• Hoover up table scraps that fell on the floor three days ago

• Sneak a taste of whatever treasure I discovered in the trash can And then—without hesitation—I come straight over and give you a big, slobbery kiss.

You’re welcome.

Why My Teeth Need Help (Even If I Act Innocent)

Here’s the thing: all those adventures are tough on my teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar build up in my mouth, leading to:

• Bad breath (you’ve noticed, haven’t you?)

• Painful gums

• Tooth infections

• And even serious health issues affecting my heart, liver, and kidneys I can’t brush my own teeth (no thumbs), and I’m really good at hiding pain—so dental disease can sneak up on both of us.

How Professional Dental Cleanings Help Me Stay Healthy

Regular professional dental cleanings help:

• Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

• Prevent painful dental disease

• Catch problems early before they become serious

• Keep my breath fresher (for both of us)

• Help me eat, play, and live more comfortably Sure, I might give you sad eyes when we go to see Dr. Grace and Dr. Allen at Soda Springs Animal Clinic—but trust me, I feel so much better afterward.

From Your Gross-Mouthed Best Friend

I promise I’ll still lick questionable things.

I promise I’ll still try to eat snacks I shouldn’t.

I promise I’ll still love you unconditionally.

All I ask is that you help take care of my teeth—because a healthy mouth means a healthier, happier dog... even if I do eat trash sometimes. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I smell something interesting outside.

Love, Your Dog

Office Manager for Your Local Newspaper!

The Idaho Enterprise is looking for a friendly, organized person to run our office. You will be the face and voice of our paper here in Caribou County!

You’ll be:

Talking to Our Community: Be the main point of contact for local businesses who advertise with us; and communicate to those not advertising with us!

• Handling the Subscriptions: Maintaining current & new subscriptions.

Running the Office: Mail, files, invoices, deposits, paper runs, etc.

• Computer Skills: GSuite, docs and spreadsheets

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

The Idaho

Legislative Updates - Week Three

Senator Mark Harris, LD35

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Future Farmers of America (FFA) were in Boise at the beginning of this week. It is always exciting to see these great kids and spend time with them. I had the privilege of showing Mrs. Cassidy Dutton and five FFA students from Teton High School around the Capitol and sharing with them what we do here. They are great kids and our future is bright because of them.

County officials were also in Boise for meetings, and I had the opportunity to hear from various county commissioners, sheriffs, clerks and prosecutors from our area. It is a tight budget year on the state level and unfortunately, our local governments suffer as well, making it harder to provide services at the local level. We appreciate our county leaders and all they do to ensure that the issues they deal with will make life better for all of us.

The Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee (JFAC) continues to wrestle with the budget shortfall assuring Idaho can have a balanced budget. The Legislature must consider legislation to conform with federal tax code. We refer to this as the conformity bill. The current issue with this bill is what provisions we will agree on and how they will affect our

state revenues. One of the provisions of the bill is a retroactive provision that provides tax relief for 2025. The Governor does not want to agree to that provision while the legislature is leaning more to support providing tax relief for fiscal year 25. The unknown is what the cost to the state will be. Once we get this conformity bill issue figured out, it will be easier for JFAC to start setting budgets. I am hopeful this issue will be resolved by next week.

Another issue that we are dealing with is coming from the Utah Legislature. The Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives has a plan to tax the oil refineries in Salt Lake and use the revenue to reduce the tax Utahns’ pay for gas. The problem is, this plan will raise the gas tax for drivers in Idaho and Nevada, possibly up to .28 -.30 cents per gallon. This would be catastrophic for Idaho residents, truck drivers, farmers and other businesses. The attorneys we talked with all agree this is a violation of the Interstate Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and that it goes against President Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order. The Idaho Governor, legislative leaders and others have been meeting to find options and ideas to deal with this issue and persuade the Utah Legislature to abandon this idea. The state of Washington tried a similar stunt a few years ago which we were successful in stopping. Hopefully we can do the same with this threat.

Idaho’s Liberty Bell sent off for America250 repair

Last week, the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors, legislators, and members of the public joined Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon and Speaker Mike Moyle on the steps of the Capitol to say farewell to the Idaho Liberty Bell.

The bell was removed on this day and prepared for shipping back to the foundry. The essential repair will allow the bell to continue to ring strong — becoming a centerpiece for Idaho’s America250 in Idaho celebrations and ceremonies. When the Bell arrives back in Idaho it will be taken on a tour of the state before it is installed back on the steps of the Capitol Building.

Restoring Idaho’s Liberty Bell renews one of the state’s most recognizable symbols of freedom and unity. It invites civic participation and connects modern Idahoans to the enduring sound of liberty first heard in 1776.

History of the Bell

In 1950, the Paccard Foundry of France was selected by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to cast 55 full-size Liberty Bell replicas for placement at state capitols and U.S. territories as part of a national Summer Savings Bond Drive. Foundry craftsmen carefully measured every feature of the original Liberty Bell to create historically accurate replicas. Today, Paccard’s U.S. operation, Foundry Christoph in Charleston, South Carolina, continues to apply more than two centuries of expertise to the maintenance and restoration of these iconic bells, including the use of specialty trees grown in foundry nurseries to replicate the durability of the original American spruce used in the 1950s.

Idaho’s Liberty Bell replica has undergone two previous replacements of the wooden housing that supports the bell’s yoke, in 2009 and 2018. This project, overseen by the Idaho Historical Society and the Idaho Capitol Commission, includes rigging and lowering the bell from its existing structure, secure crating and shipment to the foundry, and fabrication of a new custom-fitted wooden yoke made of sapele wood with a burnt linseed oil application for long-term weather protection. The upgraded yoke will include a steel top plate to enhance structural strength and protect against water intrusion, reinforced steel plates

Rep. Josh Wheeler

As we move through the third week of the legislative session, we’re starting to see real momentum. Bills are beginning to move through committee hearings, discussions are getting more substantive, and the work is shifting from broad priorities to practical solutions.

I’m continuing to adapt to my new role as Vice Chair of the Business Committee, where we’re spending a great deal of time on issues that directly affect Idaho’s economy and workforce. Many of the bills before us deal with licensure updates, insurance matters, and efforts to streamline permitting and inspection processes. The goal is simple: reduce unnecessary friction while still protecting public safety and consumer confidence.

A significant portion of this week has continued to involve budget conversations, particularly around Health & Welfare funding. I’ve been encouraged by the thoughtful feedback we’ve received from constituents and from program administrators. That input has been invaluable in helping us tune more responsible and realistic solutions to the budgeting questions in front of us. It has also made clear that this year is a time to make use of

our budget stabilization funds to get us through this temporary budget crunch.

One of the highlights of the week was seeing so many county and city officials at the Capitol. It’s always helpful to stay closely connected with the people doing the day-today work in our communities. I was especially grateful to be present for the celebration of Idaho becoming the first JustServe state in the nation, thanks to the efforts of people like Ben Fuhriman, Brandon Mitchell, and many dedicated volunteers across the state. It was a powerful reminder of how service-oriented Idaho truly is.

It was also encouraging to see new mayors from Idaho Falls and Ammon working collaboratively. That spirit of cooperation at the local level is exactly what helps communities thrive, and it’s good to see those relationships starting strong. Looking ahead, I’m preparing to introduce several bills next week dealing with prior authorizations, foster child safety, and cardiac arrest emergency plans. I’m looking forward to sharing more details as those proposals come forward. As always, I appreciate the feedback and engagement from constituents—it genuinely helps shape the work we’re doing here.

Sincerely, Josh Wheeler

Idaho State Representative, District 35B

Representative Mike Veile

beneath the yoke, cleaning and treatment of existing bolts and hardware with replacement as needed, new steel anchoring brackets, and final reinstallation of the bell on site. Paccard–Christoph will also provide care and maintenance guidelines to ensure long-term preservation.

The estimated timeline for completion is four to six months. This project supports Idaho’s participation in the national America250 commemoration in 2026 and ensures this iconic symbol remains preserved for future generations.

Key Events - February 1776

Feb 16: Council of War in Cambridge: General Washington met with officers to discuss the army’s strength (approx. 8,797 men fit for duty) and the limited, critical supply of gunpowder, preparing for actions against the British in Boston.

Feb 17-29: Siege of Boston: Henry Knox continued moving captured cannon from Fort Ticonderoga (the “Noble Train of Artillery”) into position, allowing Washington to prepare for the fortification of Dorchester Heights.

Feb 27: Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge (North Carolina): Patriot militia decisively defeated a force of roughly 800-1,000 Scottish Highland Loyalists. This victory, often called the “Lexington and Concord of the South,” effectively ended British royal authority in North Carolina and thwarted a planned British invasion of the Southern colonies.

Feb 27: Privateering Authorization: Congress approved further regulations for privateers to disrupt British shipping.

Colonial Political Shifts: Throughout the month, colonial governments in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia pushed for stronger, independent actions, moving away from reconciliation with Britain.

Idaho’s Liberty Bell will be reconditioned and readied for use across the state during the 2026 250th year celebration.

Monday of this week started with the state FFA (Future Farmers Of America) Cenarrusa FFA Day on the Hill/Legislative Luncheon. We were able to meet with a number of FFA students from Teton Valley High School as well as some from Bonneville districts 91 and 93. These students show great promise and leadership and exemplify the future.

The Idaho Association of Counties held their convention in Boise this week. We had events with Teton, Bonneville, Bannock and Caribou county officials. The counties are concerned with the budget challenges this year as funding pulled from Idaho Department of Transportation directly reduces county road funding. This has significant impacts to the county road budgets as these values range between $1m and $3.5m per county. State budget balancing must be done with full awareness of the impacts to local budget impacts. Taxes are taxes and paying less to one entity while paying more to another is not a tax cut.

Rep Wheeler and Senator Harris and myself have been concerned with the Teton Valley Hospital cash flow situation. The hospital is down 46% from last year in billable services. Additionally, payments from various insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid are lagging resulting in a cash flow issue. The hospital was forced to initiate layoffs a week ago today. We have each spoken with insurance companies asking their flexibility and urgency

in facilitating payments. We are also discussing other potential longer term remedies such as initiating an emergency fund for rural hospitals. We will continue to follow this.

The association of Idaho Cities was also in Boise this week and we met with City officials from Tetonia, Driggs, Soda Springs and Ammon. There is a potential issue arising dealing with short-term rentals and City ordinances. While it has not been published yet, there may be legislation limiting Cities ability to restrict short term rentals. As this proposed legislation emerges my hope is that the entities can sit down and work to a compromise versus having legislation be applied.

There remains uncertainty on the final budget impacts to various state budgets such as Medicaid and some education funding, particularly online education. Again, a driver of the budget balancing conundrum is the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the subsequent state tax cuts from conforming to the federal tax cuts. The bottom line is how to balance the budget without eliminating critical services that simply direct costs to the counties, for example. This remains dynamic and is not settled yet.

Lastly, a simple bill I am running through the Transportation and Defense committee is to eliminate the need to replace your license plate every 10 years. This would allow you to keep your license plate as long as it is readable.

Please let me know if you have any concerns or input into legislation that is pending. I specifically look for District 35 residents when I review my emails so please let me know where you’re from when communicating.

New Barber at Haircuts, Etc.

Jenna Liechty is new to the Haircuts, Etc. location, but she isn’t new to the area. Jenna, who grew up in Caribou County, is excited to provide an old-fashioned barbershop experience to her clientele.

“I was born in Soda Springs,” she explains, “and a lot of my family is here.”

And it isn’t just family, but friends, too. Jenna was already familiar with Jeri Selos of Haircuts, Etc., for instance. “I knew Jeri growing up as a kid. My brother was best friends with her son, so I was around her as a kid quite a bit. It was really cool to reconnect in that way.”

After she initially left Soda Springs, Liechty studied at the Paul Mitchell School in Rexburg, where she learned her craft and earned her barber’s license.

“It’s a good school for it,” she says. “You learn all the basics, and then you take a board exam and the state approves you through the health department. I did my time,” she laughs. “It was scary, and it was hard. But I was passionate about it, and here I am!” She was mentored for around three years at “Fadeaway J’s Barbershop” in the former site of the Pine Ridge Mall in Chubbuck. “He was my first real mentor, and gave me the confidence to move down to Salt Lake and continue learning.”

In Salt Lake, Jenna practiced her craft at “Another Level Barbershop.” The pace and size of the city gave her exposure to a lot of different techniques and approaches to the profession, as well as a lot of heads to gain experience on. “I grew exponentially there. I learned a lot of things I was looking forward to learning. And now I’m down here to share the love.”

When she returned to town, way led on to way and her connection with Jeri eventually led to her recently joining Haircuts, Etc. as a barber. “I just missed home, needed to slow down. And here I am, welcomed into Jeri’s shop and excited to share the talents that I’ve learned in other places and I’m bringing back here.” Having settled back in, she reports that “It’s great to be back home. It’s crazy, but it feels good. It’s been good to see friends and family again,” she says.

Liechty provides a number of services that might be considered “classic” barber style. Straight razors, hot towels, and all those elements of the classic old-fashioned barbershop are things that she is thrilled to provide to the community. Come in and enjoy a full barber experience!

Walkins are welcome Monday through Friday, with appointments available on Saturday.

If you are looking for a barber, or want to give the barber shop experience a try, Liechty is committed to “bringing something new and exciting to Soda—an interesting, classic barber experience that hopefully people will really enjoy and take to!”

Haircuts, Etc. is located on Main Street in downtown Soda Springs, across from the courthouse and library. At present, she is offering a $10 Senior Haircut deal on Tuesdays, which is a steal of a deal, and one in line with her commitment to an old-fashioned and dependable approach to the barber shop.

Jenna, along with the rest of the experts at Haircuts, Etc. will always be glad to see you, and provide excellent, experienced service for your haircare needs.

Starting February 2, Jenna will provide a range of barber services, including: Haircuts

• Fades and Tapers

• Straight edge shaves

• Nose and ear waxing

• Scalp Massage

Misty, Cooper, and Jeri would like to welcome JENNA LIECHTY to Haircuts. Etc as our new Licensed Barber.

• Dermaplaning for women Tuesdays, stop in for a $10 Senior cut!

Walkins are welcome Monday through Friday, and by appointment on Saturdays Haircuts, Etc: 208-547-2424 Jenna: 208-540-2891 176 A Main St, Soda Springs, Id. 83276

Library Events on the horizon

The library is generally busy all year round in Soda Springs, but the spring and summer are particularly busy times for patrons and staff. One of the most anticipated events of the year for the underage set in fast approaching—the Stuffed Animal Sleepover! at Camp Read-a-lot.

Drop off of animals for the sleepover is scheduled for February 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the library. The following day, a breakfast and storytime session will be held at 9:30 a.m. and also at 11:00 a.m. to make sure everyone who wants to is able to attend the party and find out just exactly what their stuffed animals got up to over the night. The event is sponsored by Gurdian Realty and Soda Smiles.

Just in time for the sleepover, Becky Petersen and Cindy Erickson completed a charming new bathroom scene featuring animals one might

expect at Camp Read a Lot. Petersen had started the project just before things got hectic, and called in Erickson to help put on the finishing touches. The bathroom just off the children’s reading room is a now a whole lot busier!

By happy coincidence, the hosts of Bilingual Spanish Story Time will be on maternity leave starting soon, so the final session for now will take place the Mondays remaining in February at 11L30 a.m. Moos-ic and Movement is still being held from through May every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., and Amoosing Story Time is every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon until May 8. An exciting announcement about Summer Reading will be coming soon, but for now, make sure to get your kids’ stuffed animals packed up for Feb 26.

HEALTHY TIP FOR KIDS Mental Exercise/Reading

Cowboy Ted here with the healthy tip for kids. Today’s topic is Mental Strength and Brain Power through Reading.

We need to strengthen our brain - just like we strengthen our muscles? If you plan to go to college – reading now will help you prepare for college and a career

Reading is a great way to strengthen your brain.

Reading for 30 to 60 minutes a day will give us a mental health workout that is similar to the workout that 60 minutes of physical exercise provides for our body.

Reading will help you increase vocabulary, knowledge and memory and helps us practice the proper use of grammar and punctuation.

Healthy Kids are up to you. Make it a priority to get mental exercise by reading for at least 30 minutes every day. Check out our on-line books featuring Billy the Bull along with my top-25 list of my favorite books in our Reading Rodeo section

For more healthy tips for kids visit my web site at cowboyted.com

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

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

50 Books in 2026 Renewal

The Soda Springs Library is hosting a 2026 reading challenge. The challenge is to read 50 books this year (or 25 for younger readers), and have them signed off by library staff members. There are prizes along the way for reading, and a grand prize of a library hoodie with the completion of 50 books. There is a list of category prompts and signup information available at the library. As often as possible, I will try to post my results from the week. If you would like to submit a book review for your part of the challenge, you can either email it to brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com.

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” Douglas Adams

Full disclosure—this is one of my favorite books, and I’m using my “A book you’ve already read” prompt. Partly, that’s just due to timing and the fact that due to the fifty book schedule I’m prioritizing books under 120,000 words or so.

But mostly it’s because the world, which can often be an unpleasant place, seems to be in overdrive lately in that way. It’s true that there are always negative elements to the world around us no matter when you find yourself. But it’s just as true that during some times the pace and intensity of that negativity are more noticeable. And the last month has been a real doozy, so to speak.

At times like that, a beloved book can go a long way toward providing comfort. There’s something about encountering a familiar narrative again and having it be just what you expected. I find it soothing, and “Hitchhiker’s Guide” is a soothing kind of book for me. Of course, it’s more complicated than that. One way it’s more complicated is that the Hitchhiker’s Guide phenomenon isn’t really first or foremost a book, and the book itself might be one of the lesser components

of whatever the whole thing is.

Douglas Adams originally scripted the story of humans Arthur Dent, Tricia McMillan (Trillian), aliens Ford Prefect and Zaphod Beeblebrox, and paranoid android Marvin (among many others) as a six part radio drama for the BBC in 1978. The radio series was produced at the sort of fading edge of BBC audio production majesty, when the medium had perfected what it was capable of in terms of resources and execution, but had ceded a good part of its entertainment audience to television.

It’s no surprise then that a 1981 TV series was made from a version of the same source material, although with major changes and a number of plotlines and characters thrown out, added, or otherwise scrambled. It’s a ton of fun, and more faithful to the anarchic spirit of the radio play than the 2004 film starring Martin Freeman and Zooey Deschanel (which is still good, in any case).

Between those things came the novelization. Because the written word provides for a certain luxury of digression, it is the least focused and most chatty of the versions. Arthur Dent’s house is scheduled to be demolished by a Vogon construction fleet to make way for an interstellar bypass. The plans had been publicly available for examination in a nearby solar system, and it’s humanity’s fault that they never bothered to check. Before the planet is removed from existence, Arthur manages to hitchhike on a passing ship courtesy of his friend Ford Prefect, who turns out to have been an alien freelance writer for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the most famous publication from the great publishing houses of etc etc.

The novel is episodic in the manner of a picaresque, which is a novel of loosely connected vignettes, a la Don Quixote or the Adventures of Huckle-

BRAIN TEASERS

berry Finn. Throughout it all, Arthur learns a lot about how the universe works, and even more about how it doesn’t. Goofball characters fill every chapter, and dry humor is the order of the day.

On top of the surface level smart-aleckry, the book actually poses a number of captivating metaphysical questions, and offers a surprising amount of legitimate emotional depth. As the series (“a trilogy in five parts”) progressed, the real emotional complexity of Arthur’s relationships became a heavier focus, with “Mostly Harmless” being a bit of a downer to end on.

The first salvo, though, is an unmitigated treat. It has rightly earned its place as one of the most accessible books about probability formulae and simulation theory—to say nothing of towels—ever written. If you have never read it, it’s a quick read, and well worth the time. Because the British 70s (Adams himself worked for the BBC, was a writer for Doctor Who, and was involved with Monty Python) influenced so many comics in the UK, US, and all across the western world, there is a lot of pop culture currency that you may not know derives from this book. If you’ve wondered about anyone using the number 42 with a knowing grin, the book is the reason.

Although I read this because I needed something I already knew to take in while working on other things, I found that I just gave myself over to fully engaging with the book. It’s not a literary masterpiece in the conventional sense. There are some dropped threads, clumsy sections, inscrutable sentences, and pointless excursions that go nowhere. But as the book is about wandering about in confusion, the execution fits the theme perfectly, and in many ways it’s better for its sloppiness. It’s also a nice break from the chaos of our everyday lives, which is usually nowhere near as entertaining!

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 CARIBOU COUNTY

February 6 – Friday

BBB vs Malad

Cheer @ American Falls Districts

February 7 – Saturday

GBB Districts

February 8 – Sunday

Presbyterian Services

Caribou Bible Church Services

Catholic Mass (8:30am)

Open Arms Church Services

LDS Services

Hope Lutheran Church

February 9 – Monday

GBB Districts

HS Kindness Week

February 10 – Tuesday

Planning & Zoning

BBB @ Aberdeen

HS Kindness Week

February 11 – Wednesday

MS BBB vs Aberdeen

HS Kindness Week

February 12 – Thursday

MS BBB @ Snake River

MS Early Release @ 1:30

GBB Districts

HS Kindness Week

Wrestling @ North Fremont

GRACE

February 6 – Friday

Wrestling @ Kimberly

Cheer Districts @ American Falls

February 7 – Saturday

BBB @ Oakley

February 8 – Sunday

LDS Services

Caribou Bible Church (2pm)

February 9 – Monday

GBB District

February 11 – Wednesday

Wrestling vs Cokeville

JH BBB vs Malad School Board Meeting

February 12 – Thursday

P&Z Commission Meeting

NO School Elementary (P/T Conferences)

Wrestling @ North Gem

GBB District

JH BBB @ Aberdeen

BANCROFT

February 6 – Friday

Wrestling Challis District Cheer

BBB vs Alturas Prep

February 7 – Saturday

Wrestling Challis GBB Districts

February 8 – Sunday LDS Services

February 9 – Monday

City Council

MS BBB @ Clark

February 10 – Tuesday

GBB Districts

MSBBB @ Grace Lutheran

February 11 – Wednesday

BBB District Play In Game

February 12 – Thursday

GBB Districts

CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU

Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee

Feb 6 - Sweet & Sour Chicken, Rice, Pineapple, French Bread, Brownies

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

Feb 11 - Taco Soup, Spinach Strawberry Salad, Corn Bread, Snickerdoodles

LUNCH MENUS

SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk

Monday, February 9

Hamburger, French Fries, Fruit, Veggies

Tuesday, February 10

Loaded Potato Soup, Breadstick, Fruit, Veggies

Wednesday, February 11

Dutch Waffle, Sausage Patty, Fruit, Veggies

Thursday, February 12

Chicken Nuggets, Tator Tots, Fruit, Veggies

NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU

Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day

Monday, February 9

Italian Dunkers, Deli Bar, Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges

Tuesday, February 10

Big Mac Slider, Shepherd’s Pie, Breadstick, Deli Bar, Broccoli w/ Cheese, Blueberry Smoothies

Wednesday, February 11

Hot Beef-n-Cheese, Soft Shell

Taco, Deli Bar, Sunshine Carrots, Apricots

Thursday, February 12

2nd Grad Lunch Pick, Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, Deli Bar, Spinach Salad, Banana Splits

GRACE LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Milk

Monday, February 9

Hamburger, Tots, Food ChoicesFresh Veggies, Applesauce

Tuesday, February 10

Pizza, Food Choices - Salad, Pears

Wednesday, February 11

Valentine Nuggets, Au Gratin Potatoes, Food Choices - Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges

Thursday, February 12 NO SCHOOL - ELEMENTARY

ON THIS DAY

1644 Connecticut passes the first US livestock branding law

First US gas company incorporated in Baltimore (coal gas for streetlights)

1870 First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia

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

1901 First loop-the-loop roller coaster opens on Coney Island, NY, built by Edwin Prescott

1922 Reader’s Digest magazine first published

1924 First Winter Olympic Games close at Chamonix, France

1931 Maxine Dunlap becomes first US woman to earn a glider pilot license

1936 Harry Ferguson patents the suction side hydraulic control system, allowing control of three-point mounted agricultural implements attached to tractors

1944 “Captain America” serial film premieres starring Dick Purcell, first appearance of a Marvel superhero outside of a comic book

1948 18-year-old Dick Button becomes first American men’s figure skating Olympic gold medalist at the St. Moritz Winter Games; first to complete a double axel in competition; retains title in 1952

1953 “Peter Pan”, animated film by Walt Disney opens at Roxy Theater, NYC

1974 Maximum speed on Germany’s Autobahn highway reduced to 100 kph

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

Galen and Joy Wilson, of Soda Springs, recently traveled to Casa Grande, AZ to meet up with Al Kackley to pick up a Barrister bookcase that belonged to his grandfather, Dr. Ellis Kackley. This is a little sister to the bookcase that he previously donated to the Caribou Historical Society. These bookcases were in his office in the hospital. They also presented Al with a plaque for the generous $10,000 donation in memory of current and past Caribou Historical Society members who have been vital in helping preserve the history of Caribou County. These members include Janet Tolman, Norm Tolman, Elaine Johnson, Tony Varilone, Ellen Carney Nelson, Parlene Davis, Gloria Higgins, and LaRue Stone. “We are grateful for the support that Al has given the Caribou Historical Society. Without his help and support, we would not have been able to complete a lot of the work on our museum and the renovation of th ZCMI/ Horsley Merchant/Stoors Grocery,” Wilson said.

“We had a great visit with Al and are looking forward to his visit to Soda to see the progress that we have made. Hopefully this summer we will be able to be open for another Open House so folks can see our museum. We are currently working on another section of the museum, the VFW/Military section. Jerry Stoor has been busy working with members of the VFW on it. Another donation from Kackley was a 105mm casing from a shell that he actually shot while he was in the service in 1969-70. We would like to thank all the members that are submitting their 2021 membership dues. This helps us to move forward with our work,” Wilson said.

Heidi Thompson was officially honored as a Soda Springs Super Hero by Mayor Austin Robinson at last Wednesday’s city council meeting. Thompson, who is moving from this area, was recognized for her “many years of dedication on the Greater Soda Springs Community Development Committee” and her “outstanding efforts as treasurer. She will be sorely missed and we wish her the best in her new adventure,” the mayor said. “It is a great honor to received this,” Thompson said, adding that everyone on the committee does the work to make it successful.

Justice Roger Burdick will retire from the Idaho Supreme Court on June 30, after a 47-year career that touched almost every part of the court system. Justice Burdick has worked as a defense attorney, prosecutor, magistrate judge, district judge, and eventually led the state’s highest court as chief justice. For two years, he presided over the Snake River Basin Adjudication, the multi-decade effort to confirm and clarify individual water rights across most of Idaho. Throughout his career, Justice Burdick became known for his focus on transforming the quality of the court system for the benefit of the people of Idaho. He prioritized securing highly qualified candidates for judgeships and expanding continuing education for judges.

2011

An earthquake of a 3.7 magnitude centered 13 miles southeast of Grace was felt by many area residents at 10:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan 25. No damage was reported. Minor shaking and rumbling was reported in Grace and Soda Springs, as well as other areas, from the earthquake that was about one mile deep, the USGS reported from the University of Utah seismograph stations. The general area around Sherman Peak between Georgetown and Grace has had several small earthquakes over the years and of about the same magnitude between 2 and 4. Idaho mountain snowpack measurements conducted at the end of January by the Natural Resources Conservation Service show the current snowpack

should provide an adequate water supply this year even with January’s variable precipitation. Overall, Idaho’s water supply still looks promising. The mountain snowpack ranges from 85 percent in the central mountains to 130 percent of average in the Bear River Basin in Southeastern Idaho and still looks adequate for this time of year, according to. NRCS hyrdologists.

Wyeth Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Thatcher Elementary 5th graders and staff teamed up to send Valentines and needed items to Lt. Fernando Rivero, serving in Afghanistan as liaison for the National Support Element, ensuring that the items will be made available to troops during their down time. Requested items included in the 12 boxes sent were warm socks, hand warmers, boxed macaroni and cheese, and baby wipes. Other items included were bags of candy, gum, combs and brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, paperback books, soap, and shampoo. Sending items to troops is part of NSDAR’s Project Patriot and is one of the many activities in which NSDAR is involved to support troops, whether in the field or hospitalized.

Darned cold! It was still 5 below zero Wednesday, Feb. 2, at noon in downtown Soda Springs. The overnight lows were -26 degrees and lower in many places throughout the county.

2001

The Caribou Classic Hill Climbs on Saturday were the biggest yet, with over 330 entrants, Hosted by the Caribou Trail Riders, President Curtis Keller said there were numerous people and groups who volunteered and helped to make the hill climbs special, including the ladies who helped in the trailer, pit help, Search and Rescue, Mason’s Distributing, Hoey’s Pizza, and SunRise Jewelry for the outstanding trophies. Racers came from as far away as Minnesota and Alaska for the event.

The number of Idahoans wishing to add their name to the Attorney General’s No Call List for telemarketers is rapidly rising, said Attorney General Al Lance. “The Consumer Protection Unit has been very busy in the first 72 hours,” Lance said. Bret DeLange, head of the Consumer Protection Unit, reported that the contracts are coming in at a rate of approximately 1,200 per day. “We know how important it was to citizens to get relief from unwanted telephone solicitations,” Lance said. “I just want folks to understand that they have until mid-March to sign up to be included in the first quarterly list.”

Kevin Neuendorf, a former Soda Springs resident, has been named coordinator of media and public relations for the U.S. Olympic committee. Neuendorf comes to the USOC from USA Boxing, where he was the media and public relations assistant for four years. Neuendorf will edit various USC publications and oversee the USOC’s media specific website. Neuendorf graduated magna cum laude from the University of Idaho in 1997 with a bachelor of arts degree in public relations. Kevin is the son of Dale and Eileen Neuendorf and the son-in-law of Randy and RaeAnn Prescott, all of Soda Springs.

Seven teens recently traveled to Utah State University in Logan to represent Idaho 4-H at the Western Region Teen Leadership Conference. Approximately 140 teen leaders from 10 western sates spent four days participating in various leadership and communication skills workshops. The Idaho team included Shae Winward from Caribou County. Shae is a Senior at Soda Springs High School and is the daughter of Blair and Jackie Winward.

Tony Varilone, district ranger on the Soda Springs Ranger District, has retired after 35 years of service with the U.S. Forest Service. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Forestry from Michigan State University in1966. He began his career with the Forest Service on the Cobalt Ranger District, Salmon National Forest in September of 1966, as a timber management assistant. While in Salmon, he met and married his wife Jeanne. Together they transferred to the Boise National Forest, and soon their children Michael and Heidi were born. He worked in Dubois, and Ketchican,

In what they were hoping will become a yearly tradition, the SSFD was the sponsor of last year's Valentine's Dance.

Alaska before coming to Caribou National Forest in 1984.

On Saturday, the Brigham Young University Folk Music Ensemble will be performing at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center in Grace. They are a unique and talented musical group, made up of select musicians and vocalists who perform and energetic program of several types of American and international folk music.

1976

Molly Ruud, a senior at Grace High School, has taken second place in the State Farm Bureau American Heritage Contest for her poster based on the theme “God Bless America.” Molly was chosen from among the 4,000 poster entries. Her poster was all original art work, and will be on display throughout the state. Molly is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Ruud of Lago.

The Grace Idaho Stake Relief Chorus under the direction of MRs. Phylis Olsen are giving a Bicentennial patriotic concert on March 7 in the stake house in which they will honor the veterans of Gem Valley. Servicemen are asked to wear their uniforms. All scouts with uniforms will present the colors and also act as ushers. Mrs. Marvin Prescott and Mrs. Don Panter will be accompanists.

The art work of Brett Somsen, first grade, and Celeste Drewien, sixth grade, students at Grays Lake Elementary school in Wayan, and Andrea Smith, second grade, Kasey Christensen, fourth grade, Laurie Smith, fifth grade, Jean Grover and Janice Kelly, sixth grade students at Hooper Elementary School in Soda Springs, have been chosen among many entries from all over the state, to tour during the 1975-1976 school year with the Elementary All-State Traveling Art Exhibit. The entries were judged by Dr. Louis Peck, Chairman of the Department of Art at Boise State University. The winning entries will be on display at Grays Lake Elementary School through February. The sixth annual Elementary All-State Traveling Art Exhibit is sponsored by the Bank of Idaho, First Security Bank, Idaho First National Bank, and the Idaho Art Association.

The first meeting of the Barbershop Chorus in Soda Springs was Wednesday, Feb 4. at the Junior High band room. Twenty men attended the first meeting and heard Burt Huish, past president of the Evergreen District at Twin Falls and board member of the International Board of Trustees of the Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America describe the organization’s purposes and goals.

1971

Over $600 damage to window glass at the Soda Springs High School was done early Tuesday morning, when 13 windows in the front entrance, and glass in the gymnasium, were smashed by vandals. Rocks were thrown through some of the windows, and others were broken out by some other method, probably a club or similar object. Chief of Police Blynn Wilcox said the damage apparently was done between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. This is the second act of vandalism at the high school within a week. Obscene writings were discovered on many win-

dows last week. As of yet, they have no leads to either act of vandalism.

The Golden Oldies, alumni wrestlers, will present an exhibition match after the Cokeville North Gem wrestling match on Thursday. Dennis Moser, Stan Wistisen, Evan McLain, Dale Hatch, Alton Hebdon, Danny Mabey, Don Gilbert, Freddie White, and possibly others, will comprise the Golden Oldies.

A blinding snow storm and ground blizzard which set in on Thursday caused several accidents and hospitalized one person. The focal point of the blizzard was between Soda Springs and Bancroft.

Near zero visibility caused several rea-end traffic collisions and resulted in the closing of the highway until driving conditions improved. Involved in the numerous accidents were Theo Parker, Louis Duane Bitton, Rasmus K. Nelson, Richard Salzbrun, Robert Charles Morehead, James Strong, Shirley Matney, V. Darlene Kjar, and a Sanders Furniture Co. truck driven by Fred Modersitzki.

Keith Barthlome, general district assistant, has been awarded a Sustained High Level Performance award for his work on the Soda Springs District of the Caribou National Forest. The honor provides for a promotion and a certificate of merit. District Ranger Roy Daniels stated that Mr. Barthlome has earned this award through his dedication and service to the public. He said Mr. Barthlome has served the public both during and after working hours—his dedication does not end at 5 p.m. Mr. Barthlome has been general district assistant on the Soda Springs Ranger District since 1962.

The Cowboys are hosting the Fifth District Class B Wrestling tournament. Visiting teams will be West Side and Grace. The defending champion, Leon Perkins, senior, and Roy Hatch, junior, will defend their district titles. The first session will begin at 1 p.m. and the championship session will begin at 8 p.m. North Gem welcomes you to the wrestling matches.

-INDOOR-

Thursday, February 5

Friday, February 6

Saturday, February 7

Mercy (PG-13)

In the near future, an advanced AI judge tells a captive detective that he’s on trial for the murder of his wife. If he fails to prove his innocence within 90 minutes, he’ll be executed on the spot.

Thursday & Friday

6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.

Saturday Matinee

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

Wednesday, February 11

6:00 p.m. & 8:15 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 31819 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 PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE is hereby given that on the 9th day of February, 2026, at the hour of 10:45 a.m. at the Caribou County Courthouse Room #206, 159 S. Main in Soda Springs, ID, a public hearing will be held for comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2026-01.

Ordinance 2026-01:

AN ORDINACE FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU, STATE OF IDAHO PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHEMENT OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION; PROVIDING PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSILBILITIES FOR THE SAID COMMISSION; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT FROM AND AFTER ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW.

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance is available at the Clerk’s Office Room 202.

Written comment will be received by the Board of County Commissioners until 5:00 p.m. February 6, 2026.

#1198

Public / Legal NoticeRequest for Proposals

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP), the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serving Eastern Idaho, announces its intent to accept Requests for Proposals (RFP) from interested Providers as part of the merger of Area V and Area VI. This RFP is being issued to support a coordinated approach to service delivery across the region and to ensure continuity and consistency of services Eastern Idaho.

Request for proposals will be accepted for the following services in various locations within Bannock, Bingham, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power Counties:

Congregate Meal Services, Home Delivered Meal Services, Homemaker, Chore and Respite Services

The RFP is intended to identify qualified providers with experience and capacity to support services under the merged structure. This process will help establish a pool of providers prepared to operate within a unified planning and

oversight framework, while maintaining service continuity, quality, and local responsiveness. Issuing this RFP allows for thoughtful alignment of providers with future program needs and supports a smooth transition without disruption to individuals currently receiving services.

The Request for Proposal Guide and application materials are available on the AAA’s website at: https://www.eicap.org/ senior-services/. Providers may submit a proposal for one or more services in any or all of the designated communities/ counties. Contracts will be issued for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030.

Providers with questions regarding the application packet should contact the AAA Contracts Manager, Erica Giles by telephone at (208) 5428179 or by e-mail at egiles@ eicap.org. An informational Provider’s Conference will be held at SICOG and via Teams on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 10 am-12 Noon.

After the Providers’ Conference is concluded, the AAA will not answer any questions or provide any additional information to a Provider. Providers must submit applications to the Eastern Idaho Area Agency on Aging, 935 E. Lincoln Rd., Idaho Falls, ID 83405 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Award announcements will be made on Friday, April 28, 2026. There will be a mandatory Provider’s Conference at EICAP on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00 am to finalize awarded contracts.

EICAP/AAA provides programs, services, and employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, English proficiency, disability, sex, age, or marital status. Program eligibility requirements may apply where required by law or funding guidelines.

#1199-02-05-12-26-T2

CITY OF SODA SPRINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Soda Springs, Caribou County, Idaho, will hear comments from the public concerning the Wastewater Improvement Project –Threatened/Endangered

Species and Fish Habitat at the City of Soda Springs at 5:10 PM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Soda Springs City Hall, 9 West 2nd South, Soda Springs, Idaho.

The proposed project for the City of Soda Springs, located in Caribou County, aims to improve its wastewater system. The project consists of the following:

• Trenchless pipe repair at pipe joints and Service Line

Connections

• Install Ground water drainage system with discharge to surface water Seal manhole joints

• Construct a manhole at pipe intersections

• Update lift station#2 with high suction lift, dialer, and water level sensors

Trenchless pipe repair at lift station #3

Construct City-owned sewer lines

Remove and replace the pipe with 8” PVC

Copies of the proposed project are available at City Hall. All interested persons are invited to attend the hearing to express their views regarding this proposal. All people present shall be given the opportunity to be heard. Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk, 9 West 2nd South, Soda Springs, Idaho, 83276.

Andrea Haderlie, Clerk-Treasurer

Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the above-noticed meeting should contact Soda Springs City Hall seven (7) days prior to the meeting by calling 5472600.

Publish: February 5, 2026 & February 12, 2026

#1200

Digital Age

ly—he did not need to be there, but they always are.”

Parents can gain some control over what their children might be coming across by establishing open communication with them, and making sure they know that if someone threatens them online, they are not in the wrong.

“A sad thing is that a lot of kids don’t know what to do when they are messaged or contacted by someone who is essentially trying to coerce them,” he noted. There are a number of recent incidents of teenage and younger children committing suicide over “sexploitation,” which is the use of perceived leverage over someone to force them to act against their will. Often this is the result of the predator gaining access to compromising pictures of the child, whether through direct communication or other means. Children in this situation can be too embarrassed or afraid to see a way out of the situation other than the most extreme.

“Most of the time, this person isn’t even in the country. If they are ignored, they will usually keep moving on until they find a person who they can exploit,” Payne said. He stated that even if they are embarrassed, kids need to know that they are not in the wrong, and that they can tell an adult.

According to Detective Payne, it is often only a matter of hours between when a child is contacted with a sextortion threat and a decision to end their lives. “The kids mentally don’t know what to do. They don’t know how to make decisions. Teenage boys don’t think it’s going to happen, or happen in a small town. But it does. It definitely does. We want to make sure the kids understand that they are the victims, and need to tell someone.”

The detective also discussed the growing issue of AI. “We all kind of dread it,” he said. “It’s a great thing but a bad thing.” AI “friends” have become very popular, he noted. “Even today we were at a school and a kid said that his brother had an AI girlfriend.” Payne mentioned an ongoing situation he is working on. “We are dealing with a HS where a 17 year old boy was infatuated with girls. The school posted pics of them in the swimsuits for the swimteam, and he used an app to undress them. Now he is being charged with making child pornography.”

While daunting, Payne discussed a number of resources that parents can look into, including software that tracks their childrens’ online activity, or positive alternative sources of engagement, such as the Facebook page of Officer Gomez. Gomez is a School Resource Officer in the Boise area, and provides tips to parents about what to look out for online, and how to deal with what they might find.

To discuss some ways to approach the concept of the internet and kids, Caribou Medical Center’s Ashley Wright spoke about strategies for navigating a complex reality. In Wright’s counseling, she works with clients from pediatric to adults, so she has a good range of experiences to pull from. She is also local to Caribou County, and knows firsthand what living in a small county and raising kids is like these days.

Wright overviewed the components of mental

health: emotional awareness, resilience, positive relationships, self-acceptance and confidence, sense of purpose, ability to manage daily life, sleep and energy levels, coping mechanisms, focus and decision making, and enjoyment and gratitude. It occurred to her while thinking about them that “almost all the components of mental health are negatively affected by screen time.”

Wright, as a parent in 2026, acknowledged that to some extent the technological world of today is not likely to go away. “There are so many benefits of tech,” she stated, “but we have to learn to use them.”

Essentially, Wright made it clear that modern parents occupy the roles of individuals and parents, and that both elements are important to understanding how to deal with the internet. An honest, family-based understanding of what the expectations and rules of behavior are for everyone can help bridge the gulf between parents and children, many of whom actually share similar usage habits. What’s most important, is the face to face interaction that helps to buttress and support the relationship. “If our support system is only online, and we aren’t developing those interpersonal skills, what are we getting?”

Wright noted that the expectations many people have about constant accessibility to others, and immediate feedback need to be modulated. One of the effects of the instant communication feedback loop is that kids (and adults) can be conditioned to feel “ignored” if they aren’t immediately responded to. This can lead to seeking external reinforcement on media platforms. “That’s what our children are looking for, validation. And that validation can also come from outside sources.” If kids feel that parents are accessible and engaged, it can mitigate this need.

With regard to sleep, Wright suggested what doctors have suggested for a long time—use the bedroom for a very limited number of activities, sleep foremost among them. She explained how if a person is engaged in an activity like, for instance studying, in their bedroom, their brain can have a difficult time switching into sleep mode in the same environment where the previous activity occurred.

She encouraged people to “take pleasure in little things in life” and to “live in the moment.” She has noticed an uptick in people constantly thinking about their own life experiences in terms of how they can maximize it for online use, rather than just enjoying it with the company they are in.

And again, it’s really the concept of “company” and “togetherness” in the physical, real world that helps to put the inevitable online world into the right kind of framework.

“Our family rule is no phones at the dinner table,” Wright said. “Be present with others. Let your mind wander. Boredom is the space between imagination and creativity. Play games with kids online rather than forbidding it. Screens are not going away, so focus on learning to use them.”

At the end of the evening, Speas and Winward drew raffle tickets for prizes, and opened the floor to questions. We will keep you posted about the next planned Parent Night. Based on the success of the first one, it should be something to keep your eyes on. continued from front page

NEWS OF RECORD

CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF

Jsyia I Baldwin, High Point, fictitious display of plate or registration card, $58.50, costs $56.50

Mark J Hall, Afton, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00

Keasi Pongi Jeppesen, Pocatello, fail to provide proof of insurance, $75.00, costs $56.50

Ryan John Johnson, Millville, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Stockton Kay Lloyd, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Case Christian Lueck, Chandler, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Bart William McDonald, Chubbuck, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

CARIBOU

Caleb Daniel Morrison, Bedford, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

Nikko Christopher Yanase, Idaho Falls, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

SODA SPRINGS POLICE

Brian Paul Harris, Mason City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jay Dixon Ricks, Benson, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

IDAHO STATE POLICE

Juan Carlos Espitia Mendoza, Ft. Worth, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Stephen Gary Graf, Heyburn, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Liam Micah Noble, Grand Junction, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50 The cost for a standard obituary: $89 500 words with one color photo The cost for an ultimate obituary: $159 501 words plus and 2 color photos * additional photos $25 each To submit an

Gerald Eugene Jolley, our beloved soldier, teacher, coach, principal, counselor, and family patriarch, passed through the veil into the arms of his eternal sweetheart, Virginia, on January 28, 2026. He is enjoying a wonderful reunion with family and friends. He was one hundred years young.

Gerald was born on May 29, 1925, in Russellville, Arkansas, to Albert Cameron Jolley and Ida Lucille Moore. He was blessed to have four brothers and two sisters to share a loving and wondrous childhood. They all preceded him in death.

Gerald met the girl of his dreams in Wichita, Kansas, while still in high school. Her name was Virginia Lee Smith. World War II came and duty called. Gerald enlisted in the US Army immediately following graduation from North High School. He left his sweetheart, hoping she would wait for him. He served his country for three years in the South Pacific until the end of the war.

He was very proud to man the 20 mm cannon aboard a specially designed landing craft that had been converted into a mini battleship. He established lifelong friendships with his WWII service companions and enjoyed many reunions through the years. He was the last surviving member of “The Dirty Dozen.”

When Gerald returned home, Virginia had indeed waited for him. They were married on August 29, 1947, in Wichita. Five children were born to this union. They lived in three

Gerald Eugene Jolley

May 29, 1925 ~ January 28, 2026

states, Kansas, California, and, finally, Idaho, for almost 60 years together before Virginia passed away in 2007.

Gerald then married Anne Rothacker and moved to Arizona for fourteen years until she also passed in 2021. He made many long-lasting friendships in Peoria, Arizona, and enjoyed keeping in touch with his friends there.

He relocated to Draper, Utah, to Ashford Assisted Living, to be closer to all his family in the intermountain West. It was there that he met his “Texas belle,” Norma “Bobbie” Wiser. He married Norma on January 21, 2023, and they enjoyed three very happy years living together at Ashford Assisted Living Center. The many Hand and Foot games with family and friends were a highlight

Kayleen C Jonsson

October 30, 1957 ~ January 31, 2026

Kayleen C. Jonsson, age 68, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in the comfort of her home. Surrounded by the family she adored, Kay concluded a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer, facing her illness with the same fortitude that defined her life.

She was born on October 30, 1957, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kay was the youngest of four children born to Clyde and Eleanor Collard. Her early years in Riverton and Lehi shaped her into a woman of the outdoors. Raised on a sheep camp, Kay didn’t just live the country way of life, she lived it by her dad’s side. She took great pride in helping her dad tend to the sheep, learning the values of hard work and devotion under the wide Utah skies. Whether she was working at the camp or barrel racing, she carried that pioneer heart and unwavering grit with her long after graduating from Lehi High School in 1975.

At the age of 16, Kay began dating the love of her life, Jon Jonsson. Married on May 6, 1977, and later blessed with their daughter Aly in 1979 and their son Riley in 1983 making their family complete. They spent nearly 49 years side-by-side, building a life centered on each other, family, and true hard work. A truly helpful and handy woman, Kay was never afraid to get her hands dirty, she often worked right alongside Jon on their ranch, proving to be as capable in the field as she was in the home.

As a wife, mom, and grandma, Kay was the bedrock of her home, a steady, loving presence who always put others first. She was a true master in the kitchen, always perfecting her recipes to be the best caretaker to us all and always a gracious host. Kay was an intuitive alchemist, listening to her imagination to create unique masterpieces from crafts to clothing as she was extremely gifted in sewing, quilting, crocheting, and painting. Kay always kept a meticulously tidy home and grew the most plentiful gardens, finding beau -

of each week as well as Bingo, Corn Hole, and other activities for residents.

Gerald graduated from Friends University, where he played on a championship football team, as well as also playing college baseball and basketball. He became a high school math teacher and coach for many years before receiving his Master of Education Degree from Fresno State University to become a high school administrator. He loved teaching and coaching, especially basketball.

His coaching career in public schools lasted an amazing 58 years. His last job in education was as a counselor at Tigert Middle School in Soda Springs, Idaho, well past retirement age. One of the joys of his life was keeping in contact with the thou-

ty and purpose in the work of her hands. A true provider, she turned every harvest into the best canned food, ensuring her family enjoyed the fruits of her labor long after the summer months had passed.

Kay’s joy only deepened as she became a grandma. She was the light of her grandchildren’s lives, always ready with a warm hug and homemade treat. Whether she was teaching them the value of a hard day’s work or simply offering a quiet place to land, she left an undeniable mark on their hearts.

Kay is survived by her devoted husband, Jon; her children, Aly (Josh Younger) and Riley (Texie) Jonsson; and her beloved grandchildren, Kayci (Tanner Christensen), Kole and Kye Younger, Cope and Rio Jonsson. She also leaves behind her sibling, Curt (Danielle) Collard and many dear friends who became family, as well as dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Eleanor Collard, siblings, Ron Collard and Pam Collard Sowell.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho 83263. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Grace Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

sands of students and players that he grew to love.

Gerald was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had many callings. He was Deacons Quorum Advisor into his 90’s and especially enjoyed coaching church basketball. Going to the temple regularly was also one of the cherished activities of his life until his health and mobility made it impossible to go.

Gerald is survived by all five children: Charles (Jan) Jolley of Buena Vista, VA; Carol (Ken) Heuseveldt of Idaho Falls, ID; Alan “Tim” (Davis Elliott) Jolley of Washington, DC; Rob (Deborah) Jolley of Draper, UT; and Mary (Scott) Gambles of Payson, UT.

He leaves behind a legacy of twenty-one grandchildren, fifty-two great grandchildren, and eight great, great grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Funeral services for Gerald will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 12:00 pm at the Hooper Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Soda Springs, ID. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30-11:30 am. He will be interred in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Sims Funeral Home. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, any remembrance be sent to a school of their choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sims Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent to simsfh.com

Kathy Ann Robinson

June 26, 1973 ~ January 31, 2026

Kathy Ann Robinson, 52, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.

Kathy was born on June 26, 1973, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to David M. Davis and Patricia (Patty) and Marvin Anderson. She spent her early years living and traveling throughout the Wasatch Front. During high school, she discovered a love for theater and dance, passions that reflected her joyful and creative spirit. Kathy attended Ricks College and later Idaho State University.

After moving to Soda Springs, Idaho, Kathy married the love of her life, Austin Robinson, on February 8, 2002. Together, they raised their children and built a life filled with love, purpose, and faith. Kathy was a talented artist and entrepreneur, the creator of Adie’s Attic, where she shared her creativity as a scrapbook artist. Later, she turned her talents toward the culinary world as a restaurateur.

Kathy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith in her Heavenly Father guided her life and sustained her through many challenges. She had a gift for lifting others with her optimism and testimony, particularly during her final years. Nothing meant more to Kathy than her family — her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and her love for them was boundless.

Kathy will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unwavering optimism. She had a special ability to make everyone she met feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through her laughter, her art, or a simple word of encouragement, Kathy’s presence brought warmth and light to every room.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, and caregivers who offered love, prayers, and support during Kathy’s illness. Your kindness and compassion brought comfort and strength to Kathy and her family during this difficult journey.

She is survived by her husband, Austin Wade Robinson; her children and grandchildren: Justin Brayton and his daughters, Paityn Baker and Emma Riser; Jessica Brayton and Ryan Grunig, and their children Seriah Brayton, Astrid Grunig, Roran Grunig, and Kemper Grunig; Adrianna and Hayden Peterson, and their children Blakely, Lincoln, and Greyson Peterson; Abbigail Robinson and Jacob Aufdemorte, and their daughter Serenity Aufdemorte; and Emma-Lee Robinson. She is also survived by her parents, David Davis and Patricia Anderson; her siblings Krista (Les) Sims, Jason (Stephanie) Anderson, Kimberly Warner, Josh (Trace) Lopez, David Davis Jr., Brian (Courtney) Davis, Michelle Davis (Harrison) Smith, and Preston Davis; her parents-inlaw Austin and Jackie Robinson; and in-laws Holly (Chris), Mike (Stormi), David (Melinda), and Matt (Matt). She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Anderson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6, at 12:00 p.m. at the Hooper LDS Church, 281 East Hooper Avenue, Soda Springs, Idaho. Friends may call at Sims Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m., or Friday at the church prior to the service from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Sims Funeral Home. Send condolences to simsfh.com

Rep. Mike Veile takes part in Steps for Schools

A state legislative session is more than just voting on legislation. A typical day for an Idaho legislator includes committee meetings, constituent correspondence, discussing legislation and evening receptions. These commitments quickly add up, making it potentially difficult for legislators and constitutional officers to get the necessary physical activity that supports their own health.

The Steps for Schools walking challenge provides these officials with motivation to get moving this month. More than half of Idaho’s legislators and five constitutional officers are participating in Steps for Schools, an annual program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for

Health that promotes the importance of physical activity while supporting public schools. Participants walk to try to reach step goals to earn funding for a public school.

Steps for Schools, now in its 12th year, has provided more than $350,000 to Idaho schools since 2015.

“Being physically active is one of the best things people can do for their own health,” said Courtney Frost, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “Steps for Schools reminds these busy elected officials of the importance of walking. We appreciate everyone that is participating and look forward to seeing them reach their step goals to support the public school or district of their choice.”

Participants who walk an average of 5,000 steps a day during February earn $500 for the school or district. Those who average 10,000 steps a day earn $1,000 for the school or district.

Steps for Schools has four primary goals:

• Remind lawmakers to think about children’s health issues

• Highlight our lawmakers as positive role models for children

• Create awareness about health issues in Idaho

• Promote child wellness throughout the state

The Blue Cross of Idaho foundation for Health also sponsors the Mayor’s Walking Challenge, which raises provides money to municipal-

ities as a result of walking undertaken by mayors across Idaho. Mayor Jackie Barthlome of Grace was recently featured in the Enterprise for her donation of Walking Challenge funds to the Grace Little League teams for equipment and support. Veile was recently appointed to serve as Representative by Governor Little, following the federal appointment of Kevin Andrus last year. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The Foundation is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing the root causes that impact health. Learn more at bcidahofoundation.org.

Cardinals Win Streak Comes To An End

BY JODY REEVES

After a seven game win streak the Cardinals suffered a devastating loss last week. Prior to the loss the Cardinals did pick up two wins. The Cardinals started the week on the road at Grace for a rematch with the Grizzlies. After defeating Grace at home earlier in the month Soda Springs earned the sweep over the Grizzlies last Tuesday. For a more in-depth breakdown of that game check out the Grace article in this edition. Following the win over Grace the Cardinals hosted Aberdeen. The Tigers currently sit at the bottom of the conference making the Cardinals big favorites in this match up. It did not take long for the Cardinals to grab control of this game. Six different players would contribute to twenty-three first quarter points as Soda Springs jumped out to a large lead.

Lady Grizz

BY JODY REEVES

After building a nearly twenty point first half lead the Cardinals coaches mixed in several players through the rest of the game. This gave several players opportunities to play in different situations with a variety of combinations. The Cardinals easily cruised by the Tigers winning by eighteen points.

The Cardinals finished off the week hosting the Declo Hornets on Saturday. Just two weeks prior to this game the Cardinals traveled to Declo and picked up an eight point win over the Hornets. That game took place right in the middle of the Cardinals latest win streak. A streak that they hoped would continue through the weekend. Saturday’s game was a physical contest that seemed to better suit the Hornets. The Cardinals struggled early and found themselves trailing early on. A wild inbound pass by the Hornets led to a Thompson three that tied the game at the first quarter

buzzer. The physical play continued to impact the Cardinals in the second period. The aggressive play led to some foul trouble for the Cardinals, in particular the aforementioned Thompson who ended up on the bench for much of the game. In the second quarter the Cardinals also lost Mellor to an injury. By the time halftime rolled around the Cardinals had fallen behind by five points. In the third quarter the Hornets got hot shooting from outside. Meanwhile the foul troubles continued for the Cardinals. The lethal combo of Declo heating up and the Cardinals scoring struggles led to Soda Springs falling further behind. The fourth quarter stayed pretty much the same. The Cardinals could not make any headway as they watched the game slip away from them. In the end the Cardinals fell by thirteen points.

The loss has once again tightened things up in the district standings.

Right now Wendell seems to have a hold on first place but everything else is wide open and will come down to the two final weeks of the regular season. Soda Springs will head to Wendell on Wednesday for a huge game against the Trojans. If they can pull off the upset it will really shake things up. The Cardinals will then host Malad on Friday which will also be senior night for Soda Springs.

Go Into Districts On A Two Game Skid

After edging out West Side on the road last Wednesday the Lady Grizzlies capped off their regular season play taking on two of the better small school teams in the area. The Lady Grizzlies played their finals home game of the year against a very good Lady Hornet team from Oakley on Thursday night. The Lady Hornets entered the game as the number two team in the state with the Lady Grizzlies sitting at the number five spot. That made this one of if not the biggest match up of the week in girls 2A basketball. The Lady Grizzlies started the game looking like their old selves knocking down some outside shots while getting buckets from three of their bigs. By the end of the first quarter Grace held a small lead over Oakley and the game appeared as though it would be the battle that many expected. However in the second quarter the momentum shifted to the Lady Hornets. The Lady Grizzlies were still able to hit some outside shots but were shut out underneath. The Lady Grizzlies were getting beat on the boards and beat up physically under the hoop. By the halftime break the Lady Hornets had taken the lead and would not look back. The third

quarter was disastrous for Grace. The Lady Grizzlies were only able to add five more points while the Hornets increased their lead to fifteen points. Grace was able to have a better fourth quarter but was still outpaced by the disciplined Hornets. The Lady Grizzlies suffered a big loss in a game that could have been a momentum builder for them. The Lady Grizzlies struggled in this game under the extreme pressure put on by Oakley. Some of Grace’s most reliable scorers were limited in the game with one even being held scoreless.

Following the tough home loss the Lady Grizzlies hit the road to take on an always tough Cokeville Wyoming team. Grace got off to a hot start in this game jumping all over the Lady Panthers. All five of the Lady Grizzlies starters contributed to the score total as they jumped out to a double digit lead. In the second quarter the Lady Grizzlies still managed to hit some big shots but it was the Lady Panthers turn to go on a run and by the halftime break the Grace lead had been cut to just four points. The third quarter was not stellar for either team as the scoring slowed. The two teams broke even in the third and Grace maintained their four point lead. In the fourth quarter the Lady Grizzlies

added eight more points but were outscored by the Lady Panthers. Grace gave up the lead and lost the game in the closing quarter. After hitting an impressive six out of seven foul shots over the first three quarters of play the Lady Grizzlies only managed to go one for four in the fourth missing three shots which was ultimately the amount they lost by.

The Lady Grizzlies now begin district play. With the way that the district tournament is scheduled some of the district games will have already been played before many of our readers see this article. On Monday night the Lady Grizzlies opened up the tournament by facing the Lady Pumas from Alturas Prep. At the risk of sounding overconfident the Lady Grizzlies should have easily won that game setting up a crucial round two match up with Butte County. The teams split the regular season each winning on their home floor by slim margins. That round two game takes place Wednesday night on a neutral floor in Aberdeen. Check out next week’s article to see how the district tournament is going for the Lady Grizzlies.

Lady Grizzlies 13 8 5 15 41

Lady Hornets 9 16 15 17 57

K. Mansfield 14, A. Rasmussen 2, P. Steadman 4, C. Yost 13, T. Jorgensen 6, P. Hatch 2

Lady Grizzlies 18 12 7 8 45

Lady Panthers 7 19 7 15 48

K. Stoddard 12, K. Mansfield 8, P. Steadman 10, C. Yost 9, T. Jorgensen 6

Grizzlies Fall At Home Bounce Back On The Road

BY JODY REEVES

The Grizzlies boys basketball team played in two hard fought games last week with one going each way for them. They started the week early on Tuesday night by hosting the Soda Springs Cardinals. After falling to the Cardinals on the road by just three points earlier in the season the Grizzlies hoped for a different outcome this go around but it was not to be. The Cardinals entered the game on a hot streak having won five games in a row. The Grizzlies on the other hand were on a two game skid. As the game got underway the Cardinals got hot early from outside drilling four three point shots in the first quarter. The Grizzlies did their best to keep pace but by the end of the opening quarter the Cardinals had built a six point lead. The second quarter was nearly a mirror image of the first with the Cardinals hitting another four three point shots and the Grizzlies

scrambling to keep up. By the halftime break the Cardinals had extended the lead to eleven points. Soda Springs seemed to be in control of the game and looked like they would run away from the Grizzlies. However the Grizzlies were not done fighting yet. After two hot quarters the Cardinals went cold in the third and the Grizzlies made up a bunch of ground. As the third quarter ran out the Grizzlies had climbed back to within four of the Cardinals. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies that would be as close as they would get. The Cardinals heated back up in the fourth quarter and ultimately pulled away from the Grizzlies. Grace ended up falling by fifteen points. After the disappointing loss at home the Grizzlies went back to work to prepare to hit the road to take on the Cokeville Panthers. The Grizzlies had a size advantage in this game and at first glance you would assume that they would be the heavy

favorites. However as the game got underway it was the Panthers that threw the first punch. Cokeville jumped out to an 8-2 lead early in the game. The Grizzlies came roaring back to take a brief lead before the game became knotted up at fifteen as the first quarter ended. In the second quarter of play the Grizzlies struggled to pull away in large part due to some foul trouble. Despite the foul trouble the Grizzlies did earn an advantage by the halftime break. Going into the locker room Grace held a six point lead. The Grizzlies began to take control of the game until the midway point of the third. It was then that the Panthers put a press on the Grizzlies that caused Grace some trouble. The press slowed the Grizzlies offense but Grace was still able to extend the lead by one. In the fourth quarter the Panthers made a final run at the Grizzlies. Grace’s Chase Smith came in clutch hitting his final four foul shots to give the Grizzlies a six point lead in the

final minute of the game. The Panthers would hit a last second three to cut the lead to just three but the Grizzlies held on for a much needed win to boost morale.

The Grizzlies have just one game on the schedule this week, a road game at Oakley. The Grizzlies should be heavy favorites in that game. The Grizzlies will use that game as a tune up for their season finale against their district rival Butte County the following week.

K. Kimball 4, K. Edwards 5, G. Draper

Lady Cowboys Get It Done On Senior Night

BY JODY REEVES

Last Friday night the Lady Cowboys celebrated their senior players when, along with the boys team, they hosted a double header taking on American Heritage. Not only were the Lady Cowboys looking to send their seniors out on a win but the game was also crucial to seeding the upcoming district tournament. When it all shook out the Lady Cowboys earned the victory and locked up the eighth seed in the tournament which meant they would get to host the play-in game. Here is how Friday night’s game unfolded.

The first quarter started just as competitive as it was expected to be between the evenly matched teams. The Lady Cowboys and Lady Patriots traded blows scoring back and forth with each team getting plenty of opportunities to score from both the floor and the foul line. As the opening quarter wrapped up the Lady Patriots were able to hit just enough of their foul shots to grab a one point lead over the Lady Cowboys. In the second quarter the momentum of the game came to a grinding halt. Not only did the scoring slow way down

but there was a substantial delay in play due to one of the Patriot players getting a cut on her hand and blood on the floor. It took some time to find and clean all of the blood from the playing surface but once it was done the game got back underway. As play resumed the scoring was still few and far between however the Lady Cowboys did enough to grab the lead and head to the locker room up four points. The Lady Cowboys kept things rolling in the third and increased the four point lead to seven. In the fourth quarter the Lady Cowboys had to rely on foul shooting to hold off the Lady Patriots. North Gem went to the line for twenty foul shots in the fourth quarter alone. Although their percentage wasn’t high they made enough to secure the win and earn a home play-in game. All three senior girls on the team were able to help add to the final score helping earn the win and making great senior night memories.

After all games were finished over the weekend the Lady Cowboys learned that they would host the very same team that they had just defeated for the opening play-in game of the district tournament. Unfortunately

the way district games always seem to play out, that game will have already taken place when this article comes out. That being said we will have a full recap of the game and any others that the Lady Cowboys may have been involved in in next week’s edition. The play-in game was played on Tuesday night at 5:30 in Bancroft.

The North Gem boys basketball team also squared off against the Patriots in game two of the double header last Friday night. After a bit of a slow start the Cowboys were able to end the first quarter with a one point lead. In the second quarter North Gem hit a wall as they struggled to get many shots to fall. The Cowboys would end the quarter with just five total points that came from a pair of underclassmen in Jeremiah Perry and Clay Johnson. As a result the Cowboys found themselves trailing by a dozen going into the locker room at halftime. Coming out of the break the Cowboys looked rejuvenated. North Gem was able to spread the scoring around in the third quarter putting up nineteen points and cutting the Patriot lead to just two points. In the fourth quarter the Cowboys would put up good num-

bers again adding sixteen more points to their total. Unfortunately North Gem sent the Patriots to the charity stripe eighteen times. Like the Lady Cowboys in the first game of the night the Patriots were able to find enough success at the line to secure the win. The Cowboys put up a valiant effort in this game but ultimately fell by just four points. The Cowboys will wrap up their regular season this week with home games against Grace Lutheran on Wednesday and Alturas Prep on Friday. At Friday’s game North Gem will honor their senior boys basketball players and cheerleaders.

Red Halverson / Big Mountain

BY JODY REEVES

Last weekend the Soda Springs boys and girls wrestling teams traveled to Burley to compete. The boys wrestled in the Red Halverson Invitational while the girls took part in the Big Mountain Girls tournament. Six boys made the trip to Burley. Ryker Hemmert, Kellan Garbett, and Troy Krupp all failed to pick up wins but wrestled tough. The competition was very deep at this tournament. Wins were very tough to come up with. JT Cutler and Carson Cook each were able to pick up a single win before being eliminated from the tournament. The final wrestler that competed for the Cardinals was Elijah Dilworth. Dilworth has been on a roll this season and that continued in this tournament. Dilworth dominated his competition in this tournament winning his first three matches by technical fall. In his semi final match Dilworth gave a little ground and only won by major decision. Hopefully you sensed the sarcasm in that statement. Dilworth moved to the championship match where he faced a Minico wrestler. Dilworth once again overpowered his opponent, winning by technical fall and claiming another title this season.

While the boys were taking care of business the girls were busy competing in their own matches. Six Lady Cardinals competed in the tournament. Again the competition was fierce so, win or lose, every match helped each girl to improve. Mattysen Hopkins, Addika Hopkins and Mialexys Gonzales all failed to earn a win but gained some great experience. Kaylin Richard picked up one win and Laryah Dilworth earned a pair of wins. Brooklyn Dodge saw the most success of any Lady Cardinal. Dodge picked up two wins by fall putting her in the semi final match. The semi final match was a very competitive match against the number two ranked wrestler in the state. In the end Dodge pulled off the upset winning that match with a slim score of 12-11. This put Dodge in the championship match of the tournament. Trailing by six points in the final period, Dodge chose the top position and was able to flip her opponent and earn the win by pin. This was definitely one of if not the biggest win in the freshman’s young career.

With the season nearing its end several of our local wrestlers are putting up some of their best performances at the right time.

Sugar Salem’s Battle For The Buckle

BY JODY REEVES

Last weekend the Grace Grizzlies and the North Gem Cowboys took part in the Battle for the Buckle wrestling tournament in Sugar City. The tournament had plenty of quality wrestlers in attendance giving many of our local wrestlers a challenge. Some of the brackets were chock full of tough local competition while others were lacking in numbers but still gave kids some great opportunities. The Grizzly men had eight wrestlers compete in the tournament. Gabe Wiegman and Mark Hulse each failed to pick up a win but competed hard. Douglas Robbins, Jackson Junker, and Talon Boyd each picked up a single win before being eliminated from competition. Mack Jorgensen put in the most time on the mat of any Grizzly over the weekend. Jorgensen won his first match then lost his second match putting him on the consolation side of the bracket. There Jorgensen would win his next two matches before suffering his second loss. Jorgensen had advanced far enough to earn a spot in the fifth place match. Jorgensen went on to win that match finishing on the podium in the fifth spot. The final two Grizzlies that wrestled were Carter Kimball and Cael Newby. Newby dominated his first two opponents earning a spot in the semi finals. In that semi final match Newby would have to go to a sudden death tiebreaker. Newby earned the narrow 5-4 tie breaking win. Newby

then moved on to the championship match which he won by major decision over a wrestler from Idaho Falls High school. Kimball tore through his first three rounds winning by tech. fall, fall, and major decision. This earned Kimball a spot in the championship match. Kimball won that match 7-2 over a wrestler from Teton.

The North Gem Cowboys had just two wrestlers compete in the tournament. Jaxsyn Welker battled hard for two matches but failed to pick up a win. Haydn Frandsen on the other hand had a very long tournament. Frandsen won his first match then lost his second, moving him to the consolation bracket. Frandsen would then win four in a row before suffering another loss. This put Frandsen in the fifth place match where he went on to win 7-4 and earn his spot on the podium.

The Lady Grizzlies also had three wrestlers take part in the tournament. Adeline Clark earned a championship by way of forfeit due to lack of competitors in her weight class. Bella Eddins also had low numbers in her weight division. Bella earned two byes due to her season record then won the championship match by technical fall over a wrestler from Sugar Salem. Skyla Cloud also received a bye due to her well established season record. Cloud then went on to pin her semi final opponent to make it to the final match. Cloud won that match by pin as well and earned the top spot on the podium.

Lady Cardinals Drop Final Two Games Of The Season

BY JODY REEVES

The Soda Springs Lady Cardinals finished off the regular season last week with a pair of district opponents on the road. The Lady Cardinals started their week at Malad to face the top seeded Lady Dragons. Few teams have been able to compete with Malad this season and the Lady Cardinals were no different. Not many expected them to win that game and it went just about as one would expect it to go. I won’t delve into the specifics of the game but will just say that the Lady Cardinals fought hard but came up short. The real drama came in their second game of the week and their final regular season game of the year. That game took place at Aber-

deen against the Lady Tigers. The Lady Cardinals desperately needed the win to earn a good seed in the upcoming district tournament. As the game tipped off things just were not falling Soda Springs’ way. The Lady Cardinals struggled to get shots to fall. Gronning helped keep them in the game with a pair of three point shots but the team as a whole had trouble even from the foul line. Soda Springs went just three for nine from the line in the first quarter of play. By the end of the first the Lady Cardinals were trailing by eight. The second quarter did not change much in the way of the point differential. As the first half came to a close the Lady Cardinals trailed by nine and had seen Davis leave the game with

an injury unsure if she would return. The third quarter was much the same but did see Davis return to the game and earn her first points. With just one quarter left in the game the Cardinals still trailed by eight points. In the fourth quarter the Lady Cardinals defense finally clamped down on the Lady Tigers and the lead began to shrink. The Cardinals had been able to get within two points in the last two minutes but just could not get over the hump. Soda Springs had several opportunities to either tie the game or take the lead. After a late foul shot that extended the lead to three points for the Lady Tigers the Lady Cardinals had one final shot to extend the game. Gronning’s three point buzzer beater just missed the mark and Soda

Springs lost the game by three. The loss dashed any hopes of earning a first round bye in the district tournament. The tournament will have started before this article is released. What we do know is that the Lady Cardinals hosted a first round game in Soda Springs on Tuesday night. That game was against either West Side or Declo. While the game will have already been played, check next week’s edition to see how that game ended and where the Lady Cardinals sit in the district tournament.