Caribou County | January 22, 2026

Enterprise The Idaho

Ribbon cutting at Ice Rink; Soda officials sworn in

After several months of anxious preparation and waiting for the right weather, the Soda Springs Recreation Department decided to just go full speed ahead with an official ribbon cutting event for the Ice Rink at Kelly Park last Wednesday. Throughout the day, Rec director Jessica Thurman and Assistant Director Amber Torgesen—along with a number of volunteers—readied the surface for its evening reveal.

As the sun began to set, a ribbon in front of the shed was cut, opening the rink to the public for use during the cold months of the year. The evening was a fun gathering of hockey enthusiasts and well wishers, who were glad to finally be able to take it to the ice.

The materials for the rink were purchased out of budgeted rec department funds, but a lot of the hours it took to put it all together, and supplies needed to make it usable, were donated by organizations and individuals alike, including ICCU, Rotary Club of Soda Springs, Mountain View Dental Clinic, Get Outside and Live, Bayer, Braden Lott, Heather Lott, Nolan Lott, Casey Hlavaty, Garrett Hill, Eddilyn Hill, Zaz McDonald, Jessica Thurman, Charlotte McCulloch, Tyler Henesh, Mike Nally, Dillon Liechty, Amber Torgesen, and Sunrise Automotive.

For information about skate or stick rentals, and anything else related to the rink, contact the Soda Springs city office at (208) 547-2600.

Following the ribbon cutting, the ice was given a solid testing as a pick up game…picked up.

In other city news, the official swearing in of Councilmembers Ryan Carpenter and Daniel Larsen happened during a special meeting on Wednesday. The swearing in had not been possible during the recent city council meeting due to Carpenter’s not being in town, and a quorum therefore not being possible. Newly appointed Director of City Services Dan Squires was also sworn in. Squires was

Cardinals Pick Up Two Emotional Wins

BY JODY REEVES

The Cardinals boys basketball team had two games last week. Soda Springs started by hosting the Grace Grizzlies on Thursday night. At the risk of once again repeating myself whenever these two schools meet on the court no matter the sport you should be ready for some potential drama. The Cardinals entered the contest with a 5-4 record while the Grizzlies came in under five hundred with a 4-8 record. Logic would say that the Cardinals should have been double digit favorites in the matchup but again things are never logical when these teams meet. In the grand scheme of things the game itself is not that critical to either team’s conference standings but bragging rights are a powerful motivator in these games. In addition to the high emotions both teams were also dealing with injuries. The already short handed Grizzlies saw one of their two way JV/Varsity players go down in the JV game. The Grace coaching staff had hoped to use the young Carter Mecham to counter the speed and quickness of the Cardinals guards but he would be forced to sit the game out with a banged up leg. Even more detrimental was the loss of Konner McWilliams to the Cardinals. McWilliams had exited the Cardinals previous game against West Side with an ankle injury and would be forced to sit out both games last week for Soda Springs. The loss of McWilliams meant that the Cardinals would have to lean on some of their younger players to combat the physical underneath play of Parker Yost and Chase Smith from the Grizzlies. So the stage was set and with one of the largest crowds of the year for either team the Cardinals and Grizzlies put on a show.

Right off the bat each team’s leading scorer got to work as the teams began trading blows. By the end of the first quarter the Cardinals had earned a slim two point lead. Soda Springs’ Cooper Thompson was off to a solid start with six points that was matched by Grace’s Parker Yost. In the second quarter of play the Cardinals did a better job of spreading the ball around while limiting the Grizzly’s top players. Soda Springs had six different players

score in the quarter while growing their lead from two up to nine at the halftime break. In the third quarter the Grizzlies would start to battle their way back into the game and would do it primarily from the foul line. The Cardinals sent the Grizzlies to the foul line for seven shots and Grace hit every one of them. The Cardinals were perfect from the line as well in the quarter going four for four and would do enough to still hold a five point lead heading into the final period. As the fourth quarter got underway the Grizzlies came out with renewed energy and just one and a half minutes into the quarter Grace tied the game up before tak-

Greenland at the center of discussion

The Trump administration has long been fixated on the idea of making Greenland a U.S. territory or state, and that fixation spilled into international news again last week. President Trump reiterated his desire to acquire the land, despite the resistance of its residents and Denmark, who has had a long relationship with the island. Aggressive comments about the possibility of pursuing the island, which reports claim the Trump administration is interested in due to its rare earth metals and strategic placement, have resulted in economic promises from European countries about imposing tariffs against U.S. goods. Greenland is already protected under the pacts created through NATO, of which the U.S. is a charter member. Representatives of a number of countries and international institutions pointed out over the last week that the strategic and defense concerns are therefore already accounted for, and nothing would be bolstered by the U.S.’s direct control of the island, which would furthermore result in significant administrative costs and a very unwelcoming populace. The story will of course continue to evolve, but as of press time, notable Republican figures in congress had expressed deep concern about any actions taken against a sovereign country such as Denmark, or a territory that did not want to be annexed, such as Greenland.

Grizzly killing award raised

Officials with the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity announced they have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for the illegal killing of a federally-protected grizzly bear in Boundary County, Idaho. The grizzly bear, which is listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, was shot in late October north of Perkins Lake in Boundary County, near the Idaho-Montana border, state and federal officials said. On Jan. 13, officials with the Center for Biological Diversity announced they are increasing the financial reward they are offering to $7,300, which brings the total reward up to $15,000. U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff received a mortality signal from the electronic collar the grizzly bear was wearing on Oct. 28. Following an investigation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, officials determined that the bear was not a threat to the shooter, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release issued Dec. 10.

Wage garnishment for borrowers delayed

The U.S. Department of Education is backtracking on plans to garnish wages and seize tax refunds of student loan borrowers in default, the department announced Friday. The agency said it would begin garnishing wages by sending notices to roughly 1,000 borrowers in default the first full week of January. But now the department has instituted a temporary delay would allow it to implement “major student loan repayment reforms” under Republicans’ tax and spending cut bill that President Donald Trump signed into law in 2025. The delay would “give borrowers more options to repay their loans,” the department said.

Little presents “State of State” for Idaho

Last Monday, Governor Brad Little gave his statutorily required “state of the state and budget” address to the public. From the capitol rotunda, Little acknowledged potential budget strains anticipated this year, vowed to retain levels for education funding and vocational training, and offered continued support for the Trump administration agenda. During the course of the speech, Little noted some of the places where “budget pressures” would likely lead to cuts.

The speech initiated the state’s 69th legislative session, which will last until at least late March unless it is extended, as it has been several times over the last few years. Idaho’s two-term governor celebrated the state’s strong economic position and aligned some of Idaho’s positions with Trump administration actions. Idaho remains one of the states in which the president’s approval rating is at a net positive.

“Last year, in the Oval Office, I spoke with President Trump about how Idaho exemplifies his vision of America,” Little’s speech stated. “We’re tough on crime. We protect the unborn. We eliminated CRT and DEI, and we led the nation in preventing men from competing in women’s sports. We also talked about how Idaho advances his Talent Strategy for America through Idaho LAUNCH. Together, we are putting the American worker first. Innovative workforce training programs power a modern economy, reinforce America’s competitive dominance over China, and help Idaho workers earn more and afford more.”

Budgetary issues dominated the speech. As last year wound down, economic forecasters began projecting a budget deficit of over $500 million for the state in fiscal year 2027. Idaho’s constitution requires a balanced budget, and Little’s address attempted to walk a line between cuts in some areas and retaining promised funding for programs such as LAUNCH that he deemed “foundational to Idaho’s long-term prosperity,” he said. He proposed a $5.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, just slightly under the $5.66 billion budget this fiscal year.

He asked the legislature to leave spending for K-12 education and the Idaho Launch program untouched. Launch, started by Little in 2022, gives grants to help high school graduates access higher education. The program has since been scrutinized in the Idaho Legislature for various reasons.

The program functionally provides vocational and technical training opportunities for all students, but especially create funding for students less likely to pursue traditional 4 year degrees.

While Little proposed leaving K-12 education spending the way it is, to make up the difference, he proposed extending 3% budget cuts he ordered almost every executive-branch agency to make in the current fiscal year, which he projected would save the state about $120 million.

In the budget proposal, Little called for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to maintain a 4% cut to its reimbursement rate for providers taking Medicaid patients — though he emphasized that he would not support the elimination of the state’s Medicaid expansion program, which provides health care coverage to about 90,000 lower-income Idaho residents. It is unclear whether both of those positions can simultaneously be put into practice.

Little proposed to hold state employee pay flat for fiscal year 2027, which starts July 1, though the state would not increase employees’ health insurance premiums even as its own cost has increased about 15%. Depending on the increases in insurance premiums over the year, and whatever happens at the national level with the ACA expansion, this may end up being one of the most strained pressure points in the plan, analysts have suggested. Little also called to eliminate funding for over 100 state jobs that have been unfilled for six months or more, which he predicted would save the state about $20 million.

Little stated that these and other proposed cuts would offer a path to a balanced budget without dipping into the state’s “rainy day” funds, and they would allow the state to conform with tax breaks offered in federal tax code. Little acknowledged that the tax breaks would cost the state up to $155 million in lost revenue — but he has made it a priority regardless. “The [tax cuts] will preserve the core principles I have long advocated for in Idaho’s tax system — simple, fair, predictable, and competitive,” he said. Idaho typically aligns its state tax code closely with the federal one, but doing so this year could result in added budgetary pressure across the state.

The governor’s largest proposed cuts are one-offs, including $275 million to a fund for state and local projects and $100 million in budget-stabilization, water-quality and other funds. The $100 million is interest earnings that normally would have stayed in those

Public invited to free class about how Idaho’s wildlife survive winter

BY JENNIFER JACKSON

It’s not just about migration and hibernation!

This winter has been very mild across most of eastern and southeastern Idaho so far. But, that doesn’t mean Idaho’s wildlife isn’t still doing some pretty amazing things to get through this winter season. Here is your chance to learn more about it!

Idaho Fish and Game in partnership with the Idaho Museum of Natural History is excited to present an upcoming class called “Surviving Winter.”

This class will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Idaho Museum of Natural History on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello. The class will run from 1 to 3 pm and is free to attend. All ages are welcome.

Participants will learn about the interesting physical adaptations and behaviors wildlife use to get through the chilly months—it’s not just about hibernation and migration either!

There will be a brief presentation followed by fun hands-on activities such as a modified version of the ice water challenge to learn how fat reserves protect against the cold, a feathers and fur touch-and-feel station, creating camouflaged critters, and more!

For those who think learning more about how animals survive the winter sounds really “cool,” then bring your family to this free class!

For more information, please contact Amber Tews with the Idaho Museum of Natural History at 208-282-3168 or Jennifer Jackson with the Idaho Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.

funds to support their future spending.

Little also noted the impending celebration of America’s 250th year since declaring independence, stating, “For two and a half centuries, the United States of America has been defined by the idea that freedom and opportunity belong to all. As we look to the future of our great country, this same idea will unite us as it always has. On this 250th commemoration of our country’s birth, let’s recognize and thank the generations who built this nation and those who defend it today –our active military members and veterans.” Plans are underway across Idaho to commemorate the 250th in different ways, which we will keep you apprised of as those dates develop. As soon as the first week is in the books, we will bring you reports from the legislators representing the interests of southeast Idaho.

Join the Thirkill Elementary Reading Buddies Program!

Are you a grandparent — or someone who simply loves spending time with children and wants to support a great cause? If so, we’d love your help!

We’re looking for volunteers to come in once a week for just 30 minutes to read with students. Studies show that reading aloud helps improve fluency, pronunciation, and comprehension. Even more importantly, it shows our children they are valued and supported in their learning.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Bonnie Speas at (208) 547-4426 or email speabonn@sodaschools.org.

N. A. Degerstrom (NAD) recently donated $7,000 to local nonprofit Get Outside And Live (“GOAL”), a generous gesture marking the close of a long and valuable chapter in Caribou County. NAD has spent 53 years working as a mining contractor in the county and recently concluded a contract with Bayer. NAD’s donation was made as an expression of gratitude to the citizens of Caribou County for the many years of association and the connections forged while working and living in the area.

The gift will help Get Outside And Live continue its work in the community, supporting activities and programs

that encourage residents to enjoy and steward the outdoors. Jim McCulloch (President of GOAL) expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating “this is the largest donation GOAL has received to date and it will really aid us in our efforts to develop even more opportunities to connect folks with the outdoors in this amazing place we live. We love and appreciate this kindness from NAD and their continued care for and investment in our community”. This donation highlights the strong bonds between longtime residents, local industry, and community organizations — a reminder that even as careers change, ties to place and people endure.

DYW first practice Jan 30

It seems like just yesterday that Kallie Stoddard, Idaho’s current Distinguished Young Woman, took to the stage to be crowned DYW for Caribou County. And by virtue of that, it seems like even more recently that she then went on to be named the DYW for the entire state.

Of course, it wasn’t yesterday, it was last spring for the first part, and last fall for the second. The cycle is gearing up to start again for this coming year, and there are high hopes that Caribou County will continue its amazing success in the scholarship and competition program.

DYW is a means by which High School Juniors are able to pursue a number of scholarships for future education, gain amazing lines for their resume and career portfolios, and most importantly, develop skills that can be enormously helpful as they prepare to head out into the professional and academic worlds.

Organizers are hoping to have as many women possible attend the

first practice/orientation at the end of the month to find out about the program, and what is involved in committing to it. As they write:

“If you are a high school Junior girl, you are invited to participate in the Caribou County Distinguished Young Women program. The final program will take place May 2, 2026.

The first practice will be on Friday, January 30 at 9:00 am at the Tigert Middle School Commons Area at 250 East 2nd South in Soda Springs. Parents/guardians are invited to the first hour, with practice beginning immediately after. Participants should wear clothing appropriate for physical activity.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Myra Leatherman at 208-5477567. To register, please visit www. distinguishedyw.org.

Caribou County DYW is part of a nationwide endeavor to empower outstanding high school women by providing scholarship opportunities, developing life skills, encouraging

positive values, and impacting the lives of others through the Be Your Best Self outreach program.

DYW emphasizes excellence in five categories of competition: scholastics, talent, interview, fitness and self-expression. This program is recognized as the premier scholarship program for high school wom-

Community Health and Support

Free Clinic Van

The SEICAA office, which is also to location of the Food Bank, is a place that is devoted to bringing together people and resources, especially for those with otherwise limited access.

Last week, Pocatello Free Clinic Outreach Coordinator Pam Milkowski was joined by Ann Schweitzer and Cristal Castillo for “Community Outreach Day” at the SEICAA location.

Free health services were available free of cost for those who needed them. Insurance was not needed, and everyone who sought services was seen.

Services that were offered included STI and STD screening, HIV testing, Hepatitis C screenings, blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, and pregnancy testing. In

addition, social services representatives from the clinic were on site to share information about clinic and community services, and to help answer questions about how to connect with sometimes distant seeming care professionals.

Educational materials, prizes, and a variety of informational materials were available at the booth, set up just outside the SEICAA offices.

At present, the Pocatello Free Clinic plans to visit town once a month to provide similar screenings and information. The plan is to visit on the second Wednesday of the month, which will be February 11.

Milkowski noted that this was the clinic’s first visit to Soda Springs, and was largely focused on getting to know more about the makeup of the community, and areas of local need. Based on what they learned,

Bayer donates equipment to senior center

Last week, the Caribou Senior Center received an unexpected donation, that should help immensely with its hundreds of weekly meals made for in-house dining and delivery. The center is at the heart of support services for seniors (and many other members of the community), and the kitchen is the workhorse of the operation. Warm meals—served in a safe environment where visitors are able to socialize, communicate, and check in with their friends—are one of the most important ways to keep communities strong as time moves along.

Bayer has been an important source of support for the Senior Center over the years, and as Jim McCulloch explains, in this case they were able to connect to a very useful person for a much needed item.

“The Senior Center recently replaced one of its industrial kitchen mixers,” McCulloch said. “It was too big for the previous table so had to be placed on the floor. Bayer stepped up and paid Jeff Harris with J Harris Enterprises to fabricate a new stand that brought the mixer up to a more ergonomic working height. The center thanks Bayer for helping make out county a better place for out senior

citizens with this and so many other donations!”

The Senior Center provides inhouse dining on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as in-home delivery. For questions about events, meals, or other services, you can call the center directly at (208) 547-3007. Thank you to Bayer for stepping up to help a critical community resource.

she notes that there may be an opportunity for a medical provider to accompany them on future visits for appointments.

“We want people to know that there are places they can go for their needs. It can seem overwhelming sometimes, but there are ways we can help,” Milkowski said.

Food Bank

Wednesday was also the Food Bank day, and SEICAA’s Renae Lynch was joined by the members of Beta Sigma Phi as they sorted and stocked Food Bank donations. While holiday donations were generous and helped to provide local families and individuals much needed food and supplies, the spring can see a reduction in donations. It has often been noted by food pantries that there is something of a slump

en and provides meaningful, lasting experiences for participants.”

If you are planning to further pursue education after graduation, DYW is a perfect way to develop resources, skills, and funding for those pursuits. If you hadn’t thought about doing anything like this before, now is your chance!

after the seasonal peak.

“We’re still good for now,” Marilyn Kukachka said. “But we are trying to have more fresh fruits, vegetables, and things like that.” The Food Bank is also taking donations of winter clothes, and would love to see more clothing (gloves, hats, coats, etc) that are in good condition come through. “There is definitely a need.”

Donations may be dropped off at the SEICAA office, located in the parking lot just north of the Soda Springs Police offices and Sims Funeral Home. Items should be delivered during office hours--9 A.M.- 4 P.M., Mondays and Wednesdays to ensure they are properly handled and received. If you are struggling to keep yourself and/or family fed, please come check out the Caribou County Food Bank.

HEALTHY TIP FOR KIDS

Personal Space

This is Cowboy Ted with the Healthy Tip for Kids. Today’s topic is personal space.

Personal space is the amount of distance you want for just youwithout others crowding you or getting too close to you AND for most people that is one arm length away.

It’s basically socially unacceptable to be in someone’s personal space.

You don’t want to be the space invader either, make sure and give other people an imaginary bubble for personal space. Get in the habit of staying at least one arm length from people.

It is also a very good idea to give animals some personal space too and will keep you safe.

Healthy kids are up to you. Don’t be a space invader. Make sure you give other people some personal space and if someone gets too close to you – go ahead and politely ask them to give you a little more space.

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

New Year, Same You: Small Upgrades for 2026

BY REBECCA BRAINARD

By now, the new year has settled in. The confetti is gone. The gym is already less crowded. The brandnew planner already has a coffee stain and a few crossed-out plans. If you have already given up on your New Year’s resolution, welcome. You are not alone.

We tend to treat New Year’s resolutions as an all-or-nothing situation. Either you become a brandnew, highly disciplined version of yourself by January 3, or you quietly abandon your goal and keep paying for that gym membership forever while eating ice cream on the couch. There is very little room for a normal human in that equation.

Instead of resolutions, what if we thought in terms of life upgrades?

No dramatic overhauls. No overnight transformations. Just small

changes that make life feel better than it did before.

Did you stop going to the gym? You didn’t fail. You paused. You can go back tomorrow, next week, or in April when it is no longer dark at five o’clock and the world feels slightly less hostile.

And maybe the upgrade you need is not the gym at all. Maybe you walk more. Maybe you stretch in the living room. Maybe you park farther away and call that extra walk a win. If you promised yourself you would journal every day and made it exactly two entries before forgetting, that does not mean you lack discipline. Maybe daily journaling just doesn’t fit your life right now. Maybe you record voice memos. Maybe you write a sentence or two when you need to. Maybe you start a photo journal.

Life upgrades do not require

streaks, tracking apps, or public accountability. They do not demand perfection.

Maybe what you really want is more time with a hobby you keep meaning to get back to. More travel, even if it is just one extra trip this year. More time with a friend you love but never quite manage to see. More music, more books, more things that make your days feel interesting instead of rushed.

Those wants can become upgrades.

Stop waiting for the “right moment.” Start reading the book you have been meaning to get to. Start a savings account for the trip you keep dreaming about, even if the balance grows slowly. Call your friend once a week and make it a habit. Buy one record a month and actually listen to it. Set a budget for new clothes and choose pieces you

genuinely love instead of grabbing whatever is convenient.

None of these goals require a personality transplant. They just require a little attention. And over time, they upgrade your life.

We spend so much time waiting for life to start after we get everything in order. After we meet the goal. After we become the version of ourselves we think we are supposed to be. But your life is already happening.

Life upgrades are about making yourself happier in small ways that add up. They are about choosing joy and texture over guilt and pressure. Design a life you love. The new year does not have to be about fixing yourself. 2026 can be about enjoying yourself and finally making a few things happen.

The year is still young. You can start anytime. Upgrades do not expire.

Fish and Game Corner

BY CONNOR LIESS, IDFG

Feeding backyard deer and elk does more harm than good

Seeing a herd of deer outside your door or a head of elk may seem idyllic, and during winter they can almost seem tame. But truth is they’re wild animals that need to remain wild animals, and feeding them can quickly create a variety of problems.

Here’s how a simple well-meaning act can lead to a neighborhood-wide conflict. The same sad story repeats each winter

A neighbor will leave feed on their property all winter. The wintering deer catch wind of this 24-hour eatery and tell their out-of-town friends. The numbers grow, and pretty soon, other wildlife — including coyotes and cougars — hear about this backyard buffet as well.

The deer and elk eat what’s available and start patrolling the neighborhoods for more readily-available grub, while predators start sourcing their own food — including household pets as residential conflicts arise from “wild” animals suddenly becoming full-time residents in neighborhoods.

Regardless of how cute, fuzzy, or “hungry” those deer and elk look this time of year, please remember: Generally speaking, they are adapted to winter conditions, or if the conditions don’t allow, migrate to milder climates. They do not need a tray of feed laid out in the backyard in order to survive the winter. They’ve done it for thousands of winters before, and they’ll do it again this winter.

Come one, come all Folks usually have good intentions and are only trying to help. But feeding wildlife typically does more harm than good.

Deer and elk can face health issues when well-intended — but ill-informed — people choose to feed residential wildlife. Feed left out for one deer or elk can quickly lead to more. Large quantities of wildlife in small areas can increase the chances of diseases spreading among the population.

Deer and elk digestive systems have also naturally adapted to different types of forage for different types of year. During winter, they’re adapted to digest dried, low-nutrient forage. Adding unnatural, rich food to their diet can create serious digestive

problems, bloat and even death.

Feeding deer and elk in neighborhoods can also attract them to deadly plants commonly used in landscaping, as was the case in January 2022 in the Wood River Valley. Despite Blaine County’s ordinance restricting the planting of these poisonous plants, five elk were found dead in residential areas after they consumed toxic yew plants. Two of those elk were calves. In 2015-16, the same noxious yew plant killed at least 20 elk in the same area.

As more deer and elk congregate in towns, the chances of vehicle collisions also increase. Deer and elk aren’t the best at reading crosswalk signs while they roam town searching for food sources. Hitting a large deer or even larger elk could ruin a person’s day, not to mention the animal’s day. Motorists should drive cautiously when they’re traveling through areas where wildlife may be present.

Feeding a few deer can very quickly lead to many more looking for handouts, concentrating unnaturally high numbers in small areas, which increases the chances of diseases and parasites spreading among the population. Densely congregated deer and elk create conditions ideal for disease outbreaks.

The impacts of social media

It’s a sad reality, but staging wildlife photos and videos is becoming more and more of an online trend. People on social media carelessly lure in wildlife with food, and take a selfie with the critter while it munches. Photos and videos can go viral, inflating a person’s ego enough to do it again for even more social media engagement.

Pretty soon, the animal becomes used to being fed and repeatedly returns expecting another handout, and more animals may follow. This kind of behavior ultimately spells trouble for wildlife. An animal that’s lost its fear of humans can create a whole web of problems for people, their pets, and sadly, the animal itself.

At some point, Fish and Game has to intervene. Relocation might be the best-case scenario, but in most cases, euthanizing the animal is the only solution if the animal ends up threatening or harming a person or pet.

Issues all across the state

After passing a no-feeding ordinance in September 2023, the

city of McCall is dealing with a long-standing problem with town deer. As the name implies, town deer spend most of their time living in town to take advantage of a town’s ample food supply, snowfree roads and sidewalks.

These animals should be migrating, but since they can survive winter in town, they reside there yearround. As plowed roads become main travel routes for deer, car accidents are common, and injured deer must be euthanized.

Deer also attract predators

For some, the spectacle of wild deer appearing “tame” as they stroll down the sidewalk and graze in a neighbor’s front yard is the perfect photo-op, causing some townsfolk or tourists to encourage this unnatural behavior. But time and time again, this proves to be detrimental for not just deer, but predators, too, as Fish and Game’s Southwest Regional Wildlife Manager Regan Berkley explains.

“The more deer that concentrate in an area, the higher likelihood of predators moving into that area,” Berkley said. “A few winters ago, we saw increased mountain lion sightings witnessed by numerous people or their doorbell cams.”

Once a mountain lion, coyote or any other large predator discovers a buffet of town deer, it doesn’t take long for them to move within city limits, sometimes right up to one’s backdoor.

“Any time we have mountain lions in close proximity to people, our primary concern is for public safety,” said Berkley. “Our level of concern rises when lions start to exhibit nontypical behavior, such as being active in the middle of the day and losing their fear of humans, or preying on domestic pets, which is why continuing to receive reports from the public is so important.”

What seems harmless is often the opposite

Fish and Game always recommends against private feeding of deer and elk, and in many Idaho communities, it’s illegal. Artificially altering wildlife’s behavior almost always produces unintended and often negative consequences.

“Keeping all wildlife wild is the responsibility of all of us as humans living in wildlife habitat,” Berkley said.

The story repeats farther north in the Panhandle and Clearwater, where the sight of white-tailed deer, turkey and moose meandering through town is commonplace.

Knock on just about any door and you’ll hear stories of wildlife decimating freshly planted ornamental landscaping, or devouring the entire crop from a garden. While nearly all people love wildlife, wild animals living in neighborhoods creates conflicts between neighbors who don’t want their expensive landscaping or hard-earned fruits and vegetables turned into deer food.

Some towns have resorted to other alternatives to deal with the destructive influx of hooved, feathery and hairy residents. In recent years, the City of Hayden Lake has pursued trapping and euthanizing resident white-tailed deer in town.

Trapping and relocating town deer is typically not an option due to possible disease transmission into wild populations. A relocation effort to remove town deer was halted in the City of Cascade because the deer were infested with lice that would be transmitted to wild deer if the town deer were released into the wild.

Fish and Game feeds only during emergency situations

In very rare cases, Fish and Game managers will supplement a deer or elk’s diet with winter feed in emergency situations. Extreme winters can sometimes cause winter forage to become limited or unavailable, sometimes for prolonged periods of time

Fish and Game will also feed wintering deer and elk on an emergency basis in order to prevent conflicts between big game and agricultural operations, as well as a means of luring big game herds away from congested freeways or onramps. However instances such as these are uncommon. Most winters, snow depths and temperatures do not pose a threat to big game herds.

Moral of the story

If you wish to help wintering wildlife this year, rather than feeding, take out your binoculars and observe them from a distance. Appreciate the fact that you live in a place that provides deer and elk a suitable habitat during certain parts of the year. You will do more good for the deer and elk by not feeding them.

Got Milk Again

BY ALLISON ELIASON

“Got Milk!” may be a slogan of the past, but whole milk is once again finding its way onto school lunch trays. After more than a decade of restrictions, federal nutrition standards have been revised to allow whole milk to be served in school meal programs, restoring a long-standing connection between student nutrition and American agriculture.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law, amending the National School Lunch Act to permit schools to serve whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk alongside low-fat and fat-free options. While districts are not required to offer whole milk, the change gives schools and families greater flexibility and reflects evolving perspectives on nutrition.

For decades following the creation of the National School Lunch Program in 1946, whole milk was the standard served in school cafeterias. The program was designed not only to improve child nutrition but also to strengthen domestic agriculture by encouraging consumption of American farm products. Milk—particularly whole milk—was viewed as a practical, nutrient-dense food that supported both student health and farm families.

That began to change in the late 20th century as dietary guidance increasingly emphasized limiting saturated fat. Skim and low-fat milk options became more common, and the most significant shift came with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Beginning in the 2011–2012 school year, schools participating in the federal lunch program were limited to serving only fat-free or 1% milk, effectively removing whole

and 2% milk from cafeterias nationwide.

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 15th FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019

CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

Over time, educators, families, and nutrition professionals raised concerns that the restrictions reduced milk consumption among students. Many children simply stopped drinking milk altogether, leading to increased food waste and lower intake of key nutrients. As nutritional science continued to evolve, federal dietary guidance began to recognize that full-fat dairy can be part of a balanced diet, particularly for growing and active children.

The updated Dietary Guidelines

NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20260119 FOR RELEASE JAN. 19, 2026

By JoAnn Derson

for Americans for 2025–2030 reflect that shift, acknowledging that dietary fat is not inherently harmful when consumed as part of an overall nutritious meal pattern. The new law also clarifies that milk fat will no longer count toward federal saturated fat limits in school lunches, giving schools more flexibility while maintaining overall nutritional standards.

For students who rely heavily on school meals, the return of whole milk may offer meaningful benefits. Many children—especially those

BRAIN TEASERS

from low-income households—depend on school breakfasts and lunches for the majority of their daily nutrition. Whole milk provides additional calories and energy, supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and offers the same high-quality protein and calcium needed for growth, bone development, and overall health.

While nutrition remains an important part of the conversation, the policy change also carries significant implications for agriculture. Dairy farmers and industry organizations have strongly supported the return of whole milk to schools, calling it a practical step that benefits both children and producers. Groups such as Dairy Farmers of America and the National Milk Producers Federation have pointed out that schools serve nearly 30 million students each day and represent a major market for fluid milk.

For dairy producers, the change could help stabilize demand at a time when fluid milk consumption has steadily declined. Whole and 2% milk contain higher butterfat levels, which add economic value to milk and improve returns for farmers. Even modest increases in school milk consumption could translate into millions of additional half-pints sold each year, providing meaningful support for dairy operations and rural communities.

Though schools are not required to offer whole milk, the expanded options reconnect student nutrition programs with the agricultural system that supplies them. For dairy farmers, the return of whole milk to school cafeterias represents more than a menu change—it signals renewed recognition of milk’s role in both child nutrition and the sustainability of American agriculture.

• “For pastry cooking, try grating frozen butter into the flour. It cuts in better and will stay cool longer. This helps when I am making shortbread, as the flour and butter need to be combined. I don’t end up having to put it in the fridge to cool it back down.” — C.S. in South Carolina

• Freshen stuffed animals by securing a few in a pillowcase and adding a fabric softener sheet. Put in the dryer on low heat for 20 minutes, then remove and brush out the fur if necessary while still warm.

• “Schedule important doctor’s checkups, like your annual physical and dental cleanings, in the same month each year, so you will know when they are coming up. I use my birth month. My mom always has hers done in February.” — E.D. in Massachusetts

• Here is an ingenious way to store markers: Collect enough toilet paper rolls to fill a shoebox standing upright. Paint or decorate the outside of the shoebox with brightly colored paper or paints. Fill with the rolls. The markers stand upright in the toilet paper rolls and they are kept standing uniformly across the box. Much better than a messy bin, where you can’t see the colors that are on the bottom.

• When you are finished pan frying something, add a bit of water to the pan and put it back on the still-warm burner while you eat. When you come back to clean up after dinner, the pan drippings will slide right off!

• If you’ve been decluttering as a part of your New Year’s resolutions and you came across old pairs of eyeglasses, know that you can donate them to any Lions Club in your area. They redistribute the glasses to those who cannot afford them. You don’t have to know the prescription, and they take reading glasses too!

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

EVENT CALENDARS

SODA SPRINGS CARIBOU COUNTY

January 23 – Friday

IDAN-HA Movie

Caribou County Senior Dinner

BBB @ West Side

January 24 – Saturday

IDAN-HA Movie

Cheer @ Rigby Rally

January 25 – Sunday

Presbyterian Services

Caribou Bible Church Services

Catholic Mass (8:30am)

Open Arms Church Services

LDS Services

Hope Lutheran Church

January 26 – Monday

Catholic Daily Mass (9:00am)

January 28 – Wednesday

Caribou County Senior Dinner

Board Meeting @ 7

GBB @ Malad

January 29 – Thursday

IDAN-HA Movie

Catholic Daily Mass (6:30pm)

BBB vs Aberdeen Wrestling @ West Side District

Duals

GRACE

January 24 – Saturday

GBB @ Raft River

January 25 – Sunday

LDS Services

January 26 – Monday

Preschool Story Hour @ Library

10:30 am

January 27 – Tuesday

WR @ Valley/WS

BBB vs Soda Springs

January 28 – Wednesday

GBB @ West Side

January 29 – Thursday

GBB vs Oakley

Wrestling West Side (District Duals)

BANCROFT

January 23 – Friday Wrestling Kooskia BBB Practice

January 24 – Saturday Wrestling Kooskia

MS BBB @ Clark Tournament

GBB/BBB vs Taylor’s Crossing

January 25 – Sunday LDS Services

January 26 – Monday

Booster Club Meeting

MS BBB @ Watersprings

January 27 – Tuesday

GBB/BBB @ Watersprings

January 28 – Wednesday

MS BBB vs Rockland

January 29 – Thursday

Wrestling West Side

CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU

Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee

Jan 23 - Lemon Chicken w/Rice, Cooked Carrots, Apples, Dilly Bread, Choc. Chip Cookie

Jan. 28 - Chicken Salad Sandwich, Potato Soup, Pineapple, Apple Crisp

LUNCH MENUS

SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk

Monday, January 26

Monday, January 26 - Hot Dog, Chips

Tuesday, January 27

Chicken Noodle soup, Breadstick

Wednesday, January 28

Sweet Pork Burrito, Rice

Thursday, January 29

Pizza

NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU

Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day

Monday, January 26

Pizza Kits, Sloppy Joes, Deli Bar, Green Beans, Carmel Apple Parfait

Tuesday, January 27

Hotdogs, Deli Bar, Sweet Potato Fries, Peaches

Wednesday, January 28

Super Nachos, Deli Bar, Seasoned Black Beans, Pineapple Crisp

Thursday, January 29

Bacon Ranch Flatbread, Deli Bar, Broccoli w/Cheese, Pears w/ Blueberries

GRACE LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Milk

Monday, January 26

Popcorn Chicken, Fried Rice, Broccoli, Pears

Tuesday, January 27

Quesadilla, Corn, Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday, January 28

Spaghetti, Breadstick, Fresh Veggies, Peaches

Thursday, January 29

Pizza, Green Salad, Cinnamon Applesauce

ON THIS DAY

1673 Postal service between New York & Boston inaugurated

1814 First Knights Templar Grand Encampment in the US is held in New York City

1908 Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old “Sullivan Ordiance” banning women from smoking in public, and is fined $5. Appearing before the judge, she states, “I’ve got as much right to smoke as you have. I never heard of this new law, and I don’t want to hear about it. No man shall dictate to me.”

1964 World’s largest cheese (15,723kg) is manufactured in Wisconsin for the New York World’s Fair

1970 First commercial Boeing 747 flight, Pan American World Airways flies from New York City to London in. 6 1/2 hours

1973 In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court legalizes most abortions (Roe v. Wade). Authoring the majority opinion, Harry Blacmun states that the criminalization of abortion does not have “roots in

BIRTHDAYS

Darlene Meads, Jan. 1

Jerry Lakey, Jan. 2

Virginia Hamp, Jan. 3

Shari Robison, Jan. 5

Fred Peck, Jan. 13

Jessie Dunn, Jan. 13

Wade Cordell Crump, Jan. 13

Tom Matthews, Jan. 16

Starla Kingsford, Jan. 18

the English common-law tradition.”

1984 Apple’s seminal ad for the new Macintosh computer, directed by Ridley Scott, loosely based on George Orwell’s “1984”, plays during the Super Bowl

1990 Robert Tappan Morris is convicted of releasing the 1988 Internet worm, or Morris worm, one of the oldest computer worms distributed via the Internet

2002 Kmart Corp becomes the largest retailer in United States history to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

2010 Conan O’Brien’s last The Tonight Show episode after a big controversy over the Tonight Show timeslot

2018 Netflix becomes the largest digital media and entertainment company in the world worth $100 billion

2023 Australian surfer Laura Enever sets world record riding the largest-ever wave by a woman at 43.6ft on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii

Gladys Greer, Jan. 18 Dee Farnsworth, Jan. 30

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

LOOKING BACK AT PAGES FROM THE PAST

The following stories are summarized from past issues of the Caribou County Sun over the last fifty plus years. The Enterprise thanks Mark Steele for permission to use the contents, and the Grace Public Library for access to the archives.

2021

The Soda Springs Fire Department reached a milestone in 2021. IT is 90 years old and was established in January of 1931, according to the Soda Springs Chieftain. Ike Ozburn was appointed chief and Bill Miller was Assistant Chief. Other members of the department were “Ike” Blackburn and Fox Thorpe, nozzlemen, Milton Horsley and Bill Hildreth, hydrant men, and John Bew, driver. The first practice for the volunteer dire department was Saturday, Jan 10, 1931. The first fire truck was a used one purchased from the City of Logan, and was in operation for some three decades. According to Fireman Scott MacKenzie, it is now with the Soda Springs Lions Club, and was often in parades. MacKenzie and current Chief Dan Squires noted a modern fire truck was purchased in 1969 after a bond was approved by the city residents. It was later sold to Fish Haven in 2001. MacKenzie said engines No. 1, 2, and 3 were online prior to 1986 when he started with the SSFD. He noted some “innovative means” were used to compliment the addition of Engine np. 4—a converted box van donated by Robert Rigby, Sr., through Intermountain Gas Company. It carried the first foam generation machinery the department used.

“When the 1963 LaFrance No. 2 was ready to be replaced with Engine no. 5, it was a difficult sell, but it was natural for the new one to have the next great system that delivered foam under a compressed air format that potentially lessened the water required and lessened the damage to the structure” from the heavier amount of water, he said. The road trip down memory lane continues, with the need for a vehicle to work on the rural interface wildland fires and somewhere in the early millennium another innovative build was underway. An old city Water Department Ford pickup was due to be auctioned off. The department got the vehicle and with a coat of paint, some suspension fortifications, and a small wildland pump system, it resulted in Engine No 6. MacKenzie said in 2014 the No. 3 FMC pumper truck “shuddered, banged and under nearly all of the 300 Detroit horses dropped the transmission on the driveway. That’s how we were able to acquire an engine under Mayor Smith,” he said.

Idaho Senate Republicans advanced legislation aimed to rebalance the power of state government to reflect the will of the people, they said. In a special meeting of the Senate State Affairs Committee, members voted to move Senate Concurrent Resolution 101 to a floor vote with a “do pass” recommendation from last week. SCR101 would immediately terminate the COVID-19 emergency orders issued by the Governor while maintaining the declarations needed to keep federal funding available to Idaho’s military, first responders, health care providers, and community, Senate Republican leadership said.

2011 A record amount of $9,513 in proceeds was raised Saturday at the Soda Springs Winter Carnival Fishing Derby, sponsored by Clear Springs Foods, Inc. Jerry Giles, manager of the local operations for Clear Springs, said 684 entrants paid their fees to enjoy the day at the ponds, and there were well over 700 people attending with visitors and sightseers. In its 21st year, the popular fishing derby draws the crowds and this year’s big fish winner was Braxton Bingham, 15, of Utah with his 16.2 pound rainbow trout. Second place at 15.3 pounds was Trey Stephens, 4, of Soda Springs, and

Evert Evans of Rexburg took third at 14.3 pounds.

On Saturday, Jan 29 the North Gem Boosters Club invited three very special groups of men and their families to return to North Gem High School for recognition. These three groups all belonged to an Idaho State basketball championship team in the years 1957, 1961, and 1995. They will be recognized at a reception in the Cowboy hallway at 7 p.m. and then will receive special recognition at the half-time of the boys game with Clark County.

The family of C.D. Simmons gathered on Tuesday Jan 18 to celebrate his 99th birthday. Clarence Dean was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada on Jan 18, 1912 to John Stoker and Mary Jane O’Brien Simmons, the seventh of 11 children. C.D. and Vivian moved to Grace in 1937, where Clarence began a long career of teaching in the Grace and Soda Springs High Schools. He taught English, typing, bookkeeping, government, shorthand, and American History. He coached track and football and directed school plays. He was noted for his beautiful penmanship.

Soda on Ice, a local group hosting the Jan 15 Ice Bowl tournament for the benefit of the Food Bank, was not only happy about the weather, but about the size of the tournament and the support for the Food Drive in conjunction with the Ice Bowl. Ed Hegemann, spokesman for Soda on Ice, praised the generosity of local businesses, which provided cash, food, and prizes for the tournament. Thanks to the tournament and business donations, over $1,500 was collected for the food bank.

The first baby of the 2011 New Year at Caribou Memorial Hospital was Kire Rose Armstrong, born at 12:36 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14, weighing in at 6 pounds 15 ounces and 18.5 inches long. Kira’s parents are Nicole and Byron Armstrong of Soda Springs, and a brother, Ethan, 6, a sister Leah, 5, are waiting at home. Businesses contributing gifts and money to the new baby are Advantage Plus, Arctic Circle, Broulims, Eastman Drug, Caribou County Sun, Gate City Real Estate, Sanders, Lallatins, Main Street Floral, Alco, Subway, Geyser View, PPS, Mountain States Insurance, City of Soda Springs, Mountain View Dental Clinic, Enders, Chamber Office, Agrium, Flame, and Soda Creek Lodge.

The North Gem/Grace wrestling team attended another good tournament last weekend at Wendell High School. There were 22 teams competing in the tournament. The Grace wrestling team placed 7th just five points out of third place. They also brought home four medals. Justin Williams placed 1st at 130 pounds, Spenser Peck was 2nd at 171, Austin Weaver placed 4th at 135, and Westyn Thompson placed 5th at 140.

2001

The Soda Springs Lady Cardinals showed a lot of improvement Friday night at home with American Falls. Displaying an impressive defense the Lady Cardinals jumped out to a 17-10 first quarter lead. American Falls clawed their way back into the game to trail by just two and a half, but the Cards stepped it up again the third and held tough to get the 5443 win. Laura Sprague scored 22 points and picked up six steals on the night, while Wendi Price added 13 points and came away with four steals. The Lady Cards improved to 3-12 on the season with the win and 2-5 in conference play.

Thirkill Thunderbirds School Report: 1st grade—first grade is easy and fun. We are such good readers. We love it. We like math too. We play a flash card game and are memorizing addition facts. We are fast. We are learning about Eskimos and Martin Luther King. He taught us to like everyone, and have peace.

Senior Jeff Hoopes remained undefeated as Soda Springs High School wrestlers compete. Placing

first at the Rulon Winward Memorial Tournament in Prestin were Hoopes at 275 pounds and Chris Harrison at 215 pounds. Other wrestlers competing were Brooks Wilcox at 119 pounds and Jerremy Allen at 140 pounds. First place medalists at the Grace Invitational Tournament were Hoopes at 275, and Wilcox at 112, while Chris Harrison gave a valiant effort at 215 pounds. The Cardinal team is coached by Justin Dahlke and Matt Kirby.

Rik Finlayson completed his schooling at Idaho State mid-December, with a double major in computer information systems and business management, while working at FMC and commuting to classes. He will graduate with high honors and receive his degree at ISU during commencement exercises in May. Rik started work Jan 1 in Idaho Falls for Docutech. He and his wife Alexa are parents of three children, Kayden, Melia, and Taisha.

At this year’s Prevention Conference, the Idaho Drug Free Youth group decided to make quilts for those who might need them. The youth have written messages on each quilt and drawn pictures. The quilts were made with love from the youth of Idaho. Those involved were Lynda Lee, Amanda Martinsen, Rebecca Anderson, Stephanie Sippola, Ryan Simmons, Chase Johnson, Andrea Krall, and Holly Gorton.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Murdoch left Christmas morning in a ten passenger van, on a family vacation to Anaheim, California, stopping one night en route in Mesquite, Nevada. They spent all but one day enjoying the attractions and rides in Disneyland and one day in Sea World. One the return trip they stayed overnight again in Mesquite and were overnight again in Mesquite and were guests in Provo, Utah of Susan’s mother, where they celebrated New Year’s Eve with her family. They continued home New Year’s Day. Those enjoying the vacation with their parents included Desarie and Wynn Hill and children, and Micah and Megan Murdoch of Pocatello. Micah and Patrick are both students at ISU and Megan working on the ISU campus.

1971

Uncle Cal from Caribou says: You recollect the item in the papers about this feller riding his motorcycle stark naked except for his helmet. When he was stopped by police he said he was wearing the helmet cause he didn’t want to break the law. When he was asked how come that was all he was wearing he said he didn’t know of a law that you had to wear anything else to ride a motorcycle. As technical as our laws is gitting, Mr. Editor, I couldn’t figger out what the outcome of the case might have been. On one hand, he might have been turned loose on account the warrunt didn’t have the right therefore and whereas, or cause they wasn’t no room fer him in jail. On the other hand, he might have been put away for air and noise pollution with the motorcycle with malice aforethought ipso facto centorio e pluribus unum.

It may be the parents in Caribou Council don’t have children who

have temper tantrums, dawdle at piano practice, chores or school work, or get into fights in and out of the home, but if some parents or teachers feel the need for some help, it is now available. Sarting 7 p.m. Feb 4, classes will be held in the Thirkill school library to teach good behavior habits without developing ulcers or using the paddle too often. This class is an extension of Idaho State University and all are welcome.

The Cardettes have been very busy the past few weeks preparing and providing entertainment for the halftime shows at the basketball games. The routines that the girls have performed include the drill made up by the junior members of the team and the drill where the girls use the new poms-poms that were made by the Home Economic Department, with Mrs. Williams in charge of the project. Due to trading of drill teams between the Cardettes and the Bear Lake Lakettes, the Lakettes marched at the Wednesday night game between Soda and Bear Lake. The Cardettes will then travel to Montpelier Friday night and march on their court.

Sherman Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Wright, received cuts on his neck Friday night while skidooing, when he hit a barb wire fence. He was taken to the Caribou Memorial Hospital where it took several stitches to close the wounds. Grace School Board Minutes: The Grace School District Board heard a proposal from the girls of the Grace High School student council. The group requested that for health reasons girls be allowed to wear pants from the first of December to the end of March. The trustees approved a 30 day trial period during which time the girls may wear pants and slacks but not blue jeans of blue Levis. The girls of the student council accepted responsibility to enforce the new dress code.

IDAN-HA THEATRE

-INDOOR-

Thursday, January 22

Friday, January 23

Saturday, January 24

David (PG)

From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love and courage, culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday Matinee 2:00 p.m. (All seats $5)

Wednesday, January 28 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

208-547-3282

Caribou County Board of Commissioners 1/12

The Caribou County Commissioners met for the board’s first regular meeting of 2026. A meeting on snow removal at the Blackfoot Reservoir was very well attended.

Blackfoot Reservoir Plowing

The County took up the issue of opening roads near the Blackfoot Reservoir. The BLM has been contacted, and agreed that the county has the right to clear the area that provides dock access at the reservoir. Residents of the area were quite clear that it would receive a lot of use. Commissioner Somsen noted that the county had to be careful not to create a precedent whereby they would need to open every access point in the county, although he agreed that providing the requested access was a good idea. The service would fall to the county, rather than be invoiced to the BLM. It was stated that in high snow years the site would not be maintained with the same priority as the primary roads, which was agreed to be reasonable. This year, the area has not required a lot of maintenance due to the lack of snowfall. There are residents that are at the location year round who use the access area.

The commissioner noted how much support for the idea there was, based on the number of attendees at the meeting. For reference, there were quite a few citizens in favor of the idea, many more than generally attend commission meetings for the majority of issues.

Signage and other issues were also discussed. Posts and snow flags have been put in at the location by residents. The county representatives were invited to visit the site and observe what has been done out there. The turnaround just before the dike has been a congested area due to the narrow space. The increased plowed area will obviate the problem.

The condition of the road going across the dike was raised. The potholes and road surface were described as “terrible,” and it was stated that they had been for some time. “This is something that has been needed for some time.”

“At Henry,” Kevin Corder said, “when you go out there to go fishing you use the cutoff road coming

NOTICES

into Meadow Creek.” It was described as dangerous due to being blind coming in from the north, and a place where everyone parks. Corder felt that a turnaround/pull out spot would increase the safety of the area significantly.

Kevin McLain—Road and Bridge

With the lack of snow, the Road and Bridge has undertaken other projects, including regular maintenance of vehicles, etc. Culvert supplies and repairs are also scheduled “There are a lot of culverts up there [north of Soda] that we should get to while the water levels are down,” McLain said.

Last week they trimmed trees that have been hitting plows and road graders. Also, rocks have damaged the chute on the grader, so they are repairing it.

Thursday is the meeting for ITD D5 Coalition. New Lincoln County officials have contacted McLain to talk about a gas line and other projects near the Wyoming border.

A number of roads in the county were noted as having recently been worked on and improved, and others are on the list for attention as soon as possible.

The lack of snow removal is a different situation than usual, and the department is adjusting to allocate work as effectively as possible.

Commissioner Somsen noted that the parking lot in Lago could use attention, and provide recreation access for winter sportsmen. McLain does not anticipate a great deal of snow for the remainder of the winter, though he noted that obviously the weather is never fully predictable.

Commissioner McCullough asked whether there were signs advising people not to park in bus turnarounds, and the issue will be looked into further.

Eric Hobson—Emergency Services

Hobson had two purchases to discuss, including 4 more portable radios. “With the EMT class going, we have 13 people in the class and we don’t have enough radios for everyone.” They are about $12K for 4 radios for the new EMTs.

Hobson told the commissioners

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

that they lose about 2 or 3 radios a year as they age out from the original purchase. 4 Kenwood VP 5000 radios for approximately $12K from Whitecloud Communications were approved for purchase by the commissioners. The money will come out of the SRS Federal funds.

The county has a Satellite phone that “just sits in a drawer, though we do need it,” Hobson noted. He is looking at other options that are more mobile, useful, and cheaper. Hobson discussed StarLink minis, which can be purchased for $600 for two for the battery, case, and device. An idle account is nearly free, and when it is actively the charge is $50 a month. This would save the county about $40 a month, and be more useful. “With the way technology works in the world, everything is changing,” Hobson said.

He noted that county ordinances were updated several years ago, including those related to Fire services. Hobson thinks that it needs to be corrected to reflect the correct language. The Commissioners directed him to look into the language, and create a new ordinance to fix them.

The 4 County MOU was noted as another issue that might possibly also need updating.

E911 ordinance gives supervision of the E911 fund to the sheriff. There was a discussion about whether the statutory administrator should not be law enforcement, based on the way the fund is described.

Hobson raised the question of maintenance issues at the Event Center in Grace. If EMS adds antennae on the building, they will need to do some additional work on the building. Due to the way the building was constructed, the best location to do so was discussed among the commissioners and Hobson.

There are still 13 people in the EMT class. 3 people have signed up for Advanced EMT classes with ISU, which will increase the capacity for the county’s EMT volunteers, starting in May.

EMS is ordering a set of turnouts to replace those purchased ten years ago. They cost about $2,000 a piece.

The Caribou County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Caribou County Commissioners will hold public hearings to consider any and all comments on the following: Ellingson Family Trust and Barker Ag have submitted a request to vacate roads within the Alexander Townsite. This request pertains specifically to the roads within their property, including Blocks 1-5, all of Blocks 6, 7, 8, and combined Blocks 12 and 13. It is important to note that the Oregon Trail Road will not be subject to vacation and will remain owned and maintained by the county. The lined portion of the survey below is the requested area to be vacated.

The public hearings will take place at the Caribou County Courthouse, Commissioners Room, 159 S Main St, Soda Springs, Idaho, on the following dates and times: Planning & Zoning meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM County Commissioners meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:15 AM

All persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. Written comments or objections concerning the Zoning Application may be submitted to the Caribou County Planning and Zoning Administrator, Attn: Helen Barker, 159 S Main St., Soda Springs, ID 83276, or via email at hbarker@caribouid.gov and must be received no later than 48 hours prior to the public hearing. Any persons needing special accommodations to participate in the above-noticed meetings should call 208-547-1780. Any questions regarding the application in advance of the meeting should be directed to Helen Barker at the above contact information. Helen Barker Planning & Zoning Administrator Caribou County, Idaho

#1196-01-15-22-29-26-T3

The Snow Water Equivalent was discussed. “The almanac and weather service are saying two different things,” Hobson said. The Bear is at 99%. Blackfoot at 101%. Portneuf is at 58%. There is some snowpack, but not a lot. Drought declarations might be a factor for funding later in the year, with little snowpack to sustain the warmer season. “Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather.” “We do have the option to look into disaster relief if it gets bad for people.”

Rowdy Larkins—Buildings and Maintenance

Larkins reported that the floor in the event center is quite slick. They might consider putting clear seal with a bit of grit in it over the surface, but a quote for the process was fairly substantial (approx. $20K plus.). Because such a surface might impact the safety of the surface for some uses, it was determined to discuss the issue in an ongoing way.

Larkins thinks it’s possible that either the cleaning process or a fine dust accumulation is responsible for the slickness of the surface. Some possible low-cost, low-tech solutions to the problem will be explored.

Different options for floor waxer/ cleaners were also discussed. Other businesses in town that wax/clean large flooring surfaces were noted, and will be contacted.

The internet to the building has been bored in, and will be activated as soon as possible. In the interim, the Extension Office and EMS has been operating on temporary sources of internet connections.

Dwight Lloyd—Weed Dept Lloyd asked the commissioners about whether they would support the insulation of the Weed Dept building, which he explained was running high costs in propane to heat. Rowdy Larkins noted that the show barn was scheduled to be insulated soon, and it might be possible to have the services done near the same time.

Discussions of adding some plants COMMISSION On Page 9

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

to the noxious weeds to the state list were held. Prickly lettuce, lupin, and Russian thistle came up in the discussion. The quick spread of the plants was one of the main factors. Lloyd noted that 200-300K seeds can be produced by an individual plant. The state has not been particularly willing to add species to the list without strong reason, it was noted.

Clerk’s Office

The Crossroads requires an alcohol license, which needs to be approved by the county commissioners. It was approved for the year 2026.

A statement to the effect that the county agrees to accept the liquor sale and lottery funds for use toward juvenile services was signed.

Two certificates of residency were approved. These are generally for students, to prove residency in state.

By Jan 15, the precincts within the county are required to be approved by statute. They were approved.

Helen Barker—Planning and Zoning

Barker was ready to make a final decision to withdraw from the grant that had been sought to create an RV Park at the Alexander marina.

The county wanted to do whatever it could to improve and maintain the current facilities, but due to a variety of factors, the grant was not going to be a feasible way to fund the creation of a large-scale campground. Increasing requirements for the grant funding were potentially leading to a never-ending money sink, the commissioners and Barker felt. “We owe it to the community to do a better job with it,” Chairman Mathews said.

The commission noted that camp hosts can make campgrounds consistently better maintained.

Doug Wood noted that there are service organizations in town that “are always looking for projects.”

A motion to not move forward with the Oregon Trail Park grant was approved.

Jeff Godfrey

Wanted to speak to the county about getting a couple of weeds on the noxious weed list. “We don’t want to end up like Texas.” He noted a situation last summer where a local farmer was not able to spray, due to the weed not being on the list, which led to it getting out of control. The weeds under discussion were the same as those mentioned earlier in the day. Commissioner Somsen stated that a state official would be calling to hear out

Mrs. Caribou County Jessica Thurman waits to speak with the commissioners.

the county and residents’ arguments about adding the weeds to the list.

“We’re hoping,” Somsen said. “We’ll fight for it and see what we can do.”

Godfrey stated that he had offered to spray the campground over the summer for Dyer’s Woad, but had not heard back from the county on it. He also noted that “we used to have a weed day.”

It was noted that Lloyd still hosted a weed day in Thatcher and some other areas in the county, such as Diamond Creek.

Godfrey suggested that he was interested in the county adding a cattleguard in Enoch Valley in order to better keep cattle off the roadway. He thinks a cattle guard would help.

Jessica Thurman

Mrs. Caribou County Jessica Thurman spoke to the commissioners about the upcoming Mrs. Idaho competition, in which she will be competing. Thurman works as the Rec director in Soda Springs, and is a volunteer EMT and a member of the Bancroft City Council.

She shared her personal story of wanting to feel better about herself by going “completely out of her comfort zone” and pushing herself to be better. “So far, it has been a positive experience.” Her platform is GOAL, which is a non-profit started by her father Jim McCulloch. “We have such a beautiful county, with such great resources.” The pageant is a great way to support resilience and service, and she wants to bring that to the county.

All in all, the entrance fees and hotel, etc, are about $2000. Somsen asked whether she had approached other entities in the county. “Any little bit helps,” Thurman said. The county officials agreed on a donation of $1,000 from the county.

NEWS OF RECORD

CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF

Silva Arturo Delgado, Preston, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Pandey Divyank, Gurugram, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Jake Joseph Dobrzynski, Jackson, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Austin Craig Elsmore, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 George R Gebhart, NA, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Craig Mark Hansen, Santaquin,

speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Kevis Scott Hansen, Clearfield, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00

Keeler Cleon Housley, Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Stanley Alan Johnson, American Fork, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50; fail to register vehicle annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

Jordan Michael Tesch, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Richard Bernard Travers, San Diego, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

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:

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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 Hall Editor brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com

Bryan Dean Scott Publisher bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

OBITUARY

Patricia Ann Farnes

March 28, 1936 ~ January 10, 2026

Patricia Ann Farnes, born on March 28, 1936, in Whitney, Idaho, was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, family, and unwavering dedication. She passed peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Soda Springs, Idaho, surrounded by the love of her family.

Throughout her remarkable journey, Pat showcased an extraordinary blend of kindness and tenacity. She embraced her role as a mother, raising three beautiful children and standing by her husband, Darrell Farnes, through every chapter of his life - from military service to his time at Monsanto and later at Caribou Memorial Hospital. Their partnership was a bond of love and loyalty that weathered the test of time. Pat juggled household duties with grace and fervor, ensuring that her family was always the priority.

A remarkable academic, Pat excelled in high school, maintaining straight A’s. Her wit and cleverness were not just personal attributes; they helped Darrell cross the graduation line, showcasing her commitment to their shared dreams. Pat’s eloquence shone through when she delivered the commencement speech at her seminary graduation, marking a significant achievement in a life filled with many.

Pat was a loving matriarch whose biggest joys came from spending time with her family. Whether camping in the hills, celebrating holidays, or making candies, each moment was enriched by her warmth and vivacity. Her passion for her garden saw her often winning prizes for her spectacular flower blossoms, a testament to her nurturing nature. When she wasn’t cultivating her beautiful blooms, you could find Pat hunting for the best deals, a delightful adventure on the end of a shopping cart.

Pat radiated kindness and generosity, always ensuring those around her felt comfortable and cherished. She had a feisty demeanor, keeping her family on their toes, and her loyalty was unwavering. Each memory created with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be cherished forever, serving as a beacon of love that unites her family across generations.

Patricia is survived by her devoted husband, Darrell Farnes, her children, Curtis (Dawn) Farnes, Darren (Nicole) Farnes, and Cindy (Jon) Bunderson. She leaves behind a legacy in her grandchildren, Brandon

Angela C Vasco, Homedale, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

SODA SPRINGS POLICE

Shui Liu, Hegang City, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Sherman Fielding Olmstead, Salt Lake City, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Joslyn Jora Winn, Orange, operate vehicle when unsafe or improperly equipped, $10..50, costs $56.50

IDAHO STATE POLICE

Nathan Hale, Grace, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Shell, Hannah Mortenson, Dillon Farnes, Alyssa Farnes, Madison Galovich, Garrett Farnes, Macee Farnes, Bradon Maughan, Maegan Maughan, Derek Maughan, Jessica Ineck, Sjuni Bunderson, Brittny Hanson, and Preston Bunderson. Additionally, she is survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her spirit within them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merlin and Edna Swainston, her sister Karma Spackman and brother-in-law Glen Spackman, her sister Gloria Piper and brother-in-law Von Piper, as well as her mother-in-law Norma (Farnes) Knudson, and fathers-in-law Darrel Farnes and Virgil Knudson.

Pat’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven from the threads of family, faith, and hard work. She served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Primary President, Relief Society President, and Nursery leader, leaving a lasting impact on her community and church family.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday January 27, 2026, at the 2nd Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 290 S 3rd W. Soda Springs, ID. A visitation for family and friends will be conducted from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services also at the church.

As we remember Patricia Ann Farnes, let us hold close the memories of her infectious spirit, her unwavering love, and her countless contributions to our lives. She will be dearly missed, yet her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her.

To share a favorite memory of Pat or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute at www.redrosefuneral.com

Daniel Elden Olsen, Pine Mountain, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

MAGISTRATE COURT

Kendra Christine Dickson, Bonney Lake, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50; use or possess drug paraphernalia with intent to use, $200.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: CCSO

Kirk Edwin Johnson, Bancroft, unlawful operation of a canal/irrigation system - 2nd offense within 1 year, $100.00, costs $56.50

To submit an obituary: email: sherrie.w@thecityjournals.com Mail or drop o at the

Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad Idaho 83252 100 E. 90 S., Malad, Idaho 208-766-4773

Hope Green Advertising hope.g@idahoenterprise.com

Phone: 208-766-4773 www.cariboucountynews.com

Last week, University of Idaho Extension program veterinarian Lauren Christensen made a circuit around southeastern Idaho, accompanied by Caribou County’s Justin Hatch and Oneida County’s Sawyer Fonnesbeck.

Christensen, whose home base is in Moscow at the Extension Office research facility, visited communities around southeastern Idaho in the additional company of a large model cow and a smaller model calf. The two are used to demonstrate birthing issues and techniques, included fetal repositioning, extraction for necropsy, positioning twins, using various tools to assist in birthing, and more. Prizes and food were sponsored by Idaho Ag Credit and IFA.

Dr. Lauren Christensen—DVM, MS, DACVPM—teachers undergrad vet students in the University’s nationally renowned Ag program, and has gained a lot of experience with what can happened during live births in the process. Moscow has a fulltime research center operating throughout the year, with a focus on research that will aid farmers and ranchers across the country.

As part of the Extension Office’s mission to support and coordinate with the ag community in Idaho, Christensen and the extension educators were happy to bring unique resources to towns in the heart of Idaho’s ag land. While the life-size birthing models were truly aston -

Sports Calving Class a unique experience Cardinals

continued from front page

ing a one point lead. Then the game slowed with scoring being limited. Following several timeouts and a lot of back and forth it was the Cardinals that ended the game on top by just three points. In a game full of seniors and experienced players it was a pair of sophomores that stood out in this one. Kade Kimball for Grace played some of the best defense I have seen played on the very skilled Cooper Thompson creating several turnovers that helped lead to Grizzlies scores. But it was the Cardinal’s Jaxson Horsley that helped earn the win for Soda Springs. Horsley grabbed some crucial boards while putting up seventeen points including a late game foul shot that helped put the dagger in

ishing in their design and construction, the knowledge and experience of Dr. Christensen was just as impressive.

At the meeting in Grace at the Event Center, Christensen largely answered questions from the large group of ranchers that had taken the morning to attend the session.

Issues such as breach births, twins, disease problems, prolapses, medication issues, were discussed throughout the morning, with Christensen answering questions as they came up and using examples from ranchers across the state to make her points.

One thing that was discussed in detail, and demonstrated with the models, was the technique referred to as a “Madigan Squeeze.” This is performed with a series of halfhitch knots across the chest and abdomen of the calf, and is intended to “kickstart” a reluctant or slow calf’s responses to stimuli. It was developed by a horse vet as a way to fix “dummy foals”. This tricks dummy foals into thinking that they are being born when they are suffering from “neonatal maladjustment syndrome.” The basic idea is that the animals are supposed to know they are outside the uterus naturally. These are calves that are “dopey” and can’t figure out what to do. The Madigan Squeeze has been used with decent luck to get the animals over the confusion. A series

of half-hitches go across its chest for twenty minutes and is then taken off. About half the time “they have a lightbulb moment.” Christensen suggests that “if you’re already doing chores, just set a timer—it’s not a big thing.”

Other questions ranged from things like “Do moms that are babied tend to have fewer problems?” (the ultimate answer was basically, no, they tend to not do as well with their calves), to whether it’s true that sugar really works in the case of uterine prolapse (it turns out that it really does, although it’s more commonly used on sheep than cows), to whether lidocaine has a safe range for tailblocks (Christensen stated that more than 10cc should be avoided as it can cause respiratory distress). She noted that for wounds, her favorite thing to put on them was honey. “I have fixed so many things with honey. If you’ve got someone who keeps bees, that crystal kind is my favorite to use. It’ll kill bacteria, and can be amazing if you have a good supply of it,” Christensen said.

Christensen also provided an overview of what ranchers should be aware of when preparing cadavers for necropsy and performing them. As she explained, since every animal that dies on campus automatically gets a necropsy, she “is very fortunate to open up a lot of things.” Dead fetuses can cause a number of

issues if they are not naturally expelled by the mother, or if the process takes an overly long time and the mother is exposed to necrotic tissue internally.

Christensen advised attendees to observe the situation in which the animal is located as closely as possible. Whether the calf had been licked off can be a critical piece of information, as well as any evidence of movement after birth or animal predation. She suggested that ranchers take pictures to bring to their vets, as well as the animal itself. She explained what to look for in critical locations like the stomach areas and other organs.

Mastitis and other lactation issues were discussed, as were various questions about navel-dipping and the use of antibiotics in neonatal cows.

When the tour got to Malad, many of the same questions and concerns were raised. There were, however, a number of younger guests so the birthing models were used to their fullest. In groups, a number of younger ranch kids were given the chance to try their hand at repositioning a breach calf, using chains, and experiencing a simulated birth process.

All in all, it was a very informative day and a lot of specific questions were answered for people who were happy to meet with a high-level group of experts.

the Grizzlies.

After the hard fought win at home the Cardinals had to hit the road and travel to Declo to face a solid Hornet team. This year’s Hornet team is not quite like last year’s team but they are not a team you can look past. Once again the Cardinals would be without the services of one of their top players Konner McWilliams. This game was tight for the majority of the game. After the first quarter of play the Cardinals found themselves down by a single point in what was a very physical game. As the old saying goes the refs were letting them play in this one. The physical play continued in the second along with the limited scoring. At the half not much had changed as the Cardinals still trailed by a single point. The

third was much the same with similar results. Soda Springs headed into the fourth now trailing by two and feeling the pressure to win this critical district game. The fourth quarter saw an explosion of offense for both teams. The Cardinals put up a whopping twenty-six points in the quarter while the Hornets added just sixteen giving Soda Springs the eight point win. Assisting in the big fourth quarter scoring in the absence of McWilliams was Landon Martinsen who had nine points in the fourth.

The Cardinals will continue conference play this week with a pair of very tough road games. On Wednes-

C. Thompson 21, G. Hansen 7, L. Mellor 3, J. Horsley 17, P. Ozburn 2, M. Browning 2

C. Thompson 17, G. Hansen 11, L. Mellor 2, J. Horsley 13, P. Ozburn 2, L. Martinsen 11

Grizzlies Down Raft River

BY JODY REEVES

The Grace Grizzlies boys basketball team had two games last week. They first took on Soda Springs in a very entertaining game that saw the Grizzlies battle from behind to take a brief fourth quarter lead before ultimately falling by three. You can read more about that game in this week’s article on the Cardinals boys basketball team. Following the emotional loss to Soda Springs and facing the very real possibility of a losing season the Grizzlies need to start to stack up some wins. Their next opponent was Raft River who the Grizzlies hosted in the Grizzly Den on Saturday afternoon. Despite the Trojans having the better season record the fact that the Grizzly’s schedule has been more difficult and what I feel is superior athleticism I gave the advantage to Grace in this game. However the Trojans did not make it easy on the banged up Grizzlies. The Grizzlies have been hit hard this season with the injury bug. They have lost two players to potentially season ending injuries as well as have several others who have been nursing lower leg injuries over the past several weeks. This combined with an already shallow bench has put some pressure on the remaining players to step up. Though their record may not

reflect it, several of those players have stepped up and the team is starting to mesh at the right time of the season. As Saturday’s game got underway the Grizzlies leaned on their six foot five senior post Parker Yost. Yost has been the leading scorer for Grace all season and he would start the game with the Trojans with a huge eleven point first quarter. The other three seniors on the team Gavin Draper, Chase Smith, and Bodee Smith would combine for another five points and the Grizzlies jumped out to an eight point lead. The second quarter was more even between the two teams and the Trojans actually outperformed the Grizzlies by two points to cut the overall lead to just six at the halftime break. In the third quarter the game got physical and a little chippy. The Trojans added ten points to their score in the quarter but sent the Grizzlies to the foul line several times along the way. Grace took advantage of the free shots making six of them to go along with their fifteen points from the field. The Grizzlies had opened the game up and took a commanding lead. There was plenty of physical play in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies would only gain ground in the quarter. Grace earned just their fifth win of the season pulling away from the Trojans.

This week the Grizzlies will try to add to those wins but will face two formidable opponents. In back to back road games the Grizzlies will face two Pirates teams. First they will head to West Side to take on a very tough Pirate team before turning around the next day and traveling to Butte County to face their district rivals.

Lady Cards Split The Week

BY JODY REEVES

Last week the Lady Cardinals basketball team took part in a pair of important district games. With Malad running away with the district it looks like it’s a race for second place. The Lady Cardinals are in prime position to grab that number two seed along with two other teams. One of those teams are the Lady Tigers from Aberdeen. Those Lady Tigers are who the Lady Cardinals hosted last Wednesday. A Soda Springs victory would have set them up in a good position to claim that number two seed in the upcoming district tournament. Unfortunately that is not how things went for Soda Springs that day. In that game you could look at all of the usual reasons for the Lady Cardinals struggles such as turnovers or miscues on defense but ultimately it boiled down to Soda Springs just could not get shots to fall. The Lady Cardinals had

plenty of good looks at the basket but few shots would fall throughout the first half of the game. Meanwhile the Lady Tigers seemed like they could not miss. By halftime Aberdeen had built a twelve point lead while the Lady Cardinals had only managed fifteen total points. In the third quarter Soda Springs would start to make some headway but could only get to within nine by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter the lid finally came off of the hoop and the Lady Cardinals began to pour in three point shots. Soda Springs would hit five three point shots and score nearly half of their game total points in the period. Though they would get to within a single point the Lady Cardinals could not get over the hump and eventually fell by just two points.

Trying to put the frustrating loss behind them, the Lady Cardinals next took on the Lady Pirates from West Side. Once again Soda Springs had

The Week in Wrestling

BY JODY REEVES

Cowboys Wrestle In Magic Valley Classic

The Cowboys have had just three wrestlers for the majority of the season. Landon Hayes at 132 lbs. and Jaxyn Welker at 144 lbs. have each battled hard all season and learned a lot along the way despite picking up very few wins. That would not change last weekend at the Magic Valley Classic. Both Hayes and Welker would put up good fights in their bouts but both would go two and out in the tournament. The veteran on the team is senior Hadyn Frandsen that wrestles at 175 lbs. Last weekend Frandsen won his first match earning a spot in the semi-finals. Unfortunately Frandsen would fall in that match and be relegated to the consolation semi-final match. Frandsen would once again drop that match but he had done enough to earn a spot in the fifth place match. In that match Frandsen earned a hard fought win over a wrestler from Filer and claimed the fifth place spot on the podium.

Grizzly Wrestlers Stayed Busy Last Week

The Grizzly grapplers had plenty of matches lined up last week. The week started off with the boys traveling to Preston for duals with

Preston, Soda Springs, and St. Josephs out of Utah. In those duals the Grizzlies squeaked by Soda Springs and easily beat St. Josephs but fell to Preston due to the numbers game.

The Lady Grizzlies also got in on the action by dueling Soda Springs who they were able to take down in team points though all matches were won by forfeit. The two girls squads did wrestle some exhibition matches which the Lady Grizzlies swept.

Following the early duals in the week both the boys and girls team traveled to Rich County for a tough dual against the Rebels. Again due mostly to the number of bodies the Rebels easily defeated the Grizzlies in team points. However several Grizzly wrestlers were able to pick up wins along the way. For the boys Carter Kimball was the only wrestler to win a contested match in the dual, however Tate Stoddard and Jayden Lunt were able to pick up wins in exhibition matches. For the Lady Grizzlies Bella Eddins was the only girl to pick up a win in the dual but Hayden Ball won two exhibition matches while Skyla Cloud and the aforementioned Eddins each picked up an exhibition win.

The Grizzlies then wrapped up their week by attending the Tiger/ Grizz tournament in Idaho Falls. Only two members of the boys team wrestled in the varsity brackets. Jayden Lunt and Mack Jorgensen were each able to pick up a win be -

some early trouble scoring and after the first period the Lady Cardinals trailed by one. In the second quarter the game would stay close with the Lady Cardinals earning the advantage. At the halftime break Soda Springs had taken the lead by four points. In the third quarter of play the scoring troubles returned for the Lady Cardinals. They would only be able to score four points in the quarter while West Side would add eight tying the game up. Just like their early game last week the Lady Cardinals would explode on offense in the fourth quarter. Once again Soda Springs nearly doubled their score in the fourth quarter alone but the Lady Pirates were not going away. West Side also had their biggest quarter in the fourth but in the end the Cardinals were too much for the Lady Pirates. Anna Davis had a terrific week and led the scoring in both games. In the West Side game Davis hit 3

three-point shots and was an impressive seven for eight from the charity stripe. Against Aberdeen Davis hit 4 three-pointers and went three for five from the foul line.

The Cardinals have just one game on the schedule this week, a home game against Declo. Next week Soda wraps up the regular season with games at Malad and Aberdeen. The Aberdeen game will likely determine the second seed in the district tournament.

Cardinals 7 8 9 23 47

Tigers 12 15 6 16 49

C. Gronning 9, A. Davis 17, M. Kempe 4, E. Wood 7, J. Parker 5, Frandsen 5

Cardinals 8 11 4 17 40

Pirates 9 6 8 12 35

C. Gronning 8, A. Davis 16, M. Kempe 4, E. Wood 4, R. Harris 2, J. Parker 6

fore being eliminated from the tournament with a pair of losses. In the boys jv tournament Jackson Junker was able to grab a win and Douglas Robbins picked up three before each wrestler was eliminated. Tate Stoddard also wrestled in the jv tournament where he was able to battle his way all the way to the championship bout where he lost a very close decision earning second place overall. The Lady Grizzlies had a very good tournament at the Tiger/Grizz. Adeline Clark battled through the jv bracket winning her weight class. Meanwhile Bella Eddins and Skyla Cloud each fought through their respective brackets with both girls making it to the championship match. Ultimately each girl lost that championship match taking second place.

Soda Springs Wrestlers Hit Two Events Last

Week

The Cardinal wrestlers started their week last week in Preston to take part in duals against Grace, Preston and St. Josephs Utah. The Cardinals lost a close dual to Grace but was able to grab a win over St. Josephs before falling to Preston. With the boys team getting action in Preston the girls team faced off against Grace for a dual of their own. The Lady Cardinals suffered a loss in that dual but got some experience wrestling in some exhibition matches.

After their early week duals the Cardinals traveled to Aberdeen to wrestle in the Tiger Brawl tournament. Simon Krupp and Jace Garbett each participated in the second chance tournament where Garbett placed fourth and Krupp grabbed third place. In the regular tournament Beau Jensen, JT Cutler, Ryker Hemmert, and Jace Garbett all picked up multiple wins before being eliminated from the tournament. Carson Cook was able to pick up a pair of wins making it to the semi finals where he lost and ultimately ended up in the fifth place match where he fell once again coming in sixth overall. Likewise Troy Krupp was able to win his first three matches and make it to the semi finals where he would lose and end up in the fifth place match. However Krupp won his fifth place match just making the podium. Lastly for the boys team Kellen Garbett won his first four matches making it all the way to the championship bout. Garbett wound up losing that match finishing in second place overall. The Soda Springs girls team had five girls wrestle in the tournament. Addika Oliver, Kaylin Richard, Laryah Dilworth, and Mialexys Gonzales each finished with one win and two losses. Brooklyn Dodge meanwhile earned a first round bye then won her next two matches claiming the top spot in the tournament.

Lady Grizzlies On A Hot Streak

BY JODY REEVES

It has been over a month since the Lady Grizzlies have tasted defeat. Currently the girls from Grace are riding a seven game winning streak. Granted a couple of the wins could be considered gimmies but there have also been some very impressive games by the Lady Grizzlies. Most notably their wins last week where they defeated a scrappy 3A West Jefferson team on the road while also taking down one of the states top 2A teams Butte County.

Last Wednesday the Lady Grizzlies hosted the Lady Pirates in a clash of top five teams. Not only are both teams among the best in the 2A classification but they are district rivals meaning this game already has tournament implications. With just a three team conference that includes Alturas Prep earning the regular season title means a first round bye in the district tournament as well as getting two out of three officials coming from the top seeded district. One may assume that all of-

ficials should be the same but anyone that has seen games in other districts knows that teams become accustomed to their home district officials. All that being said in last week’s game in Grace most pundits had the edge going to the Lady Pirates. Throughout the first half of play it did appear that the Lady Pirates did hold an advantage over the Lady Grizzlies. The depth of the Lady Pirates saw seven different girls score in the first half. Grace did their best to keep pace but saw a first quarter two point deficit grow to seven at the halftime break. Grace was not ready to quit however even after getting outscored once again in the third quarter. With their backs against the wall and now trailing by nine the Lady Grizzlies went to work and began to claw their way back. It took nearly the full quarter but with just thirty-five seconds left in the game the Lady Grizzlies had completed the comeback and took their first lead. Some clutch free throws by Presliegh Steadman sealed the deal for the Lady Grizzlies

and earned them the win.

Following the late game victory against their district rivals the Lady Grizzlies hit the road to West Jefferson to face the Lady Panthers. Very early on in the season the Lady Grizzlies had easily defeated the Lady Panthers by nineteen points but nearly two months later and on the road it would be a different story this go around. Grace got off to a slow start in last Friday’s game while the Lady Panthers got rolling right away. After a fast first quarter Grace found themselves trailing by eight. In the second quarter the Lady Grizzlies lethal duo of Steadman and Yost got rolling and carried Grace to a sixteen point quarter that earned them a halftime lead. In the third quarter the Lady Panthers hit four three point shots and closed out the quarter by knotting the game up. In the final period of play the Lady Grizzlies settled down and took control of the game. Several different girls were able to score for Grace while their defense stepped up and limited the Lady

It Was A Busy Week For The Cowboys

BY JODY REEVES

Last week the North Gem Cowboys boys and girls basketball teams had a very busy week with three double headers kind of. While the boys team did play three varsity games the girls team had just two varsity level games with their game at Clark County only counting as a JV game due to Clark’s low numbers. The boys team would drop games to both Challis and Leadore while picking up a win over Clark County. The Lady Cowboys would drop both of their varsity match ups against Challis and Leadore.

On the road at Challis both the boys and girls struggle to get things going. Each team only managed nine first half points and ended the games in the mercy rule with a running clock. The best quarter for either team was the third quarter for the boys game. They were able to score ten points in the quarter but with one glaring black mark. In that quarter the Cowboys went just one for eight from the foul line. In the end both the girls and boys teams suffered big losses on the long road trip.

Next the squads hit the road again this time to Clark County. Again the girls played just a JV game so it did not count towards their varsity record. Regardless, the

girls earned some great experience and got a confidence boost in the process. Eleven total girls scored in the game as the Lady Cowboys eased to a twenty-two point victory over the Lady Bobcats. The boys game at Clark County was the most thrilling game of the week for North Gem. The Cowboys got off to a good start with four different players combining for thirteen first quarter points. However in the second quarter of play the Cowboys hit a wall only managing four points. This sent the Cowboys to the locker room trailing the Bobcats by one at the break. In the third quarter the team’s leader Craig Yost caught fire scoring eleven of the team’s eighteen points put up in the quarter. The Cowboys were able to regain the lead heading into the final period. Up just two to start the fourth the Cowboys needed to keep scoring to keep the Bobcats at bay. The scoring got spread around a little more this time and the Cowboys were able to match their third quarter scoring which led to a hard fought four point win for North Gem.

North Gem finished the week at home on Saturday taking on the Leadore Mustangs. The Lady Cowboys really struggled against a very strong and physical Leadore team. The Lady Cowboys would only put up a total of fifteen points in the game while once again

Panthers to just six points. The Lady Grizzlies added another mark in the win column in this game. The Lady Grizzlies have their work cut out for them this week if they want to keep their win streak intact. Grace heads to Butte County on Thursday for their final conference game before the district tournament. You can bet that the Lady Pirates will be out for revenge after giving up the win in the final seconds of last week’s game. Then the Lady Grizzlies will travel again on Saturday this time to Raft River to face a solid Lady Trojan team.

suffering a mercy rule defeat. The boys team equally struggled to combat the sheer size of the Mustangs team. While the Cowboys were able to match the Mustangs ball skills they just could not get shots off over the taller opponents. The boys also only managed to score fifteen points while suffering a mercy rule defeat.

Although they have not had much success this season you really have to give credit to these young people for continuing to show up night after night. Each time one of them gets into the game they give their all and play to the best of their abilities. So I say keep riding Cowboys and battle to the bitter end if needs be.

Cowboys 13 4 18 18 53

Bobcats 9 9 15 16 49

C. Johnson 4, W. Wakley 9, J. Perry 6, P. Hill 4, C. Yost 28, H. Barnes 2

Lady Cowboys 12 11 12 10 45

Lady Bobcats 4 4 13 2 23

G. Christensen 3, M. Rindlisbaker 4, S. Daniels 3, O. Rindlisbaker 2, I. Hatch 6, C. O’Brien 4, M. O’Brien 8, S. Thompson 2, D. Frandsen 5, M. Barnes 5, K. Olenslager 3