Enterprise The Idaho
Caribou County
Caribou County's Newspaper Since 2024
Caribou County, Idaho
October 2, 2025 | Vol. 2 No. 40
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Arimo Standoff Comes to an End, with One Suspect in Custody
A view from the back side of Pebble near Bancroft, as the leaves begin their inevitable change for the year.
Fall is a busy season in Caribou County
It was a busy week in Caribou County, with the Fall Festival and Homecoming in Soda Springs coming in between Bancroft and North Gem’s Homecomings, the Spud Harvest, Fall sports season, and a number of other events. There was an uptick in the number of people out “leaf peeping,” which is the phrase used by northeasterners to describe trying to catch the leaves in their ultimate moments of changing for the season. While many of the trees on the route from Lava to the bottom of Fish Creek have started their turn over the last week or two, the real fireworks should start soon. There have been some credible reports of excellent foliage up some of the nearby canyons. The Fall Festival was held at the
City Park in Soda Springs this year, and there were some changes to the proceedings. The City Park has become the default location for a range of activities, which this year included a biergarten hosted by Stockmans, live music throughout the afternoon, the final day of the library’s costume sale, food vendors, craft booths and other items, and a mid-day goldfish racing series. The idea came to Jessica Thurman in a dream—or at least a reel—and blossomed into a highly entertaining small track race course for goldfish that swam their ways down the PVC tracks. More than one was taken home as a prize, and another more than one was rehomed after the fact. A neon night-time dance with DJ Eclipse brought groups of kids out again to dance the night away in
the warm, but clearly growing more chill fall evening. The weekend also marked the official end of the Spud Harvest, or at least the part that students get out of school for! While Gibbs, Jorgensen, and Stoddard Farms are the three largest names and locations on the Spud harvest maps, many producers in the Grace and Bancroft areas were able to take advantage of good weather and brisk sales over the course of the harvest. You’ll notice in this edition the first rumblings of winter, as the Community Christmas Concert practice schedule is presented on page 2. While Christmas sounds much too far away to believe, the truth is that FALL SEASON On Page 11
Phelps and “The Lieutenant” among Soda Springs Homecoming Week highlights
It was a busy Homecoming week for Soda Springs, coming in between Homecoming for North Gem several weeks ago and Grace next week. While the results of the Homecoming Football game against the visiting Malad Dragons didn’t end with the result the team was hoping for, all the other elements of Homecoming provided a great start to the seniors’ last year, and a good atmosphere for the underclassmen. Beyond the game, the week held all kinds of student-led activities during the week, the traditional Homecoming parade, the naming of the royalty, and a Homecoming dance inside the Enders Hotel. As to the game itself, while the end result was a loss the team had some bright spots, and was treated to the deployment of the 60’ by 30’ flag, “The Lieutenant,” which was overseen by 101 year old veteran Tom Phelps. On Monday, SSHS along with the fire department, veterans, and members of the community, gathered at Kelly Park for the traditional bonfire. As reported last week, veterans brought pizza for everyone, including the fire department who was on hand to make sure the fire stayed where it was supposed to. Retired flags were given their last salute, overseen by the veterans. The parade was headed by Grand Marshals Kristen and Larry Simmons. This year’s parade route was extended a bit to allow for more roadside viewing space, and passed by the Thirkill elementary as well as Heritage Senior Living. In both cases, the crowds were excited about the HOMECOMING WEEK On Page 3
Lightning Blamed for Deaths of Two Missing Hunters in Colorado COLORADO Authorities have confirmed that lightning is to blame for the deaths of two elk hunters whose bodies were discovered last week in southern Colorado. Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah, were last heard from on September 11 while hunting in the remote San Juan Wilderness. Their bodies were located under a tree about two miles from the Rio De Los Pinos trailhead after a multi-day search involving ground crews and helicopters. Conejos County Coroner Rick Grooms determined both men died instantly after a nearby tree was struck by lightning. Investigators found singed hair and burn marks consistent with a lightning strike, with no other signs of trauma. Officials are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during storms, noting that lightning remains a serious risk in the backcountry.
President Russell M. Nelson, Leader of the LDS Church, Dies at 101
Kate Lauck with 101 year old veteran Tom Phelps.
IN THIS EDITION State DYW Oct. 11...............................Pg. 2 Veile appointed to D35.........................Pg. 3 Caribou’s John Wallace........................Pg. 4
A tense standoff in Arimo concluded peacefully late Thursday night, with authorities confirming that one suspect is now in custody. The incident began earlier in the day when Bannock County deputies responded to reports of a disturbance at a rural property outside the small Idaho town. According to officials, the suspect barricaded himself inside a residence, prompting a heavy police presence and road closures in the area. Negotiators were brought in and spent several hours communicating with the individual, urging a peaceful surrender. Neighbors reported hearing loudspeakers and seeing armored vehicles deployed as law enforcement worked to ensure public safety. Just after 9 p.m., the suspect exited the home without incident and was taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing as officials determine potential charges.
Puzzles................................................Pg. 5 Obituaries..........................................Pg. 10 Sports...........................................Pg. 11-12
President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101. A world-renowned heart surgeon before his call as an apostle in 1984, Nelson became Church president in January 2018. His tenure was marked by sweeping global ministry, historic reforms, and the announcement of more than 200 temples worldwide. Beloved for his compassion and devotion, Nelson urged members to embrace faith in Jesus Christ. The Church now enters a period of mourning and will sustain a new prophet in coming days.