Enterprise The Idaho
Caribou County
Caribou County's Newspaper Since 2024
Caribou County, Idaho
June 11, 2026 | Vol. 3 No. 24
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Shootings in Ohio
A version of the proposed mural (pictured to the right) is being painted on the wall behind the courthouse. The area that has been started so far represents just one of the seven panels that will fill the wall.
Mural takes shape at County Courthouse A regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners for Caribou County was held on Monday, with a full slate of issues including official approval and support for a mural on the east side of the courthouse wall, facing the city park. That issue leads this recap of the meeting, at which, it is noted, Primary winner George Hulse was in attendance and taking notes. Hulse is running unopposed in November for the Commission seat currently held by Marty McCullough.
Art Wall Local artists Cindy Erickson and Amanda Larsen spoke to the commissioners about a project that has been taking shape for several months now. Artists from around the community, including Erickson, Larsen, Diane Olsen, Becky Peterson, and other local artists are working together to paint a mural on the wall, which promotes Soda Springs and Caribou County, and is in the style of the last decade or so’s worth of National Park promotional images (rendering included here). “We’re here to talk about public art today,” Erickson said. Erickson and Larsen displayed the plan for the wall painting. The mural will feature an illustration of the western landscape with many iconic Caribou County features including the geyser, agricultural components, and mountains. “I was approached months ago by the a member of the city council about public art projects,” Erickson said. “I called my friends Amanda and Diane Olsen. What we’d like to do is target first the wall right behind the courthouse.” The wall has been cleaned and primed. The painting will be divided into seven panels. “We wanted to feature things in our area,” Erickson continued. “There are cows for Jill [Stoor]. We have contacted many professional artistic people around here. We intend for it to last many years.” They have purchased quality materials, with a projected cost of about $1200. “We’re here to see if Caribou County would like to partner with the city on this.” Commissioner Somsen has previously been in conversation about the project with Erickson, and had requested that “Caribou County” be added to the logo, which it has been. During the meeting, he further requested some tweaking to the mountains to reflect the real local mountainscape. “It’s not a huge thing, but it would be cool,” he said. Questions about the potential for graffiti was discussed. Erickson, who was part of the original painted mu-
An example of the visual elements the completed mural will contain. There will be cows for Jill.
ral project on the location, noted that there has been no problem with graffiti on the existing wall. Wayne Clegg at Ace in Soda Springs donated the primer for the project once he heard about the project. Artists from other parts of the county will eventually be involved in painting or working on the panels. Erickson and Larsen are working to form an Arts Council, but it has not officially been formed yet. “I think this is an amazing deal,” Commissioner Somsen said, with the county agreeing to reimburse Erickson for the cost of materials for the project. The city will oversee an eventual opening of the mural, which the artists hope to have done by the Fourth. “Our idea is that we want to make it so beautiful that people will want to have their picture taken in front of it.” Their plan is to next work on Eastman’s wall. A motion to donate $1500 to the wall project was approved. Road and Bridge - Kevin McLain The road from Crow Creek to Lincoln Creek that goes into Blackfoot has already been swarmed by Mormon Crickets, and McLain noted that the area is largely on the reservation, but that the insects will likely make it into Caribou County next year, if not this summer. McLain said that most counties use some form of abatement for pests. Chip sealing will start next Wednesday on Mountain road, though the Mingo section will take until around August, due to several factors, including moisture from pivots which interferes will the oil used in the process. One of the pickups the department obtained from the Sheriff’s department a few years ago is showing a lot of age. For a diesel longbed, $66K is the price that he has COUNTY COMMISSION On Page 4
Pizza’s Run revs up June 20 Soda Springs City Park will be hosting the 28th annual Pizza Run Saturday June 20th. It is well and truly Car Show season, and Pizza’s Run is a major player in that regional calendar. Having been described by some organizers and City Council members as “the most happening car show in southern Idaho,” it’s certainly one of the biggest and most enjoyable. Thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, activities for the kids, great food and all day entertainment are promised, and the weather will likely be suitably hot. Attendance is free for all participants and spectators. Registration starts at 8 a.m. in the city park. In previous years, the flag ceremony will be at 10 a.m. with rolling thunder provided by POW/MIA. As always, there will be events throughout the day, with games, food trucks, music, DJ’s, and a huge array of cars from all around. The Car Show itself is free for all participants, with over 75 trophies to be awarded. All trophies will be awarded by the respective sponsors. Cash prizes will be awarded this year for select categories. Get ready for a full weekend of events, and a great chance to spend some time out and about Soda Springs. Pizza’s Run
Arsonist trial begins
A Los Angeles man accused of starting the devastating Palisades Fire is set to go on trial this week, more than a year after the blaze killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Federal prosecutors allege that Jonathan Rinderknecht ignited a smaller fire on New Year's Day 2025 that continued smoldering underground before erupting into the massive Palisades Fire six days later. Investigators claim Rinderknecht had a long-standing fascination with fire and was angry and frustrated in the days leading up to the blaze. Prosecutors say surveillance video places Rinderknecht near the fire's origin and that he later returned to record video of firefighters battling the flames. They have also cited his online searches related to alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione and anti-wealth sentiments as evidence of a possible motive. A judge has already barred prosecutors from presenting AI-generated images allegedly created by Rinderknecht depicting cities burning. If convicted, he faces between five and 45 years in federal prison.
Zverev wins French Open
The Saturday before Father's Day is always reserved for Pizza's Run Car Show in Soda Springs.
turns downtown Soda into a hopping center of activity all day Saturday, and in many ways kicks off the summer event season. There are a number of repeat customers, so to speak, as far as the cars go, but always a lot of new attendees. Highway 30 is still in the middle of the summer’s construction project, so the Friday Cruise may be changed to accommodate the situation, but access to the park itself on the day of the show should not be affected.
IN THIS EDITION Curfew in Soda.....................................Pg. 2 Fires of 1988........................................Pg. 3 Puzzles.................................................Pg. 5
A shooting near the annual Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, left 12 people injured on June 6 and prompted a large-scale search for at least two suspects. Authorities said the gunfire erupted near the popular community festival, which features live music, food, art, and activities for families. Investigators believe the incident began when two individuals exchanged gunfire, with bystanders caught in the crossfire. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, and two people were reported in critical condition. No deaths have been reported. Witnesses described scenes of panic as festivalgoers ran for cover and emergency responders rushed to assist the wounded. Despite heavy traffic and road closures associated with the event, first responders were able to transport all victims to area hospitals within about an hour. Police have asked attendees to provide photos, videos, or other information that could help identify those responsible. As of Sunday, no arrests had been announced and the investigation remained active. Authorities continue to believe the shooters were targeting each other rather than the festival itself, but the incident has renewed concerns about gun violence at large public gatherings.
Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Kids Scoop........................................ Pg. 11 Summer Events.................................Pg. 12
Alexander Zverev finally captured the first Grand Slam title of his career on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a dramatic five-set French Open final at Roland Garros. Zverev won 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 to claim the championship after previously falling short in three major finals. The victory was especially meaningful for the 29-year-old German, who suffered a devastating ankle injury at the French Open in 2022 and had endured years of near misses at tennis’ biggest events. After dominating early, Zverev saw Cobolli battle back and force a deciding fifth set before the German regained control and cruised to victory. The win makes Zverev the first German man in 30 years to win a Grand Slam title and completes one of the sport’s longest-awaited breakthroughs.
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
Curfew ordinance discussed by Soda City Council A proposed curfew ordinance was among the issues discussed at last week’s City Council meeting in Soda Springs. Chief of Police CJ Golightly noted that after years of working on the idea, he felt that now was a good time to clarify the curfew. A curfew is currently in place, from midnight to 5 a.m., though the ordinance would clarify exceptions and speel out infractions penalties. According to Chief Golightly, juveniles in town frequently ask about curfew. The prosecutor has asked for the ordinance to “have a little teeth” in order to be effective. The way the ordinance is laid out, police are able to use it in cases where juveniles are apprehended after hours, but mostly it can be used by the families or legal guardians who will need help with minors who are “out of parental control” and may be a danger to selves or others. The SSPD can take them to a shelter care facility (RISE in IF, the Village in Pocatello), but not to a juvenile detention facility. Councilman Larsen asked whether there was a lot of traffic at that time. Not really, Golightly said, explaining that “this is a tool for us to get kids home who are out knocking on doors, doing graffiti, etc.” This is a status offense which gives SSPD a way to resolve some issues. The infraction results in a $150 for a citation, though Golightly noted that “we typically work with the parents and try to get them to collect the kids rather than give out tickets.” Ordinance passed by unanimous vote.
Chief Golightly The Chief stated that 4th of July is coming up, so there are the usual concerns with fire danger, although they are even more significant this year due to drought. The state doesn’t allow for fireworks that are aerial, or potential fire risks. “Usually we aren’t very heavy on enforcement for that, but save your money on buying those types, and we don’t want an evidence locker full of thousands of dollars worth of fireworks.” They will enforce the late fireworks ban. John Goode Goode spoke to the council requesting a variance, which was recommended by the PZ. Based on the PZ’s recommendation and the council’s input, President Hart moved to approve the variance
for work on the Caribou Bible Church property.
Project Updates 2nd S – contractors are going to start temporarily patching some of the areas with 2 inches of asphalt. That will be taken out when they do the final paving. Sewer lines are still coming along on schedule 2nd E bore is still going under the tracks, but ran into some problems. Hopefully it will be done by Friday. The water line from north to south side of the tracks on Main street is ready to be tied in. A final water meter was installed at the cemetery, which will allow the cemetery board to better gauge the amount of water it will use on the lawn. Asphalt paving is slated for tomorrow at the basketball courts at the city park. Striping on 24/25 of June. Ribbon cutting July 3 at 12pm for the basketball court. Director Squires Thanked Alana Burns and Lara Lind for their work on the project. Tournament at 1 or 2. The city is looking at trying to do one pickleball court at the court at Hooper. Library – Hope Hansen Hansen thanked the council for approving the Friends railing. Becky Peterson found a piece of brick that had fallen off the building. There were 5 pieces that were close to coming off that will be fixed. CMC brought over snacks in May. Summer reading update: 180 kids were at the story walk. As of last Wednesday, they had 479 kids, 77 teens, and 32 adults singed up. Sponsors include Itafos, Baked Fresh, and others, including Grump Guy’s Pizza, who is offering a Kids pizza-for-reading program. More details on that pending! Parks - Jeff Young Cleanup week went well, thanks to the city crew. It was noted that they do a lot of work, but not a lot of people see it up close. Melissa McDowell This year has been very busy with possible subdivision developments, McDowell, with the city Planning and Zoning, said. McDowell, who works at the City front office, was recognized for her excellent work since hiring on around nine months ago.
Healthcare Leader Brenda Bergholm retires after 37 years at CMC Caribou Medical Center (CMC) announces the retirement of Brenda Bergholm, a foundational leader and dedicated healthcare professional, who officially stepped down on May 22, 2026, after a remarkable 37-year career with the organization. Throughout nearly four decades of service, Bergholm has been a driving force behind CMC’s clinical excellence and patient-centered care. Her career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to every facet of healthcare delivery, spanning clinical practice, departmental management, and executive leadership. Bergholm’s legacy at CMC is defined by the diverse and critical roles she held, including: • Registered Nurse (RN): Providing compassionate, frontline care to patients. • Surgery Manager & Nursing Service Administrator: Optimizing departmental workflows, mentoring nursing staff, and ensuring top-tier clinical operations. • Executive Leadership: Serving as Chief Clinical Officer (CCO), Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and Clinical Administrator, where she shaped hospital policy, guided strategic growth, and championed quality improvement initiatives. "Brenda’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence have truly helped shape our organization and the high stanC Y
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Enders “I appreciate you letting me work on the Enders and determining the best use of the bldg. and working in this community,” said Molly Besaris of 4CASI. “As many of you know, we have an unofficial committee about the Enders, and one of the things that keeps coming up is that as requests come in for rent, people don’t want it for the whole day, just a few hours. So something that committee asked is whether we can consider a 2 or 2.5 hour rental option.” Right now, the rental fee is $500 for the whole day. Besaris has been told that people have not rented because of the price. Possible hourly rates, from $50 to $100/hr were discussed. Councilman Larsen stated that “the pro in my mind is that vacant buildings deteriorate faster than occupied ones,” which increased traffic would help sustain. This summer, Enders will be open for museum tours from Memorial to Labor day. Questions about a deposit for cleaning were considered. The specifics of the new rate schedule were not finalized, but the council expressed a desire to create a new list that allowed for shorter term rentals, in order to allow more people to schedule events in the building. City Park Pavillion Councilwoman Byram stated that she would like to get a quote to replace the city pavilion with a steel structure, which might be more durable and sustainable. It currently needs to be stained and maintained, and she wondered what would be the best for taxpayers. She wants to keep the Bingo pavilion but the structures do need attention. Other structures, like the pavilion at octagon, are in need of work as well. Council approved getting estimates on replacement structures.
Planning and Project management proposal The city has been looking to hire a project planner. Director Squires thinks that contracting with an outside engineering firm might be an even better idea. “Things we may need help on as the city expands and grows, but not all the time,” he clarified. Keller and Associates presented their proposal for services to the council. Keller’s Jake Poulsen grew up in Soda, and attended the meeting with Jeff Mansfield. Poulsen explained that they “review developments and help with project coordination.” In his opinion, “Soda is at this size where you’re feeling those growing pains that a lot of communities in southern Idaho are feeling.” Keller conducted a number of reviews in Preston last year, looking at plans and ordinances. Time and materials are cheaper than a fulltime planner, and generally what they see is that they are able to work with a city’s budget “There’s a lot of things you guys can handle, but we can be a benefit for things that are beyond that,” Poulsen said. “Setting the target for how much you want to allocate per year is a good way to do it. When you have a request, you just ask and we’ll work with the budget. You can take care of the bigger lift things and we can provide the services that you can’t do.” Poulsen added that, “It’s easy for
me to pop in for any questions. My mom makes cake pops, and you guys have probably eaten a couple dozen.” “It’s all about only working when you want us to work.” “I would anticipate its cheaper to go with a consultant than a full time employee.” Jeff Mansfield was with Keller, and then with the city of Pocatello. His wife is from Bancroft, and he is the city engineer for Lava. “I can split my time – chances are good I’m nearby,” he said. President Hart asked how many hours a year they would expect to spend on the city. He noted that he spend about 300 hours a year for the City of Lava, as a frame of reference. Councilman Larsen asked to hear the vision of how this would be used. On site management? Reviewing plats? Director Squires said that it would likely be a mix of things. They are professional engineers who can stamp the plat, as well as do design work and site development. They also have experience with water and wastewater issues. “If we’re not working on it, we’re not charging for it. It’s a benefit for you. We’re not doing anything you don’t want,” the two explained. Attorney Tom Smith told the council, “you guys need these kinds of services. You really need someone to advise you on the day to day of planning.” Jake Poulsen stated, “What we want to be is an extension of city hall. I’ll answer a call any time. We all will.” Molly Besaris added, “I just want to throw in that I 100% support this. I think that I see this work in other counties. I am an advocate of this, I’ve seen it work in other communities. I think this is really a good direction for you.” President Hart indicated that the council and city staff would discuss the issue further before agreeing to a service contract with Keller, but they were interested in pursuing it. Parks Hooper springs parking lot was given a quote from A+ for a new fence around the substation. Young brought up the idea of using employees to do things that the city would otherwise hire a 3rd party to do, such as weed spraying. SSPD The Animal Control vehicle is having issues. The Original plan was to extend the lease on the K9 vehicle until 2028. They were hoping to be able to use that vehicle for animal control. Golightly isn’t sure they are going to be able to limp it along that long. The current vehicle is a 2010 Explorer with cams and phaser issues. K9 is a 2021 with 60K miles on it. Animal control would have to pick up the cost of the remaining lease, which would require an increase of $8K to cover last year of lease. Clerk Haderlie The Clerk noted that the filing cabinet is a mess. She wants to buy a scanner for blueprints and maps to reduce the clutter and make document retirieval easier. The city offices also have aging computers. 2 have been replaced. 10 workstations at city hall, so they need to replace 6 more. She recommended a 3% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for employees.
dard of care we provide today," said Kent Loosle, CEO. "Her impact on our staff, our facility, and the community we serve cannot be overstated. While we will greatly miss her presence in our halls, her legacy will continue to influence CMC for years to come." The administration and staff at CMC express their deepest gratitude to Brenda for her 37 years of tireless service, visionary leadership, and profound mentorship. The entire organization wishes her the very best in a well-deserved, fulfilling retirement. For more information about Caribou Medical Center and its services, please visit www.cariboumc.org. C Y
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
The fire season of 1988 – “Black Saturday” As the fire season for 2026 has made its way to southern Idaho ahead of schedule, one of the most iconic specters of fire devastation has increasingly been invoked – the 1988 Yellowstone fires that rewrote the landscape and made the potential for quick and destructive fire events into a clear reality for millions. This is especially true for those who were around in 1988, of course. I was a teenager at the time, and we had planned to visit Yellowstone that year. Instead, we watched the constant stream of apocalyptic images as they filled the screen. While nothing as devastating has happened since that time in southeast Idaho, many of the conditions in play are back again. Some of those factors from 1988 included an unusually dry winter, which left much of the region with reduced snowpack. Spring was relatively wet, causing abundant grass and vegetation growth. Then summer turned exceptionally hot and dry, with very little rainfall. Frequent dry thunderstorms produced lightning ignitions while strong winds rapidly spread fires. The result was one of the most significant wildfire seasons in modern U.S. history. Around Yellowstone alone, roughly 1.2 million acres burned across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including about 794,000 acres inside the park itself (about 36% of the park according to official reporting ). Firefighters largely concluded that only the September rain and snow finally stopped the fires.
In our neck of the woods Southern Idaho did not experience a single iconic fire equivalent to Yellowstone, but it was heavily
A view of Yellowstone Park's historic fire in 1988
affected by the same drought and fire weather. The most immediate effect was smoke. Communities across southern Idaho—including areas around Boise, Twin Falls, and much of Teton, Caribou, Bannock, Bonneville, Franklin, Bear Lake, and Oneida counties (and more!)—experienced periods of smoky skies from fires burning in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. I remember reddish suns and hazy conditions that lasted for days or weeks, as well as that heavy, oily smell that characterizes forest fires. The drought affected southern Idaho’s agricultural economy as much as the fires themselves. Rangelands dried early. Livestock producers faced reduced forage availability. Irrigation became increasingly important because of low natural moisture. Dry grasses created elevated wildfire risk across sagebrush
and desert landscapes. The Snake River Plain remained productive because of irrigation, but dryland farming and grazing operations felt significant stress. In addition to the marquee Yellowstone fire, Idaho had numerous other significant fires during 1988, though they received less national attention than Yellowstone. Federal and state firefighting resources were stretched throughout the region as crews, aircraft, and equipment were moved among fires in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The Yellowstone campaign became the largest firefighting effort in U.S. history up to that time. For many Idahoans, the defining memory is not necessarily flames on the horizon but a summer-long drought, persistent smoke and haze, constant wildfire news coverage, and the sense that Yellowstone— one of America’s most famous landscapes—might burn completely.
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At the time, many people – including myself and my siblings thought the fires represented an environmental disaster of end of the world proportions. Later research showed that much of Yellowstone recovered naturally and that fire was an important ecological process in those forests. I remember it being hard to reconcile the idea that “fires are good for forests!” with the charred, smoke-filled wasteland dotted with black skeletal trees barely hanging on. Nowadays, the main signs of the event are literally signs that have been put up commemorating the new tree planting after the fire, or at various visitor’s centers in the park. The 1988 season also changed wildfire management across the West. It led agencies to reexamine policies regarding naturally ignited fires, firefighter deployment, public communication, and ecosystem management. It also became one of the first wildfire events that many Americans followed day-by-day on national television, making it a landmark moment in public awareness of wildfire risk. Even though I’m not falling apart just yet, I do recognize that 1988 was essentially pre-history for many adults today, to say nothing of kids. The fires in Hawaii and California in recent years have invoked some of the same emotions and anxieties that “Black Saturday” did for me at the time, riding in the back of the Dodge K Car wagon without a seatbelt an staring out at the decimated landscape the year after the fire. Hopefully, the years that have marched onward since then have prepared everyone enough that this year’s fire season, which will undoubtedly be busy and destructive, will at least not end up with a scary nickname!
COMMUNITY NOTES Senior Center Takeout prices raised by $1 A sign in the senior center announcing a mild price increase from $5 to $6 for food takeout for those over 60 was recently put up to mostly positive reviews. Several patrons noted that the increase was probably overdue, though there are undoubtedly some who were less happy with it. In either case, the cost for those under 60 is $7. Inflation has obviously hit every aspect of the production process, from food preparation and equipment, to (and perhaps most importantly) the fuel costs of delivery. Senior Center Director ShaLayne Bartschi noted that the center tries to avoid raising prices as much as possible, but that this was something that was necessary. The senior center supports a substantial number of seniors throughout the county, with deliveries as far away as Grays Lake and Thatcher. The thrift store is still closed for donations, partly because the garage section of the building is being insulated. The garage is extremely hot in the summer, and insulation will make the sorting process a lot more comfortable for volunteers and employees. This should make a lot of other people happy as well, as there is generally a steady stream – sometimes a flood – of donations. Auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” continue The summer dance production of Alice in Wonderland, the brainchild of Fiona Katrine, is still taking audition submissions until June 14. Oquirrh West is the name to look for on Facebook and Instagram to find information about the audition process, or to inquire about other ways to help the production. Katrine’s concept involves two performances on August 15, which will take place at Kelly Park starting near the playground area and then moving along the trails, with scripted stops for dance performances. The event will be based in the world of Alice in Wonderland and C Y
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Through the Looking Glass, though the exact nature of the narrative has not yet been revealed. More trees added to Ledger Creek Trails The city council of Soda Springs casually mentioned the progress of arborist Trevor Robbins at the Ledger Creek (that name now seems to have officially stuck) trailhead, where he has continued planting trees along the trail. As of the meeting, he was reported to be up to close to thirty trees in the ground. I ran into him last week in the midst of planting some of them, with his daughter in tow to lend a hand. As part of the grant, the project aims to have 200 trees total planted on the northern part of the trail system, hopefully within the year. That’s a lot of trees to plant, but he’s making a lot of progress, and like he mentioned at the opening of the trail, his favorite part is talking to the people who ask him questions about their trees at home, and how to best take care of them. So if you’re in the mood for a walk this summer, head down Bailey Creek road to the Ledger Creek trail and say hi to Trevor. Then bug him for a while.
For the most part, prices are pretty consistent, within a fifteen cent window or so. There are of course exceptions, like the Sinclair in Inkom, or the gas stations in Downey. But I am always surprised and happy to see that Bailey’s south of Grace in Niter is always about the same price as the stations in town, which is amazing. Daphney Medina, one of the owners of the store, explained that while they sometimes take a hit as a result, they are committed to being a fair and competitively priced gas station, and I salute that. I often forget and fill up elsewhere due to critical needs, but to plan a better route in order to return the favor for their dedication to great community support. "Dear Evan Hansen" The Stephens Performing Arts Center in Poctello is presenting "Dear Evan Hansen" as part of its summer musical theatre program, at the Bistline Theatre.
Audiences are invited to experience the tony Award winning musical, which is a powerful and moving story about connection, belonging, and the impact of our choices. Featuring an celebrated score and performances, the contemporary musical explores themes of family, friendship, mental health, and the universal desire to be seen and understood. Performances are scheduled for June 12-13, 15, and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. The event is presents by Idaho State University and Farm Bureau Insurance. Summer Reading North Gem's Summer Reading programs are being held every Tuesday in June and July at 10 a.m. at the school. The event is sponsored by the Idaho Walk and Bike Alliance and Cowboy Ted. Grace Summer Reading program is held on Mondays at the Legion Hall (105 N. 1st) in Grace at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Don’t forget Bailey’s for gas Full disclosure, putting together this paper means that I put a lot of miles on the (literally) old Chevy. Because of that, I have become pretty attuned to the kinds of things that become critically important while on the road – how late can I leave the Post Office in Grace and still make it to the Main Street Diner for lunch? (1:35 or so at the extreme outside); Is there a public bathroom between Niter and Preston? (well, not really); where are the dead spots for signals? (the long way to Bancroft from Lava, the bathroomless road to Preston, Weston canyon, parts of the Malad office building, etc). But one thing that is always top of mind is gas prices. On my drive, I get to experience the carousel of one, two, five, occasionally ten cent jumps in price from place to place or hour to hour. C Y
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County Commission
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been seeing by way of bids for a replacement. McLain would like two trucks, but he needs at least one. The commissioners asked for a firm bid before signing off on the request. A diesel of a comparable size runs roughly 20K$ more on the market. “Junk Ordinance” What are often called “junk” ordinances were discussed. This usually refers to debris/cleanup rules related to property. According to the discussion, Caribou County’s ordinances in this area haven’t been updated in 30 years. PZ’s Helen Barker was curious whether the commission wanted to have the ordinances involved updated. There is currently not a definition of “public nuisance” with regard to waste accumulation on properties. The term exists in the ordinance, but without a definition, making enforcement very difficult. The commissioners discussed the line between property rights and mitigating potential hazardous situations resulting from waste accumulation on property. Barker clarified that ag recycling was fine, and not a problem. “I’m a farmer too and we hold on to things we can use, so I understand that. The biggest thing that is missing is a process for violations beyond that.” Commissioner McCullough noted that the heart of the problem was the subjective nature of determining what was “junk” and what wasn’t. Commissioner Somsen agreed. Barker stated that when she is asked by city officials to enforce violations right outside of city limits, or in impact zones, the county does not have a clear mechanism for enforcement. “I think we need to take what you started and work at it,” Chairman Mathews said. The City of Soda Springs recently passed an ordinance regarding “junk.” A recent state law makes it impossible for municipal employees to enter private property for the purposes of remediation. The commissioners advised Barker to look at what other counties have in place as far as nuisance/ junk ordinances. The commissioners noted that in their recollection, every time the issue comes up it ends up not coming to resolution due to pushback from many sources, including farmers, homeowners, plants and businesses, and others. The commissioners will begin looking into the issue to see what their approach might be to some sort
Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
of clarified or improved ordinance or amendment. Barker’s presentation was largely to inform the commissioners that she was working on the issue and gauging their willingness to move forward with it. A 4 county meeting is coming up soon, and they will speak with other county officials. Commissioner McCullough stated that he thought the “Free Landfill” approach was better than “telling people what to do.”
Fire Outlook “We are looking at a big fire season. All of our numbers are running about a month ahead of time,” EMS Director Eric Hobson noted. There have already been significant fires in American Falls area and Owyhee county. Grace is looking dry, and the Soda Hills are dry, though not as bad as it could be, Hobson said. Historically, the seasonal moisture is equivalent to the 8th of July. Burn bans don’t line up between the county and the Forest Service. FS burn bans are much more stringent than the county’s. Hobson noted that the local Ag producers are ahead of the game, having burned their material earlier in the season that usual. “We are as prepared as we can be,” he said, adding that the fire season has been reported to be “just like in ’88 as a reference for what the season is looking like.” Kristine Allen Allen spoke to the commission with a request chip seal on a road in the county, North Cinderpit Road into the Madsen subdivision in Grace area. The six homes that are there have been completed. Potholes and washboards have been problems. “We are a large county, and I want to thank Road and Bridge for taking care of the roads.” They would like some additional attention to the road, which has a great deal of dust as well as other issues. From Turner to One Mile road is the span in question. The commissioners discussed the projects that they have queued up for the summer, and felt that they probably wouldn’t be able to get it into the schedule until next year, with the budget and timeline already set for the year. The commissioners and Kevin McLain talked about possibilities for moving projects around a bit to work the project in. One of the concerns was that the dust created issues for students at the elementary school. During the harvest, it was noted that trucks often use the route to avoid going through town, and it creates a lot of dust.
Changes to Pentagon list of religious code categories causes a stir A bit of controversy broke out last week after the Pentagon dramatically reduced its list of officially recognized religious affiliation codes from more than 200 to just 31 categories. While the new list includes numerous Christian denominations, it lists members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints separately rather than under the broader Christian category, prompting criticism from many Latter-day Saints and Utah political leaders, as well as local members. The list doesn’t change anything substantive, but does irritate members of the church, which has been involved in a decades – nearly centuries – long campaign to clarify its Christian bona fides to the general public. According to KSL, Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis publicly challenged the change, arguing that members of the church consider themselves Christian and that the church’s name, beliefs, and focus on Jesus Christ make its exclusion from the Christian grouping difficult to understand. That sentiment was echoed broadly over the weekend as news of the list was discussed among members.
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The Pentagon has responded that the revised list is not intended to determine which religions are “officially approved” or legitimate. Officials say the streamlined system is designed to help military chaplains quickly assess the religious makeup of units and allocate resources more efficiently. Service members can still identify as Latter-day Saints, and they may continue to list other faiths not included among the 31 primary categories on military records and dog tags. The dispute has become part of a broader debate over the Pentagon’s religious policies under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Critics argue that reducing the number of recognized faith categories may marginalize minority religions, while supporters maintain the changes are administrative rather than theological. For many Latter-day Saints, however, the central issue is not recognition itself but the perception that their faith was separated from Christianity despite its emphasis on Jesus Christ. The church’s policy regarding the use of its full official name, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks to the issue.
“There are six homes up there, and we pay a lot of taxes,” Allen said. A discussion about the specifics of the road maintenance, and the ownership of the road itself was held. The commissioners will look through the minutes of the meeting during which the subdivision was approved. The feeling is that after the subdivision reaches 50% occupancy, the county can begin to perform some maintenance on the road, but since the road is private, the county doesn’t work on road improvements, in order to avoid competing with private companies. FTC Solutions A contract with FTC to maintain parks and recreation areas in the county was discussed. Ground squirrels were noted as a problem for many of the campgrounds and areas, as well as some of the dumpsters, which have either been broken or removed. On the Oregon Trail park, there is debris and material that makes using equipment difficult. Trees need to be cleaned up, and “made to look a little better.” There is some damage to the area from vehicles. The commissioners and Cole discussed the exact nature of the contract and the services that are provided. Right now, “initial cleanup” is being done. The commissioners ultimately decided to pay the amount owed to Cole, and discontinue the contract after this month. Saydie McMorris – Kids First Coalition Tenille Call and Saydie McMorris spoke to the commissioners about the Kids First Coalition. They spoke to the commissioners a year ago, and returned to provide an update and ask for donations. The primary goal of the coalition is to help provide child care for working parents, in order to improve the situation for workers, companies, and child care providers. A “Tri-share program” helps to pay for child care costs, which are split between family, employers, and public funds. ALICE refers to Asset Limited Income Constrained but Employed, and describes parents that are working paycheck to paycheck. In 2023, out of the county’s resident adults, around 850 people fell into that range. Around 300 more fell into the poverty level. The emphasis is on finding a way to facilitate childcare for these groups. Availability and affordability are the primary issues for many families. Federal changes in how funds for childcare are allocated have removed
June 11, 2026
a number of single-parent families from support programs over the last few years. Few employers in Southeast Idaho provide on-site child care. According to them, in 2026 $688 million was lost in 2025 as a result of the child care crisis, which removes many workers from the workforce. The Kids First Coalition in made up of leaders from another of concerned entities, including civic leaders, businesses, employers, educators, etc. Kids first is the administrative body, and the employer will pair their contribution with the employees, which will be paired with public funds to pay the care provider. A duo-share option is possible if there are no public funds available. Public investment in the funds are necessary to keep the program running, which the presenters are convinced will help the issue. In the first year, they have focused with 10 employers to build a scalable model. They currently have 3 employers signed on, 3 with impending contracts, and a marketing campaign reaching out to as many companies as possible. They have received one grant, and are seeking additional grants. Public funds would contribute around $3000 annually for the highest cost categories for one person. They requested a $25K donation to support 7 families in the area. Bayer is conducting a survey to gauge interests. They have also spoken to local childcare provider Caribou Kids, who are looking to expand. Bannock County last year donated as a public funder. This year, they are considering joining as an employer as well. “It’s important to note that the child care crisis is large,” McMorris said. “And it’s going to take a multifaceted approach to solve it.” Tenille Call noted that “The ALICE population is a big part of our community.” Bannock County is working through its Community Development organization. Commissioner Somsen clarified how the $25K would work. It would fund up to that amount for around 7 families, after which a waiting list would be established. The issue of how keeping those 7 families (and potentially 14 or more employees) in the workforce ultimately benefits the economy in a substantial way, potentially providing systemic offsets for the county portion in donations. No specific decision was made, though the county will look into distributing a survey about countywide interest in the program.
Nearly 60 Idahoans sick after drinking raw milk BY KYLE PFANNENSTIEL, IDAHO CAPITAL SUN
Idaho health officials are investigating how nearly 60 people got sick after drinking raw milk in the past two weeks. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced in a news release on Wednesday that most of the people reported being sick after drinking raw milk from two different milking operations in North Idaho and southern Idaho. The infections were reported starting May 19. The state health agency didn’t disclose the names of the dairies, but said they are collaborating with health officials “to identify and fix any potential sources of contamination.” In a statement, Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter said the agency didn’t name the milking operations “because this is a potential risk for any raw milk producer.” “The milking operations are working with public health officials to figure out which patches of milk might be affected and to take steps to remedy the situation,” McWhorter said. Raw milk isn’t pasteurized, a process that involves heating the milk to kill bacteria — like Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella — that can be present in raw milk. So far, 45 of the people who got sick tested positive for campylobac-
teriosis, a bacterial infection. But officials say not everyone who got sick has been tested, and that more illnesses could be found. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says its public health division is working with local health officials across six of Idaho’s seven regional public health districts to investigate the source of the outbreaks, including Central District Health, Southwest District Health, Eastern Idaho Public Health, Southeastern Idaho Public Health, Panhandle District Health, and South Central Public Health. Officials are investigating to find batches that are potentially concerning and test milk samples. What are the symptoms of infections linked to raw milk? Symptoms of infections from bacteria that can be in raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and dehydration. Complications can be severe, especially in people at higher risk such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Health officials encourage people who are feeling symptoms after recently drinking raw milk to seek medical care promptly. To report an illness or get more information, officials encourage people to contact their local public health district. C Y
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
Looking Back at Fallen FG Officer Sam Buntrock BY IDAHO FISH AND GAME SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER KOLBY WHITE, SOUTHEAST REGION
I initially was drawn to the story of Sam Buntrock as I am currently the Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer that covers the area in Bear Lake County where Sam was killed in a plane crash during the spring of 1974. He was only 27 years old. I was a little surprised at the lack of information about Sam, and in an attempt to not forget those who have laid down their lives in this line of work, I began asking questions. During my dive into the past, I uncovered a rather brave story. Sam was born March 6, 1947, in Nampa, Idaho. In 1955, 8-year-old Sam, his father Walter, and older brother John were in a car accident when their family car collided with a county gravel truck. Sam’s father and brother both died as a result of the crash. Sam survived but was reported to have a fractured arm and leg and many facial cuts that left him with scars for the rest of his life. The accident left Sam as the only child of a widowed mother. Before Sam graduated from high school in Meridian, tragedy struck again as a close friend died in a motorcycle accident. Sam later attended Boise State College and graduated from Oregon State University in 1970. During his senior year of college, his mother Helen passed away unexpectedly. Despite the tragedy that surrounded Sam his entire life, every story I read and every person I talked to could only say good things about him. Quotes like “He was just an outstanding person in all respects… I sure miss that big character!” were very common. Sam was described as a “big man” with a low voice that rivaled that of the late actor Burl Ives. Based on my research, Sam worked for Idaho Fish and Game in various
temporary positions in Boise and Island Park before joining the ranks as a conservation officer in 1972. Sam was assigned to the Soda Springs patrol area in the Southeast Region. He immediately began to immerse himself in the Soda Springs community, being an active member of the Soda Springs Lions Club and serving on the Miss Caribou County Pageant Committee. One former regional fisheries staff member stated that he and Sam spent many hours fishing together along a section of the Blackfoot River that is now part of a wildlife management area. Multiple former colleagues of Sam’s relayed that in the year or so before Sam was killed, he had been in another crash… involving a helicopter. The reported crash took place somewhere near Sulphur Canyon in southeast Idaho during what can be assumed to be a wildlife survey. The helicopter went down in deep snow, miles from anywhere. This would have been in the 1972-73 timeframe, meaning cell phones weren’t even a thought and radio service was non-existent in the area. Reports say that Sam and the pilot were uninjured but had to wade through waist-deep snow back to Highway 30, where they eventually hitchhiked back to Soda Springs. Still after that incident, Sam was just as willing to help with whatever was needed. Such was the case on May 29, 1974. I spoke with Janna Phillips, wife of Blake Phillips (retired Assistant Chief of Enforcement for Idaho Fish and Game) and the daughter of retired Fish and Game Conservation Officer Perry Johnson, who shared more of the story of the plane crash that took Sam’s life. Janna remembers that it was actually her father, Perry, who was scheduled to be on the plane that morning to fly with some US Forest Service (USFS) employees. She said that her father had come down sick the night prior and
BRAIN TEASERS
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asked if Sam would be able to take his place. Sam immediately said he would. Janna said her father was plagued with survivors’ guilt for many years after the accident. Unfortunately, time has washed away many of the details from the day, but what records I could find detail the following: An aircraft was scheduled to fly to the Home Canyon area near the town of Montpelier to look at a possible timber sale, and how that could affect elk calving areas. There were 4 souls on board, Tom Stoor (Pocatello, Pilot), Tom Semrad (Montpelier, Forester USFS), Gary Richardson (Pocatello, Wildlife Biologist USFS) and Sam. The group left the Montpelier Municipal Airport around 6 AM, with plans to be back by mid-morning. When they did not make it back in time, a search started at about 1:30 PM. Aerial search planes spotted the wreckage at about 5:15 PM. Ground searchers under the direction of then Bear Lake County Sheriff Larry Lloyd reached the aircraft about 6 PM. It is reported that the aircraft clipped the top of a lodgepole pine stand and sent the plane into a nosedive. All passengers of the plane were pronounced dead on the scene. Those I spoke with who worked for Fish and Game at the time all stated they were extremely devastated by the news of Sam’s passing. They shut down the Southeast Region office in Pocatello, and all drove to Boise for his funeral. They all told me about the positive impact Sam had on their lives, even though they only knew him for a short time. When I began looking into the story of Sam’s death, I was simply looking for a little more context on what had happened. However, what I really uncovered was a story of bravery and selflessness. I mean, we’ve all heard the expression “if you get bucked off, you gotta get back on”, but that takes on a whole new lev el when it comes
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Former Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer Sam Buntrock.
to aircraft. Out of anyone in the department, Sam had the best reason not to climb aboard that plane on that May morning. He could’ve blamed his previous aircraft debacle, and I don’t think anyone would’ve held it against him. Instead, Sam answered the call of his fellow officer with “Sure Bud, I’ll go.” Sam doesn’t have any immediate family remaining, spare a few cousins with whom I have been in contact. So today, May 29, on this anniversary of his passing, let us remember our Brother in Conservation, who gave his life to “preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage” the fish and wildlife of Idaho. If you have more information or details to share about the life and death of Sam Buntrock, please contact Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer Kolby White at (208) 204-3921. He and his partner, K9 Bear, spend most of their work time in the Montpelier patrol area in southeast Idaho. Kolby also enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors with his wife Amy, and their other two dogs, Liah and Zoey. This memorial which stands in front of the Idaho Fish and Game headquarters building in Boise honors all those Fish and Game employees who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Sam Buntrock's name is among those listed.
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
BIRTHDAYS Jerry Steffensen, June 3 Jamie Checketts, June 4 LaNae Robinson, June 4 River Jorgensen, June 8 Jane Christensen, June 10 Clair Anderson, June 11 Jerry Stoor, June 12 Darell Farnes, June 12 Chad Allred, June 15 Debbie Peck, June 15 Leslie Chamberlain, June 16 Diane Elsmore, June 18 Vicki Philips, June 18
4th of July Vendors and Floats still have time
The theme for this year is “America 250,” and plans are underway to make this year the best parade yet seen in Caribou County. The Independence Day parade is set for Saturday morning, and a full slate of events and activities is being finalized. There is still time, however, for those interested is putting a float in the parade this year to register to do so. The time is drawing shorter, however, as applications are due in to City Hall by July 1, or emailed to sodaspringsparade@gmail.com by the same deadline. In addition to traditional floats, tractors, vehicles, horses, mules, and any number of other permutations will also be accepted. Remember, America only turns 250 once, so if you’ve been waiting for a big moment, this is it! For this year’s parade, no water can be used for any of the entries, no frisbees can be thrown, and candy should not be thrown on the corners to keep things as safe as possible. Vendors are also being accepted for the park on the 4th, and you can call 801-492-5557 to reserve a spot. Culpepper & Merriweather Circus Coming to Soda Springs June 25 Thanks to the sponsorship of the Soda Springs Rotary Club, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will return to Soda Springs on Thursday, June 25, 2026, bringing its traditional Big Top experience to Kelly Park. Performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., offering local families an opportunity to enjoy one of America's longest-running traveling circus productions. The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus has built a reputation for providing quality family entertainment in communities across the country. The authentic one-ring circus has been featured in productions including A&E's Under the Big Top, Nick News: On the Road with Circus Kids, and OETA's Big Top Town. This year's all-new 2026 show features a lineup of performers that includes big cats presented by Trey Key, aerialist Simone on the trapeze, the Perez Daredevil Duo performing on the tightrope and Wheel of Destiny, the high-energy Macias family hand and foot juggling act, Miss Gianna and
her performing canines, and circus clown Leo Acton.
Circus Day Schedule: 9:30 a.m. the raising of the Big Top, a unique opportunity for the public to watch the circus tent go up and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds. Visitors can learn about life on the road with the circus and the care provided to the animals. The tent raising and tour are available only on the first day of the circus event. 4 p.m. the midway opens, along with additional family activities . Guests can enjoy pony rides, a moon bounce, giant slide, face painting, concessions, and other attractions before the main performances. 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Circus Performance. Advance tickets are available through the City of Soda Springs offices and are priced at $14 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-12 and seniors age 65 and older. Organizers note that purchasing tickets in advance helps support the local sponsor and returns more money to the community. Tickets purchased at the circus grounds on event day will be $17 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. The box office will open one hour before each performance. For additional information about the circus, tickets, or the 2026 tour, visit cmcircus.com, follow Culpepper & Merriweather Circus on Facebook or Instagram (@cmcircus), email cmcircus@gmail.com, or call 580-326-8833.
Pat Reidle, June 19 June Mason, June 20 Nancy Smith, June 20 Jay Allred, June 21 Renee Christensen, June 21 Jalene Somsen, June 22 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
ON THIS DAY
1776 Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members
1905 Pennsylvania Railroad debuts the fastest train in the world, capable of traveling from NY to Chicago in 18 hours 1927 Charles Lindbergh is awarded the first Distinguished Flying Cross 1936 Presbyterian Church of America founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1939 British ruler Kind George VI and Queen Elizabeth taste their first "hot dogs" at a party at FDR's Hyde Park residence during their US visit 1947 Perennial Christmas film "Miracle on 34th St" starring John Payne and Maureen O'Hara, directed by George Seaton is released 1962
Brothers John and Clarence
Anglin and fellow inmate Frank Morris escape from Alcatraz Island prison, the only ones to do so
1978 Joseph Freeman Jr is first black priest in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1982 "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, is released 1993 "Jurassic Park", adapted from best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum, opens and sets a box office weekend record of $502 million 2002 "American Idol" created by Simon Fuller with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson premieres on Fox-TV 2021 US lobsterman survives being swallowed by a humpback whale off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts
CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee Menu Subject to Change Without Notice Birthday Cake and Ice Cream is served in-house only! June 12 - Tacos, Spanish Rice, Grapes & Strawberries, Mexican Wedding Cake
June 17 - Pork Stir Fry, French Bread, Mandarins, Monster Cookies
EVENT CALENDARS SODA SPRINGS CARIBOU COUNTY June 14 - Sunday Presbyterian Services Caribou Bible Church Services Catholic Mass (8:30am) Open Arms Church Services LDS Services Hope Lutheran Church June 16 - Tuesday GSSCDC 5:15pm June 17 - Wednesday City Council Meeting 5pm
GRACE June 14 - Sunday LDS Services June 15 - Monday Grace Library Day 10am June 17 - Wednesday Chamber of Commerce Meeting 12pm City Council Meeting 6pm
BANCROFT June 14 - Sunday LDS Services
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• AUTO • HOME • LIFE
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
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 Homemakers have enjoyed being able to meet again after this last year’s pandemic. We resumed our meetings at the VFW building. The veterans have been gracious enough to let us meet in the building once a month. Our speaker was Julie Smith, who spoke to us about Family Search and genealogy and having fun funding our ancestors. In April, we were enlightened on the forboding subject of filing taxes. Our meeting in May was a very interesting night. We met with the leaders of the Historical Society at the newly renovated Stoor Grocery building on Hooper Ave. What an awesome place! Galen Wilson gave us some history on the building and the Stoor family. Along with Jerry Stoor and Bill Horsley, they talked about the renovation and things they have encountered with the building. They have done beautiful work. We toured the rooms they have put together. The Kackley room with donations from the Kackley family, a room dedicated to our armed services, even the apartment upstairs. The building is open for tours every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ______ The USAT National Championship Duathlon races were held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama May 22 and 23. The distances included a standard one on Saturday morning, a non draft legal spring distance duathlon (run/bike/run format) in the afternoon followed by a draft legal spring distance duathlon on Sunday morning. Top age group finishers in each race earned the opportunity to represent USA Triathlon’s amateur Team USA at the 2021 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Almere, Netherlands and the 2022 Championships in Townsville, Australia. Thousands of athletes came from all over the US to compete in this once a year event that is the World Championship qualifier. Christine Hauger, from Soda Springs, participated in the nondraft legal event on Saturday, as well as the event on Sunday. She placed 5th in her division. The position awarded her a medal, as the top five in each division received awards for their efforts. She finished 4th overall on Sunday, missing third by 14 seconds. ______ Gov. Brad Little issued an executive order Friday repealing executive order 2021-07 to Restore Local Control – and provided the following statement: “We could talk til we’re blue in the face about masks and whether they work – whether mask mandates work – but I think the people of Idaho are tired of hearing about it. With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and steady declines in case counts and hospitalizations, masks are, thankfully, becoming a thing of the past. For the record, though, I have opposed a statewide mask mandate all
25th Annual Pizza's Run Car Show in 2025
along because I don’t think top-down mandates change behavior the way personal choice does. But, as your governor, when it came to masks I also didn’t undermine separately elected officials who, under Idaho law, are given authorities to take measure they believe will protect the health and safety of the people they serve. An executive order that was issued while I was out of state this week runs contrary to a basic conservative principle – the government closest to the people governs best. The executive order unilaterally and unlawfully takes away authorities given to the state’s mayors, local school board trustees, and others. Just like the states begrudge federal government mandates, local governments in Idaho resent the state doing the same thing. The executive order usurps legislative powers. It replicates a bill that was debated considerably in the Legislature but failed, making law with the stroke of a pen. The action that took place was an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt. Taking the earliest opportunity to act solitarily on a highly politicized, polarizing issue without conferring with local jurisdictions, legislators, and the sitting governor is, simply put, an abuse of power. This kind of over-the-top executive action amounts to tyranny - something we all oppose. How ironic that the action comes from a person who has groused about tyranny, executive overreach, and balance of power for months. Furthermore, the executive order presents some pretty alarming consequences. For example, we would not be able to require safety measures for social workers visiting homes of atrisk individuals, or workers in our state testing, or employees at congregate facilities that are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious disease, threatening loss of life and added strain on the health care system we all depend on. That is why you do you homework, Lt. Governor. Let me offer some advice as Idaho’s duly elected Governor – governing in a silo is not government. I am always reluctant to engage in political ploys, especially when I have been steadfast in meeting the simultaneous goals of protecting both lives and livelihoods. I do not like petty politics. I do not like political stunts over the rule of law. However, the significant consequences of the Lt. Governor’s flimsy executive order require me to clean up a mess. With my own executive order today, I will be returning Idaho law to what it was before 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition P.O. Box 331 Soda Springs, Idaho 83276 (U.S.P.S. -- 090-560) ISSN: 2997-1004 The Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition is published weekly at 76 South Main Street, Ste. 207, Soda Springs, Idaho. Postmaster, please mail address corrections to: The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 331, Soda Springs, Idaho 83276. Entered as “periodicals” at the Soda Springs, Idaho Post Office. Subscription rates are strictly in advance -- $55.00 per year delivered in Caribou County, and $67.00 per year delivered outside of Caribou County within the United States. The Idaho Enterprise reserves the right to refuse publication of any or all materials. Brandon Hall
Bryan Dean Scott
Sherrie Wise
brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com
bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com
Editor
Publisher
Phone: 208-766-4773 C Y
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To the people of Idaho, I want to thank you once again, as I have many times throughout the pandemic, for protecting your loved ones and getting us through some of the darkest months of our state’s history. As your governor, I have worked hard to protect lives and critical health care capacity for the entire state while keeping families safe and businesses and schools open. Every decision has been a balancing act, and I do believe we achieved a balance. We managed to prevent a crisis in our hospitals, and we have kept our state open longer than almost every other state. Idaho has the strongest economy in the nation and the most financially solvent state budget. With our record budget surplus, we provided Idahoans historic tax relief and made strategic investments in Building Idaho’s Future for our roads, schools, broadband, and other critical areas. Few states can claims that kind of success. It is an honor for me to serve as your governor, and I remain committed to working responsibly to achieve our shared goal of making Idaho the place where out children and grandchildren choose to stay.” 2011 Dr. Jerry and Candy Young are the Grand Marshals for the 2011, July 4th Parade, Rotary Club President Doug Mathis announced. Jerry and Candy were both born and raised in Soda Springs. Jerry is the son of Robert “Chick” and Gena Young. Candy is the daughter of Osborne and Janice Call. Jerry and Candy met in the first grade and theirs was the “first” first grade class at the new Hooper School, and later the first class to go through school in the present Soda Springs high School. They graduated together in 1964 – Jerry was a top honor student, student body president, and quarterback of the football team. Candy says her only claim to fame was being “Jerry Young’s girlfriend.” They were married on Aug. 31, 1967 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple, just before Jerry entered medical school at the University of Utah. Although Jerry admits his favorite holiday is the opening of goose and elk season, Candy says the 4th of July is her favorite holiday because she loves parades, fireworks, and the opportunity to see old friends. ______ This spring has been one of the driest on record, leading to earlier and higher irrigation demand. Idaho Department of Water Resources has declared drought emergencies in eight counties in Idaho and more southern counties could follow suit. The NRCS snow monitoring network shows that snow remains only
at the highest elevation sites across the state. Streamflow conditions vary by basin with some rivers experiencing below normal flow levels for this time of year. It’s likely this week’s hot weather will melt most of the remaining snow and lead to streamflow peaking soon. According to the US Drought Monitor, 61 percent of Idaho land is in drought status compared to 20 percent one year ago. Drought conditions are expected to persist in counties already experiencing drought this summer, while drought conditions are expected to develop in the Treasure Valley, northern and eastern Idaho. ______ Carl and Susan Jorgensen have been working in Soda Springs schools for a combined total of 75 years. Their ability to encourage, teach, and prepare students will be missed as they retire this year. Susan has taught every grade level K-6 except for first grade – fifth grade being her favorite. Her students will remember her sense of humor, her incredible ability to teach every student, and her love of teaching. She has taught school for 42 years. Carl was born in Lava Hot Springs and graduated from Marsh Valley High School. He attended Idaho State University, was hired to teach in Grays Lake but ended up teaching at Hooper. Carl not only taught but also drive bus for 20 years. His teaching experience includes grades 3, 6, 7, and 8. He has taught US History, pre-algebra, math, and social studies.
IDAN-HA THEATRE -INDOORThursday, June 10 Friday, June 11 Saturday, June 12
Masters of the Universe (PG-13)
The Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia, a world shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. Joining forces with Teela and Man-At-Arms, Adam must embrace his true destiny as He-Man -- the most powerful man in the universe.
Saturday Matinee 2:00 p.m. (All seats $5), 6:00 & 8:45 p.m. (Regular Prices) Wednesday, June 17 6:00 & 8:45 p.m. (Regular Prices)
208-547-3282
CARIBOU COUNTY OBITUARY SUBMISSION INFO The cost for a standard obituary:
$89 500 words with one color photo The cost for an ultimate obituary:
$159 501 words plus and 2 color photos * additional photos $25 each
To submit an obituary:
email: sherrie.w@thecityjournals.com Mail or drop off at the The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad Idaho 83252 100 E. 90 S., Malad, Idaho
208-766-4773
Enterprise The Idaho
Caribou County's Newspaper Since 2024
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NOTICES NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE
To be sold for cash at a Trustee’s Sale on September 8, 2026, 11:00 AM at the County Courthouse, Front steps, 159 South Main Street, Soda Springs, the followingdescribed real property situated in Caribou County, Idaho (the “Property”): THE EAST 5 FEET OF LOT 12, AND THE WEST 65 FEET OF LOT 13, BLOCK 3, FIRST ADDITION TO LEWIS SUBDIVISION, IN SODA SPRINGS, CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER O F C A R I B O U C O U N T Y, IDAHO, UNDER RECORDER'S INSTRUMENT NO. 32340 Commonly known as: 561 E 1st N, Soda Springs, ID 83276 James Nathan Lofthouse aka James N. Lofthouse, as Trustors conveyed the Property via a Deed of Trust dated August 3, 2022, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Rocket Mortgage, LLC, FKA Quicken Loans, LLC, its successors and assigns, in which First American Title was named as Trustee. The Trust Deed was recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on August 8, 2022, as Instrument No. 210077. The Deed of Trust was assigned for value to Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC via an Assignment of Deed of Trust dated August 11, 2023 and recorded in the Official Records of Caribou County, Idaho, on August 14, 2023, as Instrument No. 211640. Brigham J. Lundberg is the Successor Trustee pursuant to an Appointment of Trustee recorded in the Official Records of Caribou County, Idaho, on March 31, 2026 as Instrument No. 216014. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC (“Beneficiary”) has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust due to Trustor’s failure to make monthly payments beginning April 1, 2025, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. By reason of said default, the Beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by said Deed of Trust immediately due and payable. The total amount due on this obligation is the principal sum of $178,913.49, interest in the sum of $12,312.09, escrow advances of $5,350.47, other amounts due and payable in the amount of $3,095.15, for a total amount owing of $199,671.20, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other fees and costs that may be incurred or advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Trustors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include Trustee fees, attorney fees, costs and expenses of the sale, and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected and has directed the Trustee to sell the above-described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding by certified funds (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed, without any representation or warranty, including warranty of title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The Trustors, successor in interest to the Trustors, or any other person having an interest in the property, or any person named in Idaho Code § 45-1506, has the right, at any time prior to the Trustee’s Sale, to pay to the Beneficiary, or the successor in interest to the Beneficiary, the entire amount then due under the Deed of Trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney fees) other than C Y
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Deed of Trust with Successor Trustee fees and attorney fees. In the event that all defaults are cured the foreclosure will be dismissed and the foreclosure sale will be canceled. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 30 days for any reason. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Successor Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The above Trustors are named to comply with Idaho Code § 451506(4)(a). No representation is made that they are, or are not, presently responsible for this obligation. Important Notice to Potential Bidders: Federal law administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, requires certain residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the winning bidder at auction, you may be required to provide identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. This information is required by federal law and must be provided to complete the sale. Failure to provide required information after the sale may delay or prevent issuance of the foreclosure deed. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Dated this 1st day of May, 2026. Brigham J. Lundberg Successor Trustee 376 East 400 South, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Telephone: 801-355-2886 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 AM-5 PM (MST) HWM File No. ID22748 #1238-05-21-28-06-04-11-26T4 ORDINANCE NO. 720 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, IDAHO, RENAMING AND AMENDING CHAPTER 9.08 – MINORS OR JUVENILES, AMENDING AND RENAMING SECTION 9.08.010 – CURFEW, AND ADDING NEW SECTIONS 9.08.020 – EXEMPTIONS, 9.08.030 – B E Y O N D PA R E N TA L CONTROL, AND 9.08.040 – VIOLATION-PENALTY. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, IDAHO, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Chapter 9.08 shall be amended as follows: 9.08 – CurfewMinors or Juveniles 9.08.010 – Minors in public places prohibited whenExceptions Curfew. It is a misdemeanor for any boy or girl under eighteen years of age to visit any public place or be on the streets, alleys or public grounds within the municipality between the hours
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of eleven p.m. and five a.m. on nights of the week, except Friday and Saturday nights, for which the hours shall be onethirty a.m. and five a.m., unless such minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian, or has written permission from such parent or guardian so as to be abroad at such time; provided, that any written permission shall be for the specific date, and any blanket permission shall be considered as no permission. It is an infraction for any minor under eighteen years of age to visit any public place or be on the streets, alleys, public grounds, places of entertainment, commercial establishments, or any unsupervised area within the municipality between the hours of twelve a.m.(midnight) and five a.m., except as hereinafter allowed.
threat of substantial physical harm or upon complaint by the person’s parent, guardian or legal custodian that said person’s specific conduct is so unreasonably disruptive that it jeopardizes the family unit.
9.08.020 – Exemptions:
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Soda Springs, Idaho, this 3rd day of June, 2026.
The following circumstances shall be deemed exceptions to the curfew hours required hereinabove: A. A minor accompanied by his parent, guardian, or legal custodian. B. A minor engaged in lawful employment, or in going directly to or from such employment. C. A minor on an errand or on legitimate business pursuant to instructions from his/her parent, guardian, or legal custodian, based on specific written permission from the same stating the date, time, and location. Any blanket permission will not be considered valid permission and will not constitute an exception under this ordinance. D. A minor involved in an emergency concerning the imminent danger to the person or property of himself or another. E. A minor engaged in or returning home from school, church, or youth group sponsored activities; or from other activities supervised by an adult and approved by the minor’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian or from any public social activity authorized by his/her parent, guardian, or legal custodian; provided, that such “returning home” shall be construed to mean that the minor is proceeding immediately and directly after participation in such activity, by the most direct route and in the most expeditious manner legally possible, to his/ her residence or such other place as shall be authorized by his/her parent, guardian, or legal custodian. 9.08.030 – Beyond Parental Control: It is an infraction for any minor under eighteen years of age, to be beyond parental control. Any person under the age of eighteen (18) may be declared beyond control of his/her parent, guardian or legal custodian who refuses to obey reasonable and proper orders or directions of his/her parent, guardian or legal custodian, where that specific conduct may place him/her in danger to himself/herself or others, or damages property, or becomes so unreasonably disruptive that it jeopardizes the family unit. A person under the age of eighteen (18) may be taken into custody by a peace officer if the peace officer has reason to believe that the minor’s continued liberty poses an imminent danger to that minor or to others, as evidenced by a
9.08.040- Violation-Penalty Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction. Said offenses shall be punishable in the fine amount of $150. Section 2: The city waives multiple readings of this Ordinance. Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication according to law.
City of Soda Springs ________________________ Paul Gritton, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________ Andrea Haderlie, City Clerk #1247-06-11-26-T1 NOTICE INVITATION FOR SEALED BIDS
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages lands known as the Georgetown Summit Wildlife Management Area (WMA), near Soda Springs, Idaho. The Department seeks an agreement for domestic cattle grazing of 120 AUMs for a duration of three (3) grazing seasons beginning with the 2026 grazing season and ending with the 2028 grazing season. Sealed bids will be accepted until 5:00 PM, 23 June 2026. All bids must be on an authorized bid form and submitted inside a sealed envelope. Bids must be received at the Department’s Southeast Regional Office, 1345 Barton Rd., Pocatello, Idaho, 83201. The Department reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Persons interested in submitting a proposal can receive a packet with agreement details, bid terms and conditions, and a proposal form by contacting Jason Beck, Regional Wildlife Biologist, Georgetown Summit WMA, (208) 336-1255; or Curtis Hendricks at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region, (208) 236-1265. #1245-06-04-11-26-T2
Request for Proposal Publication Caribou County is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP) for a contractor to conduct fuels reduction treatments for the BAILEY CREEK FUELS REDUCTION project. A copy of the RFP may be acquired by contacting Charity Staggs in writing at charity. staggs@sicog.org. Applicants will be evaluated and ranked on the following criteria with the maximum point value of each criterion shown in parentheses; Cost Effectiveness (40), Approach (30), Experience (30). Applications must be submitted to charity.staggs@sicog.org
before 5pm on July 8, 2026. Caribou County reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. Contract will be evaluated based on references provided, experience with the County, and any other information required to determine the contractor’s ability to perform the services in a professional, timely, and safe manner. *Publication dates: May 28, 2026 & June 11, 2026 #1244-05-28-26 & 06-11-26-T2 CITY OF GRACE, IDAHO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Mayor and City Council of the city of Grace, Idaho, on the 1st day of July 2026, at the hour of 6:00 P.M. at City Hall located at 108 East Center Street, Grace, Idaho. The purpose of the public hearing is to add a fee for disposing of sewage at the City of Grace RV dump. All persons present will be given the opportunity to be heard. Written comments or objections may be submitted to the office of the City Clerk at the above stated address. A copy of the proposed ordinance and resolution adding a fee for disposing of sewage at the City of Grace RV dump as herein set forth, are available for inspection and copying at the City Hall located at the above address. If you require special accommodations to attend this hearing, please contact Grace City Hall at (208)425-3533. David Pristupa, Mayor City of Grace, Idaho #1248-06-11-18-26-T2 NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING Soda Springs Jt. School District No. 150 Caribou, Bonneville, and Bear Lake Counties, Idaho NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that during the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Soda Springs Jt. School District No. 150, Caribou, Bonneville, and Bear Lake Counties, Idaho, which will be held on June 24, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at 250 East 2nd South, Soda Springs, Idaho 83276, at which meeting there shall be a public hearing on the maintenance and operation budget for the 20252026 school year. A copy of the proposed budget as determined by the Board of Trustees is available for public inspection in the School District Office at 250 East 2nd South, Soda Springs, Idaho 83276, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday from the date of this notice until the date of the hearing. This budget hearing is called pursuant to Section 33--801, Idaho Code as amended. Dawn Beeton - Clerk Soda Springs Jt. School District No. 150 Caribou, Bonneville, and Bear Lake Counties, Idaho Published June 11th, 2025 in the Idaho Enterprise. #1249-06-11-26-T1
SUMMARY STATEMENT 2026 - 2027 SCHOOL BUDGET ALL FUNDS SODA SPRINGS JT. SCHOOL DISTRICT #150
REVENUES Beginning Balances Local Tax Revenue Other Local County Revenue State Revenue Federal Revenue Other Sources Totals
EXPENDITURES Salaries Benefits Purchased Services Supplies & Materials Capital Outlay Debt Retirement Insurance & Judgments Transfers (net) Contingency Reserve Unappropriated Balances
Totals
Prior Year Actual 2023-2024
GENERAL M & O FUND
Prior Year Actual 2024-2025
Prior Year Actual/Budget 2025-2026
Proposed Budget 2026-2027
Prior Year Actual 2023-2024
ALL OTHER FUNDS
Prior Year Actual 2024-2025
Prior Year Actual/Budget 2025-2026
Proposed Budget 2026-2027
1025539.96 754412.1 142537.3 0 8651332.94 0 0
1094056.75 970959.4 252069.94 0 7967648.33 0 0
1858108.98 998230 115500 0 8017697 0 0
2086413.07 998000 135500 0 8211399.03 0 0
1379990.9 375492 709943.97 0 645599.75 955545.43 0
1531744.63 182357.57 678570.42 0 4530282.15 944564.96 148555
5630146.18 300000 552000 0 189311.34 619239 0
13176261.97 300000 647000 0 191681.34 592790 0
$10,573,822.30
$10,284,734.42
$10,989,535.98
$11,431,312.10
$4,066,572.05
$8,016,074.73
$7,290,696.52
$14,907,733.31
Prior Year Actual 2023-2024
Prior Year Actual 2024-2025
Prior Year Actual/Budget 2025-2026
Proposed Budget 2026-2027
Prior Year Actual 2023-2024
Prior Year Actual 2024-2025
Prior Year Actual/Budget 2025-2026
Proposed Budget 2026-2027
5200797.26 2468244.57 972558.9 588297.31 0 0 117958 131909.51 0 1,094,056.75
4913501.95 2041567.64 1328207.26 424475.41 0 0 147168 271705.18 0 1,158,108.98
4909064 2419787 1173600 427900 0 0 174953 246301 60000 1,577,930.98
4939587 2615651 1402072.92 505224 0 0 174793 305010 60000 1,428,974.18
478076.69 188483.79 230157.48 942096.53 115617.11 713582.24 0 131909.51 0 1,266,648.70
397703.84 185743.41 380802.39 827583.86 447283.73 714339.59 0 271705.18 0 4,790,912.73
377314 225232 80943 765359.34 615138 716450 0 246301 0 4,263,959.18
343365 205575 170288 756343.34 8435910 716350 0 305010 0 3,974,891.97
$10,573,822.30
$10,284,734.42
$10,989,535.98
$11,431,312.10
$4,066,572.05
$8,016,074.73
$7,290,696.52
$14,907,733.31
A copy of the School District Budget is available for public inspection at the District's Administrative or Clerk's Office.
#1250-06-11-26-T1 C Y
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NOTICES
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
OBITUARY Dina Marie Downs Smith January 10, 1943 ~ May 31, 2026
#1251-06-11-18-26-T2
#1252-06-11-18-26-T2
Dina Marie Downs Smith, 83, transitioned peacefully to her Heavenly home on Monday evening, May 31st, where she was greeted by a host of beloved family members and friends who were anxiously awaiting her arrival. Dina Marie (the Bumble Bee) was born January 10, 1943, in Ogden Utah to Melvin John and Nathalia Joye Downs. She burst into this life with a giant spirit of love, happiness, loud laugh, and found the joy in the every day. Her life was defined by her devotion to her Savior and her faithful and lifelong membership to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she held many callings, but most notably, teacher. Dina is best known as the beloved Mrs. Smith, where she taught elementary school for 24 years in Grace and Preston, Idaho school districts. She instilled in her students a deep love of reading, writing poetry, and finding the magic in everything. Even after she retired, she became “Grandma Dina, The Story Lady” at the Grace Public Library, and was voted Grand Marshall of the Caribou County kids day parade in 2023. Dina married the love of her life, Lynn E. Smith, on December 21st, 1962, in the Logan temple. The farmboy football star and the city-girl socialite. They started their life together in Ketchum, Idaho where Lynn taught school and coached, then moved to Bountiful, Ut while Dina finished her bachelor's degree and they welcomed their first two children, Shellee and Larry. However, when you marry a farm boy from Grace, Idaho, the pull home is strong. They moved back to Grace in 1970 and have built an incredible life together, adding three more children, Teresa, Andrea and
Grace City Council Report
This report is adapted from the minutes recorded by Clerk Shelley Reeves, though it has been edited for length and context. The full minutes can be found on the website for the city of Grace, www.city ofgraceid.com.
May 6, 2026 Bills in the amount of $333,916.28 and payroll in the amount of $14,981.22 were reviewed for payment approval. Councilmember Tillotson moved that the bills be approved as reviewed. Councilmember Butikofer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Pristupa reported that the fire department training went well. Fire Chief Peck has a check from the Chamber of Commerce for jackets for the fire fighters. Fire Chief Peck will be moving in June and suggested that the new fire chief be sworn in at the first meeting in June. The city council will discuss the new fire chief at the next meeting. Superintendent Crookston presented the following permits that have been approved: #2026-10 — Chad Hunter — shop #2026-11 — Jordan & Kyrsten Tesch — shed, addition, fence The city council met at Brooks Jensen’s property to look at the slope coming towards his yard since the bridge was installed. Superintendent Crookston explained how he would like to repair the slope to make it not as extreme. Councilmember Lowe suggested a retaining wall might also be an option. Superintendent Crookston will present the options to Mr. Jensen and report back to the city council. The city council also looked at the bridge and the gutters. There are still a lot of problems that need to be fixed before signing off on the project. There will be a final walk through with Keller Associates next week. Mayor Pristupa asked Councilmember Butikofer for an update on the park committee. Councilmember Butikofer reported that he will set up a meeting with the committee. They need to decide if they want to request bids for the projects as a whole or split it up by getting bids for the park equipment and fence and getting bids for the multi-sport court upgrade. C Y
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Mayor Pristupa asked Councilmembers Toone and Tillotson for a report from the Association of Idaho Cities training that they attended. They each reported that the training was good and that the main takeaway was, “if in doubt consult your attorney.” Councilmember Toone moved to approve the change order from the bridge that was put in to cover the culvert put in at Brooks Jensen’s house. The change order did not include the portion of the bid that was missed and not included in the final total. Councilmember Lowe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Lowe moved to approve the purchase of 10 — 300-gallon dumpsters including shipping for $5000.00. Councilmember Butikofer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The right-of-way in the Burton Canyon Subdivision was discussed. The right-of-way is in the front of the homes on Center Street and 8*" East. Most of the homes have their yards within the right-of-way. Mayor Pristupa would like to see the right-of-way changed to an easement. He will consult Attorney Doug Wood about what the process would be to change that. Superintendent Crookston reported that the bridge on Center Street is now open. The new sludge pumps at the wastewater treatment plant failed after working for 20 hours. GSE rebuilt the pumps and got them running again. If they fail again Borger, the company that manufactured the pumps, will have to replace them. The employees have been working on getting the sign at the fire station to communicate with the internet. The city may have to get a dedicated internet connection at the fire station to get it to work. The employees hauled sludge to the landfill. They found out that they can take it out whenever they need to, they just have to test a sample quarterly. The landfill is using it for fill dirt. Superintendent Crookston is making a list of roads that need to be fixed. Caribou County has agreed to chip seal 8" East in trade for pit run from the city’s pit. There is a citizen whose sewer line connecting to the sewer main is collapsing and the city needs to repair it.
May 20,2026 Bills in the amount of $402,599.33 and payroll in the amount of $16,970.74 were reviewed for payment approval. Councilmember Toone moved that the bills be approved as reviewed. Councilmember Tillotson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Lead Man Wright presented the following permits that have been approved: #2026-12 —Mike Ridenour — shed renewal #2026-13 — Lennie Haines — utility shed #2026-14 — Nick Spencer - shed The Burton Canyon Subdivision right of way was discussed. Mayor Pristupa has not been able to contact Attorney Doug Wood yet so this will be discussed further at the next meeting. Mayor Pristupa explained that he would like to have the right of way changed to an easement. The right of way was originally made that way to accommodate if the road ever needed to be widened. No decision can be made until talking to Attorney Wood. The update on the Center Street Bridge is Cannon Builders still has a punch list that needs to be finished. There was a question about the final completion date according to the contract. Jared Richins with Keller Associates will check on that. Mayor Pristupa turned the time to Kent Loosle and Dillon Liechty with Caribou Medical Center. Mr. Loosle gave an update on the new medical center being built in Grace. They are planning the grand opening for July 13". He also updated the city council on what providers will be available in Grace. Dr. Housley and Brett Smith are moving their practices to Grace and will be available Monday through Thursday. Dr. Christensen and Dr. Hansen will be available on Fridays. There will be an X-ray machine available and 6 exam rooms. The goal is to keep high quality healthcare local. They thanked the city employees for all their help as they have been under construction. Jared Richins from Keller Associates presented information concerning upgrading the springs. Keller
Mitch. Dina had to quickly adjust to simple farm life, and lived by her favorite saying, “bloom where you are planted”. Dina was the life of every party, made everything she touched “an event”, and shared her love of life and stories with her grandchildren. She gave everything she had to her little family and loves them fiercely. She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Joye Downs, 2 brothers Greg and Jim Downs, and a grandson, Colton Crawford. She is survived by her husband Lynn, her children Shellee Daniels (Steve), Larry Smith (Becky), Teresa Crawford, Andrea Holyoak (Jamie), Mitch Smith, 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The family would like to invite all of Dina’s beloved family and friends to celebrate her extraordinary life. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 6th at 12:00 pm in the Grace Idaho Stake Center. Viewings were held Friday evening and Saturday prior to the services. Interment was in the Grace Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com
Associates has been helping the city apply for grants and loans to fund a water project to upgrade the springs. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has released its intended use plan and the city’s application is likely to be funded for $14.3 million with $376,000.00 in grant funding and $13.9 million in loan at a 2.2% interest rate. A request was also submitted to Congressman Simpson’s office for a $4 million grant. Congressman Simpson has posted his commitments and included the request. This grant would require a $1 million match which could be DEQ funds. The city is not obligated to accept all the funds and can accept an amount that makes sense for the city and does not put too much of a burden on the citizens. Mr. Richens presented a plan summary listing all the projects that need to be done to bring the springs up to capacity and get them running the way that they need to be to supply the city sufficiently. The total cost of the entire project is estimated to be $16.6 million. All of this would take over 3 to 4 years to be fully completed. There was a discussion on charging for dumping at the RV dump. Leadman Wright has observed over the years that the people that are using the RV dump are not local residents. After discussion the city council agreed to charge $10.00 per use. Clerk Reeves will have Attorney Wood write an ordinance and a resolution to put the fee into effect. Councilmember Butikofer moved to approve Quest CPA’s as the auditor for fiscal year 2025-2026. Councilmember Lowe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Lowe moved to approve hiring Cole Barthlome as the summer helper. If he is not available to hire Jace Manhart. Councilmember Toone seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Leadman Wright reported that the problem with the pumps at the wastewater treatment plant was found that the motors in the pumps were too small. They will be replacing the motors. Councilmember Butikofer reported that the park committee will be seeking separate bids for the park equipment and the multi-sports court. C Y
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
Screwworm concerns return
Ag reported Allison Eliason wrote about the importance of preventing and managing screwworm in cattle populations several months back when cases began to reappear. Since then, concerns have only increased as U.S. cases have now been reported. On June 3, 2026, the USDA confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in more than 60 years when larvae were found in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. A second infected calf was confirmed nearby two days later. State and federal officials established movement restrictions, expanded trapping and surveillance programs, and increased sterile-fly releases in the area. Concern had been raised about decreased federal preparedness under the current administration, and reduction in support for disease control programs in neighboring countries. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, horses, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans. Unlike ordinary maggots that consume dead tissue, screwworm larvae invade healthy flesh, creating painful wounds that can become fatal if left untreated. Screwworm was once one of the most destructive livestock pests in the United States. After decades of eradication efforts, the U.S. eliminated the pest in 1966 through the use of the Sterile Insect Technique, in which billions of sterilized male flies were released to prevent reproduction. The program was considered one of the greatest successes in agricultural pest control and pushed the pest south through Mexico and into Central America.
For many years, a biological barrier maintained by the United States and Panama helped keep screwworm from moving north. However, beginning in 2023, a new outbreak spread through Central America and Mexico, raising concerns among livestock producers and animal health officials. The situation has become more serious in 2026. After moving steadily north through Mexico,
June 11, 2026
screwworm was detected within a few dozen miles of the U.S. border, prompting the USDA to close southern ports of entry to livestock imports and intensify surveillance efforts. The USDA has also been releasing approximately 100 million sterile flies per week in Mexico and along the border to suppress the pest’s spread. On June 3, 2026, the USDA confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in more than 60 years when larvae were found in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. A second infected calf was confirmed nearby two days later. State and federal officials established movement restrictions, expanded trapping and surveillance programs, and increased sterile-fly releases in the area. The primary concern is economic rather than food safety. Screwworm infestations can cause severe losses to cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife populations, potentially costing the livestock industry billions of dollars if the pest becomes reestablished in the United States. Ranchers are being urged to monitor animals closely for unusual wounds or maggot infestations and report suspected cases immediately. Officials emphasize that the current detections are being aggressively contained and that the decades-old eradication tools remain available and effective. Ranchers are already facing pressures from what is expected to be a very dry year, sustained high fuel and materials costs, and an overall skittish market. Widespread infestations would be catastrophic, and the abatement and control measures will be extremely urgent going forward.
NEWS OF RECORD CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF Kennedy Alyse Alexander, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Isaac Cruz Angel, Santa Fe, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Michael Blake Baker, Farmington, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Olenni Batista Torres, Edwardsville, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Stacie Roylene Bingham, Chino Hills, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Wayne Clive, Port Saint Lucie, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Naomi E Crabtree, Athens, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Matthew David Delima, Lake Tahoe, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Tyler C Downey, Georgetown, operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50 Chunchu Duan, Temple City, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50; fail to yield or stop upon approach of emergency or police vehicle, $33.50, costs $56.50 Malachi Ivins Schmid Egbert, Pocatello, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Anthony Jose Elizondo, Idaho Falls, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Jose Fonseca-Parra, Pocatello, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Ashleigh L Foster, Richmond, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Brayan Damian Gonzales Orozco, Tigard, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Joseph B Gordon, Bancroft, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Bryce Edward Gulbrand, Knoxville, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Guoyuan He, Missouri City, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Piyush Jain, Round Rock, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Caiwen Jiang, Phoenix, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Michael Patrick Kelley, Lithia, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Weston Charles Kelley, Shelley, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Tony Geral Lomax, Etna, operation of motor vehicle while operating a mobile device, $75.00, costs $56.50 Charles C Matirne, Lafayette, speed-
ing, $33.50, costs $56.50 Konner Keith McWilliams, Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Marie Miller, Wayan, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Jason Dean Rasmussen, Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Cecilia Yanderit Reyes, Burley, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Dorothy May Robison, Rigby, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Jaqueline Shutran, Pocatello, fail to reduce speed upon approach of stationary or police vehicle, $33.50, costs $56.50 Mystical Rose Skeem, Soda Springs, operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50 Patrick Nolan Smith, Levelland, rail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Michelle Lynn Sorensen, Great Falls, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Arden Desha Tomosky, Meridian, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Jordan Vargas Ramirez, Jackson, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50; operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50 Guadalupe Villa De Garcia, Waterloo, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Christian Ryan West, North Salt Lake City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Victoria Jolaine West, Montpelier, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Luka Kade Gambrell, Lava Hot Springs, fictitious display of plate of registration card, $58.50, costs $56.50 Shauna Mitchell Green, Garden City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Ty Joshua Hobbs, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50 Lyndsie Rose Holden, Bozeman, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50 Kai Liu, Ann Arbor, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Angel Lopez, Soda Springs, operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license (1st offense), $150.00, costs $157.50; operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license (2nd offense), $300.00, costs $157.50 Lazaro Rigoberto Marrero, Silverdale, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Mesa Sage Martin, Evanston, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Ronald Pena, Rexburg, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Venkata Avinash Ravipudi, Farmers Branch, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Bryan Carl Reid, Smithfield, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Michael Ling Riddle, Lehi, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Bryant Clayton Robison, Montpelier, windshield wipers not in good working condition, $10.00, costs $56.50 Jerrod Dean Waldron, Inkom, fail to carry registration in vehicle, $10.50, costs $56.50 Kayla Nicole Whitmore, Preston, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
SODA SPRINGS POLICE Amanpreet, Fresno, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Jacquelyn May Bennett, Saint Paul, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Tucker Martin Bowen, Soda Springs, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50 Denver Britton Dial, Idaho Falls, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Annette A Fitzgerald, Weston, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50; fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50 Jorge Antonio Flores Angel, Logan, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50; operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50
IDAHO STATE POLICE Damien Ray Allen, Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Frederick Mark Balls, Soda Springs, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Matazie Paige Hobbs, Lava Hot Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Chonie Elizabeth Vargas, Nevada City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Michaele Janee Warmsley, Humble, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Joshua H Wray, North Platte, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00 Ru-Ying Yang, Pheonix, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50 Joshua Phillip Young, Soda Springs, Soda Springs, fail to maintain liability
Soda Springs Joint School District #150 250 E 2nd S Soda Springs, ID 83276 Phone: (208) 547-3371 Fax: (208) 547-4878 SSHS: (208)547-4308 Tigert: (208) 547-4922 Thirkill: (208) 547-4426 C Y
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Grace School District #148 605 South 4th West PO Box 347 Grace, ID 83241 Phone/Black Canyon: (208) 425-3984 Grace HS (208) 425-3809 Fax: (208) 425-3809
insurance, $75.00, costs $56.50 Rafael Jr Zambano, Alpine, fail to maintain liability insurance, $75.00, costs $56.50 MAGISTRATE COURT Rochelle C Bradfield, Salt Lake City, possess drug paraphernalia with intent to use, $100.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: SSPD Phyllis Ann Cluff, Portland, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: CCSO Crystal L Duke, Soda Springs, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $547.50, 120 days jail, 33 days suspended, 87 days credit time served, 12 months probation; possess drug paraphernalia with intent to use, $100.00, costs $197.50, 12 month probation – Agency: CCSO Tucker Clark Harmon, Etna, driving under the influence, $650.00, suspended $350.00, costs $202.50, 180 days jail, 169 days suspended, 12 months probation – Agency: SSPD Junpeng He, Richmond Hill, reckless driving, $500.00, costs $207.50, 2 months probation – Agency: CCSO Nicholas James Hencley, Pocatello, driving under the influence, $650.00, suspended $300.00, costs $428.50, 180 days jail, 155 days suspended, drivers license suspended 180 days, 24 months probation – Agency: CCSO Wyatt Ladee Hoopes, Afton, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: SSPD KC Leroy Jones, Afton, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: SSPD Jaffery Lyle Nay, Salt Lake City, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: ISP LaWana R Nielson, Pocatello, consume or possess open container by driver, $150.00, costs $187.50 – Agency: SSPD Jacob J Schei, Montpelier, driving under the influence, $650.00, suspended. $350.00, costs $443.50, 180 day jail, 169 days suspended, 1 day credit time served, 18 months probation; unlawful transportation of alcoholic beverage by driver, $150.00, costs $187.50; carry concealed weapon while under the influence, $150.00, costs $157.50 – Agency: SSPD
North Gem School District #149 360 South Main St. Bancroft, Idaho 83217 Ph. (208) 648-7848 Fax. (208) 648-7895
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
Why being a ranch wife makes me an awesome camper
BY ALLISON ELIASON
Every summer, camping season rolls around and I watch people heading out for a wilderness adventure, knocking out their bucket list. Meanwhile, I’m over here thinking… I already live this life. I just don’t call it “glamping in denial.” This is one of those areas in life I feel like I’m definitely ahead of the curve, although in reality it means nothing. But for the record, here’s why being a rancher’s wife basically makes me overqualified for camping:
Try calving season. I have already lived multiple lives before most people hit snooze for the first time when they roll out of their sleeping bag. 4. Bathrooms are optional if you lower your standards far enough. Let’s just say I understand “rustic facilities” at a spiritual level. I’ve ne-
be useful, throw it in.” People bring curated camping bins. I bring a system that can only be described as organized optimism held together by bungee cords. And if we take the ranch truck, there is for sure some sort of twine, stinky coat, warm water, and maybe even a smashed granola bar to make our stay that much easier.
1. Dirt is not a surprise—it’s a lifestyle. I don’t arrive at a campsite and panic about getting dirty. I arrive and assess what kind of dirt we’re dealing with. Clay? Dust? Mystery barn mixture? All familiar categories and something I can totally handle 2. I don’t “rough it.” I just relocate. Some people go camping to escape civilization. When we traipse into a camping site, our neighbors have skyrocketed and suddenly we have to close the blinds for a little privacy.. 3. Waking up after the sun is a luxury. Camping with small children? Cute.
gotiated worse terms with less infrastructure. In fact, a private moment in the back of the horse trailer or by a large sage brush far outways a stinking campsite porta-potty. 5. My packing style is “if it might
6. I am unfazed by animal sounds at night. City campers hear coyotes and get nervous. I hear coyotes and think, “our usual lullaby...” or “thank goodness there aren’t any chickens nearby.”
7. Sleeping conditions don’t matter as long as I can lie down horizontally at some point. Yes I love my memory foam mattress like the next glamper but really luxury is not sleeping sitting up in a truck because you had to check cows at 2 a.m. 8. I already know everything will take longer than planned. Setting up camp? Feeding kids? Cooking dinner? Moving cattle? Same timeline philosophy: double it, then add emotional acceptance. Plus an extra measure of forgiveness. 9. I can find humor in the chaos. If something goes wrong while camping, I don’t panic. I just assume it’s part of the experience… and probably something I’ll laugh about later over burnt marshmallows. Let’s be honest, camping isn’t a dramatic change of environment for me, it’s just moving my usual chaos to a slightly more scenic zip code. So while others are carefully planning their “outdoor experience,” I’ll be over here thriving in my natural habitat, half organized, fully dusty, and wondering why anyone thinks this is supposed to be hard. Because if you can handle ranch life… camping is just Tuesday with better scenery and a shorter to-do list.
© 2026 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 42, No. 28
JUNE 1
Say Something Nice Day
This special day was started in 2006 by the then mayor of North Charleston, South Carolina. Imagine if everyone in the world said nothing but nice things for a day—and everyday. Replace the missing vowels to reveal nice things to say:
TH_NK Y_ _! TH_T WAS V_RY K_ND OF Y_ _!
JUNE 5
Y_ _ ARE A S_PER CR_ _TIVE PERS_N!
YOU M_KE A L_T OF P_ _PL_ H_PPY!
Put this donut in the box.
Donut Day
They’re round and sweet! And June 5 is a day to celebrate with a bite of a donut!
JUNE 14 This is a day to celebrate the joy and importance of being a kid! It is dedicated to celebrating, protecting and listening to kids everywhere. It reminds people around the world that every child has the right to be safe, happy, healthy and educated.
Longest Day of the Year The longest day of the year, bringing the most sunlight, usually happens around June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs because the Earth is tilted toward the sun, making it the official first day of summer.
JUNE 14
Circle every other letter to see what this day is called.
STULMJMVETRYSM OWLHSPTLIACKEC
JUNE 19
Flag Day
Flag Day is a special American holiday celebrated every year on June 14. It’s like a giant birthday party for the United States flag. And this year, America will celebrate its 250th birthday on the Fourth of July! Only one of these flags is the real American flag. Circle it. Then, have a family member check your answer.
A Holiday with Many Names
The Juneteenth holiday combines the word “June” and the word “nineteenth.” It’s sometimes called “Emancipation Day.” But it has other names, too. Use the code to discover Juneteenth’s other names.
A =16 F =12 L = 8 B =15 I =11 M = 7 D =14 J =10 N = 6 E =13 K = 9 O = 5
R= 4 S=3 U= 2 Y=1
12 4 13 13 14 5 7
14 16 1
10 2 15 11 8 13 13
14 16 1
Standards Link: Reading: follow simple written steps in sequence.
World Caring Day June 7 is World Caring Day. Look through the newspaper and find five or more ways people are caring for each other in your community. Send a letter to the editor thanking these people for caring for others. Standards Link: Reading: follow simple written steps in sequence.
Cucumber Month takes place throughout June! Cucumbers taste good and keep people cool. They are great treats for the hot summer months.
In a Pickle
What’s a pickle? It’s a cucumber soaked in vinegar and spices. Circle the numbers inside each pickle jar whose sum, when added together in a line down or across, is the same as the number at the top of the jar.
8
7 2 3 1 6 4 3 4 2 5 5 6 1 0 5 7 3 4 1 4
10 1 2 5 4 5 6 2 1 1 3 4 2 8 0 5 4
12
6 1 2 8 3 7 3 5 6 7 0 3 4 3 5 8 Standards Link: Math: Calculate sums and differences.
ANSWER: Only the first flag is correct.
JUNE 21
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June. It was started in 1910 by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. She wanted to thank her single father for raising her and her siblings. The first celebration was in Spokane, Washington, and it became a permanent U.S. national holiday in 1972. Color this Father’s Day award. Cut it out and give it to a special dad to wear. Standards Link: Visual Arts: Create projects using multiple mediums.
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CARING CELEBRATE DAY DONUT EARTH FLAG HOLIDAY JOY JUNE NICE PICKLE SAFE SUMMER SUN THANK YEAR
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
B E T A R B E L E C
K S H N C I Y O J H
With hundreds of topics, every Kid Scoop® printable activity pack features six-to-seven pages of highinterest extra learning activities for home and school! Get your free sample today at:
H U A F L A G Z U T
S M N W D E R P N R
P M K V O L Y I E A
N E C I N T R C N E
U R X V U S A K H G S A F E T Q E L Y T
H O L I D A Y E W J
Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Celebrate Children’s Day
How do you think people should celebrate National Children’s Day? C Y
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Idaho Enterprise|Caribou County
June 11, 2026
Nutrien sponsored the Trail Hike, which was a huge hit with the kids.
Along the way, they learned more about plants in their area, and other nature facts.
The new Extension Office location in Grace already paid off to the tune of a much quicker bus ride than in past years to McPherson Canyon east of Grace, where 4-H kids took a hike, literally. The Plant Identification Hike gave students an opportunity to explore nature, learn different plant identifications and spend some quality time outdoors before the summer heat gets too intense. 4-H and Extension Office leaders, fronted by “plant guy” (according to the others) Justin Hatch, took a bus full of eager learners through the landscape to look for a range of local plants, some “good” and some less
specialization is, in fact, in plants) helped answer, along with Taylor Simmons, Rachel Hamilton, Alexis Carroll, and Jaycie Smith. After a great morning hike, the kids returned the City Park in Grace for lunch and a bit of play time. Upcoming events include: June 8-10 – 4-H Club Alpine June 11 – Air Tic Tac Toe 10:30, Origami 1:30 June 15 – Rifle 10am; Shotgun 3pm June 16 – Jewelry stamp class 10am; Mad scientist in Soda 10am; Engraving Fathers Day in Soda 1pm June 17 – Rifle 10am; Shotgun 3pm June 18 – Rifle 10am June 19 – Rifle 10am; Sewing 10am;
4-H takes a trip to McPherson Canyon so. During the course of the hike, students were given a scavenger hunt of the local flora, and excitedly pointed out the plants they saw as they trekked up the hill. The plants specifically included on the scavenger list included Musk Thistle, Western Waterleaf, Burdock, Houndstongue (a particularly disliked plant, it turned out), Quaking Aspen, Douglas Fir, Big Tooth Maple, Quack Grass, Smooth Brome, Solomon’s Plume, Orchard Grass, Stinging Nettle, Chaparral, and Oregon Grape. Beyond that, the students also had questions about wildlife, weather, and other landscape features, which Hatch (whose
Paper Airplane 12pm; Shotgun 3pm June 22 – Fish Camp; Rifle 10am; Shotgun 3pm 23-24 – Fish Camp June 24 – Rifle 10am; Shotgun 3pm June 25 – Crepes 10:30am June 26 - Rifle 10am; Sewing 10am; Shotgun 3pm June 29 – Archery 8:30am; Geology Camp; Cloverbuds Pop Bottle Flowers10:30am June 30 – Archery 8:30am Facebook Cariboufourh or call 208-547-3205 for more information about these or other events offered by the University of Idaho Extension Office.
Summer birding walks planned for the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello Did you know that nearly 100 species of birds call the Edson Fichter Nature Area (EFNA) home? If you're curious to learn more about our local feathered friends—and spot some in the wild— here’s your chance! The Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area invites you to explore the wonders of birding at EFNA on the first and third Saturdays of June, July, and August. You can pick the events that best fit your schedule and preferences from these following dates.
Adult-only Bird Walks (adults only; please no dogs)
July 4, and August 1 Meet at the EFNA amphitheater. Walk starts at 6:30 a.m.
Family Bird Walks (for all ages; please no dogs) June 20, July 18, and August 15 Meet at the EFNA amphitheater. Walk starts at 8:30 a.m and lasts about an hour. Each birding walk will be guided by knowledgeable birders from this area who can help you spot and identify the many species that call southeast Idaho home. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, everyone is
welcome! However, in order to ensure the best learning experience for everyone, participants are asked to please pay attention to the age requirements for each birding event and please leave your dogs at home. EFNA is located off of Cheyenne Avenue next to Indian Hills Elementary in south Pocatello. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring your binoculars! The Edson Fichter Nature Area is owned and managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This 40-acre site hosts a fishing pond, a sporting dog pond, paved
trails, access to the Portneuf River, and plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. The Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area is a 501(c)(3) organization composed of volunteers dedicated to supporting the management of the nature area and providing opportunities for the public to become connected to the natural world found there. If you are interested in learning more about the Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area, upcoming events, or wish to become a member, visit friendsofedsonfichternaturearea.com or send an email to friendsofefna@gmail.com.
South Bannock County Historical Center The Historical Center and Quilt Heritage Museum, located right downtown in Lava Hot Springs, is hosting the “America the Beautiful” Collection, created by Marietta Womack. The collection of quilts are
inspired by an designed to commemorate the song “America the Beautiful” and will be on display at the museum through September. The museum hours are somewhat changeable during the season, but the front desk can be reached at (208)766-5254 for more information.
Lava Hot Springs season in full swing
Just over the hill, the first hot weeks of summer have already led people to the alternately cool and hot pools, as well as other entertainment options. If you have a need for a dip in the water and feel like making a quick trip, here are the hours and rates for the primary pools, as well as a few other options. Famous Hot Pool Complex/ Swimming Complex 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. One time pass for hot pools or swimming. Ages 2 and under $3.00 Ages 3-11 $7.50 (M-Th)/$10 (F-Su) Ages 12-59 $8 (M-Th)/$12 (F-Su) Ages 60 and over $7.50 (M-Th)/$10 (F-Su) Individual combo passes for both locations are $18 M-Th ($22 F-Su) Wednesdays are Family days, with admission for 4 at $36. Lava Flow Live The Lava Flow Live concert series is held at the west entrance of Lava
Hot Springs, across from the Olympic Pool at 195 North Center Street. Doors open at 5 p.m. and concerts are scheduled from 7-10 p.m. Tickets start at $15, and include one drink. More information can be found at LavaFlowLive.com. Schedule: June 13 – The Saltairs June 27 – Ace Monroe July 3 – David Young and the Interstate Kings July 11 – Paige Anne and Judd Erickson 7/18 – The Opskamatrists August 1 – Matt Axton and Badmoon August 7 – Madeline Hawthorne August 8 – Aaron Ball Band August 15 – The Jauntee August 22 – Sunsmith August 29 – Desperate Electric Sept 5 – The Alpines Farmer’s Market The Lava Hot springs Farmer’s Market and Artisan Village is held at the grassy area across from the Olympic Swimming Pool from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Combo passes can be purchased for a discount on the Olympic pool and hot pools. C Y
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There are plenty of Tube rental options throughout Lava, with your choice of colors and shapes!
The museum is open during the summer, and right now has an amazing quilt display. C Y
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