It’s time to enter the Annual Turkey Day Giveaway!
Contest starts this week – Win a free turkey for Thanksgiving!
The Enterprise is teaming up with businesses and organizations in Caribou County to help make this holiday a little more festive! On this page, you will see pictures from some of the people and places around the county that are participating in the Turkey Day Giveaway. As a reader, all you need to do is cut out page 12 coupons and bring them into the locations on page 1. They will have some sort of receptacle you can leave your ticket in, and at the beginning of Thanksgiving week, each
location will draw a name. The owner of the name will then get a phone call telling them to pick up their turkey at the business.
This is our first year trying this in Caribou County, and so we kept the number of locations manageable, though we did make sure to have at least one location in each of the three towns. We are grateful to the cities of Bancroft, Grace, and Soda Springs, as well as the County, to agree to set a ticket box (bucket? bag?) out for this event.
The hours and addresses for each of the locations are on the tickets, and you are encouraged to turn in as many as you want. One of the other motives here is to get people into their local businesses, including: London Drug and the City Hall in Grace, City Hall in Bancroft, and City Hall and the County Clerk’s Office in Soda, as well as Ireland Bank, Ace, Caribou Medical Center, Gritton’s, Main Street Diner, Soda Springs Animal Clinic, and the Senior Center. Happy Thanksgiving!
Government Shutdown Ends After 40 Days, Bringing Relief to Millions
After a 40-day stalemate, Congress has voted to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Lawmakers approved a bipartisan funding bill that reopens federal agencies and provides funding through late January 2026. The deal restores pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and reverses recent furloughs and terminations that had disrupted essential services nationwide. The shutdown had severely impacted air travel, food assistance programs, and state operations. While deep policy divisions remain particularly over healthcare and tax credits the breakthrough marks a significant moment of relief for federal employees, contractors, and families across the country. Leaders from both parties expressed cautious optimism that the compromise will prevent future shutdowns.
Fremont County Search and Rescue Recovers Fishermen Who Perished at Henry’s Lake Fremont County Search and Rescue has recovered the bodies of two fishermen who died after their boat went missing on Henry’s Lake over the weekend. Authorities say James Morey, 55, of Carey, and Stephen Marx, 64, of Idaho Falls, set out to fish Saturday evening but never returned. When family members reported them overdue, rescue teams launched a search around midnight. After two days of scanning the lake with sonar, divers located the men Monday evening in 13 to 15 feet of water near the center of the lake. Officials confirmed both died from drowning. The water temperature was in the mid-30s, and investigators are still determining how the men ended up in the water. Both victims were well-known in their communities. Morey was a teacher and coach remembered for his dedication and kindness.
Flight cancellations ramp up as airlines scramble to comply with FAA order to cut air traffic
Traveler frustration is mounting nationwide as airlines cancel hundreds of flights to comply with a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety order. The directive, issued earlier this week, requires urgent inspections of certain aircraft components, forcing airlines to ground planes and adjust schedules with little notice. Passengers across major airports have faced long lines, delays, and limited rebooking options, with many venting anger on social media. Airlines say they are working closely with the FAA to complete inspections quickly while prioritizing safety. The FAA emphasized the order was issued out of “an abundance of caution” following reports of potential equipment malfunctions. Travel experts advise passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra time at airports as disruptions are expected through the weekend. The situation underscores tension between safety and traveler convenience.
Shawn Stewart - Soda Springs Animal Clinic
Shalynn Hennefer - City of Soda Springs
Paul Gritton - Gritton’s
ShaLayne Bartschi and Fiona Benson - Senior Center
Shelley Reeves - City of Grace
Saydi Andreason - London Drug
Erika Dannelly - CMC
Ronda Lutz - Ireland Bank
Clerk Debbie Swensen and Mr. Mabey - City of Bancroft
Commissioner Bryce Somsen and Clerk Jill Stoor - Caribou County
Marie Lakey and Kris Whalen - Main Street Diner
Lorikay Evans - Ace
Election sees a changed landscape
Last week’s election brought significant changes to the political ground in Caribou County, with all three major cities seeing changes at the mayoral level, and some seeing changes in the council makeup.
According to County Clerk Jill Stoor, the number of voters participating in the election was a bit higher than average for off-year elections. Whether this is due to the sheer number of contested elections or enthusiasm for the candidates, the result is the same—more citizen voices were heard in the weighty decision-making process that elects our local officials. Another inescapable reality of this election specifically is the importance of any one individual vote. While it is often said that “one vote really can make a difference,” some of these results make a powerful demonstration of that case. There have not been any suggestions from any of the locations about potential recounts, but there certainly were some very close races.
The closest race was that for Bancroft City Council seats. The race is interesting for its razor-thin closeness, but also for the fact that all of the candidates participating were write-in candidates. It’s not unprecedented, but it certainly is uncommon. The race for two positions between Mike Ackerman, Raquel Reed, and Jessica Thurman was separated by a total of 5 votes. Thurman received 45, Ackerman received 43, and Reed received 40, which means the total spread was 6.6% of the total votes. It does go to illustrate how important votes can be in deciding races.
In the mayoral race for Bancroft, the spread was larger, but still a quite close result, all things considered. Joe Perry was elected to the position with 75 votes to Eric Christensen’s 58. The Cemetery levy and North Gem supplemental levies also comfortably passed. In
the North Gem Trustee race, Philip Knox received 45 votes to Brandi Wakley’s 18.
In Grace, the current mayor Jackie Barthlome received 86 votes to challenger Dave Pristupa’s 142. Barthlome finishes a tenure which saw a lot of changes in Grace, and we hope to sit down with her, as well as mayors Austin Robinson in Soda Springs and LuCus Spencer in Bancroft for an exit interview when they have the time. Grace and Thatcher’s cemetery override levies also passed.
In Soda Springs, Paul Gritton was elected mayor, earning 343 votes to Brock Byram’s 237 and Robert Lau’s 142. In the City Council race, the top two were Ryan Carpenter, with 612, Paige Byram with 439, and Rod Worthington with 337. Gritton’s seat will need to be filled by appointment, which will involve the approval of the council and will take place next year when Gritton becomes mayor.
The candidates across the races thanked the community for their interest and support, and Farm Bureau, the Rotary Club, Small Town Ruckus, and other organizations for their support of the election process.
On behalf of the Enterprise, allow me to echo those thanks, and to congratulate the candidates on a clean and professional election season. Although many of the candidates directly stated thoughts to this effect, it was clear to the paper that those who made the brave decision to put themselves in the public spotlight did so with the best interests in their communities at heart, and a real desire to affect positive change. Having covered acrimonious elections in the past, it was refreshing to see that nothing went in that direction to any extent.
Here are the official results, which have been approved by the Board of County Commissioners, which met on Monday.
Caribou County Election Results
Soda City Council 11/5
The City Council met for a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, the day after the municipal election.
In the course of the election, current city councilmember Paul Gritton was elected to the mayorship. The incoming City Council members for 2026 will be Ryan Carpenter and Paige Byram. Because incoming mayor Gritton will need to resign his seat before assuming the position of mayor, a replacement will be selected through a subsequent process, as laid out in Idaho State Code, Title 50.
Water Shutoff
A Soda Springs citizen presented information to the council about his house, which has the water shut off at various times as a result of the waterline access to the nearby trailer court facility. There are one or two trailers without shut off valves in a trailer park, which end up affecting residences outside the park when the water is shut off for repairs. The city doesn’t own or maintain any part of the trailer court, but Chief Dan Squires and Councilman Ryan Carpenter discussed the possibility of putting a valve in a location where water could be shut off separately between the properties. The citizen wanted some advisement on when this might happen, and the council conveyed to him that they would in direct communication, and should resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Marshe, LLC annexation Final decision/Zoning Amendment
The property under discussion was seeking annexation into the city. The city’s agreement with West End Water users Association was discussed, as the property is near the area where that agreement is in place. Two properties are involved in the discussion—one is in the city, and one is in the impact zone.
The parcel in the city limits was under request for a rezone. The property in the impact zone was seeking annexation and then a rezone. It is currently zoned R2 in the county, but that designation is not the same as the city. City PZ recommended accepting it as C1, which would create an R2 island in the middle of the broader area. There is an unwritten policy of avoiding spot zones, but the owners of the resulting spot zoned island are not in the country at present. There are fewer conditional uses for C2, rather than C1.
The council discussed the differences between the various zones that might be possible. Commercial 1 and 2 cover a number of commercial applications, though they vary in the number of allowable uses and Conditional Uses that must be applied for. Travel trailer parks, for instance, are allowed under C2, but not C1.
“It bumps up against issues we tried to avoid for years. It’s been something that we tried to eliminate or avoid,” Council President Mitch Hart said, referring to spot zoning. “I’m inclined to cave and be a nice guy. But every time we do that we create problems.”
The owners of the property would like it to be a C2, and they are not interested in a trailer park or other conditional uses. The owners “are aware that it is basically the gateway to the city, and we have no intention in putting in an RV park or selling to anyone who does. We have been renovating the Brigham Young lodge for 6 years to try to make it less of an eyesore. The goal is to put something there that will benefit the city.”
A motion to redesignate the two parcels as C1, and annex the second parcel from the county resulted in an unusual outcome. Councilman Rod Worthington voted nay on the rezone, which resulted in a tie that the mayor had to break. Mayor Austin Robinson also voted nay, on the basis of avoiding mixed zoning. The motion to annex was discussed as potentially being linked to C2 rather than C1. This would be a “material change” to PZ’s recommendation, which would require a new hearing. Council then discussed whether to try a different motion, or provide some way for the homeowners to get what they want out of it. If they don’t annex, the zoning should resort to the county designation. There
is no agreement with the county to maintain zoning.
“I too feel that the C2 is probably a more appropriate route,” councilman Gritton stated, and President Hart agreed that “it doesn’t handcuff us much.”
A motion to modify the second parcel’s application to reflect C2, rather than C1 was passed. “We’re going to get there, but it’s going to be a bit awkward,” President Hart said. Since it doesn’t have to go back to PZ, it will be the first council meeting on December 3.
Alan Skinner—City Projects
The bore is done on Main Street and the area repaired. What’s left is to dig to the north. From the south side to the vault a pipe will need to be put through.
On 2nd E, the work will be deferred until February.
The council discussed a future Hydro-X purchase. The truck unit is estimated at $600K if ordered before the end of the year, and the cost is expected to rise. President Hart suggested that it can be allocated 60% from sewer, some from water, and from streets. This is based on the amount of use each sector would see from it. 3 years of projects are laid out in the plan. The truck won’t be ready until 2027.
Hart encouraged the council and crew to think about future projects that would be good for general fund expenses. There are currently several million dollars in the bank, but Hart stressed that something like a power transformer blow out would be over a million easily. There are plans to update and upgrade infrastructure that could need that money. An estimated transmission line from Ledge Creek would be $2-3 million, though it depends on what is under the ground. A hoped for $9 million in grants did not materialize this year, due to disruption in the federal granting process.
After the discussion, a motion to authorize Chief Squires to order the Hydro-X before the bid expires was approved. “It will give us a lot of longevity and do what we need it to.”
Leases for the Industrial Park were discussed. Through the county assessor, each lot is assessed a value, and then 3.5% of the assessed value becomes the lease rate, with a surcharge added to those with highway frontage. The assessed values of the lots are not current. Assessor Aaron Cook doesn’t have data of parallel sales to evaluate the value from. The lease rates are artificially low at the moment, with Hart noting that they were also “wonky.” There is a wide range of valuations, which creates a situation where the lease rates are in a huge range. An average dollar per acre lease rate would be a 13% or so increase in lease rates, but it would overall be more equal. Hart suggested that rather than the current lease formula, they should just set it on a dollar per acre basis. “To put things in perspective, Hooper School has gone through a number of iterations of appraisals, those 6.5 acres are $60K/acre. I invite you to look into this or we’ll get nowhere,” Hart advised.
Speaking of trail projects, Skinner noted that there are currently two sand piles ready to go. Sand on Bailey Creek road. A large quantity has already been hauled. The remaining sand needed will be on hand very soon. The city property along Bailey Creek will be opened soon. Degerstrom will be ready to work on the trail, as long as the city provides fuel. The sand should be hauled within the next two weeks. $55K of sand will be reimbursed by the grant. County Commissioner Bryce Somsen was at the meeting, and said that the county was all in for the trail.
2nd S. Hwy 30 project will go out for bid in early Nov. Tigert has been contacted about a citizen input meeting in December or January. The city will be a part of it, but it will really be the state’s meeting. Construction will likely start in the spring time.
Department Heads
Recreation Recreation director Jessica Thurman advised that a setup event for Friday November 14 at 5pm for the
ice rink is loosely scheduled. Volunteers will help install the new ice rink at Kelly Park. “You have to actually help if you want pizza,” Thurman said.
Craig’s Backhoe dropped off a couple of porta potties. They will be maintaining them 2-3 times a month. Sanding, painting tables and shack will be done once they find a time.
Basketball is open for registration, and a lot of referees have signed up. “We are getting a lot of comments about getting a positive rep for the dept,” Thurman said.
Thurman mentioned plans for a winter festival. She would like to bring back snow sculptures lining the park, and possibly the fishing pond.
Elsewhere in town, the sled hill will be set up too. Councilman Carpenter suggested that the city departments should participate in the snow carving event. Thurman would like to use Hooper, Kelly, City Park for winter activities.
Carpenter updated the council on the pickleball park. They did get one grant, but it was only enough to resurface the basketball court. Laura Lind will be bringing that to the council.
SSPD
Chief of Police Cejay Golightly stated that, “We’ve got a lot of good things going on.” An Animal Control officer has been hired for the city.
Golightly thanked citizens for their alertness. The city has had a few vehicle burglaries where cars have been broken into lately, but there was an arrest Wednesday morning. People called in and provided video. “I would assume statistically there are more than the people who called in. We don’t know what’s happening if you don’t call us. We do have guys that will respond if they aren’t tied up with other things.”
The Chief reported some issues with curfew. CJ asked that the city get going on the ordinances to clarify curfew and other issues.
Dan Squires—Fire, Wastewater Treatment City Fire assisted the county with an abandoned campfire.
Squires reported a number of equipment breakdowns at the Waste-
water Treatment Plant. Everything is back up and running now.
Jeff Young—City Services
Winter Parking ordinance means that cars need to be moved until March/April to allow room for snowplows.
Young would like to take the sweeper to SLC to get it up and running.
Misc Councilman Rod Worthington took the opportunity to state, “I would just like to say that the elections went well. I appreciate Alana Burns, the Rotary club, and everyone who put in effort. I just wanted to say there were a lot of folks out there that worked really hard. There were a lot of signs out there. I just wanted to congratulate those who won. Congratulations, it was great.”
Councilman Paul Gritton added, “Through the efforts of all those you mentioned, it is my understanding there were significantly higher numbers of votes. Kudos to voters for turning out.”
“Good job, Soda Springs!” President Hart said.
HELP WANTED
EVENTS CENTER SCHEDULER
Caribou County is seeking to hire a Scheduler for the new Caribou County Event Center. The scheduler will be responsible for managing event bookings, coordinating with clients and county staff, and ensuring that the scheduling calendar and event details are accurate and up-to-date. They will need to respond to inquiries about facility availability and services as well as collect fees and prepare claim forms for the center’s expenses. The position will be part time and office space will be available in the events center in Grace, ID. We are looking for someone who is organized with good customer services skills. Applications are available in the Clerk’s Office at the Caribou County Courthouse or online at www.cariboucounty. us. Please return applications to Caribou County Attn: Jill Stoor at 159 S. Main, Soda Springs, ID 83276.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
With the results of our city’s election results now known, I again wanted to express my appreciation to everyone who took the time to vote this year. I was pleased to see the good voter turn out. A shout out to the efforts of the Rotary, Farm Bureau and the Ruckus crew to help involve the community in the election process. Their efforts made a big difference.
And another thank you to those who supported me in the election. The responsibility that you have placed on me is not taken lightly and I intend to work hard for Soda Springs. I am truly humbled by your trust in me and I will do my best to represent everyone to the best of my ability. My hope is that our community will unite to accomplish big and exciting things for our city. We have some great opportunities ahead of us and knowing the incredible people who live here, I have no doubt we will get things done.
Many of you are involved in the community and I thank you for that. If you aren’t involved or can see ways that you can get more involved, I encourage you to do so. There are some awesome groups doing great things which can always use more help. Examples are the Friends of the Park, Friends of the Library, Rotary and the Lions Club to name a few. United together we achieve.
Next, I wanted to thank Councilman Rod Worthington for his service to the citizen’s. Your efforts are appreciated. I congratulate and welcome our new Councilman, Paige Byrum. I believe Paige will do an incredible job for our community. Also another thank you to Brock Byrum and Robert Lau for your willingness to run for office and serve our city. I
feel Mayor Robinson deserves a big thank you for his 8 years as mayor. I admire his ability to calmly and patiently deal with pesky council members.. (finger pointing at me.) If you see Mayor Robinson give him a pat on the back.
As many may know, Soda Springs will have 2nd South redone starting in about May of 2026. The street and infrastructure will be redone from the west city limits to the east city limits. I believe the project will have significant influence on our city during its course. I will do my best to keep the community informed and up to date as the work is done. I will stay in contact with the Idaho Transportation Department as they plan and execute the project.
As I learn the ropes of being the best mayor I can possibly be, I will advocate for and support our community as I go about the work of achieving the goals I’ve set. I have a lot to learn and as I do, I welcome everyone to communicate with me about your needs and thoughts. I doubt I will be able to fix every problem that comes along, but I will darn sure listen and do my best to help where I can.
As I’ve said before, our community has many incredible people. Likewise, the City of Soda Springs has many wonderful employees who do thankless jobs and I am thankful that they have chosen the City as their employer. When you bump into a city employee, I ask you to thank them for their dedication and hard work. In closing, thank you for trusting me to serve this great city as your next mayor. Your trust is humbling and I will not take it for granted. Thank you, Paul Gritton
Caribou County Cares!
What do you do when the news is a constant reminder that many people are facing dire situations, with insurance rates going up, the SNAP (food stamp) programs coming to an abrupt halt and grocery prices soaring?
In Caribou County, what a lot of people have done is to donate to the Caribou County Food Bank. There have been food drives at the hospital and schools, and generous donations from numerous organizations and private individuals. If that doesn’t make you proud of where you live and give you a warm feeling, I don’t know what will. Pictured above are the Caribou County Food Bank volunteers with two of the caring donors. Mike and Carla Reidle were
concerned that families might not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year and have donated twenty grocery gift cards to the Food Bank.
The Caribou County Food Bank is primarily funded by private donations and is manned every Wednesday from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. by members of Beta Sigma Phi. The Caribou County Food Bank falls under the direction of SEICAA, which is managed by Renae Lynch. Patrons of the food bank must submit financial documents and meet requirements for services. The Food Bank is located in SEICAA office, in the red metal building to the north of the Soda Springs Police offices, at 159 S. Main St.
Community Christmas Concert theme is “Oh come, He is born!”
Members of the Community Christmas Concert performance have been hard at work practicing the numbers they will be performing on December 14 at the SSHS Auditorium. The orchestra has been practicing separately from the chorus, but will be practicing jointly as the rehearsal schedule moves along.
The orchestra is filled out with musicians, but there is always room for additional singers if there are those in the community that would like to be involved with this excellent holiday tradition.
Conductors Vince Burgoyne, Anne Olorenshaw, Tanner Davis, and Kim Mumford have been busy getting their pieces ready with a large group of community singers. Based on the rehearsal I was able to sit in on over the weekend, things are coming together very nicely!
There have been a few changes to the practice schedules, but here are the final dates:
Final Rehearsal and Performance Schedule Orchestra
Members are asked: Please come to every rehearsal. Put reminders on your phone and just come! Choir members are welcome to attend orchestra rehearsals Thursdays at 7 to sing vocals on their own. Their numbers will be rehearsed first.
Rehearsals
Thursday October 16 7-9 pm
Tigert Music Room
Thursday October 23 7-9pm
TMS
Thursday October 30 7-9pm
TMS
Thursday November 6 7-9pm
TMS
Thursday November 13 7-9pm
TMS
Thursday November 20 7-9pm
TMS
Sunday November 23 6-8pm
Presb Church
Sunday November 30 6-8pm
Presb Church
Thursday December 4 7-9pm
TMS
Sunday December 7, 7:159:15pm Presbyterian Church
Saturday December 13 8:30 am
until done SSHS Auditorium
Sunday December 14 3pm call
time SSHS Auditorium
Performance Dec 14 4:00 p.m.
SSHS Auditorium
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule Choir
Choir NOTE: Choir members are welcome to also attend orchestra rehearsals Thursdays at 7 to sing vocals on their own. Those numbers will be rehearsed first.
Sunday October 19 6-8pm
Presbyterian Church
Sunday October 26 6-8pm
Presb Church
Sunday November 2 6-8pm
Presb Church
Sunday November 9 6-8pm
Presb Church
Sunday November 16 6-8pm Presb Church
Sunday November 23 6-8pm Presb Church
Sunday November 30 6-8pm Presb Church
Sunday December 7, 7:159:15pm Presb Church
Saturday December 13 9am until done Soda Springs HS Auditorium
Sunday December 14 3:00pm call time SSHS Auditorium
Performance December 14 4pm SSHA Auditorium
CONCERT ATTIRE
Orchestra--Women: all black; Men: dark suits and white shirts with red bow ties (ties furnished)
Choir--Women: Red, green, or white tops with dark skirts (preferably black) or all black
Men: White shirts and dark pants (preferably black) with red bow ties (ties furnished)
Fish and Game Corner
Anglers: Expect changes at American Falls Reservoir
Anglers should anticipate fewer and smaller trout at American Falls Reservoir.
Persistent drought has stressed popular fisheries in southeastern and eastern Idaho, setting up tougher trout fishing in 2026. Despite adequate high-elevation snowpack last winter, warm valley temperatures limited lower-elevation accumulation.
Spring and summer brought little additional moisture, and prolonged heat deepened drought conditions. Reservoir levels across the Southeast Region dropped sharply, prompting Idaho Fish and Game to order fish salvages at Glendale, Foster, and Johnson reservoirs. American Falls Reservoir was drawn down to just 3% of capacity.
What anglers should expect
With water levels low and water quality degraded, anglers should anticipate fewer and smaller trout at American Falls Reservoir in 2026 until conditions improve. Under normal water levels, hatchery rainbow trout grow quickly in American Falls and have produced trophy-class fish, including a 34.75-inch (41.13-lb.) rainbow/cutthroat hybrid in 2011 and a 31.25-inch rainbow trout (caught and released) in 2020.
When reservoir volume falls, temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen declines, pushing trout to move in search of better water—often up or down river—where survival is less certain.
Flow changes and downstream effects
As reservoir water is released, many trout take a one-way trip through the dam, which is risky business for a trout where some are lost to turbine strikes; others bolster the fishery below the dam. To refill the reservoir, winter flows on the Snake River (December–January) drop to less than 10% of typical summer (June–August) flows.
This fall, flows are about 2% of the
2025 peak to accommodate repair work at Minidoka Dam. Winter is already the hardest season for trout survival; reduced discharge can further limit habitat overwinter and may also impact fisheries in Walcott Reservoir.
How Fish and Game is responding Fish and Game is taking steps to rebuild trout populations.
Stocking: Later this month, Fish and Game will stock approximately 250,000 fingerlings and 42,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout into American Falls Reservoir. Additionally, Idaho Power will provide approximately 9,000 catchables.
Tagging and research: Fish and Game has tagged hundreds of hatchery rainbow trout to evaluate how survival varies by release timing and location. Angler tag reports reveal fish movements, including entrainment from American Falls into the Snake River or emigration to Walcott Reservoir.
Surveys: Fish and Game plans late-November electrofishing on the Snake River between American Falls Dam and the Pipeline Access to tag additional fish and assess population status. Improvement in fishing quality will depend largely on water availability and conditions over the coming months.
Help the science: Report tags Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to report tag numbers and capture details through Fish and Game’s Tag You’re It! | Idaho Fish and Game. These reports directly inform stocking strategies and help Fish and Game get the most value from the fish stocked.
Fish and Game appreciates the patience and cooperation of the angling community while managers work to restore these important fisheries. For more information about fisheries management in the Southeast Region, please contact Regional Fisheries Manager Patrick Kennedy at 208-2361262 or pat.kennedy@idfg.idaho.gov.
War on Weeds—weeds are everybody’s problem
THE ISSUE: Redstem filaree Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is a winter annual or biennial that forms a low growing, densely matted plant with fern-like leaves in a rosette. Because of its prostrate growing habit, it prevents the germination of desirable plant species. Preferring sandy soils, redstem filaree inhabits dry pasturelands, landscapes, and turfgrass. Redstem filaree also withstands heavy grazing pressure.
Redstem filaree has reddish stems and are covered with fine hairs. The flower stalk supports two to twelve vibrant pink/purple flowers with five petals and a long, beak-like fruit. The leaves are opposite and finely divided with toothed or lobed margins. The root system is a shallow taproot with fibrous secondary roots. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options:
• Cultural – Prevention is the best control of redstem filaree. Bare ground invites redstem filaree. In rangeland or pastureland plant native forbs and grasses. Contact your local Natural Resource Conservation Service for seed mix recommendations.
• Mechanical – Hand pulling or digging when soil is moist, making sure to get the roots to prevent resprouting is effective. Removing flowers before the plant sets seed is also effective. Be sure to place all plant material in a bag so as not to spread seeds. Any type of tillage to the area can also be effective.
Bugwood.org
• Biological – Redstem Filaree is grazed by many animals especially sheep.
• Chemical – Herbicides should be applied during seedling and rosette stages to have the greatest success. Metsulfuron at a rate of .33 oz of product/acre + .025% v/v non-ionic surfactant can be used on rangeland and pasturelands. Another option is 2 pints of 2,4D and 1 pint of dicamba per acre. Both recommendations are based on equipment with an output of 30 gallons per acre. Always read and follow herbicide label directions! Tom Jacobsen, University of Idaho Extension Educator in Fremont County. (208) 624-3102 tjacobsen@ uidaho.edu
Photo courtesy, Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental,
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Jeri Sturm, Kaye Moore, Sandy Rawlins, Mike and Carla Reidle, Ann Hamm, Marilyn Kukachka Rosli Gier, Gloria Erickson
Tanner Davis led one of the practices last Sunday.
What is in the new farm bill?
BY ALLISON ELIASON
For most Idaho producers, fall is the time to take stock — tally the tons of hay in the stack, cull the old gummer cows, count the acres of fall wheat and pencil out spring seed, and ultimately see what’s left after another year of uncertain markets and unpredictable weather. But this fall, there’s one more unknown sitting on the table: the 2025 Farm Bill.
Every five years, Congress renews the massive piece of legislation that guides US agricultural and food policy. The most recent bill, passed in 2018, expired in 2024 and has been running on temporary extensions ever since. Lawmakers are now working toward a 2025 version and what they decide could shape the next five years of farm and ranch life across Idaho.
So just what exactly is in the Farm Bill?
The farm bill covers far more than crop prices and livestock markets. It funds everything from nutrition programs like SNAP to research grants, conservation incentives, rural broadband, and support for beginning farmers. Roughly 80% of its spending goes toward nutrition assistance, but the remaining funds directly influence farm operations, especially when it comes to managing risk and conserving land.
For Idaho, that means programs like the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) that help grain producers weather price swings, or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that helps ranchers install fencing, improve water systems, or adopt soilhealth practices.
The biggest challenge written between the line- uncertainty. Because Congress hasn’t passed a new bill yet, producers are left operating un-
der extensions of the old one, a situation that makes planning harder than usual. Simply put, not knowing what the rules or support levels will be, it’s challenging to make long-term decisions. Producers are cautious right now. They’re waiting to see if reference prices go up or down, if conservation funding changes, or if disaster programs even continue.
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle sympathized with Idaho producers saying, “We can’t control the weather. We can’t control Congress as hard as we try. We got a Farm Bill that’s two years overdue. We’re operating on such an outdated Farm Bill alone, all the way across the board.”
One thing that hasn’t changed for producers are lasting high input expenses, everything from fuel to fertilizer and feed. And unfortunately while these prices have all risen in recent years, commodity prices have softened. Add in Idaho’s ongoing drought concerns, and stability from federal policy is something many rural families are hoping for.
Lawmakers are still wrangling over priorities, where to put their time and money.
Commodity Programs: Many farm groups are pushing for higher “reference prices,” which determine when safety-net payments kick in. That’s especially important for wheat and barley growers.
Conservation Funding: Debate continues over whether to expand or trim back programs that reward soil-building and water-saving practices — a big deal for Idaho farmers managing limited irrigation supplies.
Beginning Farmers: There’s momentum to help new and younger producers enter agriculture through loan programs and technical support. That’s critical in a state where the av-
BRAIN TEASERS
erage farmer is nearing 60 years old. Rural Development: Broadband, infrastructure, and value-added grants could help rural Idaho communities diversify their economies.
All of these programs and ideas are important to producers because their effects are felt in everyday decisions across Idaho. EQIP funds help ranchers build cross-fences and rotate grazing more efficiently. Conservation Stewardship Program dollars support no-till and cover-crop systems on dryland fields. The Rural Energy for America Program has helped Idaho dairies install more efficient equipment. When those programs pause or change, it ripples through everything from the local co-op to the equipment dealership. It’s not just about payments it’s about stability and producers being able to plan ahead.
While no final version of the 2025 bill has emerged yet, most observers expect Congress will pass at least a one-year extension before the new one is finalized, a frustrating fact for farmers and ranchers trying to navigate the future of their operations. Managing the gaps before a new bill is passed and the potential gaps that may be left with the upcoming changes, it’s important for farmers and ranchers to position themselves so that they come out on top regardless.
The first thing producers can do is revisit their business plan and budget, and from there, work through scenarios that assume different policy outcomes. These differing outcomes could be changes in safety-net payments or altered loan/credit terms. A conversation with a lender or credit advisor about how shifts in farm-bill programs (or even extensions) might affect your borrowing capacity or risk profile. Using risk-management tools like crop insurance or disaster
relief programs can ensure a better understanding of current coverage and gap risk.
Next, it’s important for producers to follow developments in Congress including the committee leadership, draft bills, and frameworks as they often signal where the policy is going. Similarly, engaging with producer organizations, commodity groups, extension services as they often track policy changes and can give you alerts.
Producers should audit current use of federal programs and eligibility, taking inventory of programs you currently participate in. As the existing programs are still functioning via extension, it’s important to be sure you don’t leave anything on the table in the event those programs end.
Focusing on conservation, sustainability, and diversification within an operation will first help make sure that it is efficient and productive long term. But it also means that if the next farm bill places a greater emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and climate risk like many expect, that producers will qualify for programs as soon as they open.
These sort of practices might look like planning for soil health, diversified rotations, conservation buffer zones, and the like and may give flexibility and potential eligibility advantages.
As one farmer put it, “We can’t control the weather, and we can’t control the markets — but a good farm bill helps us manage the rest.” Until the ink has dried on the upcoming bill, producers need to see what they can do within their operations so that they can either manage without the programs that have helped support them or ready to make the most of the programs that can help elevate their outfit.
EVENT CALENDARS
SODA SPRINGS CARIBOU COUNTY
Friday, November 14th
IDAN-HA Movie
Caribou County Senior Dinner
BBB 1st Practice
GBB vs Ririe
Wrestling @ Franklin JR High
Saturday, November 15th
IDAN-HA Movie
GBB vs American Falls
Sunday, November 16th
Presbyterian Services
Caribou Bible Church Services
Catholic Mass (8:30am)
Open Arms Church Services
LDS Services
Hope Lutheran Church
Monday, November 17th
Catholic Daily Mass (9am)
Tuesday, November 18th
GBB @ Star Valley
Wednesday, November 19th
IDAN-HA Movie
Caribou County Senior Dinner
Board Meeting @7
GBB @ Home
Thursday, November 20th
Catholic Daily Mass (6:30pm)
IDAN-HA Movie
Early Student Release @ 1:30
Teacher Inservice
BIRTHDAYS
Lezlie Dunn, Nov. 1
Teri Elam, Nov. 3
Sandra Batterton, Nov. 5
Ann Poulsen, Nov. 5
Milo T Crump, Nov. 6
Jim Russell, Nov. 6
Sheldon Mayne, Nov. 9
Lee Redepenning, Nov. 11
LaDene Hume, Nov. 12
Eileen Farnsworth, Nov. 12
Jay Perry, Nov. 13
Bill Hamilton, Nov. 14
Connie Farmer, Nov. 14
Chris Gentry, Nov. 15
Christine Gentry, Nov. 15
Kenna Ainzley Crump, Nov. 16
Libby Hubbard, Nov. 16
Michael Robinson, Nov. 16
GRACE
Friday, November 14th
HS FB Playoffs
HS BBB 1st Practice
Sunday, November 16th
LDS Services
Monday, November 17th
Preschool Story Hour @ Library
10:30am
HS Wrestling 1st Practice
Tuesday, November 18th
HS GBB @ Aberdeen
BANCROFT
Friday, November 14th
Cheer JTS @ American Falls
Sunday, November 16th
LDS Services
Thursday, November 20th
MS GBB @ Grace Lutheran
LUNCH MENUS
SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU
Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk
Monday, November 17
Quesadilla, black beans, fruit, veggies, and milk
Tuesday, November 18
Sloppy Joe, fries, fruit, veggies, and milk
Wednesday, November 19
Orange chicken, fried rice, fruit, veggies, and milk
Thursday, November 20
Fish sticks, chips, fruit, veggies, and milk
NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU
Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day
Monday, November 17
Italian Dunkers, Deli Bar, Fresh Green Salad / Mandarin Oranges
Tuesday, November 18
Soft Shell Taco, Deli Bar, Roasted Baby Carrots / Apricots
Wednesday, November 19
Ribbq Sandwich, Deli Bar, Broccoli-Cauliflower Bake / Blueberry Smoothies
Thursday, November 20
Corndogs, French Dip, Deli Bar, French Fries / Apple Slices
GRACE LUNCH MENU
Lunches served with Milk
Monday, November 17
SPAGHETTI, Breadstick, FOOD CHOICES: Carrot & Celery Sticks, Mandarin Oranges, Milk
Tuesday, November 18
PEPPERONI CHEESE BREAD, FOOD CHOICES: Romaine Salad, Peaches, Milk
Doyle Dekay, Nov. 17
Barbara Lloyd, Nov. 17
Jay Hook, Nov. 19
MarJean Petersen, Nov. 20
Heidi Rigby, Nov. 22
Heather Robinson, Nov. 22
Linda J Anderson, Nov. 24
Bob Bolton, Nov. 26
Vicki Kaly, Nov. 29
Sherry Neal, Nov. 29
Shirley Carver, Nov. 30
If you would like to add yourself, your kids, loved one, friend or family member to our weekly birthday list, contact Sherrie at 208-766-4773 or email sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com
Wednesday, November 19
SUPER NACHO, FOOD CHOICES: Refried Beans, Corn, Cinnamon Applesauce, Milk
Thursday, November 20 TURKEY, Potatoes/Gravy, Roll, Pumpkin Cookie, FOOD CHOICES: Sunshine Carrots, Pears, Milk
CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU
Every meal served with Juice/Milk/Coffee
Nov 14 - BBQ Chicken, Church Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Peaches, Oatmeal Bread, Coffee Cake
Nov 19 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Apples, Potato Chips, Bread Pudding
*Birthday Cake and Ice Cream is served in-house only!
ON THIS DAY
1841 James Braid first sees a demonstration of animal magnetism, which leads to his study of the subject he eventually calls hypnosis
1856 The Great Bell of Big Ben first chimes at the foot of the still-unfinished clock tower outside the Palace of Westminster
1949 Walt Disney’s animated film “Fantasia”, starring Leopold Stkowski, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Mickey Mouse, and ballet-dancing hippopotamuses, premieres at the Broadway Theatre, NYC
1952 False fingernails first sold
1971 Mariner 9, first to orbit another planet (Mars)
1971 Steven Spielberg makes his feature- length film debut with the made-for-television movie “Duel”
1980 US spacecraft Voyager 1 sends back first close-up pictures
of Sturn during its fly-by
1987 Sonny & Cher perform together for the final time, singing “I Got You Babe” on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ NBC
1995 “GoldenEye”, 17th James Bond film released, starring Pierce Brosnan for the first time, Robbie Coltrane and Judi Dench as M
2002 Eminem releases the single ‘Lose Yourself’ from the soundtrack of “8 Mile”, the first rap song to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song
2017 World’s earliest winemaking is uncovered in Khramis Didi gora, Georgia, in clay pots from 6,000 BC
2022 Four Idaho university students stabbed and killed in their home in Moscow, Idaho. Suspect Bryan Kohberger arrested seven weeks later.
NEWS OF RECORD
CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF
Amogh Raj Agalkot, Dublin, speeding $33.50, cost
$56.50
William John Bagley, Montpelier, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00
Sean William Bowen, Pocatello, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Alexandrea Charlotte Cornwall, Pocatello, speeding, $33.50, cost $56.50
Robert Ray Correll, Preston, fail to register vehicle annually, $10.50, costs
$56.50
Kevin Lynn Dansie, Frenchtown, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
William J Hoy, Gillette, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00
Chase Randall Hulme, Montpelier, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Cesar Larios Huerta, Victor, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50
Daeda M Pevo, Pocatello, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00
Skye Rebecca Spackman, Preston, $98.50, costs $56.50
Spencer Allen Wagner, Idaho Falls, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Michael Adam Westmoreland, Montpelier, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00
SODA SPRINGS POLICE
Paisley Madeline Cole, Boise, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50
Gary William Johnson, Denver, fail to yield to pedestrian in crosswalk, $33.50, costs $56.50
Kasey Travis Meyers, Soda Springs, operate vehicle when unsafe or improperly equipped, $10.50, costs
$56.50
Matthew Byron Wiberg, Murray, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
IDAHO STATE POLICE
Michael Regan Maylen, Englewood, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Agape Simon, Grand Rapids, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
MAGISTRATE COURT
Thomas E Albrecht, Price, unlawful possession of wildlife, $225.00, costs $565.00 –Agency: IDF&G
Daniel Colton Hall, Richfield, driving under the influence, 180 days jail, 180 days suspended, 90 days driver’s license suspended, 24 months probation, 16 hours community service - Agency: ISP
Jason Anthony Martin, Soda Springs, disturbing the peace, $150.00, costs $157.50 –Agency: CCSO
Elijah Roger Moffat, Grace, driving under the influence, $500.00, costs $443.50, 18 months probation – Agency: CCSO
John Michael Ottinger, Bay City, driving under the influence, $500.00, costs $202.50 – Agency: SSPD
Austin Lee Straight, Grace, driving under the influence, $500.00, costs $202.50, 18 months probation – Agency: CCSO
Caribou County Commission meeting 11/10
Kevin McLain
The Narrows were bladed last week, and the county roads in general are being prepped in anticipation of winter weather. McLain discussed upcoming meetings involving the road department with the commissioners. The Lago parking lot was discussed, with an eye toward working on it in spring. The parking area was explained to potentially be too narrow, and has been approved by the BLM to be expanded. During winter, the parking situation can create some issues when vehicles with trailers are parked in the area, reducing the accessible area below what is deemed necessary.
Eric Hobson County fire put out an abandoned camp fire. The mountainside had been close to an unexpected fire event, and Doug Wood personally thanked Hobson and County Fire for preventing such an outcome.
New cameras have been installed in a few locations around the county, which will allow EMS to view the county through live camera feeds. This should be a very helpful service for responding to emergency and developing situations. Currently, the cameras are not set up to record, as the storage needs are demanding. Fires, auto accidents, weather situations, and other events will be the immediate use for the camera.
Hobsons said that they hope to being moving stuff into the Event Center build -
ing by the end of the week. The station will need to go through an official process to certify it.
December 4 has been reserved as the day for the official Open House for the new venue.
Hobson discussed the Teen Youth Center in Idaho Falls, which is open to anyone in the area. Services can be obtained for emergency intervention for those, especially teens, in need. They are funded through the state and grants. Magellan of Idaho is the name of the organization.
Rowdy Larkins
Change orders for some of the final elements of the Event Center were discussed. The primary issues were finishing details for things like cabinetry, landscaping, and some paving for $7,932. The building is still on course for its planned open house on the December 4. The change orders were approved.
The commissioners also discussed the issue of snow removal at the Event Center. A contract for removal has been put in place, with snow being removed to the field to the east. Combining the snow removal with the building cleaning was another possibility.
Sheriff The sheriff asked the commissioners what he could do with employees that will be unable to use their vacation time. Due to short staffing, there will not be an opportunity for the individual to literally take a vacation. The time period for allowable
e Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition P.O. Box 331 Soda Springs, Idaho 83276 (U.S.P.S. -- 090-560) ISSN: 2997-1004
vacation time usage was extended to March. The coun
ty also offered to pay out the vacation upon the request of the department.
The Sheriff asked about National Guard training be
ing paid in order to accommodate the training. Clerk Stoor noted that such a change in policy would need to be reflected in the policy manual.
Daily cost for bed was surveyed by the county. At 49 beds, it comes out to $111/ day. At 42 beds, which is the real average of usage, it works out to $132/day. The county is being reimbursed $75/day by IDOC. Costs will be going up across the board. Caribou charges other counties $65/day for use of the facility. Bear Lake and Oneida were fine with raising that rate to $75. When the change would go into effect was unclear, as the budget for the year has already been set for counties across the state. “We’re doing everything we can to keep that building up and going,” the sheriff said. A possibility of taking in federal inmates was raised, though that would be a longer term plan.
Spending limits for the sheriff’s office were discussed. The sheriff requested a $5,000 limit for expenses required to approach to commissioners about for approval. As the sheriff explained, investigations can radically increase expenses. Departments in the county are required to seek permission for in-budget expenditures over a certain amount.
Mabey noted that the department would eventually
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 Editor brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com Bryan Dean Scott Publisher bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
Hope Green Advertising hope.g@idahoenterprise.com
Phone: 208-766-4773 www.cariboucountynews.com
NOTICES
Damien George Tarbet
446 S 2nd S&W Grace, Idaho 83241 208-251-0379 damientarbet@gmail.com
IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FOR THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU
IN RE: Damien George Tarbet Legal Name Case No. CV15-25-294
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE (Adult or Emancipated Minor)
A Petition to change the name of Damien George Tarbet, now residing in the City of Grace, State of Idaho, has been filed in the District Court in Caribou County, Idaho. The name will change to Damien George Peace. The reason for the change in name is: Name of the family who raised me.
A hearing on the petition is scheduled for 10:00 o'clock a.m. on (date) 12-10-2025 at the Caribou County Courthouse. Objections may be filed by any person who can show the court a good reason against the name change.
Date: 10/30/25
CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT
Wendy Rasmussen
Typed/Printed Name
BY: Wendy Rasmussen Deputy Clerk #1182
need $50,000 to replace the tasers used by the department. The current ones are no longer being supported by the company that made them.
The Sheriff recently attended a meeting about the federal prosecuting attorney’s office. Attorney Wood noted that there was currently at least one case in the county that was in progress with the federal authorities.
Pledges from Degerstrom, Nutrien, and Simplot have been received for the K-9 project. There are other donations which are still in the works. “This project is definitely one that people can get behind,” Mabey said.
A pipe at the jail location has been experiencing water damage, and is affecting communication abilities. The sprinkler system is potentially the culprit, with a possible leak. The conduits containing the communication wires are somehow being exposed to water through some opening.
Code requires that the sheriff’s office has requirements for a tow list. The information needs to be published and available. There are four companies in the county. Requirements for
COUNTY COMMISSION On Page 11
Jim Spinner, Esquire (ISB #3417) SPINNER, WOOD & SMITH
P.O. Box 6009 - 1335 East Center Pocatello, Idaho 83205-6009
Email: spinjim@pocatellolaw.com
Telephone: (208) 232-4471
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF CARIBOU
Case No. CV15-25-0258
WADE HOPKINS AND KRISTY HOPKINS, husband and wife, Plaintiffs, vs. JOYCE S. BANKS, heir of Leo J. Banks, and JOHN and JANE DOES I-X, as unknown but possibly interested parties, TO: JOHN AND JANE DOES I-X, as unknown but possibly interested parties or heirs of Leo J. Banks.
A Complaint to quiet title has been filed in the above named court. The nature of the claim is to quiet title in real property to the Plaintiffs.
Any time after 21 days following the last publication of this summons, the Court may enter a judgment against you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the case number, and paid any required filing fee to the Clerk of the Court at the Caribou County Courthouse, 159 S. Main, Soda Springs, Idaho, 83276; (208) 547-4324, and served a copy of your response on the Plaintiff’s attorney, Jim Spinner, of Spinner, Wood & Smith, 1335 East Center, P.O. Box 6009, Pocatello, Idaho 83205-6009; (208) 232-4471.
The real property to which this Summons pertains is described as follows: All that part of the Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter (SW1/4, SW1/4) of Section Two (2), Township Nine (9) South of Range Forty (40) East of the Boise Meridian in Caribou (formerly Bannock) County, State of Idaho, LYING AND BEING NORTH OF THE NORTH BOUNDARY LINE OF THE OREGON SHORT LINE RAILROAD COMPANY’S RIGHT OF WAY (Union Pacific System). Said Tract of Land being triangular in shape, the North and East Boundary Lines thereof forming a right angle, and containing approximately 10.43 acres, more or less. A copy of the Summons and Amended Complaint can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the attorney for Plaintiff. If you wish legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter.
DATE: 10/10/2025 4:39:40 PM. (SEAL) By: /s/ CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT
E. H. Lau, Deputy Published ________,______
#1170-10-23-30-11-06-1325-T4
“The Ping Pong Railroad”
GALEN WILSON, CARIBOU COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
At our last meeting Vicki Dahms had found more news about the Ping Pong Railroad that Jerry Stoor had informed us that Johnny Wallace had worked on when he was just a youngster. We felt that the train that ran from Paris, ID, Ovid, Montpelier and McCammon because it went back and forth. Vicki found the “Rest of the Story.”
The “Farmers Friend” railroad line was opened in 1911 and the people dubbed it the “Ping Pong” because it had a bell which made an unusual noise to keep animals away from the tracks. The stubby little train that traveled back and forth between Paris, Ovid, Montpelier, and McCammon developed a distinctive personality that endeared it to the hears of the people. It was not so much that they utilized the train, but it was theirs and the little bell seemed to signal something special to the people young and old.
It was 1907 when the railroad first agreed to placate the west side communities by agreeing to construct the spur line through Paris, with eventual plans to go on down that side of the valley into Utah and it was a great day when the construction was actually begun.
Railroad economists were reluctant to build the line being unable to see a satisfactory return, but the constant delegation led by JR Simplot and others convinced the company to comply. But with the stipulation that locations for stockyards at Paris and Ovid be provided free to the company. Because of its location, Ovid suddenly found itself a stock shipping center, with large holding pens and a railroad depot of its own.
Because the area through which the train would run was mostly open grazing land, a need for a warning device of some type to divert loose cattle back away from the tracks was installed. At first a regular rail whistle
was tried but the animals soon grew accustomed to it and refused to move, then the shrill little intermittent bell was used which gave the route its popular name, Ping Pong.
Richard Olmstead, the Western Oregon Short Line superintendent, did not like the nickname and as it grew in popularity, he became somewhat irritated over the issue. One night in a saloon, an argument ensued and Olstead ended up with a black eye. Three days later, the Ping Pong closed after only 52 days of service. Of course the local rumor was that Olmstead shut the line down because of the black eye. But that was not true, From the beginning Ping Pong had been an economic failure. The people loved and coveted the train, but they did not ride it.
For three years the line did not operate. Then an agreement to operate for one year was launched. By then the population in the valley had increased. There were greater herds of cattle to be shipped and more land was under cultivation and more freight could be moved.
Re-opening day was set for July 24, 1914 during a huge Pioneer Day celebration. Over 1000 people were on hand to greet the train when it pulled into the Paris station. On board were an array of railroad dignitaries and civic officials. The Paris community band burst forth with appropriate music as the Ping Pong pulled to a stop and a cheer resounded.
The first crew to operate the train were Clarence Vance, engineer; Bob Hack, fireman; F N Sands, conductor: and Bill Hughhart, assistant. People got the opportunity to view the best of conditions that the railroad had to offer when they were allowed to tour through the private car of A B Stevenson, Superintendent of the Idaho Division of the Short Line who had been accompanied by Joel Gray, Salt Lake area coordinator and D R Priest of the Wyoming Short Line division. Local dignitaries were headed by President J R Shepherd of the Bear Lake Stake, Judge Alfred Budge and Paris Mayor,
COMMUNITY NOTES
Soda Springs Performing Arts Band will entertain at Light the World event
The LIGHT THE WORLD GIVING MACHINE sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is finally coming to Southeast Idaho, and the Soda Springs Performing Arts Band will be on hand to welcome it!
The band has been invited to entertain patrons of the machine at noon on its opening day. They will play from 12-12:30 on Saturday, November 15, as patrons from all over the area come and provide help for people all over the world.
The machine will be located at the Idaho Central Credit Union Headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho. This wonderful experience is free to the public, and all are welcome and invited to come and give!
Flu Shots available at SIPH
It is well and truly flu season, and the Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department has flue shots available for those who would like them. The shots are recommended for those in high risk categories, which includes: older people over age 65, young children, under age 2, people with chronic lung disease (such as asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions, and certain other long-term health conditions, pregnant women, health care workers.
SIPH reminds the community that the flu shot is the single best way to prevent the flu, and that even if you got a flu shot last year, you will still need the flu shot this year to be protected this flu season. The best time to get your flu shot is before flu activity is high in your
Amasa Rich.
Enough money was made the first day to operate for three months and the year continued to be good. For the next five years the train made its own way, but then things began to change.
The automobile was coming into its own; Montpelier High School became the top high school in the area and students stopped going to the Field Academy in Paris. The Depression hit and in 1929 the Fielding Academy building burned down. It had been converted into a high school after the LDS church no longer supported an
community.
Call the SIPH office in Soda Springs with any questions, and to check for availability. 1 (208) 547-4375.
Thirkill PTO Christmas Market
Last weekend, Thirkill Elementary hosted a Christmas Market that saw a wide range of vendors. The event included potential gifts for the upcoming holidays from all around the area. Crafts, clothes, food, books, and more were there for the purchase throughout the weekend. In a change from last year, outside the school saw a somewhat ad hoc “pop-up” event where kids were allowed to try out a variety of big machines used by construction, EMS, Fire, Ambulance, and other groups.
Gene Nelson from G and E Rentals was on site, as well as members of local emergency services and crews.
The event is one of several that the PTO puts on during the year. While many of them are student-focused (like the recent Fun Run), others are more community-facing like this one. Throughout the two days, there was a fairly steady stream of visitors, both inside and out.
There were many vendors on site. Some that caught our eye were Kelli’s Wash and Fold, which is a laundry service that can take on your comforters in addition to your standard laundry. Kelli can be reached at (208) 251-2055. Grace’s Becky Hemmert was there promoting Wake and Move Mountains Running and Strength Dynamics. The business is located on 112 South Main Street in Grace, and Becky can be reached at (208) 221-7724. Jenna Harrison Waddoups runs “Suze’s Shop,” which sells a large variety of delicious
baked items. She can be found under those names (Jenna Waddoups) on social media platforms.
Kudos to the idea for the vehicle tours. Kids were having a blast in the observation of this reporter, and if I had three dollars on me I would have gladly spent it to climb around on a Fire truck!
Soda Sip Cereal Drop
Soda Sip reminds residents that the 6th ANNUAL PROJECT CEREAL DROP is currently underway. According to organizers: “This is a PROJECT that has been put together to donate 1 box of cereal to each elementary school
academy program.
With the completion of the hospital in Montpelier, people no longer had to go to Pocatello or Salt Lake. As Ping Pong started to lose money, it began to run only once a day. Dec 1, 1943 the last official trip of the Ping Pong was made. People turned out in record numbers to say goodbye. Within the week demolition crews took out the tracks.
So the Ping Pong train got its name from the ping pong sound that came from the bell that was installed to scare the livestock away from the tracks.
student in CARIBOU COUNTY. The kids will get to take it home during CHRISTMAS BREAK to make sure each child does not go hungry over the holidays! We want to invite you to help us! Please drop off any unopened, not expired BOXES of CEREAL (12oz or more please) to SODA SIP. We will also be collecting wrapping paper and tape this year to wrap each box of cereal. And if you find any good deals on cereal please let us know so we can let others know as well! If you are unable to drop off cereal but still want to participate please Venmo @Mersade-Wells
Jenna Waddoups
Megan Rose Walker
Kelli Crawford
Becky Hemmert
The vehicle carnival was a huge hit! You’ve got to try out all the parts of a vehicle...
County Commission
towing include things like fencing, cameras, 24 surveillance at the facility, and so on. This ensures that towing services used by the county meet the state requirements.
Jill Stoor
“The election went well in all the districts,” Stoor said. “We had a pretty good turnout for an off year election. 40% overall. A lot of times in the off year we are in the thirty percents. When you have contested races, that always helps.” The new ePoll books worked well. Soda 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 will be combined for the May election.
A high absentee rate—over 100 absentee ballots was seen in just Soda Springs. There were only 5 requested absentee ballots that were not returned.
Voting at the Event Center went smoothly. There were a lot of people who wanted to tour the building during the vote, though they were not allowed to just yet.
Holidays were discussed, looking at the calendar of county days off. The primary discussion was whether the 24th of July or the day adjacent to Christmas would be one of the holidays. There were preferences for both of them by different people. The current schedule was re-approved.
OBITUARIES
As a reminder, the Open House for the Event Center is December 4th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Small Town Ruckus podcast, as well as a number of other community groups were discussed as potentially being involved in the event. The logistics of how the space would work during the event were discussed. Scheduler and cleaning for the Event Center will need to be filled. Interviews and advertising for the positions need to be done soon. This may be either one or two positions. Potentially, combining the scheduling with either the cleaning position or the Extension office was one possibility. Hopefully, the position will fill fairly quickly, but in the meantime a short term contract with a cleaning company will be arranged.
The job announcement should be in this issue of the paper.
Doug Wood Bear Lake’s prosecutor has been recalled. Wood has been asked whether he was willing to assist in the interim as the issue works toward resolution. Names for replacement to the position are being discussed. The recalled prosecutor was not affiliated with a party, so the central committee process is not unclear. “They don’t deserve to not have an attorney,” Wood said. “They’ve got a lot of options for what the future looks like for them. If I can get approval to help them out, I will.” continued from front page
The meeting for the 24th of November was discussed. Because there wasn’t a heavy agenda, the meeting for that day was cancelled.
Sports
Monty David Hansen
January 2, 1935 ~ November 6, 2025
Monty David Hansen, 90 years old, from Soda Springs, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 6, 2025.
Monty was born on January 2, 1935, to Melvin David Hansen and Grace Roholt. He was the oldest of nine children. He stayed in Grace, Idaho until he graduated from high school.
His next steps in his life were joining the Army to fight in the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in the Detroit, Michigan area. This is where he met his eternal companion, Arline Mavis Bonsteel. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 20, 1957.
During the first years of marriage, they had six children: Leonora (Steven) Tonks, Gay (Gary) Whiteley, Greg (Renea), Ken (Melissa) Grant and Tracey Szewcik.
Monty was proceeded in death by his eternal companion Arline, his parents, his brothers Bill and Deon, and three sisters, Sharon, Lynn, and Lillian, his daughter Leonora Tonks and daughter-in-law, Renea Hansen.
He is survived by his children, Gay (Gary) Whiteley, Greg Hansen, Ken (Melissa) Hansen, Grant Hansen, Tracy Szewcik, two brothers and three sisters, 22 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Through his teenage years, all the way through the time of the loss of his leg, he loved to go fishing, hunting, crabbing, teaching others,
All County Volleyball Honors
BY JODY REEVES
With the volleyball season now behind us it is time for us to look back and honor the top players in the county. In the short time that we have been naming all county players this year’s first and second team selections have been the toughest decisions we have had to make. Our selections are based on coaches nominations, statistics, and our own assessment of the games we watched. We also took into consideration the strength of schedule as well as overall record. All three schools
featured some great athletes that could have been switched out with players on the other teams without much drop off. For this year’s list we have opened up fourteen total spots that include six first team players with a libero and six second team spots with a libero. As we mentioned some very difficult decisions were made. We truly wish we had the space and time to honor every player but that would diminish those that did end up making the list. We would like to congratulate all of the players on a terrific season. Without any further
adieu here are our 2025 all county volleyball players. All County Player Of The Year: Lakelynn Zulu (Grace). Zulu was truly a pleasure to watch this season. Her calm demeanor and consistent play helped keep her team competitive in every match. Zulu played multiple positions including the all important setter position. Zulu was also one of the most consistent and effective servers on the team. Zulu is just a junior this year so we look forward to seeing her in action again next season.
First Team All County Second Team All County Lakelynn Zulu (Setter) Grace Kymberli Jensen (Setter) North Gem
Soleil Somsen (MH) Soda Springs Bella Eddins (MB) Grace
Tessica Jorgensen (OH) Grace Indyana Hatch (OH) North Gem
Ana Davis (OH) Soda Springs Myken Rindlisbaker (Setter) North Gem Brooklyn Porter (OH) Grace Jocee Tingey (OH) Soda Springs Paisley Barthlome (RH) Grace Sage Daniels (OH) North Gem Tara Vedder (Libero) Soda Springs Brook Wakefield (Libero) Grace
All County XC Honors
BY JODY REEVES
Once again this season the county produced some terrific cross country runners that finished the year competing very well at state. Unlike other fall sports, cross country is a little more cut and dry when it comes to performance. The intangibles of the sport are on display in every race. The runners are timed and perform on the same course so it makes it a little more clear who the top athletes in the sport are. However we don’t want to diminish the hard work put in by each and every runner. Just because one runner finishes under seventeen minutes and another exceeds twenty minutes does not mean that each runner did not put in the same effort. All that being said, when we select our all county runners it is hard not to look at the results and pick those runners with the top times. This year both Grace and Soda Springs had some impressive runners on their teams. Both schools also fared well at state in their respective classifications. But it was the Cardinals who really impressed with their times. Both Soda Springs boys and girls teams had some excel-
lent runners and our selections this year will reflect that. We would like to congratulate all of our cross country runners on a terrific season and we look forward to what the future holds for them.
All County Girls XC Athlete Of The Year: Ellie Wood (Soda Springs). Sometimes it is difficult to go out and select an athlete of the year but Wood made this year’s selection an easy choice. Her relentless determination and grit was clear to see in every race this season. Wood led the Lady Cardinals all season and finished an exemplary career with a personal best time at state finishing with a blistering
Boys All County First Team
Landon Moldenhauer (Soda Springs)
Reuben Uskoski (Soda Springs)
Jaxson Horsley (Soda Springs)
Colt Coleman (Grace)
Kage Kirby (Soda Springs)
Girls All County First Team
Ellie Wood (Soda Springs)
Brinley Kunz (Soda Springs)
Lily Coleman (Grace)
Mollie Renfroe (Soda Springs)
Rosie Harris (Soda Springs)
especially his grandchildren, were taught by him how to understand his love for these hobbies.
The one thing that never changed throughout his life was working with wood. From building studio sets to remodeling and construction of houses, along with building apartments. For the past 30 years of his life, he was making furniture that ranged from willow chairs, rocking chairs, beds, dressers, nightstands, ladders for decorations, to multiple cedar jewelry boxes he gave away to loved ones and the girl athletes of Caribou County. He made all of these items with joy and such love. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. at the Hooper LDS Church. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-11 A.M.
time of 18:55.6.
All County Boys XC Athlete Of The Year: Landon Moldenhauer (Soda Springs). As Moldenhauer entered his junior year campaign most people expected him to lead the Cardinals boys team. What may have come as somewhat of a surprise was how much the younger members of the team would push him. After getting just edged out in districts by one of his teammates Moldenhauer bounced back at the state championships finishing with a personal best time of 16:21.8. Moldenhauer will return for his senior year where he will lead a very good young group of runners.
Boys All County Second Team
Dre Lloyd (Soda Springs)
Carter Mecham (Grace)
Jonah Wilkerson (Grace)
Brock Johnson (Grace)
Johnathan Beutler (Soda Springs)
Girls All County Second Team
Riley Goode (Soda Springs)
Landon Moldenhaer leads the pack.
Madilyn Kempe (Soda Springs)
Courtnee Gronning (Soda Springs)
Mylee White (Soda Springs)
Hayden Ball (Grace)
Lakelynn Zulu is the Enterprise’s All County Player of the Year
Grizzlies Show Strong Defense In Quarterfinal Game
BY JODY REEVES
The Grace Grizzlies were back in action last week after enjoying a first round bye in the playoffs. The Grizzlies faced off against the Prairie Pirates in the quarter finals. Grace was the designated home team though the game was played in the ICCU Dome in Pocatello. This was the second year in a row that the two teams faced off in the playoffs in a win or go home game. The Grizzlies knocked off the Pirates last season in a close game up north in Cottonwood. The Pirates entered this year’s game boasting a prolific offense in the state’s toughest district. If you were previewing this year’s game perhaps the key match up you would look at would be the head to head comparison of the two starting quarterbacks. Draper from Grace and Quintal from Prairie are among the top quarterbacks in the 2A classification this year. Quintal’s slight edge on paper was enough to light a fire under Draper as he headed into last weekend’s game. However the way the game shook out the story focused on a relentless Grizzly defense. That’s not to say that the Grace offense didn’t play well but the defense really stifled the Pirates. The Grizzlies held the Pirates scoreless in the first quarter while their offense was able to put up fourteen points. In the second quarter the Grizzlies added a score early on before finally allowing the Pirates into the endzone. The score for Prairie was not easy as they had a first and goal from inside the five and it took them all four downs to get the job done. The Grizzlies defense would continue to make things difficult for the Pirates while the offense would continue to put up scores. The first half would end with Grace leading the game 27-8. The second half would be much of the same as the Grizzlies con-
tinued to control the game. With just over seven minutes left in the game the Grizzlies gave up their only other score of the game and Grace cruised to a 4016 victory.
Gavin Draper made good use of his arsenal of weapons on offense finding five different receivers for touchdowns. Draper finished the game with three hundred twenty-six passing yards and a qb rating of 125.8. Chase Smith scored the only rushing touchdown for the Grizzlies adding to his season totals. But like I said the real story was the defense who held the Pirates to just thirty-three rushing yards and a hundred fifty-four passing. The defense also grabbed three interceptions as well as four sacks. Leading the way for the Grizzlies on defense was a pair of seniors. Carter Kimball had two of the interceptions and one of the quarterback sacks while Parker Yost kept the pressure on the Pirate quarterback all game long accounting for the other three sacks in the game as well as several other tackles.
The one knock on the Grizzlies was several penalties in the game most of which came in the form of holding. Those are mistakes they cannot afford in this week’s match up as they will face Kendrick Friday night at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow. The Tigers hold the state’s longest winning streak and are ranked as one of the top five eight man teams in the nation. The Grizzlies will need to be on point on both sides of the ball to compete with what has been the state’s most dominant program over the last four years at any level. The Grizzlies have been overlooked for much of the season and feel as though they deserved a better ranking than what they ended with. Friday’s game will give them the chance to prove to the naysayers that they do belong at the top of the state rankings.
All County Football Honors
BY JODY REEVES
With the season wrapped up for all but one team in the county it is time for us to announce our all county honors for football. As most of our readers know our local schools are split between playing the traditional eleven man game and the eight man version of the sport. In an effort to include as many athletes as possible our list will include eleven players on both sides of the ball. Space does not allow us to show stats or comment on every player on our list. However there are some positions that were very competitive making our choices very difficult that we will talk about. In addition to stats and coaches nominations we also took into consideration strength of schedule and our own personal perspective. The first position we will discuss is probably the most talked about position on any football team: the quarterback.
Two players are in contention for this year’s top quarterback in the county. Craig Yost from North Gem and Gavin Draper from Grace both led their teams to successful seasons as they filled up the stat sheets. Each player was crucial to their teams success and showed great leadership on and off the field. For all of their similarities the two quarterbacks were complete opposites in their style of play. Yost led the Cowboys power run offense taking his snaps under center and distributing the ball to his backs or keeping the ball himself. Along the way he broke the school’s rushing record. Draper on the other hand had most of his success in the Grizzlies air attack. Draper was able to spread the ball around to his very deep receiving core and finished the season with one of the highest passer ratings in the state. With two very worthy candidates the decision ultimately came down to which player best represents
the traditional position of quarterback. While Yost’s rushing stats were more than impressive when comparing his passing game to Draper’s running game Draper comes out on top. When called upon to use his legs Draper was able to gain crucial yards and score. Another highly competitive area was the linebacking core of all three teams. Several of this year’s linebackers showed toughness and grit as all three schools proved to be tough against the run. The Cowboys duo of Craig Yost and Haydn Frandsen led the team on the defensive side of the ball. For the Grizzlies several players were key to their defensive success. Chase Smith, Bryant Moss, Cooper Andersen and Parker Yost stifled their opponents run game while also being able to drop back into pass coverage. The Cardinals featured probably the biggest linebacking core. Cole Garbett, Elijah Dilworth and Zayden Garbett showed real
First Team Offense
QB: Gavin Draper (Grace)
RB: Chase Smith (Grace)
RB: Bryant Moss (Grace)
TE: Parker Yost (Grace)
WR: Zayden Garbett (SSHS)
WR: Kade Kimball (Grace)
C/OL: Haydn Frandsen (North Gem)
OL: Case Williams (Grace)
OL: Carson Cook (SSHS)
OL: Hyrum Barnes (North Gem)
OL: Mack Jorgensen (Grace)
First Team Defense
DT: Case Williams (Grace)
DT: Parker Yost (Grace)
OLB/DE: Zayden Garbett (SSHS)
OLB/DE: Cooper Andersen (Grace)
ILB: Cole Garbett (SSHS)
ILB: Chase Smith (Grace)
ILB: Craig Yost (North Gem)
DB: Gavin Draper (Grace)
DB: Kade Kimball (Grace)
DB: Clay Johnson (North Gem)
DB: Carter Kimball (Grace)
Special Teams
K: Bradley Schiele (Grace)
P: Cole Garbett (SSHS)
KR: Clay Johnson (North Gem)
toughness facing several of the state’s top run offenses. The trio used their size and strength to make several big plays this season. Fortunately for us we are allowed to place multiple players for this position on our list. That being said the choice was still difficult having so many quality players to choose from.
It is regrettable that we do not have the space to discuss every position but we are thrilled to be able to honor so many great players and the success they had this season. So without further adieu here are your 2025 all county football players.
All County Player Of The Year: Bryant Moss (Grace). Moss is a dual threat on offense both running the ball and receiving. Moss led the Grizzlies in yards per game and touchdowns on the season with eleven. On defense Moss tallied a team high sixty-four tackles.
Second Team Offense
QB: Craig Yost (North Gem)
RB: Cole Garbett (SSHS)
RB: Carter Kimball (Grace)
TE: No Nomination
WR: Cooper Andersen (Grace)
WR: Owen Miller (SSHS)
C/OL: Barrett Hobbs (SSHS)
OL: Zander Housley (SSHS)
OL: Landry Crane (Grace)
OL: Boston Stoddard (Grace)
OL: Landon Hayes (North Gem)
Second Team Defense
DT: Mack Jorgensen (Grace)
DT: Hyrum Barnes (North Gem)
OLB/DE: Kayden Harrison (SSHS)
OLB/DE: Carson Cook (SSHS)
ILB: Haydn Frandsen (North Gem)
ILB: Elijah Dilworth (SSHS)
ILB: Bryant Moss (Grace)
DB: Kayden Petersen (SSHS)
DB: Makiah Browning (SSHS)
DB: Randy Stephens (SSHS)
DB: Owen Miller (SSHS)
The next game will be a challenge, as the Kendrick Tigers have the state’s longest winning streak.
Parker Yost keeps the defense strong against the Pirates.
Bryant Moss is the Enterprise All County Player of the Year