The Idaho Enterprise | Caribou | September 18, 2025
Enterprise The Idaho
After a summer off, Soda’s Geyser is back in action!
A crowd assembled in front of the until-recently dormant geyser in Soda Springs for the “re-starting” of the town’s iconic landmark. The geyser has had a few stops and starts since it was initially discovered in 1937, but in recent memory there has not been a gap as lengthy as the summer hiatus.
“I can’t remember more than a week or so of it being off in my time,” said Caribou Historical Society’s Bill Horsley.
According to the commonly understood history of the geyser, its discovery was a complete accident. A swimming pool was being excavated for, and during a dinner break in the activity, a sound that those eating mistook for a steam engine broke through the convivial conversation. When the men emerged to see what the commotion was all about, they discovered two important facts, which were that the water shooting skyward would not be suitable for a pool, and that a pool was probably not the best use of the location.
In attendance were a long list of people who have been involved with the geyser restoration/reconstruction project, including city council and city crew members, engineers, and many more.
The event was officiated by City Councilman Paul Gritton, who began by thanking the city crew and Dan Squires. Squires “played a big role in getting this thing done in a timely fashion. His crew got it done as fast as possible getting this thing up and running again. It’s not as simple as going down to the geyser store and getting parts for it.”
“With the things that have gone on over the last week, I thought it would be appropriate to give things a bit of a patriotic twist,” Paul Gritton continued. In part, this was a reference to Morco and Cody Spencer who “reached out and
GEYSER
On Page 4
Remembering 9/11
There had not been a specifically planned 9/11 commemoration event last week, but after the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk by a 22 year old Utah man earlier in the week, an event was put together to try to go some way toward providing a public way to express the grief and anger of many residents, as well as to try to seek some measure of hope. The event was a mixture of patriotic national commemoration and devotional discussion.
The event included a number of participants from around the county, including John Beer, Alana Burns, Naconna Gentry, Kate Lauck, Daniel Larsen, Rick Hatch, Ryan Carpenter, Carrie Yost, and Jared Hunsaker.
In addition to the prayers, comments, devotional readings, and thoughts shared, the evening ended with a group candle lighting ceremony and moment of reflection.
After an opening flag ceremony conducted by Jacob Hirsbrunner, Bob Johnson played “Amazing Grace” on harmonica, setting the somber but positive mood for the evening.
John Beer offered an opening prayer, in which he expressed the heartbreak felt by those in attendance, and asked for justice, patience, and righteousness.
Alana Burns spoke about how the event started. “Obviously, September 11th is a big deal. We all know where we were when we heard about the tragedies in New York that killed our brothers and sisters. We will always remember that day. Yesterday felt like that day again for me. Because it wasn’t just an assassin killing another one of our brothers—it felt like an assault on all of us. On our freedoms
REMEMBERING 9/11
On Page 4
Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University; Suspect in Custody OREM, Utah — Authorities confirmed conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31. Police identified the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested late Thursday night near St. George, roughly 250 miles from the campus. Investigators say Robinson allegedly confessed to his father, who immediately contacted authorities and secured his son until law enforcement arrived. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered. Officials say Robinson acted alone and will face capital charges, potentially including the death penalty. Federal and state agencies are treating the killing as a political assassination. Investigators are still working to determine Robinson’s motive. Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and was a frequent speaker on college campuses nationwide.
Man and Woman Killed, Child Flown to Hospital After Malad Crash
Two adults were killed, and a child was critically injured in a rollover crash near Malad on Wednesday night, Idaho State Police reported. The crash happened around 9:15 p.m. at the intersection of 700 North and 100 West. Investigators say a 2014 Ford Focus carrying three people was traveling southbound when it drifted off the right shoulder. The driver overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll and strike two unoccupied vehicles parked along the left shoulder. The occupants — a 47-year-old man from Fielding, Utah, a 45-yearold woman from Tremonton, Utah, and a juvenile — were all taken to area hospitals. The man and woman later died from their injuries. The child, who was properly restrained, was airlifted to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The crash closed the road for about three hours as crews investigated and cleared the scene.
Evergreen High School Shooter Dead, Student in Critical Condition
Authorities say the teenager responsible for Wednesday’s deadly shooting at Evergreen High School (Colorado) is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting began around 12:24 p.m., when a 16-year-old male student opened fire both inside and outside the school, striking two classmates without warning. One victim remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital, while the other has been treated and released. Jefferson County deputies arrived within minutes, quickly securing classrooms and hallways, though no school resource officer was on campus at the time. Governor Jared Polis called the incident “heartbreaking,” urging strong community support and renewed efforts to keep schools safe.
One of the table displays at the 9/11 event in Soda Springs last week.
Cheryl Harris took this picture of the geyser and flag.
Councilmen Ryan Carpenter and Paul Gritton, Henry Dahl from Rep. Mike Simpson’s office, Senator Harris, Council President Mitch Hart, and Councilman Rod Worthington.
Senior Center receives donation from Lhoist
Last week, the Caribou Senior Center was the recipient of a $5,000 donation from the Lhoist company. If that name sounds familiar but you can’t quite place it, Lhoist is a company which “produces and supplies lime (including dolomitic lime), limestone, and mineral solutions for an ever-growing range of applications, since 1889.” Need another hint? Lhoist is the owner of the facility on Ten Mile Pass road that can be seen from almost anywhere on the western side of the county. While it has not been in operation recently, according to company representative Duane Surman, who presented a check to the Senior Center last week, the plant is kept in “run-ready condition,” which allows it to be kickstarted into operation with very little turnaround time.
Each year, the Lhoist company donates to the communities it works within, and this year a suggestion was made by one of the property’s neighbors to donate to the Senior Center. “We like to recognize a place that is working to make people’s lives better, and we chose the Senior Center as that place this year,” Surman said.
The Senior Center is in the process of hiring a new cook and assistant director, and is always looking for vol-
unteers. Volunteers are needed to sort donations to the thrift store, and assist with a number of activities that take place at the Senior Center. The Senior Center is a incredibly important fixture for many of Caribou County’s residents, as it is both a connection to other people, as well as both physical and
emotional resources for many of those who love to spend time within its walls.
If you are interested in volunteering or applying for the paid positions at the center, contact ShaLayne Bartschi for more information at 208-547-3007.
The Senior Center is also selling raffle tickets for a drawing it intends to
hold on October 1 at 12:00 lunch. A
Tikka T3X LiteVeil Wideland 7mm donated by Caribou Ford is the marquee item of the drawing, but there are many other items up for the raffle as well. The raffle tickets for the drawing can be purchased for $5 each, or 5 for $20 at the Senior Center.
A conversation with Cohlee Winward and Bonnie Speas: Community Coordinators for SD 150
Recently, Cohlee Winward and Bonnie Speas were hired as Community Coordinators for the Soda Springs School District under a grant funded by the United Way. The grant has a four-year funding cycle, and the plan is to create a sustainable program in that time through which the local school district and community groups, organizations, and businesses can combine their resources to the benefit of the area’s students. The overarching phrase the pair are using as they begin to set the program in motion is “Building bridges between schools, families, and community resources” and they hope to do just that.
Speas will be working primarily with Thirkill, and Winward will be working primarily with Tigert, though both will be located in offices on the Thirkill campus.
At the outset of the project, the two are conducting a needs assessment for the area, in order to determine what resources are most urgent within the school district.
“After we find out what the needs are,” Speas said, “then we’ll settle on a focus.”
“We can’t do it all at once,” Winward noted. “But our goal is the create a reasonable program. Some of it is connecting with resources that are already here, in other words making a connection.”
The two toured schools in the American Falls district to see how programs had been implemented there, as well as in Rigby. “There were some good ideas. One thing that we heard, though, was that ‘if you’ve seen one community school…you’ve seen one community school. The needs are different in every location, and there isn’t one single way to do things.”
A QR Code is attached to this article, and is one way to let the two know what kind of issues and ideas are important to members of the community. Since the position is predicated on the interaction between the various stakeholders in local education, information from parents and members of the community at large is vital to effectively forming strategies to best address issues of major concern.
Cohlee Winward provided some additional specific insights into the position, as she and Speas continue exploring the landscape that supports education in the community.
1) What is involved in your new role?
At its core, our job is about build-
ing connections. We are here to listen to students, families, and teachers, and then help bridge the gaps between them and the resources in our community. That could eventually mean after-school activities for kids who aren’t involved in sports, programs to strengthen family engagement, or partnerships with local organizations.
2) What entities will you be working with, and what are your objectives for them?
We will be working closely with parents, teachers, nonprofits, businesses, and service providers to identify needs and create solutions. From mental health resources to enrichment activities, the emphasis is on building strong partnerships that benefit the entire community. At this stage, we are gathering information—listening to different voices, learning what’s already available, and identifying where gaps may exist.
3) How has it been so far?
Though still new, the position is already uncovering opportunities. Early conversations with families and staff have provided valuable input to guide potential programs. While no additional programming has been implemented yet, the process of listening and observing has been incredibly meaningful. Bonnie and I have also taken on the management of the district’s food pantry, with hopes of enhancing and expanding this service for families in need.
4) What are you looking forward to?
I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. Once we have a clearer picture, I look forward to develop-
ing programs and opportunities that make a real difference—things that feel meaningful, sustainable, and supportive for students, staff and families. Seeing kids light up when they discover something new or feel like they belong is what motivates me most.
5) What can people do to help, or should they be aware of?
Community support is vital to the success of this initiative. People can get involved by volunteering, offering ideas, or simply keeping an eye out for upcoming opportunities. Even small actions, like spreading the word about new programs, can make a big difference. If you’re a community member, organization, or business that would like to partner with us, please reach out. We’d love to connect and explore ways to work together in support of our students and families.
6) Anything else you want people to know?
Right now, we are still in the process of collecting data to make sure our efforts are 100% thoughtful and effective. We want to ensure that the programs and supports we eventually put in place truly meet the needs of students and families. To help with this, we’ve created a public survey where community members can share their input. If you’d like to have your voice heard, please take a moment to scan the QR code and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback will directly shape the opportunities we create for our students.
Bonnie Speas and Cohlee Winward are the new Community Coordinators at SD #150.
Lhoist representative Duane Surman presenting a donation to the members of the Senior Center board.
Items for the upcoming Senior Center raffle.
Thirkill PTO Kicks off Fun Run
The Fun Run is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Thirkill PTO, and it’s safe to say that kids are now pretty excited about it after this year’s top prizes were unveiled.
Amanda Larsen and Kate Lauck from the PTO were on hand for the “kick off assembly,” which coincided with the students receiving their donor packets for the fundraiser. Students are encouraged to get sponsorships from friends, family, and whoever else for the miles that they run at the beginning of October when the actual fun run takes place.
Grace Auga is the artist whose design was revealed to have been chosen for the official event flyer, and she was recognized in front of the assembled student body. Her poster features a Cardinal in sneakers, and the slogan “Active Body Active Mind Active Life”.
In conjunction with the Fun Run, Caribou Medical Center, who is the event’s top sponsor, introduced new care provider Patricia Conner to talk about staying healthy with the students. She talked about the importance of hygiene and nutrition, as well as other ways that Thirkill students could make sure that they stayed healthy. Conner has recently joined CMC and comes with a background in pediatrics and Family Practice medicine. She grew up in Twin Falls, and is a lifelong Idaho resident. Various businesses around town have begun posting their Thirkill Sponsor signs at their locations. Anyone looking to help raise funds for the school can support their own or local kids in the efforts to run as many miles as they can for pledged amounts. The school can be contacted directly at 208-5474426 for information about donations to the PTO, the Fun Run, or students. Checks can be made out to Thirkill PTO directly or donations can be made through the PTO’s 99 Pledges page.
As the primary fundraiser for the year, the Fun Run carries a lot of the responsibility for ensuring that the school is able to provide for its students and teachers in the way its leadership sees as important. The PTO works throughout the year to raise money for building funds, science units, math
manipulatives, assemblies, and playground equipment. This year, new swings are one of the bucket list items, as well as a concrete pad to expand the options for four square, hopscotch, and other outdoor games.
For each tier of donations brought in by the students, there is a range of prizes to be won, including bowling passes from the Alley, drinks from Soda Sip, Maverik cards, Cardinal tumblers, and more. Prizes will be given out for students at levels $20, $50, $100, and $250, and all students will receive a T-Shirt. During the explanation of those prizes, the gym was a dull roar. You can only imagine how deafening the atmosphere became when the top prizes—four electric go-kart style cars—became.
After watching PTO President Amanda Larsen take a few spins on one of the cars, the energy was intense. Even though it was the very end of a long school Monday, there is no doubt that these kids would have been just as amped either way. And they certainly are off an running as the countdown to October 2nd starts ticking.
The Day of October 2, the schedule will have kindergarten and preschool running from 900 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., 2nd grade from 9:45 to 10:30, 3rd grade from 10:30 to 11:15, 1st grade from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., afternoon kindergarten from 1:45 to 2:30 and 4th grade from 2:30 to 3:15.
Election Corrections and Updates
Last week, the final candidate slates for the upcoming elections across the county were released. In our front page story, there were a few notable errors in presenting the names. One of them was a contested race, the School District 149 trustee race, in which the candidates are Brandi Wakley and Phillip James Knox, who was misnamed as James Phillip.
The other was an uncontested race for Grace City Council, and the candidates are Kimi Lowe and Tyler Hyrum Butikofer. Apologies to the candidates for the transposed middle and first names—there is no good excuse when something as important as an election is on the line.
As the campaigning picks up in the various races across the valley, the Enterprise is excited to hear from both the candidates and the voters over the course of the next month and a half. Similar to last year’s elections, the following policies will be in place:
For Candidates
All candidates, for any position on the ballot whether it is contested or not, are invited to submit a “candidate introduction” of up to 750 words with one picture. Feel free to speak to your potential voters about your experience, your plans for the future, and what you would like your community to know about you and your candidacy. Please focus on the positive message of what you, yourself, bring to the table. Avoid the negative messaging tied to any other candidates running.
Any materials after the introductory submission will be considered advertising materials, and treated as such. Any news coverage that happens in the normal course of events involving a candidate, is not considered advertising.
Candidates are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor in support of oth-
er candidates, or in response to materials related to their respective races should they feel a need to clarify or respond to any issues that have been raised, within reason.
For the Community Letters to the editor will gladly be printed from anyone who wishes to submit them, with the following stipulations: each writer will be limited to one letter of support for each candidate. In the event that there are a number of support letters that present similar statements of support, they may be edited for length or a representative example may be selected for the same reason.
Letters, like candidate statements, should avoid directly negative characterizations or denigratory statements about specific candidates. Addressing relevant issues is certainly fine, but avoid personal attacks and elevate the discourse to a civil and polite level.
Calendar This year’s election will take place on November 4, and the Enterprise will honor the Caribou County Sun’s tradition of not running letters or candidate statements the Thursday before the election (October 30) in order to make sure that candidates are not left without a chance to respond to anything raised right before the election. The final publication date for letters and profiles will be October 23. Advertisements that simply present the candidate’s name/information to the voters will be accepted through October 30.
Contact
Any candidate or community member who would like to submit materials to the Enterprise can send them to brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com, or mail them to P.O. Box 331, Soda Springs, ID, 83276.
The PTO (and helpers!) officially kicked off the Fun Run on Monday.
Amanda Larsen with poster design winner Grace Auga.
Geyser
asked if they could fly the flag for us tonight.” The flag was raised above the site with a large construction crane, somewhat akin to the iconic 9/11 images. The other patriotic element was a rendition of the national anthem by Bancroft’s Alana Burns.
Afterward, Gritton read from prepared remarks. “The geyser—what does it mean for our town? I’ve come to realize it means a great deal,” he began. “It has a direct impact on Main Street. When I would envision a Main Street that has every building full of a business of some sort, that is vibrant and healthy and full of life, with visitors coming to this geyser to view it—it’s a cornerstone. It’s part of our town’s identity, and tonight I wanted to make this kind of a ceremonial occasion. I would like to see this as a change in our attitude toward downtown. Together, as a community, we can change what our downtown looks like, and the economic viability of the Main Street. Bill Horsley noted that he had counted 13 empty buildings down town. I would like to see that change. It’s not going to be quick and easy, but I would like to see our Main Street get livened up a bit. I’ve got some ideas that a state park would entirely change this downtown dynamic, in my opinion. I just talked with Parks and Rec and we’re going to keep working on that.”
Gritton thanked Senator Mark Harris for his efforts in that area, and noted that “we’re only where we are due to Senator Harris.”
“So, this geyser, in my opinion, is a revenue source for this community,” Gritton said. “I guess I knew that, but it wasn’t until I spent time down here this summer doing whatever I could to get this thing going, that I saw how many people come down here to see this geyser. And I know they have to be stopping at our businesses. I am hoping that this geyser re-start is also the restart to our economic viability downtown. So, I would challenge each and every busi-
ness person in the community to look at ways you can dress your businesses up, no matter how small it is, to show they people who come here that we love our community and that we want them here and welcome them here,” Gritton said.
Gritton discussed color and vibrancy of Afton’s downtown, and again encouraged local businesses to make a difference.
Camille and Shane Peterson were specifically thanked for the investment they were planning to the area. The owners of the Idan-ha and Grumpy Guys Pizza are planning to bring their pizza place downtown. “I want to recognize and thank them for their investment in the community. What they’re doing down there is not cheap.”
“We’re excited to bring some more business downtown. Like you said, it is a long, drawn out process, so be patient with us and we’ll try to get it done as soon as possible. Thank you for the support that you’ve given us already— we’ve sold over 10,000 pizzas this year. Hopefully we’ll do bigger and better things!” Shane said.
Dan Squires, who was instrumental in the geyser repair project, spoke about some of the technical aspects involved. “Earlier this spring, I’m sure a lot of you knew that the geyser was not working right. It didn’t work well all through the winter. We weren’t exactly sure what was wrong with it— myself, Justin Hansen, Mike Veile, and Trevin Barfuss—we got together one day and decided to come look at it and see if it was a control issue or a valve issue, or what we had going on. We came to the conclusion that it probably wasn’t a control issue, but a valve issue. The valve itself was buried under the buildup from the geyser.”
“We got a jackhammer and jackhammered all that buildup out to get down to the valve, and once we did get down there it was pretty obvious what the problem was. If you aren’t familiar with how the old valve worked, it was hydraulic. It had a hydraulic ram, a reservoir and a pump that actually
Remember 9/11
continued from front page
of speech, our freedoms of gathering, our freedom to disagree civilly. And that’s what makes America so special, and we can’t ever let that go. You feel like justice has to be served and that can be met with anger, but the man that we’re mourning right now, and the people that were murdered in New York so many years ago wouldn’t want that. Charlie himself would have pointed you towards Christ. He would have called you to love. He would have called you to forgive. So I felt like in that moment when I was searching for connection yesterday, bawling my face off, not knowing what to do with all these emotions, I felt like I needed to gather. I needed to know that there were other people in the world who were feeling what I felt. And that they cared. And that it mattered in the world. As I’ve been watching the news over the last few years, it’s been so disheartening, to see the hearts of people change. To see stories of crime where people didn’t take action. Where people let evil win—and that can’t happen. I am so encouraged to see this pavilion so full of people who will not let that happen in our community. We will be there for each other, even if we disagree. There is so much darkness in the world, and the Lord is calling us to be his light. And in this moment, we want to just lash out—he’s asked
exactly not to do that. He’s asked us to share light with the world. Darkness is already present; we don’t need to add to it.”
Following Burns’ remarks, Naconna Gentry discussed the example of anti-Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who discussed the role of Christianity in the secular world. Bonheoffer was murdered in a concentration camp as a result of his outspoken beliefs. She concluded with some of the words of Saint Paul: “Love must be sincere, detest what is evil and cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves by honoring one another…do not repay evil with evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for god’s wrath. For it is written vengeance is mine I will repay says the lord.”
Kate Lauck spoke about the profound experience she had in 2018, finding out that her brother-in-law had been killed in Afghanistan. Her niece had been explaining to her that there were soldiers at the door and she wasn’t sure why. Lauck asked whether the men had on dress uniforms or camo, and upon being told that they were wearing dress uniforms, the reality of what was transpiring crashed down upon her. Lauch recounted the full experience of being notified about his death, receiving the body when it returned to the United
pumped hydraulic fluid into a ram that opened and closed the valve. It was pretty ingenious. Folks way before me developed and built that and made it work. It was a pretty neat system, but it was worn out. We were just going to replace some parts, but once we got down to it we realized the body of the valve had completely worn through.”
“We stepped back and looked at it to see if there was something better we could do—I mean, that was forty year old technology, and technology has come a long way since then. We decided to look at maybe an electrically actuated valve. We contacted a few suppliers. Rust Automation is one of the suppliers I use a lot for the city. They sent a valve engineer from Ocala, Florida who came down and he completed nerded out on this valve! He was all over this, and they were pretty excited to be part of a one of one. They did an awesome job and went above and beyond with this valve.”
Squires explained that the hardest part was actually getting the old valve off and the new one on. In the course of making the change, they installed an auxiliary valve they can shut off to control the geyser when they have to work on the automatic valve. The valve is under constant pressure, so “we all had a pretty good bath.”
The new valve is a rotary plug valve. It is “very wear-resistant” and made with the water makeup of the geyser in mind. There should be 300,00 cycles before anything needs to be replaced. Because of the different nature of the replacement valve, it does take a little longer to reach full-open, about 35 seconds. Otherwise, though, “the height and volume are the same,” according to Squires.
“And we do have spare parts!” Squires laughed.
The valve itself was around $16,000 including specialty engineering, and the full repair ran around $19,000.
Like Gritton, Squires noted that “I had no idea how many people come here during the day to see the geyser.
States, and dealing with the grief. “In the nearly seven years since Brent was executed by the Taliban, the price of freedom has surely felt incredibly high to those of us who knew and loved him. But the value of freedom is immeasurably high to those who know and love America and all she represents.”
“Patriotism is not bigotry, it’s not supremacy, it’s not arrogance, and it was never intended to be,” Lauck continued. “Patriotism is an awareness, it’s a gratitude to that price of freedom that let me tell you is pretty costly. Especially to the men and women who come home draped in a flag. Freedom isn’t free, and that’s not just a cliché. I hope more than anything, I hope that as a patriot I feel a kick in my butt to make my community a better place.”
Daniel Larsen spoke about how the country seems to go through cycles of being more and less intolerant and violent. He observed that every two or so generations there is another major moment “when we go through something like this, and we have a choice.”
The choice, Larsen explained was between choosing to love our enemies and bless those who curse us or not.”
Despite what he pointed out was the difficulty of doing so, he encouraged those in the audience to “follow the words of our savior.”
Rick Hatch spoke about remembering where he was on 9/11, but piv-
No idea how many people came here every day—I was shocked. It was eye-opening.” Following his remarks, Squires was given the reward of retiring the “closed” sign that has been in front of the geyser for months.
State Senator Mark Harris was given the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open the geyser. “I appreciate this, and I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who made this geyser work again. This geyser is iconic to Soda Springs. I grew up just south of here, and I would come into town when I was old enough to drive into school. I would leave the house on time, but as you can see I don’t wear a watch. When I’d leave to go to school, I’d get distracted by a cow that was out, or a fence that needed to be fixed and I’d watch to see if the geyser was going. If it was going, then I wasn’t going to be late for school. It was kind of something that I would watch to see what time it was. Now I watch for it when I come to church. If it’s going, I’m going to be late.
Anyway, it’s good that the geyser’s going to be back—it’s like an old friend. It’s always been there and it’s always going to be there. So thanks again to those that have done so much to bring this geyser back, not only for us who watch it to see what time it is, but all the people who come to see it. I too am surprised at the people who come by to see the geyser!”
Without further ado, Senator Harris cut the ribbon and the geyser made its maiden re-voyage without incident.
Councilman Ryan Carpenter spoke briefly as well, explaining that the geyser had been a part of his life since 1990, which “seems like yesterday.” He noted that it was amazing to see people witness it for the first time. “We take it for granted sometimes,” Carpenter said. He pointed out former City Services Director Justin Hansen, who had also played a big part in the restoration of the geyser. Carpenter then offered a prayer before the event ended.
oted his remarks to talk about how much he remembered 9/12. He noted that Charlie Kirk was an example of the kind of citizen that he hoped his government students would become. He hoped that both his students, and those in attendance, would internalize the importance of continuing to have a conversation with others, regardless of how comfortable it was or wasn’t. “The worst thing we can do it to stop having the conversation,” he said.
Ryan Carpenter noted Glen Beck’s point that “they never kill the weak people, only the strong” and spoke about his own feelings over the past day or so.
Jared Hunsaker spoke about the difficulty of being Christlike while worrying while not letting things go in a direction that you aren’t okay with. He detailed a number of ways to get help make the world a better place. Ultimately, the connecting thread between the suggestions was to take a direct role in helping with the community. Coaching a Little League team rather than yelling at the umpire. Running for schoolboard rather than complaining about the school. Like all of the speakers, he reiterated that it was most important to stay connected to the community and family.
It was an amazing night of reflection, and thoughtful processing of a tragic national moment, both in 2025 and 2001.
Music was led by Carrie Yost as the audiecne joined in.
Candles illuminated the growing darkness as the event came to its end.
Staying safe during harvest
BY ALLISON ELIASON
It’s that harvest time of year when farms around the state are bringing in this season’s hard earned crops. Trucks bring various grains, beets and potatoes from the field to the farm or from the farm to the processing plant, the mill, bins or cellars to be stored. Other farm equipment like tractors and combines are frequenting the roads more these days as they move between the various fields ready for harvest. While they may seem like just one more vehicle on the road, drivers should take extra consideration as they share the roadways with farm equipment.
some of those laws of nature will help us understand why it’s important to slow things down.
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Most accidents involving farm equipment happen when other drivers become too impatient with slow moving vehicles. It’s true, it can be a real inconvenience to get stuck behind a slow moving tractor but they are going slow for a reason. That reason is they are trying to be safe.
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That heavy vehicle is going slow for another reason and that is to avoid tipping over, especially on turns. Physics and its laws of centrifugal force and inertia teach us that there are three main factors that contribute to overturned equipmentthe equipment’s center of gravity, its load stability and its speed.
By JoAnn Derson
By nature, farm equipment is heavy. Whether it is a big green tractor, a truck full of spuds or a semi filled with grain, they are just heavy and as a result, you will find them moving slower as they go along the road, here’s why.
The first and most simple reason that farm equipment moves slowly down the roadway is because they aren’t designed to move quickly, they are designed to move powerfully. What I mean is that their big engines are designed to produce a lot of torque or power to pull and work the implements they use. Their high torque and low gears mean that most tractors max out anywhere from 15 mph to 40 mph.
The need for heavy farm equipment to move slowly down the roadway is largely due to physics. Not to get too nerdy, but understanding
The heavier the equipment, the higher the center of gravity which increases the chances of tipping.
The greater the instability the more the weight shifts and throws off that center of gravity, again, increasing the chance of tipping. Both of these factors are hard to control, but speed is something completely in control of the driver. So farmers slow down to take those turns safely.
You don’t always have to suffer going behind a slow vehicle. When the time is right, it’s totally cool to pass that slow moving combine but there are some things to keep in mind as you do so. Some equipment is extra wide and hanging into the other lane. It’s important to wait to pass until the driver knows you are there and can scoot over for both your sakes.
Pay attention to when trucks and equipment are turning off of the road to be sure you aren’t passing them at just the wrong time. Most
BRAIN TEASERS
farm equipment will need to make extra wide turns regardless of what way they are turning and if you go to pass them, just as they are swinging across you are mixing up a recipe for disaster. No matter what sort of rush you are in, it’s better to just wait for the other vehicle to turn off the road.
Finally, obviously, don’t pass if conditions aren’t safe to do so. If it is dusty and difficult for drivers to see you or for you to see any oncoming traffic, it is safer to wait than to risk it. Additionally, wait to pass until you are in a legal passing zone. When given the chance, most tractor operators will pull over to let traffic pass.
There may be times you want to avoid getting stuck behind that slow moving truck and you think you can quickly get out ahead of it, but that line of thinking comes with its own risks as well. Remember that a loaded down truck will take much longer to slow down than a normal vehicle. If you pull out and aren’t going fast enough, there is a real possibility that the truck is going to rear end you or drive off the road to avoid hitting you. In a car vs tractor or loaded truck crash, the car will always lose.
It’s important to realize that everyone has a part to play in farm safety, even if you never step foot on a farm. Idaho is a proud ag producing state, leading the country in some of its prized crops. We can all take part to make it a safe harvest if we patiently share the road with those vehicles that make it possible to bring harvest in and food to all our families. The harvest season may be coming to a close soon, but now is no time to put the rush on things.
• If you get a gray-colored film on your utensils after they come out of the dishwasher, try cleaning them with a cream of tartar paste. Additionally, clean out the filter regularly.
• “I love my blender and use it all the time, but I don’t always have time to clean the blades properly when I’m in a rush. There is a spot under the blades that I find it hard to clean if my smoothie gets dried on. I have found a way to clean it now, though, with rice! A couple of spoonfuls in the otherwise clean blender, and the rice buffs any residue right off. I even use the rice powder in a homemade facial mask that makes my skin feel great!” — D.W. in Oregon
• Have you nailed down your holiday shopping list yet? Many find it distasteful to see Christmas and other holiday items out so early, but studies show that the earlier you start, the less you spend. Likely because you are not rushed and are able to take advantage of sales and to shop smart.
• Use cola to marinate your meat! The acids in the soda pop make meat nice and tender before cooking, and sugar can actually give you a nice caramel flavor on the outside too. You can use a cola bath for meat on the grill or search cookbooks or internet sites for great slow-cooker recipes.
• “If your cat regularly has issues with hair balls, try giving it a teaspoon of olive oil a day. Mine loves it and will lick it right off a saucer, but you could drizzle it over food too. It’s better than butter, because it’s good fats not bad.”
— Y.E. in Missouri
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
1793 US President George Washington lays the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
1837 Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young co-found a “stationary and fancy good emporium” in New York City, later renamed in 1853 as “Tiffany & Co.”
1851 First edition of The New York Times is published for 2 cents a copy
1873 Government bond agent Jay Cooke & Co collapses, causing panic on Wall Street and the start of the Panic of 1873 and the Long Depression
1895 Daniel David Palmer of Davenport, Iowa, gives the first chiropractic adjustment
1947 Central Intelligence Agency officially comes into existence after being established by President Truman in July
1958 The Fresno Drop: Bank of America mails out 60,000 BankAmericards in Fresco, California, the first credit card (later renamed VISA)
1965 TV sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie”, starring Barbara Eden as a 2,000-year-old genie, and Larry Hagman as an astronaut who becomes her master, premieres on NBC
1971 Momofuku Ando markets the first Cup Noodle, packaging it in a waterproof polystyrene container
1998 “Rush Hour” directed by Brett Ratner, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker released – Jackie Chan’s Hollywood breakthrough
2001 First mailing of anthrax letters form Trenton, New Jersey in the 2001 anthrax attacks
SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU
Lunches served with Fruit, Veggies & Milk
Monday, September 22
Breakfast on a stick, Yogurt
Tuesday, September 23
Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup
Wednesday, September 24
Orange Chicken, Fried Rice
Thursday, September 25
Crispito, Refried Beans
NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU
Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day
Monday, September 22
Shepard’s Pie W/Bread Stick, Deli Bar, Brocc/Caul. Bake, Fruit Jell-O Cups
Tuesday, September 23
Chicken Philly Sandwich, Hot Beef n Cheese, Deli Bar, Roasted Squash, Tropical Fruit Salad
Wednesday, September 24
Super Nachos, Deli Bar, Spicy Black Beans, Aloha Smoothie
Thursday, September 25
BBQ Flatbread, Sloppy Joes, Deli Bar, Garlic Green Beans/Pears
*Birthday Cake and Ice Cream is served in-house only!
BIRTHDAYS
Dean Checketts, Sept. 2
Brent Madson, Sept. 6
Sabrina Gummersall. Sept. 8
Barbara Willes, Sept. 8
Thayne Gentry, Sept. 9
Rodney Wood, Sept. 9
Judy Pope, Sept. 9
Jim Johnson, Sept. 10
Kathryn Giles, Sept. 10
Doris Hayden, Sept. 11
Bob Hovanski, Sept. 12
Mike Lloyd, Sept. 12
Gail Roholt, Sept. 12
KenaAnn Moore, Sept. 13
Glenn Barker, Sept. 17
Glayd Christensen, Sept. 17
Ashli Crump, Sept. 17
Jerry Brown, Sept. 18
Clarice Roholt, Sept. 18
Linda Toone, Sept. 18
Ron Weaver, Sept.18
Rick Dunn, Sept. 19
Carolyn Smith, Sept. 19
Betty Gentry, Sept. 20
Louise Somsen, Sept. 21
Cindy Bunderson, Sept. 21
Howard Pope, Sept. 21
Tom Phelps, Sept. 22
Janeye Perron, Sept. 23
Diane Roholt, Sept. 24
Konni Petersen, Sept. 25
Doris Stephens, Sept. 26
Ian Crofts, Sept. 28
Marthell Fowler, Sept. 29
Steve Peterson, Sept. 29
If you would like to add yourself, your kids, loved one, friend or family member to our weekly birthday list, contact Sherrie at 208-766-4773 or email sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com
LOOKING BACK AT PAGES FROM THE PAST
The following stories are summarized from past issues of the Caribou County Sun over the last fifty plus years. The Enterprise thanks Mark Steele for permission to use the contents, and the Grace Public Library for access to the archives.
2020
Soda Springs School District 150 Superintendent Molly Stein confirmed last Thursday morning that there were eight cases of COVID-19 early in the day, and another two by the end of the day, making ten in total. An email was sent by the superintendent to parents, notifying them of the development. “We are working with Southeast Idaho Public Health with tracing and isolation protocols and we will keep you updated,” she said in the email. Emails were sent out to parents of those who were identified as having close contact with a confirmed case by Soda Springs High School Principal Jess McMurray/. He said it was in conjunction with SIPH to conduct contact tracing to try to determine which students had close contact with a confirmed case. “The football team has decided to self-quarantine for the health and safety of our players and our school,” the email continued. “This is consistent with how we have proceeded with the volleyball team and the cheer team. The quarantine period includes all school events including other extracurricular and co-curricular events.” Principal McMurray added “Students that are quarantining due to COVID-19 are still a vital part of our school and each classroom they would “normally “ be in. As a result of this, we will not count these days against our students as long as they Zoom into their classes, or make other arrangements with their teachers.”
The State of Idaho will begin making payments for the Trump Administration’s new plan to offer extended unemployment benefits in order to continue Idaho’s economic rebound. “Idaho is third among states for lowest unemployment rates, thanks to the investments and creativity of Idaho’s businesses in safely reopening,” Governor Brad Little said. “We chose to participate in President Trump’s new program as part of a comprehensive approach to our economic rebound, which includes small business grants and return-to-work incentives.” President Trump issued an executive memorandum earlier this month creating the Lost Wages Assistance program and replacing the recently expired Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which paid an extra $600 a week to those receiving unemployment benefits. The Lost Waged program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Administration. “Idaho’s economy is open, and most Idahoans have returned to work safely. However, the number of available jobs reported in Idaho is still lower than the number of unemployed Idahoans,” Governor Little said.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the Grizzly Bear State Management Act. The legislation, which was introduced by Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming and cosponsored by Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, would remove the grizzly bear from the endangered species list in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and permit states the manage the species. “Species management is a critical tool to protect species and ecosystems, and Idaho’s local wildlife managers have a history of successful species management based on collaboration and science. We have worked for over a decade to expand delisting of grizzly bears, a species that has successfully met its recovery foals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” said Senators Risch and Crapo. The grizzly bear was first listed as threatened in 1975. In 2017, the Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list. Citing a significant increase in bear populations and a doubling of their range land. In September 2018, a federal judge in Montana ruled to put the grizzly bear back on the endangered list. The state of Wyoming appealed the decision, and in July a federal appeals court upheld the continued pro-
tections for the grizzly bear.
2010
Ember Casperson of Bancroft had an outstanding rodeo season this fall. First of all, she is a member of the BRCA barrel racing club and competed in the 9-13 age group and ended the season winning the youth barrel racing saddle. She won the year end average in the pole bending and the goat tying. She also competed in the Gooding Youth Rodeo winning the pole and goat tying, and ended up winning the reserve all-around champion and received a breast collar, two belt buckles, and spur straps. This tiny 10 year old fifth grader at North Gem Elementary also competed in the High Desert Junior Rodeo Association. She won the year end poles, goat flanking, and placed third in the barrels. Again all her hard work paid off winning the All Around Cowgirl Saddle and several other prizes. Ember rides a sixteen-hand eleven year old bay gelding named Willy, whom she is quick to praise.
An accidental discharge of a firearm resulted in a Soda Springs resident seeking medical attention on Sept 12 according to an investigation by the Soda Springs Police Dept. SSPD Officer Dallan Hall responded after a caller reported his neighbor had accidentally shot himself in the leg. Officer Hall reported that Rodney Higgins was unloading his truck from a hunting and fishing trip when he reached into the back of the truck to get his firearm, a .25-06 bolt action rifle, and accidentally grabbed the trigger, which discharged a round that entered his knee and exited about six inches down his leg.
Janet Frankos and Jeff Parker won the 46th Annual Uobirac Golf Tournament at the Oregon Trail Country Club.
2000
Thirkill Thunderbirds School Report—Kindergarten: In Kindergarten this week, we learned about the color red. We also practiced stroke so we can hold our pencils correctly and learn to write our names. For Back to School night, we made an Acorn Man. We read stories at story time. We draw in our tablets and we sing songs. We go to centers and learn things.
Three new homes are being built in the Chesterfield area. The home of Josh and Lori Green is making great progress. Their home is jut off the Kelly-Toponce Road between Al Johnson’s and the Cranes’. The Knox Farm, owned by Phillip and Chris Knox is also making great progress. They have their indoor arena built and their home is coming right along. It is built on the former Hy Miles place. The home of Craig and Elizabeth Crandall is being built now and is making progress.
Soda Springs Police Department is investigating five auto burglaries that took place over the weekend, as well as three previous ones that are still unsolved. Items taken in the burglaries included stereos, speakers, CDs, and miscellaneous property. They happened Saturday night. All vehicles either were not locked or had an open window. No forced entry was made.
A public hearing before the Soda Springs City Council last week to raise water and sewer rates brought no public comments and was adopted by the city officials. Council President Randy Prescott thanked Councilman Mitch Hart for his hard work on trying to make the rates equitable among all ratepayers. The rate increase was necessary to cover the rising costs of sewer and water services in the city. A single family user will see a 15 percent increase in water rates in the off season and 35 percent during the summer. Sewer increase is ten percent. Hart said that while those increases sound very large, it amounted to about $2 a month in the off season and $5 in the summer for water for a single family user. “The rates here are within pretty good reason, compared to Malad,” Councilman Tom Thomas said, noting Malad is on meters for water and they pay 65 cents per thousand gallons over a base price. In addition to those rate increases, the hook-up fees for new users went up, as did garbage rates in the city.
A resolution in support of the community center being proposed to be
built with donations, gifts, and user fees was given strong approval by the mayor and council in Soda Springs. Councilman Varilone noted a survey was mailed out a few years back in city power bills and it had a 25 percent return response. In it, 95 percent favored a community center and twothirds of those had a swimming pool listed as a top priority. “It’s a good idea and we need to support the concept every way we can,” Prescott said. The city has offered land at the entrance of Kelly Park for the location. Funding efforts will begin shortly.
Some residents of Bancroft have been experiencing some unfavorable incidents involving uncontrolled dogs. Dog owners need to be aware that they are required to keep their animals on a leash when it is off the owner’s property. The ordinance states, “A nuisance shall mean a dog that damages, defiles, soils, or defecates on private property other than the owner’s, or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner, causes unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive conditions; causes a disturbance by excessive or continuous barking or other noise making; or chases vehicles, or molests, attacks, or interferes with persons or other domestic animals on public property.” The city has received numerous complaints that violates the ordinance, which also provides for steps necessary to address the issue of offending dogs. The City of Bancroft encourages dog owners to be aware of their neighbors and respect their rights to enjoy a quiet peaceful community.
The Department of Environmental Quality recently issued a new operating permit to Soda Springs Phosphate. The new operating permit assures emissions from the Soda Springs Phosphate facility are in compliance with all federal and state statutes and regulations concerning the control of air pollution. The department said in response to a petition they recently received expressing concerns about air emissions, the new operating permit requires more stringent operation of the facility, including annuals performance testing, odor complaint response, monitoring, and operational controls for the air pollution control system. The odor complaint response was placed in the operating permit from a comment received during the 30-day public comment period for Soda Springs Phosphate’s Operating Permit.
1970
Twenty-four girls at Ricks College make up the school’s field hockey team. Listed as a team member is Zandra Perkins, of Bancroft. Miss Janice Harrop, coach, said the Wasatch Conference will have championships in field hockey and badminton at Ricks October 30-31. Teams competing
will be from Brigham Young University, and Ricks. Last year, Rick’s defeated BYU three times in field hockey. Miss Harrop said Ricks will go to Pocatello some time in October to meet the ISU team. The Annual Staff of the Soda Springs High School is proud to present the 1970 Cardinal. After a long delay, the annuals have finally arrived. The traditional Annual Signing Party will be held Friday night following the football game at the dance which is to be sponsored by the Pep Club and Cheerleaders. The annuals will be picked up at the snackshack at the school. Extra annuals will be sold for $7.50 for those who didn’t order last spring.
Five thousand 20 page brochures of the City of Soda Springs and surrounding area were delivered recently to the Chamber of Commerce by the Caribou County Sun. Vic Lansberry presented the brochures to Mayor Allen Tigert and Chamber of Commerce President Bob Chase. The brochures were a Chamber of Commerce project, with help in financing from the City of Soda Springs. They contain pertinent information about the city and area, and this year, for the first time, have two pages of vital statistics, such as altitude, area, population, climate, building permits, financial facts, retail sales, per capita income, employment and population breakdown. The brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce Office in the Sun building, or at the City Hall in Soda Springs.
IDAN-HA THEATRE
-INDOOR-
Thursday, September 18
Friday, September 19
Saturday, September 20
Downton Abbey
The Final Chapter (PG)
When Mary finds herself in a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Saturday Matinee 2:00 p.m. (All seats $5)
Wednesday, September 24
6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (All seats $5)
208-547-3282
Recovery Coach Melissa Gallegos stands in front of the office when it under construction last year.
STATE TIMBER SALE
CR800140, THOMPSON CREEK TON
A public oral auction will be conducted at the Idaho Department of Lands office, 3563 Ririe Highway, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, at 11:00 a.m. local time, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, for an estimated 53,564 tons of timber, marked or otherwise designated for cutting. In addition, there is an unestimated volume of forest products that may be removed at the option of the purchaser. Prior to bidding, eligible bidders shall present a certified check or bank draft payable to Idaho Department of Lands, or a bid bond acceptable to the State, in the amount of $27,601.68 which is 10% of the appraised net sale value of $276,016.80. The average minimum bid price is $7.20 per TON. The successful bidder's deposit will be forfeited to the State should the bidder fail to complete the contract. The State will not accept bids from parties who are delinquent on payments on existing state contracts.
The sale is located within Sections 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 34, Township 6S, Range 40E, B.M., Caribou County, State of Idaho. Sale duration is 4 years. The sale may include blowdown and/or insect and disease infected timber which
may result in additional volume and recovery reductions. Interested purchasers should carefully examine the sale and make their own estimates as to volume recovery, surface conditions, and proposed construction prior to bidding on the sale. Additional information concerning the timber and conditions of sale is available to the public and interested bidders on the department’s timber sale website at Timber Sale Advertisement App - Department of Lands (idaho.gov) or from the Idaho Department of Lands office, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Please note purchaser insurance requirements posted on the timber sale website. The Department of Lands, as authorized by the State Board of Land Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids provided that good and sufficient grounds for rejecting the bid shall be stated in the rejection notice and shall not be in violation of applicable law.
If you are disabled and need some form of accommodation, please call (208) 525-7167 five days prior to the date of sale. For text telephone services, please call 1-800-377-3529.
#1160-09-18-25-10-02-0925-T4
CITY OF GRACE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Increase in Sanitation Rates
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Mayor and City Council of the City of Grace, Idaho on:
Date : October 1, 2025
Time : 6:00 p.m.
Location : City Hall, 108 E Center Street, Grace, Idaho
The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a proposed increase in sanitation rates. The proposed adjustment represents a 46.5% increase to current rates. This change is being considered to ensure continued reliable sanitation services and to cover rising operational costs.
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.
If you require special accommodations to attend this hearing, please contact Grace City Hall at (208)4253533.
Jackie Barthlome, Mayor City of Grace, Idaho
#1161-09-18-25-25-T1
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE -
#1159-09-18-25-T1
To be sold for cash at a Trustee’s Sale on January 14, 2026, 9:00 AM in the Lobby, Caribou County Courthouse, 159 South Main Street, Soda Springs, ID 83276, the following-described real property situated in Caribou County, Idaho (the “Property”): The North 47 feet of Lot 70 and the South 35 feet of Lot 71, Mountain View Subdivision, Addition No. 2, in the City of Soda Springs, Idaho, according to the official plat thereof, as recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Caribou County, Idaho, under recorder's Instrument No. 41884 Commonly known as: 381 N 3rd E, Soda Springs, ID 83276. Tyler White, as Trustor, and Eraleigh White conveyed the Property via a Deed of Trust dated August 25, 2020, in favor of Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union, in which Alliance Title & Escrow was named as Trustee. The Trust Deed was recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on August 31, 2020, as Instrument No. 205457, of Official Records. Brigham J. Lundberg is the Successor Trustee pursuant to an Appointment of Trustee recorded in Caribou County, Idaho, on July 23, 2025 as Instrument No. 214868. Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union (“Beneficiary”) has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust due to Trustor’s failure to make monthly payments beginning November 1, 2024, 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 $130,643.78, interest in the sum of $3,401.56, escrow advances of $2,475.68, other amounts due and payable in the amount of $3,495.61, for a total amount owing of $140,016.63, 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 abovedescribed 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 § 451506, 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 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 § 45-1506(4)(a). No representation is made that they are, or are not, presently responsible for this obligation. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Dated this 4th day of September, 2025. Brigham J. Lundberg Successor Trustee 376 East 400 South, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Telephone: 801-355-2886 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8AM5PM (MST) HWM File No. ID22021 #1158-09-18-25-10-02-0925-T4
NEWS OF RECORD
CARIBOU COUNTY SHERIFF
Jim E Brown, Soda Springs, unsafe backing, $33.50, cots $56.50
Richard Wayne Campbell, South Jordan, speeding, $33.50, cost $56.50
Jacob Checo, Brooklyn, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50
Jordan C Cheirrett Soda Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
6. TALBOT, TESSLY (HD) & SKINNER, COOPER (HL) 15.450
7. STODDARD, BOSTON (HD) & STODDARD, TATE (HL) 23.220
8. BAYLES, HADLEY (HD) & REEDER, COLTER (HL) 25.570 DOUGLAS, STETSON (HD) & POPE, DAXTON (HL) NT BETHERS, OAKLEY (HD) & BETHERS, CEDAR (HL) NT
DANA, HOLDEN (HD) & HEELER #1, DRAW (HL) NT DOUGLAS, BAILEY (HD) & POWELL, TEGANN (HL) NT VOUROS, TAYLEE (HD) & BARNES, SUNNI (HL) NT
SOLOMON, MYLEE (HD) & ROM-
RELL, CADE (HL) NT
MERRITT, BODRIE (HD) & WESTON, TIBBS (HL) NT
PARKER, ROANIE (HD) & CALL, RIETTA (HL) NT
SMITH, DUKE (HD) & CRANE, MCKADE (HL) NT
POTTER, CHARLY & COVOLO, MCCRAE (HL) NT
BINGHAM, LANE (HD) & HEMSLEY, HUDSON (HL) NT
SOLOMON, RIDGE (HD) & SMITH, COY (HL) NT
COOLEY, SAGE (HD) & VRSKA, DIESEL (HL) NT
TIE DOWN ROPING
1. SMITH, DUKE 9.790
2. ROMRELL, CADE 10.300
3. KERR, RYDER 16.000
4. MERRITT, BODRIE 17.900
5. REEDER, COLTER 22.450
6. SMITH, KRUZ 27.900
THOMPSON, RJ NT WESTON, TIBBS NT HEMSLEY, HUDSON NT SOLOMON, RIDGE NT
SMITH, COY NT
CRANE, MCKADE NT
BINGHAM, LANE NT
POPE, DAXTON NT
KERR, CASE NT
Saturday, August, 30, 2025
BAREBACK RIDING
1. CORNELISON, KROYDEN 69.0
2. YOUNGER, KOLE GRACE 55.0
BARREL RACING
1. MENDENHALL, ZOEY 17.992
2. SCAFFIDE, BRIDGET 18.002
3. JOHNSON, MAELY 18.267
4. REAM, RIDLEE 18.284
5. POTTER, CHARLY 18.327
6. SOLOMON, MYLEE 18.601
7. GIBSON, COETA 18.652
8. DOUGLAS, BAILEY 18.919
9. CHRISTENSEN, JOSIE 19.003
10. LEAVITT, CHAISLEE 19.050
Fish and Game Corner
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Fish salvage order issued for Jensen Grove Pond in Blackfoot
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for the pond at Jensen Grove Park in Blackfoot effective Sep. 8 through Oct. 15, 2025.
During the salvage order timeline at Jensen Grove Pond:
• Fish may be taken by any method except use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, electric current, or prohibited baits.
• All bag, possession, size, and number limits are suspended.
• A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.
• No live fish may be transported from the pond.
The City of Blackfoot manages the water in Jensen Grove Pond every year for aquifer recharge and recreation, creating a seasonal fishing opportunity for anglers. In May, Idaho Fish and Game stocked 2,525 catchable-sized rainbow trout into the pond.
At this time, the pond water levels are decreasing rapidly, and any remaining fish will not survive when water levels in the pond become unsuitable. Therefore, an order of salvage is warranted to maximize public use of these fish.
For more information about this salvage order, contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208232-4703.
Former catch-and-release state record holder gets dethroned…by his wife
BY CONNOR LIESS, IDAHO FISH AND GAME
Homedale angler Brandi Holt’s 44inch flathead catfish edges out her husband’s prior record by two inches. Friendly competition among outdoorsy couples can come in many ways, shapes, and forms—who shot the biggest buck last year; who limited out first on doves; who cooked the better camp meal; and last but not least, who caught the bigger fish.
Recently, one couple—the Holts—
got to experience this firsthand.
Couples who fish together stay together, I like to say. But on Aug. 2, that theory got put to the test. Brandi and Jared Holt of Homedale were hucking bait out into the Snake River late that night when Brandi’s rod tip suddenly bowed towards the water.
As soon as she started cranking on the reel, she felt the unmistakable feeling of a large river monster fighting on the end of the line. Brandi managed to haul the giant flathead catfish aboard the boat where her husband Jared anxiously rolled out the tape measure.
You see, since Sept. 20, 2020, Jared Holt had held the catch-and-release state record for the same exact species Brandi was now putting next to the tape. You can see photos and read about Jared Holt’s 42-inch long flathead catfish here.
But the angling gods were smiling upon Brandi that night as the tape measure—stretched nose to tail— read 44 inches. Brandi Holt’s flathead catfish now stands as the official catch-and-release state record, dethroning her husband’s 42-inch cat. “I was hesitant to even submit the record,” Holt said. “My husband puts in so much time and effort all year trying to beat his own personal best, and it was really his encouragement that convinced me to go ahead and send it in.”
Flathead catfish can be found in the Snake River and associated reservoirs in southwest Idaho. They are typically found in the Snake River between C.J. Strike and Brownlee reservoirs, but their numbers are higher in the river sections closer to Brownlee Reservoir.
They can also be found occasionally in lower reaches of tributaries like the Weiser and Payette rivers. While they are not as common as channel catfish, they can reach some surprising sizes, making them a great trophy opportunity. Idaho’s largest flathead catfish was caught in 1994 from Brownlee Reservoir, weighing in at 58.4 pounds and stretching to 48 inches.
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Soda Springs High School Prepares for Its Annual Homecoming Celebration!
FROM THE SSHS STUDENT COUNCIL
Hello Soda Springs! SSHS is getting ready to “kick-off” our school year with our annual homecoming celebration! Here is everything that you need to know:
SCHOOL WEEK-
Our 2025 homecoming theme this year is “Back to the Playhouse!” Through September 22nd-27th, our students will spend the week reminiscing on their favorite childhood TV shows. Students will have the opportunity to dress in the themes of childhood classics, such as: “Handy Manny”, “Bubble Guppies”, “Sophia the FIrst”, and their class theme! Various assemblies and class competitions will take-place, as each class competes to win homecoming for the 2025 year!
We will also be holding various activities throughout the week! Activities will range from a bon-fire at Kelly Park, flour wars on the football field, and a childhood movie watching! Remember, these activities are open to SSHS Students, and authorized students only! Please contact Soda Springs High School for more information regarding activity-participation rules.
PARADE-
Our annual parade will be on Thursday, September 25th! Come support our amazing students and their wonderful floats!
TAILGATE -
Our incredible friends over at the Soda Springs Booster Club will be hosting our tailgate this year! Join
us on Friday, September 26th, from 2-6pm for an awesome community celebration! There will be a wide-variety of dining options, ranging from Food Trucks and Drink Shops, to free hamburgers and hot-dogs! Hope to see you there!
GAME -
Our homecoming game against the Malad Dragons will be that same Friday! Come support our student athletes! At the game, our 2025 homecoming royalty will be crowned and our 2025-2026 Homecoming winning class will be announced!
DANCE -
Our homecoming dance will be on Saturday, September 26th, from 8-11pm. With music from DJ Ryan Carpenter, our students will have a
blast dancing and socializing with one-another! Remember, all dance attendees must be high-school age. If your student attends a different school separate from SSHS, they will need to have proper documentation in order to attend.
COMMUNITY COMPETITION -
We will also be holding a community competition this year! We invite our local businesses to “swag-out” their windows and store-fronts. The business that exemplifies the most Cardinal Spirit via their decorations will receive a handmade plaque with their name on it. This plaque will be handmade by our talented students! We are so pumped-up for this year’s Homecoming! We can’t wait for our students and community to see all the fun we have in store for them. Cheers!
Player shortages force two Idaho high schools to end varsity football seasons
BY HOPE GREEN
ARIMO, Idaho — Two Idaho high schools have ended their varsity football seasons just weeks after kickoff, citing low player participation and growing concerns over student safety. Marsh Valley High School in Arimo canceled the remainder of its varsity schedule after beginning the season 0–2, being outscored 85–8 in its first two games. School leaders said injuries and a thin roster left them no choice. “We just don’t have the numbers this year, so it’s just this year,” Principal Wyatt Hansen said in a statement. “We have to prioritize the health and well-being of our student-athletes.”
The decision wipes six games off the schedule, but Hansen said the school expects varsity football to re-
turn next year. For many players, the news was devastating. “I’ve been looking forward to this season since last year,” said junior wide receiver James Parker. “It’s hard to know we won’t finish what we started, but I get why they did it.” Parents echoed that mix of disappointment and understanding. “We love seeing our kids in pads on a Friday night, but I know safety comes first,” said parent Sarah Lopez. “It hurts to have the season taken away, but we don’t want them risking more injury.”
Wendell Shifts to JV-Only Schedule
In southern Idaho, Wendell High School announced it will play only junior varsity games for the rest of the fall. The varsity program has been put on hold after roster numbers dipped too low to safely compete. “This is not the end of Wendell
football — it’s a pause,” Athletic Director Mike Lewis said in a message to parents and the community. “We need to give our young athletes a chance to develop and keep them safe.” Several Wendell players said they were disappointed but determined to keep playing. “It won’t feel the same, but I’ll play JV if that’s what it takes,” said sophomore linebacker Daniel Ruiz. “I just want to get out there.”
Both decisions highlight a trend that has been building for years in small-town Idaho. Declining enrollment, rising concern over concussions, and competing demands on students’ time have made it harder for schools to field full varsity rosters. Coaches say the lack of depth puts athletes at risk for overuse injuries and creates lopsided match-
XC Continues Season At Tiger/Grizz
BY JODY REEVES
The cross country season continued last weekend in Idaho Falls for our local teams. Once again Grace and Soda Springs both attended the same meet going head to head. Both schools participated in the “B” races which consisted of schools from 1A to 4A. The only team that was able to form a full jv team were the Cardinal boys. Even though that team only placed eleventh out of fourteen teams, seven of the eight jv boys that ran for Soda Springs set either new personal records or season records. The Lady Cardinal jv squad only featured three girls but all three did set new personal records. Grace did not have any jv girls run and only had two boys run. One of the Grace jv boys also set a new personal record.
In the varsity races the Lady Grizzlies were limited to just two runners once again keeping them from earn-
ing a team score. However both girls set new season best times and Lily Coleman was able to finish in the top twenty which is a solid performance in such a large race. The Lady Cardinals on the other hand had a full varsity team with seven runners. As a team Soda Springs finished in fifth place out of thirteen teams. Ellie Wood once again led the way for the Lady Cardinals but not too far behind her was the young freshman Brinley Kunz who ran a personal best time. Both girls finished in the top twenty with Wood just missing out on a top ten finish.
Grace and Soda Springs both had full varsity boys teams compete in the meet. The Cardinal men matched their girls team by finishing fifth as a team while the Grizzly men came in thirteenth out of the nineteen teams in the boys race. The Grizzlies have lost one of their top runners and team leader in AJ Mejia to an unrelated
injury but still have a solid group of runners to contend with. Colt Coleman was the top Grizzly finisher and was followed by Carter Mecham who bounced back after suffering a midrace injury in the Cardinal Classic. The Cardinal men’s team had a solid performance led once again by Landon Moldenhauer who finished in the top ten coming ninth overall. Moldenhauer was followed by Reuben Uskoski who just slid into the top twenty at nineteenth overall. Four out of the other five runners for Soda Springs finished with new season best times.
This week the Grizzlies will stay close to home by attending the Pirate Challenge in West Side with what will likely be a limited number of runners due to the potato harvest break. Meanwhile the Cardinals are off to the Mountain West Classic which is located at the University of Montana Golf Course. This will no
ups that can hurt morale. “We were asking the same kids to play every down, on both sides of the ball,” Marsh Valley head coach Jared Michaelson said. “At some point you have to protect them from themselves.”
Looking ahead, Marsh Valley and Wendell officials stressed that the moves are temporary. Schools plan to recruit more students into the program and return to full varsity schedules in 2026. For now, communities are rallying around the players. Booster clubs are organizing off-season clinics and youth camps, and parents say they hope this year’s pause helps reignite interest. “Friday night football is a big part of who we are,” said Lewis. “We want to make sure it stays that way — safely — for years to come.”
doubt once again challenge the Cardinal teams further preparing them for their district races coming up at the end of the season.
Soda Springs Varsity Boys: Landon Moldenhauer 17:55.0, Reuben Uskoski 18:18.6, Jaxson Horsley 18:37.1, Dre Lloyd 19:16.9, Kage Kirby 19:18.6, Jonathan Beutler 20:47.5, Elias Green 21:36.0
Grace Varsity Boys: Colt Coleman 18:52.8, Carter Mecham 19:55.6, Brock Johnson 19:55.9, Jonah Wilkerson 20:16.2, Treyson King 20:34.9
Over the weekend, Thirkill Elementary second grade teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harris was one of four USU alumni who received a $1,000 classroom award during the weekend’s game.
“I was nominated and I didn’t know, so last week I got an email. And you know how emails are—I thought is this really legit? And it was. So, they gave my family and I tickets, and we went down to Utah State. Originally I thought there was going to be like a hundred educators out there on the field and they were just going to say ‘there you go’ and we’d be off the field. Well, it turned out there were four of us,” she laughed.
“We got on the field and then they said, ‘we’re giving all of you a thousand dollars to use in your classroom. From what I can tell I need to check with the school district to see if I can accept it,” Harris said. It turned out before too much later in the day that she was approved by the district to accept the funds. There is a clause in the contract that prevents employees from accepting any contributions more than a set amount. Since the funds were to
be used for the benefit of the students in the classroom, there was determined not to be any problem accepting it.
“I have some kids that are bigtime Utah State fans, so I will print that [a picture of herself with the USU mascot] to show them,” Harris said. She was not aware that the they were “Striping the stadium” with blue and white, and was had been given a white shirt for her section that “looked like a nightgown!” due to its size.
“Those who nominated teachers did have to write a paragraph explaining why, so of course I’d really like to read that!”
The funds can be used through Donors Choose, which gives her a range of options. There are a few things that Mrs. Harris would potentially like to use the money for, including creating a reading corner inside the classroom, purchasing science items, or purchasing math manipulatives or other items to aid with classroom instruction.
Math manipulatives are physical objects that are used to help communicate concepts in mathematics. One example was a set of nesting doll style boxes de-
signed to help students visualize different “places” in multiple digit numbers. Each box of ten units, for instance, can be added together to demonstrate “tens” places, or opened up to subtract individual numbers from the total. Another set features blocks of different sizes that allow students to visualize how adding numbers together will result in the same sum when the values are the same.
The manipulatives have been popular with students in Harris’ classroom as well as elsewhere throughout the school.
“What will I spend it on? I don’t know for sure, but there are a lot of possibilities.”
Harris has been involved in education for many years. After graduating with a degree in education from USU she taught for three years before her kids were born. While they were growing up, she volunteered in the school until becoming a teacher again. “So I don’t feel like I ever left education,” she said. “This is my second home,” she laughed. “Okay, during the school year, it’s my first home!”
to Mrs.
for being an Outstanding educator, and bringing more resources into her classroom as a result.
Congratulations
Harris
Cheryl Harris was surprised during the weekend’s USU game with the news that she had been awarded $1,000 for her classroom. She plans to use the funds to purchase materials for her second grade in Soda Springs.
Grace Moves To 4-0
BY JODY REEVES
The Grace Grizzlies kept their perfect season intact last Friday when they hosted Wendell in a unique 2A vs 3A game. The two classifications rarely cross paths at the varsity level. In this match up the teams agreed to a full game of eight man football putting the Trojans at a bit of a disadvantage as they are used to the traditional eleven man game.
The Grizzlies took advantage of their familiarity with the eight man game and dominated the Trojans all night long. The Grizzlies started the game on defense and were still able to score in the first minute of the game. The Grizzlies poured it on through the first half of play before sitting the majority of their varsity players. The jv squad was able to add a score in the second half but also gave up Wendell’s only touchdown in the game. Even with a dominating 49-8 victory this game could have been an even bigger blowout had the starters not been pulled. With control of the game the Grizzlies tried some things that you don’t typically see them do. Bradley Schiele went three out of four on point after kicks, something you rarely see in the eight man game. The Grizzlies scored seven touchdowns coming from six different players including one from their center Case Williams who got to
live a lineman’s dream taking a goal line handoff to paydirt. Grace also played three different quarterbacks, ten different running backs and had six different receivers catch passes.
The dominant win moves the Grizzlies to 4-0 on the season. This is the first 4-0 start for the Grizzlies since 2012. The 4-0 start is impressive but Grizzly fans will need to curb their enthusiasm a little. The Grizzlies first four opponents have gone a combined 3-11 on the season. Conversely the Grizzlies next three opponents currently sit at 10-1. Those three opponents are undefeated Glens Ferry, undefeated Adrian Oregon and one loss Rich County Utah. This will be the toughest stretch of the season for Grace not only due to the quality of the opponents but also due to the school being in the middle of potato harvest. Several of the players will spend two weeks working long ten to twelve hour days after waking up extra early to have six a.m. practices. Historically harvest does have an effect on sports for Grace athletes, but the Grizzlies will not use that as an excuse.
Grace’s next two opponents will be undefeated when the Grizzlies face them on long road trips. First up in Glens Ferry and despite the Pilots record and the Grizzlies being in harvest I give the Grizzlies the upper hand in this one.
Cowboys Get Back In The Win Column
BY JODY REEVES
Last week the Cowboys hit the road for the first time this season making the short trip to ShoBan to take on the Chiefs. The Cowboys were the first team to play the Chiefs on their home field in six years as ShoBan has struggled to field a team for several years. The Chiefs have been excited to have a team back on the gridiron but the Cowboys were looking to spoil ShoBan’s home opener.
The Cowboys delivered the first blow and grabbed a two score lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter the Chiefs fought their way back into the game and at the halftime break the lead had been cut to 14-8 in favor of the Cowboys. The second half was all Cowboys as they pulled away outscoring the Chiefs 22-6 winning the game with the score of 36-14.
The Cowboys success was due in large part to the play of their standout freshman Clay Johnson. Johnson was the only Cowboy to score a touch-
down last Friday and he did it five times. Johnson ran in three scores on offense as he accounted for the bulk of the offensive yards. Johnson rushed twelve times for one hundred and fifty-four yards. Johnson added to his scoring output by returning a kick for eighty yards to the endzone and scoring again on defense with a sixty-four yard pick six.
Team leader Craig Yost may not have shined on offense but he kept up his defensive dominance from his linebacker position. Yost led the team in tackles racking up sixteen tackles. Egley added eight tackles for the Cowboys with Frandsen and Barnes each adding five tackles a piece.
The Cowboys take a long road trip this week as they travel to Garden Valley. Garden Valley sits at 3-0 on the season with solid wins over three 2A schools. The Cowboys will have to come with everything they have in this game against a very tough opponent.
Lady Grizz Suffer Tough Home Losses
BY JODY REEVES
The Lady Grizzlies hosted a pair of top teams last week. Grace started the week taking on the Murtaugh Lady Red Devils. The evenly matched teams put on a good show for most of the night. The Lady Grizzlies were able to take the lead in set one and maintain it to a victory in the set. In the second set the two teams battled back and forth with the game staying close throughout. In the end the Lady Red Devils squeaked out the win in set two tying the match at one set a piece. The third set was once again a tough battle. The Lady Grizzlies made just a couple more mistakes in the set that gave Murtaugh the upper hand winning the set and taking the lead in the match. Set four was disastrous for the Lady Grizzlies. Compounding errors and perhaps some fatigue took its toll handing the set and the match to the Lady Red Devils. Forty-eight hours later the Lady Grizzlies were back in action. This time they would play host to the
states top team and their district rivals the Butte County Lady Pirates. Whenever you face a top team you need to be at your best. Unfortunately for the Lady Grizzlies in Thursday’s match they looked a little out of sorts. Several missteps hampered the Lady Grizzlies efforts and saw them drop three consecutive sets with very little fight. Grace will have a more relaxed week this week. The Lady Grizzlies faced some lower level teams on Tuesday in Grace Lutheran and Alturas Prep. At the time of the writing of this article those games had not yet taken place but the Lady Grizzlies were heavy favorites going into them. Following that trimatch Grace will get the rest of the week off to regroup and get ready for some more tough competition next week.
The Lady Cowboys Split The Week
BY JODY REEVES
The Lady Cowboys played in two matches last week against a pair of teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. First up North Gem traveled to Grace Lutheran to face the Lady Royals who in recent years have become a powerhouse in volleyball. This was the second meeting of the teams this season. The first match took place at North Gem and saw the Lady Cowboys fall in three competitive sets. In Thursday’s matchup North Gem got off to a slow start. The Cowboys struggled to get going on offense and dropped the first set. The second set was a completely different story. The set was very competitive, extending well past the twenty five point threshold but once again the Cowboys came up short. In the third set the Cowboys were able to stay with the Royals keeping the game close but once again came up short in the end and lost the match in three straight sets.
After a day to recover the Lady Cowboys hosted Alturas Prep from Idaho Falls. This match with the Lady Pumas was a see-saw affair. North Gem came out firing on all
cylinders. The Cowboys looked as if they would run away with the match after cruising to a dominant win in set one. As often happens in volleyball the momentum took a major shift in set two as the Pumas laid it to the Cowboys winning the set by the same margin that they lost the first one. In set three the Cowboys were able to bounce back and once again take control of the match. North Gem pulled away in the third set to take a two sets to one lead in the match. In the fourth set the Lady Cowboys were able to keep a hold of the momentum and once again cruise to an easy win taking the set and winning the match.
North Gem continues their season Thursday night when they host Clark County then again on Saturday when they host American Heritage. Both games are favorable matchups for the Cowboys. Two wins could help North Gem when it comes to seeding the district tournament at the end of the season.
The High School Grizzlies got a quick picture with all of the jr. high and little league teams at halftime.
Clay Johnson, pictured here in an early season game, had a career day on the road at ShoBan.
The Lady Cowboys celebrate their win over Altuas Prep on Saturday.
The Lady Grizzlies earn a much needed point against a tough Butte County team.
BY JODY REEVES
Last Friday night there were dozens of teams gearing up to play football games all over the state of Idaho. Every team had prepared and every team had a certain amount of drive to win their game. But in one of those small Idaho towns where two teams were set to do battle there was something different in the air. For every team that would finish the night as winners there was another team that had to be the loser. In this particular small town the visiting Soda Springs Cardinals were well aware of what it was like to finish a game on the losing end but on this night something was just different.
The sudden and unexpected departure of the team’s head coach and starting quarterback has been well documented as has the response by the interim coaching staff and remaining players. The coaching staff has elected to not have a single head coach but are led in large part by Aaron Hobbs and Corey Harrison. They have brought a positive approach to the team focusing mainly on building team morale and confidence. As the Cardinals took the field in Firth on Friday night the coaches were
eager to see if this new approach had worked. Coach Hobbs stated, “I wanted to see if what we talked about as far as a never quit mentality and being really focused and intentional on things would pay off and how they would respond.” They would get an answer to that question very early on in the game when, on their first offensive play of the game the Cardinals fumbled the ball and gave it to the Cougars. “We didn’t see any of that hanging their heads, mopy, oh no here we go again body language at all during this game.” Coach Harrison agreed with that sentiment. “It was a totally different vibe. And even when the other team scored later in the game the boys were still right in it and didn’t skip a beat.” The Cardinals found the endzone twice in the first half of play. Both scores came off of passes from new quarterback Makiah Browning to Zayden Garbett, one of which was a ninety yard strike. The remainder of the game was put on the shoulders of the defense who only allowed one score giving the Cardinals a 13-8 victory. I caught up with the team on Monday night during practice and there was definitely a different vibe happening. When I arrived the var-
sity and jv squads were participating in a light scrimmage. I watched closely to see what the atmosphere was like. I saw senior players approach some of the underclassmen that were on the sidelines perhaps a little distracted and tell them to “lock in” or in other words focus. I saw varsity defensive backs giving tips to jv receivers on how to run routes and yes I did even witness the inevitable authority check from the veterans on the team to the underclassmen. All in all what I witnessed was a team trying to better themselves and grow together. I took the opportunity to talk to the seniors on the team. When I asked them how it felt to break the nineteen game losing streak several of them spoke at once using words like “amazing” and “incredible”. I went on to ask them what they thought the difference was between last week’s game and previous ones they had played in? Kayden Harrison answered, “we wanted to win for the coaches and each other. We trusted each other.” Gage Peck added, “The main difference was we had coaches that believed in our abilities to go out and win that game.”
In speaking with the coaches you could see the pride on their fac -
es when speaking of the players. Coach Harrison stated, “They just played good. They played as a team helping each other out. It was a true team effort.” Coach Hobbs added, “I was just proud of them for taking what we talked about in such a short amount of time and translating it onto the field.”
I finished my visit with the team by asking the seniors what they wanted to leave as their legacy at Soda Springs High School? I got several good answers. Here are a couple. Elijah Dilworth said, “I want us to be known as the class that went through the trials but still prevailed. We never quit and we never let adversity get to us.” Gage Peck added, “I want us to be known as the class that turned things around for Soda Springs and proved why football in Soda Springs is important while showing the younger kids that we can win in Soda Springs.” As games were finishing last Friday night I doubt any team in the entire state felt the way the Soda Springs Cardinals did. That team victory in a small Idaho town showed that the Cardinals didn’t just win on the field but they will win in life as well.
Lady Cards Fall On The Road, Win At Home
BY JODY REEVES
The Lady Cardinals volleyball team took on three opponents last week. Soda Springs faced two district opponents in Declo and West Side as well as 4A Marsh Valley. The Lady Cardinals started their week at Declo. Soda Springs battled hard in the first set of that game and ended up earning the win going to extra points. In the second set the Cardinals stumbled as the momentum went to the Lady Hornets. Declo took the second set tying the match up. The third set was once again closely contested. Unfortunately the Lady Cardinals came up a little short losing by just two points. This put the Lady Cardinals in a must win situation in the fourth set. Soda Springs put up a good fight but in the end they fell to the Hornets in four sets.
Just twenty four hours later the Lady Cardinals were back on the road this time at district rival West Side. The Lady Pirates have been giving the Lady Cardinals fits as of late and it was the same in this meeting. Soda Springs was able to keep it competitive but the Lady Pirates
came away with a win in the first set. The Lady Cardinals bounced back in the second set and were able to come away with the victory. Unfortunately things went downhill for Soda Springs after that. The Lady Cardinals dropped the last two sets losing three sets to one.
The Lady Cardinals got just a one day break after the two tough district losses before having to host Marsh Valley. The Lady Cardinals had already beaten the Lady Eagles earlier in the season and hoped to repeat that feat on Saturday at the Bird Nest. Soda Springs began the match a little sluggish but the game remained close. Marsh Valley was able to get just enough of an advantage to take set one over the Cardinals. The teams kept it close in the second set as well but this time the Lady Cardinals came away victorious. Now hitting their stride the Cardinals took it to the Eagles in the next two sets winning both in commanding fashion.
The Lady Cardinals will jump back into district play this week in a pair of home games. Wednesday Soda Springs will host Wendell then turn around and host Malad on Thursday. These games are important for district seeding. Come support the girls as they try to grab a couple of district wins this week.
and
surrounding the Cardinal football team. The Cardinals varsity team (white) and jv team (red) faced off in a light scrimmage during practice.
The Lady Cardinals show excitment after earning a point against Marsh Valley at home.
Presley Camp elevates for a kill in Saturday’s home game.
