The Idaho Enterprise/Caribou County Edition | March 7, 2024

The Idaho

Leaders are Readers at Thirkill Elementary

As Principal Rod Worthington welcomes visitors to his school, he takes great pride in introducing them to some of the programs and values that have made Thirkill Elementary in Soda Springs a “lighthouse school” for leadership and academic success.

Principal Worthington is clearly proud of his school’s accomplishments, and enjoys talking about the programs that have made it a success story. “This year’s theme is ‘Don’t just look at the stars, be a star—Stars shine brighter’,” he says, pointing to a mural in the entryway bearing the message and a scene painted by local artist Diane Olsen. “When you walk in, what we first want you to do is feel the positivity. What you’ve done is walk into a leadership school.”

Worthington explains that the theme chosen for the year is then applied to the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” developed by Stephen R. Covey in his bestselling book of the same title. For those unfamiliar, the steps are: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw. Each of these steps helps students to foster creative, independent thinking, as well as cultivate the skills that allow them to thrive in group and organizational settings. Schools that have qualified to participate in the program are called “Leader in Me Schools.” Thirkill has been so successful at the program, that it is now a “lighthouse school” in the Leader in Me system, which took an intense audit and evaluation by the national organization.

As the year draws closer to its end,

students have just finished “Synergize” and are now engaged in Habit 7, “Sharpen the Saw.” Each student has a list of activities to choose from, and must complete five of them in order to pass off the habit checklist. The list includes such activities as “Plan and hold a family night,” “Try giving up video games for a week and list the activities you do instead,” “Track the number of steps you take each day,” “Share a family meal. Take a family selfie and record the date of the meal,” and so on. The activities allow for students to choose from a range of actions that might be appealing to them, or allow them to challenge themselves. For instance, “Go to a cultural event together, such as a play, concert, dance recital, or choir performance. Encourage one another to develop talents in one of those areas.”

An examination of the list of possible activities also illustrates the fact that the program is designed not only for the student’s growth, but also to

strengthen the student’s relationships with their family and classmates. “We not only serve the students in our school, but also the families at home and in our community,” Worthington says. One of the underlying premises of the program is that success is something that happens most effectively within a supportive environment, rather than in isolation. When students are given clear roles within the learning situation, they achieve a level of self-confidence that follows them throughout the other aspects of their lives.

“Everything is based on the seven habits—it’s the base curriculum within our school. And then we start out with our mission statement, which is LEADERS,” he explains. The acronym stands for Learn, Encourage, Achieve, Dream, Excel, Respect, and Serve. The mission statement remains constant, while the theme

LEADERS ARE READERS

On Page 2

Behind the scenes at the Grace Wastewater Treatment Plant

Keeping any city going takes a lot of effort from a lot of people. In Grace, the city crew is a fairly small one, which means that each of them have to wear a number of hats. While Riley Crookston is officially the city’s Superintendent, and Jake Wright is officially the Wastewater Treatment Plant operator, they, along with Shane Hamilton and Matt Loertsher are responsible for a wide range of city needs, including monitoring all areas of the water and sewer system, trash collection, street repairs, city maintenance, lawn mowing, and even looking out for city code violations, as well as many others. Due to the limited staff, each of them share the work on the range of projects throughout the year, and have to schedule their time efficiently to meet the constant demands of the city of around a thousand people.

Without the immediate benefit of a lot of people, then, another path forward is with a lot of innovation and creative problem-solving. The wastewater treatment plant is a good example of that kind of thinking. As the plant has grown, the need to monitor and regulate its output has also become more critical.

The wastewater plant processes all of the wastewater for the city. The process of wastewater treatment is circuitous, in the literal sense. Wasterwater enters the facility through the city’s sewer system, and then follows a winding path through a number of connected facilities before it (or the liquid parts of it, anyway) are returned to the river after the contam-

inants are removed. The multi-million dollar facility was supported in part by government grants, with some of the costs provided by the city, who passed a bond to provide it. Because of the nature of the plant, the cost is paid for by utility fees. The full sequence of events takes several weeks from introduction to completion, and must be monitored every step of the way.

As part of his morning routine, Jake Wright must test the water and log the results at the end of the circuit in order to determine whether it can be released. Measurements of this water are sent to various regulatory officials, and must be within certain parameters in order to avoid fines or a

potential shut-down of the facility in the case of measurements that exceed accepted values.

As he stands among the beakers, machines, containers of water and chemicals, Jake Wright explains, “This is my home. I pretty much live over here.” Around the room are any number of tests and experiments currently underway. “When I was in college, I took a class in microbiology. I flunked the class part, because I didn’t think I wanted to spend all my time with microorgansims. But I did really well in the lab, and that’s a good thing because my job is now

BEHIND THE SCENES

On Page 11

Super Tuesday this week

The presidential nominating contest is (as everyone has been saying now every week for months) expected to be clinched Tuesday, when 16 states will be voting in caucuses and primaries. There are very few states in which President Joe Biden faces any substantial headwinds for the Democratic nomination, and on the other side former President Trump faces only Nikki Haley in terms of other candidates still running and receiving significant votes. If trends that have been obvious to this point continue, a rematch of 2020 is almost certainly in the cards.

Credit card late fees to be capped at $8

The Biden administration announced that federal regulators are finalizing rules which would cap most credit card late fees at $8 in an attempt to eliminate “junk fees” for consumers. The caps will affect large credit card companies with at least 1 million accounts on their records. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, those companies are responsible for up to 95% of the total credit card debt held by Americans. The cap will go into effect soon, and should reduce the annual cost to consumers by an average of $220 a year.

Idaho Falls woman arrested for fentanyl after giving birth

According to Eastidahonews. com, an Idaho Falls woman was arrested after her newborn was tested for opiates and found to have fentanyl in its system. The woman, who had been living in a camping trailer outside of town and using the illegal drug. She apparently had taken the drug on her way into delivery. Such an offense is punishable by jail time, and she was sentenced to 3 to 7 years for the offense, given as a suspended sentence requiring 100 hours of community service a week, mandatory family treatment counseling, and restitution.

Illegal intestines seized by authorities

The Associated Press reported, in an unusual filing, that six people had been arrested in New York on charges of importing illegal goose and duck intestines from China. As if that weren’t odd enough, the contraband organ meat was sometimes hidden under packaged rattlesnakes, or mislabeled as pet grooming items on customs forms. Authorities report that 1,966 cartons of the intestines were shipped from China to the Port of Long Beach, where they passed through customs. They were discovered to be illegal intestines when they landed at JFK Airport in New York by an air carrier cargo service. Other than…what? the main question to come out of the incident is…wait a minute, you can mail rattlesnakes to people?

Bobby Scovil of the Modern Woodmen of America presents the “Hometown Heroes” award to Thirkill’s faculty and staff.

Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Jake Wright and City Superintendent Riley Crookston stand inside the main building of the facility.

Leaders are Readers

continued from page 1

changes from year to year. From that overarching mission statement, each individual class and student has their own tasks for processing their own mission statements. The statements for each grade evolve in complexity and significance as the students progress through the school.

Each classroom has a “greeter,” for instance, who is tasked with being the teacher’s go-to student. Jackson, a student in Mrs. Donna Gentry's first grade class, was asked to explain what his role involved. After reviewing the steps, Jaxon explains that when people get to the classroom in the morning, his job is to greet everyone as they come in. When it’s time for the pledge, he models it for the class and tells them it’s time to begin. The teacher asks him to call on people when it’s time to answer questions, help other students, and perform many other tasks. Each of the other students have their own job within the class. Jasmine is a paper passer in the class, for instance. The students keep binders containing their work and progress on the steps throughout the year. As the grade levels increase, so do the responsibilities of the greeters.

The school also has students work on what they call their “Wildly Important Goals,” or WIGs. The binder is presented to the students’ parents during parent conferences, though the student themselves leads the discussion about the contents and what they have accomplished, rather than the teacher. “That’s the best part,” third-grade teacher Summer Fullmer

says. “By the time they get to third grade, they have some autonomy and they own this. They get to go through this, and they lead the conference all by themselves. We practice together, but when their parents come in they lead the discussion themselves.”

Every class is working on its third quarter goals. The last two quarters of WIGs were accomplished across the school at above a 90% rate.

Last week, Thirkill held its annual “Leaders are Readers” program, which brings in visiting speakers to read to classes in the school’s library (which, incidentally, is reported to check out 450 books a day!). The program is designed to reinforce the idea that reading, and by extension involvement with learning, can be correlated with success in a range of professional fields. Throughout the week, the school was visited by local business leaders, school board members, city and county officials, and police officers who took time out of their schedules to read to classes and answer questions. Among the participants were Trustees Stoor, Jensen, Erickson, and Barker (with at least one trustee’s wife filling in), Officer Phelps, Vick Micheal and Kaylee Peck, Dillon Liechty, Superintendent Muir, Tony Salvi, Kent and Wendi Loosle, Bobby Scovil, Brandon Hall, Attorney Doug Wood, Mark Kirby, Evan Wilson, and Natalie Petersen.

Each person or group spent around a half hour reading from a selection of books chosen by Librarian Jessica Ineck, and asking and answering questions with the students.

Kent Loosle is the CEO of Caribou Medical Center, and enjoys speaking

to kids. His wife Wendi is no stranger to it either, having had a substantial career in education. It turned out that a number of students in the class had parents who worked for the Medical Center, and others had parents or siblings who had been there.

“What’s one word that catches your attention on that sign behind you?” Principal Worthington asked the students.

“Leaders and Kindness,” they responded.

“So, Mister and Mrs. Loosle are going to talk a little about how leaders can show kindness. I know Mr. Loosle is pretty amazing, but Mrs. Loosle, she was a teacher too,” which impressed the assembled students. After discovering that she taught in Utah, a dozen hands went up to ask whether she knew their aunt, or cousin, or friends who lived in Utah. Principal Worthington kindly explained that she probably didn’t know them, but it was possible. Then

he explained that the Caribou Medical Center had just provided a proof copy for the design of the new sign to be placed in front of the school. The sign will read “Educating and Inspiring Leaders of the Future, partners in duration with Caribou Medical Center,” replacing the sign that has been in front of the school for many decades.

“So, I’m a leader at the hospital,” Kent said. “But Mrs. Loosle has a much more important job than me— she’s a mom and grandma. That’s the same as a teacher. Moms and grandmas teach, and she’s going to read to you and teach you a little about kindness.”

As the couple progressed through the book, they stopped to ask questions of the students, and answer those that were raised. With patience and thoughtfulness, they focused on how kindness is shown between friends and family, as well as between students at their own school.

Thirkill faculty and staff named “Hometown Heroes” by Modern Woodmen of America

The faculty and staff gathered in the gymacafetorium (the name the school has developed for its multi-purpose room), where Principal Worthington introduced Scovil.

“Bobby is from the Woodmen, and over the years he and I have become good friends. He’s actually donated a lot to our school. And many of you have been a recipient of that help from the Modern Woodmen. He called and he said ‘Okay, Rod, I would like to celebrate Thirkill Elementary. He’s one of our leaders, and he was here reading today. He’s listened to me talk about our leadership program and suggested that he had a way to thank our teachers and staff.”

After thanking the principal for the welcome, Scovil began, “I know you’ve had a busy day and it’s almost over. My mom was a teacher, so I appreciate all you do throughout the day.”

“It’s picture day!” came a shout from the assembled teachers.

“How many felt something different in the air today?” Principal Worthington asked. The widespread laughter suggested that the day had been filled with a special kind of energy.

“I’m actually from Pocatello, and I do financial planning. The Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883 as a not for profit insurance company,” Scovil continued. By voice acclaim, several teachers indicated that they were members. “Where on earth does the name come from? Back in the 1880s, a gentle-

man was giving a sermon and reflecting on the loggers of the time, and how their job was clearing forests and providing jobs that helped the families and the community. So Joseph Cullen Root liked the image, and founded our company to help people clear away the problems that come from financial burdens after someone passes away. I don’t know about cutting down trees or making cabinets, I just know about helping people with their financial planning.”

Modern Woodmen provides estate planning, retirement planning, investments, and other financial services.

“But,” as Scovil continued, “as a company we are also a fraternal organization, like the Elks, Oddfellows, and so on. We go back a long time as a fraternal group, which means we have an obligation to give back to our community. Through our local chapters we try to get involved as much as we can. Ten or fifteen years ago, I donated to the educational programs here.” Scovil recounted some of the things that had been donated and provided to the school over the years, which were familiar to many of the teachers who had been at the school from around that time. “We donated

those things to schools for quite a while, and that’s how I got introduced to the school.”

“Every year, we give out funds to our chapters to give back. And one of the programs we have is called Hometown Heroes, which is where you come in. Usually, if the kids were here I’d explain how every hero doesn’t wear a mask. It’s what all of you do, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. My mom was a teacher and I know there’s so much more that goes out behind the scenes. Teachers mean a lot to us and our families. Figuring out which school to award is always difficult, but there is something different about your school—the programs, and the kids’ attitudes, and just everything about this place.”

Scovil presented a certificate reading “Modern Woodmen of America recognizes Thirkill’s teachers, support staff, administration. You believe in volunteer service and so do we. As a fraternal financial service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities, we recognize and appreciate your contributions to your community, as Hometown Heroes.”

Scovil presented a check for $100 to Principal Worthington, as well as stockpile of popcorn and treats.

“What’s the old joke?” the principal said, as pictures were taken, “I haven’t seen that many flashing lights since I was arrested.” The Woodmen are working in an ongoing way with the school through a matching funds program for upcoming fundraisers.

Bobby Scovil, one of this year’s “Leaders are Readers” presenters, also presented Thirkill Elementary with one of his company’s annual “Hometown Heroes” awards. The award is presented by the Modern Woodmen to an individual or group it believes has contributed to the community.

Student William Hill was a big help to one reader during the Leaders are Readers session.

Principal Worthington fist bumps classroom greeter Jaxon Housley.

Principal Worthington introduces Bobby Scovil from the Modern Woodmen.

Thirkill’s entryway welcomes visitors in with a reminder of its dedication to leadership.

Business Spotlight: Baked Fresh Sourdough Bakery

Afton Marowelli started Baked Fresh Sourdough Bakery somewhat by accident, as is often the case when someone pursues an interest and finds out that other people share it.

Marowelli is originally from Wyoming, and moved with her husband to Soda Springs when his job with Itafos brought him to town about five years ago. Afton has a degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Mines, and spent five years using it as an engineer with Kiewit. She was also a realtor in Wyoming for a number of years, but she didn’t feel like starting into either of those fields again over here. “But I wanted to do something else, so I started the bakery.”

The name of the business goes a long way to explaining it. “Everything I bake is sourdough, from the breads to sweets,” she says. “From coconut lime zucchini bread and banana bread. I also make homemade canned jams and cinnamon rolls—that’s a big one.”

For now, her products are sold at Enders, Mocha Man’s in Soda Springs, and 3C Grill in Grace. People can also pre-order online and Marowelli will deliver them to their homes, or arrange for pickup at one of the locations that sells her products. Facebook and Instagram are also ways that Marowelli can be contacted. On both sites, “Baked Fresh Sourdough Bakery” is the name under which she can be found.

Looking toward future expansion, Marowelli is working on converting a horse trailer into a mobile shop, which she plans to take to fairs and other events. People will be able to walk in and purchase what they would like.

While her physical locations are in Soda Springs and Grace, she has customers all around the county, as well as in the Bear Lake area. Her social media sites alert interested customers about any plans she has to visit other locations, such as Pocatello or Montpelier, so that they can place orders. People can also sign up for her email list, where they will receive a newsletter updating them about upcoming plans and items.

“I always have stuff that people can come and grab. At Mocha Man’s it’s mostly individual items, while at Ender’s it’s full loaves and other things. At 3C, it’s mostly desserts, and bread and jam,” she explains.

As to why she chose sourdough bread specifically (especially given its reputation as a difficult bread to keep consistent, she explains “I was just kind of bored and somebody gave me a starter, so I just went with it. I was making bread once or twice a week to keep the starter up, and it was too much bread for our family and I starter giving it away, which all led to this.” Her friends and family who had been recipients of the bread encouraged her to sell it, and that started the whole process.

Her start has been around since 2020. A start is a live culture created from the fermentation of flour and water. Her breads are entirely organic, and made of flour, water and salt. She has to feed the start flour and water, which “feeds” the start to keep it replenished. It is better to keep the start stored with access to oxygen, according to Marowelli. When she feeds her start, she has multiple Tupperware containers, some of which contain the leaven which is used to make the bread.

After initially perfecting the bread itself, she began to increase her repertoire. “Every time I made more, I added something else. Like infused oil and vinegar to dip it in. And whipped

honey.” Although she doesn’t go as far as to raise her own bees, she does whip the honey herself. The honey is local Idaho honey, and contains a flavor profile redolent of the plants on which the bees feed. Much of the local honey contains hints of canola oil from fields of the crop.

Afton is a fan of sourdough not just because of its undeniably great taste, but also its health benefits. “Sourdough is healthier for you than other yeasted bread. It has no sugar in it, and the glycemic index is lower because of the way that the sourdough yeast breads down the bread makes it easier to digest, increases the nutrients, and the lactic acids can reduce inflammation in your body,” she says.

Staying on top of the business is a time-consuming endeavor. Marowelli has two children, ages 3 and 5, so her time is a bit limited. She wakes up early to prep for the day. In the morning, she shapes the loaves and gets them ready, then they cold-ferment until the afternoon when she bakes them. In the evening once the kids go down she gets the next batch ready. During the day she bakes quickbreads and cookies and desserts. It’s an everyday commitment, other than occasional weekends, although given the nature of sourdough bread the process is more or less constantly in progress. For Monday’s sourdough orders, for instance, the starter has to be prepped on Saturday in order for it to have enough time for development. “It’s a two day process for a loaf of bread,” she laughs.

Beyond her business itself, Marowelli is also a member of the Caribou County Women’s Networking Group, which is for women entrepreneurs. The group meets every third Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at Enders, and is open to any female entrepreneurs in Caribou County. The group currently has between ten and fifteen members, and anyone interested is encouraged to attend a meeting.

In every way, Marowelli is in a good place. For once thing, she enjoys living in Soda Springs. “We really like it. We like the area, being in the mountains and the small town feel.” Her business is also going well, and she looks forward to expanding and continuing to offer a unique, handcrafted product to the community.

For Easter, she plans a special with carrot cake and coconut lime zucchini and banana bread. She will make family sized portions and expand her hours so that the breads will be available for Easter. Her social media sites will inform readers about other upcoming events she has planned.

Baked Fresh can take Venmo payments or cash.

Retired State Trooper, Eric Bates, is running for Caribou County Sheriff

My campaign platform is simple. It is my desire to serve the community and give back as your Sheriff. My reason for seeking election to the Office of Sheriff is to help make Caribou County a better, safer, place for all of us to live, and raise our families. I believe that with my leadership that the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office will focus upon accomplishing identified goals in the most efficient and cost saving way possible. I will always remember that the Sheriff must be fiscally responsible, a steward of the people’s money that funds every deputy and the work of the agency. I have never forgotten that my experience, training, and accomplishments have been paid for by you the citizens and for that I am eternally grateful. There is no other place that I would rather continue to use my experience and training to continue to serve others and make a positive difference than in Caribou County.

I have clear priorities for the future of the Caribou County Sheriff’s Office and the service that it provides to the community. The office of Sheriff is one of public trust and to serve is an honor and a privilege. Effective law enforcement leaders must possess the desire and ability to recognize deficiencies, make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions to effect positive change. This thoughtful type of leadership will consistently enhance professionalism and service to the public.

Paid for by Eric Bates for Sheriff

War on Weeds— weeds are everybody’s problem

THE ISSUE: Giant hogweed

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a biennial or perennial that is native to southwestern Asia. This plant can grow up to 15 ft tall and its sap causes photodermatitis that initiates severe blistering. It can grow in riparian areas and disturbed moist sites. Its most distinguishing feature is its size. Stems can be up to 15 ft tall and 4 inches in diameter. It has hollow, ridged stems with white hairs at nodes and at the base of petioles. The stems are green with purple blotches. Leaves are lobed, compound, and deeply notched. Leaves can be up to 5 ft wide. Giant Hogweed produces large umbrella- shaped clusters of small white flowers. Seeds can be viable in the soil for up to 10 years and are easily transported in water and by animals. Do not confuse giant hogweed with cow parsnip, which is a native that lacks purple blotches on stems. Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) Options:

Prevention—Be careful what you plant.

Mechanical—Giant Hogweed can be dug, mowed, and or cut. Be sure to use extreme caution, the sap can cause severe blistering. Remove flowers to ensure seed is not produced.

Cultural—Maintain healthy competitive desirable plants to compete with weed seedlings.

Chemical—Triclopyr and Glyphosate are herbicide active ingredients that can provide good control of this weed. Herbicide applications are most effective in the fall after the first frost, but it might take multiple applications throughout the year for several years to eradicate this weed. Always read and follow herbicide label directions.

Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Agriculture Educator in Caribou and Bear Lake Counties. 208-547-3205 JLHatch@uidaho.edu

Photo courtesy of Terry English, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Afton Marowelli, owner and baker of Baked Fresh Sourdough Bakery

Marowelli’s products include sourdough breads, canned jam, infused oils, and desserts.

During the months following the Caribou County Sun's last edition in October, many obituaries were not published locally. As a community service, the Enterprise will be running those obituaries in our pages free of charge so that a record of those passings will be available to residents of the county. Obituaries are one of things that help bind communities together, remind them of their roots and history, and help keep those who have moved away maintain their ties to their hometowns.

Derald R. Twitchell

December 7, 1947 - December 6, 2023

Derald R. Twitchell passed away on December 6, 2023, in Soda Springs, Idaho at the age of 76. He was born on December 7, 1947 in Wendell, Idaho. His parents are Virgil and Vivian Marie Roholt Twitchell. In his childhood, he had so many health problems. He battled very high cholesterol and sugar diabetes.

He went to school in Jerome until 1964 when he moved to Georgetown with his family. Went to school in Montpelier, Idaho then moved to Thatcher, Idaho graduating in 1968 from Grace, Idaho. He also graduated from seminary class.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He married his high school sweetheart Norma Jean Woodyard in Niter, Idaho on June 28, 1969. On November 7, 1971, their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple for all time and eternity. `

He was a good husband and father to his children and grandchildren. He liked to take his sons and grandson hunting and fishing, even going to scout camps and outings with his sons and grandsons. He taught them how to fix fences, ride horses, and how to brand cattle. He worked a lot with Glen Cellan and his father on the farm. He loved all kinds of animals.

He worked for J.R. Simplot in March 1975 until his retirement. At the Conda, Idaho plant where he saw many changes take place over the years.

He loved to plant a few tomatoes, flowers, and some strawberries. He enjoyed huckleberry picking with his brother and wife Sandy every year. he liked to cook and do some baking as well as try ing new recipes.

He was a scoutmaster, Cub Scout, and a Boy Scout committee chairman

for many years, primary teacher, and young men’s secretary, he served 2 stake missions one in Westminster, Colorado and one in Soda Springs, high priest secretary for many years, and a home teacher.

Together they hosted many exchange students from many countries. They gave and received much.

Derald is survived by his two children Shane (Brenda) and Verlin (Laura) and seven grandchildren; Breyton, Shandell, Dallen, Kylee, Addison, Morgun, and Braxton. He leaves behind many siblings; Mike (Sandy), Craig (Vesta), Janet Maltenburger, Debbie Luper, Alfred (Della) King, and Roland (Carolyn) King.

Derald is preceded in death by his eternal spouse Norma and his first child Donna. His father and mother, Virgil and Vivian Twitchell. A wonderful stepmother Della, two brothers, Verl and Duane, and a sister Karen, and nephew Randy.

A graveside service was held on December 13, 2023 at the Fairview Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be at a later date this spring.

Gail Weldon Roholt

September 12, 1940 - November 22, 2023

On November 22, 2023, Gail Weldon Roholt (83) of Thatcher, Idaho peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Gail was born on September 12, 1940, at his home in Thatcher, Idaho to Nels Roholt and Carmen Sant. He was the third of four children in his family. Growing up he enjoyed hunting, riding horses, and working on cars. In 1959, Gail graduated from Grace High School and started working at Utah Power and Light.

On July 25, 1963, he married Dorothy Marie Jorgensen. Shortly before their wedding, Gail enlisted in the Army. He spent two years stationed in Gelnhausen, Germany installing communication lines.

Gail and Dorothy raised six children: Karla, Deita, Kody, Mike, Dusty and Leslie. As a family they lived in Wyoming for 15 years. In 1980, they moved to Idaho. Gail became a grandpa in 1985 and he now has 29 grandchildren and 43 greatgrandchildren.

After 30 years of marriage, Gail and Dorothy got divorced in 1993. He married Clarice Fowler in 1995. With their marriage, he gained one daughter ––Mia. Gail and Clarice were married for 28 years before he passed.

Gail worked for Utah Power and Light (Pacific Corp) for 37 years, and continued working as a sub-contractor for many years after that. Gail was an industrious individual and could fix anything. He used his talents to help others and enjoyed sharing his skills with his children and grandchildren.

In his free time, Gail loved caring for his animals, packing in with his mules while hunting, fixing old trac-

tors, spending time with family at his cabin, and growing and sharing apples and raspberries. He even had a brief interest in flying a powered parachute. We are grateful for the time spent and many memories made with Gail. He will be greatly missed.

Gail is survived by his wife Clarice Fowler Roholt, of Thatcher, Idaho; His children: Karla Coleman (Jeff) of Teasdale, Utah, Deita Jensen (Tod) of Thatcher, Idaho, Kody Roholt (Shelli) of Tremonton, Utah, Mike Roholt (Michelle) of Franklin, Idaho, Leslie Bodily of Glendive, Montana, Dusty Roholt (Toni) of Smithfield, Utah, Mia Allmark (Rick) of North Salt Lake, Utah; 29 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Leona Peterson (Mark) of Grace, Idaho.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nels and Carmen Roholt; brother Eugene Roholt, sister Connie Rhead, and a great-grandson Hoss Hemsley.

Funeral services were held Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the LDS Thatcher/Williams Ward Building, 2060 Niter Bench Road, with a viewing prior to the funeral from 9:30 am–10:30 am. There was also a viewing Wednesday, November 29. Interment followed the funeral services at the Thatcher Cemetery.

Devin Leon Woods

December 27, 1957 - November 26, 2023

Devin Leon Woods, 65, of Soda Springs, Idaho passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023. He was born in Spanish Fork, Utah to Leon Jex Thomas and Joy Dean Woods on December 27, 1957. He grew up in Grace, Idaho. He attended Grace High School and moved to Soda and graduated from Soda Springs High School.

Devin married his high school sweetheart, Carol Hemmert, in Soda Springs on September 24, 1977. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple. Devin and Carol were blessed with five children and fifteen grandchildren. His family meant everything to him.

Devin served in the U.S. Navy and has many fond memories of the time he served and friends he made, still keeping in touch with many of them. He worked at Simplot and later Monsanto until retiring due to health issues.

Devin was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He also loved backpacking with his children, family campouts, games of sock ball in the yard, and playing basketball in the driveway.

Devin was a hard worker and taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work. He always encouraged them and pushed them to

their full potential in all they did.

Devin was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a strong testimony. He loved reading the scriptures and had numerous callings throughout his life.

Devin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol, and five children: Jessica (Aaron) Ozburn, Jennifer (Brian) Bunderson, Shannon (Forrest) Green, Rase (Tabitha) Woods, and Sierra Woods, and 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Joy, and eight siblings. A viewing and funeral services were held at the Hooper LDS Church, 281 East Hooper Avenue in Soda Springs on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Lynn Charles Moore

April 19, 1948 - March 3, 2024

Lynn Charles Moore, born April 19, 1948, in Soda Springs, ID, peacefully passed away on March 3, 2024, with his beloved wife Dana by his side.

Lynn, the 4th of 5 boys, brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Lynn’s upbringing on a dairy farm in Bailey Creek molded him into a hardworking individual from a young age, mastering tasks like driving trucks and milking cows by age 6.

In 1967, Lynn married Charlie Gregory and together they raised three wonderful children: Richard in 1968, Jennifer in 1971, and Tava in 1975. They later divorced and Lynn married Dana Dursteler, the love of his life, on August 23, 1986. Lynn embraced Dana’s sons, Travis (1975) and Trevor (1980) as his own, completing their family with the additions of Brianna in 1986 and Ashley in 1988. Lynn cherished outdoor adventures, from hunting and fishing to camping with his extended family. Many memories were made at 8-mile and Gentry’s cove. He was known for his sense of humor and his quiet, calm and mellow nature. A dedicated family man, Lynn worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones, finding strength and joy in his unwavering love for Dana. Their bond was a testament to true partnership and enduring love.

An exceptional salesman, Lynn’s career at Soda Springs Phosphate spanned from 1978 until his retirement in 2016. His strong work ethic and ability to connect with people made him an integral part of the company’s success. His hard work ethic being a value he instilled in all his children.

Lynn is proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his soulmate, his wife Dana, their 7 children: Richard (Donna) Moore, Jennifer (Val) Skinner, Tava (Jeremy) Jensen, Travis (Sunshine) Gregory, Trev-

or (Vicky) Gregory, Brianna (Todd) Ward and Ashley (Brad) Harris; their 10 grandchildren: Jady, Kelsey, Lexii, Seth, Elizabeth, Pacen, Braxton, Kamille, Addison and Aspen; their 6 great grandchildren: Lesly, Samantha, Ginny, Rhia, Emrys, and Riley. His brothers Bob (Sharon) Moore, Darrell (Marie) Moore, Roger (Betty) Moore, and Jerry (Peggy) Moore and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His legacy of love, laughter, and hard work will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have offered support during this difficult time. Lynn’s impact on countless lives will be cherished and remembered always. Join us for a celebration of life on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Caribou Bible Church located at 290 E 1st St N, Soda Springs, ID 83276. Prior to the service, the family will welcome visitors from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Kidney Foundation of Idaho at 3707 North Canyon Rd, Suite 1D, Provo, UT 84604 are appreciated.

DEATH NOTICE

Verlene Humphreys (77) – Passed away March 3, 2024. Graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in the Fairview Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at Sims Funeral Home 139 East 2nd South, Soda Springs

from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. simsfh.com.

Derald R. Twitchell

Devin Leon Woods

Gail Weldon Roholt

Lynn Charles Moore

From tags sales to general season openers, here’s a partial list of what’s happening in March.

From controlled hunt results to season closures, there’s a lot happening in Idaho next month that you should be aware of. Staying in the loop can be the difference between applying for that coveted controlled hunt tag and watching from the sidelines.

Be sure to stay up to date on all Fish and Game happenings. Here are some important dates you should know to help you plan.

MARCH 2024

3/1 – CLOSED: Spring turkey controlled hunt application period

3/3 – CLOSED: Public comment period for Chinook salmon seasons

3/10 – CLOSED: Public comment period for 2025-27 fishing seasons and rules

3/15 – OPEN: Peregrine capture permit applications

3/19 - 3/20 – March Commission

Meeting in Boise

3/21 – Returned tag sale at 10 a.m. MDT

3/25 – ON SALE: Leftover spring

turkey tags

3/31 – CLOSED: Several furbearer trapping seasons in most of the state*

3/31 – CLOSED: Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and red squirrel hunting season

Note: Hunters, anglers and trappers should always double check the seasons and rules booklets to confirm opening and closing dates, as well as restrictions and rules pertaining to individual species. *See rules and regulations booklet for full list of furbearer seasons.

CARIBOU COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' MENU

Every meal served with Juice/Milk/ Coffee March 8 - Birthday Dinner, French Dip Sandwiches, Chips, Broccoli Salad, Birthday Cake & Ice Cream (Dine In Only) March 13 - Chicken Pot Pie, Pineapple & Mandarins, Pecan Pie

ON THIS DAY

1744 King George lll charges colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party

1778 Captain James Cook first sights Oregon coast at Yaquina Bay

1854 Charles Miller patents first U.S. sewing machine to stitch buttonholes

1857 Baseball decides 9 innings

Sidney

St.

Carol

SueAnn

Matt Swope, March 22

Ann Hamm, March 23

Wendy Lewis, March 23

Gayle Powell, March 26

Robbie Lamarr, March 26

Peggy Gould, March 28

Jerry Bush, March 29

Carolyn Hunsaker, March 30

Charles Fryar, March 30

Dorothy Cox, March 31

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

constitutes an official game, not 9 runs

1876 Alexander Graham Bell receives a patent for the telephone in the U.S.

1905 Arthur Conan Doyle publishes “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” collection in London after public pressure to revive his famous detective

1908 Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith stand before the city council and announces that, “women are

not physically fit to operate automobiles”

1939 Glamour magazine begins publishing

1955 Musical “Peter Pan”, starring Mary Martin broadcast live on NBC as part of “Producers’ Showcase” series; attracts a then record

65 million viewers

1981 First homicide at Disneyland, 18-year-old Mel Yorba is stabbed to death during a fight with

e Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition 76 South Main St., Ste. 207 Soda Springs, Idaho 83276 (U.S.P.S. -- 090-560)

The Idaho Enterprise - Caribou County Edition is published weekly at 76 South Main Street, Ste. 207, Soda Springs, Idaho. Postmaster, please mail address corrections to The Idaho Enterprise, 76 South Main Street, Ste. 207, Soda Springs, Idaho 83276. Telephone (208) 766-4773.

Entered as “periodicals” at the Soda Springs, Idaho Post Office. Subscription rates are strictly in advance -- $55.00 per year delivered in Caribou County, and $65.00 per year delivered outside of Caribou County within the United States.

The Idaho Enterprise reserves the right to refuse publication of any or all materials.

~ Bryan Dean Scott, Publisher ~ Located at 76 South Main Street, Ste. 207, Soda Springs Phone: 208-766-4773

Email: bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

http://www.cariboucountynews.com

James O’Driscoll after allegedly pinching his girlfriend’s bottom

1996 First surface photos of Pluto (photographed by Hubble Space Telescope)

2021 Oprah Winfrey interview with Harry and Meaghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex broadcast on CBS, alleges Meaghan was make suicidal and subject to racist treatment by the palace

EVENT CALENDARS LUNCH MENUS

GRACE

March 8 – Friday

JH BB Tournament @ Aberdeen

March 10 – Sunday

LDS Services,

March 11 – Monday

JH Track Starts

March 13 – Wednesday

School Board (7pm)

March 14 – Thursday

HS PT Conference City P&Z (7pm)

BANCROFT

March 10 – Sunday

LDS Services

March 11 – Monday City Council (8pm)

March 12 – Tuesday

Senior Project Presentation

March 13 – Wednesday

Little League Wrestling

March 14 - Thursday ISU Tech Expo HS

SODA SPRINGS/ CARIBOU COUNTY

March 8 – Friday

Caribou County Senior Dinner

BB @ Declo

Debate State @ Middleton

SB @ Wendall

March 10 – Sunday

Presbyterian Services

Caribou Bible Church Services

Catholic Mass

Open Arms Church Services

LDS Services

March 11 – Monday

SAT Testing Jr Starts

County Commissioner (9am)

March 12 – Tuesday

City P&Z (6pm)

March 13 – Wednesday

Caribou County Senior Dinner

BB w/Salmon in Idaho Falls

SB w/Salmon in Idaho Falls

March 14 – Thursday

SB @ Declo

Neon Nights PTO Dance (Thirkell)

BRAIN TEASERS

SODA SPRINGS LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Milk

Monday, March 11

Dutch Waffle, Sausage Patty, Fruit, Veggies

Tuesday, March 12

Nacho Supreme, Fruit, Veggies

Wednesday, March 13

Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, Fruit, Veggies

Thursday, March 14

Pizza, Breadstick, Fruit, Veggies

NORTH GEM LUNCH MENU

Milk and Choice of Bar Each Day

Monday, March 11

Soft Shell Taco, Turkey Alfredo, Deli Bar, Baked Squash, Strawberries

Tuesday, March 12

Hot Bean & Cheese Smothered Burrito, Deli Bar, Peas, Applesauce Pudding Cups

Wednesday, March 13

Super Nachos, Deli Bar, Refried Beans, Apricots

Thursday, March 14

Chicken Fajita Bowl, Deli Bar, Broccoli w/Cheese, Orange Slices

GRACE LUNCH MENU

Lunches served with Milk

Monday, March 11

Soft Shell Taco, Cilantro Lime Rice, Food Choice – Refried Beans, Corn or Mandarin Oranges

Tuesday, March 12

Breakfast Sandwich, Hash Browns, Food Choice – Fresh Veggies or Pears

Wednesday, March 13

Chicken Nuggets, Potato Smiles, Food Choice – Sweet Glazed Carrots or Peaches

Thursday, March 14

Ravioli, Breadstick, Food Choice – Salad or Cinnamon Applesauce

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for the Soup-er Day

The snow stopped falling, the sun came out and Tuesday was a grand day for a soup luncheon! Conversations with friends and neighbors warmed us in more ways than one. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the community. Thanks to all who brought their special soups, breadsticks and desserts, to those who set up and cleaned up, to those who did dishes and cleared

snow from the walkways, and to those who helped serve and promote this longstanding winter event. Many thanks, especially, to all of you who braved the snowy roads to come out and join us, eating in or taking out, making this one of our favorite days of the year!

Gratefully,

Soda Springs Presbyterian Church

The following are highlights from this week’s papers (the first week in March) in the Caribou County Sun archives. These are summaries, rather than the original content in full. When possible, the contents have been selected to correlate with current news items and ongoing concerns and people.

5 Years Ago, 2019

It was announced that Soda Springs High School was joining the Amazon Future Engineer program, and would received funding from Amazon to start offering computer sciences classes to students in the fall of 2019. Around 1,000 high schools in the country were signed up for the Amazon Future Engineer, which aims to make computer science education accessible to all students. SSHS plans to offer Intro to Computer Science and Advancement Placement Computer Science classes through curriculum provider Edhesive. The funding from Amazon goes to lessons, tutorials, professional development for teachers, digital curriculum for students, and online support every day of the week for both teachers and students.

Thirkill correspondents Kristen Hansen, Avery O’Donnell, Sierra Muir, and Miriam Evans reported on a visit to the school by author Gary Hogg. Hogg spoke to students about the process of writing, and the importance of staying positive. She shared some of the amazing experiences that he had lived through and written about. Hogg shared the message “Be Amazing, Not Annoying!” He also stressed the important of being thoughtful to others, and that included teachers.

Former Bancroft resident Adrian Ruger presented a piano concert at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center in Grace. Ruger grew up in Grace, and learned to play the piano by watching his older brother practice when he was three. His studies primarily involved classical piano, though he taught himself rock, country, and new age piano styles. The concert was a benefit to raise money for the Holsten and Newman families, who were Ruger’s cousins. Don Sibbett of Soda Springs and Cherrie and Nick Roberts of Grace opened the show.

As the March supplemental levy approached, the School Board for District 150 thanked the community for its past support, and asked for its continued support.

Locals were asked to keep their eyes out for trumpeter swans with neck collars. The collars were used to track breeding populations of the birds in Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge and other areas in eastern Idaho. Birds with the collars had been sighted in the American Falls Reservoir, around Bear Lake, at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, and on the Pioneer Reservoir near Bliss. The public were encouraged to report any sighting to Fish and Game.

10 Years Ago, 2014

As it was the season, bonds for the school districts were again in the air as voting was scheduled to take place during the next week. Superintendents for each of the school districts were given space in the paper to make their cases for the approval of the bonds and levies. In the case of North Gem, Superintendent Jamie Holyoak discussed the $4.8 million dollar bond, which would be used to construct a new building for k-12 education, and well as update the electrical and ventilation components of the current vocational and agricultural building.

Editor Mark Steele discussed recent findings from a set of data released by the “Taxpayers Network.” This data included the finding that Idaho was ranked 50th out of 51 (including Washington, D.C.) states in the country in individual income, with only Mississippi below it on the list.

New Instructor orientation classes were announced by Fish and Game for Southeast Idaho. The classes were held to train certified instructors, as well as those just seeking to increase their skills, in the areas of hunting, bowhunting, and trapping. The courses involve instruction on designing and organizing class sessions, ordering supplies, managing meeting sites, and getting students registered and certified.

North Gem and Grace wrestlers end-

ed their seasons with four placing at state. Mathew Barfuss placed fourth; Caleb Williams placed third; Dan McGregor and Westyn Thompson were both state runners up. Kade Jorgensen narrowly missed out on placing.

The Assembly of God fellowship announced that their name would be changing to the Open Arms Fellowship, Assembly of God. Paster Scott Hoberg invited the community to Sunday School and Worship services.

Junior High Quiz Bowl meets were held in North Gem, Soda Springs, and Bear Lake.

The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers hosted a historical fashion show titled “Fashions of the Past.” The event was a fundraiser for the Caribou County Company of the DUP, which operated five camps throughout the county. The show included dresses and accessories from the 1890s to the 1960s modeled and on display, as well as local singing and dancing entertainment. The clothing collection was owned by DeAnn Simonich of Grace. The show featured two beaver skin coats donated by Al and Eliis Kackley.

20 Years Ago, 2004

A working group for the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area, along with the WMAs at Georgetown Summit and Montpelier noted progress in weed control, fencing projects and habitat improvement, according to Tom Maeder, regional wildlife biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Maeder said yellow toadflax on the Blackfoot property has been aided in control by spot spraying during special work days involving up to 50 people with backpack sprayers. Don Paul Jenkins, Caribou County weed supervisor, reported on good luck he has had using Roundup after the first freeze of the fall.

It was reported by the Caribou County Democratic Caucus Chair Edie Tracy that John Kerry was awarded Caribou County’s delegates for the state convention. Edie Tracy and Max L. Hemmert were elected as the delegates to the state convention.

The Department of Health and Welfare announced that the county had received nearly $3.7 million from its programs. Caribou was ranked 37th of Idaho’s 44 counties in per capita investment of H&W dollars, at $503 per resident.

It was clarified that Soda Springs City Code requires home and business owners to provide clear and adequate numbering visible from the street, identifying the legal building address. The ordinance was explained to stipulate that numbering had to be at least six inches in height and in a color clearly distinct from the background. The same requirements applied to trailer homes. The number requirement is primarily designed to aid emergency responders. Including the police and fire departments, though it is also essential for mail and package delivery, among other needs. The fines imposed for failing to make numbers visible were conveyed to be much higher than the cost of the numbers themselves.

The “second lowest rate in its history” for mortgages was announced by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, at 5.24 percent on a 30-year fixed mortgage. The organization began making loans in 1978, and was reported to have helped 1,566 families purchase homes in 2003.

Grace posted their first win of the season over Soda Springs in a loser-out game during the 2A Fifth District Tournament. The Grizzlies jumped out to a 17-8 first quarter lead, which they would hold until the nail-biting 54-53 win. Ivan Barker led all scorers with 17 points for the Cardinals; Don Michael McCullough scored 12 for Soda Springs. Dustin Ackerman scored 15, Scott Welch scored 14, and Brandon Christensen scored 13 for Grace.

Helen Langedyke celebrated her 17th “leap year birthday” in Soda Springs. Helen was born on leap day in 1936 in Wisconsin, and a party for her was hosted at her daughter Karen’s house.

30 Years Ago, 1994

The Gem Community Committee geared up for the spring clean-up effort for the city of Soda Springs. The unique features such as the geyser, Hooper Springs, Oregon Trail areas,

and others were mentioned as particular draws of the area. The Committee qualified for a $10,000 Gem-Community Department of Commerce grant, which was used to improve Geyser Park, and a a $23,000 Forest Service Rural Development grant, which was to be used for developing and building boardwalks and viewing areas at the park. The GCC was also at work on the Nature Pathway. The cleanup event was themed “Take Pride in Soda Springs.”

The Soda Springs School Board invited the public to an open house and ribbon cutting at the new middle school. The building was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Russell Tigert, who was a prominent Soda Springs physician, who also served on the school board as a trustee and chairman. A short program and a tour of the new building was also planned.

It was reported that thirty percent of Soda Springs HS grads would seek employment in vocational careers involving industry, and Principal Laird Jenkins proposed funding for a computer driven CNC milling machine that will tie in “the school’s state-ofthe-art computer lab.” Jenkins had written a similar grant in Wyoming, and expressed his belief in the importance of modern, up to date vocational resources for students in rural schools. Marty McCullough, industrial maintenance instructor for the high school, said that inductor blueprint reading, Computer Aided Drafting, and conventional drafting courses were already being taught, and the CNC would result in more advanced classes being added. “These kids can have a blast,” he said.

Kari Brown, Eric Hubbard, Mindy Hubbard, Mazie Kukachka and Melissa Young of the “We the People” 4-H Club attended the annual 4-H “Know Your Government” Conference in Boise. They were among 150 Idaho students ho participated in a number of events in the capital.

Annette Elsmore was the featured storytime reader at the Grace Public Library as part of the Preschool Story Hour program for the library.

40 Years Ago, 1984

The Soda Springs Chamber of Commerce planned to host four airlines from Pocatello at their monthly meeting. The meeting would discuss commuter airline services and freight hauling. Chamber President Charles Parkin announced that a $10 membership in the Chamber would allow farmers, industry officials and workers, and individuals who were interested in the community to join. Elections for director and the vice president were set for April. Discussion of the chili cook-off and possible Lions Club rodeo were also discussed, though a number of events, including a big fish contest, were still being finalized.

The progress of Senate Bill 1323 through the Senate was discussed. The bill would make it mandatory for day care homes and day care centers to be licensed with Health and Welfare. The bill would also create a misdemeanor for operating a day care without such a license. As a result of the misdemeanor, the relevant prosecuting attorney could file an injunction and stop the operation if deemed necessary. Senator Budge, of Soda Springs, spoke against the bill, claiming that it added an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy to the child care system, and that parents should be the ultimate arbiters of whether a daycare was suitable for their children, rather than the state. He also argued that the licensing fees would be passed on to the parents of the center.

Southeast Idaho Dairy Advisory Committee and the University of Idaho Extension Office sponsored a Dairy Calf Survival Workshop for dairy farmers in the area. The meeting was held in Preston, and featured Ag-

ricultural agent Wayne Sharp presenting information on how to increase survivability for dairy calves.

Donations had been received for thePTO’s annual carnival, to be held at the end of the month at Thirkill Elementary. The main items promoted for the carnival raffle were four bicycles provided by the PTO. Other items included a handmade doll, stuffed animals donated nu Richard Hendricks of Hendricks Insurance, and a chocolate Easter house.

An invitational tournament hosted by Soda Springs Little League Basketball Association was scheduled to be held in March at Soda Springs High School. Teams from Bancroft, Fort Hall, Lava Hot Springs, Preston, Malad, and Soda Springs were expected to compete at the three day tournament.

50 Years Ago, 1974

District Conservationist Jack Peterson reported that the snow pack was within normal values for the year, and anticipated another 1-2 inches of snow before the end of spring. According to Peterson, snowfall was usually 90% complete by the beginning of March, barring unexpected changes to the weather patterns.

Kay Mansfield of Idaho Falls won the Soda Springs Snowmobiling TwoStar Rally Grand Championship on the north track of Soda Springs. Lloyd Wilson and Burt Barfuss of Bancroft also placed, and Steve Hildreth of Soda Springs won the 440 cc Expert A Main division. Don Jacaway of Soda Springs placed in the 300 Amateur A Main division, and Dan Bailey, also of Soda Springs, placed in the 440 Amateur A division. It was announced that Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Council of Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would be the speaker at the Soda Springs Idaho Stake Conference on Sunday, March 10, 1974. At the time, Benson was most well known for his tenure as the Secretary of Agriculture during the Eisenhower administration, and his long record of various positions within the Boy Scouts of America organization. He was appointed President of the Council of Twelve at the end of the previous year, in December of 1973. The theme and title of his address was to be “Latter-day Saint Home Ideals,” and would focus on the roles of husbands and wives within the church. Stake President Robert W. Hubbard welcomed all visitors to attend.

“The Magic Beanstalk” was presented by the students of Grace Elementary for parents and the community. Students from each class were represented in a variety of costumes, and Principal Gene Millward was dressed for the part of the Giant. Mrs. Charles Harrison, Mrs. Blaine Carver made a number of costumes for the show, including “lovable cows,” and many others. Steven Shaw and Eric Simonson played the part of Jack throughout the production.

At Lallatin’s this week, 4 Boxes of Facial Tissue were on sale for a dollar, a can of Hormel Chili was featured at 39 cents, a quart of mayonnaise was on sale for 99 cents, and a can of Spam was listed at 89 cents. A 10 count container of Glad trash bags was listed at 69 cents, on sale from 83 cents.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

On Thursday, the 30th day of May, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 o’clock a.m. of said day at Alliance Title & Escrow, 71 E. 1st S., Soda Springs, in the County of Caribou, State of Idaho, Ryan M. Fawcett, as Successor Trustee, will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, the following described real property situated in the County of Caribou, State of Idaho, and described as follows, to-wit:

The North 70 feet of Lot 13, Block 1 of the First Addition to the Lewis Subdivision, in the City of Soda Springs, according to the official plat thereof, as recorded in the Office of the County Recorder of Caribou County, Idaho, under Recorder’s Instrument No. 32340.

The Successor Trustee has no knowledge of a more particular description of the above-referenced real

but for purposes of compliance with Section 60-113, Idaho Code, the Successor Trustee has been informed that the

Said

The default for which this sale is to be made is the

dated August 13, 2018, in the

secured by said Deed of Trust is $14,883.66, plus accrued interest at the rate of 7.74% per annum from June 25, 2023.

DATED This 30th day of January, 2024.

RYAN M. FAWCETT, a Member of the Idaho State Bar, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE #5576-2-15-22-29-3-4-24-T4

Idaho Secretary of State Launches Upgraded VoteIdaho.gov Website

or cause the trust property to be sold to satisfy said obligation. The principal balance owing as of this date on the obligation

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN: A municipal solid waste landfill site certification application has been submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) for the IDAWY Regional Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Facility located approximately 9 miles southeast of Soda Springs, Idaho, east of Highway 30 at the Caribou / Bear Lake County border (42°34’59.30”N 111°27’59.35”W). The application was submitted to satisfy the requirements of a facility under the Idaho Solid Waste Facilities Act. Copies of the application may be inspected (and/or an electronic copy requested) at the IDAWY Solid Waste District office located at 241 S Main, Suite #3 Lower Left, Soda Springs, ID 83276, (208) 236-6160. The public may submit written comments to IDEQ within 28 days of the date of this publication. Written public comments should be addressed to: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Pocatello Regional Office, 444 Hospital Way, #300, Pocatello, ID 83201. #5579-2-22-29-3-7-14-24-T4

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Filing Deadline

PURSUANT TO I.C. 34-1405

THE FILING PERIOD FOR THE May 21 and November 5, 2024 PRIMARY and GENERAL ELECTIONS IN CARIBOU COUNTY IS FROM March 4, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 15, 2024 UNTIL 5:00 PM

INFORMATION AND

THE DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 159 S. MAIN, SODA SPRINGS, IDAHO FOR THOSE WISHING TO FILE FOR LOCAL OFFICES.

PURSUANT TO I.C. 34-1407

MARCH 22, 2024 IS THE LAST DAY UNTIL 5:00 P.M. FOR FILING DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR WRITE IN CANDIDATES.

COUNTY POSITIONS TO BE

VOTED ON ARE:

County Commissioner District III (4 - year term)

County Commissioner District I (2 - year term)

County Prosecuting Attorney (4 - year term)

County Sheriff (4 - year term)

County Coroner (2 - year term)

County Precinct Committee

Person (2 - year term)

Please note all legislative and statewide filing shall be filed in the Secretary of State’s Office in Boise Idaho.

(s) Jill Stoor

Caribou County Clerk

Caribou County Idaho

Published March 2, 2024 in the Idaho State Journal.

As the election season rolls on, many voters have asked where they can find the most updated information about Idaho’s many upcoming elections. With candidate deadlines for filing rapidly approaching, many more names may be added to local, municipal, county, and state ballots by the middle of March. Idaho’s Secretary of State has been promoting a new and improved website resource for voter information, at the address VoteIdaho.gov. According to the latest official release from the Secretary’s office:

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is proud to announce the launch of an upgraded Vote Idaho website at VoteIdaho.gov, a comprehensive site designed to provide the public, candidates, and media with easy access to vital Idaho election and voting information.

The redesigned website is part of Secretary McGrane’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, and the desire to engage Idaho

citizens with the resources they need to participate in elections. The upgraded VoteIdaho.gov website features a user-friendly interface and easy-to-access information that empowers citizens, candidates, and media outlets to stay informed and engaged in the electoral process.

Key features of the new Vote Idaho website include: User-Friendly Interface: The website boasts a clean, intuitive design, making it easy for users to navigate and access the information they need quickly.

Comprehensive Election Information: Users can find detailed and up-to-date information on Idaho elections, including key dates and polling locations.

Voter Resources: The website provides valuable resources for voters, including voter registration information, absentee voting details, and other essential resources to ensure Idahoans can exercise their right to vote and find information with ease.

Designed for Mobile:

The website is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring that users can access crucial information wherever they are.

“We are very excited to introduce the upgraded Vote Idaho website, which will serve as the go-to site for voting and elections in the great State of Idaho. The new version of the website reflects our commitment to transparency and accessibility and will serve as a valuable resource for voters, candidates, and the media,” said Phil McGrane, Idaho Secretary of State.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane will be available to answer media questions and demo the website between 1:30 and 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, in the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office on the 2 nd floor of the Capitol.

Explore the new Vote Idaho website at VoteIdaho.gov.

Idaho GOP Caucus joins Michigan and Missouri in supporting Trump

Idaho was one of three states that held GOP nominating contests on Saturday. Unofficially, 84% of Idaho’s registered GOP voters gave Trump the nod in the state’s caucuses. Idaho joined Michigan and Missouri in moving former president Donald Trump closer to the delegate total he needs to cinch the nomination. While there is no realistic mathematical way the Nikki Haley can overtake Trump in the delegate race, Donald Trump’s various legal issues create a lot of uncertainty in both the path to the nominating convention, and then (assuming Trump crosses that threshold) to the general election. In Michigan, Haley did pick up some of the delegates in the contest, which has not been made official yet.

According to idahorepublicancaucus.com, Caribou County’s results were as follows: Donald Trump – 96; Ron DeSantis – 2; Nikki Haley – 16; Chris Christie, Ryan Binkley – 0. The caucus was held at Tigert Middle School, and saw the participation of 114 total voters. With 100% of the 210 precincts reporting across Idaho, the totals were as follows: Donald Trump received 33,603 (84.89%); Nikki Haley 5,221 (13.19%); Ron DeSantis 534 (1.35%); Vivek Ramaswamy 95 (.24%); Chris Christie 91 (.23%); Ryan Binkley 40 (.10%). These totals are a bit more Trump friendly

than those reported in many of the other state contests, but reflect similar trends. Adhering to expectations, the District of Columbia voted for Nikki Haley, making it the first contest she has won this season. Haley won with 66% of the vote to Trump’s 33%, and picked up 19 delegates. It is interesting to note that historically, Haley became the first woman to win a GOP presidential nominating contest in the country’s history, although the GOP electorate in the DC area is considerably less Trump-friendly than most others across the nominating contests.

Recent developments in the courts indicate that possibly only one of the trials Trump is currently involved in is likely to take place before the convention. The Supreme Court also issued a major ruling that universally keeps his name on the ballot in all states, making the current state-level court challenges for disqualification on the basis of “insurrection” irrelevant. The ruling came after an appeal based on Colorado’s decision to remove Trump from the ballot for his actions on January 6. Some observers over the weekend noted that there were issues for the Trump campaign in the cross-tabs (analysis tables of the voters, created by exit interviews), which continued to find a fairly consistent 30% or so of GOP voters

who voted for a candidate other than Trump, and indicated that they would not vote for him in the general election. While that will not affect Trump’s ability to lock up the primary nomination, if those percentages indeed track through the general election they will present an extremely narrow margin between Biden and Trump, much like the 2020 election.

Idaho GOP Chairman Dorothy Moon released a statement after the caucus results were in, stating, “We are pleased to announce that… President Donald J. Trump has won all 32 of Idaho’s delegates to the Republican National Convention. Idaho has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Republican ideals, reaffirming Idaho’s status as ‘Trump Country’ with his resounding victory in our caucus.”

She added, “I am so proud to say that the caucuses today were organized 100% by the Idaho Republican Party without any reliance on taxpayer dollars. This monumental event was meticulously planned, facilitated, and executed by the dedicated state party staff, alongside the invaluable thousands of Republican volunteers across the state. Their tireless efforts ensured the smooth operation of the caucuses at 210 locations statewide, culminating in a resounding success.”

This picture of February 24th full moon reflecting on the ice in Chesterfield was submitted by Raymond Betancourt, and certainly captures the spirit of the season. If you have any photos you are interested in submitting for publication, send them to brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com for consideration.

Social media legislation across the country

A recent report on social media impacts on middle school students in the country’s school system sheds some light on the increasing issue of the potential mental health effects of social media on today’s students. The report found that Idaho’s middle schoolers spend a bit less time than the national average engaged with social media, but that many of the same issues are present that have been noted nationally in conjunction with that use. Bullying, negative feelings of self-worth, and potential self-harm ideation are among the primary concerns being investigated by a wide range of groups.

The rise of social media has occurred over a relatively brief span of time, with most media experts locating the widespread use of various platforms at around 2009 or 2010. Numbers of those who routinely use social media have radically increased since that time. For adults, that 15 year period can seem somewhat recent, but bear in mind that it also means that today’s middle school and grade school (as well as most high school) students have never experienced a world without social media as a background factor in culture, commerce, education, and society at large.

By the same token that makes the passage of time since social media became a major concern seem slight, that span of time is not especially fast for the creation and passage of legislation, which always lags social trends by a number of years.

This year, social media legislation is in the legislatures of 30 states and Puerto Rico, including Idaho. Idaho’s House Bill 448 is the only one on the docket, and it would add to the existing state laws on harmful internet content by “establishing provisions to protect minors.” Similar additions are on the books in many states, and seek to increase penalties for content providers who are deemed to be in violation of the state law, and to more specifically articulate what it meant by “harm.” At present, the bill has a high degree of likelihood for passage, as it merely adds to the existing law.

Utah, a state which reports one of the country’s highest per capita internet and social media usage figures, has four laws up for the session, including the recently enacted Senate Bill S 89, which extends the time social media companies have to implement the section of the bill that prohibits companies from allowing minors to be account holders on social media platforms without express consent of a parent or guardian. Senate Bill 194 is related, as it enacts provisions related to age verification for minors under the State Minor Protection Act. Amendments are also on the table with House Bill 464, which enacts provisions against the excessive use of algorithmically curated social media services, and House Bill H 342, which

City of Grace—City Council Meeting 2/7

A regular meeting of the Grace City Council was held on February 7, 2024. Present were Mayor Jackie Bathlome, Council Members Larry Allen, Kathy Tillotson, Colleen Fluckiger, and Curtis Toone, Superintendent Riley Crookston, and Clerk Shelley Reeves.

The meeting was called to order by the mayor at 6:00 p.m., after which the invocation was offered by Councilmember Allen, and the pledge was led by Clerk Reeves.

The minutes from 1/17 were approved.

Bills in the amount of $39,534.08 and Payroll in the amounts of $10,396.32 and $12,687.09 were reviewed and approved.

Cameras at Fire Station

The issue of cameras at the fire station was discussed. Mayor Barthlome suggested acquiring two trail cameras that could be aimed to see who is throwing snowballs at the sign. Councilmember Allen stated that he would be willing to donate one that he is not currently using. Councilmember Tillotson moved to approve the purchase of one trail camera. Councilmember Fluckiger seconded, after which the motion passed.

Conditional Use Permit

strengthens provisions of the Electronic Information Privacy Act regarding data collection.

Wyoming’s House Bill 78 would specify penalties under the Pornography and Obscenity laws in effect, as well as prohibit the retention of user data, and require age verification of adult sites. Similar to Utah’s S 194, Wyoming’s S 85 will require parental consent for minors to use social media platform accounts.

Washington has a number of bills up for discussion as well, including H 2435, which bans the TikTok platform in the state. House Bill 1627 is an interesting bill, which provides protections for minor children featured on for-profit vlogs (video log content). This is especially relevant following the recently adjudicated “8 Passengers” court case against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, who were found guilty of abuse in a case in Utah. Another interesting bill in Washington would expand and enhance “media literacy and digital citizenship” programs in the school system.

Oregon does not have any social media legislation pending.

Across the country, many states have proposed legislation to establish committees to investigate social media’s effects on students, mandate digital literacy courses for all students, increase penalties for harmful behavior, protect digital information, and so on.

As social media becomes a more and more inescapable feature of modern life, it is a good bet that the topic will become a major source of legislation into the foreseeable future. Because internet platforms evolve rapidly, legislators need to work ahead of problems, rather than catch up with them as has often been the case in the last 15 or so years.

As a parent, I have kids who are currently in elementary, middle school, and high school, and the impacts of social media have caused me a lot of anxiety, as I’m sure they’ve caused many of you. It can feel overwhelming from a parent’s perspective, because the line between “normal socialization” and “unhealthy interactions” is not something that our kids themselves are equipped to observe or explain. It’s also true that most kids are reticent to discuss their online activities, as in some ways it really is private to them.

As with any social situation in which kids are participants, speaking with your kids directly, and making sure they feel comfortable coming to you with any issues they are experiencing is the most effective way to try to negotiate the online world they live in more often than we do. While they may not always open up about specific problems with social media, they are much more likely to in a good faith conversation about how they are doing, and what is going on in their lives.

A Conditional Use Permit requested by Kelly Anderson was discussed. Anderson was seeking a CUP to allow for the storage of junk cars in the industrial zone. Mr. Anderson joined the meeting by phone. Councilmember Tillotson asked Mr. Anderson how many more cars would be put there is the City Council approved the permit with the zoning commission’s conditions in place over the next three years. Mt. Anderson stated that he was hoping the crusher would be coming to take the cars away any day now. Councilmember Toone asked if there was a specific timeframe in place for the removal process.

Anderson explained that he had received a call from the company stating that they were in town at the landfill and would be coming to crush his cars also, but they had not shown up. The company later explained that they had experienced an equipment breakdown, but that he would be next on their list. He explained that part of the nature of his business is that there will always be junk cars, but that he does plan on building storage units on the property in industrial areas.

A decision on the Conditional Use Permit was tabled until a future meeting when Mr. Anderson was able to attend.

City Issues

The Idaho Transportation Department and the City of Grace signed a Memorandum of Understanding for work on the Center Street bridge. A motion to authorize the signing was passed.

Superintendent Crookston requested the purchase of fifty 100-gallon garbage cans and four 300-gallon garbage cans for a total cost of $8865.50. The motion was approved. Crookston also report -

ed that there was a sinkhole on 1 st South due to an old coal chute. The city will work with Rigby Plumbing to repair it. Crookston reported that the city employees have been working on maintenance, clearing the roads, and the lead/copper survey of water lines throughout the city.

The purchase of a laptop and internet connection at the wastewater treatment plant was discussed. A laptop had been approved at a previous meeting, but not yet purchased. Waster Treatment plant operator Jake Wright explained that after the laptop was approved more research was done, and it was found that after the treatment plant upgrade is completed he will need something more powerful than a laptop to run the SCADA system properly. A fiberoptic internet connection will be budgeted for in the next meeting.

Councilmember Tillotson began a discussion about employee compensation and incentives. After the discussion, those employees present stated that they would like to keep the comp time the way it is. The personnel policy and the city superintendent’s salary and comp time will be discussed at a future meeting.

A discussion about snow removal on Main Street was had. The business owners and some city council members felt that the city should remove the berm on Main Street, or allow business owners to push the snow from their property onto the road. The State of Idaho does not allow snow to be pushed onto any roads. There was a discussion about hiring an outside contractor to come and clear the sidewalks, but it was unclear who would be responsible for paying the contractor. The discussion was tabled.

Code Enforcement Code Enforcement was discussed with Attorney Doug Wood and Deputy Russ Roper. Attorney Wood reported that his research indicated that as the attorney representing the city he could not issue citations without a contract that allowed him to do that in his role as prosecuting attorney. Deputy Roper stated that the county sheriff’s office could help the city with any issues that involve a state statute, but that city codes could not be enforced without a contract. Roper stated that he would bring up the matter with Sheriff Mabey. A motion to contract with Doug Wood as the county prosecutor and the sheriff’s office to enforce city codes was approved.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Barthlome reported that the Association of Idaho Cities spring conference will be held on April 10. She asked the council members to let Clerk Reeves know if they were able to attend in order to reserve spots. She thanked the employees for their hard work. The maor also reported that the Caribou Medical Center will be hosting a blood draw at the Legion Hut on March 15.

This report was adapted from the minutes taken by City Clerk Shelley Reeves.

The city park in Grace is one of the many parts of the city that is maintained by the city crew.

Another bill I am sponsoring, HB542, moved off the house floor with unanimous support this week. People are enthusiastic about the work to make Idaho a more competitive destination for physicians. Also, thanks to Senator Jim Guthrie’s hard work, HB433 passed out of Senate Committee and is now headed to the Senate Floor. That puts us one step closer to state agencies hiring based on skills, rather than arbitrary degree requirements.

The tempo of the work has changed again this week. There were many more bills introduced this week. I’ve heard we are on pace to have a record number of bills under consideration. Consequently, we’ve been on the House floor multiple times each day to keep pace with the amount of legislation still left to consider. It was great to see HB521 pass off the floor of the house with extremely strong support this week. I’m optimistic about the mechanism this bill is setting up to increase the amount of school facility funding that is sent directly to school districts, which should lower the demand for bonds on local property owners.

In addition, some of the agency specific budgets are beginning to come to the house floor. Last Friday, an appropriations bill that fully funds the Idaho LAUNCH program passed out of JFAC. I remain an enthusiastic

supporter of that program, especially as we see more Idaho kids connecting to post secondary CTE opportunities and careers via those grants. I am happy to hear the appropriations bill is moving forward.

So glad to have reached my goal with the steps for school challenge as February came to an end. Happy to know a little bit of monetary support will now head to the great students in Teton School District. It is always helpful to hear from people back home, especially with input or concerns about specific legislation that is moving through the process.

Sen. Harris – Week 8 Legislative Update

As I have mentioned before, one of the duties of the Senate is to confirm the Governor’s appointments to commissions and boards. I had the privilege of carrying the reappointment of Mr. Ray Hinchcliff of Driggs to the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on the Senate floor. Ray is very qualified for this reappointment as he has spent over 40 years in the oil and gas industry. He has real life experience and has worked across the globe. We are glad Mr. Hinchcliff has agreed to continue to serve the State of Idaho on this commission.

The Senate also passed Senate Joint Memorial 103 (SJM103) this week that opposes the removal of dams along the Snake River and emphasizes the importance of the Port of Lewiston and the Columbia-Snake River System to the benefit of our economy and the livelihoods of Idaho’s citizens. Nearly 4,500 Idaho farm families who grow wheat rely on the river and barge system to get their crops to foreign markets. The dams also produce over 1,000 average megawatts of power that serve over 137,000 Idahoans with clean, renewable, and affordable electricity. We recognize that salmon recovery efforts must not only be founded on sound science but also consider the multiple use benefits of the Columbia-Snake River System.

The School Facilities Bill, House Bill 521 (H521), passed the House and is now in the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee awaiting a hearing. H521 is a very complex bill that provides money for schools to help pay off school bonds and levies and provides for an income tax cut. One issue that I have previously brought up about the bill is the five-day school week provision. This provision is problematic as the dollars going to schools is contingent on whether the school districts are on a five-day school week or not. Most of the school districts in our Legislative District (LD-35) are on four-day

school weeks. The Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, has assured me she will do everything she can to make sure these schools with four-day weeks qualify for facilities money if the bill becomes law. Some adjustments would have to be made in that students may be required to attend school for a certain number of additional hours each school year. Therefore, four-day schools would probably have to expand the number of days in their school year, some may have to add up to 10 extra days. If the bill passes and the Governor signs it, the State Board of Education would meet in April to set standards and perhaps grandfather in some school districts that are on four-day school weeks so they can meet the criteria for the total number of student-days and teacher-contract-days.

However, H521 is not yet law. It still must make its way through the Senate to be debated before it goes to the Governor for his signature. We will see in the next couple of weeks what will happen to it!

As always, I like to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at: mharris@senate.idaho.gov I will do my best to get you answers!!

CARIBOU COUNTY READERS

As our County wide mailing comes to an end, we hope everyone has enjoyed reading the first four editions of the paper. If you would like to continue receiving the newspaper, there are three ways to subscribe.

Call our office at 208-766-4773, mail a check to Idaho Enterprise, PO Box 205, Malad, ID 83252 or online at www.cariboucountynews.com

Most Idaho GOP voters did not vote in caucus

Clark Corbin, Idaho Capital Sun

The overwhelming majority of Idaho’s registered Republican voters did not participate in Saturday’s Republican Presidential Caucus. And despite Idaho’s status as one of the fastest growing states in the country over the past 10 years, fewer Idaho Republicans voted in Saturday’s GOP caucus than voted in the 2012 GOP caucus.

As of Monday morning, the Idaho Republican Party had not released voter turnout data for Saturday’s presidential caucus, which Republican officials said former President Donald J. Trump won.

The Idaho Capital Sun calculated turnout for Saturday’s Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus at about 6.8% using publicly available data posted by the Idaho Republican Party and Idaho Secretary of State’s Office. Caucus results released Saturday by the Idaho Republican Party shows that 39,584 votes were cast in the caucus, which was only open to registered Republican voters who met the party’s Dec. 31 affiliation deadline. Data from the new Vote Idaho website shows there are 579,723 registered Republicans in Idaho.

Using those two data points, voter turnout for the Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus came to about 6.8%.

In the weeks leading up to the caucus, Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon told the Sun there were about 585,000 registered Republicans in Idaho. Using that number, caucus turnout would also have come to about 6.8%.

Political scientist David Adler, who is president of the nonprofit Alturas Institute and has taught politics and government in Idaho, was not surprised by the low turnout.

“The low turnout among Republican caucus goers, around 6-to-7 % of registered GOP voters, was not surprising,” Adler said in a written statement. “After all, for a state party in thrall to Donald Trump, the outcome was a foregone conclusion. No mysteries, no curiosities, no surprises.”

Adler said the more interesting question is: What was it about Trump that voters were endorsing?

How does Saturday’s voter turnout compare to other elections?

Fewer Idahoans voted in Saturday’s Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus than in the 2012 Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus.

In the 2012 Republican Presidential Caucus, 44,672 Idaho Republicans participated, the Spokesman-Review reported. That means 5,088 more Re-

publicans voted in 2012 than on Saturday.

By comparison, voter turnout in primary elections has been much higher. For example, in the 2020 Republican presidential primary, 118,958 voters participated, according to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office. Turnout for the 2020 presidential primary election was 25.8%, according to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office.

Primary elections run by the state give voters more options to vote. During primary elections, voters can vote throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are also options for early voting and absentee voting in primary elections.

Why was turnout lower for Idaho’s caucus?

Heading into the caucus, several Republicans and political experts predicted turnout would be lower because voters had to attend the Republican Presidential Caucus in person. There was no option for early or absentee voting, meaning members of the armed forces serving away from home, religious missionaries, people who had to work, people who were ill and people who could not obtain transportation to their caucus site were unable to participate.

Absentee voting will be available in the upcoming May 23 Idaho Democratic Presidential Caucus. Democrats have until May 16 to request an absentee ballot at the Idaho Democratic Party’s caucus website.

Several Republican voters who spoke with Idaho Capital Sun reporters at caucus sites Saturday said they knew voters who were unable to participate and they believed a primary election would have yielded higher turnout.

“For sure a primary,” voter Denise Caruzzi said when asked by the Sun whether she preferred a caucus or a primary. “This makes it too difficult.”

Idaho Republican Party chairwoman hoped to see 100,000 voters turn out

Heading into the caucus, Moon told the Sun turnout of about 10% would be typical for a caucus, but she would love to see 100,000 voters participate in the 2024 Idaho Republican Presidential Caucus (which would have been about 17% turnout).

“I would love to see 100,000 people turn out so that we can beat Iowa’s caucus result,” Moon told the Sun in an interview at Idaho GOP headquarters in February. “I think the idea of getting people excited is what excites me.”

Efforts to reach Moon on Monday were unsuccessful.

Coat program downtown

If you’ve visited downtown Soda Springs this winter, you’ve undoubtedly seen the at-first strange sight of a number of coats hanging on the fence in front of the Dinkey Engine near the library. Joining many cities around country, Caribou County has its own ad hoc program designed to provide warm winter clothing to those who need it. Although the library staff keep an eye on the coats, the system pretty much takes care of itself. Anyone who needs a coat is welcome to take one, and anyone who has a coat they are no longer using or would like to donate it.

“We think it’s a pretty amazing thing. No one knows who started it,” Library Director Cindy Erickson

winks, “but it’s a pretty good sign of what people are like here.”

The winter can be an especially challenging time for many people, for a variety of reasons. For some, the increased darkness and inability to spend as much time outdoors cause emotional or mental distress. For others, heating costs and food scarcity are the immediate problems. More details about the coat program itself, as well as a number of other programs in the community, such as the city’s utility bill reduction, local food pantries, and services offered by SEICAA and other support organizations will be coming soon to the pages of The Enterprise.

Coats hang on a fence downtown waiting for someone who needs them.

Behind the scenes

continued from page 1

99% biology and microorganisms. And that’s good for here, because if your little organisms aren’t happy, the plant will die.”

“When I hired on for the city, my main job was shoveling snow and do garbage. Then they said, ‘no, you’re going over to the wastewater plant.’

So, I’ve been here about seven years. It’s been a learning curve, for sure. Every day you learn something different,” Wright said.

When the previous plant operator left, Wright began to wonder about not just what to do, but why it needed to be done. “I started to think about what things we could do to make our job easier and function better. So it’s been a lot of on our own studying and classes we do to try to figure it out.”

When the plant was originally built it was designed for a town about twice the population of Grace. “But the problem is that the DEQ requirements are a lot stricter now thatn they were in the 70s and 80s,” Wright explained. “So there are some things we had to figure out how to deal with under those new requirements.”

One of the areas of the process that had been a bit worrisome in this regard was the clarifying tank, where algae growth had been causing higher numbers than were desired. The algae had been rising to the surface, increasing, and then sinking, keeping phosphate levels above a level that was comfortable to its overseers. As they explored the problem, Wright and Crookston came across a possible solution, a sonor device that can work to prevent the growth of algae, and shrink the totals in the clarifier. “We’ve thought about other possibilities,” Crookston said. “There are some plants out there that use koi fish

in the clarifier and things like that, but this seemed like a good solution.”

In previous years, the limits for phosphate re-entering the river were such that they were fairly easily achievable, but they have since been decreased, exacerbating the problem and highlighting the need for something that could help control it.

According to the company’s website, “Ultrasonic algae control devices emit low-power ultrasound waves in the top water layer, generating a constant pressure cycle around the algal cells. This interferes with the algae’s buoyancy regulation, preventing them from accessing sunlight and nutrients. As a result, they can’t perform photosynthesis and sink to the bottom, where they decompose naturally without releasing harmful toxins. No aquatic organisms, animals, or humans are harmed in the process.”

The ultrasonic device is just one example of the kind of innovative thinking that has helped keep Grace running and kept costs within reach. Although outlays like the four and a half thousand dollars for the ultrasonic device can seem like “government toilet seat syndrome” (where seemingly everyday objects are billed at exorbitant cost) to some, that is not the case here. In the first place, the device involves unique technology and the city’s cost was at a consumer price point. And more importantly, the use of the device (along with other changes Wright and Crookston have implemented) has reduced the risk of the plant falling out of compliance by a substantial amount. Fines for being in violation of the chemical standards are severe, and can potentially range up to nearly half a million dollars a

month, depending on the timeframe involved in reporting and correcting the problem. There are a lot of other improvements at the facility that Wright and Crookston are contemplating. One of them is a new method for dealing with the collected solid waste, which is left over after the clarification process. At present, it is collected into large bags in a specially-purposed collection building, and then dis-

posed of safely. The two are considering various ways to make that process easier.

The only potential drawback might be that if it reduced the smell, which is apparently only noticeably strong in the warm months, they might not have the satisfaction of watching the local school classes react to it when they tour the facility.

Big Game Scoring Day to be held in Idaho Falls

From Fish and Game Idaho Falls:

Ever wonder how that big buck you shot last year would score in the record books? Well March is your chance to get big game antlers, horns or skulls measured and scored by official Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scorers.

Fish and Game is hosting a free scoring event to be held on March 28th, at the at the Fish & Game Regional Office located at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls. Measuring will be done according to official standards

for North American game animals.

Skulls, antlers, and horns from all North American big game species will be accepted. Submissions can be submitted at the regional office beginning Monday, March 25 through the 27th, and must be picked up on either Friday, March 29th or April 1st, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The service is free, and all submissions will be scored regardless of size. “Every animal is a trophy to someone and has a memory attached to it,” says James Brower with Fish

& Game. “We are happy to score any animal brought by, so bring it in if you are curious. All it will cost you is a hunting story.”

Items brought in for measuring must be free of flesh and must have air-dried for a minimum of 60 days. Please note that air-drying is not the same as freezer storage.

All scoring will be completed free of charge by certified Boone & Crocket and Pope & Young scorers.

Information required at the time of drop-off includes:

• Hunter or owner’s name

• Date of harvest

• Location of harvest, including big game unit, county and state

• Address and telephone number

• Guide’s name and address if applicable.

For more information, contact the Idaho Falls Fish & Game office at: 208-525-7290.

Floating atop the clarifier is the ultrasonic algae growth inhibitor

Jake Wright discusses the positives and negatives of the solid waste collection area.

Though hard to see, this salamander was found on site and given a new home.

One of the jars in the lab room is used to store some of the interesting things that end up in the system.

More Than a Game

Jody Reeves

With just a mere half second left in the state championship game the last of the senior Lady Grizzlies were ceremoniously subbed out one last time. That is with the exception of one. Melodie Straatman the 5’ 11” senior guard was already on the bench. With just over five minutes left in the game Straatman would drive to the basket and be fouled going hard to the floor. The crowd did not know it yet but Straatman was sure that she had just broken her arm in the final minutes of the final game of her high school career. “I was just thinking why did this happen now? And I was mad that I wouldn’t be able to be on the floor to finish the game,” Straatman said.

She stayed on the floor for a few brief minutes before being helped to the locker room to get checked out. The trainer would agree that the arm was most likely broken. Melodie was eager to get back out to the floor to see the end of the game. Billie Ann Straatman, Melodie’s mom and assistant coach, said “She became irritable. She kept hurrying the trainer because she wanted to get back to her team before the game ended.”

She would not be able to go back into the game and help her team win the state championship. Melodie would, however, make it out of the locker room in time to watch the closing moments of the game and be able to celebrate the victory with her teammates. Though this was the ultimate goal for being in Boise that weekend, a championship was not the only purpose for the trip.

Long before the Grizzlies qualified

for the state tournament Melodie had started a project. Each senior is required to do a senior project in order to meet the graduation standards. The Lady Grizzlies had, for several years, spent part of their trip to the state tournament stopping by the Ronald McDonald house delivering supplies and touring the facility. Melodie decided that for her senior project she would spearhead that mission this year.

The Ronald McDonald house in Boise serves as a place for the families of children that are being treated at Boise area medical facilities to stay during their time of treatment. The facility is primarily stocked with supplies through donations.

Melodie wanted to do this project partially because of a young girl in Grace named Berkeley Spencer. Berkeley was diagnosed in September with a malignant brain tumor. Berkeley was admitted to Primary

Give

Track

a Try

Jody Reeves

March has come in like a lion. That’s nothing new for residents of Southeast Idaho. With the coming of March also comes the end of the winter sports season and the beginning of the spring sports season. Yes it is still cold and yes there is still plenty of snow covering the tracks at the local high schools but the fact remains that the track and field season is well underway. Coach Corry Hatch from North Gem stated, “I have become good at training in the gym. Intensity makes quality workouts not location. The ability to help kids understand that guts and technique can overcome volume and talent is what makes us competitive.”

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations track and field is the number one sport for high school participa-

Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for surgery and a long run of chemo and radiation. During this time Berkeley and her family were able to spend six weeks at the Ronald McDonald house. It was also during this time that Melodie and her teammates were in the middle of their volleyball season. The volleyball team took up the charge of fundraising for the Spencer family. Melodie and her teammates became close with Berkeley and her sister AuBree. TaNesha Spencer, Berkeley’s mom said about the volleyball team, “We will never be able to express how much their support means to Levi and I, but also

the girls.” TaNesha went on to say about the volleyball team, “They are amazing role models!” TaNesha was also happy to report that Berkeley is currently cancer free.

It was because of that experience that Melodie wanted to do the Ronald McDonald house fundraiser. “I got to see Berkeley a lot and saw what her family was going through so I liked knowing how I could help other people going through struggles,” she said. Melodie collected items and donations starting in October right up until the week the Lady Grizzlies traveled to state. Just 24 hours prior to their championship game the Lady Grizzlies, with Melodie leading the charge, made a stop at the Boise Ronald McDonald house to drop off some much appreciated supplies gathered through Melodie’s efforts throughout the year.

As that final buzzer sounded in the championship game Melodie was able to realize her dream of becoming a state champion once again with her senior teammates. When asked how she would describe her whole weekend experience Melodie simply said “grateful.” You often hear the expression “More Than A Game.”

On one February weekend in Boise that expression rang true for Melodie Straatman and the Lady Grizzlies.

tion. Despite those numbers the fact remains that many youth sports are seeing a decline in participation numbers. It is believed that there are a variety of factors contributing to this. Some of these factors include a sense of pressure to succeed combined with

the fear of failure. Track and field is one sport where these fears can be lessened for kids. While there is a competitive side of the sport there is also the aspect of self improvement. The number of athletes that can compete for an individual championship is limited but the number of athletes that can be on a team can be limitless. Most athletes in the sport compete against their own personal records. Each individual athlete can see improvement and growth throughout their season by tracking their personal records making themselves their primary competition.

Another great advantage to track and field is the variety of events available to each athlete. Distance running, sprints, long jumps, high jumps, hurdles, shot put, discus, and recently added javelin just to name a few. With so many options available even kids with no athletic experience can find an event to compete in. Coach Sage Knudson from Grace commented “We encourage anyone and everyone to come out for track.” Track and field is also listed among the safest sports for youth and actually has long term health benefits. Coach Sage went on to say, “We work on a

lot of mobility and strength training in addition to speed and endurance that can transfer into other sports.” The sport also ranks as one of the least expensive sports for youth since there is very little personal equipment required to participate.

If these factors haven’t yet convinced you or your child to give track a try there is also the down time at the meets themselves. With so many participants and events each athlete is bound to have some down time. That down time is the most fun part of track for many of the kids. This time is spent playing games with teammates, sleeping, eating, or wandering around meeting kids from other schools and perhaps a little flirting. When asked what is the best thing about track, Senior hurdler Tayler Yost responded, “The people are what makes it fun. There’s not a lot of judgment that goes on and everyone’s here to have a good time.” Senior Nathaniel Smith added, “I’ve made a lot of friends and it has taught me how to work really hard and push myself.”

Although the track season has already begun few if any of the coaches would discourage someone from joining the team late. No matter the skill level Grace coach TJ Knudson said, “We want competitors here, because if you’re a competitor in track you’re a competitor in life.”

Parents if you have a child that is shy or lacks confidence, track is the place for them. If your child is outgoing and enjoys making new friends, track is the place for them. If your child just needs to get out of the house and be active, track is the place for them. Yes there is a theme here track and field has a place for everyone no matter their size, shape or skill level. So if you haven’t done so yet, give track a try.

Grace’s Volleyball team gathers around Berkeley Spencer.

The Lady Grizzlies Basketball Team visited the Ronald MacDonald House to drop off donations.

Melodie Straatman stands with her family and the state championship trophy in Boise.

When nature won’t cooperate, the gym will have to do.

The track under a "light" dusting of snow. Spring must be around the corner somewhere, right?