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Articles by Tammy Stephens
Bear Lake Bears sweep Snake River for third straight title
The Bear Lake volleyball team celebrates with its district championship medals and trophy after winning a third consecutive title following a 3-0 sweep over Snake River during the Class 4A District V Championship game on Oct. 19 in Montpelier. The Bear Lake Bears left little doubt about who deserved the District V championship Monday night, sweeping Snake River in three sets to claim their third consecutive district volleyball title.
Bear Lake falls to Preston as Wagon Wheel rivalry returns
The Bear Lake Bears faced a tough challenge Friday, Oct. 16, falling 27-6 to the Preston Indians in Montpelier as the two schools renewed their longtime Wagon Wheel rivalry. Despite the loss, several Bear Lake players turned in solid individual performances on both sides of the ball. The Bears moved to 4-4 on the season, while Preston improved to 3-4 with its third consecutive victory.
Bear Lake volleyball closes regular season with win over Snake River
Bear Lake’s volleyball team wrapped up its regular season Wednesday, Oct. 14, with a 3-1 victory over Snake River, giving the Bears a 23-5 record heading into postseason play. The Bears won the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-18, before Snake River rallied to take the third set, 25-20. Bear Lake responded in the fourth, winning 25-17 to secure the victory. “Snake River played really well, and it was a tough match,” head coach Angie Hunter said.
Bear Lake cross country runners post personal bests ahead of district meet
Bear Lake's cross-country runners wrapped up their regular season with a strong showing at the Preston Invitational on Thursday, Oct. 15, recording several personal-best times as they prepare for next week's district championships. The Bears' boys team finished sixth overall, led by junior Colson Mattson, who placed 10th with a personal-best time of 17:03.7. Head coach Tarl Vickers was pleased with the team's performance heading into postseason competition.
Bear Lake advances to district volleyball championship match
The Bear Lake Bears moved one step closer to a district championship Saturday, Oct. 17, winning both of their matches in the opening round of the 4A District 5 Volleyball Tournament at Bear Lake High School in Montpelier. The Bears, who earned the right to host the tournament as the district's No. 1 seed, opened with a convincing three-set victory over American Falls before defeating Preston in four sets to advance to Monday's championship match.
The wheel deal: A 65 year rivalry rolls again
Editor's Note: The history of the Wagon Wheel was pieced together from personal recollections, archived newspaper articles and old yearbooks. While every effort was made to ensure accuracy, some discrepancies may exist. Readers with additional information or corrections are encouraged to share them. For more than four decades, a wooden wagon wheel represented bragging rights between Bear Lake and Preston high schools.
Opinion: Eeny, Meeny, Money, Moe
I remember as a child using that old “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” strategy when trying to determine whose turn it was to do something. When I didn't like the outcome, we added the second verse, supposedly to prevent anyone from manipulating the results. You remember the rhyme: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers, let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Eeny, Meeny, Money, Moe
I remember as a child using that old “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” strategy when trying to determine whose turn it was to do something. When I didn't like the outcome, we added the second verse, supposedly to prevent anyone from manipulating the results. You remember the rhyme: Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers, let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Bear Lake volleyball sweeps Preston, American Falls ahead of Snake River showdown
The Bear Lake volleyball team continued its strong season with a pair of straight-set victories last week, sweeping Preston 25-8, 25-18, 25-9 on Wednesday, Oct. 7, before defeating American Falls 25-14, 25-18, 25-8 on Thursday. The Bears improved to 22-5 overall and remained unbeaten in conference play at 5-0. The victories came as Bear Lake prepares for a key matchup with Snake River on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. The Panthers enter the contest with a 17-11 record.
Bears football team falls to Beavers in 16-8 battle
The Bear Lake Bears came up short in a defensive battle Friday, falling 16-8 to the American Falls Beavers. The loss leaves both teams with identical 4-3 records heading into the final stretch of the regular season. “We just missed opportunities all night long,” said Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Cameron Crane. “We had our chances but just didn't complete the play.” Bear Lake’s offense totaled 417 yards, including 270 passing yards and 147 rushing yards.
Bear Lake runners post strong times at Blake Stephens Invitational
The Bear Lake cross-country team continued preparing for district competition with strong individual performances at the Blake Stephens Invitational on Thursday, Oct. 8. Colson Mattson led the Bear Lake boys, finishing seventh in 17:04.7 with a personal-best time.
Halloween fun returns Oct. 24 with Boo Bash, spooky dinner, carnival and treat trail
Ghosts, goblins and hungry little monsters will have plenty to look forward to when Halloween fun takes over Wells C. Stock Park and the Oregon Trail Center on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation is bringing back its fifth annual Spooky Dinner and Creepy Carnival, adding a new Trick-or-Treat Trail through the park to create an even bigger celebration dubbed Boo Bash 2026. The free Trick-or-Treat Trail will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wells C.
Bear Lake volleyball building momentum toward postseason
The Bear Lake volleyball team is hitting its stride at just the right time. The Bears improved to 20-5 overall and 3-0 in district play after rolling through American Falls and Snake River in straight sets this week, extending their winning ways as the regular season heads toward its final stretch. Bear Lake made quick work of American Falls on Wednesday, Sept. 30, winning 25-7, 25-11 and 25-14.
New Alloy Education Academy brings knowledge and connection to Bear Lake Valley
Maybe you’re exhausted but can’t sleep. Maybe anxiety has suddenly become part of your everyday life. Maybe your body feels different, your emotions seem unpredictable, and you’re not quite sure what is happening—or who to ask. Montpelier resident Heidi Christensen knows that feeling.
Bears roll past Wendell, improve to 4-2
The Bear Lake Bears put together one of their most complete performances of the season Friday night, rolling past Wendell 51-14 to improve to 4-2 on the season. Bear Lake’s offense found success both on the ground and through the air, while the defense kept steady pressure on the Wendell offense throughout the night. “It was a great night for everyone,” said Bear Lake Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Cameron Crane. “Defense was tenacious.
Bears eye state berth as districts come into view
The Bear Lake cross country teams are hitting the part of the season where every race matters—and the Bears are giving themselves a chance to make a run at state. Bear Lake competed Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Bob Conley Invitational at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello, using the meet as a preview of the same course where the district championships will be held. The Bear Lake boys finished ninth as a team, led by junior Colson Mattson, who placed ninth overall in 17:20.8 to earn a medal.
Cameron Crane honored as District 5 Counselor of the Year
Bear Lake High School counselor Cameron Crane has spent much of his career helping students navigate the complicated years between childhood and adulthood. Recently, that work was recognized when he was named District 5 Counselor of the Year. For Crane, however, the honor is not really about him. “It’s way bigger than me,” Crane said. “It’s a school award.
Wells reaches 1,000 career kills
Bear Lake senior Halle Wells reached an impressive milestone in her high school volleyball career during the Evanston Tournament when she recorded her 1,000th career kill against Kelly Walsh. Wells, a four-year varsity starter, has been a consistent offensive force for the Bears throughout her high school career. Reaching 1,000 kills is a significant accomplishment and reflects four years of hard work, consistency and the trust her teammates have placed in her at the net.
Writers Workshop offers a day of inspiration, tools and connections
Have you ever thought, “I’d love to write a book someday”? Or maybe you’ve already started one and aren’t quite sure what to do next? The Bear Lake Arts Council’s eighth annual Writers Workshop, “The Tools of Writing,” offers a full day of inspiration, instruction and practical tools for writers at every level. The workshop will be held at the Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier and features 29 classes covering a wide variety of genres and writing styles. Guest presenters include Gregg Luke, Josi S.
Bears look to rebound after Homecoming loss
Bear Lake's Homecoming celebration ended with a 33-12 loss to Rich County Friday night, but the Bears have an opportunity to regroup quickly as they head into the final stretch of the season. Rich County, from Randolph, Utah, improved to 5-2 with the win and entered the game ranked No. 2 in Utah. Bear Lake is now 3-2 on the season. The Bears were led offensively by quarterback Dax Perkins, who completed 17 of 30 passes for 222 yards.
Bears roll into Senior and Pink Nights with 20-5 record
Bear Lake volleyball continues to build momentum as the regular season winds down, winning its last two matches to improve to 20-5 on the season. The Bears opened the week with a 3-0 victory over West Side on Sept. 23, winning 25-15, 25-19 and 25-20. They followed that with another 3-0 win over Preston on Sept. 24, taking the sets 25-22, 25-19 and 25-21. Against West Side, Halle Wells led the Bears with 12 kills, followed by Londyn Lufkin and Avery Hunter with seven each and Kylie Thompson with five.
Never say never
One of the unexpected pleasures of retirement is being able to decide, pretty much at the last minute, that you’re going somewhere. Before retirement, a spontaneous trip usually involved lesson plans, grades, meetings, a school calendar and about 47 other things that needed to be taken care of first. Now? If the trailer is ready and Doug asks, “Want to go?” I can actually say yes.
Fifth graders get hands-on safety lessons at annual safety day
Fifth-grade students from Paris, A.J. Winters, and Georgetown Elementaries in the Bear Lake Valley spent Wednesday, Sept. 9, learning how to stay safe in a variety of situations during Safety Day at the Bear Lake County Fairgrounds. Sponsored and funded by Simplot and Smoky Canyon Mine, the annual event brought together local emergency responders, safety professionals and community organizations to teach students practical safety skills through hands-on activities.
Jacobsen family reunion celebrates generations of Montpelier roots
For the Jacobsen family, the opening of the Montpelier Idaho Temple was more than a long-awaited event. It was an opportunity for generations of family members to return to Montpelier and celebrate a heritage that stretches back more than 160 years. On Saturday, Sept. 19, family members from Idaho, Utah and Wyoming gathered to tour the temple during its open house. The day also marked the 105th birthday of Sue Jacobson's father, Gene Samuel Jacobsen.
Halloween carnivals bring games, costumes and fun to local elementary schools
Halloween will arrive early in Montpelier and Paris this year as the PTOs at AJ Winters Elementary and Paris Elementary host their annual Halloween carnivals. Both longstanding events offer families an evening of games, food, costumes and activities while raising money to support students and teachers throughout the school year. The AJ Winters Elementary Halloween Carnival will be held Friday, Oct. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the school in Montpelier.
Bear Lake runners post personal and season bests at Eagle Island Invitational
Bear Lake cross country runners turned in a strong performance at the Eagle Island Invitational Saturday, with every member of the team recording either a personal record or a season best. “It was a good, fun meet,” Head Coach Tarl Vickers said. “The whole team ran really well. All of them either got personal records or season records.” The Bears brought home three medals from the meet. Colson Mattson led the Bear Lake boys in the varsity race, placing ninth with a time of 17:14.44.
Bear Lake volleyball takes on top competition at ThunderBee Tournament
The Bear Lake volleyball team proved it can compete with some of the best teams in Idaho last weekend, becoming the only 4A team to advance to the gold bracket at the 32-team ThunderBee Tournament. The Bears went 4-3 at the tournament and battled several highly ranked teams, including Kimberly, currently ranked No. 1 in 4A, before entering league play with a 17-5 overall record. Bear Lake opened the tournament Friday with 2-0 victories over Teton and Capital before defeating Blackfoot 2-1.
A symbol of faith
I consider myself to be a person of faith. My faith journey has had its sputters and even a few pauses, but it has never stopped. When I moved to Bear Lake in 1990, I was suddenly surrounded by people of a faith I had either never heard of before or simply never paid much attention to — members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Where were you on September 11?
Twenty-five years later, the memories of Sept. 11, 2001, remain vivid for those who lived through that morning. For some, the attacks became a call to military service. For others, they meant guarding home soil or watching friends leave for war. And for some, like Lori Allred, the tragedy unfolded just across the river, before their eyes. Three local connections share where they were, what they experienced and how that day changed their lives.
Bears show strong Improvement at Cardinal Classic
The Bear Lake cross country teams traveled to Soda Springs Saturday to compete in the annual Cardinal Classic, a challenging course that draws teams from Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. In the varsity girls race, Mountain View, Idaho, finished first, followed by Star Valley, Wyoming, Rigby and Preston.
Bear Lake football rallies for overtime victory over Firth
Bear Lake football added another impressive victory to its season Friday night, edging Firth 22-21 in an overtime thriller. The Bears found themselves in a tight defensive battle early, trailing 7-0 at halftime. Firth extended its lead to 14-8 after three quarters, but Bear Lake continued to battle. The Bears tied the game at 14-14 in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime.
A call to serve: Paul Kucherek remembers Sept. 11, 2001
Twenty-five years later, Paul Kucherek can still remember the moment when the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, changed from a terrible accident into something much more frightening. At the time, Kucherek was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, serving at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois with United States Transportation Command. His job was to help coordinate the movement of military personnel and equipment around the world.
Lady Bears capture third straight Cokeville Tournament title
The Bear Lake Lady Bears continued their winning tradition at the Cokeville Tournament this weekend, claiming the tournament championship for the third consecutive year—this time under the direction of new head coach Angie Hunter. Bear Lake opened pool play Friday by winning in three sets over the Rich Rebels. They followed this with a 2-1 victory over 3A Powell, Wyoming, winning 25-11, 23-25 and 25-13.
Bear Lake defense shines in 46-0 win over North Fremont
The Bear Lake Bears continued their strong start to the football season Friday night, shutting out North Fremont 46-0 to improve to 2-0 on the season. While the Bears were productive on offense, it was their defense that stole the show. Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Cameron Crane was especially proud of the defensive effort. “I am just so proud of how hard the boys have worked and studied film,” Crane said. “It all came together for us defensively.
Bear Lake runners open season at Terry Jones Invitational
The Bear Lake cross country teams opened their 2026 season Thursday, Aug. 27, competing in the Terry Jones Invitational in Malad. Unlock the rest of the article with a new subscription.
Rocky Point wildlife crossing project nears completion
For years, Rocky Point has been a dangerous stretch of highway for both wildlife and motorists. Located on U.S. Highway 30 south of Montpelier, the 20-mile corridor has averaged about 100 mule deer deaths each year. Seventy percent of those collisions have occurred within a five-mile stretch at Rocky Point, making it one of the most significant wildlife-mortality areas in Idaho.
Bear Lake Cross Country looks to build on strong foundation
The Bear Lake High School cross country team is ready to hit the trails with a strong group of returning runners, plenty of summer preparation and high hopes for the upcoming season. Looking back at last season, Head Coach Tarl Vickers said he was proud of the way every runner worked hard and gave their best at each race. The Bears made significant improvements throughout the season while learning an important lesson along the way—how to push beyond their comfort zones.
Volleyball sisters: A tradition that starts at home
William Shakespeare once wrote, “What’s in a name?” For the Bear Lake volleyball teams this season, the answer might be: quite a lot. Hunter. Wells. Lufkin. Lloyd. Humphreys. Five sets of sisters. Ten girls. One Bear Lake volleyball tradition. With 24 players in the program this season, nearly half of the Bear Lake volleyball players have a sister on one of the teams. It’s a pretty remarkable statistic, but to head coach Angie Hunter, it is really another sign of a tradition built in the Bear Lake Valley.
Rocky Point wildlife crossing project nears completion
For years, Rocky Point has been a dangerous stretch of highway for both wildlife and motorists. Located on U.S. Highway 30 south of Montpelier, the 20-mile corridor has averaged about 100 mule deer deaths each year. Seventy percent of those collisions have occurred within a five-mile stretch at Rocky Point, making it one of the most significant wildlife-mortality areas in Idaho.
Bear Lake opens football season with 32-29 win over Marsh Valley
Bear Lake opened the 2026 football season with a hard-fought 32-29 victory over Marsh Valley on Friday, Aug. 21. The Bears got off to a strong start, taking a 16-0 lead after the first quarter. Assistant Coach Cameron Crane said the early momentum came from two turnovers that helped Bear Lake quickly build its advantage. “We started really well, got two turnovers and scored on both,” Crane said. Marsh Valley responded in the second quarter, but the Bears took a 24-14 lead into halftime.
Bear Lake volleyball sets high goals
The Bear Lake volleyball team knows what it feels like to play with everything on the line. Last season, the Lady Bears battled their way to the state championship match, first forcing an “if needed” match and then playing an exhausting 15 sets in a single day. They were tired, tested and, at times, hurting—but they refused to quit.
New season, new faces, same Bear Lake fight
It’s time to dust off the football gear, find those Friday-night lawn chairs and start making plans. Bear Lake football is almost back. The Bears open the 2026 season on the road Friday, Aug. 21, against Marsh Valley, with the JV kicking off at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity taking the field at 7 p.m. And if Assistant Coach Cameron Crane’s preseason assessment is any indication, Bear Lake fans may want to pay close attention.
Sisters Waverly and Claudia Johnson to perform at Montpelier's Heritage Park this Friday
There is something special about sisters singing together. The harmonies are a little tighter, the smiles a little more genuine, and the connection is unmistakable. That's exactly what audiences can expect when sisters Claudia and Waverly Johnson take the stage for the free Heritage Park Concert Series on Friday, July 31, at 6 p.m. in downtown Montpelier. For the Johnson sisters, music has always been part of everyday life.
Passing the torch: Crockett retires, Hillier takes the reins at Bear Lake Memorial
After 11 years of service, countless volunteer hours, one beloved Snowball Dance after another, and enough thrift store treasures to fill a lifetime of memories, Lott Crockett is turning the page on a remarkable chapter at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. After 11 years of leading one of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's busiest and most visible volunteer programs, Crockett is retiring as Director of Volunteer Services, leaving behind a legacy built on compassion, community service, and plenty of smiles.
New Bear Lake High School Principal Keith Carey ready to build on tradition of excellence
Bear Lake High School will welcome veteran educator Keith Carey as its new principal when students return this fall. Carey was hired by the Bear Lake School District after the district reopened its search when the previously selected candidate was unable to accept the position because of an illness in the family. For Carey, the move to Bear Lake is both a new professional opportunity and a chance to become part of a close-knit community that already feels familiar.
Three friends, three harmonies, one great summer night: 'Til Sunday brings sweet music to Heritage Park
Some concerts are all about elaborate stage productions. Others are simply about good music shared with good people on a warm summer evening. If you're looking for the latter, bring a lawn chair and head to Heritage Park in downtown Montpelier on Saturday, July 25, beginning at 6 p.m. when local trio 'Til Sunday takes the stage.
From tragedy to triumph: Sculptor Gary Lee Price brings Butch Cassidy home
When internationally known sculptor Gary Lee Price talks about his work, he rarely begins by discussing bronze, clay, or technique. Instead, he talks about healing. "My mantra is lifting the human spirit through sculpture," Price said. "I hope people can look at my work, smile, sit beside it, touch it, and have a positive experience.
Heritage Park to Host Second Summer of Free Community Events
The Montpelier Community Foundation is bringing back its popular free summer event series for a second year, offering residents and visitors five evenings of music, entertainment and local history at Heritage Park. All events will begin at 6 p.m., except the final program on Aug. 22, which will begin at dusk. The events will be held at Heritage Park, located at 821 Washington Street in downtown Montpelier.
A simple question worth asking
I tried to ignore this story. For a week. Every time it popped up in my news feed, I scrolled right past it. Nope. Not today. Then it showed up again. And again. Finally, curiosity got the better of me. The headline that first caught my eye read: "Republican attorneys general urge EPA to classify mifepristone as water contaminant." I know that mifepristone is a drug used to stop an early pregnancy, but I didn’t know that it would contaminate our waterways.
Bear Lake County Republican Central Committee elects new chair
The Bear Lake County Republican Central Committee recently underwent a change in leadership. Unlock the rest of the article with a subscription.
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