Connie B. Otteson

An award-winning author and poet, Connie Otteson was named Writer of the Year by Idaho Writers League in both 2006 and 2009 and received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She is a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and has a passion for Idaho history and telling stories about local heroes. The author of four books, Connie served as an officer on the board of Bonneville Company Daughters of Utah Pioneers for thirteen years, three years as the first secretary-treasurer for the Bonneville County Heritage Association, and was state secretary of Idaho Writers League for three terms. She and her husband, Dennis, raised four children in Idaho Falls and have sixteen grandchildren and so far, ten great-grandchildren.

"Unsung Heroes and Settlers of Bonneville County, Idaho" recounts twenty-one true stories of a few pioneer families who settled in and around Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) from 1865 through 1910. The names of these unsung heroes are mostly unknown today except to their own posterity. But without exception, every settler in these stories played a heroic role in turning a vast sagebrush wasteland into the productive, verdant area known today as Bonneville County, Idaho.

Connie's second book is a historical novel, "Laura's Lullaby," based on a woman born in Shelton, Idaho, in 1913. She lived to be ninety years old then died in a nursing home, childless and alone with many of her deeply-held secrets following her to the grave. In 2009, "Laura's Lullaby" won first place in Media Network of Idaho's novel contest and fourth place in the National Federation of Press Women's novel contest. "Laura's Lullaby" is out of print and is no longer available.

"George Brunt: Young Pioneer of Eagle Rock" is the story of a real-life pioneer boy who traveled by wagon with his family in 1885 to settle on a farm near Eagle Rock, Idaho, known today as Idaho Falls. The read-along storybook was commissioned by School District #91 and a local philanthropic family for use in 4th grade classrooms to supplement the study of Idaho history and the pioneers of Bonneville County. The book won first place honors presented by Media Network of Idaho and a second place award from National Federation of Press Women. "George Brunt" also received a bronze medal from the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. Unfortunately, the book is now out of print and is no longer available.

"Mountains of Majesty: The Story of Darby Girls Camp" commemorated the 60th anniversary of a beloved camp attended over the years by more than 100,000 girls and leaders from Idaho Falls and Teton Basin, Idaho. In 1951, lightning struck a group of forty hikers, injuring many and killing five outright. The tragedy, rather than closing the camp, created a remarkably hallowed spot in Darby Canyon. The book includes a history of the camp, fun times and pranks, descriptions of hikes in the fabulous Teton Range, spiritual experiences and testimonies, stories from outstanding youth and leaders, and dozens of personal memories and photos.