Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879
Malad City, Idaho
January 20, 2022 |Vol. 142 No. 03
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The sun rises on the beginning of the Big Dog Tournament
Big Dog Ice Fishing This year’s Big Dog Ice Fishing Tournament was as popular as ever, bringing in dozens of hopefuls from all around the region. Participants came in from southern Idaho, Northern Utah, Wyoming, as well as parts unknown to enjoy the ice, the fishing, and a good natured competition. Tag Petersen, of Menden, Utah, was named the tournament’s “Big Dog” for his 26 ½ inch rainbow, pulled in during the 10 o’clock hour. Last year’s winner was only slightly larger, at over 27”. Like Tag, who entered the event
with his brother Chase and his father Adam, many of the groups were family affairs—fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, wives and husbands, siblings, and friends. By 8:00, the Devil Creek Reservoir had taken on the appearance of a small town. As Kyle Willes from Burley joked, “we’re going to need a C-store and a post office before too long!” Indeed, around the edges of the reservoir’s perimeter, there was a fairly solid line of pop-up huts, and the parking lot was filled to capacity. The
tournament had been completely filled before 11:00, as is usually the case. “Oh, we always fill up early,” organizer Bret Felter said. “It’s a really popular event every year.” While there was not an actual C-store on site, this year’s contest did feature the participation of Grandma’s Pantry, a food truck specializing in grilled cheese and other sandwiches and burgers, something that caught the attention of David Sanders from Weston. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know there was anything going on
Tag Petersen and his winning 26 1/2 inch trout
here today. I did pretty good fishing here yesterday, so I thought I’d try it again today. When I got here and saw everyone set up and a food
truck, I thought ‘this place sure got popular fast!’” Sanders wasn’t the only one who was simply out for a nice day on the ice—several oth-
er groups of locals made similar comments. Ice fishing varies from BIG DOG ICE FISHING On Page 2
Oneida County’s First Baby of 2022 Arrives! Last year’s first baby arrived right at the starting bell on January 1, 2021. This year’s little man was a bit more patient, but not much! Rhyatt Dirk Nimer made it into the world on January 10th, becoming this year’s first official Oneida County birth, at 1:05 p.m. Little Rhyatt was born to proud parents Dirk and Cassie Nimer, who were excited to welcome him into their family. Congratulations to the Nimer family! He was born 15 days early and weighed a whopping 8lbs 13 oz. Rhyatt had a little bit of a struggle at first maintaining his oxygen levels and spent some extra time in the Brigham City Community Hospital nursery getting support. While this can be an anxious time for parents and families, we’re happy to report that Rhyatt is in good health and doing well, as is his mother. After a three day hospital stay he was welcomed home by four excited siblings, Lyndee, Dax, Brookell and Haislee. Cassie reports that “Rhyatt is the perfect addition to our family. He is quiet and mellow and only cries when he wants his bottle. He is very alert and loves to look around.”
Rhyatt is also welcomed home by his grandparents: Lisa and Jim Henry, Dave and Lucinda Nimer and Shane Price. His Great Grandparents are Jim and Doreen Mansfield, and Lynn and Connie Price. He is also loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Dirk and Cassie would like to thank all of the many people who have helped out in any way from bringing dinner to watching the other kids. A HUGE shoutout to the wonderful nurses and doctors at Brigham City Community Hospital who helped Rhyatt in his time of need. As the first baby of the year, Rhyatt and his family are the winners of a range of presents and prizes from local businesses and organizations, including Subway, Salt Creek Realty, Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital, Thomas Market, Malad Drive-in, Daisy Hollow Floral and Gifts, Napa Auto Parts/Hess Truck Auto Ag, KC Oil and Auto Park, Hess Lumber, Central Service Sinclair, Tiny Tots Daycare and Preschool, Allen Drug, The Idaho Enterprise, Oneida Family Dental, and Edith’s Collective, CWC Video.
Oneida County’s First Baby of 2022, Rhyatt Dirk Nimer shows off for the camera
The first baby contest has been conducted by local merchants, organizations, and The Idaho Enterprise since 1957. Including Rhyatt, the count so far is 36 boys and 30 girls. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which tracks national
child health statistics, this is a little above but still in line with national averages, where there are 105 boy births for every 100 girl births. We wish Rhyatt and his family the absolute best during this coming year!