Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
February 17, 2022 |Vol. 142 No. 07
$1.00
City Explores Options for Renovating Dog Pound The unacceptable state of the city dog pound facility has been the subject of a number of discussions lately, particularly with the City Council. Sheriff Arne Jones had brought the issue to the City’s attention at the end of last year, as the temperatures dropped and the situation for dogs in the facility had become untenable. The City contracts with the Sheriff to enforce its animal ordinance, which includes the impounding of stray animals. As remedies for the situation have been sought, Emily Christiansen has temporarily opened her boarding kennel for a number of dogs who have been in need of impound. Over the last several months, Christiansen has housed a total of 5 dogs in need of temporary space. City Superintendent Tyler Webster visited the current facility to take a look and see what might be done. After an inspection, he determined that some immediate temporary improvements could be made to make the situation more humane for animals, though in the longer term the facility would either need to be substantially renovated or replaced. Webster has begun the process of obtaining bids for a replacement structure, which would replace the current one on the same foundation, but be updated to more adequately heat and pro-
vide water to the resident animals. At present, the building has been repaired to a state where it is capable of holding animals in need of impounding. The building is supplied with electricity, which allows for the use of portable heating devices to be used in keeping the temperature to a more comfortable level. However, the lack of substantial insulation in the walls, as well as the necessary egresses to the outdoor kennels make the cost of heating the building under the current conditions high. The water to the building is currently only available from an outdoor faucet, and must be ported into the facility through the mud which has begun to surround it. In general, use of the facility is not ideal for either the officers in charge or the animals involved, especially when attempting to manage anxious or aggressive animals. As a result, the city has committed to moving forward with the more ambitious project to replace the facility. When a new structure is secured, Webster plans to run the water line directly into the building, and set up automatic watering resources, as well as a more efficient heating setup. The outdoor kennels have potentially seen the most wear, as a number of the structure’s metal elements are corroded through exposure to dog
waste and the elements. Some of the bars have in fact been completely rusted through. A new kennel setup will include galvanized materials, and be coated with a spray that prevents urine from adhering to the surface and creating the corrosion problem. As to the general layout, Webster explains that an eventual replacement structure would be matched to the current foundation and essentially be the same, except “new, insulated, and much better for the animals.” Webster is also looking into fencing off the location of the pound to prevent cattle from wandering through, which increases the mud problem, as well as decreases the overall sanitary nature of the surrounding area. Once the facility is fully stocked with food and resources, Webster also notes the need to secure it firmly against pests like racoons. The current dog pound facility has existed at the location for over twenty years. The number of stray dogs picked up varies from month to month, but the facility has seen fairly regular use over the years. Speaking on the issue, Malad City Mayor Joan Hawkins stated that “the City is committed to moving forward with this project. It’s something that probably should have been a long time ago, but now that it’s been brought so clearly to our attention,
City Superintendent Tyler Webster unlocks the current dog pound facilities on 100 W
Webster points to some of the structural concerns with the current dog pound, which is in need of renovation
we plan to get it done. We absolutely need a place for these animals to be safe and warm.” If you are interested in contributing to the con-
struction of a new dog pound facility, you can contact the city offices and contribute to the “Malad City Community Foundation,” which
is a 501(3)c entity. Any donations to the Foundation are tax deductible, and can be designated to specific projects, such as this one.
VALENTINE’S SWEETHEARTS 2022: Frank and Gayle Madsen Of all the many couples in the county who were mentioned as a great story for the February Sweethearts edition, Frank and Gayle Madsen came up most frequently. The Enterprise reached out to the people who know them best—their family—for the story of their love. It turns out that in this case there are two separate stories, presented here for your consideration! The story of how they met and their early dating was recounted slightly differently by the couple. Frank’s version: “The first time I remember seeing Donna Gayle was at Scott Service a long time ago. I was sitting in the back of the store with my dad. I am guessing I was only about 10 or 11 years old. As I was sitting in the back with my dad and a few of the other farmers from around the valley in walks this little red-headed girl to buy some penny candy from the candy cabinet, I remember Khalil waiting on her. I did not know it at the time, but I guess I was staring at this cute little redhead. After she left the store, man, did I get a lot of crap from those farmers for staring. You probably won't believe this, but I had a strong feeling that someday I would marry her. That is a pretty strong feeling for someone my age. Did I share this with anyone else? Nope, I kept the feeling to myself. After a while, I forgot about this encounter until I got into high school. Then one day, I saw Gayle walking back from the Seminary building, and I think I blushed a little bit, but again I did not let anyone know. One evening my friend Terrell called and asked if I would give him a ride out to Warren Edwards' so he could see Carol Anna, Gayle's older sister. He had just
wrecked his car and had no wheels to get around, and of course, I said sure. Terrell went in, and I stayed out in the car; oh Lord, was it ever fancy, an old 1948 Chevy fleet line. Well, while Terrell was in the house, he had to blab to a couple of girls that were in the house, Donna Gayle and Linda, about how down and out I was because I had no girlfriend. Well, the next thing I know, these two girls came running out of the house and almost tore the screen door off. Well, Gayle beat Linda to the car and got in the front seat and snuggled right up to me, and made Linda sit in the back seat. Well, the rest is history; we dated for three or four years. I graduated from high school in 1963, and in May of 1965, we got married. Oh my goodness, where did that 57 years go. We still love each other as much now as we did when we first started dating.” Gayle’s version: “I met Frank through Terrell Jones. My sister Carol had a date with Terrell, and when he came to pick her up, I had a friend Linda Nielsen visiting, and when Terrell told us that Frank Madsen was sitting out in his car, we almost tore the door off the hinges and ran to the car. I beat VALENTINE'S SWEETHEARTS 2022 On Page 2
February's Sweethearts Frank and Gayle Madsen, happily married for the last 56 years: Then and Now