Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
April 14, 2022 |Vol. 142 No. 15
Drive-In expected to reopen; Change in ownership, but not much else After a period of uncertainty about the future of one of Malad’s iconic eateries, a tentative agreement for its purchase has been announced. Bryan Scott, publisher of the Idaho Enterprise, is in the process of finalizing a deal to transfer ownership of the Drive-In from the Price family. After it was initially announced that the Drive-In would be closing, discussions around town largely involved anxiety about whether the historic carhop café might be permanently closed or completely changed. The Drive-in has been a fixture of the community for generations of Maladites since 1955, and there is scarcely anyone in town who doesn’t have a connection to it. There are also a significant number of people from elsewhere who stop in Malad to grab a burger, a shake, or their own personal menu favorite. Scott has stated that his purpose in purchasing the restaurant is primarily preserving its current form and the history that it holds. His plan is to maintain the same menu and recipes that have become so familiar to Malad residents over the decades, including the Glamour burger, cheese snack, and the
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Ukraine-Russia War Developments
Malad's iconic Drive-In will be reopening soon
dandy. Scott also expressed his gratitude to the Price Family, " I truly appreciate Holden and Mariah trusting me with the legacy business". As the transition moves forward, there are a number of practical ele-
ments that need to be put in place, such as establishing food vending contracts, updating some infrastructure, hiring, and so on. However, Scott hopes that a Grand Re-opening will be possible within the month.
Event Center Hosts the return of the Lincoln Day Dinner for Oneida County
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its second month, there is no clear end in sight to the conflict. Russia has been accused of war crimes for its targeting of civilians by the Ukranian government, as well as the Biden administration and a number of other western powers, most recently Austria. The port city of Mariupol has largely been destroyed, and is believed to be close to being under Russian control. The Russian plan to encircle Kyiv has shifted to a strategy of occupying the eastern towns closer to Russia’s borders.
Temporary Lifting of Ethanol Ban
In an effort to stem the high cost of gasoline, the Biden administration is temporarily lifting the seasonal ban on ethanol containing fuel, which is usually in effect for the summer driving months. This ban was also waived during portions of the Trump administration.
Vallow-Daybell Trial to Commence Lori Vallow-Daybell has been deemed competent to stand trial after a court delay to determine competency. Lori Vallow-Daybell and Chad Daybell have been charged in the murders of her children, Joshua Vallow and Tylee Ryan. Chad Daybell is also charged in the murder of his former wife, Tammy Daybell. Bob Christophersen
Ken Eliason
Brian Jeppsen
Andee Parry
It has been over two decades—almost three—since the Lincoln Day Dinner has been held in Oneida County. The dinner serves as a chance for those running in Republican primaries during the election season to meet with their constituents and reaffirm their support for the party platform. This year’s revival of the tradition brought in those running for local offices, including those running for County Commission seats and the busy District 27 seats, as well as a number of high-profile statewide and national seats. The dinner was very well-attended, and demonstrated the robust interest in Republican party politics across the valley. Local candidates/races The most prominent local races for the primary involve the two County Commission positions that are up this year. Currently, Ken Eliason in District 2 and Bob Christophersen in District 3 are up for re-election. Andee Parry has announced her candida-
cy for the D2 spot, and Brian Jeppsen has announced his candidacy for the D3 position. Larry Oja opened the meeting by explaining that he saw the contests as “different people running for the position, not necessarily against each other,” and the local candidates held to that mantra, even if some of the candidates for state and national office didn’t. All of the commissioner candidates stressed their connection to Malad, and their love of the people and community they hope to serve next year. Each emphasized their unique experience with the community, and what they thought they might bring to the table as representatives of Oneida County residents. Oneida County Treasurer Leigh Love and State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth spoke to the crowd about the state’s formation of a coalition of states who have banded together to combat restrictions on oil and gas companies under new federal regulations.
District 27 District 27 now represents Oneida county after the recent realignment of districts across the state. The former District 27 included the area to the west of Oneida county, while the redrawn boundaries move Malad and most of Oneida county into its borders. As a result, it is a highly competitive race, with a number of candidates in both the Senate and two House races. In attendance were Kelly Anthon, who recently visited Malad, and Jeanie Hakes, who are running for the state Senator positions. Anthon, who lives in Declo, is currently serving as the Majority Leader of the Idaho State Senate. He explained that his primary aim was to increase the agricultural voice in state politics. Jeanie Hakes stressed that her concern was in reducing spending at the state level. In District 27A, Doug Pickett, who is running against Carl Voigt, was in attendance.
The District 27B seat, which is one of the most heavily contested, was represented by Pat Field, John Stokes, Clay Handy, and Kevin Williams. Ryan Cook is also running for the seat. As a result of the now expanded area included in District 27, the candidates clarified that they had experience working with and in the ag communities that now fall under the district's purview. Statewide offices Governor Brad Little and his most well-known competitor, current Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin, were not in attendance, as they were attending similar events in other parts of the state. Governor Little’s spokesperson thanked and praised the event organizers and encouraged the crowd to support their local candidates and the Republican party itself. McGeachin, who visited Malad last fall after announcing her campaign, sent a representative who had LINCOLN DAY DINNER On Page 2
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE THIS WEEK Price family reacts to Drive In News............................... Page 2 Easter Messages............................................................ Page 9 DYW 2022....................................................................... Page 11
Jackson appointed to bench
Last Thursday, 51- year-old Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was appointed to a lifetime position on the U.S. Supreme Court. The vote in the Senate fell mostly along party lines at 47-53, with 3 Republicans voting for confirmation after an occasionally contentious hearing. Jackson is the first African American woman to be appointed to the highest court in the land. Jackson will replace the retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, who was confirmed in 1994 during the first Clinton administration.
Shift in COVID Focus
While mask and vaccination policies are still at the heart of immediate COVID mitigation plans, emphasis moving forward is being placed on improving ventilation/HVAC systems for interior spaces. Since the virus is most often spread by aerosolized particles, more robust ventilation systems are beginning to be explored as ongoing mediation strategies by the CDC. With a reduced demand, many COVID testing sites are closing, including a number in Southeast Idaho.