Firemans Ball 2022

The 101st annual Firemans Ball was held at the Oneida County Event Center over the weekend, following the Banquet to recognize the Fireman of the Year and retiring fireman. The event is a highlight of the holiday season, with local volunteers and their supporters meeting to wear their finest, dance, and enjoy each other’s company.

The night was supported by the Rough Stock Band, who provided the music. The band, led by Harry Sherman, played a range of country, classic rock, and pop music over the course of the night, allowing for a mix of slow dancing and upbeat numbers. Chey Wilson and Carrie Coombs stationed the bar for the night, sponsored by the American Legion. Food was provided by Swaffles and Cream, a new food truck in Malad that features “waffles on a stick” as well as a variety of other treats. Krishelle and Jason Smith are the driving force behind the operation, which is hoping to expand once the weather turns in the new year.

The Firemans Ball is a chance for the local volunteer fire department to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and milestones. “It’s definitely our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Fire Chief Johnny Blaisdell said. “It’s where a lot of our money comes from for things like new shirts, hats, and equipment.”

In addition to being a primary fundraising event, the ball is also one of the county’s biggest parties of the year. “It’s always a great time. There’s no other event in Malad like it—you can show up for food, and dancing, and have a drink if you want. It’s definitely something we love doing.”

This year’s retirees include: Lynn Price, who served from March 1988 to January 2022; Geoff Green, who served from November 2000 to January 2022; Casey Woodmancy, who served from May 2012 to March 2022; and Jerry Thomas, who served from March 2006 to June 2022.

John Blaisdell was honored for serving ten years.

The Fireman of the Year was awarded to Ryon Owens. When asked about the award, Johnny Blaisdell explained, “Ryon is always one of the first ones to the station when the call goes out. He’s always doing work on any equipment that needs to be repaired. He always stays until the end of whatever we’re doing, and he’s just a good dude.”

Raffle tickets sold in support of the event also resulted in a number of prize winners over the course of the evening. “Hey, everyone likes to win prizes, right?” Johnny Blaisdell said. Prizes were either purchased by the Fire Department or donated by local supporters.

Sonny Blaisdell won the gun safe and mystery rifle. Anderson Livestock won the 6.5 Creedmore rifle. Ceylon Reeder won the Jackpot trip and Marla McClellan won the Wendover trip. Sandy Facer has been arranging the trip donations for 28 years. Brenda Thomas was the winner of the originally crafted bell donated by Doug Adams. Jason Smith won the cooler. John Williams won the amazing quilt created by Carrie Hess. Garen Atkinson won the binoculars donated by Kent’s Market in Tremonton.

Wendy and (Fireman of the Year) Ryon Owens

Chey Wilson and Carrie Coombs

Swaffles and Cream made a big splash at the concession stand

First Half Property Taxes Are Due And Payable On Or Before Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

If first half taxes are not paid by the above referenced date, they will be considered delinquent and a 2% late charge will be added, as well as interest at 12% per year.

The Fire Department prepares to hand out raffle prizes

Justin Schwartz, Jerry Thomas, John Williams, Johnny Blaisdell, Geoff Green, and Lynn Price

Dancing to the Rough Stock Band

The Ball was a chance for everyone to come out in their finest

The Giving Tree

The Oneida County Long Term Care at the Nell J. Redfi eld Memorial Hospital

is having its

16th Annual “Giving Tree”

this holiday season. Long Term Care will be accepting monetary donations until December 9 to purchase Christmas gifts for the residents. Please mail donations to Oneida County Long Term Care, Kathy Hubbard,150 N. 200 W., Malad, ID 83252