The Idaho Enterprise | January 12, 2023

Malad Welcomes Cedar Hill—First Baby of 2023!

After a slight delay, the county’s official first baby of the year made her way into the world at 4:51 p.m. on January 2. Cedar Hill, the first child of Malad residents Chris and Aubrie Hill had an original due date of January 1, but overshot the mark slightly.

The delivery was reported to be good, without any problems, and a healthy 5-pound, 14 ounce, 18 and a half inch baby girl was the result. Cedar, a name the parents had originally picked out for a boy but which was determined to be an equally good name for a girl, was delivered at Logan Regional.

Cedar’s grandparents are Becky and Kelly Hill, and Matt Nielsen.

While still early on, Aubrie has already noticed that she seems to share some personality traits with her dad Chris. “She’s just a lot like him,” Aubrie said. “Almost the spitting image. When she gets mad, she acts just like him.”

Asked about the experience itself, Aubrie remarked, “it ended up being a lot easier than we expected it to be. We’ll probably do it again,” she laughs. Asked what the best part of the new addition has been so far, like any parent, she said, “the most important thing is that she’s happy and healthy.”

Asked about anything unexpected, Aubrie said, “We were expecting a 7-pound baby and we got a tiny 5-pound 14 ounce baby, so we had to have the family get some preemie clothes for her until she grows a little. And we were expecting a brownhaired baby, but she came out blonde. Her dad was blonde too until he was about five or six,”

The First Baby of the Year (and her parents) will receive gifts from many local merchants and sponsors, including the Malad Drive-In, Do It Best

Hess Lumber, Subway, Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital, Hair By Lisa, Daisy Hollow Floral and Gifts, KC Oil and RV Park, NAPA Auto Parts, Hess Truck Auto Ag, Central Service Sin-

clair, Allen Drug and Variety, Oneida Family Dental, Tiny Tots Daycare, Salt Creek Realty, Thomas Electric and Furniture, Edith’s Collective, and The Idaho Enterprise.

New Commissioner Profile— Brian Jeppsen

During last November’s elections, Brian Jeppsen was officially elected as an Oneida County Commissioner, after defeating former Commissioner Bob Christophersen in the primary to run for the position. While Chairman Bill Lewis and Commissioner Ken Eliason are returning to their positions, Jeppsen is coming into this year as a fresh face on the group that helps to steer and set county policies. The Enterprise caught up with Commissioner Jeppsen to ask him a few questions and let him introduce himself to those in the county he now represents.

fort to make Malad an ideal place to live and to raise a family. I believe that there is formidable strength and power in coming together and being unified for the greater cause.

What are some of the things you hope to accomplish this year in the position?

I hope to continue improving communication between local government and the citizens. In addition, I believe that our local governments can best serve our citizens when there is greater community involvement in the process.

It is impossible to have a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" without the participation of "the people".

The core answer to this question is that I truly want to serve the members of this community in an ef-

Fisher Price Recalls “Rock n’ Play Sleepers”

The large manufacturer of baby and toddler products, Fisher Price, has recalled its popular Rock n Play sleepers for the second time since its original release. The sleeper was recalled initially in 2019 after 30 deaths had been reported nationwide. Due to the way the device operates, unrestrained infants can roll into positions which can cause injury or even fatality. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised parents to cease using any devices they may have, and to contact the manufacturer for a refund or voucher immediately.

Governor Little gives State of State address

During Monday’s annual State of the State speech, Idaho governor Brad Little (R), announced proposals for tax relief, education funding, and programs to fight the influx of illegal fentanyl into the state. Little began by touting the $410 million budget boost devoted specifically to education, which was approved by lawmakers during a special fall session. While the budget increase has been approved, the exact allocation of the funds remains to be determined. Little proposed using $80 million of the increase in part to fund a scholarship program for graduating Idaho high school seniors who choose to attend college or workforce training.

Raising teacher salaries was also mentioned as a priority. Little’s proposed budget also includes $120 million in property tax relief. The speech officially kicks off the 2023 legislative session.

Roof collapse at Idaho hot springs injures seven

Givens Hot Springs, a popular recreation area in Owyhee county, experienced the collapse of a roof over its geothermal pool last weekend, which resulted in minor injuries to seven patrons, who were transported to local medical facilities. The center, which features campgrounds, an event center, and hot pools, is privately owned, and especially popular during the winter months. No cause has been established for the collapse.

More details released in Moscow stabbing deaths

While there are still a lot of unknowns in last year’s stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, police have begun to release some of the details of the investigation that ultimately led to the apprehension of Bryan Kohberger, who has been arrested in connection with the murders. DNA evidence was discovered on a knife sheath left at the crime scene, which was eventually matched to Kohberger as the owner of the much discussed white Elantra seen leaving the area of the crime on the morning in question. Additionally, cell phone data has placed the accused murderer at the scene of the crime several times the day before the murders.

146 new species discovered in 2022

The California Academy of Sciences released the full list of new species added into the scientific database, which includes 44 lizards, 30 ants, 14 sea slugs, 14 plants, 13 sea stars, seven fish, four sharks, four beetles, three moths, three worms, two scorpions, two lichens, two spiders, one toad, one clam, one aphid, and one sea biscuit. The findings span six continents and three oceans, and range from high elevation to ocean depths.

What made you decide to run for the County Commissioner position?

New parents Aubrie and Chris Hill, with their daughter Cedar

Newly sworn in County Commissioner Brian Jeppsen helping out at the Interfaith Council's Living Nativity in December

Boy Scouts encounter Grizzly at the Maverick Center

A local Boy Scout, Liam Donnan, was enjoying an adventure in Utah when he was approached from behind by a large grizzly. Liam and his pa-

trol leader, Cruz Carter, were able to fend off the Griz. Fortunately, there were no injuries and maybe only some spilled popcorn! Grizzly sighting at

PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Joan Hawkins

1. I predict that the seepage test for the new sewer lagoons will result in no leaks, and the city will have plenty of water to conduct the tests.

2. I predict that a record number of current and former residents will join Malad for our stupendous July 4 celebration!

3. I predict that Deep Creek will fill this spring.

4. I predict that the Malad Pickleballers will have new courts at the city park by summer.

5. I predict that a bond will finally pass for a new Malad Elementary school.

6. Despite higher interest rates, I predict continued growth for Malad City and Oneida County.

Raegan Smith

1. In 2023 I predict that there will be record breaking attendance at this year's Distinguished Young Women Program on May 6th!

2. The Oxford Peak Arts Council's upcoming performance of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be sold out at every performance. 3. Brigham Young University will raise their acceptance rate to 75%. 4. Malad High School's Softball team will be District and State Champions. 5. Oneida County will pass a bond for a new elementary school. 6. The Malad City Cemetery will look more green and more beautiful than ever thanks to the hard working summer city crew members. 7. Malad City will approve plans for a Costa Vida.

the Maverick Center are common, and the Scouts have all been trained on bear awareness and how to handle encounters.

Merridee Morrison

I think 2023 is going to be a great year for Oneida County. But all in all much will remain the same.

1. Winter storms and spring showers are going to be kind to us this year, mountain streams will flow and reservoirs will fill up, similar to last year but with a little more of the wet stuff. But we won’t be surfing down the overflows, so all in all, more of the same.

2. A miracle will happen this spring when my nephew somehow graduates from high school, less because of his grades and more because of his teachers’ fears he will return next year.

3. Fourth of July is going to be a heroic athletic day for the community with many undocumented records being broken in both the kickball tournament and the homerun derby.

Bryan D. Scott

Many will sign up; most will lose, but some will win.

4. It will be equally exciting for some of the high school athletic teams, the Lady Dragons will win another softball state championship. With the new coach and revitalization of the “5 Game”, the Lady Dragons basketball team will see continued success in 2023.

5. Farmers are going to see higher than normal beef and crop prices throughout the year. Allowing them to fuel their tractors and trucks with expensive diesel fuel, and fuel themselves with expensive cheeseburgers at the Drive-In all summer long. The farming game will be about the same, but everyone will be playing with bigger numbers. More money coming in and more money going out, leaving them with about the same.

6. Subdivisions throughout the county will start to see the construction of new homes. These subdivisions will see more homes built on the property than ever before but will be far less than any developer predicted or hoped for. Local alfalfa and grain growers are going to worry about the water these homes will use, but non-scientific data will show that dishwashers in homes on a one-acre lot, consume the same amount of water as dishwashers in homes on 20acre spreads. Which will leave much to be discussed about subdivision, home building, and water usage.

7. As the year closes, all eyes will be on the upcoming presidential elections. Locals will start to balance the hope that their party will be in power when it is over with an overwhelming fear of what will happen if the

other party is in power. Even though it is nearly two years from now, I can assure you that the winners will be politicians, which means the losers will ultimately be the American people. The winners will continue to make sure the government collects taxes that they can spend on their pet projects and traveling budgets.

So as I said, much more of the same to come for us in Oneida County. And lucky for us here in Oneida County that means life is going to be good: our kids will be healthy and safe, our families will be close, when needed our community will come together, local taxes will remain low, our homes, schools, and community will be filled with love and compassion just like always.

We just won’t have the old high school building anymore!

The Scouts and Scout leaders all had a great time on Friday, December 30 at their annual Grizzlies hockey trip!

Troop 1776 scouts and leaders on their annual hockey trip

The Grizz takes a whole row off guard

The Oneida County Fair Board met for its first meeting on January 5. The Board began the meeting by welcoming new board member Eric Eliason.

The Fair Board and the County Commission have recently been in discussions about the potential hazards related to a lack of lighting in the parking area. Replacements for the light poles are currently in the process of being updated and replaced at the county level, though the process itself will likely take several months to begin in earnest. The ground supporting the poles is too frozen to begin any excavation, for one thing. Sawyer Fonnesbeck has been in discussions with a local electrician to put in temporary lighting until the weather permits the more permanent upgrade.

The Board then discussed its assignments for the coming year.

Lacey Clark will be in charge of the Queen contest and vendors for the year, along with Kacey Keller. A conversation was had about possible plans to split the rodeo queen event into two days, with two junior events on one day and the other events the next during the first weekend in June, on the June 2 and 3.

New member Eric Eliason will be helping Patrick Werk with Rodeo events, and others as they arise.

Ken Moss, Jr. will be in charge of the Family Fun Rodeo as well as Racing with Todd Thomas.

Report on Conference

Several members of the board reported on their recent experience at a regional RMFA fair and rodeo conference.

Moss had spoken with a representative of the Couer d alene Fair Board about a grant they had recently received for RV spots. RV amenities and hookups are one of the primary issues under consideration as part of the longer term upgrade/ facilities discussions for the Oneida county fairgrounds, and a grant would be instrumental in making the process more feasible under the current budget.

Another tip the group picked up was related to water drainage in the arena area.

Another fair had found success with laser-leveling their arena, then grading it 1% to drain water. Packing the surface with heavy equipment to compact it as much as possible had been found to keep water from soaking in.

Entertainment for fair

Based on past positive responses, the Fair Board is once again planning on contracting for a Motocross night. In addition, the board is considering a magician and a hypnotist, who some of the

members had spoken with at the conference. Several options for the Wednesday night concert were discussed, as well as ways to potentially bring more people into the event.

The board members expressed some interest in replacing the Scales and Tails event, which has been popular over the last several years, with a similar bird-focused event featuring raptors and other large birds. A variety of different carnival options were discussed, featuring events such as minigolf, lazer maze, bounce house, and others.

An antique tractor pull was also discussed as a separate event for early in July.

Facilities

Agricultural Extension Educator Sawyer Fonnesbeck brought an update of a project he has been designing for the Event Center, a sign for the outside roadway. The sign, which would serve to draw more attention to the Event Center and Fairgrounds from the roadway, has been designed and a bid received.

The sign would stand six feet or so, and serve as a permanent visible marker. The sign itself was approved by the County Commission as a one-time expense.

Kasey Keller raised the idea of branding the Fair in a more specific way with a mascot of some sort as a way to increase promotion and recognition of the Fair.

Fonnesbeck also spoke about a potential grant opportunity for improving/replacing some of the horse barns. The barns near the track have long been in need of improvement, as they are in dilapidated shape. New barns are seen as a potential way to attract more visitors to the fair events, as well as provide horse facilities in off-seasons. The grant, for the Idaho Horse Board, is designed to improve rural and small fairground facilities. Fonnesbeck’s proposal was one of eighteen selected for further review. He is scheduled to present his plan to the board on January 27 in Boise, and hopes to bring in as much as $11,000 to support the construction of at least some new horse stalls upon approval.

Another long standing desire of the Fair Board has been to replace the Open Class display shelving, which is also old, heavy, and in need of updating.

The Board of County Commissioners also approved funding to replace some of the shelving. If the replacement shelving is determined to be a viable option, the potential to have all of the Open Class display equipment replaced in the next year or two is likely to move forward.

New Fair Board Member Profile— Eric Eliason

Another new face to the official county administration for the 2023 year is Eric Eliason, who was sworn in as a new Fair Board member on January 5. Eliason has been a resident of the valley for his whole life, and looks forward to making the Oneida County Fair an even better event than it already always is. Asked to introduce himself to the community, Eliason responded as follows:

What is your history in the area?

I grew up in Oneida County, in Holbrook. I was raised on the family cattle ranch. Moved away to serve a mission and go to college where I got a bachelors in Agribusiness from BYU-I. I have recently moved back and I'm managing a seedstock angus/charolais ranch in Samaria.

What has your experience with the fair and rodeo been like?

I have attended and participated in the fair for as long as I can remember. From doing pee wee events at the fair while my older siblings participated in 4H/ FFA. To doing 4H and FFA projects myself, including 4 swine, 6

steers, and participating in Horse 4H every year. I was also involved in the Jr. fair board, (though I’m not sure it was ever an “official” thing). I have always participated in the fair rodeo, I think it is a lot of fun and there is an event for almost anyone to participate in.

What are your hopes for the future of the Fair in Oneida County?

I hope to be able to help the fair to continue to grow. Finding events and activities that the community can come participate and enjoy. As far as specifics, it is hard to say at this point.

Why are events like the Fair and Rodeo important to this community?

In Agriculture based counties like ours, I think the fair is important because it is a chance for the youth to do projects of their own. To present what they have worked all summer, and sometimes even winter, to the community. And then at the end of the week to be able to sell that project and make money. This teaches the youth so many life skills. I also believe the fair is great for bringing the

community together to enjoy activities such as motocross, rodeos, hypnotists, vendors, good food, and many more. There is always something for every age and a great outing for the whole family!

I am excited to serve on the fair board and look forward to bringing new and exciting things to the valley.

Rules for Hay Feeding

By Allison Eliason

Out here on the ranch, we are in that lovely quiet before the calving storm, a time I really love to revel in. The business of the holidays are over and the chaos of calving hasn’t quite begun yet. Sure there are all sorts of things that can be done, but it isn’t quite the breakneck pace where we usually run at. The one thing that does keep busy is feeding the herd.

After helping with the feeding for years, I started to realize that my husband has developed some particular ways of feeding hay. Not just a sort of routine, but some hard and fast rules. Usually this guy is super easy going and just flows with what is happening around him, but once in a while there are things that HAVE to be done a certain way- his way. And I have to admit, his “Rules of Feeding” are good. It doesn’t take long to see the common sense in his thinking and that following his rules will make feeding go a lot faster and smoother, with a lot less cuss words.

The first rule my husband follows is actually carried out well before feeding time, during the haying season. You see, making a bale just right is all the difference in having it roll out nice and easy or it falling apart in one clump or not coming apart at all. When you have several bales of hay to roll out each day, those extra minutes it takes to get

the bale to unroll can sure add up. The best way to ensure this is to make sure that the hay is baled at just the right time, with just the right amount of moisture. That being said, Mother Nature has more to say about that than any rancher might, but we try.

Rules two, and a half… or we could say three… my husband tries to keep a stack of hay close to the different fields we feed in. Rather than making one stack of hay in the summer while we are putting up hay, he will have several, hauling the hay straight to the winter feed yards to make it ready to go. Of course it is hard to estimate exactly how many bales we will need each year and most of the time we will have to haul more hay down, so to keep from having too many extra trips, he has another simple feeding rule he lives by. He loads up with bales from the haystack at the ranch yard every morning as he goes to feed. And not just one extra, but all the extras he can carry. If the feed truck is going down, so is a bunch of hay. Why not? It saves work down the road, for sure!

Next, when day one comes to start putting the feed down, don’t start right inside the gate. He curses every day he has a rough drive over bumpy, hard, and frozen cow pies. To avoid this he starts feeding the cows as far away from the gate as possible and then works

Victory Baptist Church

Streaming Live Sermons on our Facebook Page @11 am Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 448 South Main, Malad 208-766-4288

his way to the gate, day by day. Yes, there will be some poop scattered all around the field, but the majority of it will be where the feed is because that is where the cows are spending all their time eating. And pooping. And hopefully, not where he is going to be driving.

This next rule he follows I think is pretty clever and pretty darn observant. On our net wrap, there is a little yellow strip that goes down only one side of the bale. If he picks up the bale with the strip on the left, the bale unrolls just right. Every. Time. Just like toilet paper.

If you pick up the bale with the strip on the right, you have to roll out the bale driving backward. Truth be told, my husband handles it like it’s no big deal, but the combination of driving backward and feeding hay all at the same

time just doesn’t work out too good for some of the rest of us. If he can manage it, he will even stack and line up the bales with that yellow strip all on the same side. So organized. So efficient. So beautiful. The Rancher has a handful of other tips more than rules when it comes to feeding. Tips like how you should always have a sharp knife ready to go and to first bust off the snow and ice off the bale as best you can. Of course the best tip he lives by is to always bring a buddy along to open the gates and cut off the net wrap so you can stay in the nice warm feed truck. Are these feeding rules all that monumental?

Probably not. But from this ranch wife’s seat, they’re worth following simply to keep the peace.

New Fair Board member Eric Eliason

The City of Malad is reminding residents to not push, shovel or blow snow into the street.

Residents need to be aware that piles of snow in the roadway can be hazardous for drivers. If the snow pile freezes solid, it can be similar to hitting a large obstruction and it can damage the vehicle as well as injure the driver. When removing snow and ice, property owners are required to deposit the snow and ice onto their own property.

Missoula Children’s Theatre returns with “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

The PTO of MES is bringing back Missoula Children's Theatre with help from Hess Pumice. The weeklong residence will be January 23-28, 2023. New this year, the play will have a preregistration to audition for specific rolls. Live registration starts Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. 60 parts available in these categories. K-2nd grade: 16 spots. 3rd-5th grade: 44 spots. Assistant Directors: 4 spots. Audition for specific roles is Monday, Jan. 23. Here is some basic info about this exciting week at MES. The residence will also include classes for MES students in drama and theatrical production.

Among the roles to be cast are the Emperor; ManyPenny and the Money Council; the Royal Scholars Roxy and Red; Kings, Queens; Gem and the Royal Jewelers; Boots and the Royal Cobblers; Lid and the Royal Hatters; Stitch and the Royal Tailors; and the Royal Silkworms. Students, grades K-5th, are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.

The Missoula Children's Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week

from Jan. 23 - 28 each day.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” will be presented on Saturday, January 28 at 3 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. at MES Auditorium. The Missoula Children's Theatre residency in Malad is brought to you by MES PTO with support from Hess Pumice.

The play, based on the classic Hans Christian Anderson story about an Emperor who ultimately learns his lesson about prioritizing outside appearances over one’s authentic self, was adapted by Jim Caron and Matt Loehrke, with music and lyrics by Jim Caron, Michael McGill, Greg Boris, and Amy Ellis.

Two directions tour across the country to put on this play. Logan Smart is a lover of four square, movie nights, and the color green! A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in theatre and a concentration in performance, Logan has worked with young people of all ages with some really rad programs such as Florida Repertory Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, and AmeriCorps' Project YES!. Logan currently lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is so pumped to be joining such a wonderful team to make some super fun art. They would like to share a very big thank you to all of their friends who have always pushed them to make the big jumps and to his family

who handle those leaps with so much love and grace.

Lillie Kraack is overjoyed to be touring with the Missoula Children's Theatre! She grew up just outside of Tampa, Florida and has been involved in the theatre community for over 20 years. She attended Oklahoma City University for a bachelors of music in musical theatre and opera. Her favorite show credits include: Pennywise in Urinetown, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical: The Musical. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless, unconditional love. She gives special thanks to her Uncle Jason who paved her way as a TAD for the Missoula Children's Theatre many years ago, as well as to her fiancée Hayley for her enthusiastic support while Lillie travels the country doing what she loves more than anything; bringing theatre to kids.

Last year, the Missoula Children’s Theatre brought “Alice in Wonderland” to Malad, with a spectacular production that ended up involving over 50 of Malad’s students in a world-class production of the beloved Lewis Carroll book. The Theatre is nationally renowned.

For more information, call Callie Werk 406-289-0614.

OBITUARY

Lawrence Gordon Knudsen

Lawrence Gordon Knudsen, 79, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, after a courageous battle with diabetes and Parkinson’s. Larry was born on September 6, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Larry was the son of Gordon A. and Beth Garrett Knudsen. He was the second child of five. Larry married Mary Ellen Ward of Malad, Idaho, on September 2, 1966, in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple. Larry was educated in Salt Lake City and graduated from Granite High School in 1962. After a year at the University of Utah, Larry served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central British Mission. He was in England and Wales and loved it.

Larry was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many calling's –Teacher, Quorum Leader, Counselor in Bishopric, Branch President – among others.

Larry served on the Malad City Council. He also sat on the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital board. Larry loved Malad, its beauty, its people and everything about it.

Larry was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He loved sports of any kind, but mostly baseball and fencing. He happened into the banking profession, and it ended up being his lifelong occupation.

Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen and two children, Scott Lawrence of Pocatello, Idaho, and Natalie (Page) Monney, also of Pocatello, Idaho; three grandchildren, Colt, Afton and Morgan Monney; a brother, Dave (Cindy) of St. George, Utah; a sister, Liz (Galen) Merrell of Sandy, Utah; and brother-in-law, Doyle Nelson of West Jordan, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Beth Knudsen, sister Charlene Nelson and brother, Kris Knudsen.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 12:00 noon, with a viewing at 10:30 to 11:30 at the Malad Stake Center (First Ward) 1250 North 1100 West, Malad, Idaho. Burial followed at the Malad City Cemetery.

SHERIFFS DISPATCH

Following are recent calls received by dispatchers at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. During the week of 12/25 to 12/31, the Sheriff’s Office investigated 46 new cases. During this time, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received and an unknown number of total calls. This report includes only new investigations and does not include regular investigations, civil services, and the other responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

• 10:45 Disturbance Reported

• 16:15 Child Abuse or Neglect

• 17:16 Welfare Check

• 17:46 Domestic Incident Reported

• 19:42 Traffic Complaint. Suspicious driver

Monday, December 26, 2022

• 12:24 VIN Inspection

• 13:46 Welfare Check

• 17:38 Welfare Check

• 18:34 Traffic Accident. Deer struck by vehicle

• 23:22 Traffic Accident. Car crashed into tree

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

• 08:46 Traffic Accident. Car off roadway

• 12:29 Traffic Accident. Vehicle crashed into fence

• 13:35 Harassment Reported

• 13:58 Parking Problem. Car parked in employee lot

• 14:13 Civil Call

• 16:52 Fraud Reported

• 18:46 Suspicious Situation Reported

• 19:47 Traffic Accident. Deer struck by vehicle

• 20:45 Slide-off Reported

• 22:12 Motorist Assist

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

• 10:29 Civil Call

• 11:01 Traffic Accident. Vehicle struck in parking lot

• 11:28 Controlled Substance Problem

• 13:58 Controlled Substance Problem

• 16:52 Civil Call

• 23:18 Ambulance Call

Thursday, December 29, 2022

• 06:58 Traffic Hazard

• 20:58 Motorist Assist

• 21:45 Traffic Hazard

Friday, December 30, 2022

• 11:09 Alarm Reported

• 12:10 Medical Emergency

• 13:02 Slide-off Reported. Vehicle in ditch

• 13:47 Property Damage. Truck hit mailbox.

• 14:55 Traffic Complaint

• 15:10 Traffic Accident

• 16:38 Medical Emergency

• 21:13 Citizen Assist. Car struck bridge barrier

Saturday, December 31, 2022

• 05:16 Animal Call. Dog on roadway

• 05:28 Agency Assist

• 09:08 Traffic Hazard

• 14:04 911 Call. Unknown situation

• 14:53 Theft Reported

• 21:50 Suicide Threat Reported

• 21:57 Controlled Substance Problem

• 22:18 Suspicious Person Reported

• 23:36 Prisoner Transfer out of county

Lawrence Gordon Knudsen

The family of Varsel Christophersen would like to thank all of those who have shown us concern, compassion, and love during our time of loss. A special thank you to Oneida County Hospital and all the

The family of Varsel Christopheren would like to thank Brad and Spence Horsley for their wonderful care of Varsel, and for the beautiful mortuary where we held the service. We would also like to thank Eric

wonderful staff that took care of him while he was there. We would also like to thank Hands of Hope Home Health and Hospice for their special care of Varsel while he was at home. We as a family thank

Crowther for his kindness with our family, and Bishop Ralph Bennett and Lamona Bennett for their part in the funeral. We would like to thank the Third Ward Relief Society for fixing and helping with the dinner,

Grandparents Only

Not recommended for parents or kids

By Gramma Dot

Drink your nutrition!

Friend Taylor Weeks and I were having a conversation about generational markers. Aprons and puzzles aren’t something her generation gets into, while mine isn’t very familiar with protein drinks and green smoothies. However, I heard on a talk show the other day that drinking your nutrition is smart. It’s a lot easier to pack nutrition into a drink than take all day to try and eat it. So, I was telling Taylor what I had packed into my morning smoothie.

I was feeling good about the apple, orange, carrot, berries, spinach and avocado I had mixed with yogurt and half/half.

Taylor kind of winced when I said half/half. “Why don’t you add protein powder and try ice cubes instead of the half/ half?” she asked. Well, here’s why, all that stuff makes a big smoothie, and I am here to tell you if I’m going to drink it all, it must be good.

The half/half makes it really good. I’m not convinced ice cubes and protein powder would be palatable.

So, here’s my dilemma: do I go all out for healthy and trade the half/ half for ice cubes and protein powder? That’s a big jump, but on the other hand if I’m really trying to “Drink myNutrition,” how much half/half is allowed?

With love and appreciation, Pat Christophersen John and Kristi Christophersen Teri and Kenny Hill and families

it was wonderful. Your thoughtfulness and caring will not be forgotten.

Pat Christophersen Teri and Kenny Hill John and Kristi Christophersen and families

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Andrew Ashby, Tremonton, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Eva Dworshak, Tremonton, fail to display license plates or stickers, $10.50, costs $56.50

Logan Loveland, Preston, speeding, $33.50, costs $59.50

Benjamin Martin, Malad, violation of restricted license, $44.50, costs $56.50

Rydon Montgomery, Malad, temporary permittee not accompanied by a license driver over 21 years of age, $44.50, costs $56.50

Benjamin Peterson, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

MALAD CITY

Timothy Beckstead, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $59.50

Braxton Niederhauser, North Logan, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Conway Tapp, Malad, driving with expired license, $44.50, costs $56.50

Wade Cutchins, Provo, fish with bait where prohibited or in fly fishing waters with gear other than permitted, $72.00, costs $64.00

Logan Smith, Smithfield, fish for sturgeon without sliding sinker or lighter test terminal line to sinker, $72.00, costs $67.00; fish with barbed hooks where prohibited, $72.00, costs $64.00

Jaden Frazier, North Logan, fish for sturgeon without sliding sinker or lighter test terminal line to sinker, $72.00, costs $64.00; fish with barbed hooks where prohibited, $72.00, costs $64.00

MAGISTRATE COURT

Jaden Frazier, North Logan, fail to carry license on person or exhibit on request, $85.00, costs $168.00 – Agency: IDF&G

As I was mulling this over in my mind, I started looking over the grocery ads from Thomas’ Market. Almond milk, on sale 2/$5. Ha! Almonds have protein. This could be my answer.

However, I checked out the nutritional protein in 2% milk versus almond milk. Eight grams to one gram, in favor of milk! So, I’m going to start adapting with plain milk. May not be as creamy, but we’ll see how it goes down. Adapting is a generational marker for us. Not just with smoothie ingredients, but in life! So, I’m making a toast to the adaptable Good Life and to Drinking Your Nutrition…Cheers!

Blake Wise, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

IDAHO STATE POLICE

Richard Pugh, Draper, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jasbir Toor, NA, IDPA, false logbook, $43.50, costs $157.50

Logan Winter, Mounain Home AFB, speeding, $33.50, costs $59.50

Jennifer Soucy, West Valley, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout), $85.00, costs $165.00 – Agency: IDF&G

Michael Soucy, West Valley, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout), $85.00, costs $165.00 – Agency: IDF&G

Michael Soucy Jr., West Valley, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout), $85.00, costs $165.00 – Agency: IDF&G

IDAHO FISH AND GAME

The New Zoning Map Benefits the (Large) Farmers

The USDA's profile of Oneida County from 2017 showed a 16% decline in the total number of farms in the previous 5 years, with a 16% increase in size of the average farm size. This report reflects a larger trend that has been taking place across the US in general: the average number of farms is decreasing, with the land consolidating in the hands of fewer, more productive farmers. The message is clear: small farmers are failing. There is nothing new in this. The number of farms nationwide has been in decline since the later days of the Great Depression.

Much of this change, for most of us, has been positive, with more productive agricultural practices allowing more people to pursue interests aside from the demanding, albeit vital work of producing food for the nation. The risk of starving to death is not only virtually zero, but our largest health concern in this country is obesity. While large scale agriculture is in many ways a good change, the relatively small number of people required to keep us all fed means that rural parts of the United States have emptied. The only ones that live there are those that want to. Living in the country has become a luxury that people pursue for reasons of lifestyle and peace of mind.

So it is in lovely Oneida County. Once home to over 15,000, it has shrunk significantly in the last century and is now, in fact, more rural than it was in the “good old days”. I live in the small community of St John, in the heart of the Malad Valley, with an alfalfa field all around me. I absolutely love it here. I love the silence, the quiet serenity, the breeze in the trees in the summer, the snow on the mountains on a brisk autumn morning. I live with my family and neighbors in this rural setting, with farms all around us, but the fact becomes abundantly clear as I look at my community, that few of us are actually farmers, and even fewer of us actually make money at it. The statistics bear this out: out of the 422 farms in Oneida county, less than half made more than $10,000 in total sales in a year. Only about one in six are clearing the

$100,000 mark.

I moved here from the city in 2018, and while common last names like Thomas, Crowther, and Daniels abound, there are lots of other faces and names as well. My experience tells me that most of my neighbors moved here at some point in their lives. This should come as no surprise. The beauty and pace of life in the Malad Valley is incredibly attractive, and this has brought increased (but by no means abnormal) population growth to the county in the last decade.

There has been a concern that perhaps we can't sustain current levels of growth, especially if it continues for very long. In response, the folks at Planning and Zoning have drawn up a zoning map to keep the growth down. The zoning map was adopted along with a new development code in August.

On the surface, there is nothing wrong with a zoning map. No one likes to see thousands of acres of perfectly good farmland turn into high density housing, and while growth may be good or necessary in the right way, there's no reason why communities can't have a say in determining how that growth should take place. Under the previous rules, one could theoretically (while almost certainly not in practice) take a large plot of property in the hinterlands of the county, subdivide it into one acre lots, and proceed to develop it at their whim. While the prospect of seeing a massive unplanned development in the Pocatello Valley may seem far fetched, one can see how the old zoning (or lack thereof) could present problems in the county.

The new zoning map is an overreaction, or perhaps more accurately an underreaction, because it doesn't actually plan for growth. Instead of breaking down the county into sections with varied requirements based on the development that already existed, in some cases for generations, the new county zoning map is essentially a sea of green. In this case green represents agricultural zoning, which allows for one dwell-

ing unit for every forty acres, and a maximum density of four homes per every quarter section.

If this sounds surprisingly restrictive, there is good reason for that. The authors of the development code originally wrote five acre minimums for ag zoning, with a maximum of four homes per quarter quarter section, or a max density of one dwelling unit per 10 acres. The conditions were changed to be much more restrictive at the County's direction.

This change radically ignores the actual facts as they are. In the Malad Valley, there exist many communities, some of which are older than the city itself, that are already, at this moment, denser than the new code would allow for. This doesn't even take into consideration the fact that the county is already much less densely populated than it has been historically. Under these circumstances, these communities will continue to get gutted and the best minds and laborers of our children will find its way to the cities, as so many of Malad's best and brightest have done over the years, with their parents no longer able to offer them a few acres of land to stay around.

All this begs the question, who is this really helping? This brings me back to the small farmers. The people with small farms in Oneida County, who represent the vast majority of the farmers (over ½ the farmers in the county have less than 180 acres) have very few

Malad Senior Citizens’ Menu

Every Meal Served with Juice/Milk/Coffee Jan. 13 - Turkey Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit, Carrot and Celery Sticks, Dessert Jan. 18 - Beef Stroganoff w/Noodles, Stewed Tomatoes, Rolls, Dessert

options. Turning all or part of the land over to development has been a good one, potentially providing enough income to retire from a life of backbreaking work to one of relative affluence and dignity. With the new zoning map, that option has been taken from them at the stroke of a pen. A failing farmer will often have no choice but to sell, at a much lower price, to a large farmer. There are a number of landowners in the valley, with property in the 50 – 200 acre range, for whom this new rule could easily mean the difference between retiring in a nursing home or not.

If we want to continue to thrive as a community, we need to redraw the zoning map to more adequately deal with the boots-on-theground reality. One option would be to revert the definitions of what constitutes “ag” to what was originally written. Perhaps a better option would be to redraw much of the Malad Valley under a zoning distinction called Rural Residential, something far more restrictive than the old zoning, but one that allows more development, more along the lines of what is actually taking place. Rural residential, in Oneida County's case, allows for 5 acre lots minimum. Perhaps in some limited cases, in existing communities like Pleasantview and Woodruff, where smaller lots are already common, an even less restrictive Residential zoning could perhaps be used. Much of the county, composing of

Curlew Senior Citizens’ Menu

Every Meal Served with Juice/Milk/Coffee Jan. 17 – Beef Pot Pie, Salad Bar, Fruit, Biscuits, Dessert Jan. 19 – Potato Soup, Chicken Sandwich, Salad Bar, Muffins, Fruit, Dessert

thousands of acres, could remain under the more restrictive agricultural zoning. This kind of mix-and-matching would not be unusual, as a quick look at surrounding counties' zoning maps shows that they look far more heterogenous in terms of zones allowed than the one suddenly imposed upon the citizens of this county.

A few weeks ago I asked one of the commissioners what the purpose of this new zoning was. “To protect the farmers”, he told me, rather matter-of-factly. This was stated as if

there was no debate on the matter: less growth is good for farmers, and more is bad. My conversations with farmers, real small farmers, reflects an entirely different reality: this code isn't helping them, but rather it's helping their larger competition, a constituency representing less than 5% of the population of the county.

The rest of us are just along for the ride.

Charles Nielsen

ON THIS DAY

1773 First public museum established in north American colonies (Charlestown, S.C.)

1803 U.S. Senate approves Thomas Jefferson's nomination of James Monroe and Robert Livingstone to negotiate purchase of New Orleans from France

1839 Anthracite coal first used to smelt iron 1896 First X-ray photo in U.S. (Dr. Henry Smith, Davidson, N.C.)

1908 A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time

1915 U.S. House of Representatives rejects proposal to give women right to vote

1939 Timely Comics (later Marvel) founded

1952 University of Tennessee admits its first black student Gene Mitchell Gray, as a graduate student in chemistry 1967 Dr. James Bedford becomes the first person to be cryonically preserved with intent of future resuscitation; remains preserved at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation 1971 "All in the Family" premieres on CBS featuring first toilet flush on TV

1975 Chrysler Corp offers first car rebates 1995 Murder trial against O.J. Simpson, begins in LA

by American publisher Martin Goodman in New York

LOOKING BACK

5 YEARS AGO

(2018)

A senior at Malad High School, Jessica Perry, who has always been a Malad resident, has been chosen as Student of the Week for the week of January 8.

Jessica thinks she has no secrets and there is nothing that people do not know about her. She says in answer to that question, "I am an open book!"

Her favorite class in high school is chemistry, and in the next five to ten years she hopes to have graduated from law school and begun her career. Her plans are to attend Salt Lake Community College and then the University of Utah to attain her goal.

Jessica would love to go to Iceland for something to cross off her bucket list. Her best advice for other students is to do their homework. What she loves most about Malad High school is the people and her favorite extracurricular activity is student council

Wendy Owens was chosen to spotlight in January as a member of the Malad High School staff.

Wendy is the wife of Ryon Owens and the mother of four children, R.C. who is 20 and girls Kelsey 17, McKinna 14 and Baylee 10. She is also the proud momma of a dog, Whiskey, and a cat, Harold! Her greatest fear is the same as most parents' – of losing one of her kids.

Wendy's favorite food is anything Mexican, and her favorite cookie is a sugar cookie with frosting. Her first job was at the Dude Ranch Café, and her favorite restaurants are the Dude Ranch Café Texas Roadhouse, Malad Drive In and any Mexican place!

Wendy would love to take a dream vacation in Fiji. A favorite sport to watch is wrestling, but she says that of course she loves to watch her girls dance. Wendy just enjoyed her favorite holiday, which is Christmas.

As far as working at Malad High School, Wendy indicates that she loves it all. She loves the kids, the staff and her job!

Bobby Garrett received the Silver Beaver Award on December 13 at the Malad District Roundtable.

The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

Her husband, Gaylon, has also received this award and our community has been extremely blessed through their

service. Congratulations to Bobbie and Gaylon Garrett for the recognition and thank you for all you do!

Samantha Daniels has been included on the Utah State University College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences dean's list for the fall 2017 semester.

To qualify for the dean's list, a student must earn at least a 3.5 GPA in 15 or more graded credit hours.

Samantha is a 2015 graduate of Malad High School and is the daughter of Darin and Shawna Daniels.

On Thursday December 14, the Oneida Quilt Club reorganized on their last meeting of the year.

For the coming year, president of the Malad Quilters will be Tammy Benson, with Vice President Cindy Gevas, Secretary Bonnie Howard and Treasurer Judy Jones.

Retiring officers President Tina Bullcreek, Vice President Tammy Benson, Secretary Sharon Harris and Treasurer Margaret Rees were thanked for their service.

The afternoon was spent playing games and enjoying a nice luncheon.

10 YEARS AGO (2013)

Debbie Harrison was a pretty happy person on January 2, 2013! She was declared the first-place winner in the annual Malad Area Chamber of Commerce “Shop-Malad Holiday Give-away” and won $300 in Chamber bucks.

Kevin Stevens and Richard Cornia leave the County Planning Zoning Commission, after spending 8 years and 15 years respectively on the commission.

Julie Willie and Kent Scott were recently appointed to the County Planning and Zoning Commission.

On March 1, 2012, Governor Butch Otter signed a proclamation to prepare Idahoans for the Idaho Territorial Sesquicentennial to be held in 2013. Otter designated the Idaho Historical Society as the lead agency in commemorating the event. Idaho has a pretty colorful history, and that history started many years before it was declared a territory on March 4, 1863.

The Malad High School wrestling team claimed first place as a team as the Tex Elkington (Firth) Invitational Tournament.

Quinn Eliason has reached and surpassed the 100th win milestone few high school wrestlers ever reach. Eliason earned his 100th win at home in the Dragons Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Eliason is at 108 career wins.

15 YEARS AGO (2008)

Kameron Dean Hunt captured the 2008 First Baby of the Year award for Oneida County, arriving January 4 at the Cache Valley’s Logan Regional Hospital. At birth, the new First baby

of the Year weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 22 inches long. He has fair skin and a small dusting of dark brown hair.

Road and emergency personnel have had their hands full this winter, trying to keep up with fierce weather conditions, accidents, and slide-offs. Between December 15 and the first of the year, a report from the Oneida Sheriff’s department indicated that officers investigated 15 motor-vehicle crashes and well over 30 slide-offs.

The Malad Stake celebrated New Year’s Eve with an evening of Celtic music, played by a group from Cache Valley named “Leaping Lulu.”

Hayden Williams is the January recipient of Northern Title Company’s “Good Deeds Done Daily” award. Hayden who is 12 years old, was nominated because of his willingness to help out wherever he can.

Malad had several wrestlers place in the top four in the Firth and/or Bear Lake Tournaments this past two weeks. Those placing included: Mike Evans, Zach Starr, Devin Skidmore, R.J. Cudney, Jonny Blaisdell, Dillon Allen, D.J. Peabody, Chris Hess, Nathan Eliason, Gene Bullcreek, Blake Harrison, Justin Campbell and Owen Tapp.

Malad’s sixth grade team in the Malad Jam 2007 claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. The team members include the following: Joshua Jensen, Brett Hansen, Zack Jeppsen, Tanner Lewis, Griffin Green, Jason Jensen, Brody Hubbard and Nishon Neal.

25 YEARS AGO (1998)

Keeton Chesney Isaacson entered the world at 8:21 a.m. January 1, to become the first baby born at the Oneida County Hospital in 1998. Parents, Dave Isaacson and Shariann Isaacson, said they never expected to have the New Year’s baby. Keeton was due December 27, and they thought he would arrive before the first of the year. “Little Ike,” as they now call him, weighed 5 pounds 13 ounce and was 18 1/2 inches long.

A number of residents reported feeling an earth tremor last Friday, and the University of Utah Seismology Department confirmed the ground activity. U of U seismologists report a quake of 2.3 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred January 2 at 5:43 p.m., centered 1.3 miles southwest of Malad City.

Spencer W. King, son of Everett L. and Edna B. King, received his Eagle Scout Award during an Eagle Court of Honor held in his honor. Spencer, 14, gave the playground equipment at the Holbrook Park a facelift. He added monkey bars, swings, trapeze bar, gymnastic rings, a deck with slide and fireman pole. He also repaired or replaced existing

equipment. Spencer is a member of Troop 401. 35 YEARS AGO (1988)

Brandon Hyrum Bybee, infant son of Greg and Roslynn Bybee, is the first baby born in 1988 in Oneida County. Almost two weeks overdue, the newborn weighted 9 pounds, 5 1/2 ounces ad was 20 1/2 inches long.

There’s something new on the slate for Rex’s A.G. Fine Foods on North Main in Malad. As of Monday, January 4th the store has a new name and new owners. Buying the grocery business from longtime owners, Rex and Lucille Schwartz, Wayne and Marilyn Jones say they are excited about their new venture. The store will now be known as “Wayne’s Fine Foods.”

Elder Travis Atkinson, son of Farrell and Diane Atkinson of Malad, has accepted a call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands Amsterdam Mission. He will enter the Missionary Training center on January 13.

Dale Thomas of Thomas Hereford Ranch is the new director of the Idaho Cattle Association in this area.

45 YEARS AGO (1978)

Senator James McClure this week announced the appointment of Jayson Esplin to the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Jason was chosen by the Academy from among nine other Idaho young men who were nominated by the Senator.

Shenell Madsen, seven pound, three-ounce daughter of Frank and Donna Gaye Madsen arrived at Oneida County Hospital, January 6, 5:32 a.m. to capture the Oneida First Baby of 1978 crown. The blueeyed, strawberry blonde charmer will fit right in with the crowd at home – four sisters: Debra Ann, Paula, Kathy and Tricia. Running a close second in the “diaper derby” was the seven-pound ten ounce son of Brad and Julie Barber born January 6, 10:47 p.m.

City Clerk Mary Lou Jones took charge at swearing in ceremonies when new Councilman Gordon Crowther and returning Councilman Bill Thorpe took the oath of office at the regular monthly Malad City Council meeting. Their first important business was to adopt new zoning regulations for areas of 50 and 90 South Streets.

By unanimous vote at Commissioners’ sessions January 9, Con Alder was named Chairman of the County Commission for 1978. He replaced Commissioner Gene Edwards who served as last year’s chairman.

55 YEARS AGO (1968)

Idaho Department of Highways has completed a location study for Interstate Highway 15 from the Utah State line to Malad City. The

study has developed two possible plans for location of the highway. Plan A, which would use the existing alignment of US Highway 191 for the southbound freeway, would have exits at Woodruff Road and Malad, with a frontage road on the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad line from south of Cherry Creek to a mile south of Two Mile road. Plan B, the freeway would be constructed east of the present US 191 location, along the foothills. The same general number of overpasses and accesses would be constructed, and a frontage road built east of the highway for landowners in the area. This Plan B is favored by the State Highway Department as being the best route to maintain and to construct.

At the invitation of Oneida Hospital Board, Dr. Joe F. Mabey and Dr. Orson H. Mabey, Jr. met with the board Monday evening. Dr. Joe Mabey confirmed his intention to associate with the Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans. He plans to move there the latter part of January. Dr. Orson Mabey plans to continue his practice here.

Boyd D. Brown, who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, left Monday from the Salt Lake City airport to report for duty at San Diego. Boyd graduated from Utah Trade Tech at Salt Lake City where he took an aircraft Metal and Machinist course.

Robert L. Christophersen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Varsel Cristophersen, left Monday for Fort Douglas, Utah, where he will be inducted into military service.

“Under 21,” a newspaper and radio feature produced especially for teen-agers, will begin as a regular feature in The Idaho Enterprise this week. “Under 21” has been written by Dan Halligan, a former newspaperman of Williston, North Dakota since 1957. The newspaper column is primarily a question-and-answer feature as well as being a feature in which teen-agers may express their opinions.

60 YEARS AGO (1963)

The as yet un-named daughter of Larry J. and Marlys Evans claimed honors as Oneida’s first baby of 1963 when she arrived at the Oneida Hospital at 2:27 p.m., January 5th. The 7 pound 6 1/2-ounce brownette, is 21 inches tall and is still awaiting naming because her parents had been concentrating on a boy’s name and had to switch plans. Other members of the little girl’s immediate family are her year-old brother Jeffery. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Elmer B. Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. John O. Evans.

Oneida County School Board informed the welfare committee of the Oneida Education Association that the Board could not reach a decision on proposals made by the committee

at the January meeting until the Idaho Legislature meets and makes appropriations for educational purposes. The committee’s proposals, citing the reasons of the OEA, called for raises in the present salary schedule of teachers.

Classes in junior, standard and advanced Red Cross first aid will be organized on January 16th, for a meeting for everyone interested at the New Malad Hotel, Mrs. Lela Blaisdell, RC first aid chairman, said this week. She will be assisted by Mrs. Helen Morgan vice chairman.

A sawmill is being readied for operation at Pleasantview by Gordon Willie to provide rough lumber for sale to Oneida farmers for use in building corrals and sheds. Logs are being brought about 12 miles to the sawmill from John Evans’ Canyon where Mr. Willie has purchased about 50,000 ft. of lumber from the Bureau of Land Management.

70 YEARS AGO (1953)

Acie Waldron, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nat Waldron, and William Floyd Hill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Hill, Oneida county’s selective service inductees for January, left Monday to report for active duty. From Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, they will be sent to a camp for basic training.

Lt. Ralph Ray Harding, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Harding, Malad, is at Medical Field Service School, located at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to attend a four-weeks orientation course in military medical service.

“Over Malad at 0358, 13,000 feet altitude, estimating Rock Springs at 0445 Mountain Time”.

This cryptic routine message to the Malad CAA station Wednesday morning was the last that has been heard of a C-46 Airplane with 41 persons aboard. The twin-engine transport plane was enroute from Seattle, Washington to Fort Jackson, South Carolina with a refueling stop scheduled at Cheyenne. Passengers included 37 veterans of the Korean War. With searchers handicapped by bad weather, latest news on the plane is that a fire had been sighted on a peak near Dingle, Idaho south of Montpelier and a rescue party had begun the trek to the area Thursday morning.

75 YEARS AGO (1948)

Plans for an extensive building and improvement program in the Malad L.D.S. Stake were announced this week by S. A. Hendricks, Stake President. Largest project in the program was proposed combined Third Ward and Stake Building, which will include a large social hall, chapel, stage, individual banquet hall, several offices and 24 individual classrooms.

Malad Elementary Breakfast

Monday, January 16 - Cereal Assortment, French Toast, Fruit, Juice/ Milk

Tuesday, January 17 - Cereal Assortment, Sausage Egg Biscuit, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Wednesday, January 18 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast Pizza, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Thursday, January 19 - Cereal Assortment, Frudel, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Malad Middle Breakfast

Monday, January 16 - Cereal Assortment, Max Pancake, Fruit, Juice/ Milk

Tuesday, January 17 - Cereal Assortment, Yogurt Parfait, Fruit, Juice/ Milk

Wednesday, January 18 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast on a Stick, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Thursday, January 19 - Cereal Assortment, Ultra Slice/Sweet Bread, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Malad High Breakfast

Monday, January 16 - Cereal Assortment, Max Pancake, Fruit, Juice/ Milk

Tuesday, January 17 - Cereal Assortment, Yogurt Parfait, Fruit, Juice/ Milk

Wednesday, January 18 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast on a Stick, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Thursday, January 19 - Cereal Assortment, Ultra Slice/Sweet Bread, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Choices of Milk, Fresh Fruit & Veggies Served Daily in all Schools

Malad Elementary Lunch

Monday, January 16 – Burrito, Tater Tots, PBJ/Chex Mix/Cheese Stick, Food Choice – Carrot Sticks, Peaches

Tuesday, January 17 – Ravioli, Garlic Toast, PBJ/Chex Mix/Cheese Stick, Food Choice – Corn, Pears

Wednesday, January 18 – Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potato Gravy, Roll, PBJ/Chex Mix/Cheese Stick, Food Choice – Green Beans, Applesauce

Thursday, January 19 – Chicken Sandwich, Baked Fries, PBJ/Chex Mix/Cheese Stick, Food Choice –Sliced Cucumbers, Apple

Malad Middle Lunch

Monday, January 16 – Chicken

Parm Casserole, Breadstick, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Green Beans, Strawberries/Bananas

Tuesday, January 17 – Chili, Cornbread, Salad Bar, Food Choice –Corn, Peaches

Wednesday, January 18 – Corn Dog, Baked Fries, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Carrot Sticks, Applesauce

Thursday, January 19 – Ravioli, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Celery Sticks, Orange

Malad High Lunch

Monday, January 16 – Chicken

Parm Casserole, Breadstick, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Green Beans, Strawberries/Bananas

Tuesday, January 17 – Chili, Cornbread, Salad Bar, Food Choice –Corn, Peaches

Wednesday, January 18 – Corn Dog, Baked Fries, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Carrot Sticks, Applesauce Thursday, January 19 – Ravioli, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Food Choice – Celery Sticks, Orange

Marvin Ekstrom, Jan. 13

Billie Gamble, Jan. 13

Jaxcia Hess, Jan. 13

Lonnie Martin, Jan. 13

Danny Peabody, Jan. 13 Parker Steed, Jan. 13

Carol Warner, Jan.13

Brent Winward, Jan. 13

Kristine D. Smith, Jan. 13

Suzanne Layton, Jan. 14

Krystine Neal, Jan. 14

JaLyn Weeks, Jan. 14

Sharlene Miles, Jan. 14

Caleb Bennett, Jan. 15

David Eliason, Jan .15

Jerry Goddard, Jan. 15

Cindy Howard, Jan. 15

Eldon Roe, Jan. 15

Blake Tovey, Jan. 15

Patricia Davis, Jan. 16

CLASSIFIEDS

Gene Edwards, Jan. 16

Joyce Fisher, Jan. 16

Jamie Hess, Jan.16

Melanie Hodgkins, Jan.16

Byron Marshall, Jan. 16

Paula Morby, Jan. 16

Wacey Udy, Jan. 16

Brett Daniels, Jan. 17

Tamara Goddard, Jan. 17

Larry Nalder, Jan. 17

Matt Tubbs, Jan. 17

Rosemary Hall, Jan. 18

Kathleen Atkinson, Jan. 18

Jana Clark, Jan. 18

Jenna Stewart, Jan. 18

Lin Higley, Jan. 19

Claire Moon, Jan. 19

Devin Robbins, Jan. 19 Doyle Waldron, Jan. 19 Shaylynn Ward, Jan. 19

County Commission Meets for the first time in

Swearing In/Assignments

The Oneida County Board of Commissioners met for their inaugural session of the year on January 9. New commissioner Brian Jeppsen joined Bill Lewis and Ken Eliason to begin the session.

Don Eliason led the pledge, after which Bill Lewis provided the opening invocation.

The first official order of business was the swearing in of Ken Eliason and Brian Jeppsen, who were elected to their positions in November.

County Clerk Lon Colton administered the oath of office. Following the swearing in, Bill Lewis was nominated and seconded as chairman for 2023 year of commission. The motion was approved, and Chairman Lewis accepted the position.

The county’s other officers elected for 2023 were then sworn in— Kathleen Atkinson as the Assessor, Leigh Love as the Treasurer, Brad Horsley as the Coroner, and Lon Colton as the County Clerk. Judge Hooste and County Attorney Cody Brower not available and will be sworn in when they are.

Following the swearing in, the Commissioners chose their oversight assignments for the year.

Commissioner Ken Eliason was assigned to the Road and Weed department, the Fair Board, the Eastern Idaho State Fair board, the Soil Conservation District board, Probation and Court, Waterways, and PDC.

Commissioner Brian Jeppsen was assigned to the Veterans board, Economic Development, Emergency Services, Senior Citizens, Parks and Recreation, SICOG (Southeast Idaho Council of Governments), and the TV Translator board.

Chairman Bill Lewis was assigned to Buildings and Facilities, Landfill/IDAWY, Juvenile Detention, Public Health, the hospital, and the airport.

Review of Claims

After receiving assignments, the commission moved on to review the claims. Brian Jeppsen was explained the process for the consent agenda, which involves the commissioners looking over the payable claims beforehand in order to approve or disapprove them. The claims were motioned for acceptance and approval. The outstanding claims were approved by the commission.

Review of County Policies

Chairman Lewis opened the topic of current and needed county policies for discussion only. The commission has been working on an update of county policies that might need to be updated or changed. These include a number of things, such as Information Systems, Vehicle Use, Cellphone policy, Personnel policy, Credit card policy (which doesn’t exist yet), and Event Center policy. The commissioners were given copies of the current policies to review for further discussion and revision.

Event Center Emergency Operations Resolution

The Commission has been considering purchasing a backup generator for the Event Center. The current SHSCP grant will cover some of the funding of the project, provided the EC is designated as an alternative emergency site. Additional language for the resolution designating the EC such a site was requested by the Emergency Manager for the state, indicating that the EC would function to assist neighboring counties in the event of such an emergency.

Chairman Lewis clarified the nature of the added language, and asked for approval to add it to the resolution. The current resolution, reads in part: “Now therefore be it resolved that Oneida County hereby deter-

mines that in the event of a terrorism or all-hazards disaster or emergency within Oneida County or neighboring counties that may need assistance from Oneida County, the Oneida County Event Center, located at 459 S Main…will be available for operations in the following capability sets and uses: Alternative Emergency Operations Center, Alternate Care Center, Response Staging Area, General Population Center.” A motion was approved to sign the resolution.

One time expenses

Additional one-time expenses from the budget were also under discussion. Two items were specifically brought before the commission.

Sawyer Fonnesbeck of the Agricultural Extension Office discussed a request for a roadside sign for the Event Center. The sign would be used to increase visibilty and traffic awareness for the building. A 4’x5’ metal sign, to be mounted on a post on the roadway outside the building has been bid at $2,200-3,200. The price will vary based on whether the Extension Office provides the installation or not. The University of Idaho is willing to donate $500 to the project. The city building Inspector Tory Richardson was consulted on the sign’s accordance with city sign regulations. Richardson felt the sign was within the city’s parameters.

Fonnesbeck also presented information on possible replacements for the fair display shelving, which has been an ongoing concern of the fair board. The current signs are heavy, and difficult to store and move.

A number of lighter and more modular alternatives to the shelving were discussed. Fonnesbeck presented a figure of just under $5,000 for an initial shelving replacement for 2023’s Fair. The new shelves would be stored in the Fair board’s storage area in the Event Center.

The current shelving is stored in various places,

New Commissioner Profile—Brian Jeppsen

Continued from page 1

What is your experience/background in the county/valley, and how do you plan to bring that to the role?

I have served in many volunteer capacities within the community in a variety of organizations. I also currently serve on multiple national boards where standards and regulations are drafted and codified for the mining and concrete industries.

What do you think the county administration can do most to help residents?

I believe that one of

the things that will benefit our residents the most will be to get them to engage in "the process". As alluded to previously, every elected official has been placed in his/her position by the voice of the people. Our best success will come only when that same "voice" is actively engaged in the day-today business of its representative government.

What has your early experience been like as a commissioner, and what are you most looking forward to?

I have been very pleased with the amount of community involvement that I have already witnessed. Many have

called with concerns regarding issues that face our growing community. I look forward to working with Commissioners Lewis and Eliason, as well as the other county officials and agencies, as we welcome community input, then pool our individual and collective resources to solve problems, address concerns, and engage the community in "the process". My hope is that, as we work together, we can continue to create an environment that every individual and family would be proud to call "home".

The Enterprise wishes Commissioner Jeppsen well as he begins this journey of public service.

including barns where they are more subject to weather exposure.

Fonnesbeck felt that the shelving he had suggested would account for replacing 50% of the existing shelving. A discussion was had about the potential of replacing all of the shelving, rather than a portion, though the commission was reticent to spend the amount of money required before evaluating the complete list of one-time expense items.

A second discussion was had by the commission about landscaping expenses for the Event Center. Bill Lewis reported on a recent visit by an arborist, who recommended planting trees between the road and the Event Center on the south side. Tress on the north side of the Event center were also discussed. The total project would cost just over

$17,000, including planting and a drip system.

Chairman Lewis also reported that the project would qualify for an upcoming Forest Service grant, which would be awarded in April. Lewis proposed purchasing the trees under the one-time expense budget in order to secure them in the necessary timeframe, but the anticipate that ultimately the Forest Service grant would cover the expenses. The trees would also be used at the courthouse.

Chairman Lewis expressed his opinion that making the courthouse ADA compliant was a major priority. This would involve new carpeting, new drinking fountains, ADA compliant counters, and changes to the courtroom to allow for better access. According to the architects consulted, those changes would need to go through a bidding process, or hire

a construction service to handle the bidding and contracting process.

Some of the other items for consideration: a new Weed department building, Extension office signs/displays, county bulk gas tank, panic alarm system, Event Center HVAC fencing, gravel on north side of EC, reconstruction of drains at the pool.

Commissioner eppsen motioned to allocate $5,000 for the purchase of Fair display shelving. The motion was carried. Commissioner Eliason motioned to approve $2,157 for the purchase of outside signage and cement from Lidell signs in Twin Falls.

Commissioner Jeppsen motion to approve the tree project for the Event Center and courthouse for $17,763.18, as well as apply for a grant to cover the costs.

Out of Hours Classes begin at Library for 2023

The Oneida County Library is once again holding “Out of Hours” adult learning. The first class is “Planning a Disney Vacation with all the tips and tricks.” This class, presented by three veterans of Disney Vacations, are Sherrie Thomas (Disney World), Jeni Sperry (Disney Land), and Carrie Jensen (Disney Cruise). Fun and money-saving ideas are available to make your trip affordable and a trip to remember. Please

join us at the library on Wednesday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. for this enlightening class.

February’s class will feature Laura deJong teaching about the glow forge. Come learn how to create your own projects by etching, wood burning, or other ways to make a hand-crafted project.

March is a collaboration with the Oneida County Extension Office. We will meet at the Oneida County Event

Center Kitchen to learn all the do’s and don’ts of Freeze Ahead Meals. We will learn what works and what doesn’t as an expert teaches us the secrets of freezing.

There are more fun classes to come, and we will announce those later. We are excited to be partnered with the Oneida County Extention Service for more great classes. Come and join us for some exciting learning.

County Commissioners Ken Eliason and Brian Jeppsen are given the Oath of Office

Kathleen Atkinson, Leigh Love, Brad Horsley, and Lon Colton are sworn in by Bill Lewis

Winter driving season in full swing

Anyone who has lived in Idaho for at least a year is well aware of the pendulum swing that characterizes the weather from…well, most of the year to most of the rest of it. January and February, however, are notoriously bad as far as unpredictability goes. We’ve already seen clear and sunny days, and we’ve already seen whiteouts with equally white-knuckle drives.

As January moves on, the days where the two combine are likely to become more common, resulting in icy drives, or snowy drives with underlying ice, or slushy drives with everything else thrown into the mix.

Forecasts for the next few weeks anticipate a mix of snow, freezing temperatures, and rain. The combination

A picture perfect winter morning

of those factors often results in the worst driving outcomes, as overnight freezes often create ice that then becomes snowed over, disguising some of the most dangerous elements of navigating already messy roadways.

The Malad City and County road departments have been doing

an amazing job of keeping up with the snowfall this year. Most of the local accidents so far this year have occurred on the interstate, rather than in town. Even so, because the weather patterns are not subject to normal work hours, drivers are cautioned by both state and local officials to exercise caution

A slushy winter afternoon

when heading onto the road when snow begins to fall, or the temperatures begin to rapidly drop. Plan extra time for any drives that are

not emergencies, as often whiteout or roadway conditions cause traffic to slow considerably. Make sure your car is equipped with weath-

COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING PUBLIC HEARING 1/4

A County Planning and Zoning Hearing was held on January 4, to discuss proposed changes to the Development Code. The revisions which have been proposed to the code since its passage were presented to the public with Steven Freiberger on hand to help answer questions.

Jaime Olsen asked for clarification on the term “accessory dwelling unit.” The term has been defined as an unattached dwelling with a separate kitchen and bathroom facility. This designation in the code is used to describe outbuildings which are not part of the primary residence on a piece of property.

County Attorney Cody

Brower explained what the term “look back period” referred to.

A period until December 2023 allows for individuals to make property decisions on land purchased and divided before the new Development Code took effect, in order to create a means for those individuals to alter their plans for sales, etc. Permits for the building process will need to be acquired by the December 2023 deadline.

Another question was asked about what the groundwater survey requirements for subdivisions were. Depending on the size of the property/development, water survey requirements vary. The distinction be-

tween what is required for a major and minor subdivision are central to those requirements. A cutoff of 10 or more lots will make test-well drilling required.

The hearing was then opened to public comments. Kirk Nielsen asked about the “clustering” requirement for residences in agricultural divisions. Under the proposed code, it is not required but recommended. Clustering, in this case, refers to the location of residences on 40-acre lots within a 160-acre lot as located near one another in order to facilitate agricultural uses. The Commission clarified that there should be a reason for non-clustered residenc-

es in cases where they are not developed that way. As with many of the public questions, the questions often revolve around questions of density, and the potential for requesting rezoning to accommodate uses that property owners may have for the land.

Luke Waldron questioned how the zoning requirements would affect Samaria. The Commission replied that some areas of the valley are already zoned as residential—Samaria, Holbrook, the Summit—which have different building requirements than Agricultural or Rural Residential zones, though existing properties (before the Code went into

effect) are grandfathered in. A discussion was held between Waldron and Freiberger after the meeting about some of the specific applications to areas such as Samaria.

Brad Coleman inquired about what areas of the county were currently zoned Rural Residential. The Commission explained that at present, the zoning map is divided between Residential and Agricultural, and there are no official RR zones yet.

In something of a followup question, Charles Nielsen asked about the comprehensive plan for rezoning. The Commission explained that they are planning to wait until they receive requests for rezones in specific areas

er-appropriate tires, which have recently been inflated to specifications and inspected for wear.

before defining them as zones other than Residential.

This way, the zoning process can be responsive to the developing needs of the community, rather than potentially creating zoning issues before any such needs are expressed.

At the end of the meeting, a motion to change the “lookback” cutoff date to June 30, 2024 was approved. A second motion to approve the amendment to the Board of County Commissioners for their next meeting was made, contingent on rewording it to include the later cutoff date. The motion carried.

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walk with some friends. Each of you select one of the bingo cards below. When you see one of the things shown on the card, cross out that space. The first person to black out their card wins!

Nature Walk Bingo

Lady Dragon Wrestling

The Lady Dragon wrestlers had a great weekend of wrestling. The ladies headed to Bear Lake to wrestle in the Bear Lake tournament on Saturday. Four Lady Dragons competed in the tournament and all four brought home medals.

Coach Clark said, “We are incredibly proud of these girls and the work they are putting in. The girls continue to improve and are having an amazing season.”

Cambree Howe Champion Cale Carter 2nd Rylee Neilson 3rd Dezirae Haven 3rd

Boys Wrestling

The Dragon wrestlers competed at the Richardson Memorial in Brigham City, Utah this past Friday and Saturday. The tournament hosted 24 teams from all over Utah ranging from 3a to 6a schools.

The Malad JV wrestlers ended the tournament in 9th place as a team with 110 team points. JV had five wrestlers bring home medals from the tournament. Cael Seamons took 2nd place, Porter Mills took 3rd place, Jack Willie took 4th place and Zane Komrofske took 6th. 126

Cael Seamons (10-7) placed 2nd and scored 28.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1Cael Seamons (Malad) 10-7 won by fall over Jonathon Harris (Bear River) 11-7 (Fall 1:56)

• Champ. Round 2Cael Seamons (Malad) 10-7 won by fall over Henry Walston (Olympus) 11-10 (Fall 2:30)

• Quarterfinal - Cael Seamons (Malad) 10-7 won by fall over Gage Prescott (South Summit) 13-5 (Fall 3:26)

• Semifinal - Cael Seamons (Malad) 10-7 won by fall over Porter Johnson (Mountain Crest) 10-10 (Fall 2:00)

• 1st Place MatchZack Butt (Ridgeline) 5-0 won by fall over Cael Seamons (Malad) 10-7 (Fall 1:07)

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Porter Mills (13-2) placed 3rd and scored 23.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1Porter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by fall over Riley Hoggan (Box Elder) 1-2 (Fall 1:33)

• Champ. Round 2Porter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by fall over Ryker Smethurst (Mountain Crest) 10-9 (Fall 0:56)

• Quarterfinal - Porter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by major decision over Pace Williams (Olympus) 24-10 (MD 9-1)

• Semifinal - Howdee Merrill (Sky View) 11-9 won by fall over Porter Mills (Malad) 13-2 (Fall 2:00)

• Cons. Semi - Porter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by forfeit over Memphis Bodily (Ben Lomond) 4-3 (For.)

• 3rd Place MatchPorter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by decision over Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 (Dec 8-3)

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Jack Willie (21-6) placed 4th.

• Champ. Round 1Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by fall over Denver Ellis (Box Elder) 1-2 (Fall 1:44)

• Champ. Round 2James Rollins (Mountain Crest) 13-9 won by decision over Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 (Dec 8-5)

• Cons. Round 2 - Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by major decision over Jorge Munoz (Olympus) 11-10 (MD 10-0)

• Cons. Round 3 - Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by tech fall over Aiden Rosales (Sky View) 2-2 (TF-1.5 3:30 (15-0))

• Cons. Round 4 - Jack

Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by decision over Pace Williams (Olympus) 2410 (Dec 8-4)

• Cons. Round 5 - Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by fall over Kruz Allred (Ridgeline) 12-9 (Fall 0:56)

• Cons. Semi - Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 won by major decision over Cael Nelson (Ridgeline) 17-6 (MD 9-0)

• 3rd Place MatchPorter Mills (Malad) 13-2 won by decision over Jack Willie (Malad) 21-6 (Dec 8-3)

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Zane Komrofske (86) placed 6th and scored 13.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1 - Zane Komrofske (Malad) 8-6 received a bye () (Bye)

• Champ. Round 2 - Zane Komrofske (Malad) 8-6 won by fall over Dilyn Pentz (Morgan) 8-6 (Fall 3:37)

• Quarterfinal - Zane Komrofske (Malad) 8-6 won by fall over Alejandro Medina (Sky View) 2-2 (Fall 2:33)

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Lex Driskel (13-10) placed 4th and scored 20.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1Lex Driskel (Malad) 1310 won by fall over Sam McMullen (Ridgeline) 3-2 (Fall 3:34)

• Champ. Round 2 - Lex Driskel (Malad) 13-10 won by fall over Christian Salazar (Olympus) 17-17 (Fall 1:23)

• Quarterfinal - Will DeKorver (Mountain Crest) 9-0 won by fall over Lex Driskel (Malad) 13-10 (Fall 0:36)

• Cons. Round 4 - Lex

Driskel (Malad) 13-10 won by fall over Haidyn Burdette (Ben Lomond) 1-2 (Fall 3:27)

• Cons. Round 5 - Lex Driskel (Malad) 13-10 won by decision over Sam McMullen (Ridgeline) 3-2 (Dec 9-3)

• Cons. Semi - Lex Driskel (Malad) 13-10 won by decision over Hyrum Riwai (Westlake) 4-2 (Dec 8-1)

• 3rd Place Match - Logan Cefalo (Box Elder) 6-1 won by decision over Lex Driskel

(Malad) 13-10 (Dec 6-0)

The varsity wrestlers put up some good fights in the tournament. The varsity tournament was full of extremely tough matches and some outstanding wrestling by the Dragons. Ruxton Tubbs earned himself a 4th place medal in the 150lb bracket. After loosing a nail biting semifinals match in overtime Tubbs defeated a Layton wrestler to put himself in the 3rd and 4th place match.

Coach Morrison said, “The tournament this weekend had a lot of great wrestling and our wrestlers did a really good job. We are continuing to grow and improve as a team and as individuals”

The Dragons will compete in a dual in Sugar Salem Thursday and the varsity wrestlers will compete in the Wendell tournament Friday and Saturday.

The Lady Dragons with their medals

Cael Seamons in his match against Mountaincrest

Zach Mills faces off against the Ridgeline Riverhawk wrestler

Lex Driskel in his match against West Lake

Jumping back into the swing of things after the Christmas break, the MHS boys basketball team had two games in the first week of 2023, grabbing an easy win on the road as well as a tough loss at home.

For their first game of the new year, the Dragon basketball team traveled to Pocatello to play against the Grace Lutheran Royals for the second time this season. Having played the Royals in Malad already this season, the Dragons were ready to dominate on the court once again. Over four quarters of basketball, the team put up a score of 48 points, with their defense holding their opponent to just 22 points, taking a win to start the 2023 year.

Friday, January 6, the Dragons hosted the American Falls Beavers in what would be a very intense, aggressive and physical game. As the game began, it took some time for both teams to settle their offense into a scoring mode. Malad came out scoring first, taking the lead until the final 90 seconds of the first quarter when AF sunk a series of free throws to bring them just a head. Jaden Ward went on to score off a pass from Gavin Coatney way behind the arc to put Malad up by two, with 28 seconds left. As the Beavers took the ball down to their own territory, they put up their own three pointer to pull ahead by one, ending the first quarter, Malad 11, American Falls 12.

The second quarter took off just where the first ended, with both teams finding shots to take over the lead. As the clock wound down the last minute of the game, the two teams were tied at 19 points. Malad first, and then AF, went to the line to shoot after getting fouled on the shot, the Dragons missing to put the extra points in

and the Beavers scoring theirs to pull ahead. With just seconds left, the Beavers added one last three pointer to end the half ahead, 25-21.

The scoreboard alone couldn’t illustrate just how tough a game the Dragons were in. Every trip up and down the court was a physical battle between the two teams. The Beavers played a very tight, up in your face, man to man defense. Despite the chaos and frustrations that it caused, the Dragons continued to execute their offense to find those open shots.

As the third quarter rolled on, Malad struggled to connect with the basket, finding good shots to take but those shots just not falling in.

It seemed American Falls had just the opposite luck at the other end, hitting everything they threw at the hoop. The Beavers found their groove and as the momentum shifted their way, they widened the gap, finishing the third quarter, 42-28.

Not ready to give up, the Dragons found a surge of energy and intensity

“In the gym is a great way to spend the holidays,” said Lady Dragon basketball coach, Trevor Jones. While most MHS students were enjoying time off from school during the Christmas break, the Malad girls basketball team was enjoying a little extra time on the court practicing at home as well as competing in the Parma Holiday Basketball Tournament December 28-30.

At the tournament, the Lady Dragons had the opportunity to play against some of the top teams in the state across all classes. In their first game of the tournament, the MHS team went against the hosting team, the Parma Panthers. Parma, ranked number one in the state for the 3A class, came out to a quick lead against the Lady Dragons. As the game wore on, Malad was able to close the gap some against the Panthers but were ultimately unable to catch up, losing, 40-69.

Following the matchup with the Panthers, the Lady Dragons next contended with the Weiser

Wolverines, the number two team for the state in the 3A class. Both teams were slow to put points on the scoreboard as the game began. As the first quarter closed out, Malad managed to pull ahead, 12-8. Throughout the second quarter, the two teams would continue to swap leads on the scoreboard, with Weiser pulling ahead as the first half finished. When the Lady Dragons returned from halftime, they brought a new intensity to the game, scoring nearly as many points in the third quarter as they did the first half but to their dismay, the Wolverines upped their game as well, outscoring them throughout the second half. Malad fell, 4764.

In their last game of the tournament, the Lady Dragons took the court against the Nampa Christian Trojans. In the opening quarter, Malad was able to jump out ahead and keep their lead throughout the game. It was a game that everyone on the team was able to contribute to. There were big shots, sunk free

as they began the fourth quarter. It was all Malad as the first two minutes ticked off the clocks, the Dragons inching their way within eight points without the Beavers stepping up to answer. Try as they might, the Dragons couldn’t make up for the third quarter run by AF, the score as the final buzzer rang out Malad 40, American Falls 60.

Following the game, Coach Zach Beutler praised his team, especially those that came in from the bench for giving all they had. With different players in foul trouble, Coach Beutler had to ask a lot of the underclassmen on his varsity team. He commented, “It’s never good when you have to go too deep but I was pleased with what they did. They really gave their best efforts out there.” While some players may have been struggling more than others, Coach Beutler saw others stepping up offensively and defensively.

“Ryan Hubbard played his guts out there for us,” Coach Beutler commented on the junior’s game. Hubbard worked tireless-

ly to grab rebounds, score points off his turn around jumper, and block his opponents shots.

There is a lot happening on the court and with the team that the scoreboard just can’t say. Coach Beutler shared how over the season, the team has really come together, trusting and relying on each other. This is something he has noticed on and off the court. Over the holiday break, one of his varsity players was in a car accident suffering injuries that kept him out of the game for several weeks. It didn’t take long for his teammates to gather at his home with treats in hand and good vibes for quick healing.

This season may be full of ups and downs for the Dragon basketball team, but through it all they are working to take the victories where they can and push through when they can’t. Next on the schedule for the MHS boys basketball team is a home matchup against the West Side Pirates, Thursday, January 12 followed by an away game at Bear Lake Saturday, January 14.

throws, stellar rebounding and disciplined defense. The Lady Dragons finished the game big, winning 56-30 and ending the 2022 year with a win.

Coach Jones shared about their tournament experience, “It was great competition there- we were able to play some of the best teams in the state. We were a little banged up with colds, the flu, and leg injuries but it was a great experience. We learned some lessons, played good basketball and hopefully got us a little better prepared for district play.”

Back to their regular schedule, the Lady Dragons traveled to Aberdeen for their third conference game of the season January 5. Despite several good looks, the Lady Dragons struggled to get their shots to fall. Oakley Hebdon was the first to score for Malad, hitting a shot from behind the arc after Izzy Haycock connected with her on a fastbreak.

Defensively, the Lady Dragons kept the Tigers to few shooting opportu-

nities, however, Aberdeen was hot at the hoop, with their shots falling. The score remained close over most of the first half, but as the second quarter was winding down, Aberdeen began pulling away. Malad was able to catch back up, coming within just a few points before the buzzer raing to end the half.

Coming back out in the second half, the Lady Dragons were determined to take charge on the court. Within seconds of beginning the third quarter, Haycock got a quick shot off to tie the score at 30 and give the team a positive start. Riglee Peterson followed the next play with a big defensive rebound and quick break to the other end of the court. The guard pulled up short outside the key, dishing off to Hallie Horsley and she came by, easily maneuvering passed the defense and scoring to give Malad the lead.

It was a very aggressive and physical game for the Lady Dragons, putting some players in foul trouble and giving Aberdeen bonus shots that they took

advantage of. Olivia Nelson stepped up big to help her team in such a situation, hitting some crucial free throws in the third quarter, along with grabbing several rebounds and playing a strong defensive game.

With just a few minutes left in the game, the two teams continued to battle back and forth on the court and on the scoreboard. Kiley Miller snagged the ball in Tiger territory and quickly took down for a Lady Dragon fast break, getting fouled on the layup. At the free throw line, the freshman sunk both her shots, helping Malad pull ahead once again. Aberdeen answered with a quick three point shot on their next possession to take the lead back.

Horsley managed to get fouled on the shot several times as the seconds wound down, helping her team as she made those crucial points. With one final push Aberdeen managed a big shot from behind the arc to pull ahead of Malad 56-55 with just less than a minute on the clock. The Lady Drag-

ons quickly fouled, sending the Tigers to the free throw and line and hoping for a last second chance to score again. The Tigers managed one last point from the bonus and shot, and despite earning possession, the Lady Dragons were unable to get a final shot off, falling 5557.

Commenting on the game, Coach Jones shared, “That was a tough one to let slip away but even in a loss it’s fun to see the girl’s determination and bounce back. They don’t have any quit in them. We are trying to teach the girls in life and in basketball there will always be a turnover, a missed shot, a loss... those are constants. But the most important thing is how we react! We teach them to keep their head up, try harder, go get it back and make the most of the next situation.”

The Lady Dragons play again Wednesday, January 11 as they host Soda Springs. Friday they will next travel to West Side for their second matchup with the Pirates.

Jaden Ward pulling up from outside the key, scoring the final two for Malad

Braylin Tripp taking the ball down into Dragon territory

Ryan Hubbard passing the ball from the deep corner

Braylin Tripp laying the ball up against two AF defenders