Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
December 28, 2023 |Vol. 143 No. 52
Year in Review
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Malad served as Idaho's Capital for a Day on April 27 in 2023. Mayor Hawkins was presented a certificate by Governor Brad Little.
2023 began in the middle of the one of the highest precipitation “rain years” (September to the following August) in the state’s history, the twelfth highest since records began in 1895. Precipitation was an amazing 24 inches above last year’s total, and almost 6 inches above the yearly average from 19012000. Oneida had the fourth highest accumulated water out of Idaho’s 44 counties, just below nearby Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake counties. The rain and snow created a theme throughout the year, leading to flooding, forcing a venue change for an election, cancelling a day of horse racing, affecting the growing season, and creating construction delays on projects like the newly bonded elementary school building. Growth and change, as well as tradition, were also throughlines for the year. Planning and Zoning issues, including the Impact Zone and the relatively new Development Code were at the center of many public meetings, as were cooperative efforts by the valley’s organizations, agencies, individuals, and other interests. The city of Malad hired a Code Enforcement Officer to handle ordinance issues within the city, relieving some pressure on the Sheriff’s Office, which is still getting back to fully staffed. The Impact Zone Map was ultimately adopted by the city and county, bringing more than a year’s
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
The Crisis Center Celebrates 25 years in the county, with Gabe Jimenez and Holly Llewellyn Snowfall and accumulation were near record levels in 2023
process to an end. At the same times as those changes and others were underway, many of the annual traditions kept their time as usual. The Welsh Festival, Fourth of July Celebrations, Crisis Center Gala, the Fireman’s Ball, Car Show, County Fair, PTO Carnival, Little League Tournament and many other popular events helped fill the calendar, as well as some more recent (or recently re-started) ones like the Renaissance Fair, Christmas Light Show, Halloween Night at the Library, and more. Highlights throughout the year are recounted below by month.
JANUARY
January began with the year’s First Baby, Cedar Hill, born to Chris and Aubrie Hill 4:51 p.m. Jan 2. 5 lb 14 oz, 18.5 inches.
Business began rather quickly with the swearing in of newly elected County Commissioner Brian Jeppsen, who replaced Commissioner Bob Christophersen following the results of the previous November’s election. Jeppsen is no stranger to the community, being involved in countless organizations and support services. After finding his footing, Jeppsen has settled into the position comfortably. The month also saw the beginning of the school district’s attempt to spread information about the upcoming equalization bond, with which the district would be able to finance the building of new elementary school at a time when the possibility was in reach. As a result of the bond, the school would be able to capitalize on a situation that would be unlikely to be repeated.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” was produced in January. The play involved the participation of dozens of kids from the elementary school both on stage and behind the scenes, and was once again an impressive production. The Extension Office also started the year off running, with a presentation from Extension Officer Sawyer Fonnesbeck on the role of water and water resources within the agricultural community.
FEBRUARY
During February, further efforts on the part of Jon Abrams and the School District to pass the equalization bond were put forth. A public hearing on the new school, at which designs for the building were presented, was held to answer questions from the public. During the presentation, most expressed
their optimism for the new school, and those with reservations about the prospect raised their concerns with the school board. At issue primarily were the ultimate tax burden on residents (which was argued to be non-existent due to the specific structure of the bond itself and the state’s calculations of payments to school districts), the need for a new school in general, and the future of the current building and property. As is customary during the month, the Enterprise named its Valentine’s Sweethearts for the year, Marv and Sondra Ekstrom, and Ken and Kristy Eliason, two couples who are heavily involved in life here in the valley. As they do in the early part of the year, the local RACOON (Radio Operators of Oneida County) club held YEAR IN REVIEW On Page 2
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Year in Review, contd..............................................................Pg.2-4 Looking Back...............................................................................Pg.8 Community Calendar..................................................................Pg.9
Puzzles.............................................................................Pg.10 Sports Year in Review.....................................................Pg. 11-12 Happy New Year! We Hope you had a Merry Christmas.