Independence Day is one of the biggest days of the year for Oneida County, and as it always is, this year’s celebration was packed with events. Because of the amount of things that happened, the timing of the event this year, and other things that also need to be covered, we are presenting an overview of some of the parade’s elements in this issue with the promise of more to come in the next few weeks. In this issue, we cover the Fourth of July Melodrama, along with the exciting news of the auditorium being dedicated in honor of Kay and Gene Caldwell. We also bring you pictures of the winners of softball, kickball, and leapfrog events. The last pages in the paper this week were already set aside to bring you the remaining Rec League pictures from last week, so we won’t have space for a full rundown of the Kids’ parade that took place on July 3, Malad’s Got Talent, the Hypnotist at the Park, the Fun Run, and a number of other events that took place over the weekend.
Despite some rain throughout the day, the parade went off without a hitch, so to speak. Hess Pumice took first place in the floats, followed by the Frozen Cow and Edith’s. This year’s parade also saw floats with the Grand Marshals Dennis and Sherrie Evans, the Honored Veteran Rick Madsen, and the Honored Pioneer Patsy Bybee, as well as other VIPs. The Committee in charge of planning and fundraising for a new playground at the city park also had a float in this year’s parade, and we will cover that story in coming weeks.
While it would be nice to be able to get everything in one issue, it’s a better problem to have too much stuff than not enough, so here you are for this week, and look forward to more next week!
Iron Door auditorium dedicated at melodrama performance
Over 30 years ago, when Gene and Kay Caldwell moved back to their hometown after Gene retired as a civil engineer, they soon realized that there was no community theater in Malad. Even opportunities for young people were limited after the drama program at Malad High School ended when the drama teacher left a few years later.
While living in Whittier, California, and then Tacoma, Washington, Gene and Kay worked with Road Shows in their church wards and learned about amateur theater. With their amazing knack for getting things done once they were back in Malad, they soon worked with Malad City and Oneida County to purchase the former J.C. Penney/
Malad Department Store building in downtown Malad and proceeded to turn it into the Iron Door Playhouse. While bringing together many community members also interested in theater, Gene’s talent for designing and building coupled with Kay’s creativity resulted in a theater where plays, musicals, youth productions, and melodramas were soon entertaining hundreds of residents and guests. In addition, community theater provided opportunities for adults and youth to act, direct, build sets, design costumes, and learn about sound and light technology.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Authorities Search for Murder Suspect Travis Decker in Idaho
The U.S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking public help to locate Travis Decker, a 32-year-old wanted on three counts of murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection with the May 30 deaths of his daughters Paityn (5), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (9) in Chelan County, Washington.
A recent sighting was reported on July 5 in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. A family described seeing a man matching Decker’s description: white male, 5′8″–5′10″, overgrown beard, ponytail, dressed in black and cream, and carrying a black JanSport backpack. The man avoided eye contact and did not respond when spoken to.
Decker is known to have military training and wilderness survival skills, and has previously lived off-grid. This is the second sighting in Idaho; a prior report in McCall in June was ruled out.
Officials are investigating this new lead and urge anyone with information to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-800-336-0102.
Devastating Floods in Central Texas Claim Over 100 Lives
Central Texas is mourning the loss of at least 109 lives after catastrophic flash flooding struck the Guadalupe River region late last week. The disaster has particularly impacted Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio, where Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, was overwhelmed by the rising waters.
Among the confirmed dead are 27 children and camp counselors. Authorities report that ten girls and one counselor remain missing. Search and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly despite difficult terrain and the threat of additional rainfall.
Local officials have described the scene as one of heartbreak and devastation. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said crews are navigating dangerous conditions to search for survivors and recover those lost. “This will be a rough week,” he said during a press conference Monday.
“We need your prayers.”
One of the most tragic losses was Dick Eastland, 70, who had co-directed Camp Mystic for decades with his wife. He was reportedly swept away while trying to rescue campers.
With more rain forecasted and rescue efforts ongoing, communities across Texas are bracing for continued challenges, and holding onto hope.
Triple-Digit Heat Returns to ID
Southern Idaho is facing dangerously hot and dry conditions this week, prompting weather alerts: A Heat Advisory is in effect for the Treasure Valley from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, with temperatures reaching up to 106°F in areas like Emmett and Ontario. The heat poses risks to children, the elderly, pets, and anyone spending time outdoors. People are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, avoid leaving people or pets in vehicles.
The new plaque at the Iron Door Playhouse honors longtime supporters Kay and Gene Caldwell.
IRON DOOR On Page 3
More 4th of July pictures on page 2
The American Legion led the parade through Malad on the 4th
Grand Marshals Dennis and Sherrie Evans.
Volunteers of the Year Doug and Dianne Adams with Mayor Joan Hawkins.
Independence Day Celebrations
We want to thank the governing board of the Iron Door Arts and Theater for the honor of having the auditorium of the Iron Door Playhouse named for us. We have enjoyed helping to bring community theater to Malad, our hometown. Our best wishes for a future of plays, musicals, and melodramas!
— Gene & Kay Caldwell
The honored Veteran this year was Rick Madsen.
The Frozen Cow takes 2nd place with their float!
The Honored Pioneer this year was Patsy Bybee
The Kids Parade (above) and the Hypnotist (right) were part of the July 3 festivities, along with the first night of Malad’s Got Talent. More images in next issue and on Facebook.
Kelly with Edith’s Collective placing 3rd in the parade
Hess Pumice takes 1st Place with their float in the parade!
The new City playground float! They are still accepting donations!
The Potter’s bring up the end of the parade. Kallie, James, and Haizley Rindlisbaker throwing candy!
Iron Door
The first production was “Oliver” with Mike Hess, Jr., in the title role. The Theater Guild soon was entertaining Malad with 3-5 community and youth productions every year. Gene sometimes appeared on stage in various roles, and Kay was always behind the scenes, putting together scenery, props, and costumes. When a set was needed, Gene was the one to design and help build it.
Finances have always been tight for the Theater Guild, and Gene and Kay contributed money, furniture, costumes, decorations, and everything needed to keep the fledgling community theater going. To honor the Caldwells for their time, talents, money, and donations, Iron Door Arts and Theatre named the auditorium part of the Iron Door Playhouse for Gene and Kay. A plaque hangs in the lobby of the auditorium to remind theater goers that community theater would not exist in Malad without Gene and Kay Caldwell.
The Play’s the Thing— Melodrama performed over holiday weekend
It’s early July, and that means that the Iron Door Playhouse just wrapped up another Independence Day melodrama. This year, the play was “Males Order Brides: Big Harry Deal’s Scandalous Scheme” by Billy St. John.
The melodrama is a long-running and time honored fixture of the summer, which many, many people have memories of going back decades.
This year’s Grand Marshals Dennis and Sherrie Evans, for instance, spoke about their long connection to the melodrama and the local theatre, as did this year’s Pioneer Patsy Bybee. And that’s not uncommon— more people than not have great memories attached to the Shootout on the Fourth (on hiatus at present), and especially the melodrama later in the day.
As a melodrama, an audience who is “in the know” is aware of what to expect, though that may not be the case for someone walking into a performance from off the street. The form of a melodrama is different than a traditional play, in that it encourages the interaction of the audience. Primarily, this interaction comes in the form of cheers for the hero, boos for the villain, and “awwwwww”s for the inevitable romantic developments.
Melodramas are a mode of drama that has origins in and connections to opera and classical theatre, but its most recognizable form is connected to the American West of the 1800s. Melodramas were plays that were designed to appeal to an audience that was more interested in entertainment than ponderous questions of philosophy or human psychology. The plays were performed at dance halls, saloons, outdoor stages, camps, and other “rugged” locations. As a result (and potentially also due to the often less than sober state of the audiences) the characters are loud, clearly defined, and over the top. It’s a mode of performance that relies heavily on the skill and personality of its actors to connect with the audience.
lot of fun playing the madcap
“Males Order Brides” is no exception. The play is a “scheme” farce, where the villain, in this case played by Jeff Richins as “Big” Harry Deal, and Anneleise Atkinson, who played Starr Billings, also played Ima Blue. And Indigo Bloodline. And Modesty Virtue. And several other characters. As you can tell by the list of roles, Atkinson was called upon to present a virtuoso performance, inhabiting the characters of a number of ladies designed to appeal the various male characters as a bride. This ranged from a sultry dance girl to a patrician matriarch to a chaste, blushing brideto-be, to a prospector.
As always, Jeff Richins seemed to inhabit the character of a conniving grifter comfortably (shades of his Music Man performance, but without the heart of gold turn at the end), and play well off Anneleise Atkinson. Atkinson clearly also relished the bombastic vacillation between the different characters, each with their own convincing distinct personality.
Because the central setpiece of the play is a romantic dinner between the male characters and different avatars inhabited by Atkinson, a “quick change” sequence further complicated the scene and led to a lot of physical comedy. Atkinson pulled it off extremely well, and in the meantime got to have some entertaining exchanges with real-life husband Steve Atkinson as the character Lucky Betts.
Iron Door stalwart Shannon Worrell was another standout comic element of the play, as Grubby Shurtz. Beyond the initial entertainment in seeing Worrell overalled up as a griz-
zled prospector, the real joy was in the timing of her deliveries, and her skill at reacting to the other actors in the scene. In several scenes, she commanded full attention, and the scenes between herself and Atkinson as his bride to be definitely crowd favorites. In addition to Betts, C.D. Nichols was another lovelorn dupe, played by Jayson Spenser. As a somewhat distracted widower, Nichols performed a largely straight man role in the play, but Spencer managed to give him a lot of pathos for the role in any case.
Calico Shurtz, the heroine and love interest of the play, was played by Addler Garrett alongside hero Forrest Green, played by Conner Worrell. The A plot involved the slowly dawning realization on the part of Green that Shurtz has been the right girl for him all along.
Tiara Rhinestone was played by Maren Sperry and Trinket La Glitz by Kassidy Martin. The two saloon girls also made more of the parts than might have been expected. Their interactions with each other and physical comedy during the dance numbers, among others, were great additions to the texture of the play.
Brenda Daniels played the Piano Player, and kept the scenes dynamic with stage business.
Lights and Sound were overseen by Laurie Richins.
As a melodrama, there can be little doubt about the ending. Good guys win. Bad guys are punished. More puns happen. And once again, the treat that is the melodrama came to Malad again for the 4th, but this time in the Kay and Gene Caldwell auditorium!
Kay and Gene Caldwell were present on Friday’s performance to introduce the new Auditorium name.
The Atkinsons seemed to have a
parts the melodrama gave them.
Shannon Worrell would have stolen the show if there wasn’t so much competition!
The melodrama tradition is one that Malad will hopefully keep forever!
continued from front page
Malad City Council—June Report
Idaho Mill and Tree Services
A business license for Idaho Milling and Tree Services that had been introduced last month was granted. There had been some concern among council members about whether the business was commercial, preventing it from being housed within a residential zone without a variance. It was determined that the business was commercial, rather than industrial, and it was also noted that there had not been any complaints about the use of the saw in the six or so years it had been operating privately on the property. A motion to accept the BL for Idaho Mill and Tree Services, LLC passed.
Tyler Webster Webster raised the issue of leaking water lines. The city will need to shut off the water outside Hess Pumice under the road. The replacement will need to be chlorinated, pressure tested, and etc before it is then connected. Hess will have a week notice before they do it. This is an emergency situation, and the bid came back for $89,480. By statute, in an emergency situation the city can take whatever bid there is in order to fix the problem if it isn’t reasonable to pursue another process. The choice of only one bid needs to be published. A meeting will be held on Friday in order to make an emergency resolution to fund the water line replacement.
The Splash Pad is back up and going. The tubing inside the system was leaking. It’s running “fantastic right now.”.
Sheriff Doug Williams
Calls about a person potentially bathing at the splash pad had been coming in. An individual was reported to potentially be living in a vehicle near the property. “He’s not breaking the law. I don’t know if there’s an ordinance that would cover it,” Williams said. There is a park ordinance in the works. The individual is not on the registry, or in possession of warrants.
May saw 176 total reports. 24 warnings were issued in the city, 4
in the county.
Security is allocated for the Welsh Festival and 4th.
The issue of how the city and county approach the sheriff’s budget was again raised. “I try to be an active sheriff. I go to all these meetings. People seem to agree that any contract that involves money has to be approved by the commissioners,” Williams said.
Jaime Olsen agreed. “The county sets your budget. Yes, our [city] money goes to it, but the county is essentially the main budget. Our money is just so that we get those services. We are paying the county a fee so that we can have those services. The county pays for you guys to be there, and we pay them so that we can access your services. It doesn’t matter what we give the county, then they set the budget to whatever they want. That’s the way I look at it.”
Councilmember Lance Tripp asked about whether the city could see where the funds from the city go in the budget.
Mayor Hawkins said, “This gives us something to talk about, and we will. We’ll put this back on for July.”
The question of whether residents who are in the city (and therefore by necessity in the county) were paying for services twice (through taxes) was raised.
John Christophersen
Code Enforcement reported that “I have been busy with watering, sprinklers. It’s not a perfect science. Our flyer says that timers are the only exception, but it doesn’t specify night or day. This does not apply to new sod. The hospital waters in the day, and was served.”
A resident who has possibly set up a trust to build a dog pound is still interested. JC thinks there is probably a cheaper way to do it.
Rec Rec updated the council on the last rec committee meeting. They approved a 9U team, which should be in place by the tournament for this
to EVERYONE who helped make our July 4 celebration a huge success!
Special thanks to Trissa Price and Candy Broadus, and to their entire committee, for taking on this huge obligation. Thanks to all who provided activities, food, and vendor booths. A great big thanks to the Malad/ Oneida County Fire Department for the outstanding fireworks show! Thanks to Brandon from The Idaho Enterprise for always covering our activities. Thanks to Harry Sherman and Rough Stock for the fun street dance. Thanks to all who helped set up and tear down and clean up! Thanks to all who attended and had fun, even through the rain storm!
summer. The older tourneys will have precedence. They talked about plans for next year, as well as a more visible disability notice. There was one participant who pulled out of Tball due to not being able to be accommodated by the rec league.
The council approved the All star teams to attend the Chubbuck tournament this summer. They also discussed the partnership between the Hawks and Rec league soccer. T Hawks will be allowed to store stuff in the city shed.
Pickleball—all the lights are fixed and working.
“We have an amazing rec board right now—they’re all involved,”
CM Lance Tripp noted.
Brett Evanson
Evanson and the city are still working on a Park Ordinance. Evanson emailed samples of other ID cities.
“I think we’ve gotten a lot of good input on the ordinance,” Evanson said. “I think it makes the most sense to do a tree section inside a park ordinance. The current ordinance either needs to be updated, or replaced and need rules for the firepit, as well and Splashpad usage.”
Other issues such as alcohol use in the park are already covered in other code.
Allowing people to stay in trailers overnight during tournaments was considered an important thing to continue.
Ellen Mallonsen
Lives on 90th S near the apts. owned by Brian Martin.
JC thinks that the sheriff is the authority that should be on it. They should be dealing with domestics, noise, etc. “Yes, there’s ordinance against this, but they should be addressing this immediately, as it’s happening.”
Julie Bell
Julie Bell spoke to the council about people who have committed to the National Night Out for the July 25 event. She brought in flyers to be hung up around the area.
Ideas for the event were discussed,
including a contest to see who the best party, with pictures in the paper. CM Tripp pitched the idea of a neighborhood to neighborhood water balloon fight, which sounded awesome.
A dance may potentially be added to the mix, which will be on the same night.
Playground
A committee has been working on raising funds and finalizing plans for changes to the City Park playground. [in this week’s paper, Dotty Evanson writes about the project in Grandparents Only. When we have more details, we will bring you an update with plans, ways to help, and so on.]
The committee decided on a design, that will be through Taggert Castleton, Great Western Recreation.
A variety of option were discussed at the council meeting. The popularity of ziplines was noted by both parents and grandparents in the room.
The playground will be set up in sections from young to middle to older, with a variety of climbing structures.
The city will take out the backstop and move it to the field where there is grass. It goes through a co-op, so it doesn’t need to go through a bidding process, according to information presented.
Donations are from individuals, and businesses can sponsor a piece of equipment that will get a plaque. “I really feel good about these guys,” CM Tripp said of the organizers.
The group is trying to get it done for next year, and the city will try to cushion the project with budget room next year.
The committee already approved the design and the bid, but the council also needs to. The approval just lets them start raising money. It is on city property.
The city approved the basic design, though obviously some specifics could change. Great Western Recreation design plan. Approved. $249,017.48 is the total noted.
War on Weeds—weeds are everybody’s problem
Turkish thistle (Carduus cinereus) is an annual native to Asia. It was first found in North America in 2007. Unfortunately, it has been found on the Idaho and Oregon sides of Hells Canyon. Little is known about how Turkish thistle, but we know that is can spread easily and that it can out compete native vegetation. It has been found mostly in canyon grasslands and on rocky slopes.
Turkish thistle can grow up to 4 feet tall and it has winged stems. Stems are loosely covered with soft wooly hairs and can be unbranched or openly branched. Basel leaves can be up to 4 inches long and have lobed edges. Stem leaves decrease in size towards the top of the stem. Flowers are purple and have a compressed appearance. Each stem can produce 1-5 flowers. Turkish thistle can easily be misidentified as Italian thistle or slenderflower thistle. It reproduces from seed and is not known to reproduce vegetatively.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Options:
• Prevention— Learn to identify this plant. Always clean equipment and clothing after leaving invested areas.
• Mechanical— Digging and hand pulling is a good option for small infestations. Make sure to control prior to seed development.
• Cultural—Establish healthy stands of beneficial vegetation that will compete with weed seedlings. Use grazing management practices that will encourage the growth of beneficial plants.
• Chemical—Little is document about chemical control of Turkish thistle. Make sure to report any sightings to local authorities who can provide guidance on using chemical control methods. Always read and follow herbicide label directions!
Justin Hatch, University of Idaho Extension Agriculture Educator in Caribou County. 208-547-3205 JLHatch@uidaho.edu
Photo courtesy of Susan Langston, Bugwood.org.
Grandparents Only
Not recommended for parents or kids...
By Gramma Dot
Friend Taylor Weeks is working with a committee of good folks to improve the playground at the park. She visited Soda Springs a couple of weeks ago where they have just finished a state-of-the-art playground. Sponsors and donors were responsible for this new attraction. Now our park is pretty state-ofthe-art all told…pickleball, splashpad, ball diamonds, bowery…it is a great place to gather. However, we do have one weak spot and that is the playground. So, what do we do?
We could just let it be. Keep swinging on the old swings, digging with the couple of toys that still dig, climb on the worn-out structure and jump on the old tires…actually, we can’t do that, they had to dig those old tires out. Gratefully, Taylor and company are looking for a better way. We could try to pass a bond to raise taxes and finance a playground like no other. Oops, that’s not a great option given the “raise taxes” part. Got to try something else. Maybe picket City Hall or the Court House for a reappropriation
of funds to build a new playground. Perhaps they would be willing to pause road work for a year or two. I don’t think that’s what we want.
We could and should support Taylor and the committee with donations to get the ball rolling. Once corporations see the community is invested, they tend to follow suit. Playground equipment is not cheap. This project needs everyone’s support. Doesn’t matter if you’re nine or 90. Who doesn’t like to play or watch others play? There is a banner at the park with a QR code. That’s one way to donate. If you get the shivers just thinking about technology and QR codes, stop by City Hall and make your donation in person. Let’s make this “Get That Playground Going” week.
Do not wait for the committee to send a mailer (that can get expensive), just do it. Like President Jensen says, “I’m not just talking to your neighbor.” We can all help and that is what makes for the Good Life right here in Oneida County!
Dragon Playground verses Cardinal Playground?? No comparison, let’s get it done.
ON THIS DAY
1040 Lady Godiva rides naked on horseback through Coventry, according to legend, to force her husband, the Earl of Mercia, to lower taxes
1866 Indelible pencil patented by Edson P. Clark, Northampton, Massachusetts
1938 Howard Hughes flies around the world in 91 hours
1962 Telstar, first active communications satellite, launched, developed by American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T)
1981 Walt Disney’s “Fox & The Hound” released
1985 Coca-Cola Co announces it will resume selling old formula Coke
1991 Boris Yeltsin sworn in as the first elected President of the Russian Federation
Curlew Senior Citizens’ Menu
Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee & Salad Bar
July 10 - Enchilada, Salad Bar, Fruit, Bread Sticks, Dessert, Milk/Juice
2000 Coldplay release their debut album “Parachutes” (Grammy Award Best Alternative Album 2002)
2018 Original sketch of Winniethe-Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood by EH Shepard sells for $430,000 in London, record price for a book illustration
2018 The final 4 boys and their coach are rescued from Tham Luang Nang Non cave, Thailand after being trapped there for 18 days by Monsoon flooding
2019 Earliest evidence of modern humans outside Africa found with 210,000 year old skull from Apidima Cave, southern Greece published in “Nature”
2019 Tylor Swift named the world’s highest paid entertainer by Forbes earning $185 million in 2018
Malad Senior Citizens’ Menu
Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee
July 11 - Sloppy Joe, Spinach Salad, Fruit Salad, Dessert
July 16 - Lasagna, Peas, Applesauce, Dessert
BIRTHDAYS
Michael Evans, July 11
Christopher Hill, July 11
Barbara Ward, July 11
Jullie Jones, July 12
Dillion Bosworth, July 12
Bud Christensen, July 12
Blair Higley, July 12
Curtis Hoskins, July 12
Danielle Howard, July 12
Douglas Thorpe, July 12
Debra VanBebber, July 12
Kati Davis, July 13
Amy Gyllenskog, July 13
Charlene Jones, July 13
Mattie Jones, July 13
Brady Price, July 13
John Wakley, July 13
Cecil Sweeten, July 13
Earl Williams, July 13
Hudson Daniels, July 13
Jeff Bingham, July 14
Neal Moon, July 14
Noreen Park, July 14
Andrea Parry, July 14
Megan Stokes, July 14
MAIELI’S THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE – Neck or Whiplash Issues or for just a great massage. Call Maieli Murray (626) 337 - 0772 (1-52)
ANNOUNCEMENTS, MALAD ALANON - We are only a phone call away. For information on meetings, call 208-220-5295 or 208251-9808. (1-52)
Brooks Thorpe, July 14
Billy Vanderwoude, July 14
Brett Bingham, July 15
Erica Giles, July 15
Paige Gunter, July 15
Jordan Keller, July 15
Lisa Lewis, July 15
Jeffrey Smith, July 15
Kirk Smith, July 15
Bryan VanBebber, July 15
Eric Leavitt, July 16
Georgia Andrus, July 17
Lola Bott, July 17
Misty Hansen, July 17
Misty Mata, July 17
BreeAnn Sanford, July 17
Boyd Stokes, July 17
Racquel Udy, July 17
If you would like to add yourself, your kids, loved one, friend or family member to our weekly birthday list, contact Sherrie at 208-766-4773 or email sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com
NEWS OF RECORD
ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Steven I Buttars, Richmond, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Shane L Cornwall, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Cristian Rafael Espinoza, Orem, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50
Nicholas D Jackson, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Kyle I Mills, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Marie E Smith, Malad, child 6 years or younger not properly secured to meet requirements, $27.50, costs $56.50
Robert Wyatt Warren, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 MALAD CITY
Christine Marie Sherwood, Layton, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Elizabeth Jean Torgerson, Caldwell, operation of motor vehicle while operating mobile device, $75.00, costs $56.50
MAGISTRATE COURT
Mark Amidam, Downey, violation of open burning ordinance, $92.50, costs $157.50 – Agency: MCPD
ANNOUNCEMENTS, MALAD AA/NA MEETINGS, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 7:00 p.m., Call: Rick M. 208-7663584; Gary B. 435-230-3734; Jack H. 208-830-7371; or Kirk S. 208241-2297; or AA Hotline 208-2351444. (1-52)
BRAIN TEASERS
LOOKING BACK
5 YEARS AGO (2020)
The Grand Teton Council earlier this year announced that the week-long Scout Camps would be cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. Fortunately, the council approved a 3-day merit badge camp held at Krupp Hollow from June 29 to July 1.
Eighteen boys from Malad’s Troop 1776 and five leaders loaded up Sunday evening and headed north to participate in the event
Those attending the Scout Merit Badge Camp are John Hardy, Holdan Tubbs, Lars Pedersen, Cameron Allen, Jed Pedersen, Justin Toone, Tavin Barnes, Ryan Adams, Jack Jensen, Brady Showell, Tony McClain, Ben Ward, Carter Donnan, Trevor Allen, Braun Nalder, Levi Balappa, Holdyn Higley, Collin Spencer, McCoy VanBebber, Brycen Talbot, Porter Ward, and Bill Lewis.
The Malad High School wrestling team was finally able to honor their athletes for the work they did during the season. The awards banquet for the team was held on May 22, in the Malad Middle School Gym.
The Dragons once again earned the Fifth District Championship and finished the season in fourth place at the 2A Idaho State Wrestling Tournament.
Wrestlers were given individual awards based on their season results.
10 YEARS AGO (2015)
Honored on Friday evening, July 3, were Max and Rhonda Neal, who have been chosen as the Volunteers of the Year for 2015. The couple was also honored on Saturday, July 4, by riding in the Independence Day Parade.
The annual Malad’s Got Talent competition concluded on Saturday night in both the adult (13 and up) and junior (12 and under) divisions.
In the adult division, Gage Horn earned the first place prize with his hiphop dancing. Jaycee Sweeten earned the second place prize as she performed sign language to, “You Raise Me Up”, by Josh Groban. The third place award went to Inferior Bluff, a local band.
For the junior division, the top honors went to Shakin’ Divas, a dance team coached by Jennifer Hill. The second place award went to Rylee Gray for her vocal solo. Third place honors were won by Shannen Hudnell.
On the final day of the 2014-2015 school year three teachers of the Oneida County School District said goodbye to their final classes as they prepared to retire as full-time teachers in the district. Retiring at the close of the school year were Kris Blaisdell and Elaine Gunter from Malad Elementary and Frank Howe from Malad Middle School.
15 YEARS AGO (2010)
Samaria is gearing up for its 13th annual Samaria days parade with this year’s theme, “Coming Home.” Samaria residents Tom and Marcene Williams will serve as the grand marshals for the parade scheduled for Saturday July 24.
It’s a family affair. Subway had a successful Grand Re-Opening on Tuesday, June 29. Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise is the Moyle family with Brandon, Ryan, Kelsey, Tammy, Doug, Jared and Laura Moyle.
The National Honor Society selected new officers for the 2010-2011 school year. Serving the organization next school year will be Tyrell Hubbard,
Christin Watkins, Hilary Stayner and Jason Gilgen.
Tyler Ogden was recognized as a participant in the 2010 Risk Management Essay Contest. He received a silver National FFA medal for his work. Ogden is a member of the Malad High School FFA chapter.
Ethan Kumm was selected as a Student of the Month at Malad High School, before the end of the school year.
On May 14, Kathleen Dodds of Sherwood, Oregon, started out to fulfill a lifelong dream of riding a horse across the country. She, along with her two Appaloosas, Mystic and Delightful, began their trek eastward from Oregon City, Oregon. The goal is to arrive somewhere at the New Jersey coastline by the end of September.
The Stone School students were recognized for becoming members of the 100-point club in their accelerated reading program. Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise were Suzanne Marble, Parker Boyer, Garrett Bunker and Parker Marble. In order to achieve this recognition, each student must read at least 200 books and pass a computer-based quiz on the book.
20 YEARS AGO (2005)
Over 50 entries wound their way through Malad’s residential and downtown areas Monday as the community once again celebrated July 4th with a parade and festivities. The first place float decorated by Diamond Design carried the 2005 Malad Junior Miss Royalty; Junior Miss Hailey Willie, 1st alternate Emily Treasure, 2nd alternate Meagan Brooks, 3rd alternate Chelsey Jenkins and Spirit of Jr. Miss Katie Gilgen.
The second place float, sponsored by the Oneida County Farm Bureau, honored the Vard Neal Farm Family and Farm Woman of the Year Carol Rindlisbacher.
The third place float, decorated by the Bill Moss family, displayed the theme “Hope is in the Family”, with members of the Moss family riding.
Co-workers at the Oneida County Courthouse bid farewell to Assessor Kathryn Hill at a retirement party held in her honor on June 30. Presenting her with a memory quilt were Natalie Murphy, Diane Skidmore, Shirlee Blaisdell, Valorie Stokes, Sharon Hess, Dixie Hubbard, Corrine Myers, Dianne Pett and Jan Edwards.
Don Hubbard has accepted the parttime position as Building Inspector for Oneida County and Malad City.
25 YEARS AGO (2000)
Tighter watering restrictions imposed by the city of Malad last week may not be the end if drought conditions continue to prevail.
Officials say water in the Deep Creek Reservoir is being depleted rapidly, and they urgently need residents to use common sense and cut back.
Juanita Williams and Sherry Hess, cooks at the Oneida County Hospital/ Long Term Care Facility, accepted 15 pounds of roast beef from CowBelles President Mary Jo Davis. The beef will provide a special meal for a future holiday event. Each year, the Cowbelles organization is happy to donate choice roast beef to the facility for the enjoyment of the residents.
The United States Achievement Academy has announced that Steve Harrison, 15, of Malad, has been named
an All-American Scholar. A sophomore at Malad High School, Steve was nominated for this national award by his Math teacher, Mrs. Julie Willie. He is the son of Steve and Pam Harrison.
30 YEARS AGO (1995)
One entry in the Independence Day Parade was a 1929 Model A Ford driven by Sharon Thorpe and family. The banner on the side read, “Sharon has seen half the bums in town.” She has operated a local day care facility for a number of years.
Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise are good cooks, Marvin Pett and Sid Lewis who prepared the grand champion meal in “That Old Black Magic Dutch Oven Cookoff,” held at Pioneer Park on July 4. Their entry was Cheesy Spuds ‘N’ Broccoli.
“Carla and Linda Take Europe by Storm,” was a headline describing the trip of a lifetime, which Carla Williams and Linda Daniels took to five different countries including Great Britain, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy.
Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Deschamps accompanied a wagon train on their trek over the Hudspeth Cut-off, which was part of the Oregon Trail, to the City of Rocks. Mr. Deschamps had the privilege of driving some of the mules and horses.
40 YEARS AGO (1985)
War on hoppers has been declared. Governor John Evans has declared a state of emergency, ordering state agencies to do all they can in controlling the invasion of crop-eating grasshoppers.
Students on the spring quarter honor roll, at Utah State University have been announced by Dr. Val B. Christensen. Marc B. Smith, son of Reed and VaLoy Smith, was named to the honor roll in the education department.
The annual “Clarkston Pony Express Days” celebration was held Saturday, June 29, in Clarkston, Utah. An annual event held in conjunction with this popular celebration is the staging of pony express teams’ journey from station to station. This was the third try for the Malad team, and for them the third time was the charm. They captured the trophy with a winning time of 1:23:45. The team brought home a permanent trophy plus the Mayor’s trophy. The Mayor’s Trophy is a traveling prize. If a team wins three consecutive years, they then claim permanent ownership of that trophy. Each team member received individual buckles as well. Members of the team this year were Troy Williams, Dale Price, Bob Dorius, Frank Gunnell, Don Chivers, Jamie Clark, Tim Edwards, Roberta Corwin, Ken Timothy and Paul Clark.
50 YEARS AGO (1975)
Kent Scott, Ag. Teacher, took six Future Farmers of America boys to participate in a judging contest at Moscow, Idaho. The boys participated in seven contests and out of 54 teams from all over the state the boys did very well. They were 16th in poultry, and 17th in livestock. Those attending were Mike Asay, Steve Stayner, Chad Bybee, Delwyn Palmer, Keven Price and Derk Jones.
Mrs. Pearl Jones, chairman of the Oneida Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, presented a check for $160 to Jerry Esplin, Malad High School principal, to be added to the fund for purchasing a scoreboard for Harding Memorial Field. The money is proceeds
from the melodrama sponsored by the group. Mr. Esplin said the check brings the monies to about $800 donated for the scoreboard. Total cost is estimated at $2,500.
It was lucky for 4 1/2 year-old David Lingren that Dr. Gerald K. Goodenough had decided to drop in at Aqua Plunge swimming pool Thursday to enjoy a swim on his day off. Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Lingren, San Diego and their four children were swimming at the pool that evening. The family noticed David was missing, and he was found unconscious in the shallow part of the pool. Mr. Lingren pulled his son out of the water, to find his mouth was tightly clinched shut. Dr. Goodenough gave the boy mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and took him by ambulance to Oneida Hospital, where he rapidly recovered. The San Diego family is visiting at Pleasantview with the Foster Ipsen family and Mrs. Tressie Heileson. 60 YEARS AGO (1965)
A hail storm covering a large area in Oneida County did extensive damage in the New Canyon area north of Malad, County Agent M. C. Grover said this week. The storm, in two columns of hail, wind and rain, hit Thursday afternoon in a streaked pattern at Holbrook, across the St. John Sand Ridge area and settled down in the Red Rock area on Elkhorn Peak. A path about six miles wide from the top of the hill immediately north of the city limits through Devil Creek and up to the Deep Creek drainage was hardest hit. Cornfields were badly cut up. Grain that was just beginning to turn was badly beaten and crops in the New Canyon area were all but wiped out.
A fire in an old milling machine late Thursday was controlled by application of chemicals with no other damage at Crowther Bros. Mill. Malad Volunteer Fire Department responded to the alarm. Norman Crowther said damage was confined to the machine. Because of the fire, production was stopped for a few hours of the mill’s second shift but was resumed Friday morning.
70 YEARS AGO (1955)
Mr. and Mrs. Russel Daniels received word that their son, Dale, who is stationed with the U.S. Air Force Base in Munich, Germany, has been promoted to first lieutenant. At the organization of the LDS first YLMIA in Munich, his wife, Carol, was made president of the Munich branch.
ALAMEDA, California – Navy Lt. Robert J. Blaisdell of Malad arrived at the Naval Station here June 22 aboard the attack carrier USS Essex. The Essex has completed a seven and onehalf month cruise in Far Eastern waters, steaming over 56,500 miles since leaving the West Coast last November. Ports of call for the Essex crew were Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Yokasuka and Saesbo, Japan; Manila and Subic Bay, Philippines; Bangkok, Thailand; and the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. The Essex will move on to her homeport of San Diego after a brief stop here.
Marion J. Hess, Malad contractor who submitted the low bid of $74,550.50, has been awarded the contract for construction work on the Holbrook-Stone road by the Idaho Department of Highways. The work calls for roadway, drainage and structure and select base on 8.117 miles.
10 YEARS AGO (2015) Malad City Council President Tom Jenkins presents the “Volunteer of the Year Award” to Max and Rhonda Neal.
50 YEARS AGO (1975) Mrs. Pearl Jones, chairman, Oneida Farm Bureau Woman’s Committee, left, presented a check for $160 to Jerry Esplin, Malad High School principal, to be added to the fund for purchasing a scoreboard for Harding Memorial Field.
The money is proceeds from the melodramas sponsored by the group.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSONEIDA COUNTY, IDAHO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Idaho Code § 63-1311A, that the Oneida County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider changes to the proposed Sheriff’s Office Fee Schedule, including proposed new fees and increases to existing fees.
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Oneida County Event Center Conference Rm, 459 South Main Street, Malad City, ID
Purpose of the Hearing
To receive public input regarding adoption of an updated fee schedule for the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, including new and increased fees related to civil processes, sheriff’s sales, concealed weapons permits, fingerprinting, and other law enforcement-related services.
Summary of Proposed Fees
Copies of the proposed fee schedule may be obtained upon request. A detailed summary of the proposed fee schedule is available for public review at the Oneida County Clerk’s Office, located at 10 Court Street, Malad City, during regular business hours. The full proposed schedule is also available online at: https://www.oneidaid.us/ departments/sheriff/civil.php
Public Participation:
All interested persons are invited to attend the hearing and offer verbal or written comments regarding the proposed changes. Written testimony may also be submitted to the County Clerk in advance of the hearing and must be received by 5:00pm on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Please mark your written comments “Attn: Sheriff’s Fee Schedule Hearing 7/14/2025” This notice will be published once each week for two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing date in accordance with Idaho Code § 63-1311A(1).
For more information, please contact the County Clerk at 208-766-4116 or lcolton@ oneidaid.us, or visit www. oneidaid.us.
Dated this 3 day of July, 2025.
M. Lon Colton, County Clerk Oneida County #5732-07-03-10-25-T2
ONEIDA COUNTY WOODRUFF BRIDGE EXCAVATION PROJECT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Separate sealed bids for the Oneida County Woodruff Bridge Excavation Project, will be received by Oneida County, 10 W. Court St Malad, Idaho 83252, until 4:00 PM local time (MST) on July 16, 2025 and then read aloud at commissioner meeting on July 28th.
The project consists of; 1) excavating for retaining walls and footings, (2) placement of material, below the footings of the bridge, (3) setting retaining wall blocks and placement of materials/appurtenances for retaining wall blocks along Woodruff Ln.
The project is located on Woodruff lane, 1.1 miles west of I-15 from exit 3. It is the intent of the Project Documents and Drawings to describe the work required to complete this project in sufficient detail to secure comparable bids. All parts or work not specifically mentioned, which are necessary in order to provide a complete project, shall be included in the bid and shall conform to all Local, State and Federal requirements. The work performed under this contract shall be completed between August 4, 2025 and September 15, 2025. There are no Federal funds utilized in this project.
The Project Documents and Drawings are available for examination at the following locations:
1) Oneida County, – 10 W. Court St. Malad, Idaho 83252
2) Paragon Consulting, Inc. –157 W. 4th Street, Kuna, Idaho 83634 (issuing office)
3) The Project Documents and Drawings may be obtained from Paragon Consulting, Inc., 157 W. 4th Street, Kuna, Idaho 83634, (208) 922-9138. Copies of these documents may be purchased for a nonrefundable fee of $50.00 for each set. A $15.00 shipping charge, non-refundable, will be assessed on all mailed plans. The Project Documents and Drawings may be obtained electronically (by email) free of charge. A pre-bid conference will not be held.
In determining the lowest responsive bid, the Owner will consider all acceptable bids on a basis consistent with the bid package. The Owner will also consider whether the bidder is a responsible bidder.
Before a contract will be awarded for work contemplated herein, the Owner will conduct such investigation as is necessary to determine the performance record and ability of the apparent low bidder to perform the size and type of work specified under this Contract. Upon request, the bidder shall submit such information as deemed necessary by the Owner to evaluate the bidder's qualifications.
For information concerning the proposed work, contact Stephen Freiburger, P.E., Paragon Consulting, Inc., telephone (208) 921-8491.
Bids must be accompanied by Bid Security in the form of a bid bond, certified check, cashier’s check, or cash in the amount of 5% of the bid proposal. Said bid security shall be forfeited to Oneida County as liquidated damages should the successful bidder fail to enter into contract in accordance with their proposal, as specified in the Instructions to Bidders.
Oneida County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any nonmaterial irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the best interest of Oneida County.
Date: June 27, 2025
Bill Lewis, Chairman
Dates Advertised: July 3rd and July 10th.
#5735-07-03-10-25-T2
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ZONING AMENDMENT AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE is hereby given that an application for a zoning amendment has been filed with the Clerk of the City of Malad. The application has been made pursuant to Idaho Code and Malad City Ordinance #474. The applicant’s name, location of the proposal, and summary are as follows:
2. Location of the Subject Property: Street Address: No current street address has been assigned. The property is located on the south side of Highway 38 east of 21 ID-38, Malad City, Id 83252.
Legan Description: A parcel of land located in the Northeast quarter of Section 28, Township 14 South, Range 36 East, Boise Meridian, Malad, Oneida County, Idaho and more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the Northeast corner of said Section 28, from which the East quarter corner of Section 28 bears South 00° 18’ 10” East 2630.65 feet;
Thence South 00° 18’ 10” East 731.64 feet along the East line of said Section 28;
Thence North 89° 22’ 13” West 53.58 feet to a 5/8”
rebar with aluminum cap labeled, “A.A. Hudson, PLS 13173”, set on the Westerly right of way line of 100 West Street, which right of way was previously surveyed as shown on the Survey recorded as Instrument # 124191 in the official records of Oneida County;
Thence North 89° 22’ 13” West 538.88 feet to a 5/8” rebar with aluminum cap, the True Point of Beginning; Thence North 14° 29’22” West 209.43 feet to a 5/8” rebar with aluminum cap set on the Southeasterly right of way line of Highway 38 (Depot Street) which right of way was previously surveyed as shown as said Survey Instrument # 124191;
Thence South 52° 58’ 50” West 481.13 feet along the said Southeasterly right of way line to a 5/8” rebar with aluminum cap; Thence South 40° 33’ 41” East 224.11 feet to a 5/8” rebar with aluminum cap; Thence North 52° 58’ 50” East 374.50 feet; Thence North 14° 29’ 22” West 32.74 feet to the True Point of Beginning. Containing 2.2 acres of land.
3. Summary of Proposal: Applicant requests a zoning change for the subject parcel from residential to commercial.
WHEREFORE, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. before the Malad Planning and Zoning Commission, 59 Bannock Street, Malad City, Idaho 83252, to hear, review, discuss, deliberate upon and take public comment upon the application for zoning amendment described above.
ALSO PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. before the Malad City Council, 59 Bannock Street, Malad City, Idaho 83252, to hear, review, discuss, deliberate upon and take public comment upon the application for zoning amendment described above. All interested residents of Malad City are invited to attend either or both hearings and present written or oral testimony in favor of or in opposition to the application for a zoning amendment as described above. Materials and information related to the application for a zoning amendment can be reviewed at Malad City Hall during normal office hours.
DATED this 23 day of June, 2025. _______/s/______________
JOAN W. HAWKINS, Mayor Malad City, Idaho
ATTEST: ______/s/_______________
SUSAN J. WITTMAN, City Clerk
#5736-07-03-10-25-T2
SYNOPSIS OF THE JUNE 2025 MINUTES
ONEIDA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Per IC §31-819 June 2025
June 9, 2025 - Topics discussed and decisions made: Claims for payment and meeting minutes were approved. Approvals were made for FY2026 cell phone reimbursement. The Board discussed the 5th amendment to the Development Code and an aerial imagery upgrade for higher quality GIS mapping through the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). Contact information for Senator Kelly Anthon was discussed. A follow-up discussion was held regarding P&Z training with IAC’s Seth Grigg. Plans for the America 250 Years Celebration were discussed. A storage container for the Extension office was approved and will be used for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Grasshopper Bait Program. Executive Sessions were held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206 (1)(f) and (1) (b). Department updates and
highlights were given by the Fair Board, Planning & Zoning, and the Coroner. Budgets were discussed for multiple departments.
June 23, 2025 - Topics discussed and decisions made: Claims for payment and meeting minutes were approved. A county burn ban notice will be in effect until further notice beginning June 26. The Board reviewed the plan for the county phone system implementation with ATC. Department updates and highlights were given by Road & Bridge, Weeds, Emergency Services, and the Building Official/Inspector. Budgets were discussed for multiple departments. The Emergency Manager requested funds for food at the upcoming LEPC training meeting. Approval was given for an IOEM payment ahead of firewall protection installation. A janitorial agreement was accepted for the courthouse and annex buildings. Approval was given to refinish and repair the front and back courthouse doors. The County Map to validate county roads was discussed. Approval was given for Road & Bridge to purchase a truck to haul smaller equipment.
A proposed flat-bed trailer purchase was dismissed as the item had sold prior to the meeting. The Board approved the down payment for the Woodruff Bridge Project. Approval was given to purchase a replacement metal detector and wand for the courthouse.
The Sheriff informed the Board that the ILETS rate would remain the same. A comptime payout was discussed. A public hearing was scheduled to update the Sheriff's fee schedule. The City contract for law enforcement services was discussed, along with on-call time at the Sheriff's Office. A proposal by the Prosecuting Attorney to adopt discovery services for internal use will be discussed at a later date. Cell phone reimbursement approvals were made. The annual propane contract was awarded to Direct Propane through a sealed bid process.
A proposed county resolution/ ordinance regarding conduct towards minors was discussed.
An Executive Session was held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206 (1)(f). The County Assessor shared information regarding the GIS system. Five topics were moved to a future agenda due to time constraints: Airport Grant, Credit Card Policy/Training, Idaho 457 Retirement Plan (Nationwide), Resolution No. 2025-06-01 (Juror Mileage & Per Diem Rate), and Resolution No. 2025-06-02 (Indigent Rates for Cremation).
June 30, 2025 - Topics discussed and decisions made: A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held. The Road & Bridge Department requested authorization to solicit sealed bids for the Woodruff Project. The Board discussed current and potential future expenses related to opioid settlement funds. The Board discussed selecting an engineering firm for future county infrastructure projects.
PUBLIC HEARING ONEIDA COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Legal notice is hereby given that the ONEIDA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on August 6th, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Oneida County Event Center to consider the following:
APPLICATION: 250012
Highland Harvest Zone Map
Amendment APPLICATION BY: Highland Harvest
PROJECT SUMMARY: Highland Harvest would like to make a Zone map amendment to change the use from Residential to Industrial.
PROJECT LOCATION: The project will be located on 300 East, south of 1000 South and north of 1500 South. (Legal Address: T-6362 PT T-1128 & PT T-2378 34-14-36) You are invited to attend the public hearing and offer comments for consideration.
WRITTEN COMMENTS regarding this application must be received by the Oneida County Planning and Zoning Office, 30 North 100 West, Malad City Idaho 83252 no later than five (5) business days, July 30, 2025, prior to the public hearing.
#5739-07-10-17-25-T2
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 7/7/2025 Malad City, ID 83252
PUBLIC HEARING ONEIDA COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Legal notice is hereby given that the ONEIDA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on August 6th, 2025, at 6:50 pm at the Oneida County Event Center to consider the following:
APPLICATION: 250026 Highland Harvest Conditional Use Permit APPLICATION BY: Highland Harvest PROJECT SUMMARY: Highland Harvest would like to make request a Conditional Use Permit for Storage and resale of grain.
PROJECT LOCATION: The project will be located on 300 East, south of 1000 South and north of 1500 South. (Legal Address: T-6362 PT T-1128 & PT T-2378 34-14-36) You are invited to attend the public hearing and offer comments for consideration.
WRITTEN COMMENTS regarding this application must be received by the Oneida County Planning and Zoning Office, 30 North 100 West, Malad City Idaho 83252 no later than five (5) business days, July 30, 2025, prior to the public hearing.
#5740-07-10-17-25-T2
The Price You Pay to Learn
BY ALLISON ELIASON
The little Montana town I grew up in was dotted with small family operations. Almost every outfit welcomed extra help for the summer months while school was out for the summer and I was lucky enough to have neighbors just down the road that took me on. I helped with everything from moving early morning wheel lines and hand lines to pushing cows to spraying weeds to putting up the hay.
I was young and inexperienced but I was willing to learn and work hard. There were always growing pains on those projects or assignments that I knew even less about than usual. But then at the end of the day, going home tired, dirty and satisfied with the work I had done was worth all the hard moments.
With a lot of acres of hay to put up, I spent my fair share of time in the swather. My favorite was the old red international that looked a little rough but wouldn’t quit for anything. It did have one downside, though. It just wouldn’t stay cool. I distinctly remember my boss telling me to keep an on the temperature gauge and strict instructions of the when, how, and why to shutting it down and getting it cooled off if the engine ever did get too hot.
Summer after summer I went without incident in that swather. I strategically stopped to cool off the engine to move around irrigating lines, take a potty break or go for lunch. By the end of my last summer I was pretty sure I had mastered that swather and had crowned myself “queen of hay crew.”
Leaving for college was exciting, but also daunting and I clung to every possible moment I could be out working in the fields. On my very last night of work, I kept putting off heading home and basked in the comfort of my old swather. That was until it completely shut down on me. At first it just wouldn’t move forward before the engine died all together. I tried turning the key over to start it back up but nothing happened. Stuck in the middle of the field, I called my boss for help and ride, telling him of the sudden breakdown.
It only took a second for my patient boss to diagnose the problem- I had overheated the engine and it had subsequently seized up. As that began to sink in, I felt awful for the costly mistake I had made in parts, labor, and time getting the hay put up. Weeks later I learned that parts for that old swather were so expensive and hard to get that they never got it running again. In fact, the next year they simply replaced it.
Maybe in the end I did them a favor, forcing them to upgrade the equipment. But I will never forget the lesson I learned that day. A lesson of carefully paying attention to my charges and not letting my overconfident pride lead out in my decision making. I would have given anything to turn back time to do it again, the right way. And since that was impossible, all that was left was to learn from the mistake and never do it again.
Unfortunately there is a price to pay as we learn, in ranching and in all aspects in life. One way or another we pay with our time, energy, pride or pocketbook.
DEATH NOTICE
Steven Richard Mills
February 12, 1951 - July 4, 2025
Steven Richard Mills passed away on July 4, 2025.
A viewing will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 12-2 P.M. at
Horsley Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow the viewing with a razor ride to Dry Creek Campground.
A full obituary will be in a future edition of the Idaho Enterprise
The last several weeks our little six year old has been dying for his turn to help “bunch bales.” He has watched all of his older siblings take a turn on the open cab tractor to bring in the hay and he was sure he is big enough to sit in the driver’s seat. Despite everyone telling him that he was still too little and too young, he didn’t give up. Dad decided that the only way for him to learn what it would take to run the tractor was to actually do it.
The two of them went out, dad showing him all the knobs and levers before walking him through the simple, but important instructions. Slowly they began moving the bales, getting them aligned for the trailer to come through and pick them up. The work was far from perfect- some bales were askew and some had been dragged, the wrap beginning to tear off- but the work was getting done. The ride was rough and bumpy as he learned the finesse of the throttle. And after it was all said and done, there was a tired but proud little boy crawling off the tractor at the end of the day. All it took was someone to give him a time to finally have a chance to learn.
Our oldest has made leaps and bounds in his cowboying and we saw his best roping ever this year. We saw some of his biggest mistakes this year too. Midway through our branding season we had our big weekend roping on the desert. With a lot of cattle to brand there were a lot of opportunities for a young cowboy to throw his loop. This particular weekend it was like he couldn’t miss, scooping up to heels and necking calves left and right. He was so proud!
Fast forward a few weeks, we were cleaning up the last of the calves at the ranch and it was almost like he was a beginner all over again. He was missing easy shots, fumbling his slack, and even roping a cow when he was aiming for the calf next to her. The punch to his teenage ego was pretty tough. But also helpful. It forced him to slow things down, figure out where things were going wrong and how to make them right. It was painful to pay with his pride, but a price worth paying to help him learn. My dad recalls stories from his own young farming days when he got to learn the hard way. He thought he had everything figured out, all on his own, as he dug the furrows to irrigate their farm ground. That was until he turned the water on and realized that water doesn’t flow uphill. Fortunately it was only the ends of the rows that would require fixing. Unfortunately, it would have to be dug by hand and his dad was not about to dig him out of this problem! With a shovel and sharp memory, he was determined to never make that same mistake twice. The fear of making mistakes can all too often keep us from trying to learn new things, but making the mistakes is a price worth paying to learn. It would be far easier for the cowboys and ranchers on our operation to do all the work. They could get it done with less time, less breakdowns, and less meltdowns. But teaching the next generation how to work and the ins and outs of this business is worth the extra minutes and bent nails. We can only hope that it isn’t as costly as a new swather.
Burn Ban in Effect in Oneida County
Effective Thursday June 26th, 2025, at 12:01 AM., Oneida County has issued an open burn ban. You can still use your BBQ and have small backyard cooking fires in firepits 3 foot or less in diameter and 2 foot or less in height (IFC code 307.4 exception2). The specifics of the burn ban can be found inside the paper. Burn bans are in effect across the region, including Bannock County and Caribou County, which just experienced a massive residential burn that resulted from residential burns in high winds.
The requirements for the cooking fire will be: A minimum of 20 feet of green grass or bare earthen material around the pit, An improved pit liner such as a metal fire ring or bricks to hold the fire, A shovel to extinguish flames, Running water to extinguish flames,
Someone to monitor the fire until completely extinguished. This restriction will remain in place until future notice. Please check the DEQ website for daily air quality restrictions before having a cooking fire (www.deq. idaho.gov).
This does not apply to people camping on forest service land. You will need to call the forest service to find out their restrictions. Residents living within the city limits are expected to follow city burn ban policies. No burn permit will be issued until further notice.
Crop Residue Burning can be approved on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Pocatello Regional Office for more Information regarding CRB permit approval at 208-236-6160.
The 4th of July festivities in Malad hosted a number of sports and competitions (whether Leapfrog is a sport or not is up to you). Pictures of the winners and many of the participants are printed here.
