Enterprise The Idaho
Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Malad
On Saturday, more the fifty local students (which means hundreds of people, all told) took in an afternoon of dramatic storytelling at Malad Elementary School. On the one hand, the ostensible story was an adaptation of the fairytale “Little Red Riding Hood,” which had been expanded to make room for a literal cast of dozens. On the other hand, the real story of the week was the rare educational opportunity provided to MES students by the PTO, Hess Pumice, and the Missoula Children’s Theatre.
In last week’s paper, we ran a complete list of the cast for the play, which was composed of students from all grade levels and acting experience. In this week’s paper, we talk with the MCT representatives. Amanda Fielding and Emma Walther who were the play’s directors, costumers, workshop leaders, and all-around arts gurus over the course of the week. One addition from last week is Daisy Huckaby, who was recruited at the last minute to fill in as accompanist, and did an amazing job!
Amanda Fielding explained that MCT has been a part of her life for a long time, and something that she loves. “I grew up doing MCT shows in my town back in Pennsylvania,”
she stated. “In each town we get to work with so many talented kids and inspire them to step outside their comfort zone. And who knows, maybe inspire some to want work for MCT. Working with MCT is wild. You’re like this magical mystery person who shows up for a week, teaches the kids a show and maybe do some theatre workshops with the school, and then you’re gone and off to the next town to do it all again. The mission statement of MCT is “To empower children and adults, develop lifelong skills, and enrich communities worldwide through theater education and performance.” And that’s what we do. We go to communities all over the world, a lot that might not get much arts education. Sometimes we’re the only opportunity for the arts that kids get.”
Amanda’s cohort Emma Walther, who played the Big Bad Wolf and served as the on-stage support for the student actors, agreed. “It’s been very rewarding! Every week is something different. Traveling from town to town and getting to know the community and seeing their passion for theatre throughout the process of putting on the show each week is very fulfilling. And it makes me happy to see the kids light up when
getting the chance to perform. But it also feels bittersweet to have to say goodbye at the end of each week. I’d describe MCT’s mission as spreading the love of theatre to kids far and wide that might not otherwise be exposed to it.”
For those who haven’t had a student participate in the program, the MCT members arrive at a town like Malad, armed with costumes and a script, and immediately hold auditions to cast the parts. They then spend the week rehearsing, while holding workshops for all the students of the school. “We start auditions on Monday and cast everyone by the end of the day,” Walther said. “Then we do rehearsals until Friday or Saturday. Also at some point during the week, we’ll be making calls to our next two future tour stops prepping for our arrival as well as doing the laundry for the costumes. The set is also typically put up on either Thursday evening or Friday morning. After the last show, we then take the set down, collect costumes and scripts pack everything in our truck, and prep for heading to our next tour stop.
“Most of the time we have sixish days to put the show together.”
THEATRE On Page 4
Keynote speaker announced for Lincoln Day Dinner
While the groundhog suggests there will be six more weeks of winter, that means spring should be here one way of the other by mid-March. Even if it doesn’t, the county’s Event Center provides an excellent, weatherproof location for events from small to large. Between now and April, some important activities you might mark on your calendar will be landing at the Event Center, including the FFA Auction and Dinner, Lincoln Day Dinner, and Emergency Preparedness Fair.
The Annual FFA Alumni and Supporters Live Auction and Dinner will take place on February 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and will include ham and potatoes served by the FFA members. A silent auction will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Live Auction starting at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is by donation, and all money raised during the event will be used to support the many activities undertaken by MHS’ very active FFA program.
In past years, the dinner and auction have been fantastic, well-attended events with a lot of amazing things up for bid, often created by the FFA students themselves.
Another annual Event Center tradition is the Republican Lincoln Day Event, which will take place on March 14 at 6:00 p.m. The dinner is a chance for candidates, office holders, supporters, and interested members of the public to meet and discuss issues of importance to themselves and the Grand Old Party. In the past, guests and speakers have included state representatives and senators, members of the governor’s administration, state education and policy officials, and an interesting array of speakers. This year’s keynote speaker has been announced as Major General Brian L. Tarbet. Tarbet, now retired, assumed duties as the Adjutant General, Utah National Guard on October 1, 2000. Starting in September of 2001, General Tarbet directed mobilization, deploy-
ment, and redeployment of virtually all units of the Utah Army and Air National Guard in support of the global war on terrorism. More information on the event specifics will be coming soon.
The following week on March 21, the Event Center will host the second annual Oneida County Emergency Preparedness Fair. Booths and presentations on Back-up power options, outdoor cooking, 72 hour kits, gardening, using food storage, first responders, county and state resources, radio communications, and more will be hosted throughout the day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Presentations on Water Purification from Connie Getz, First Responders from Trissa Nesbitt, and Automobile Preparation from Matt Johnson will take place with one each hour of the event. The event is free to everyone.
We’ll bring you more information on these events as it becomes available.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Partial Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah Border Crossing
On February 2, 2026, Israel partially reopened the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt for the first time in nearly two years, allowing limited pedestrian movement under strict conditions as part of the ceasefire arrangements following the prolonged Israel-Hamas war. The crossing had been closed since mid-2024. During the pilot phase, up to roughly 150 people per day were expected to leave Gaza and 50 to return, with strict Israeli security screening and lists prepared in advance by Egyptian authorities and EU monitors coordinating the process. However, humanitarian aid trucks remain barred from entering through Rafah, a key concern for relief agencies given the ongoing food, medical and fuel shortages in the enclave after years of conflict and blockade. The limited reopening has drawn cautious international response — some governments and organizations welcomed the step as a humanitarian corridor, while others criticized the restrictions and warned that continued blocking of commercial aid undermines the ceasefire and exile options for civilians.
Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing
As of the evening of Monday, February 2, 2026, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, is reported missing and the case remains active. Nancy, who lives in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, was last seen on the evening of Saturday, January 31. Family members became concerned when she could not be reached and failed to attend church the following morning, prompting a missing-person report on Sunday, February 1. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation and has classified her as a vulnerable adult due to physical health issues and limited mobility, though authorities have said she is mentally alert. Investigators have emphasized that she requires daily medication, increasing concern for her safety. Law enforcement has treated her home as a potential crime scene after finding evidence suggesting she may not have left voluntarily, and homicide detectives have been brought in alongside searchand-rescue teams using dogs, drones, and ground searches. As of Monday evening, Nancy Guthrie had not been located. Savannah Guthrie was absent from the Today show and released a brief statement thanking the public for support and asking anyone with information to contact authorities, underscoring that the family’s focus is on Nancy’s safe return.
NASA’s
Artemis II Moon Mission Delay Due to Weather
In space exploration news, NASA’s Artemis II crewed mission to orbit the Moon, the first such flight with astronauts since the Apollo era, has experienced schedule delays due to unusually cold weather at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida that disrupted critical pre-launch testing (“wet dress rehearsal”). The launch, originally targeted for early February, is now expected no earlier than Sunday, February 8, pending completion of tests and favorable weather conditions. The mission will carry four astronauts — including historically significant milestones such as the first woman and first person of color to travel that far beyond Earth orbit — on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back.
More than 50 students were in the cast of this weekend’s MIssoula Chidlren’s Theatre production of “Red Riding Hood”
Idaho’s Liberty Bell sent off for America250 repair
Last week, the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors, legislators, and members of the public joined Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon and Speaker Mike Moyle on the steps of the Capitol to say farewell to the Idaho Liberty Bell.
The bell was removed on this day and prepared for shipping back to the foundry. The essential repair will allow the bell to continue to ring strong — becoming a centerpiece for Idaho’s America250 in Idaho celebrations and ceremonies. When the Bell arrives back in Idaho it will be taken on a tour of the state before it is installed back on the steps of the Capitol Building.
Restoring Idaho’s Liberty Bell renews one of the state’s most recognizable symbols of freedom and unity. It invites civic participation and connects modern Idahoans to the enduring sound of liberty first heard in 1776.
History of the Bell
In 1950, the Paccard Foundry of France was selected by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to cast 55 full-size Liberty Bell replicas for placement at state capitols and U.S. territories as part of a national Summer Savings Bond Drive. Foundry craftsmen carefully measured every feature of the original Liberty Bell to create historically accurate replicas. Today, Paccard’s U.S. operation, Foundry Christoph in Charleston, South Carolina, continues to apply more than two centuries of expertise to the maintenance and restoration of these iconic bells, including the use of specialty trees grown in foundry nurseries to replicate the durability of the original American spruce used in the 1950s.
Idaho’s Liberty Bell replica has undergone two previous replacements of the wooden housing that supports the bell’s yoke, in 2009 and 2018. This project, overseen by the Idaho Historical Society and the Idaho Capitol Commission, includes rigging and lowering the bell from its existing structure, secure crating and shipment to the foundry, and fabrication of a new custom-fitted wooden yoke made of sapele wood with a burnt linseed oil application
for long-term weather protection.
The upgraded yoke will include a steel top plate to enhance structural strength and protect against water intrusion, reinforced steel plates beneath the yoke, cleaning and treatment of existing bolts and hardware with replacement as needed, new steel anchoring brackets, and final reinstallation of the bell on site. Paccard–Christoph will also provide care and maintenance guidelines to ensure long-term preservation.
The estimated timeline for completion is four to six months. This project supports Idaho’s participation in the national America250 commemoration in 2026 and ensures this iconic symbol remains preserved for future generations.
Key Events - February 1776
Feb 16: Council of War in Cambridge: General Washington met with officers to discuss the army’s strength (approx. 8,797 men fit for duty) and the limited, critical supply of gunpowder, preparing for actions against the British in Boston.
Feb 17-29: Siege of Boston: Henry Knox continued moving captured cannon from Fort Ticonderoga (the “Noble Train of Artillery”) into position, allowing Washington to prepare for the fortification of Dorchester Heights.
Feb 27: Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge (North Carolina): Patriot militia decisively defeated a force of roughly 800-1,000 Scottish Highland Loyalists. This victory, often called the “Lexington and Concord of the South,” effectively ended British royal authority in North Carolina and thwarted a planned British invasion of the Southern colonies.
Feb 27: Privateering Authorization: Congress approved further regulations for privateers to disrupt British shipping.
Colonial Political Shifts: Throughout the month, colonial governments in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Virginia pushed for stronger, independent actions, moving away from reconciliation with Britain.
Tips for Winter Driving
RANDY WILLIE, R&R DRIVING SCHOOL
When driving in snow and ice conditions, sliding risks are greatly enhanced. This is caused by a lack of traction.
A major advantage to prevent this loss of traction is the anti-lock braking system or ABS. This system is standard in most vehicles today. It automatically pumps the brakes, applies pressure and releases pressure many times per second.
You can often feel the vibration through the brake petal when you step on it during a skid.
The natural tendency when encountering a skid is to press hard on the brake. This is appropriate when your vehicle has an ABS system. It allows you to steer when pressing on the brake.
If your vehicle doesn’t have an ABS system then pump the brake repeatedly. If the brakes lock up, steering usually won’t help.
The Idaho Drivers’ Handbook recommends turning into the skid to correct it. Many drivers don’t under-
stand what that means. A better way to understand this is to turn toward your target.
Targeting is one of the first things we teach in drivers education. Targeting is training your vision to look at a point on the road in the center of your path of travel at least 40 feet ahead. When in a slide turn back toward your target. That seems easier to understand than turning into the skid.
Bus Safety:
While we are talking traffic safety, please remember there are NO medians in Malad, so it is illegal to pass a school bus in any direction when the stop sign is extended and the lights are on. There must be a median between the lanes of traffic to pass a bus going the opposite direction.
A median is a space of grass or other barrier separating opposing lanes. While Malad has turn lanes and a few wider roads, we have NO medians! So anytime you see lights and a stop sign extended, do not pass in either direction.
Rocky Mountain Power grant presented to Museum
The parapet/roof project on the Oneida Pioneer Museum moved another step forward when the Museum received a $3500 grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. Steven Liechty, representing Rocky Mountain Power, was in Malad on Tuesday, February 3, to present the check to Museum Board members.
Joan Hawkins, Sarah Robbins, Sharon Harris, and Jean Thomas were at the Museum to accept the grant check. Rocky Mountain Power Foundation has a generous grant program with different projects funded each quarter. The Museum previously received funding for its fabric preservation project.
As the only fund raiser for the OEF, the Mail-a-Thon replaces the Telethon that was held for many
Please be generous when you receive an invitation to donate to your Oneida County schools, students, and teachers.
If you fail to receive a Mail-a-Thon form, just send your donation to the OEF at 250 West 400 North or use the handy QR Code:
the donor. (For additional information, see website: www.oneidaeducationfoundation.org.)
Although the snow hasn’t been thick yet, it’s only February...
RMP’s Scott Liechty presented a donation to members of the Museum Board for roof repairs.
Idaho’s Liberty Bell was sent off to be prepared for this year’s America 250 celebrations around the state.
MHS students shine at FCCLA Districts
Malad High School FCCLA District Competition at PV-TEC in Chubbuck, ID on January 26, 2026, and did a fantastic job! As a result of their performance, all students qualified for the FCCLA State Competition in Boise, ID March 11-13. FCCLA stands for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. It is a national, intra-curricular Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education, aiming to help youth become leaders by addressing personal, family, work, and societal issues. It is the only in-school organization with the family as its central focus.
You can see by the categories in which students competed that FCCLA is a career and skill oriented program designed to provide leadership skills and practice for students who plan to go on in a large variety of professional fields. Congratulations to MHS’ FCCLA students, and good
luck at State!
The following is a list of students, the event they competed in and their ranking:
Carter Smith and Kelty Thomas: Interior Design - Gold
Abigail Cox: Food Innovations
- Gold
Myriam Teeples: Job Interview
- Gold
Anna Chipman and Hailey Talbot: Repurpose and Redesign
- Gold
Jade Charles: Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation - Gold
Rhone Gleckler: Sustainability Challenge - Gold
Trinity Christophersen: Career Investigation - Silver
Marshall Asay: Entrepreneurship
- Silver
Parliamentary Procedure TeamCarter Smith, Jaxon Blaisdell, Abigail Cox, Kelty Thomas, Myriam Teeples, Marshall Asay - Silver
HEALTHY TIP FOR KIDS Mental Exercise/Reading
Cowboy Ted here with the healthy tip for kids. Today’s topic is Mental Strength and Brain Power through Reading.
We need to strengthen our brain - just like we strengthen our muscles? If you plan to go to college – reading now will help you prepare for college and a career
Reading is a great way to strengthen your brain.
Reading for 30 to 60 minutes a day will give us a mental health workout that is similar to the workout that 60 minutes of physical exercise provides for our body.
Reading will help you increase vocabulary, knowledge and memory and helps us practice the proper use of grammar and punctuation.
Healthy Kids are up to you. Make it a priority to get mental exercise by reading for at least 30 minutes every day. Check out our on-line books featuring Billy the Bull along with my top-25 list of my favorite books in our Reading Rodeo section
For more healthy tips for kids visit my web site at cowboyted.com
e Idaho Enterprise P.O Box 205 Malad City, Idaho 83252-0205 (U.S.P.S. -- 255-800)
The Idaho Enterprise is published weekly at 100 East 90 South, Malad City, Idaho. Postmaster, please mail address corrections to:
The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad City, Idaho 83252-0205.
Entered as “periodicals” at the Malad City, Idaho Post Office. Subscription rates are strictly in advance -- $55.00 per year delivered in Oneida County, and $67.00 per year delivered outside of Oneida County within the United States. The Idaho Enterprise reserves the right to refuse publication of any or all materials.
Brandon Hall Editor brandon.h@idahoenterprise.com Bryan Dean Scott Publisher bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
Reps Handy and Pickett take part in Steps for Schools
A state legislative session is more than just voting on legislation. A typical day for an Idaho legislator includes committee meetings, constituent correspondence, discussing legislation and evening receptions. These commitments quickly add up, making it potentially difficult for legislators and constitutional officers to get the necessary physical activity that supports their own health.
The Steps for Schools walking challenge provides these officials with motivation to get moving this month. More than half of Idaho’s legislators and five constitutional officers are participating in Steps for Schools, an annual program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health that promotes the importance of physical activity while supporting public schools. Participants walk to try to reach step goals to earn funding for a public school.
Steps for Schools, now in its 12th year, has provided more than $350,000 to Idaho schools since 2015.
“Being physically active is one of the best things people can do for their own health,” said Courtney Frost, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “Steps for Schools reminds these busy elected officials of the importance of walking. We appreciate everyone that is participating and look for-
ward to seeing them reach their step goals to support the public school or district of their choice.”
Participants who walk an average of 5,000 steps a day during February earn $500 for the school or district. Those who average 10,000 steps a day earn $1,000 for the school or district.
Steps for Schools has four primary goals:
• Remind lawmakers to think about children’s health issues
• Highlight our lawmakers as positive role models for children
• Create awareness about health issues in Idaho
• Promote child wellness throughout the state
The Blue Cross of Idaho foundation for Health also sponsors the Mayor’s Walking Challenge, which raises provides money to municipalities as a result of walking undertaken by mayors across Idaho.
Mayor Joan Hawkins has been a staunch supporter of the Walking Challenge, and used the funds for a variety of public health initiatives.
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The Foundation is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing the root causes that impact health. Learn more at bcidahofoundation.org.
Sherrie Wise Advertising sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com
Phone: 208-766-4773 www.idahoenterprise.com
C M
MHS FCCLA students had an amazing district event. Placements are listed below.
Fielding added. “Most of the time too we have workshops with the students where we get to teach a little more in depth about specific kinds of acting. We have all kinds of workshops: Acting, Improv, Mime, and Playwriting. We also need to set aside time in the week to do the laundry from the previous week’s show, and call our next two towns to make sure all the details are sorted out. And for the kids, they have 5 days worth of 4 hour rehearsals to learn an hour long musical. Some of them don’t even come to rehearsal until Wednesday, so some kids only have 3 days to learn everything.”
The workshops themselves, Fielding noted, “are like short simple lessons in the basics of different acting techniques. The goals of all of them are to give kids some new skills and work on team building. Every workshop has some aspect of cooperation. Usually some of the kids who do the workshops are also in the show and doing the workshops helps them with how they perform.”
Walther provided an example of a typical class: “the Acting workshop consists of three activities representing Imagination, Memorization/ Concentration, and Observation (the tools for acting). Then, we’d have a final activity blending them all together such as creating a scene from
a made up movie and then voting on the best scene for older groups or having kids take turns acting as a character for younger groups.”
As a result of the mission of the program, Fielding has been to many small towns like Malad, and had a range of experiences. “I’ve been all over so I’ve got great examples. There was one town, Aurora, Indiana. I was there a few years ago and it was their first time having MCT come. They had 9 kids come to audition and my tour partner and I had to cut down the show. We kept all the major plot points but had to edit around a few characters that we didn’t have. So we made the show (The Secret Garden) work with what we had. And then there’s Unalaska, Alaska. A small fishing town where MCT coming in is one of the major events of the year. They have a good size group of kids who are beyond excited to have MCT come. The only major difference I have seen is in some town everyone knows what MCT is, and in others folks have no clue what MCT is.” For her part, Walther noted that “what I’ve found in the smaller more rural towns is that there is a very strong sense of community where everyone knows everyone.”
As to their experience in Malad, Walther said, “The week went very smoothly! For the first time, we got the audition done ahead of schedule
John
Give us a call at 208-523-7441 Also offering PT, OT and care aides in all four counties!
Feb. 7,
and the kids were very fast learners. The enthusiasm from everyone for the show was especially strong here. It was also nice to explore what the town had to provide locally. We went out to a nice local Mexican restaurant after dress rehearsals with Callie Werk and her family which had some amazing taco fajitas!”
Fielding observed that “the kids learned their stuff incredibly fast. There were times Emma and I were at a loss for what to do. One night we got through the show almost two times because of how on top of it these kids were. The big takeaway I have is the smiles on the kids faces when they would come backstage and be hyping each other up.”
Fielding believes that theatre is very important for young learners. “It teaches them life skills,” she said. “Working together. Putting others first. Patience. Communication. And it breaks some kids out of their shells and makes them more confident.”
Walther agreed, stating “It allows students to break out of their shell! I know for me, being relatively quiet growing up, it was the one time I felt like I could open up more and not feel out of place doing so. I think it also helps younger students be more present and aware of their emotions and those around them.”
Walther hopes that the lessons learned carry forward, and she
thinks parents can help with that. “Parents can acknowledge how hard their kids worked on this past show and look for theatre/theatre adjacent activities (like dancing or singing) they can get their kids involved in locally (there are many options for classes online as well!). They can also encourage their children to use the skills they picked up this week by having them think of their next school presentation as a chance to perform or that their next interaction with a peer is a chance to be someone new they can break out of their shell with,” she said.
Fielding agreed. “Believe in your kid’s dreams,” she said. “I know when I told my parents at age 10 that I wanted to work for MCT they encouraged me to do acting any chance I got. They helped me look into schools with theatre programs, I even went to one of the summer camps in Missoula, MT. Just encourage your kids to follow their dreams. No matter how big. I part I played recently one of her lines was “The stars are the limit.” You should always dream big and strive to reach that goal.”
The MCT event last year was canceled, due to technical and scheduling circumstances. The students at Malad Elementary seemed delighted that the show was able to go on this year, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next visit!
continued from front page
Students had less than a week to audition, practice, and perform the play for a full house.
The setup of the stage allowed the directors to work with the large number of students easily between scenes.
There were many “groups” of actors, but everyone agreed that the most rascally were the raccoons!
The stages, costumes, and props are re-used from town to town, but take on their own unique appeal in each place.
Grandparents Only
Not recommended for parents or kids...
By Gramma Dot
Franklin D. Roosevelt articulated four basic freedoms in his 1941 State of the Union address. They are Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. They promoted universal human rights and became a guide for the Allied Nations at the end of WWII. When our Museum Window Committee, aka Janice, Sharon and I, were brainstorming ways to meld our community and America 250, we decided Crowther Brothers Milling Company was a perfect example of American ingenuity which fit under FDR’s Freedom from Want.
Let me tell you a little about the Edward Crowther Family in the early 1900s. Edward and Mary Crowther lived in Laketown, Utah, where they were in business with Edward’s brother running a flour mill. Business wasn’t great for many reasons, so Edward started looking around for a better fit for his family. The Malad Roller Mill was for sale.
Now the Malad Roller Mill was in a rather “rundown condition” but was well-situated in a thriving grain section and near the railroad. Edward determined the family wasn’t afraid of work and they needed a place where they could grow and create careers for his three sons. Edward bought the roller mill for $8,000 in 1912, packed up, came to Malad and hit the ground running. Immediately they invested around $7,000 in new equipment and several thousand more over the next year enlarging the plant, adding bins, warehouse space, and storage facilities. This upgrade to the mill filled a need in the valley providing a modern place for farmers to sell and store
Curlew Senior Citizens’ Menu
Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee & Salad Bar
Feb 5 - Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Peaches, Dessert Feb 10 - Pork Chops, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, WG Roll, Dessert
BIRTHDAYS
Carrie Ann Jensen, Feb. 6
Kevin Degn, Feb. 6
Tristin Bailey, Feb. 6
Euarda Daniels, Feb. 7
Cathie Jones, Feb. 7
Rocky Jones, Feb. 7
Bracken Lloyd, Feb. 7
William Smith, Feb. 7
Barbara Williams, Feb. 7
Isaac Pettis, Feb. 7
Jamie Blaisdell, Feb. 7
Christine Bowen, Feb. 8
Kayla Harrison, Feb. 8
Linda Hess, Feb. 8
Traslen Hill, Feb. 8
Hallye Green, Feb. 8
McKay Maxfield, Feb. 8
Terrill Schwartz, Feb. 8
Margaret Barker, Feb. 9
Benita Colton, Feb. 9
Daniel Daniels, Feb. 9
their harvest.
This first step of getting the mill physically ready for business was instituted because Edward knew his sons. The oldest son, also named Edward, returned from a mission in Australia about the time the family moved to Malad. Young Edward was good with the public and with employees. Norman, the second son, who would soon return from a mission planned to take business and chemistry classes in Salt Lake City. He enjoyed the office and bookkeeping. Junius, the youngest son was still at home with college and a mission ahead of him. He was blessed with mechanical and inventive skills that would serve the company well. So, you had Father Edward to oversee, guide and manage. Young Edward to work with the people. Norman to balance the books. And finally, Junius who truly was an inventor and had a great creative mind.
This was the beginning of a major business in the valley that lasted until 1973. In the next few weeks, we’ll cover more of the Big C story. In the meantime, take a few minutes and walk by the Museum window and look at pictures and a timeline that focus on a business that grew to serve Malad, the intermountain west, the country and the world.
Life is Good when you find fascinating stories right in your own community involving ancestors of friends and people you admire. And it is particularly good when you realize these people helped you and your community enjoy Freedom from Want.
• “History of the Crowther Mill,” by W. Gordon Crowther, November 30, 1997.
Malad Senior Citizens’ Menu
Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee
Feb 11 - Birthday Dinner! - Chicken Cordon Bleu, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Rolls, Dessert
Feb 13 - French Dip Sandwiches, 3-Bean Salad, Applesauce, Dessert
SCHOOL MENU
Malad Elementary BreakfastServed with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk
February 9 - Cereal Assortment, French toast Sticks
February 10 - Cereal Assortment, Oatmeal
February 11 - Cereal Assortment, Mini Pancake
February 12 - Cereal Assortment, Sausage Egg Biscuit
Malad Elementary LunchServed with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk
February 9 - Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chips, Food Choice - Sliced Cucumbers or Pears
February 10 - Pizza Rippers, Baked Fries, Food Choice - Green Salad or Fruit Cocktail
February 11 - Breakfast 4 LunchSausage/Scrambled Egg, French Toast, Food Choice - Carrot Sticks or Grapes
February 12 - Burrito, Spanish Rice, Food Choice - Celery Sticks or Pineapple
Malad Middle & High School
Breakfast - Served with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk
February 9 - Cereal Assortment, Mini Pancakes
February 10 - Cereal Assortment, Muffins & Yogurt
February 11 - Cereal Assortment, Fruit a Roo
February 12 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast Burrito
Malad Middle & High School
Lunch - Served with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk
February 9 - Crispito, Cheesy Refried Beans, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Corn or Applesauce
February 10 - Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Celery Sticks or Peaches
February 11 - Hot Hamburger, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Green Beans or Pineapple
February 12 - Sack Lunch - PB&J, Chips, Cheese Stick, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Carrot Sticks or Orange
BOWLING RESULTS
MAIELI’S THERAPEUTIC MAS-
SAGE – 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)
Melanie Oyler, Feb. 9
Ronald Tubbs, Feb. 9
Janice Vaughan, Feb. 9
Leland Hess, Feb. 10
Steven Stayner, Feb. 10
Janie Blaisdell, Feb. 11
Heather Christensen, Feb. 11
Dylan Estep, Feb. 11
Hailee Hanks, Feb. 11
Ty Kleeb, Feb. 11
Brooklyn Coburn, Feb. 12
Bernice Frederick, Feb. 12
Ryan Gilgen, Feb. 12
Jill Keetch, Feb. 12
Cory Thomas, Feb. 12
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
ON THIS DAY
1644 Connecticut passes the first US livestock branding law
First US gas company incorporated in Baltimore (coal gas for streetlights)
1870 First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia
1901 First loop-the-loop roller coaster opens on Coney Island, NY, built by Edwin Prescott
1922 Reader’s Digest magazine first published
1924 First Winter Olympic Games close at Chamonix, France
1931 Maxine Dunlap becomes first US woman to earn a glider pilot license
1936 Harry Ferguson patents the suction side hydraulic control system, allowing control of three-point mounted agricultural implements attached to tractors
1944 “Captain America” serial film premieres starring Dick Purcell, first appearance of a Marvel superhero outside of a comic book
1948 18-year-old Dick Button becomes first American men’s figure skating Olympic gold medalist at the St. Moritz Winter Games; first to complete a double axel in competition; retains title in 1952
1953 “Peter Pan”, animated film by Walt Disney opens at Roxy Theater, NYC
1974 Maximum speed on Germany’s Autobahn highway reduced to 100 kph
The cost for a standard obituary: $89 500 words with one color photo The cost for an ultimate obituary: $159 501 words plus and 2 color photos * additional photos $25 each
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)
To submit an obituary: email: sherrie.w@thecityjournals.com Mail or drop o at the The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad Idaho 83252 100 E. 90 S., Malad, Idaho 208-766-4773
LOOKING BACK
10 YEARS AGO (2016)
A large group of Boy Scouts of Troop 456 braved the cold weather and went to Soda Springs for the annual fishing derby at the Soda Springs Winter Carnival. Scoutmaster Tony McClain, other leaders and some family members joined the scouts tor a fun day. Those pictured in The Idaho Enterprise are Kyler Speck, Enoch Ward, Ben Ward, Beth McClain, Conner McClain, Kouper Tubbs, Kyler Horsley, Brad Horsley, Jed Pedersen, Karl Pederson, Ron Fesler, Drew Nieffenegger, Jaxon Hoopes, Makiah Knutter, Jaimen Dugger, Aedon Cowdin, Gavin Reel, Gage Nieffenegger, Tony McClain, Chandler Speck and Trayson Jones.
Malad High School recently selected their favorites from the Class of 2016.
Selected as Mr. and Mrs. Mirror (Best All Around) were Paityn Tripp and Daegon Haycock.
The Most Musical Seniors selected were Chayce Rohweder and Josh Stayner.
Kelbie Edwards and Hayden Peterson were considered The Most Changed.
The seniors selected as Most Likely to Succeed were Dallin Atkinson and Belle Woolsey.
The Daredevil designation went to Keeton Isaacson and McKenna Cummins
Kalee Curtis and Kelten Christensen were named Best Personality.
The Most Spirit selection was Kaclen Hill and Chase Davis.
Lindsay Sorensen and Tucker Hess were selected as the Class of 2016’s Biggest Flirts.
The Most Athletic favorites went to Taber Paskett and Hayden Green.
Selected as the Class Clowns were Ashley Rosenhoover and Ammon Bingham.
Robert Wray and Rose Bullcreek earned the honor of Most Artistic.
The Most Attractive award went to Brock Udy and Rylee Tripp. Natalie Jensen and Eric Reiss were named Biggest Brains (smartest).
15 YEARS AGO (2011)
Jacob Stevens, MHS representative on the Chamber Board, received the first “Chamber Board Member of the Year” award from President Lance Tripp.
The first place award for the Oneida County Farm Bureau’s 2011 speech contest with the theme, “Idaho Agriculture” Good for Family, Community and State” went to Meaghan Brown, freshman at Malad High School.
Malad High School wrestler Chris Hess had 99 wins heading into the John Berry - Sugar Salem wrestling Tournament last weekend. He earned his 100th win in his first match of the tournament and finished the tournament with 102 wins. Hess is now tied with his coach, Dusty Skidmore, for career wins.
The Malad High School C Lady Dragons finished the season with two big wins. This year’s C team included the following: Sidney Tubbs, Hunter Hubbard, Brooke Daniels, Bryce Gibbs, Amie Marshall, Kiely Davis, Dani Briggs, Teyla Rohweder and Montana Thompson. They are coached by Trissa Nesbit.
20 YEARS AGO (2006)
The Oneida County Search and Rescue got new officers at its annual banquet at the Dude Ranch Café. Dave Eliason assumed the duties of commander, Nick Gugelman 1st vice
commander, Tom Williams 2nd vice commander, and Sharon Hess quartermaster. Ken Eliason and Tom Williams each received 15-year pins. Special recognition was given to Don Eliason, Terrill Jones and Frank Madsen for 28 years of service. Brad Hess was recognized for 26 years of service.
The Oneida Education Foundation Board works hard to provide help to the students and faculty in the Oneida School District through scholarships and curriculum needs. Members of the board include Jean Thomas, Becky Moss, Dianne Pett, Kay Buttars, Laree Sperry, Lynn Schow, Marilyn Jones, Kathy Kent and Lon Colton.
Moss Trucking, Inc., was recently presented a plaque and named “Top Carrier” of the year for 2005 from CHR of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. CHR is an international shipper.
Malad High School recently has been regionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. Malad High was first accredited with the Association in 1936. The school is also approved by its state Accreditation Committee for the academic year 2005-2006.
Chelsey Jenkins has been selected as the Malad High School Student of the Week.
The Malad High School Wrestling Team brought home five individual medals from the Sugar-Salem Tournament, placing all five wrestlers higher than they were seeded going into the tournament. The medal winners were Shane Price, Robin Bullcreek, Kamas Reel, Jonny Blaisdell and Devin Skidmore.
30 YEARS AGO (1996)
Winter may have taken awhile in arriving this year, but when it did, it came with full fury. Two major winter storms, buried the Malad Valley in a foot of new snow and some snowdrifts four and five feet deep. The heavy snow was pushed by blustery winds gusting at 40 mph that created zero visibility in many areas and made for extremely hazardous driving conditions.
In its first meeting of the New Year, the Oneida Hospital Board elected Loyd Briggs to serve as chairman for the year. Maurine Corbridge was elected vice chairperson. Debbie Horsley and Joan Hawkins were welcomed as new board members. The two replace Khalil Scott and Dale Reese, who served nine and six years respectively. Scott served four years as chairman.
Five Scouts from Malad Second Ward Troop 444 received Eagle Scout Awards at a national Court of Honor. Eagle awards were presented to Wade Christophersen, Nathan and Kyle Jones, and Kenny and Matthew Moss.
Sixth Grade student Pat Jones is the winner of the first round of the 1996 National Geography Bee held at Malad Elementary School. Eight students with the highest scores went into the final five rounds. They included Shelli Ray, Amber Christiansen, Allison Jones, Brett Bingham, Kim Williams, Jeff Crowther, Megen Rose and Pat Jones.
40 YEARS AGO (1986)
Schools were closed in Oneida County on January 30 and 31 and hospital visitors were asked to stay away if there were any signs of sickness whatsoever. On Wednesday, January 29, school secretary Carla Williams reported 134 students were absent from school.
Two music students from Malad High School have been selected for the 1986 Idaho All-State Band and Choir. Participating with the choir will be Monica Bybee, while Stephanie Cottle will be a member of the band.
Nine-year old Kirk Paul Tubbs, son of Paul and Karen Tubbs of Samaria, received the prestigious “Cub Scout Youth Representative Of The Year” Award during the monthly Round Table meeting.
The Oneida Soil Conservation District is managed by seven, nonpaid landowners or supervisors who are elected by local people to serve a 4-year term. The current board of supervisors are Dallan Nalder, Roy Jenson, Chuck Davis, Grant Jones, Ron Skidmore, Mont Price and John C. Hill.
Six Malad High School wrestling team members will be going to state this weekend. Those going are Randy Skidmore, Brock Hill, Dale Jones, Scott Smith, Lonny Ward and Shawn Smith.
50 YEARS AGO (1976)
With filing now open for the mayoral office, two candidates have announced intentions to run n the special March 9 election. Joining Gordon Crowther in the race is another former mayoral candidate J. Marvin Hess. The decision to hold a special election was made by City councilmen last week following the announced resignation of Mayor-elect M. R. Hanson.
Boyd J. Thomas arrived at the Salt Lake City airport after completing a mission for the LDS Church. He has served in the West Germany Frankfurt Mission.
Lt. Governor John V. Evans has offered his services as a mediator here in the continuing Oneida School Board-teacher dispute. The Lieutenant Governor’s offer will be taken up at the Board’s regular monthly meeting.
All-State Band and Choir members from Malad High have been announced. Becky Crowther and Brad Bowen will go to Pocatello this spring for the annual music activity.
Yes folks, Malad will soon have a new theater renamed “The Cinema.” Although located in the same spot and under the same roof, almost everything else about The Cinema will be new, notes theater owner T. D. Jones. First-run movies will be shown almost day and date with Salt Lake City. Mr. Jones expects The Cinema to host showings six nights a week.
60 YEARS AGO (1966)
Sergeant Victor Edward Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lars Victor Anderson, Stone, was killed in action while serving with the U.S. Army against Viet Cong forces in Viet Nam. Sgt. Anderson had served 2 1/2 years
in Germany before being assigned to Viet Nam.
Susan Sorensen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Sorensen, is among a group of 146 Brigham Young University students who left in the end of January for a semester of school in Europe. Half will study in Grenoble, France, and half in Salzburg, Austria. Susan will be among the Austrian group, which is headed by Dr. Max Rogers, chairman of the Department of Languages at BYU.
Teresa Davis was honored on her 4th birthday Monday at a party given by her mother, Mrs. Niah Davis. Fourteen little friends came to help her celebrate and enjoy games together. The traditional birthday cake was served with refreshments.
Marsha Gene Alder is this year’s Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow for Malad High School. She scored highest here in a written knowledge and attitude examination taken December 7. She is now eligible for state and national scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $5,000.
70 YEARS AGO (1956)
Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise is the proud winner of a bicycle awarded by Cactus Jim of the Salt Lake City television show is 4-year-old Jonny Moss with his brother Norval, 6. The boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Moss.
Pvt. Lee Waldron, son of Mrs. Ernest Waldron, arrived home from Camp Carson Colorado to enjoy a 10-day leave. He will then report to a Georgia Camp for further training. A Court of Honor for Boy Scouts of the Malad District, Tendoy Council, was held at the Malad Stake building with W. W. Thomas, district advancement chairman, presiding. Advancements were as follows: Life – Brent Smith, Tommy Davis, Brent Bastian, Wayne Atkinson, Dale Evans; Star –Wallace Smith, Kenneth Grover; First Class – Dennis Williams; Second Class – Max Isaacson, John Mahaffey, Michael Thomas, Clifford Wheeler, Edward Scott, DeVerl Evans, Gilbert Hess, Varsel Christopherson; Tenderfeet – Dale Atkinson, Kenneth Van Leuven, Clark Madson, LaRell Kent.
80 YEARS AGO (1946)
The Malad City Council this week accepted a proposal by D. L. Evans, Malad businessman, to construct a memorial building honoring his father, D. L. Evans, Sr. Incorporated in the structure will be a library, a home for the Masonic and Eastern Star lodges and a basement room for banquets and small parties.
Carl Willie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Willie who is stationed with the 3292 Signal maintenance Co. in Manila has been promoted to a corporal according to word received by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones received a radiogram from their son, Pfc. Jenkin Jones who has been transferred from the Philippines to Nagoya, Japan.
The following named Oneida County men and women have been discharged from the U. S. armed forces according to information received by the local selective service board. Those discharged are Keith Evans, Odell Price, Alvin T. Williams, Edward D. Owens, Glen T. Williams, Maurice B. Perkins, Waldorf E. Morse, Clarence Kent, Leonard O. Wren, Richard P. Jones, Lane E. Hickman, William Anderson, Ivy W. Conae and Louise Lykins.
10 YEARS AGO (2016) Scout leaders and friends go fishing! Pictured , kneeling in the front: Kyler Speck, Enoch Ward, Ben Ward, Beth McClain, Conner McClain, Kouper Tubbs; Back standing: Kyler Horsley, Brad Horsley, Jed Pedersen, Karl Pedersen, Ron Fesler, Drew Neiffenegger, Jaxon Hoopes, Makiah Knutter, Jaimen Dugger, Aedon Cowdin, Gavin Reel, Gage Nieffenegger, Tony McClain, Chandler Speck and Trayson Jones.
30 YEARS AGO (1996) NEW EAGLE SCOUTS in Troop 444 are: (L-R) Matthew Moss, Nathan Jones, Wade Christophersen, Kyle Jones and Kenny Moss.
SUMMONS TO:JOSEPH REED
You have been sued by GENESIS RECOVERY SERVICES, INC, the Plaintiff, in the SIXTH District Court in and for ONEIDA COUNTY, Idaho, Case No. CV36-25-0136. The nature of the claim against you is collection of money owed by you. Any time after 21 days following the last publication of this summons, the court may enter a judgment against you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the Case No., and paid any required filing fee to the 10 Court St., Malad City ID 83252, telephone (208) 766-4116, and served a copy of your response on the Plaintiff's attorney MICHAEL J. ARCHIBALD, #8476 at M2 Law Group PC, P.O. Box 330, Meridian, ID 83680, telephone (208) 336-3331. A copy of the Summons and Complaint can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the attorney for Plaintiff. If you wish legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter.
Dated: 11/26/2025
MATTHEW LON COLTON ONEIDA COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
By LACIE MONTGOMERY
Deputy Publishing: 1/15/2026, 1/22/2026, 1/29/2026, 2/5/2026
#5800-01-15-22-29-02-0526-T4
Public / Legal Notice-Request for Proposals
Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP), the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serving Eastern Idaho, announces its intent to accept Requests for Proposals (RFP) from interested Providers as part of the merger of Area V and Area VI. This RFP is being issued to support a coordinated approach to service delivery across the region and to ensure continuity and consistency of services Eastern Idaho. Request for proposals will be accepted for the following services in various locations within Bannock,
Bingham, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power Counties: Congregate Meal Services, Home Delivered Meal Services, Homemaker, Chore and Respite Services
The RFP is intended to identify qualified providers with experience and capacity to support services under the merged structure. This process will help establish a pool of providers prepared to operate within a unified planning and oversight framework, while maintaining service continuity, quality, and local responsiveness. Issuing this RFP allows for thoughtful alignment of providers with future program needs and supports a smooth transition without disruption to individuals currently receiving services.
The Request for Proposal Guide and application materials are available on the AAA’s website at: https://www.eicap.org/seniorservices/. Providers may submit a proposal for one or more services in any or all of the designated communities/counties. Contracts will be issued for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030.
Providers with questions regarding the application packet should contact the AAA Contracts Manager, Erica Giles by telephone at (208) 542-8179 or by e-mail at egiles@eicap. org. An informational Provider’s Conference will be held at SICOG and via Teams on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 10 am12 Noon. After the Providers’ Conference is concluded, the AAA will not answer any questions or provide any additional information to a Provider. Providers must submit applications to the Eastern Idaho Area Agency on Aging, 935 E. Lincoln Rd., Idaho Falls, ID 83405 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026. Award announcements will be made on Friday, April 28, 2026. There will be a mandatory Provider’s Conference at EICAP on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00 am to finalize awarded contracts.
EICAP/AAA provides programs, services, and employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, English proficiency, disability, sex, age, or marital status. Program eligibility requirements may apply where required by law or funding guidelines.
#5804-02-05-12-26-T2
NEWS OF RECORD
ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Peggy P Bodily, Preston, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
Todd Dee Fitch, Arbon, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
Charlie Peterson, Riverton, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
Susan K Stevens, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
MALAD CITY
Brett R Blaisdell, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
Harold Denik Brower, Smithfield, speeding, $33.50, cost $56.50
Dawson, W Peterson, Malad, speeding in school zone, $100.00, costs $56.50
Tyce Tyrell Thomas, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
IDAHO STATE POLICE
Courtney William Ryan, Ennis, speeding, $33.50, costs
$56.50
Timothy Richard Farley, Driggs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
Sidney Jeremy Westerman, Draper, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50
MAGISTRATE COURT
Christopher J Fletcher, Po-
catello, fish without license (not salmon steelhead, sturgeon or bull trout), $26.00, costs $165.00 – Agency: IDF&G
Adam Kaden Lepe, West Haven, possession of marijuana, $300.00, costs $197.50 – Agency: ISP Kauasi Jacoby Lomu, West Jordan, careless driving, $250.00, costs $192.50, 30 days jail, 30 days suspended, 1 month probation – Agency: ISP Prabhjot Singh, Kent, operate vehicle when unsafe or improperly equipped, $10.50, costs $56.50; possession of marijuana, $102.50, costs $197.50 – Agency: ISP RECORDED LIST
January 26, 2026
Deed of ReconveyanceGrantor: Burt R Willie, America First Federal Credit Union; Grantee: Julie D Green Corrected Warranty Deed - Grantor: Dwight D Goodnight Jr; Grantee: Tim Hutton, Karen Hutton
January 27, 2026
Deed of Trust - Grantor: Linda C Lundquist Trustee, Rex C Lundquist Trustee, The Rex C Lundquist Family Trust, The Linda C Lundquist Family Trust; Grantee: Newrez LLC
SHERIFF’S DISPATCH
Following are recent calls received by dispatchers at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. During the month of December, the Sheriff’s Office investigated a number of cases. During this time, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received 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. Mon, January 5, 2026
• 08:08 Abandoned Vehicle Reported
• 10:32 Civil Call
Lucie Winborne
• “Keep cats indoors during very cold weather. They are particularly vulnerable to freezing. If you can leave the curtains drawn on a window where Kitty can look outside and sunbathe, she probably will be happy.” — M.R. in Washington
• This is some good advice given to me by my grandmother if you have lots of outdoor or feral cats in your area: Start your car with a bang — on the hood, that is. When the overnight temperature dips, cats know to find someplace that is wind-shielded and off the ground, and sometimes, that means they will climb up into your engine area to hunker down. If your car starts, they can be hurt or even killed. Give the hood a knock to let a cat know to get out quick.
• Pet paws need extra care in the cold months, especially dogs that must be walked in icy and snowy conditions. Here’s a great tip from Y.L. in New York: “I keep a small towel with me on my daily dog walks, but I also wash off my dog’s paws with a warm washcloth when we return. Another thing I do is to rub petroleum jelly into her pads once a day. They really take a beating having to go out three times a day in salty, muddy, cold conditions. She won’t wear doggie booties, so this works best for us.”
• If you keep birds, a reminder: Never preheat pans on high heat, especially nonstick pans. They can let off a chemical that you or I cannot even detect, but can be a health hazard for your bird friend that is in the kitchen area. Don’t keep birds in the kitchen when cooking.
• Spread a teaspoon of peanut butter thinly on a paper plate, then when the dog is busy with his treat, you can trim his nails. Or sometimes just having it nearby as a promised treat can do the trick to distract your pet. Good luck!
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 1800 Pembrook Dr., Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32810.
© 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
Satisfaction of Mortgage - Grantor: First Utah Bank; Grantee: Vivian Lynett Godfrey Price, Dale Waldron Price, DL Price Trust
January 28, 2026
Deed of Reconveyance - Grantor: Northern Title Company, SEI Federal Credit Union; Grantee: Harry C Sherman, Patsy Sherman Partial Release of Mortgage - Grantor: Altabank; Grantee: William C Wilcock, Sandra E Wilcock, Wilcock Land and Livestock, LLC
Affidavit and Acceptance of Trusteeship - Grantor: Lorie Blaisdell Trustee; Grantee: Ann Mildred Jenson (deceased)
Affidavit and Acceptance of Trusteeship - Grantor: Lorie Blaisdell Trustee; Grantee: Joseph Clyde Jenson (deceased)
Warranty Deed - Grantor: Lori Blaisdell Trustee, Joe and Ann Jenson Revocable Trust; Grantee: Rodney Jenson
Special Warranty DeedGrantor: Pilot Gold (USA) INC; Grantee: Liberty Gold (USA) INC
January 29, 2026
Power of Attorney - Grantor: Violet Camire; Grantee: Cindy Ward, Genevie Allen
• 13:20 Civil Call
• 14:56 Wanted Person
• 16:26 Controlled Substance Problem Tues, Jan 13, 2026
• 17:42 Found Property Reported Wed Jan 14, 2026
• 10:36 Civil Call
• 16:42 Welfare Check
• 18:17 VIN Inspection
• 19:50 Suspicious Person/ circumstance
• 22:32 911 Call. Situation Unknown Thurs Jan 15, 2026
• 11:08 Fire Reported
• 11:53 Tobacco Problem Reported. MHS
• 14:50 Civil Call
• 17:17 Alarm Reported
• 22:34 Info Report Sun Jan 25, 2026
• 01:26 DUI
• 08:43 Traffic Accident Reported
• 14:03 Agency Assist. Chase
• 23:07 911 Call. Unknown Situation Mon, January 26, 2026
• 07:48 Animal Call. Cows on roadway
• 10:45 Threatening Reported
• 13:30 Civil Call
• 16:32 Fire Reported. Haystack Tues, Jan 27, 2026
• 06:05 Traffic Hazard. Object in road
• Actor Paul Newman once said he was tired of people asking him to remove his sunglasses so they could see his famous blue eyes, confessing that his stock response was, “I would take off my sunglasses, madam, but my pants would fall down.”
• Six million pounds of space dust settle on Earth every year.
• The Bahamas once boasted an undersea post office, Sea Floor Bahamas, established in 1939, which allowed mail to be posted with a unique “Sea Floor” postmark, which became a hit with stamp collectors until the office closed in 1942.
• Many birds’ feathers weigh more than their bones.
• A hill in New Zealand is named Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
• Astronauts on Mars won’t just make plans based on temperature, but will also need to consider tau, the level of particulate matter in the atmosphere. High tau levels will block sunlight to solar-powered rovers.
• A coyote can hear a mouse moving under a foot of snow.
• Since 1971, Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has issued permits to unicorn hunters.
• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids any nation from trying to own the moon.
• Pelé is the only soccer player to ever be a part of three different World Cup winning teams.
• “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. It lost to “The Silence of the Lambs.”
• Wisconsin is known as the Badger State because the area’s lead miners used to spend winters in tunnels burrowed into hills — like badgers.
• Honey hunters in Mozambique use special calls to recruit the services of birds known as honeyguides, which lead the hunters to bees’ nests.
*** Thought for the Day: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” — Marilyn Monroe
*** © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. By
• 12:33 Traffic Accident. Fender bender at Post Office
• 15:52 Fraud Reported
• 19:39 Traffic Hazard. Object on on-ramp
• 21:48 Civil Call. Custody issue Tues, Jan 6, 2026
• 06:29 Traffic Accident. Vehicle hit cow
• 08:42 Tobacco Problem Reported. MES
• 19:09 Citizen Dispute Wed Jan 7, 2026
• 19:24 Welfare Check
• 23:10 Traffic Accident. 2 vehicles. Airbag deployed Thurs Jan 8, 2026
• 09:40 Property Damage Reported
• 15:18 Civil Call
• 18:27 Utility Problem. Potential gas leak Fri Jan 9, 2026
• 05:37 Traffic Accident. Power outage after vehicle collision
• 19:27 Alarm Reported. Allen Drug
• 19:29 Traffic Complaint Sat Jan 10, 2026
• 11:54 VIN Inspection
• 16:36 VIN Inspection
• 18:53 Suicide Threat Sun Jan 11, 2026
• 10:52 Animal Call
• 13:57 Citizen Assist. Stranded trucker
• 15:55 Animal Call
• 16:57 Agency Assist Mon, January 12, 2026
• 03:29 Ambulance Call
• 08:50 Child Protection
• 10:26 Child Abuse or Neglect Report. MMS
• 15:39 Info Report Fri Jan 16, 2026
• 11:16 Welfare Check
• 13:38 Disturbance Reported. Family argument
• 19:46 Alarm Reported Sat Jan 17, 2026
• 09:19 Animal Call. Cows on highway
• 18:52 Traffic Accident. Cows in roadway
• 23:00 Juvenile Problem Sun Jan 18, 2026
• 08:19 Welfare Check
• 11:08 DUI
• 15:09 Citizen Assist. Power House Canyon
• 17:26 Controlled Substance Problem Mon, January 19, 2026
• 11:15 Medical Emergency
• 19:58 Alarm Reported Tues, Jan 20, 2026
• 00:58 Alarm Reported Wed Jan 21, 2026
• 11:32 Info Report. Maverik
• 13:09 Message Delivery
• 18:10 Traffic Complaint. Dangerous driving
• 20:59 Fire Reported Thurs Jan 22, 2026
• 10:53 Civil Call
• 17:47 911 Call. Unknown Situation Fri Jan 23, 2026
• 08:02 Suspicious Person Reported
• 08:46 Suspicious Person Reported
• 19:48 Motorist Assist. I-15 Sat Jan 24, 2026
• 06:24 Traffic Complaint. Dangerous driving
• 11:45 Animal Call. Dog on I-15
• 18:12 Utility Problem
• 18:26 Animal Call. Deer struck on roadway but alive
• 20:27 Suspicious Person Reported
• 20:53 Gun Threat Wed Jan 28, 2026
• 12:16 Child Protection Report. Health and Welfare
• 12:20 Civil Call
• 15:09 VIN Inspection
• 20:32 Traffic Complaint. Sparks from trailer Thurs Jan 29, 2026
• 09:47 Animal Call. Sheep on roadway
• 13:38 Animal Call. Cows on roadway
• 18:23 Bus Violation
• 21:00 Traffic Violation Fri Jan 30, 2026
• 12:04 Civil Call
• 13:01 Suspicious Person
• 14:49 VIN Inspection
• 17:47 Abandoned Vehicle
• 21:45 Suspicious Person Reported Sat Jan 31, 2026
• 01:32 Suspicious Person Reported
• 03:23 Suspicious Person Reported passed out on porch
• 04:06 Traffic Hazard Reported on roadway
• 12:28 Traffic Accident
Reported
• 15:14 Animal Call
• 16:35 Animal Call. Dog in roadway
• 19:17 Traffic Accident. Airbag deployed Sun Feb 1, 2026
• 07:13 Traffic accident.
Laurel Naylor Origer
April 27, 1964 ~ January 30, 2026
Laurel Naylor Origer departed this life with grace in the late evening of Friday, January 30th after a short but fierce battle with cancer.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Patrick, her four children, Kimberly, Blake, Heather, and Kaylee, and five grandchildren that she loved more than life itself.
Laurel was born on April 27th, 1964, to Hyrum Dean and Mary Rae Naylor in Salt Lake City Utah. They moved to Malad when she was 5 years old, where she grew up and graduated from Malad High in 1982.
Laurel met her love, Patrick Origer, and they were married May 17, 1985. They were later sealed in the Logan Utah temple in 1986.
She graduated from ISU with her LPN in 1998 and later got her RN in 2007. She loved working as a nurse and helping people.
Laurel was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings within the church, including scouting and primary. However, her favorite calling in life was being a grandma.
She loved spending time with her grandkids, she especially enjoyed playing, hiking, and making cookies with them.
Laurel will be dearly missed by everyone who loved her.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 6, 2025, at 11 am in the 4th Ward LDS Chapel. Viewings will be at the Horsley Funeral Home Thursday from 7-8 pm and prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am.
Student Sucess in the MHS Welding Department!
The Malad High School welding department is working hard to keep up with industry standards and get its students ready to join the workforce. With help from the Idaho Career Readiness grant, they were awarded $32,000 in the fall of 2025. This money was used to purchase 8 new multi-process welders to help accommodate the increase in class sizes and interest in the industry.
Over the past 4 years, Malad High School Ag department has received roughly $136,300 in grants to help improve the equipment, shop facility, and purchase new materials
for the classroom. This includes a welding shop remodel, new welding equipment, a CNC plasma table, a greenhouse growth chamber, Animal Models, and an Interactive Display TV.
The program is growing thanks to the continuous support and interest of students, families, the FFA, and the community. We hope to continue to grow and offer as many opportunities to our students as possible. Please reach out to Mrs.Evans at Malad High School with any questions or to find out more about how you can support the growth!
Utah is proposing a gas tax restructure — Idahoans and petroleum industry aren’t having it
BY ALIXEL CABRERA, IDAHO CAPITAL SUN
Utah leaders say the petroleum industry is an obstacle as house speakers from Utah and Idaho try to reach an agreement on an upcoming proposal.
A bill aimed to reassess Utah’s gas tax structure hasn’t yet been filed, but it is already fueling tensions. And controversy is not only coming from industry players, but also from the Idaho Legislature, which is proposing a resolution urging Utah leaders to oppose the proposal.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, has been hinting at a legislative solution to high gas prices in the state since last summer, when he revealed in a social media post that Rep. Cal Roberts, R-Draper, and Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, were drafting a bill to remove a longstanding tax exemption for exported fuel.
Utah’s tax rate for fuel sold at gas stations is currently $0.379 a gallon. But, gas exported out of state is exempt from the tax. The idea behind the bill, Roberts told Utah News Dispatch last October, was to start charging the gas tax to refineries to generate enough revenue to drop the gas tax that Utah consumers pay.
“The Idaho Legislature respectfully but firmly opposes any proposal by a neighboring state to impose an export tax on transportation fuels that would disproportionately burden Idahoans,” says a joint memorial draft sponsored by Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle.
House majority leaders from both states have been in talks about Utah’s proposal, Schultz told reporters on Monday. And, a first version of the bill is set to become public later this week.
In the middle of the dispute between the two states, Schultz said the petroleum industry has become an obstacle.
“They are trying to do everything they can to stop this bill from moving forward. One of their tactics that they’re using is not giving accurate information to Idaho, and I think that’s what’s caused such havoc,” Schultz said.
The petroleum industry has been
telling Idaho lawmakers that the Utah gas tax restructure would raise prices at Idaho pumps by 0.25 cents per gallon, Schultz said, a characterization he described as “just flat out ridiculous.”
House Majority Leader Rep. Casey Snider, R-Paradise, added that industry officials “have shared things said in confidence and have tried to blow this up and use the legislatures in their respective states to achieve their objectives.”
Rikki Hrenko-Browning, president of Utah Petroleum Association, said in an email to Utah News Dispatch that with many news reports about the potential bill, Utah lawmakers’ intentions to change the gas tax structure isn’t necessarily a secret.
“It’s not surprising Idaho and other states would estimate the impacts to fuel prices on their own constituents and respond however they see fit,” she said.
The association has met with lawmakers working on the bill and expressed concerns based on a version legislators had shared with them, Hrenko-Browning said, including “the likely disruption of regional fuel markets, destabilization of the transportation fund and likely litigation against the state of Utah due to double taxation.”
“Because of these anticipated outcomes, we do not support this bill and remain dedicated to sharing our knowledge and expertise with all relevant stakeholders who will be impacted by this significant policy change,” the association said in a statement shared on its website in January.
“We want to be clear, however, Utah Petroleum Association and its member companies are not actively fighting this bill or its supporters. In the end, refining companies don’t pay the gas tax, consumers do,” the statement says.
The association also listed potential losses for Utah, including perhaps failing to retain out-of-state customers, who would find other lower cost sellers, and making other fuels like diesel and jet fuel more expensive.
But, Schultz said, lobbyists from the biggest, most profitable corporations in the world are only aiming
to “create controversy,” and pitting two states against each other. “It’s just wrong. It is sad to be honest,” he said.
The Idaho joint memorial is getting ready for debate in the Idaho Legislature, but from Utah, Schultz isn’t that concerned about it, he told reporters. In fact, he’s “quite honored” by it.
Schultz, however, remained critical of his Idaho counterpart’s past comments to FOX 13 and Idaho News 6, suggesting southeastern Idaho could stop sending water to the ailing Great Salt Lake to put pressure on Utah.
“I think it’s ridiculous to say that ‘we’re going to stop water from going to the Great Salt Lake,’” Schul -
tz said. “I just think that’s childish.” However, in the end, he hopes both states can solve their problems once the bill is published and Idahoans realize it will have little impact on them.
“We want to work through those issues with Idaho. Idaho’s a great state. We have a lot of respect for Idaho. We’ve been great partners over the years. We want to continue that,” Schultz said.
This story was originally produced by Utah News Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Idaho Capital Sun, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Malad City Newsletter February 2026
The year 2026 will be a major year of construction for Malad City. One of the most anticipated projects, the Bannock Street Project, is scheduled to take place this summer. While timelines remain dependent on weather conditions, contractors had initially hoped to begin work as early as March.
The first phase of the Bannock Street Project will involve installing a large pipe for the new drainage system. In addition, Malad City will replace city water lines between 100 and 200 West. (This will not include water lines to individual homes.) During construction, the lower portion of Bannock Street will be completely closed, with access maintained for residents in the area. The upper portion of Bannock Street will maintain one lane open for traffic.
The City has not yet met with the contractor, and additional details—including the final start date—will be shared once decisions have been finalized.
In addition to the Bannock Street Project, the City received a grant to complete a road overlay from the Oneida County Library to Four Points. This project is also scheduled for completion this year.
Another major project underway this spring is the construction of a new playground. The playground equipment has already been delivered, and City crews have begun removing the old equipment and preparing the site. A new sidewalk will run through the center of the playground to provide ADA-accessible entry. The updated playground will feature new equipment, including a zipline—one of the most requested additions by local children.
The City has contracted with Great Western Recreation and Taggart Castleton, a contractor with ties to Malad. Mr. Castleton has played a key role in working with the Playground Committee to design a playground that is modern, safe, and community-focused.
After the City did not qualify for a Department of Commerce grant, the Playground Committee worked diligently to secure donations and in-kind contributions. The City has committed $100,000 to the project, with additional donations pledged by Oneida County, Hess Pumice, and many other local businesses and individuals.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project. Special thanks to the Playground Committee members: Taylor Weeks (Chairman), Bethany Hubbard (Secretary), Cody Hess, Mariah Price, Nicole Daniels, Rachael Clark, Anthon Burbidge, Doug Crowther, Eric Martin, and Lorraine Neal. City Councilman Lance Tripp has spearheaded this effort. We also extend our gratitude to all who provided in-kind labor or financial support. This new playground will be a lasting asset to our community.
New welders were purchased as part of a 2025 grant for the Ag
ONEIDA COUNTY WEEKLY EVENTS
February 6 - 12, 2026
Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital
• Cardiology - Dr. Lance Longmore
Dermatology - David Woodbury, PA-C
ENT - Dr. Nadim Bikhazi
• General Surgery - Dr. Kevin Murphy
• Gynecology - Dr. Mike Jones Interventional Radiology
• Mobile Mammography Nutrition ConsultationPam Mills RD,LD,CDE
• Oncology - Dr. Michael Francisco
Ophthalmology - Dr. Robert Jones
• Orthopedic - Dr. Matthew Bitner
• Pain Management - Dr. R. Jake
Measom & Amy Fisher PA-C Podiatry - Dr. Brent Christensen
Call the Hospital at 208-766-2231 for more Information
Ordinary Days
BY ALLISON ELIASON
Calving season, branding, cattle drives, haying, fall roundups, shipping days- those big work days tend to be the moments most people link back to ranch life. Those types of days are busy, visible, flashy and often mark seasonal milestones in an operation. They are also the days that draw attention from the outside— days that outsiders recognize as the “real work” of a ranch.
But those days don’t stand on their own. They are the outcome of months of preparation, attention, and routine work that rarely gets noticed. Between each of these major seasons are stretches of ordinary, steady days—days without deadlines, spectators, or fanfare. These are the days when the real work of running an operation is done.
On these ordinary days, the tasks can feel repetitive, even mundane, but they are essential. Feeding happens every morning, putting out the same hay in the same feeders to the same ol’ cows. Water troughs and stock tanks are checked routinely, en-
suring all the livestock have access to fresh, clean water. Pastures are driven and monitored so that subtle changes in grazing patterns or animal behavior can be caught early. A cow that is slightly off its feed or a calf that seems quieter than usual can signal a problem that needs attention before it grows into an emergency.
Routine herd checks, preventative treatments, and record-keeping also fill these days. Vaccinations, deworming, and careful observation of livestock behavior are all part of maintaining herd health. Equipment is maintained, fences repaired, and feed stored and measured to ensure nothing is left to chance. The work may look uneventful from the outside, but it is the backbone of the operation. Every small action—tightening a gate wire, greasing the loader on a tractor, repairing a leaky water line—lays the foundation for smooth operations later.
Even planning and management often happen quietly. Small adjustments to feeding quantities and schedules, herd counts and rotations, or vari-
Fish and Game Corner
Henrys Lake angler hoists new state record trout out of ice
IDFG
BY CONNOR LIESS,
Henrys Lake — one of Idaho’s most popular trophy trout spots — is wellknown for holding some impressive Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Most anglers that wind up atop the Idaho state record fish leaderboards do so out of pure luck. But Robert Gregory’s story goes a little different. Yellowstone cutthroat trout aren’t your run-of-the-mill trout. They are one of Idaho’s three native subspecies of cutthroat trout and are found almost exclusively in the Snake River basin above Shoshone Falls and in the Yellowstone River basin. That means anglers can only find them in southern and eastern Idaho, parts of Wyoming and Montana, and tiny bits of Nevada and Utah.
One such place is Henrys Lake — one of Idaho’s most popular trophy trout spots, well-known for holding some impressive Yellowstone cutthroat trout — which is precisely where Robert and his buddies set out for on Dec. 31.
Henrys Lake is one of Idaho’s first bodies of water to freeze over during the winter, giving anglers an early-season, idyllic hardwater fish-
ing experience. Robert admitted that landing a scale-tipping cutthroat trout was atop the day’s goals.
“My college buddies and I got up early went ice fishing at Henry’s Lake with a goal of catching a state record cutthroat trout, if possible,” he said.
After little success that morning, Robert decided to switch up their game plan and hit shallower water. The bites were instant.
“We started having hits really quickly, and that is when I hooked into my fish.”
The fish in question? A 19-inch, 3.08-pound Yellowstone cutthroat trout, which if you recall just last week’s state record, might not constitute a “toad.” But in the words of Lee Corso: Not so fast.
Yes, a 3-pound trout may not be huge, but the mere act of even catching a Yellowstone cutthroat is a bucket list for many anglers. Plus, there just aren’t that many places where you can legally harvest Yellowstone cutthroat trout, making it a bit more challenging. Henrys Lake is an exception in that the cutthroat trout population is robust and also supported by a hatchery program, so harvest opportunity is available. My guess is that Henrys Lake will produce a much bigger record soon enough.
ous paperwork may not seem significant day-to-day, but they determine whether the big events go smoothly.
A well-maintained pasture, a familiar handling routine, and healthy, rested livestock are all products of these ordinary days.
The success of calving season depends on months of preparation and observation. Smooth shipping days rely on well organized systems, an experienced crew and efficient facilities. Good winter feed comes from an even stand of hay grown from consistent days of watering. The big days don’t fix problems—they reveal whether the groundwork has already been done. The ordinary days, often overlooked, are what prevent crises and allow the operation to function effectively when the spotlight arrives.
These in-between days are about consistency, prevention, and preparation. They build trust in systems, provide dependable resources, and give the operation resilience. Small, thoughtful decisions made quietly, day after day, often matter more than the work done during the most visible
moments of the year. While it may not be glamorous, this steady, disciplined work is the engine that drives successful ranching.
Most of agriculture is shaped by these quiet, ordinary days. They make possible the big moments that onlookers recognize and remember, even though those moments could not exist without the foundation laid in the in-between. Feeding, watering, watching, maintaining, repairing, and planning—these are the threads that hold everything together. They are the work that keeps the operation running, the days that prepare for what everyone else sees as the big days.
Ultimately, the rhythm of ranch life is built on these quiet, consistent routines. While calving, branding, and haying may capture the attention, it is the ordinary days that truly make those moments possible. Recognizing and valuing this work not only gives insight into the demands of agriculture but also highlights the dedication and foresight these hardworking men and women put in to keep a ranch thriving year-round.
After weighing the fish on a scale at home, Robert realized he likely had a record fish, and decided to weigh his catch on a certified scale at a local grocery store.
Congratulations to Robert Gregory on his spot atop the Idaho state record fish board!
Thinking about chasing a state record fish? Check out the state record fish page for more information. Remember, certified scales are now available at most Fish and Game offices to weigh potential record fish! And, as a bonus, if you are a native trout enthusiast looking for a new fishing challenge, don’t forget that Idaho participates in the Western Native Trout Challenge – the biggest ‘trout slam’ program around. Yellowstone cutthroat trout (along with many other Idaho species) are eligible to count towards completing the challenge! Catch native trout, win prizes, and support trout conservation!
Public invited to free screening of Outdoor Idaho’s “Doing Good in the Great Outdoors”
BY JENNIFER JACKSON
Join Idaho Public Television, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Trails Association, and Backcountry Hunters and
Anglers for a special screening event of a selection from the Outdoor Idaho episode, Doing Good in the Great Outdoors.
This free event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Bengal Theater on the Idaho State University Campus in Pocatello. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for mingling and refreshments, followed by the screening and a panel discussion on volunteerism starting at 7 p.m.
Reserve your free seat through https://www.idahoptv.org/events/. The Outdoor Idaho team will take you on a journey into the heart of conservation, where you will meet trail crews, Idaho Master Naturalists, hunters, parks volunteers, conservation groups, and even some budding high school biologists who give of their time and talents to make the Idaho outdoors a better place. Don’t be surprised if you see southeast Idaho friends and community members featured with their hands in the dirt and feet in the streams as they “do good in the great outdoors”.
For more information on this event, please contact Tessa Atwood, volunteer services coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game, at 208-2324703 or by email at tessa.atwood@ idfg.idaho.gov.
Dragons split games with Wendell and Aberdeen
BY ALLISON ELIASON
Squarely in their conference play, Malad competed in two district games over the week, hosting the Wendell Trojans Thursday, January 29, and the Aberdeen Tigers just two days later . The Dragons showed both resilience in a tough loss and a strong response in a dominant win.
Malad opened the weekend with a competitive matchup against Wendell, the current 3A #1 ranked team in the state. Despite battling throughout four competitive quarters of play, the Dragons ultimately fell, 69–59. Wendell took control early, leading 19–11 after the first quarter.
Malad responded in the second period, outscoring Wendell 12–9 to cut into the deficit at halftime. The MHS team offense didn’t really get rolling until midway in the quarter when Ruger Smith took a drive into the paint for a quick score over the rim. At the other end of the court, Ruger snagged the rebound, catching sight of Easton Green sprinting down the court ahead of him. Sending the pass, Green finished the play with an easy bucket for Malad.
Justin Toone scored next for the MHS team, taking the pass at the right block from Oak Ruger on the opposite wing. Sliding right past his defender, Toone effortlessly laid the shot in. Malad cut the gap on the scoreboard to just 3 points as the game wound down, Ruger hitting a bonus shot and Green turning an offensive rebound into a follow-up shot, before trailing at the half 23-28.
The Trojans regained momentum in the third quarter, edging the Dragons 20–12. Undeterred, the MHS team closed strong with 24 points in the fourth, ending the game down 59-69.
While the loss was disappointing, Malad shot efficiently from the floor, finishing 22-for-53 (42%), just under Wendell’s 46%. Rebounding favored Malad, who held a 30–25 advantage, including 10 offensive rebounds.
Green led Malad with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Ruger Smith and Braun Nalder each added 14 points, with Smith also recording 3 steals. Toone pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, while Oak Smith contributed 5 assists.
The Dragons didn’t let the loss hold them back as they responded in definitive fashion against Aberdeen, delivering a dominant 75–38 victory fueled by defensive pressure and balanced offense.
It was Malad this time that set the tone early,
jumping out to a 25–8 first-quarter lead. The Dragons were hot on the shot, but the key to their strong performance was their team execution. Threading the passes in just right, finding the open man, and creating openings for their teammates made racking up the points an easy feat for the MHS team.
In the opening quarter, Malad pounded the paint, Green, Oak Smith, Ruger Smith and others slipped intentionally made passes to their teammates like Toone, Peterson and Nalder under the hoop for easy buckets.
Their work on the inside allowed for openings on the outside, nicely depicted by senior guard Ky Willie. Running their offensive sets, Willie perfectly sealed his man on the elbow to set the scene for Dawson Beutler to drain a three he otherwise wouldn’t have been open for. Likewise, Wilie made the pass down to Nalder at the short corner before setting the screen for Nalder on his scoring drive to the basket. Their team focused play led to a 48–20 advantage into halftime.
The Dragons continued to dictate the pace in the third quarter, expanding their lead against Aberdeen 23–9. Not only was the MHS offense firing on all cylinders but their defense turned out to just be too much for the Tigers. Playing into the third quarter, Oak Smith easily picked off the dribble of the Abderdeen ball handler, pushing a few dribbles down the court before sending it across to Peterson cutting down the left lane.
Under the basket, Toone used his size to his advantage, blocking the ball in multiple attempted shots, his teammates recovering the loose ball. Reading the passes, Green interrupted the passing lanes, even jumping to deflect passes meant to be high over his
head. The Dragons keen awareness of the court and their opponents led them to decisive defensive coverage that ultimately held the Tigers to just 38 points, a stark contrast to their 75.
Defensively, Malad limited Aberdeen to 29% shooting from the field and just 14% from three-point range. The MHS team shot 43% overall and converted 71% of its free throws (20-for-28). Turnovers proved decisive, as Malad forced 29 Aberdeen turnovers while committing just 13. Malad’s defensive effort was highlighted by 18 steals and 4 blocks, while the team shared the ball effectively with 22 assists.
Beutler led Malad with 14 points and 2 blocks. Ruger Smith added 13 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals, while Green and Peterson each scored 11 points. Toone contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, with Nalder added 7 points and 5 rebounds.
As the Dragons continue to battle through injury and illness, they have proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with on the court. Head Coach Zach Beutler commented, “Again we are pleased with where the guys are at and how they are playing. If they continue to tighten things up we will be positioned well in the seeding for the district tournament. Due to injuries the boys have been forced into roles the last several weeks that have required them to grow in ways that have benefited them individually and as a team.”
The Dragons have just three games before they will start into their post-season play. As their conference games begin to wind down, the MHS team will take on West Side, hosted by the Pirates on Wednesday, February 4th before traveling to Soda Springs for their second matchup against the Cardinals on Friday.
Lady Dragons undefeated in conference play
BY ALLISON ELIASON
The Lady Dragons finished their regular season undefeated in conference play as they delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night against the Soda Springs Cardinals, defeating them 52–22 behind relentless defense, balanced scoring, and control of the boards.
Malad set the tone early, in the game, jumping out to a 17–11 lead after the first quarter before tightening defensively in the second. Nearly a minute into the game, Brynnlee Jones put the first points on the scoreboard as she hit a three pointer from the right corner. Mikell Keetch brought the ball down, dribbling to the right off the screen from Kiley Miller. Finding Izzy Haycock open on the right wing, she connected with the pass. Jones popped out, completely unguarded, catching Haycock’s pass for a smooth shot.
The Cardinals high-pressure defense made every score hard earned for the MHS team. The Malad offense executed at a high level, finessing every pass, move and shot to make any headway at the basket. Keetch was especially hard for the Soda Springs defense to rein in, going 2/2 at the free throw line, driving to the basket for lay-ins while also hitting from behind the arc.
The Lady Dragons held Soda Springs to just 3 points in the second quarter while adding 13 of their own to take a 30–14 lead into halftime. The effective MHS offense couldn’t be attributed to a single player as five of the Lady Dragons found scoring opportunities throughout the quarter. Jones made another big splash with a three pointer from the top of the key as the second quarter began, the senior going 4/7 (57%) on arc shots for the night.
Defensive hustle and offensive shifted into a number of scoring opportunities for the MHS team. Miller converted her signature in-your-face defense into a 2 vs 1 lay-in finish at the other end of the court. Liv Nelson made the most of her rebounding, defensively taking possession while also adding second chance baskets for Malad.
Changing tactics in some regards during the second quarter, pulling off their full court pressure and turning to various half court defenses, Malad continued to control the tempo in the second half. Focusing on set execution, the Lady Dragons patiently created
scoring opportunities. Working through their play of one particular instance, Keetch dribbled the ball to the right wing as her teammates maneuvered around the court. The Cardinal defense flowed along, seemingly stopping the play’s objective when Haycock came cutting down the right lane, receiving the pass from Keetch for a simple scoop shot for two points.
The Lady Dragons outscored Soda Springs 16–6 in the third quarter, beginning the final period of the game 46-20. Midway through the fourth quarter, Malad found themselves up 50-21 before having a baseline inbound opportunity under their own basket. Sealing her defender behind her, Jette Nelson caught the pass from Haycock to add two more points to the MHS score and put them up by 31 points. Triggering the running clock, the final minutes of the game saw Soda Springs add only one point to their score, the Lady Dragons closing the game with a 6–2 fourth quarter to secure the 30-point win.
Defensively, Malad limited Soda Springs to just 7-for-46 shooting from the field (15%), including 4-for-26 from three-point range. The MHS team finished 21-for-55 (38%) from the floor and 5-for-16 (31%) from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, Malad capitalized on opportunities, going 5-for6 (83%), while Soda Springs struggled at 4-for-14 (29%).
Rebounding proved to be a major advantage for Malad, who out-rebounded Soda Springs 41–21. The Lady Dragons grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and 29 defensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities while limiting Soda Springs to one-shot possessions. Ball movement and defensive pressure were also key, as Malad recorded 16 assists, 11 steals, and 6 blocks, forcing 16 Soda Springs turnovers.
Individually, Keetch led all scorers with 17 points (100%), adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Jones followed with 12 points and 5 rebounds, providing consistent scoring inside. Haycock posted a well-rounded performance with 6 points, 4 rebounds, a team-high 5 assists, and 3 steals, whileMiller added 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Liv Nelson anchored the defense with a game-high 11 rebounds and 4 blocks, while also contributing 4 points and 2 assists.
As a team, the Lady Dragons finished the 52 point game, 40 rebounds, 14 assists, 9 steals, 7 deflections, and 4 blocks—numbers that reflect the depth, defen-
sive intensity, and unselfish play that defined the night.
The game left Malad undefeated (9-0) in conference play with an end of season record of 19-2. The two losses the Lady Dragons suffered were at the hands of Bear Lake, who they split games with season, and the 6A Lehi Pioneers for a combined loss of only 10 points.
The night also recognized the seniors of the MHS team, Izzy Haycock, Brynnlee Jones, Mikell Keetch, Kiley Miller and Liv Nelson. After the game, Head Coach Trevor Jones shared about the night with a chuckle, “Ya so many emotions about senior night. I think I stood too close to the fog machine and something got in my eyes!”
Commenting on his team he said, “What a journey! It has been such a process to see them from the early years and to see their transformation into becoming not only great players, but most importantly, just great human beings! Couldn’t ask for better leaders and teammates.”
He continued, “They show up, put in the work and have FUN doing it! I’m truly grateful to be a part of it. Can’t wait to see what they will accomplish. They have BIG goals and still have a couple big ones still to accomplish in the next couple of weeks!”
The Lady Dragons now move into their post-season tournament play, beginning with their first district tournament game on Thursday, February 5. As the #1 seed of the district, the MHS team will host the game and looks to play the winner of the Soda Springs vs West Side game. Winning the game would advance them to the championship game held Monday, February 9.
BY ALLISON ELIASON
It was a long week for the Dragon wrestling team as they pushed through four days of back to back wrestling. Across the six dual matchups and two day tournament, the MHS team and individual wrestlers gained big wins. The most notable feat of it all was the undefeated record the varsity team accomplished, claiming the WIN in every dual contest as well as the weekend closing tournament.
The busy week began in Aberdeen on Wednesday, January 28 as Malad matched up in dual meets against the hosting team and the Declo Hornets. Taking the mats first against the Hornets, the MHS team went 66-21. In an even more dominating fashion, Malad held Aberdeen to just 12 points in their next dual while they tallied 75 points of their own.
Thursday, the team traveled to West Side High School to compete in the 3A 5th district duals. There they went head to head against teams in the district, sweeping the contest as they defeated Grace (75-10), Soda Springs (70-12), West Side (74-9), and North Gem (84-6).
The highlight of the week came at the Battle for the Buckle wrestling tournament held Friday and Saturday at Sugar Salem High School. Out of 16 competing teams, Malad scored an impressive 333.5 points—127.5 points ahead of the second-place team—and produced 20 individual medalists, including 6 champions.
At 113lbs, senior Jack Willie went undefeated through the championship round, going 14-0 in points against his opponents. Riggin Montgomery, wrestling at 126lbs, defeated wrestlers from Sugar/Salem,
Another busy week of wrestling Senior Night
BY ALLISON ELIASON
With the winter sports season winding down, the Malad Dragon teams, coaches and fans took a moment to pause and recognize a number of outgoing senior athletes at the Lady Dragon basketball game on Wednesday, January 28.
During the pre-game warm ups, the MHS girls basketball athletes were celebrated, including Izzy Haycock, Brynnlee Jones, Mikell Keetch, Kiley Miller and Liv Nelson. Each of them shared highlights of their MHS basketball ca -
Idaho Falls, Teton, and Blackfoot to claim the number one spot. Parker Price ended on top, literally, in the 150lb bracket, trading takedowns and escapes in his championship match to win by points, 11-5. Allowing only 4 points in contrast to his 30, Drake Morrison dominated the 157lb bracket. Rounding out the gold medal finishers, Oakley Maddox went 3-0, his opponents including the #6 ranked wrestlers from Butte County, Teagan Babcock.
The Lady Dragons had an equally successful week on the mats as they too competed in the district duals and a weekend tournament. Thursday, the MHS girls wrestling team swept their district opponents in a dominating fashion. They started the meet by going undefeated against all West Side wrestlers (43-0). They finished the meet defeating Soda Springs (36-11) and Grace (42-23) to claim the District Duals champion titles.
Malad competed over the weekend at Burley High School’s Mountain invitational tournament where the Lady Dragons had a solid overall showing across the weights. The two day tournament was highlighted by two podium finishes and several bonus-point wins.
Aubrey Shulz led the way in the 140lb bracket to a third-place finish and 22 team points, while Bella Smith powered her way to second place at 235lbs, scoring 24 points with multiple falls on her run to the finals.
Several others made deep consolation runs and added valuable points, including Kenadee Howe (10 points at 135), Katy Carter and Harlee Maddox (8 points each at 120 and 125), Somerli Nalder (6 at 115), Jenetta Jacaway (6.5 at 155), and Katie
reer, advice to current and future players, as well as their hopeful future plans.
As the game broke for half time, the Malad cheer team and Dragonettes recognized their seniors as well. To great applause, two cheerleaders- Isabella Snow and Rebecca McCracken- came center stage, sharing memories of their time cheering from the sidelines, competitions,and everything in between in addition to their intentions following graduation.
Jaylee Ekstrom was the lone senior Dragonette, walking to center
Palmer (4 at 105). Across the lineup, Malad consistently scored through pins and techs, showing depth, toughness, and the ability to battle back after early losses.
After so many meets and tournaments away, the Dragon wrestling teams will return home for their senior night and Cal Willie Memorial duals on Wednesday, February 4. The MHS girls wrestling team will also compete in the upcoming Kimberly tournament held Saturday, February 7.
Aberdeen Duals
Malad 66 Declo 21
Malad 75 Aberdeen 12
District Duels in West Side
Malad 75 Grace 10
Malad 70 Soda Springs 12
Malad 74 West Side 9
Malad 84 North Gem 6
court to be recognized with her parents as well as her sister and fellow MHS drill teammate where her favorite lessons and memories, along with her post-graduation hopes were shared. Throughout their time competing and representing Malad, these Lady Dragon athletes have exemplified the greatest attributes of MHS students- training, playing, and contending at the highest level of expectation, dedication, sacrifice and drive. All these athletes will be truly missed by their teammates, coaches, and Malad Dragon fans.
Battle for the Buckle team Champions
The Lady Dragons as the 25/26 3A 5th District Dual champions.
A candid moment with senior cheerleaders Isabella Snow and Rebecca McCracken.
Dragonette senior Jaylee Ekstrom with her family.
Girls basketball seniors Liv Nelson, Brynnlee Jones, Izzy Haycock, Kiley Miller, and Mikell Keetch