The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
June 11, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 24
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Shootings in Ohio
It was hot, but then again it IS summer! a breeze kept things manageable, but even without it would have been a cool place to be on Saturday as southern Idaho’s premier Car Show filled downtown.
Car Show celebrates 35 years! The Malad Classic Car Show filled Main Street on Saturday, as hundreds of people made their way into town for the annual first weekend of the June event. This year marked an impressively large, round-numbered benchmark, 35 years. The show was as fantastic as always, with a mix of local and out of town car owners competing in a range of categories for a trophy made by Malad’s own Kristi Christofersen. In addition to celebrating 35 years, the show was also one to remember as a celebration of America 250, the Oneida Quilt Guild show, and the Dyno on hand from Boost for Therapy and Bearded Burnouts, which kept a crowd at KC Oil all afternoon to watch horsepower testing. Although the pride in taking home a trophy is significant, most of the participants in the Malad Classic seem to be more interested in being among fellow car enthusiasts than the prize itself. Still, prizes never hurt! A list of category winners is as follows: People’s Choice, Valerie McBride (1930 Ford Model A); Bike, Braxden Kaufman (1966 HD Custom); Young Guns (18 and under), Rasp Carter (1982 Chevy Caprice); Limited Production, Ed Hutchinson (1966 Ford Cobra); Factory Stock, Daniel Bybee (1966 Ford F-100); Tri-Five, Bret Feller (1955 Chevy Wagon); Rat Rod, Ross and Laura Kidman (1934 Ford Pickup); Modern Muscle, Scott Conley (2002 Pontiac TransAm Firehawk); Traditional Custom, Larry Hansen (1970 Chevy K10); Modified Classic, Shane Price; Spirit of the Car Show, Cheyenne; and Best of Show, Richard Baker (1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe). The Malad Classic also gave a public forum to others who were looking to tell people about their own projects and community concerns. Included were Lon Colton and Shanci
Richard Baker places his Best in Show trophy down next to his 1934 Ford Coupe.
Dorius, representing Oneida County’s America 250 committee, the Quilt Club (which featured an patriotic America250 quilt selection), the Fair board annual fair raffle, and more. Right across the street at KC Oil, there was a steady crowd all day for “Dyno Days,” which was a joint production of Broderic Braegger with Boost for Therapy and locals Allen Nimer and Jacob Hardy with Bearded Burnouts. Over the course of the afternoon, contestatnts were given a chance to test their car against the field and against the “house” vehicles for bragging rights and cash. Contestants each got 2 chances for $80 to get an accurate number for their vehicle’s maxiCAR SHOW On Page 9
America 250 events this weekend It’s almost finally…almost here! Oneida County has taken the mission of creating an amazing celebration of the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence to heart, and while a number of events have already contained elements of A250 celebration, the community’s “official” kickoff day is this Saturday, June 13. The celebration begins at Malad City Park at 5:00 p.m., where a “Food Truck Rally” is scheduled to provide tastes to satisfy most any appetite. Trucks have been coordinated to make sure there is as much variety as possible, and the weather should be just right for eating, because how could it not be? In addition, bounce houses will be available with a $7 unlimited jump pass. The newly opened playground at the park will of course also be open to everyone. The centerpiece of the evening will be the culminating event of the Race For Independence, which can be found at maladrace.org. As explained last week, the Oneida County Race for Independence is a community event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Inspired by the hit television show, The Amazing Race, teams of four will compete in a fast-paced adventure across Oneida County tackling a series of America 250-themed challenges. Teams will meet at the Presbyterian Church at 5 S. Main (please park in the courthouse parking lot and walk over to the church) at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 13, 2026. They’ll be given clues to various locations around the county. At each location, they’ll compete in a challenge designed to test a wide range of skills — physical, mental, and teamwork-based — so every member of your team will have a chance to shine, and win $500 as a team. ($250 for the second place team.) Organizers are planning to announce the winners of the race that night at 8:30 pm as part of the America 250 kick-off cele-
Arsonist trial begins
A Los Angeles man accused of starting the devastating Palisades Fire is set to go on trial this week, more than a year after the blaze killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Federal prosecutors allege that Jonathan Rinderknecht ignited a smaller fire on New Year's Day 2025 that continued smoldering underground before erupting into the massive Palisades Fire six days later. Investigators claim Rinderknecht had a long-standing fascination with fire and was angry and frustrated in the days leading up to the blaze. Prosecutors say surveillance video places Rinderknecht near the fire's origin and that he later returned to record video of firefighters battling the flames. They have also cited his online searches related to alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione and anti-wealth sentiments as evidence of a possible motive. A judge has already barred prosecutors from presenting AI-generated images allegedly created by Rinderknecht depicting cities burning. If convicted, he faces between five and 45 years in federal prison.
Zverev wins French Open
Shanci Dorius and Lon Colton represented America 250 during the show, raffling off T-shirts and giving away stickers.
bration at the city park. Teams need to be made up of 4 members who are at least 15 years old. Each team will need to have their own vehicle to drive to each of the challenges. The driver must be a member of the team and also be at least 18 years old. The challenges may require getting wet, so please come prepared. Whether you’re a history buff, a fitness enthusiast, or just love a good competition, the Race for Independence is a unique way to honor 250 years of American history right here in our community. Racers should bring a water bottle and snacks. There will be places to fill bottles at each challenge location. The orgaA250 On Page 9
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Samaria...............................................Pg. 2 “Downwinder” funds............................Pg. 4 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
A shooting near the annual Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, left 12 people injured on June 6 and prompted a large-scale search for at least two suspects. Authorities said the gunfire erupted near the popular community festival, which features live music, food, art, and activities for families. Investigators believe the incident began when two individuals exchanged gunfire, with bystanders caught in the crossfire. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, and two people were reported in critical condition. No deaths have been reported. Witnesses described scenes of panic as festivalgoers ran for cover and emergency responders rushed to assist the wounded. Despite heavy traffic and road closures associated with the event, first responders were able to transport all victims to area hospitals within about an hour. Police have asked attendees to provide photos, videos, or other information that could help identify those responsible. As of Sunday, no arrests had been announced and the investigation remained active. Authorities continue to believe the shooters were targeting each other rather than the festival itself, but the incident has renewed concerns about gun violence at large public gatherings.
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Parade Route.................................... Pg. 12
Alexander Zverev finally captured the first Grand Slam title of his career on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a dramatic five-set French Open final at Roland Garros. Zverev won 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 to claim the championship after previously falling short in three major finals. The victory was especially meaningful for the 29-year-old German, who suffered a devastating ankle injury at the French Open in 2022 and had endured years of near misses at tennis’ biggest events. After dominating early, Zverev saw Cobolli battle back and force a deciding fifth set before the German regained control and cruised to victory. The win makes Zverev the first German man in 30 years to win a Grand Slam title and completes one of the sport’s longest-awaited breakthroughs.