Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
September 22, 2022 |Vol. 142 No. 38
$1.00
NEWS IN BRIEF
Gas Prices continue to fall for second month
The average price of gas in the U.S. was reported as $3.68/ gallon this week, which is well under Idaho’s current average of $4.41/gallon. As of Monday, Malad’s prices were noted at $4.19. Gas prices have continued to decline as a result of a number of factors, including reduced demand, the opening of the oil reserve, and stabilization in some foreign oil markets. Analysts expect the price to continue falling for the foreseeable future.
Former Funeral director due in court
Raul Labrador speaks at the Constitution Day Celebration on Saturday
Constitution Day Celebration at Malad City Park On Saturday, members of the public attended a Constitution Day celebration in the park. The event, which was revived after a several year hiatus, involved patriotic musical numbers, youth essay contests winners, local speakers, and Guest Speaker Raul Labrador, candidate for Idaho Attorney General. The event was originally the brainchild of Larry Ward, and was revived by organizer Brian Jeppson this year to bring back the tradition. “We had it going for a couple years, and then I don’t know exactly what happened. Like happens, I think we all just got too busy. But we figured ‘let’s bring it back’. And a lot of people volunteered and seemed excited to get it going again. We want to start this celebration again as a county holiday, and a national holiday,” Jeppson said. A number of volunteers, including Mayor Hawkins, Art Martinez, Pastor Jack Harwell, Toni Werk, Ken and Kristy Eliason, and others were on hand to cook and serve chili dogs to the assembled crowd of several dozens of attendees. After a welcome by Republican Committee Chair Larry Oja and an
Idaho Supreme Court overturns visitation law for grandparents
Harry Sherman plays while local volunteers dish out chili dogs to hungry attendees invocation by Victory Baptist’s Pastor Jack Harwell, this year’s organizer Brian Jeppson provided some remarks on the nature and meaning of the celebration. Jeppson explained that while the Republic was born after the Revolutionary war, it took several more years to fully complete the Constitution, leading to a September 17,
1787 birthday. He reiterated that it was more important than ever to read and understand the document in order to understand our country. Small copies of the Constitution were available to all interested. The event was CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATION On Page 2
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk Last week, the Oneida County Hospital and a number of other sponsors put on the annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk. The event is part of a national movement to raise awareness about the prevalence of suicide in the U.S., as well as strategies for helping those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The event is also a platform for spreading awareness of resources available to those affected by suicide. Free T-shirts with the slogan “You are Enough” were handed out to the dozens of attendees who filled the High School auditorium. The many sponsors also staffed booths that provided information on the local resources for suicide prevention. After a speech, the event turned into a solemn SUICIDE PREVENTION WALK On Page 9
Downard Funeral Director Lance Peck returned to a Bannock County courtroom this week for a pre-trial conference. The defense attorneys for Peck had asked for a pre-trial conference due to the large number of documents involved in the case. Peck was granted a delay, in order for his lawyers to examine the over 4,500 documents in evidence. Peck is accused of a number of crimes related to negligent storage of remains and interference with burial. The Downard Funeral Home was closed last year as police investigated a number of improperly stored corpses at the location.
Last week, the Idaho Supreme Court overturned a law that granted visitation rights to grandparents over the objections of the children’s parents. The initial case arose as a result of Denis and Linda Nelson seeking visitation with their grandchildren despite what the parents claimed were violations of their boundaries by the grandparents, and a fractious relationship that they did not feel was healthy for their children. The case has been through any levels of litigation and appeal, but the state high court declared the visitation law on the books unconstitutional and the case itself was dismissed.
INL researchers creates 3-D fossils
Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory have figured out a way to use high resolution X-ray microscopy, which is typically used to examine samples of irradiated nuclear fuel, to examine the minute details of ancient fossils. The device allows scientists to examine the submillimeter level of material in fossils, which provides significantly more detail than previous imaging methods. Eventually, the scanned images will be used to create rotating 3-D holograms for display at Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming.
Idaho signs deal with Taiwan over wheat
The Remembrance Walk honors those whose lives have ended too early and promotes awareness
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE THIS WEEK Day of Service, cont'd ..........................Pg.2 BLM Prescribed Burn...........................Pg.4 Puzzles..................................................Pg.6
Football.............................................................Pg.11 Dragons Doings................................................Pg.11 HS Rodeo and Volleyball................................Pg.12
Governor Brad Little singed a two-year agreement supporting wheat sales to Taiwan last week. About half of Idaho’s wheat is exported every year, with Taiwan having been the second biggest buyers of the crop for over 40 years. Canada is the top importer of Idaho wheat. Taiwan was happy to lock in the deal, as Russian wheat crops have been affected by Russia’s current war against Ukraine.