Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
April 13, 2023 |Vol. 143 No. 15
Easter Egg Hunt
$1.00
NEWS IN BRIEF Governor signs bill against vaccine requirements After the signing of Senate Bill 1130, most employers can no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a requirement for employment in Idaho. The bill prohibits private and public employers from requiring mandatory vaccination, though it does not apply to health care workers and a few other sectors of the workforce. Little, who had vetoed a similar bill last year, cited the decrease in COVID cases and the increased management capacity for the virus as his reasons.
Governor signs bill reducing oversight of Bear World
Go! Kids swarm the field.
tradition continues despite the snow!
Malad EMTs decided to ignore the snowcovered park and move forward with the tradition of an Easter egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter. The perimeter of the park was clear of snow, and organizers took advantage of those spots. They were filled with Easter eggs, Easter candy, and toys. It really wasn’t much of a “hunt”. There was something in almost every bare spot of ground, and kids swarmed the fields and had them all cleaned up in less than five minutes. There were lots of smiles and happy kids. The Easter Bunny was even flown in by Portneuf Medical Rescue. The helicopter landed on the west side of the park, and the Bunny had to trudge through deep snow to get to the kids. Many thanks to the EMTs for organizing the event, and for everyone that donated eggs and toys. There were lots of smiles as adults and children enjoyed a beautiful, spring day! More photos on page 2.
Record snowfalls in UT and CA expected to alleviate drought
Easter Bunny arrives via Portneuf Air Rescue
Evening of the Arts takes center stage The 10th annual Evening of the Arts, sponsored by the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, was held on Thursday, April 6, in the Malad Middle School. The large crowd enjoyed seeing the oil paintings of Joan Hawkins since few people knew that she had this talent. Brian Llewellyn’s bonsai plants were interesting to attendees as most Maladites had never seen such tiny, intricately trimmed plants. The photographs of Ron Spomer demonstrated why he has won so many awards for his outdoor and wildlife photography. Lad Neilson’s large decorative vases were enhanced by silk flowers provided by Daisy Hollow. Lad’s giant metal sculpture of the state of Idaho captured the attention of the attendees. Pat Werk’s leather belts, chaps and ranch chinks showed why he is selected to create leather work for a lot of cowboys and cowgirls.
Idaho Governor signed Senate Bill 1084, which would reduce the Fish and Game oversight of animal parks with a Class C Exhibitors License, and the regulation of such parks will now fall to the Department of Agriculture. Proponents of the bill say that the change will eliminate “unnecessary double regulation” by state and federal authorities. Opponents claims that the change may bring unintended consequences that will negatively affect conditions for animals at such parks. Fish and Game took a neutral position on the change, after having been assured that they would still be able to inventory animals at the facility.
The states of Utah and California have both recorded snowfall and precipitation levels breaking totals dating back over 60 years in 2023. Utah’s previous record of 28.8 inches in 1953 is expected to be broken by the end of the week. California’s record rains and snowfall this year have also created enough moisture to “completely alleviate drought conditions” according to the National Weather Service. Idaho has also received enough winter weather to move most counties, including Oneida, out of the severe drought categories.
Spring is finally in the forecast While it’s never safe to predict the weather in Idaho, at least according to the latest projections from the National Weather Service there’s a good chance that spring has finally sprung. Over the next two weeks, the average daily temperatures are expected to be in the 40s and 50s, with a few peaks in the 60s. It’s worth noting that snow and rain are anticipated today, but also that overnight lows should begin to stay above freezing starting next week. A very quick thaw will undoubtedly lead to flooding headaches and a turbulent early growing season, though the sight of the sun is some consolation.
Kayman Nimer, 4th grade, with the 4th grade art from the Evening of the Arts
The 4th graders’ chalk art of mountains backed by the Northern Lights showed how the students have learned about science and art. The
5th graders’ bunny silhouettes highlighted with colored chalk were a perfect backdrop for the Easter Bunny, who made an appearance
at the event and handed out bags of candy. EVENING OF THE ARTS On Page 3
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE THIS WEEK Junior Prom..........................................Pg.2 Mayor's Youth Council ........................Pg.3 Lincoln Day Dinner.............................. Pg.7
Lions 100th.......................................................Pg.9 Easter Sunrise Service....................................Pg.11 Sports...............................................................Pg.12
Idaho increases churchgoers Unlike most states across the country, Idaho managed to increase its percentage of those who claim to be religious and churchgoers in recent years. Eastern Idaho specifically has been noted as one of the regions of the country with an increase in the percentage of religious resident, bucking the national trend. The statewide percentage has increased by 4.2% since the year 2000, while it has declined by a similar amount across the country in that timeframe.