Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
July 18, 2024 |Vol. 144 No. 28
Gran Fondo makes its way through the town despite heat As many of those on hand to volunteer noted, this year’s Gran Fondo saw fewer people roll through town than it often does, as a direct consequence about concerns over excessive heat along the course. While temperatures during the morning hours remained within average parameters, they had soared by the afternoon. Racers were advised to make sure they were healthy enough for the 100 mile race (the one that passes through Malad as its halfway point), and had adequate access to hydration. The rest, recovery, and medical station at the City Park in Malad once again provided all of the preceding, with its standard lay out of Uncrustables, fruits, granola bars, electrolyte drinks, meat and cheese, licorice, and of course, pickles. There were plenty of racers who clearly needed the liquid and sustenance, but the race began earlier than usual in order to attempt to “beat the heat” and for the most part it appears to have worked. The aid station that had been set up to provide immediate care for heat-related conditions was briefly used a few times, though the majority of medical attention went to minor scrapes and cuts, and the dispensing of ibuprofen. Several rider wrecks were reported over the radio, though none of them were related to incidents in the Malad area, and none of them were serious or life-threatening. The Gran Fondo is a large fundraiser for cancer research, and raises thousands of dollars among its hundreds of entrants toward the cause. The Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital is a sponsor and partner of the
One of the first groups made its way into town early Saturday for a quick stop before heading out on the next 50 miles of the race.
event, and has been involved in providing a mid-point station in the race for around a decade. Many riders expressed their appreciation for the services provided, and more than one claimed that the Malad stop was the best part of the race. Hospital CEO John Williams explained the set up for heat issues. “We’ve got a quick care station here on the stage,” he said, pointing to a blanket which had been set up on the stage of the pavilion. The blanket sat next to a fan, and monitoring equipment, hydration materials, and other first aid supplies were within reach. “We haven’t had to use it yet, but everything is ready for when we do.” Certified PA Bo Clark from the hospital was also on hand to provide medical intervention as needed. While he didn’t have to perform any emergency surgery or use anything as serious as the defibrillator at the emer-
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Attempted assassination of former President Trump
On July 13, 2024, during Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired at Trump resulting in a shot to his right ear. Trump was seen grabbing his ear with blood going down his face. He was able to be escorted by the Secret Service off the stage. Two spectators were injured, and one was pronounced deceased. The two injured were David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, from Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The deceased victim was identified as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore. The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks was killed by the Secret Service moments after the shots were fired. The Secret Service is now facing serious questions about the handling of security over the rally. The FBI is leading the investigation and the site is now an active crime scene.
Semi catches fire and blocks lane on I-15
Bo Clark offers first aid to Yani from Ogden, who had a small finger absrasion. GRAN FONDO On Page 3
Summer Heat raises concerns; Cooling Centers open The Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department is one of the many organizations that have raised concerns about health and safety during the hottest months of the year. From now until the beginning of September, the National Weather Service has advised residents that temperatures are likely to remain high and dry. Last week, the NWS issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for the majority of Southeast Idaho. While this has many implications, such as the potential for wildfires, the effect on summer crops and water availability and evaporation, scheduled outdoor event precautions, pet care, and so on, the immediate concern is to the public’s exposure to heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two most common heat-related conditions that occur during weather in the sustained high range at or near the century mark of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Last week, unofficially recorded temperatures across southeast Idaho met and exceeded that mark, with official weather reports within a degree in many towns. According to the SIPH (Southeastern Idaho Public Health) “During excessively high temperatures, health risks associated with heat-related illness are significantly heightened, particularly for infants and children under age 5, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues. Residents are encouraged to check in on the well-being of any vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbors during times of extreme heat.” As a result of concern, “Effective immediately, Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) has launched a Cooling Center during the area’s heatwave at their Pocatello location at 1901 Alvin Ricken Drive. The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories for much of southeast Idaho. The Cooling Center is free and open to the public during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People are welcome to come in and get out of the heat. The Cooling Center will provide air conditioning, water, snacks, basic activities (coloring books, games, etc.), bathrooms, seating and the ability to charge cell phones. SIPH has plans to open its doors as a Cooling Center during the summer anytime the temperature is above 90 degrees.” SIPH Director, Maggie Mann says, “Historically, this
weather is not typical for southeast Idaho. We have a lot of housing without air conditioning, which is a concern for all people, and in particular, our most vulnerable populations. We are offering up our facility as a Cooling Center as a safe space to prevent the effects of extreme weather conditions.” While anyone is invited to the Pocatello Cooling Center, it is clear that an hour plus long bus ride to sit in a cool room is not an especially efficient means of combatting heat. Luckily, local branches of the SIPH are also opening their doors to local residents to cool down if they need to. All of the member counties will open their doors to the public for cooling down, grabbing some water, and lowering their core temperatures to safe levels. Franklin, Oneida, Caribou, Bear Lake, and Bingham counties will all provide space and amenities, though what is available beyond a cool environment varies from location to location. In most cases, other public buildings (such as libraries, public city and county buildings, and so on) can also be sought for relief from the heat during excessively hot days. For more information, you can contact your local SIPH office, or Tracy Reed at the main office at (208) 239-5250.
4th of July Fun Run.............................Pg. 2 Darlene Nielsen’s adventures..............Pg. 4 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Ranch Dress Code..............................Pg. 8 Volunteers of the Year......................... Pg. 12
Clinical services nurse Taia Murray at the Oneida County SIPH office is ready to welcome anyone in need of cooling services during posted hours.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE
A tractor-trailer caught fire Sunday south of the Shelly 108 exit on I-15. On social media platform X, Idaho State Police confirmed a “vehicle fire and two vehicle crash on southbound I-15 at milepost 102”. They also said, “Southbound I-15 at exit 108 has been closed. Prepare to stop, slow down or have alternate route available.” A fire was ignited in the sagebrush from the burning trailer. The Bureau of Land Management was handling the fire and they got it under control.
Car drives into geyser pool in Yellowstone National Park
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, a car drove off the road and into a Semi-Centennial Geyser thermal pool in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming. Five people were in the car and all got out on their own and were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Law enforcement rangers closed the road to safely get the car out of the geyser. The vehicle was about 9 feet under water. The roadway was reopened and the incident is now under investigation.
Actress Shannen Doherty dead at 53
After a nine year battle with breast cancer, the beloved actress from “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed”, Shannen Doherty, has died. Shannen’s publicist said, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease”. Doherty was first diagnosed in 2015 and was in remission two years later. In 2020 she had announced the cancer had returned and was now stage 4. In June of 2023 she shared the cancer had spread to her brain. Doherty had appeared in many movies and T.V. shows, some of these include “Father Murphy”, “Little House on the Prairie”, “Our House”, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, and “Heathers”.