Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
July 10, 2025 |Vol. 145 No. 28
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF
Authorities Search for Murder Suspect Travis Decker in Idaho
The American Legion led the parade through Malad on the 4th
4th of July
Independence Day is one of the biggest days of the year for Oneida County, and as it always is, this year’s celebration was packed with events. Because of the amount of things that happened, the timing of the event this year, and other things that also need to be covered, we are presenting an overview of some of the parade’s elements in this issue with the promise of more to come in the next few weeks. In this issue, we cover the Fourth of July Melodrama, along with the exciting news of the auditorium being dedicated in honor of Kay and Gene Caldwell. We also bring you pictures of the winners of softball, kickball, and leapfrog Grand Marshals Dennis and Sherrie Evans. events. The last pages in the paper this week were already set aside to bring you the remaining Rec League pictures from last week, so we won’t have space for a full rundown of the Kids’ parade that took place on July 3, Malad’s Got Talent, the Hypnotist at the Park, the Fun Run, and a number of other events that took place over the weekend. Despite some rain throughout the day, the parade went off without a hitch, so to speak. Hess Pumice took first place in the floats, followed by the Frozen Cow and Edith’s. This year’s parade also saw floats with the Grand Marshals Dennis and Sherrie Evans, the Honored Veteran Rick Madsen, and the Honored Pioneer Patsy Bybee, as well as other VIPs. The Committee in charge of planning and fundraising for a new playground at the city park also had a float in this year’s parade, and we will cover that story in coming weeks. Volunteers of the Year Doug and Dianne Adams with MayWhile it would be nice to be able to get everything in one or Joan Hawkins. issue, it’s a better problem to have too much stuff than not More 4th of July pictures on page 2 enough, so here you are for this week, and look forward to more next week!
Iron Door auditorium dedicated at melodrama performance Over 30 years ago, when Gene and Kay Caldwell moved back to their hometown after Gene retired as a civil engineer, they soon realized that there was no community theater in Malad. Even opportunities for young people were limited after the drama program at Malad High School ended when the drama teacher left a few years later. While living in Whittier, California, and then Tacoma, Washington, Gene and Kay worked with Road Shows in their church wards and learned about amateur theater. With their amazing knack for getting things done once they were back in Malad, they soon worked with Malad City and Oneida County to purchase the former J.C. Penney/
Malad Department Store building in downtown Malad and proceeded to turn it into the Iron Door Playhouse. While bringing together many community members also interested in theater, Gene’s talent for designing and building coupled with Kay’s creativity resulted in a theater where plays, musicals, youth productions, and melodramas were soon entertaining hundreds of residents and guests. In addition, community theater provided opportunities for adults and youth to act, direct, build sets, design costumes, and learn about sound and light technology. IRON DOOR On Page 3
The U.S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is seeking public help to locate Travis Decker, a 32-year-old wanted on three counts of murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection with the May 30 deaths of his daughters Paityn (5), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (9) in Chelan County, Washington. A recent sighting was reported on July 5 in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. A family described seeing a man matching Decker’s description: white male, 5′8″–5′10″, overgrown beard, ponytail, dressed in black and cream, and carrying a black JanSport backpack. The man avoided eye contact and did not respond when spoken to. Decker is known to have military training and wilderness survival skills, and has previously lived off-grid. This is the second sighting in Idaho; a prior report in McCall in June was ruled out. Officials are investigating this new lead and urge anyone with information to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-800-336-0102.
Devastating Floods in Central Texas Claim Over 100 Lives
Central Texas is mourning the loss of at least 109 lives after catastrophic flash flooding struck the Guadalupe River region late last week. The disaster has particularly impacted Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio, where Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, was overwhelmed by the rising waters. Among the confirmed dead are 27 children and camp counselors. Authorities report that ten girls and one counselor remain missing. Search and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly despite difficult terrain and the threat of additional rainfall. Local officials have described the scene as one of heartbreak and devastation. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said crews are navigating dangerous conditions to search for survivors and recover those lost. “This will be a rough week,” he said during a press conference Monday. “We need your prayers.” One of the most tragic losses was Dick Eastland, 70, who had co-directed Camp Mystic for decades with his wife. He was reportedly swept away while trying to rescue campers. With more rain forecasted and rescue efforts ongoing, communities across Texas are bracing for continued challenges, and holding onto hope.
Triple-Digit Heat Returns to ID
The new plaque at the Iron Door Playhouse honors longtime supporters Kay and Gene Caldwell.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Independence Day Celebrations.........Pg. 2 Melodrama Report...............................Pg. 3 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Allison Eliason.....................................Pg. 9 City League Teams....................... Pg. 11-12
Southern Idaho is facing dangerously hot and dry conditions this week, prompting weather alerts: A Heat Advisory is in effect for the Treasure Valley from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, with temperatures reaching up to 106°F in areas like Emmett and Ontario. The heat poses risks to children, the elderly, pets, and anyone spending time outdoors. People are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, avoid leaving people or pets in vehicles.