The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
April 16, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 16
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NEWS IN BRIEF Iran Update
The MHS Chamber Choir provided music for this year's Evening of the Arts, held at the Event Center last week.
Evening of the Arts returns to raise funds for Nell J Redfield
The 13th annual Evening of the Arts fundraiser for Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital was held last week, and brought many supporters out to enjoy fine art, the artists who made it, music, and auctions of the “live” and “silent” varieties. The auction tables were overflowing with auction baskets, and the live auction portion of the evening featured competitive bidding for some unique items by local donors and artists. Throughout the night, friends, family, providers, board members, artists, and interested members of the community mingled and spent a warm evening together supporting local artists and the hospital. Over the last decade-plus, the Evening of the Arts has provided an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents. This year, the focus was on Krystal Tavoian Fonnesbeck (drawing and painting), Nathan Maughan (metal work), Lloyd Bush (turquoise jewelry), Katie Tapp (oil painting), and Lisa Willie (photography). The artists were all present to talk about their art with the attendees, and many of them donated auction items for the evening as well. Artwork from a variety of students throughout the valley was also displayed during the evening. In addition to artwork, students were also involved in the form of the Consumer Science Class at Malad High School, who made the refresh-
ments, and the Malad High School Chamber Choir, who performed four numbers, “She’s Like a Swallow,” “Come to the Music,” Aloha ‘Oe,” and “Wayfaring Stranger” under the direction of Foster Garrett. The Evening of the Arts is the major fund raiser sponsored by the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the community was out in force in support. Silent auction tables buzzed all night long until the final bell, and after placing a bid the only option was to get back in line to make a new bid, since the first one would almost always have been beaten by the time you made it around again. Hospital CEO John Williams performed auctioneer duties, and kept the bidding lively, as bidders competed for original artwork including Dianne Adams paintings “Red Rock,” and “Sugar Pine,” a one of a kind bell crafted by artist Doug Adams, Jerry Camp’s painting “Solitude and Majesty,” Katie Tapp’s painting “The Barn,” Krystal Fonnesbeck’s “Lion” colored pencil work, a Blackstone Griddle from Ward’s Ace, a Camp Chef Smokepro from Hess Lumber, a Camp Chef Woodwind Pro Pellet Grill from Maddox Family Farms, and a Carbon fishing rod from Wasatch Rod Works. Members of the Foundation Board are Lynn Moore, Chair, Kallie Blaisdell, Bonnie John, Paula Davis, Deb-
bie Bean, Brandon Ekstrom, Jody Farr, Elvin Hill, Kathy Hubbard, Krista Karn, Grant Steed, John Williams, and Jean Thomas (ex officio). Hospital Board members are Shellee Daniels, Lance Bird, Susan Hill Krista Karn, Dan Bastian, Von Bean, Mary Lyndon, John Williams, and Bill Lewis. The following is a list of donors and sponsors of the event’s auction items: Agrisource, Allen Drug & Sue Evans, Bamma Wamma's, Basic American Foods, Black Swan, Boyer Welding - Parker Boyer, Brady's Plant Ranch, Broulim's, Burbidge Custom Timbers, City of Malad, Country ChemDry, CP Build, CWC, Daisy Hollow Floral & Gifts, Dan & Susan Williams, Davis Sod, Defend Pest & Lawn, Double or Nothing Wholesale, Edith's Collective, Emily Christiansen, Firth Cattle Company, Ganache Pastry & Gelato, Hair By Lisa, Haven Home Furnishings, Preston ID, Heather Phillips, Hess Lumber, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, InReach Lab Partners, J Peak Propane, John Wms. Properties, Kanine Korner, Krista Karn & Shelley Blaisdell, Kristi Christophersen, Lava Hot Springs, Legrande Aqua Plunge, Little Giant Ladder, Lloyd Bush, Malad Bowl, Malad Valley Dental Clinic, Minky EOTA On Page 3
Firth joins City Council for first full meeting City Councilmember Jaime Olsen attended her last city council meeting last month. Due to moving outside of the city limits, Olsen resigned from her position on the council, which she has held since 2022. Melissa Firth’s name was presented to the council for approval to complete Olsen’s term of office. Firth was approved unanimously, and after being sworn in began her duties as a councilmember. She joins Councilmember John Williams, who took his seat at the beginning of the year, as well as Tyrell Neal and Lance Tripp. For Firth it was something of a trial by fire, as the meeting was what some folks might call a barn-burner, but everyone could agree was nothing short of five hours. Judicial Confirmation The city held an informational meeting and hearing with the public several weeks ago to take input on the possibility of proceeding with the judicial
Newly sworn in councilmember Melissa Firth
confirmation process in lieu of a bond election to create the funding for a water project that will upgrade elements of the water system in order to create greater longevity for the infrastructure, reduce water loss, prevent catastrophic failure, and anticipate weather years like the present one seems to be. Krys-
tal Denney from SICOG spoke to the council regarding the decision to proceed with judicial confirmation for the water project, which would allow the city to pursue those goals while locking in a $1.1 million grant to reduce overall costs. Councilmember Neal noted that the questions at the meeting had been thoughtful, and that he felt that the opposition expressed was to the process rather than the goal. He reiterated the position that was was paramount was to provide “clean, safe drinking water to our residents.” Mayor Hawkins and the council noted that not many people attended the meeting, despite Facebook, website, newspaper, and other promotional announcements. A resolution to seek judicial confirmation passed a vote by the council. CITY COUNCIL On Page 4
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Water Supply Outlook..........................Pg. 2 Ag in the Legislature............................Pg. 3 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Dotty Evanson...................................Pg. 10 Sports..........................................Pgs. 11-12
Since last Thursday, the war involving Iran has rapidly escalated again after a brief attempt at de-escalation failed. A twoweek ceasefire agreed to last week quickly unraveled amid continued airstrikes and disputes over its scope, especially near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Over the weekend, negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed, primarily over disagreements about nuclear issues and control of regional shipping routes. In response, the United States initiated a major naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and maritime traffic, marking a significant escalation toward direct confrontation. The Hormuz crisis has intensified, threatening a key global oil chokepoint. Economic repercussions have followed immediately, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel and global markets destabilizing. The United Nations warns the conflict could push tens of millions into poverty, underscoring the widening global impact.
Artemis returns to Earth The Artemis II mission, completed over the weekend, marked humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon since Apollo 17. Four astronauts traveled aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft on a roughly 10-day mission, covering about 694,000 miles and reaching a record distance of over 250,000 miles from Earth. The spacecraft performed a lunar flyby, passing within a few thousand miles of the Moon and looping around its far side using a free-return trajectory. During the mission, the crew conducted scientific observations, captured detailed images, and tested critical systems such as navigation, life support, and the heat shield for reentry. Communication briefly blacked out while passing behind the Moon, as expected. The mission concluded with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Artemis II demonstrated that NASA can safely send humans into deep space, paving the way for future lunar landings.
Resignations add to chaotic election picture Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have recently resigned from their positions in the U.S. House of Representatives before completing their terms. Swalwell, a longtime representative from California, announced his resignation after a period of sustained public attention and scrutiny related to prior controversies connected to his tenure. Gonzales, who represented a large Texas district, stepped down following ongoing criticism and tensions tied to his legislative decisions and voting record. Both resignations trigger formal processes to fill their vacant seats, typically through special elections governed by state law. Until replacements are chosen, their districts remain without voting representation in the House. These departures mark notable shifts in congressional membership and come during a period of heightened political pressure and visibility for elected officials at the national level, underscoring the challenges associated with maintaining public office in a closely scrutinized environment.