The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
April 23, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 17
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NEWS IN BRIEF Gas prices likely to stay above $4
Tony McClain took groups of Scouts out on Devil Creek as part of the Spring Camporee Fishing Derby. The event brought in Scouts from the whole Scout Mountain District.
Scouts hit the water at Devil Creek
Over the weekend, the Scouts from Scout Mtn District descended on Sunrise Summit at Devil Creek campground area for a weekend Fishing Derby, and a chance to work on merit badges. Leaders Bill Lewis, Tony McClain, Joel Blackner and his dad Scott Blackner joined District representative Nathan Sechser and other leaders at the big event. The Scout Mountain region covers a large area, and includes Scouts from Malad, Downey, Marsh Valley area,
Soda Springs and Caribou County, American Falls, Pocatello, Preston. During the year, Scouts typically attend a Winter and Spring event, in addition to the summer Scout Camp activities. The Fishing Derby, held at the Sunrise Summit campground at Devil Creek, brought in close to 100 people, including scouts, leaders, and family, for a weekend on the reservoir and around the campfire. Carl Rudeen from American Falls explained that “three times a year,
we get together an have camporees. We have the Klondike derby in January, a Fall camporee, and this is our Spring camporee. And then in the summer, everybody goes to a week long camp.” “The camporees are a chance for all the troops to get together and have a bigger event than just a normal campout," he said. The Fishing Derby is designed for “teaching the skills involved in fishing,” Rudeen said. “Some of these kids have never been fishing, so we teach them how to bait a hook, and use their gear.” The Fishing merit badge includes catching a fish and releasing it, as well as catching a fish and eating it, so in the background of the morning, cheerful fires were going as the kids prepared their catches in aluminum foil for the cooking requirement. Bill Lewis reported that the fishing had been good on Friday, and early Saturday morning, but that by later morning, “I guess the fish are tired out and taking a break.” “They must have stayed up too late, just like the boys!” Nathan SCOUTS On Page 8
The Malad crew, with Joel and Scott Blackner.
A lot coming up in a busy week: candidates, music, and DYW
There is always a lot going on as the school year winds down and the summer growing season kicks into high gear, and that is certainly true of the week that we find ourselves in right now. Here’s a brief overview, and a quick guide to where more information can be found inside this edition of the paper. Coming up today, Thursday April 23, is a chance to meet the candidates for this year’s primary elections, coming up on May 19. The event is being held at the Oneida County Event Center at 6:30 p.m. The candidates on the ballot – whether they are running opposed or not - have been invited to the forum to introduce themselves to voters and answer questions. There are no primaries scheduled for other parties, so the Republican primary winners are more than likely to also be the single candidates on the ballot for their positions in November. As such, this is most voters’ main chance to have a say in who is selected to represent their interests in Oneida County. A Voters Guide was created by the County Clerk’s office, and is also printed on page 3. A print version of the guide is available upon request at the Clerk’s office. Tomorrow, Friday April 24 is the first
Gas prices in the U.S. remain elevated following recent geopolitical tensions, and experts say they may stay higher than pre-war levels for some time. The national average recently hovered around $4 per gallon—well above prices earlier in the year. In Southeast Idaho, the average price per gallon to start the week is $4.29. While relief may come eventually, the lack of a clear path to the resolution of middle east conflict prevents prices from stabilizing. Joining fuel loyalty programs or using discount cards can also lower per-gallon costs, and avoiding unnecessary travel is recommended when possible. Relief at the price per barrel level is also likely to be offset by generally higher prices during the “summer driving season,” usually seen as the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when demand and costs are higher. Fuel costs, along with higher than predicted inflation are mitigating tax return increases, according to anecdotal reports from area residents including almost anyone you might choose to ask about it.
Mass shooting in Louisiana A mass shooting in Shreveport left eight children dead in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident. Police say the victims, ranging in age from about 1 to 14, were killed across multiple homes early Sunday. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, was the father of seven of the children. He allegedly shot two women—one believed to be the children’s mother—before targeting the children. After the attacks, he fled the scene by carjacking a vehicle, leading police on a chase into a neighboring parish, where officers shot and killed him. At least one child survived by escaping and was injured. Authorities say the motive remains unclear but appears to be domestic in nature. The tragedy is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. since 2024 and adds to over 100 such incidents recorded nationwide in 2026.
Protest at Beagle facility
Delanie Walton, Emree Hanks, Kelty Thomas, Abbie Cox, Kaycee Venable, and Paityn Ward are this year's DYW candidates.
day of the spring musical, a Iron Door Arts and Theater production of “Frozen.” This hit Broadway musical adaptation of the beloved animated film will run at 7:00 p.m. on April 24, 25, 27, May , 2, and 4. There will also be matinee showings at 2:00 p.m. on April 25 and May 2. Tickets are available online, at the door, or by calling (208) 254-2009 or emailing irondoorsarts@ gmail.com for more information. The Malad Community Chorus spring concert will be Sunday, April 26 at 7:00pm at the Stake Tabernacle
by the park. Coming up next weekend on May 2 is the annual DYW night in Marsh Valley. Tickets are available from any of the participants, at the door, or through Venmo to @MALAD-DYW. The competition will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Marsh Valley Performing Arts Center next to Marsh Valley High School between Arimo and McCammon. Every year, it’s a amazing chance to see how talented and accomplished Malad’s young women really are.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE DYW....................................................Pg. 2 Voter Guide.........................................Pg. 3 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Sports..........................................Pgs. 11-12
About 1,000 animal rights activists gathered at a Blue Mounds, Wisconsin beagle breeding and research facility, attempting to enter the property and free roughly 2,000 dogs. The protest, organized by a coalition advocating for the animals, escalated when hundreds of participants tried to breach fences and barriers, prompting law enforcement to respond with rubber bullets and pepper spray. Authorities said the demonstration turned violent, with protesters blocking roads and ignoring designated protest areas, while activists argued they were carrying out a rescue mission. Several people were arrested, including the group’s leader. No dogs were successfully removed during this attempt. The protest followed a similar incident weeks earlier in which activists had taken dozens of beagles. The facility denies allegations of mistreatment but has agreed to stop breeding dogs by July under a legal settlement, highlighting ongoing tensions between animal rights groups and research operations.