Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
February 12, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 7
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF
Team USA Shines — and Struggles — at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Coming as no surprise, the Lady Dragons are the 2026 5th District Champions! Now on to State...
DISTRICT CHAMPS! BY ALLISON ELIASON
The Lady Dragons may have been ranked #1 in the district but it was up to them to actually claim the title of the 5th District champions. Powering through the post season tournament, Malad claimed the win against the West Side Pirates in their first game, followed by a dominating victory over the Aberdeen Tigers in the championship round to earn the champion title and berth to the IHSAA State tournament. Thursday, February 5, the Lady Dragons had their opening game of the tournament, hosting the Pirates after their win over Soda Springs. West Side began the game with a strong, disciplined defense that made for little scoring opportunities for Malad. Biding their time and wearing down the defense, the MHS offense began to sure midway through the first quarter. The Lady Dragons capitalized on transition moments, scoring before the Pirate defense could get down the court and set up. In one instance, Kiley Miller came driving down the court, going wide as the Pirates cut off her lane to the hoop. But just as she cleared out, she zipped the pass into the block to meet Liv Nelson trailing her and open for the layup. Izzy Haycock similarly drove to the hoop, this time attempting the shot and getting fouled, earning two points for Malad from the free throw line. Mikell Keetch dumped a similar pass into Nelson as they came barreling down the floor, the senior forward scoring the
basket and bonus point from the foul. With three minutes remaining in the quarter saw the put up nine more points from Brynnlee Jones and Keetch, Jones hitting a three pointer to beat the buzzer, to end the quarter 25-6. Their strong start could only be surpassed by their third quarter surge, scoring 27 points after coming out from the half. Keetch began the scoring, hitting a three pointer from the arc. After gathering for a time out, Keetch drove to the basket to hit the lay-in, plus the foul shot to follow. Mady Vanbebber got the pass from the inbound play, taking a dribble to collect herself before powering up for the score. On their next inbounds play, the Pirates crashed inside, learning from the previous score. The Lady Dragons took advantage of the open shot on the arc, Jones draining another three pointer for Malad. Running away with the game, there was little West Side could do to slow the MHS tide. In every aspect of the game, the Lady Dragons were a dominating force. Malad shot an efficient 44% from the field, including 37% from three-point range, and made 64% of their free throws. The MHS team controlled the defensive glass with 27 boards and swatted six shots, limiting West Side to just 33% from the charity stripe. The Lady Dragons also outpaced the visitors in assists (16–8) and steals (10–7) to ultimately win 71-41. Jones led all scorers with 21 points, adding four rebounds and two blocks in a strong all-around performance. Keetch followed with 17 points and
three assists, while Nelson contributed nine points, six rebounds, and a gamehigh three blocks. Advancing to the championship round, the Lady Dragons were set to play #2 seed Aberdeen who narrowly beat Declo 47-39. Once again, the MHS team played with intensity and aggression, controlling the game from the tip off. Winning the first quarter (16-8) and second quarters (13-7), the Lady Dragons exploded when they stepped back on the court in the third quarter. A full minute into the game, Miller brought the ball down to Lady Dragon territory to find Keetch open on the arc. Stepping into the shot, Keetch drained the three pointer, setting a spark to the MHS offense. Getting the kick back pass from Haycock’s drive, Keetch nailed a second three pointer on their next possession. Not long after, she put in a third shot from the arc, this time from the deep left corner. Malad continued to surge on offense, multiple players connecting with the hoop to expand the ever widening gap on the scoreboard. Haycock powered her way down the right lane after the defensive steal, tapping the ball off the glass for another MHS score. Haycock earned the assist on the next possession, finding Miller open to her left. Hoping to slow the building momentum, the Tigers signaled for timeout following Malad’s impressive 13-0 run. CHAMPS! On Page 11
Coach Talbot named Idaho Cross Country Coach of the Year
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the state-bystate winners of its annual High School Cross Country Coaches of the Year Presented by the United States Marine Corps at the end of January. One boys coach and one girls coach from 50 states – as well as the District of Columbia – were honored for their successes during the fall of 2025, as selected by a committee of experts from around the nation (two coaches are honored, if they share coaching responsibilities). State-by-state winners were selected based on their teams’ performances throughout the 2025 cross country season. Among the factors taken into consideration were team score and placement at the state championships, margin of victory, performance against rankings if available, individual championships, and how their
teams’ performances stacked up to previous years (e.g. first title in school history, consecutive titles, etc.). Each honoree will receive a trophy from the USTFCCCA recognizing their achievements. The winners from each state are in consideration for the association’s National High School Cross Country Coach of the Year award. One boys coach and one girls coach from among all the states will be selected by a panel of experts and be announced next month as the national winners. For Idaho, Malad’s Tia Talbot was named 2025 Cross County Coach of the Year, and was presented with the award at Monday’s District Girls Basketball game. Talbot has brought an amazing level of success and excitement to the Malad Cross Country tradition, and makes the school and county proud!
Tia Talbot was presented with the Coach of the Year award during Monday’s game.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Honor Band.........................................Pg. 2 Councilman John Williams..................Pg. 3 Vicky Kent retires.................................Pg. 4
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Valentine’s Couple............................. Pg. 10
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue to deliver dramatic results for the United States as athletes compete across multiple disciplines in the early days of competition. Team USA secured a mixed doubles curling final berth after Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse upset the Italian reigning champions 9-8 in a tense semifinal, guaranteeing at least a silver medal and a shot at gold against Sweden. In figure skating, U.S. competitors delivered standout performances, with Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea playing a key role in helping the American squad capture the Olympic team event gold. The spotlight also remained on alpine skiing, where Breezy Johnson captured Team USA’s first gold of the Games in the women’s downhill, narrowly edging out Germany’s Emma Aicher. The emotional triumph came amid a harrowing moment when skiing legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a severe leg injury in her own downhill run, underscoring the high stakes and risks of elite winter sport.
Seahawks Claim Super Bowl LX Title in Dominant Fashion
Sports & Culture — U.S. — In one of the nation’s biggest non-Olympic sports headlines, the Seattle Seahawks clinched their second Super Bowl title, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. The Seahawks’ victory was highlighted by a powerful defensive performance that stifled New England’s offense and an MVP showing from running back Kenneth Walker III, who amassed 135 yards on the ground. Quarterback Sam Darnold also delivered a milestone performance with over 200 passing yards and a touchdown, capping a season of resilience and high expectations. It was a great day for Seahawks fans, and people who can’t get enough complaining about halftime shows, as there were at least three to complain about, including the Puppy Bowl (which seemed staged).
Guthrie kidnap drama continues
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31 and authorities believe she was taken against her will. Evidence at the residence — including blood matching her DNA — has strengthened that assessment. A multi-agency investigation is underway, led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, which has established a 24/7 command post and is offering a $50,000 reward for information. Despite alleged ransom demands reported in the media, the FBI says it has not confirmed continued communication between the family and suspected kidnappers and no suspects or persons of interest have been identified. The Guthrie family has made emotional public pleas, saying they are willing to pay and urging anyone with information to come forward. One individual was arrested for sending a fake ransom note, but authorities caution that the legitimacy of other messages remains under review.