Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
January 1, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 1
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Missing couple found dead near Logan River
It seems like every year ends with a certain exhausted amazement that we have finally come through on the other side. This is generally accompanied by a faint sense of optimism for the new year that last until at least…part way through January. Here’s hoping that 2026 is one of those rare years when things go better than we feared, when seemingly eternal problems get solved, and at the very least we have personal victories as the months roll on. That’s probably a naïve hope, but hope is one of the most important assets that we have in this world, and one that functions better with practice. A bit of work to back it up is also very helpful. Because this paper is scheduled
for composition during a time when our staff is hoping to spend time with loved ones, and there are fewer than usual public events, we bring you a mix of the traditional “end of year reflection” issue that is customary for early January, as well as ongoing stories that take place regardless of the time of year or seasonal vacation calendar. We hope that you are also in a position to gather with your friends and family to see the old year out, and welcome the new one in. Before we get any further down the road, pictures from the Coloring Contest locations are included in this edition, as well as a few other remainders of 2025. In Sports, Allison Eliason looks back at the year that was and some of
the stories that stood out in a year of amazing accomplishments. There is of course a lot to look back on from a busy year in 2025, and of course we don’t have the space to take another look at everything. So consider this a curated presentation of some of the stories that we think helped to defined the year as what it was. Some of those event were serious and profound, some whimsical, and some were reflective of the type of daily effort that keeps things moving along in Oneida County. For this edition, the focus is on the year in Sports. Next week, we will take a look back at the news and community stories that made 2025 what it was. Happy New Year to one and all!
Year in Review—Top Stories of 2025
The year that was was a busy year, to coin a phrase. While it can seem that not much is really going on from day to day, with a year’s worth of material to look over it quickly becomes apparent that such is not the case. As mentioned in the opening article of this paper, this issue is largely devoted to ongoing news, coloring pictures, and Sports Year in Review, but to take some of the burden off next week, we’re presenting here some of the biggest headlines of the year. A lot of pretty important things changed this year. For a county that in many ways is fond of tradition and predictability, some of those changes will take time to get used to. Here are some of the top stories that we will explore in greater detail next week: Malad Elementary School After much anticipation and a few delays, the new elementary school officially opened its doors to students on Monday for the start of 2025. Students spent the last week at the old elementary school right next door saying their goodbyes to the building, dotting their I’s and crossing their T’s, and in some cases, writing their names on the walls. Students were given permission to “leave their mark” on the classrooms and other special areas of the building as they prepared to say goodbye. In addition to being more efficient, the new setup is also considerably safer, which the same parent mentioned. The line of sight from the office to the street was occluded by structures and trees in the past, whereas now the main office has a clear view of the parent pickup lane and can serve as an additional set of eyes. Changes coming to Malad Valley’s Welsh Festival With the goal of “celebrating and preserving the Welsh heritage of Malad Valley,” the Festival began in 2005 with no budget, a dozen activities, and lots of volunteers. In 2025 the Festival was well funded with grants, donations, vendor fees, and sales at the Country Store. Nearly 40 events and activities
MES held its first full year of classes in 2025.
took place over the two days last year. In addition to the 36 committee chairs, over 100 volunteers remained essential to the Festival’s success. Even before the 2025 Festival, some major committee chairs expressed their desire that this Festival be their last. With nearly half of the 36 committee chairs having worked on various aspects of the Festival for 10-15 years (with some serving nearly 20 years), it became evident that this was the time to make some major changes. Luke Waldron has been part of the Festival from its beginning, mostly by offering activities at the Heritage Square in Samaria. His enthusiasm for Wales and Welsh pioneer heritage is well known throughout Malad Valley. Therefore, he was the natural choice to become the next chair of the Festival, replacing Jean Thomas, who has served as co-chair for 2 years and chair for 18 years. The Heritage Square Committee, chaired by Waldron, will take over all planning and organizing of the Festival once the transition is complete. The Welsh history, culture, and traditions that the Welsh pioneers brought with them to the Malad Valley will continue, just with some changes that will strengthen that focus. The Festival will continue to invite everyone – whether or not you are Welsh – to the Malad Valley Welsh Festival at Heritage Square. Thomas Market Malad icon, Thomas Market, was
sold to Broulim’s in 2025. Jerry and Brenda Thomas made the announcement over the summer, and the transition began slowly. Thomas Market has deep-founded roots in the Malad community which were planted and cultivated by Stan Thomas and carried on by Dennis, Brenda, and Jerry Thomas. The residents of Oneida County have long supported and been able to depend on the service provided by the Thomas Family and the employees at Thomas Market. In return, the Thomas family and their employees have enjoyed serving and being an integral part of the Malad community. It’s no exaggeration to say it will take many people a long time to stop themselves from saying “Thomas Market.” Hospital Ice Cream Social celebrates 100 years In June, Nell J Redfield Hospital hosted an ice cream social to thank the community for its support over the last 100 years. The event is one of the many planned for this centenary year, over which the hospital, and the Enterprise, are looking back at the last century of service and professionalism in the county. NJRMH’s Kathy Hubbard and John Williams, as well as many members of the hospital and clinic’s staffs, spent the afternoon chatting with the crowds of people who stopped by for a cold ice cream bar. Williams provided YEAR IN REVIEW On Page 3
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE School District News...........................Pg. 2 Year in Review.....................................Pg. 3 Senior Corner......................................Pg. 4
Puzzles................................................Pg. 6 Coloring Contest..................................Pg. 9 Sports........................................... Pg. 11-12
Police have confirmed that a missing couple has been found dead near the Logan River, bringing a tragic end to a days-long search. Officers said emergency services located the pair after receiving information from the public, with specialist units assisting in the recovery. The couple had been reported missing earlier in the week, prompting widespread concern and coordinated searches involving police, volunteers, and local agencies. Authorities said initial findings do not indicate an ongoing threat to the community, but the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. A crime scene has been established near the river while forensic examinations are conducted. Police are working to notify family members and have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward locally today.
Trump declared new federal holidays
Former President Donald Trump announced plans to designate new federal holidays, framing the move to honor American history and shared national values. In public remarks, Trump said the proposed holidays would recognize events and figures he believes have been overlooked, arguing they could strengthen patriotism and unity. Supporters welcomed the idea, saying additional holidays would provide time for reflection and civic pride. Critics, however, questioned the cost and noted that creating permanent federal holidays ultimately requires congressional approval. Legal experts emphasized that presidents can declare temporary observances, but lasting changes must be enacted by lawmakers. The announcement quickly sparked debate in Washington and on social media, highlighting broader political divisions over how history is remembered and celebrated in the United States.
Ogden Christmas Village ranked second-best display in the nation
Ogden’s beloved Christmas Village will welcome visitors for longer hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, giving families more time to enjoy one of the nation’s top holiday attractions. City officials announced the extended schedule following increased attendance and national recognition from USA Today, which recently ranked the village as the No. 2 “Best Public Holiday Lights Display (2025).” Located at the Ogden Municipal Gardens, the Christmas Village features hundreds of thousands of lights, festive displays, and charming holiday scenes that draw visitors from across Utah and beyond. Organizers say the expanded hours are meant to accommodate holiday travelers and residents looking to create lasting traditions. Local leaders praised volunteers and staff for helping make the display a seasonal highlight. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and arrive early to fully experience the award-winning celebration of holiday spirit. Ogden Christmas Village is open through Jan. 1, 2026.