The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
June 18, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 25
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Iran deal takes shape
The racers of the first ever Race for Independence in Malad.
A Race for Independence As part of the America 250 celebrations underway in Oneida County, the first ever “Race to Independence” took place over the weekend, anchoring the Saturday kickoff to the A250 season. While the announcement of the winners itself was held at the Pavillion at the City Park in the evening, a good portion of the day (starting bright an early at noon!) was spent racing for through a series of clues, at least for members of the teams that spent the day in pursuit of a cash prize and infinite bragging rights. At the end of the night, the Orange team, made up of Emily Jones, Trevor Jones, Emily Nelson, and Casey Nelson was the points winner and the recipient of the $500 prize to be divided up among the members. Second place went to the Red team, made up of Bracken Degn, Hallee Degn, Joseph Kimberling, and Carbon Carter. In order to “win” the race, the team was assigned a score for each of the separate events throughout the day, and come out with the best aggregate score. The various locations throughout the day each had different tasks involved, from the more physical (such as target shooting) to the more crafty (flag sewing, anyone?). One highlight for onlookers was the “dinner” event held in the early evening at the park in Samaria. Each team had to memorize a routine composed of 20 different moves, and perform it for “judges” who did not go easy on the contestants. The combination of earnest effort and ridiculous action was a solid crowd-pleaser. Beyond the two top teams, the event seemed to bring out both a spirit of competition as well as camaraderie in everyone on the course. The other teams were (not in point order) Yellow - Hope Briggs, Stephie Briggs, Bridger Larsen, Danielle Larsen; Bright Blue – Lynsey Winward, Maycey Roberts, Ashley Wilson, Jasmine Griffin; Pink – Andrea Jones, Lacey Daniels, Kooper Daniels, Krichele Smith; Brown – Ezra Nielsen, Gary Blackmore, Phillip Nielsen, John Wall; Light Blue – Bailey Wise, Kelsey Jones, Gavin Jones, Brent Wise; Black – Jennifer Neilson, Lad Neilson,
The Pink team works on its coordinated routine in Samaria
Amelia Balappa, Levi Balappa; Green – Elise Reel, Kamas Reel, Dixon Reel, Dane Williams; Purple, Luke Waldron, Ben Waldron, Andrew Waldron, Dylan Waldron; Gray – Ken Nimer, Krystal Nimer, Karson Thorpe, Sydnee Thorpe. Each event was paired with a historical event, idea, or person connected to the Founding of the country, and a bit of history was imparted to the racers along their route. The various tasks stops along the way were overseen by volunteers, and included a wide variety of tasks. It’s difficult to exactly convey how the event unfolded, but here’s an example of the clue that led team’s to Crowther’s reservoir: “The lanterns are Counted, the signal was clear, but the Roar or rebellion is what brings us here! Our patience is gone, and the tax is too high We must march across town where the deep waters lie. Take up your crates, leave the RACE On Page 3
Wendy and Larry Thomas to lead 4th Parade
The City Council recently officially announced that Malad’s Larry and Wendy Thomas will be this year’s Independence Day Grand Marshals. The two have been fixtures in Malad for decades, and over that time they have always loved the town, and the 4th of July specifically. “It’s kind of funny,” Wendy said. “This is the first year Larry would be able to watch the parade from our house, but we’re IN the parade this year!” As far as a couple who are perfect to represent the town for the Independence Day holiday, you couldn’t do much better than Wendy and Larry. To start with, they are both graduates from the Class of ‘76. (“Now that’s 1976, not 18,” Larry laughs.). In some ways, it’s hard to believe that it’s been fifty years since the country celebrated the Bicentennial, which must have been hard at the time for people to believe had been 50 years since the sesquicentennial. Wendy is originally from Magna where she graduated as a salutatorian, but having lived in Malad for five decades she feels comfortable in claiming Idaho as her home state. Larry, who was born and raised in Malad, is glad she does. “We love it here. This is the place to be,” Larry says. A lot of things have changed in the last fifty years, of course, while a lot of things have stayed comfortably the same. One thing that hasn’t changed is that there is no agreement on who – Larry or Wendy – was the one that knocked food out of the other one’s hand at a social event when they first met. While most people are clear that it was more likely to be one of them than the other, there is one holdout who doesn’t agree.
Knicks take the trophy
The New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA Championship, ending a title drought that had lasted more than five decades. The franchise, whose previous championships came in 1970 and 1973, defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, winning the series 4–1. The decisive Game 5 victory in San Antonio secured the long-awaited championship and sparked celebrations throughout New York City. Led by a balanced roster, strong defense, and timely scoring, the Knicks emerged as one of the league’s most consistent teams throughout the season and playoffs. Their postseason run featured several hard-fought series, including the most impressive finals comeback in NBA history in game 4. In the Finals, they successfully limited the Spurs’ offensive opportunities while delivering key performances in crucial moments. The championship carries special significance for Knicks fans, who endured decades of near misses, rebuilding seasons, and intense scrutiny in one of basketball’s most demanding markets. It was also something of a rematch of the 1999 Finals loss to the Spurs.
Legalization
Larry and Wendy Thomas
Although they did meet at that original church Young Adult function, “It wasn’t love at first sight,” Wendy laughs. They both agreed that it took a little time before they knew they were the ones for each other, but from then on they haven’t looked back and they suit each other very well. The two can be found at Thomas Electric and Furniture, where Larry has been an employee since his youth, or driving bus, which they both do for the school district, or at their home, where they are often joined by the four children who still live in town and their grandkids. THOMAS On Page 3
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE 4th of July...........................................Pg. 2 Earthquake..........................................Pg. 4 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
It may be premature (the way things have changed throughout this process), but as of June 16, 2026, the United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement intended to end recent hostilities and restart diplomatic negotiations, although many key details remain unresolved. The agreement reportedly includes a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, as well as money to Iran for rebuilding. A formal signing ceremony is expected in Switzerland, while both sides have committed to additional negotiations over the next 60 days. Despite this progress, major issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remain unsettled. No public agreement has been released regarding uranium enrichment limits, the disposition of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, inspection and verification procedures, or the timing and scope of sanctions relief. Questions also remain about regional security arrangements, including the roles of Israel and Lebanon. The current agreement is the start of a framework for peace and further diplomacy rather than a finalized settlement of the broader disputes between the two countries.
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Trek................................................... Pg. 12
Recently, the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho submitted over 150,000 signatures to the Idaho Secretary of State to qualify the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act for the November ballot. If verified and approved by voters, this act would reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule II drug, which would allow regulated medical marijuana use for patients with qualifying conditions. Opponents argue it could lead to broader legalization efforts. At the same time, Idaho lawmakers have advanced a separate constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult for future cannabis-related initiatives to reach voters through the citizen initiative process. The competing efforts have created a major political debate over healthcare access, voter rights, and the future of marijuana policy in one of the nation’s most restrictive states.