The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
June 4, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 23
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NEWS IN BRIEF Iran War Updates
The America 250 Mural behind the Veterans Memorial in downtown Malad is taking shape, with the skilled work of MHS artists.
America 250 celebrations begin the final countdown Although you could argue that 250 years is a long time to prepare, it’s nevertheless starting to feel like the planned America 250 celebration – generally scheduled to coincide with the July 4 signing of the Declaration of Independence across the county – is coming quickly. All around town, signs of the impending patriotic milestone are blanketing the landscape. A recent delegation of visitors from the offices of Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, and Mike Simpson stopped to speak with members of the county government and the hospital. One of the highlight stops of the trip was to discuss the upcoming America 250 celebrations with local officials. “We have been to a lot of towns around Idaho, and what you’ve got here is really impressive,” said Renee Richardson from Jim Risch’s office. She was joined by Farhana Hibbert, Henry Dahl, and Sally Symons, representing the state’s national legislators. One of the purposes of the visit was to convey to the county a flag that had been flown over the capitol in Boise for use during the America 250 celebrations. A letter accompanying the flag read, in part “It is my privilege, as your Representative in Congress, to share this flown flag with you as a token of ap-
preciation for your dedication to public service and community. I encourage you to display it proudly at your county courthouse, in public ceremonies, or during events commemorating America 250, so that it may inspire all who see it. A certificate authenticating the flight accompanies the flag. This sealed letter is to be placed in the time capsule with the hope that, when opened in 50 years, it will remind future generations of our shared commitment to Idaho’s values and the role we played in preserving and strengthening our communities during this pivotal anniversary. Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Oneida County and to the principles that make America exceptional. Please accept my best wishes for a meaningful celebration of this historic anniversary.” The flag was then presented to the county by Henry Dahl from Representative Simpson’s office, and will be flown accordingly. Following the presentation, the delegation spoke with county officials about issues of concern to the county, and provided information about the “Downwinder” bill that provides compensation for those affected by fallout from nuclear testing in the 1950s in the west (see story elsewhere in this edition).
Asleep on the Job
FFA has even started work on their parade float already!
Other events being planned and underway include the painting of a three panel mural behind the Veterans Memorial downtown. The murals are being painted by art students from MHS, recruited by Krystal Fonnesbeck. This year’s parade theme is “America 250,” and members of the FFA were spotted working on their float already, if you can believe that! You can read in this edition about other events planned for the 4th and in honor of America 250, and we will be bringing you more details as the date approaches.
NJRMH Ice Cream Social Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital held an ice cream social celebrating another amazing year last week. The event coincided with a visit by representatives of Idaho’s congressional delegation, who were traveling southeast Idaho to make sure that residents were aware of the expanded Downwinder funds that many families may be eligible for. A separate article in this edition explains the nature of the funds and how those interested can apply for them, as well as the time and date information for an upcoming series of informational days in Pocatello designed to assist people with the application process. In addition to discussing that topic, the representatives were given a tour of the facility, during which CEO John Williams was able to discuss the hospital’s accomplishments in terms of recognition and awards, as well as some of the challenges currently facing many rural hospitals across the state and country in 2026. Williams shared his own story of having been diagnosed with cancer early into his tenure as the hospital CEO, and how the ability to receive chemotherapy services while remaining here in town was an enormous relief and convenience. NJRH is one of the few regional rural hospitals which is able to offer facilities and a trained nursing staff with the necessary skills to do allow for that kind of outpatient care. New equipment and services throughout the hospital were surveyed, and the guests had a chance to meet with both patients, healthcare providers, and staff throughout
Kathy Hubbard, Farhana Hibbert, Sally Symons, John Williams, Renee Richardson, and Henry Dahl.
the afternoon. Outdoors, this year’s ice cream social was underway on a sunny afternoon, which saw plenty of visitors stop by despite the construction literally a stone’s throw away. The recently removed trees on Bannock street – taken down due to the nature of the construction involved in the project – have been a subject of conversation for many who will miss their shade and distinguished appearance, as well as those who will benefit from the overall Bannock street project, and more specifically additional parking closer to the clinic.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Race for Independence.......................Pg. 2 “Downwinder” funds............................Pg. 4 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been put on hold after Iran suspended talks in protest of recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Iranian officials said Israel’s strikes violated an existing ceasefire agreement and cited the attacks as the reason for stepping away from discussions with Washington. The diplomatic setback comes as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. In Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Beirut’s Dahieh district, a southern suburb considered a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. The attack is part of a broader expansion of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon after Netanyahu announced plans to intensify Israel’s offensive. President Trump reportedly returned proposed revisions to a draft deal, seeking stronger language regarding Iran’s nuclear commitments and assurances that Iran would help guarantee the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Obituaries............................................Pg. 9 Parade Route.................................... Pg. 12
More than 20 officers assigned to protect Britain’s royal family have been placed on restricted duties following allegations that some officers fell asleep while on duty and left security posts unattended at Windsor Castle. The Metropolitan Police said 23 members of its Royalty and Specialist Protection command have been served with misconduct notices as part of an urgent internal investigation launched last month. Of those officers, 21 have been placed on restricted duties, while the remaining two will not be assigned to royal residences during the investigation. Authorities said the alleged behavior falls well below the standards expected of officers responsible for frontline protective roles. The allegations surfaced after reports claimed officers were found sleeping or abandoning their posts at Windsor Castle, one of King Charles III’s primary residences. Police have also begun examining practices at other royal residences as part of the investigation.
Amazing Rescue in Laos Five villagers trapped for more than a week inside a flooded cave in central Laos made a dramatic and unexpected escape after an international rescue effort spent days preparing a dangerous underwater extraction. The men had entered the cave searching for gold when rising floodwaters trapped them deep underground. Rescue teams from several countries worked around the clock pumping water from the cave and training the men, none of whom had diving experience, to navigate narrow, submerged passages. After one villager was successfully guided out by divers, rescuers expected the remaining four would require similar high-risk missions. Instead, the continuous pumping operation lowered water levels enough that the men were able to walk and scramble out of the cave on their own, stunning rescuers who were preparing for another dive. Emotional reunions followed as families welcomed the survivors home. However, the operation is not yet over, as two other villagers who reportedly entered the cave earlier remain missing. The incident has also drawn attention to the dangers of illegal gold mining in rural Laos, where rising gold prices continue to encourage people to take significant risks in search of income.