Malad | March 12, 2026

The Idaho

Oneida County's News Since 1879

Primary Election coming into focus

The deadline for statewide races was February 26, and those candidates are set. The deadline for county and district officials is March 13, which is this Friday. There are often last minute filers for county level contests, so the full slate of candidates likely won’t be clear until next week. Here is what we do know as of press time, though:

For Governor, the list is massive. Current governor Brad Little is seeing primary challenges from Republicans Daniel C. Fowler, Ethan Giles, Justin R. Plante, Lisa Marie, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ron James, and Sean Calvert Crystal. Democratic Candidates are Chanelle Torrez, Jill Kirkham, Maxine Durand, and Terri Pickens. From the Libertarian Party, the primary includes Paul Sand and Melissa-Sue Robinson. Jacob Burnett and John R. Stegner filed as Independents. The Candidate named Pro-Life is running as a member of the Constitution Party.

At the Federal level, U.S. Sen Jim Risch faces three Republican challengers. Risch, 82, is running for a fourth six-year term. The Republican was first elected to the seat in 2008 and now chairs the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He faces three Republican challengers in the May primary election: Denny LaVe, Joe Evans, and Josh Roy. In announcing his re-election bid in an April 2025 post on X, Risch touted an endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, a Republican serving his fifth term, is not yet up for re-election. His six-year term began in 2023.

U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher faces two Republican challengers in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District since 2019. Idaho’s 1st Congressional District — home to roughly 1 million people — splits Ada County, includes some of Boise and spans the state’s western border through the Idaho panhandle in the north.

U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson faces two Republican challengers. Simpson, 75, is running for a 15th two-year term. The Republican has represented Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District since 1999 and chairs the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. He faces two Republican challengers: Brian Keene and Perry Shumway.

Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District — home to almost 1 million people — splits Ada County, includes most of Boise, and spans central and eastern Idaho.

Simpson has widely won re-election bids.

For Onedia County, incumbent District 27 Senator Kelly Arthur Anton (R ) will be running against Margo Saunders (D) in the fall. Neither of District 27’s Representatives, Douglas Pickett (R ) (27A), and Clay Handy (R ) (27B) have any opposition in the primary either, and no challengers who filed un-

der other party affiliations.

At the time of this report, Bill Drury (R ) has filed to run for County Commission seat District 1. The seat is currently held by Chairman Bill Lewis, who has not filed to run as of press time.

For the County Commission District 2 seat, Randy Willie has filed to run. The seat is currently held by Ken Eliason, who has also not filed to run in the primary as of Tuesday.

The other filings to report for the county are the filings of those currently holding positions, County Clerk Lon Colton, County Treasurer Leigh Anne Love, County Assessor Kathleen Atkinson, and County Coroner Brad Horsley.

Given the strength of Republican candidates in Oneida County, uncontested primaries are typically highly indicative of the ultimate outcomes of the races, even in contested elections. We should have a clear sense of whether any challengers step forward for countywide races, and whether several incumbents are planning to run again by next week.

A Lincoln Day Dinner is scheduled for next Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at the Event Center in Oneida County to provide voters a chance to meet candidates and hear from speakers about the upcoming election season and to celebrate the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday; Emergency Fair March 21

Mid-March will be here next weekend, if you can believe it. Whether you believe it or not, the Event Center will be hosting back to back event on the 14th and 21st, just in time for spring (?), the Lincoln Day Dinner, and Emergency Preparedness Fair. The Republican Lincoln Day Events will take place on March 14 at 6:00 p.m. The dinner is a chance for candidates, office holders, supporters, and interested members of the public to meet and discuss issues of importance to themselves and the Grand Old Party. In the past, guests and speakers have included state representatives and senators, members of the governor’s administration, state education and policy officials, and an interesting array of speakers. This year’s keynote speaker has been announced as Major General Brian L.

Tarbet. We included a biography of Tarbet last week in case you missed it. Tarbet, now retired, assumed duties as the Adjutant General, Utah National Guard on October 1, 2000. Starting in September of 2001, General Tarbet directed mobilization, deployment, and redeployment of virtually all units of the Utah Army and Air National Guard in support of the global war on terrorism.

The Lincoln Day event will incorporate America 250 as part of its theme, and everyone is invited to attend. It is not necessary to be registered as a Republican to enjoy the dinner and discussion.

The following week on March 21, the Event Center will host the second annual Oneida County Emergency Preparedness Fair. Booths and presentations on Back-up power options,

Last year’s first Emergency Preparedness Fair brought in a good crowd.

outdoor cooking, 72 hour kits, gardening, using food storage, first responders, county and state resources, radio communications, and more will be hosted throughout the day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Presentations on Water Purification from Connie Getz, First Responders from Trissa Nesbitt, and Automobile Preparation from Matt Johnson. The event is free to everyone.

Idaho Bill to repeal Medicaid expansion

After several legislative moves to punt decisions on Medicaid cuts this year, Idaho Republican lawmakers on Monday introduced a bill to repeal Medicaid expansion.

The bill would repeal Medicaid expansion on Jan. 1, 2028. That would remove roughly 90,000 Idahoans from the health insurance public assistance program.

In 2018, 61% of Idaho voters approved the policy through a ballot initiative meant to close a health care assistance gap that affected a population commonly called the working poor.

In the past, Medicaid expansion repeal bills haven’t gone far in the Legislature. But this year, state lawmakers are pushing for deeper, across-the-board state government spending cuts — including to Medicaid disability services — after approving years of tax cuts that have reduced the state’s revenue by more than $4 billion.

After a motion that would’ve rejected the bill narrowly failed, the committee introduced the bill. It could return for a public hearing soon.

Lawmakers delaying vote on Medicaid disability cuts is why the expansion repeal bill is here, committee chairman says.

In Gov. Brad Little’s budget plan, he proposed $22 million in Medicaid cuts that could come from a range of service reductions. But Medicaid expansion wasn’t on that list.

Last week, the House Health and Welfare Committee voted to shelve for a week a bill that would’ve cut nearly $22 million from a Medicaid disability service called residential habilitation. That delay was why committee chairman Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, asked Redman to bring the repeal bill, Vander Woude told the committee.

Foster Care Bill passes

The Idaho House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill that enumerates rights to safety for youth in foster care.

House Bill 724 establishes a “bill of rights” for the young people in the state’s care, such as to the rights to: Reside in a safe and healthy environment, Be free from physical, emotional and other abuse, Have “timely and appropriate medical assessments and forensic testing” when abuse is disclosed, Have access to basic essentials such as food, shelter and clothing, Obtain a court order to limit or restrict visitation if it places the child’s safety or wellbeing at risk.

The bill requires that those rights be explained to young people who enter foster care.

Bill sponsor Rep. Josh Wheeler, R-Ammon, said the bill “puts into statute some of the best practices.”

Multiple foster parents previously testified in favor of the bill during the committee hearing on March 5.

The House did not debate on Monday, and members voted 58-7, with five absent in favor of the bill.

Reps. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur d’Alene; Chris Bruce, R-Caldwell; Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls; Kent Marmon, R-Caldwell; Elaine Price, R-Coeur d’Alene; and Faye Thompson, R-McCall, voted against the bill. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

Evening of the Arts Spotlight: Lisa Willie and Nathan Maughan

The 13th annual Evening of the Arts is an opportunity for five of the many talented artists in our area to display their works. Sponsored by the Nell J. Redfield Hospital Foundation, the event is also a hospital fund raiser with live and silent auctions taking place throughout the evening. This year’s Evening of the Arts will be on Thursday, April 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Event Center at the Fairgrounds.

Live Auction

Doug Adams has donated another of his one-of-a-kind metal bells for the live auction. Metal lacework is accented by colored stones with a bell hanging from the tip of the intricate metal stand.

Dianne Adams also has donated one of her lovely watercolors for the live auction. Brightly colored stones surround a pine cone for a beautiful painting that would enliven any home or office.

Lisa Willie (Photography)

Lisa Willie grew up in Malad, graduating from Malad High School in 1986 before going to cosmetology school in Logan. She started her “Hair by Lisa” shop in downtown Malad shortly after marrying Shane Willie of Holbrook. Her passion for photography began in high school when she was the photographer for the Mirror, Malad High’s yearbook. Back then, being the photographer meant not only attending every activity to take pictures but then developing the film in the high school dark room.

Lisa uses her Canon (she has several) to take pictures of landscapes, animals, people, buildings, and nature. She has been a wedding photographer as well as taking family portraits, student school pictures, and baby pictures. Several of Lisa’s photographs were selected a few years ago to be enlarged and displayed in the halls of the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital and Clinic.

Besides photography, Lisa enjoys cooking and being with her family. She and Shane have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Nathan Maughan (Metal Art)

Nathan Maughan has lived in Malad for 10 years. He grew up in north central Montana on a potato farm where he helped with potatoes and other rural crop operations. During high school, he completed a metal tech class where one of the projects involved creating metal roses. He continues to make metal roses today, using many of the same techniques he learned then, although with a few changes to update the process.

Nathan’s metal art journey began when he wanted something productive to do during time off from his fulltime job; his family had a shop where he could grow his hobby. He began experimenting with scrap metal, piecing together parts to create unique works of art. His interest in metal art grew from there. After moving to Idaho for work, he continued making metal art on his days off.

In addition to roses, Nathan enjoys crafting horseshoe cowboys. His work has been purchased by local customers as well as by people in Jackson Hole and Coeur d’Alene as he occasionally posts pictures of his pieces online. Most of his creations are made simply for the enjoyment of making them.

Nathan is married, has one child, enjoys living in Malad, and now works for the Idaho State Police.

Everyone is invited to the Evening of the Arts to see samples of Lisa’s photography and Nathan’s metal work as well as the artistic works of Lloyd Bush (turquoise jewelry), Katie Tapp (oil painting), and Krystal Fonnesbeck (drawing and painting). Art projects by Malad 4th and 5th grade students and Middle and High School students will also be on display.

In addition, the culinary arts students of Malad High School will provide popcorn treats, and Malad High’s Chamber Choir will perform. Greeting cards featuring photographs taken by local photographers of local scenes will be for sale during the evening.

Admission is free, but attendees will want to bid on dozens of unique, colorful, and useful gifts for themselves or others during the live and silent auctions. This year’s live auction will

take place about 7:15 with silent auction tables closing at 7:00, 7:30, and 7:45. All proceeds from the auction will go to remodeling patient rooms and purchasing equipment for our local Hospital.

The Evening of the Arts is a good chance for art fans to speak with the artists--like Lisa Willie (right), who is both the subject and photographer of this beach picture.

NOW HIRING: Planning and Zoning Administrator

Oneida County is seeking a full-time Planning and Zoning Administrator to lead the county’s land use planning, zoning administration, and development review process. This position offers standard county benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as participation in the Idaho State retirement program.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-application conferences with landowners, developers, engineers, and contractors.

• Provide guidance to the public, developers, and businesses regarding zoning policies and procedures.

• Assist applicants in completing all required forms, documentation, and submittal materials.

• Collect and process application and permitting fees.

• Coordinate with federal, state, and county agencies to ensure complete and compliant application review.

• Issue certificates of occupancy following required inspections.

• Prepare the annual departmental budget and provide quarterly budget-to-actual reports.

• Prepare agendas for monthly Planning and Zoning meetings.

• Attend Planning and Zoning meetings and take detailed minutes.

• Schedule public hearings for the Planning and Zoning Board as needed.

• Perform other duties as required by the Board of County Commissioners.

• Investigate complaints and potential violations of zoning and land use ordinances.

Required Skills

• Strong office and computer skills.

• Ability to work effectively with landowners, legal counsel, contractors, developers, engineers, and county departments.

• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply the Oneida County Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Professional and approachable demeanor when interacting with the public and stakeholders.

• Adaptability and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed.

How to Apply

are available at the Oneida County Clerk’s Office or online at www.oneid-

or

C

Discover Area Guides has produced and delivered local community guides for over 8 years now. For most people in Southeast Idaho, the brightly colored location information guides are a familiar and welcome sight, Owned and operated by Jack Johnson, based in the Logan, UT area, directories are currently produced in Montpelier, Soda/Lava Springs/ Marsh Valley, Preston, Burley/ Rupert, Malad and City of Rocks, ID; Box Elder County and North Cache, UT; Bear Lake, UT and ID; and the newest directory (produced in 2025) featured Star Valley, WY. In 2024, just under 30,000 full-color directories were delivered to local households and businesses.

A version of the guides was included in last week’s paper, and the website DiscoverAreaGuides.com can be accessed at any time as well.

But that’s not the end of the story. Johnson has been hard at work recently to create a website featuring expanded content, related to the histories of the guidebook areas in even more detail. Since much of the content pertains to the histories and stories of each local area, Johnson recently announced DiscoverHeritageHub.com, which is nearing completion to complement the content on DiscoverAreaGuides. com with histories, legends and general information for each area. DiscoverHeritageHub provides in-depth, localized information in an easy-to-use, straight-forward configuration. This all-new site continues to be populated with many of the popular features that have made the local guides so important to local communities.

Navigating DiscoverHeritageHub.com

The site’s landing page includes a search bar to find topics of interest, as well as a straightforward site navigation menu at the top of the page. Some features of the site are still under construction, but the basic process should be clear. To navigate the page, click on the state you wish to visit from the drop down menu. A list of counties within that state show the areas where Discover Area Guides are produced. Clicking on any resource will take you to that entity’s website, social media or other online presence. Many more state-related resources will be added as time allows.

Local Searches

Clicking on any county displays the communities within that county. Ev-

ery attempt is made to provide complete lists, including current communities, communities that are dwindling and even some we wonder if ever existed. Ghost towns, abandoned mining towns and other areas are also listed. When rural or farm-related areas exist, they are listed as well. Clicking on any community brings up a mini-historical summary of that area, including topics like: dates and circumstances of first settlement; information on who settled the area: railroad, church group, farmers searching for new land, etc.; previous or other names associated with the settlement, historical overviews, important people or events that impacted the area, current populations and other similar items of note.

When a community is clicked and the mini-summary appears as a landing page for that community, making it possible for stories, legends, historical photos, genealogies and many other items to be linked to that community. It is expected that submissions from individuals will help develop each community’s presence. You will note another group of resources below the county’s search buttons. This listing is far more robust than the states’ resources, since our focus is on providing easy-to-use localized information. In many counties, 3, 4 or more pages of local resources are listed. Clicking on the “Area Cemeteries” search button displays all known cemeteries in that county. Clicking on any cemetery takes you to FindA-Grave.com, with its inventory of over 1.6 million cemeteries and almost countless graves, many listings provide in-depth information on relatives, dead and living and a whole host of useful information.

Regional Searches

“Histories,” “Museums,” “Points of Interest,” and other popular destinations display entities within the coverage area (and sometimes a little more) are housed here. For example, you’ll find museums from Twin Falls to Idaho Falls, Brigham City to Pocatello all displayed, since many people enjoy touring numerous museums throughout the area, and want to consider all options.

Clicking on “Discover Area Guides” displays all the current editions of the Discover Area books. Click on any one to plan your next day-trip, since digital copies of each directory gives you an in-depth look at features, activ-

ities and events of the coverage area.

Clicking on “Maps and Posters” shows our collection of Historical Wall Maps that are available in our coverage areas. We look forward to the day when links can be connected from the summaries on each map to more advanced information on the topics covered.

You probably noticed a list of articles, recently changed or added to the Home Page. To date, over 100 articles have been included in our community guides; at this time about 30-35 have been posted. Click on “Your Stories” on the black heading of the home pages to see a quick overview of those articles. You will notice that a black pulldown appears, listing the articles that pertain to each area. Articles vary from hard-core, carefully researched accounts to more relaxed local stories, all published under our “A Bit of History” heading. One of our most favorite stories tells of an 8-year-old girl from Malad, who recently became a published author!

Special Features

You’ll find two “Special Features” currently listed under “Your Stories:”. “Special Feature: Early Railroad History in Box Elder” tells the story of uniting the Transcontinental Railroad, near Promontory Summit in 1869; “Special Feature: Minidoka Dam- A Historic Undertaking” lists the first hydroelectric project in the Pacific Northwest on Idaho’s Snake River, near Rupert. Both Special Fea-

tures have a common structure: large brown oval buttons below the colorful photos list main topics covered. Clicking on any one, takes you to a short essay or listing of the items listed on the clicked button, clicking on the back arrow returns you to the main screen.

Early Railroad History in Box Elder includes a map of each of the construction camps, rail sidings and junctions constructed in the early days of the railroad. You’ll find red markers for the Central Pacific, coming from California in the west and blue markers for the Union Pacific, coming from Omaha, Nebraska in the east, along with sites of the Lucin Cutoff that made that section obsolete in the 1920s, by routing trains across an earthern berm in the Great Salt Lake. Bright blue “Link” buttons take you to details of each of the sites, along with current-day photos. Those who are attentive will find exactly where our photo safari was ended by a two-hour changing of a flat tire, punctured by a long ago-discarded spike. We hope to complete the photo section soon, weather allowing.

As we are able, we will add links to local social media groups from our local areas and will also add Special Features that reflect events from our local areas. We look forward to being able to share your stories and photos in the very near future. You will find details under “About Us” on the home page black header. Got ideas? Or stories? We’d love to hear from you soon.

Utah Leaders announce commitment to improve refining and protect water, fuel resources

BY BECKY GINOS, CITY JOURNALS

SALT LAKE CITY—In an effort to boost the state’s fuel supply, water resources and reduce the state gas tax, state leaders and industry partners came together at the Capitol on Feb. 23 to sign agreements that would streamline the process. The state is also working with Idaho to find ways to provide a sustainable water supply on the Bear River system.

“We’re at a critical crossroads in Utah’s energy and water future and we are choosing an abundance mindset over managing scarcity,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox at the press conference. “An abundance mindset means innovation, investment in technology and investment in people.”

It is the cornerstone of Operation Gigawatt, said Cox. “Our ambitious plan to double Utah’s power production over the next few years. It means working together with industry partners to find shared solutions. Today we’re excited to announce a partnership with the petroleum industry that will help ensure affordable fuel for Utahns and will increase production and benefit our neighbors who rely on Utah’s oil and gas industry to meet their needs.”

Cox said the state’s industry partners have committed to the goal of increasing refinery production by 23,500 barrels per day within the next five years. “We are investing in refinery capacity and expanding upgrades to ensure Utah grown energy stays right here in Utah. We’re investing in fuel storage developments to increase our seasonal supply and support our residents during peak demand.”

Cox also announced a commitment with Idaho to collaborate on the future of the Bear River water system. “This agreement reaffirms our commitment

to the Bear River Compact and Bear River Settlement Agreements.”

Infrastructure and sound policy are truly the path to affordable prices, he said. “We are supporting pipelines and basin infrastructure to increase local fuel supply and production capacity at our refineries.”

“Nearly a year ago we started out with one clear goal and that was reducing gas prices at the pump for Utahns,” said Speaker Mike Shultz, R-District 12. “When gas prices go up everything goes up. Groceries cost more, running a small business costs more, driving your kids to and from school, from practice, from church. It all costs more and Utah families are feeling that pressure.”

Gas prices are driven by supply and demand, said Shultz. “If we want lower prices, we have to increase supply. It is simple economics.”

Utah is taking action, he said. “We’re increasing the supply of the state through expanded production right here at the refineries, to working to bring in new pipelines here to the state of Utah and strategic storage investments that allow our refineries to operate at a full capacity year round bringing millions and millions of additional gallons of gasoline into our market every day.”

Families don’t just live in the long term, Shultz said. “They live here and now. That’s why we’re also providing immediate relief at the pump. Beginning July 1, Utah’s gas tax will be reduced by 15%, putting money back into the pockets of hard-working Utahns every time they fill up.”

“Just like we talked about energy, that’s only half of the equation,” said Executive Director Joel Ferry of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “Just like we must secure our fuel, the fuel that moves our economy, we also must secure the water that sustains

NEWS OF RECORD

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Ellie Rachael Hubbard, Holbrook, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Harli Lake, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Sarai Rosaura Leon Romero, Malad, operate vehicle without a current or valid class d/operators license, $150.00, costs $157.50 Kody Barber, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jeffrey Bateman, Holbrook, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Brandon Burgess, Downey, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Mason Brayden Eliason, Holbrook, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Samantha R Jones, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Rayston D Nelson, Downey, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Ayden W Potter, Malad, fail to obey traffic control devices, $33.50, costs $56.50; speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Richard Maximino Talamantes, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Destiny Maiya Zarate, Tremonton, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 MALAD CITY

Jaxen Charles Randall Purdum, Malad, fail to turn on lead lights or use when required, $10.50, costs $56.50

Ryan Ward, Malad, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

Kelly Archibald, Lava Hot Springs, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Sharon Ann Harris, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Sylvia Jean Valdez, Malad, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Isaiah J Van Wagoner, Roy, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

IDAHO STATE POLICE

Javier Simon Casillas, El Paso, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Katrina Joyce Crystal, Salt Lake City, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50 Mackenzie Taylor Deacon, Shelton, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Rupali Gurung, Bellevue, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Andrea Elvira Ortega, Yelm, speeding, $33.50, cost $56.50

Boris Miguel Reynosa, West Val-

our lives. Water, like energy, doesn’t recognize state boundaries.”

It doesn’t recognize that when it crosses that line it’s in a different state, he said. “Today we’re proving the boundaries are not barriers to solutions. So I want to talk about the kind of agreement that we’ve reached with Idaho. Two neighbors – two joined at the hip states – to stop reacting to the Bear River challenges and start managing its future together.”

Utah is reaffirming its commitment to the Bear River Compact, Ferry said. “If you rely on the Bear River today this agreement is designed to protect your water security for tomorrow. We’re doubling down on our joint investment in things like cloud seeding.”

This is all about the abundance mindset, he said. “Using technology to actually increase the amount of water available to agriculture, to municipal

and industry users.”

Whether it’s the flow of fuel through the refineries or the flow of water down the Bear River, Utah is choosing to lead, said Ferry. “So I want to give a big shout out to our partners in Idaho as well, because they’re thinking outside the box to help us come up with creative solutions and help us navigate through some of these challenges. By creating bold and innovative solutions with the petroleum industry and our neighbors in Idaho, we are ensuring Utah remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

The City Journals, which owns the Idaho Enterprise, recently published the above article on Utah’s water and gas tax plans moving forward. It is being presented here in the interests of providing that perspective to Idaho readers.

ley, fail to reduce speed or change lane upon approach of stationary emergency/police vehicle, $33.50, costs $56.50

Brian Don Bailey, Eagle, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Austin Russell Cutler, South Jordan, speeding, $33.50, costs $56.50

Jack Wesley Johnson, Nibley, speeding in school zone, $100.00, costs $56.50

Jeffrey Demarr Meservy, Rexburg, fail to register annually, $10.50, costs $56.50

Chadd Dee Nelson, Goodyear, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Preston Boyd Spoon, Meridian, speeding (16 mph or over), $98.50, costs $56.50

Jonathan Thomas, Williston, fail to use safety restraint, $10.00

IDAHO FISH AND GAME

Collin Ochsenbein, Ogden, fish with bait where prohibited or in fly fishing waters with gear other than permitted, $72.00, costs $64.00

MAGISTRATE COURT

Gerald Erjavec, Pocatello, inattentive or careless driving, $200.00, costs $157.50 – Agency: OCSO

Cannon Ray Hill, Wellsville, frequenting place where controlled substance used, manufactured, cultivated, held, delivered, given, $127.50, costs $197.50 – Agency: MCPD

Michele Rene Wixom, Farr West, unlawful entry, $142.50, costs $585.50; theft, $100.00, costs $157.50; theft, $100.00, costs $157.50, 90 days jail, 80 days suspended, 24 months probation –Agency: MCPD

RECORDED LIST

February 20, 2026

Boundary

Line Agreement and Quit Claim Deed - Grantor: Justin Eugene Lake, Harli Lake; Grantee: Scott E Boyce, Mary E Boyce

Substitution of Trustee - Grantor: Washington Federal Savings, Trudy Kim Roundy, WAFD Band, Washington Federal Bank; Grantee: Kevin P Moran

Deed of Reconveyance - Grantor: Kevin P Moran; Grantee: Trudy Kim Roundy

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Michael J Evers, Mary L Evers; Grantee:

Nora R Drury

Financing Statement - Grantor: Bruce Allen; Grantee: Loodleap LLC

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Justin Lake, Harli Lake; Grantee: Bank of Commerce

February 23, 2026

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Arnold G Jorgensen Revocable Living Trust; Grantee: Arnold G Jorgensen Revocable Living Trust, Boyd Jorgensen, Shanna Jorgensen, Nathan Jorgense

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Matthew Winn, Nichole Winn; Grantee: Matthew Winn

Warranty Deed - Grantor: K & M Alder Farm LLC, Mark P Alder, Trustee, Janice A Vaughan, Trustee, Kay C Alder Trust, Sarah Ann P Alder, Trustee, Sarah Ann p Alder Trust; Grantee: Sawmill Ranch LLC

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Ronna Hess, Rocket Mortgage LLC February 24, 2026

Marriage License - Brytan Connor Marble Married Bella Rae Barfuss

Substitution of Trustee - Grantor: Kaitlin Feinauer, Matthew Feinauer, Mountain America Federal Credit Union; Grantee: Kevin P Moran

Deed of Reconveyance - Grantor: Kevin P Moran; Grantee: Kaitlin Feinauer, Matthew Feinauer February 25, 2026

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Sonny D Blaisdell; Grantee: Loandepot,com LLC

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Jonathan D Daniels, Tera A Daniels; Grantee: Guild Mortgage Company LLC

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Matthew Winn, Grantee: Driscoll Investments LLC

Sheriff’s Deed - Grantor: Sheriff of Oneida County, Oneida County Sheriff, Martha S Pritchard; Grantee: Planet Home Lending

Warranty Deed - Granto: Collin Olsen, Rachelle Olsen; Grantee: Jeffrey Meinor, Sharon Meinor February 26, 2026

Substitution of Trustee - Grantor: Zions First National Bank, Christensen & Larson Investment Company; Grantee: Old Republic National Title Insurance Company

Deed of Reconveyance - Grantor: Old Republic National Title Insurance Company; Grantee: Christensen & Larson Investment Company

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Scott J Clark Jr; Grantee: RSI Financial Services

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Micah Butler, Brittania Butler; Grantee: Idaho Central Credit Union

Financing Statement - Grantor: Cranney Farms, Ryan Wayne Cranney, Scott Tyler Cranney, Arden Le Cranney, G5 Land Company LLC; Grantee: First National Bank of Omaho

February 27, 2026

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Heath Neville, Personal Representative, Estate of Richard Neville, Estate of Sherrie A Neville, Grantee: Barbara Kay Bramer

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Barbara Kay Bramer; Grantee: Envoy Mortgage LTD

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Justin Eugene Lake, Harli Lake; Grantee: Bank of Commerce Deed of Trust - Grantor: David Shane Madsen, Gayla Roderick, Gayla Clark; Grantee: Rocket Mortgage LLC

March 2, 2026

Special Warranty Deed - Grantor: Dean E Blaisdell, Lorie J Blaisdell; Grantee: Ther Blaisdell Revocable Trust, Dean E Blaisdell Trustee, Lorie J Blaisdell Trustee

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Church of Jesu Christ of Latter-day Saints; Grantee: Naylor Land Holdings LLC

Warranty Deed - Grantor: Jessica Halmandollar, Grantee: Jessica Halmandollar, Heath Barber, Brittney Barber, Jeffrey Helmandollar, Loretta Halmandollar

March 3, 2026

Deed of Reconveyance - Grantor: First American Title Insurance Company, Freedom Mortgage Corporation; Grantee: Scott Clark Jr, Melissa S Clark

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Brittania Butler, Micah Butler; Grantee: Idaho Central Credit Union

Record of Survey - Grantor: AA Hudson; Grantee: Michael and Cathy Asay Family Trust

March 4, 2026

Deed of Trust - Grantor: Alicia Brown, Reuben Greenhalgh; Grantee: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

BOWLING RESULTS

Tuesday Pinpoppers – 3/3/26

Hotel Malad 24.5 11.5

Snips 21.5 14.5

Nell Redfield Hospital 21 15

American Legion B Team 20 16

Ward’s Ace 19 17

JR Racing 14 22

Diamond H Ranch 12 24

Malad Rock Products 12 24

High Game – Enoch Ward 194, Kenna Roco 190

High Series – John riding 528, Kenna Roco 523

BIRTHDAYS

Brady Bosworth, March 13

Madison Edwards, March 13

Sylvie Gleckler, March 13

Marilyn Goddard, March 13

Debra Howard, March 13

Norma Lasa, March 13

Justin Moon, March 13

Patsy Bybee, March 14

Judith Jones, March 14

Crystal Marble, March 14

Amie Marshall, March 14

Jaycee Sweeten, March 14

Jerry Thomas, March 14

Ammon Treasure, March 14

Camie Tripp, March 14

Cody Boot, March 15

Calvin Garrett, March 15

Braun Hill, March 15

Aspen Hubbard, March 15

Wendy Jones, March 15

David Kent, March 15

Caitlyn Boel, March 16

Ray Davis, March 16

Jan Edwards, March 16

Paige Moeller, March 16

Ethan Reel, March 16

Polly Scott, March 16

Dennis Thomas League – 3/5/26

Hubcap Lounge 27 17

K-C Oil 26.5 17.5

Nikity Nacs 23 21

Dude Ranch 22 22

Diamond Bar Ranch 22 22

Arrowhead Cabinets 20 24

Malad Gun Club 18.5 25.5

Chat & Chew 17 27

High Game – Marty Hill 258, Em Searle 188

High Series – Scott Searle 643, Lana Tripp 460

Other 200 Games – Scott Searle 255, Tyler Smith 238

Trevon Tapp, March 16

Heather Clark, March 16

Cody Jamal Andersen, March 16

Bernice Weeks, March 17

Austin Atkinson, March 17

Tod Daniels, March 17

Don Day, March 17

Dennis Evans, March 17

Amy Hatch, March 17

Ferris Hess, March 17

Kim Hess, March 17

David Jenkins, March 17

Vicki Larkin, March 17

Preston Kent, March 17

Trevor Nieffenegger, March 17

John Blaisdell, March 18

Jason Gugelman, March 18

Ashli Haven, March 18

Aubree Davis, March 19

Valaree Estep, March 19

Charles (Chuck) Moon, March 19

If you would like to add yourself, your kids, loved one, friend or family member to our weekly birthday list, contact Sherrie at 208-766-4773 or email sherrie.w@idahoenterprise.com

SHERIFF’S DISPATCH

Following are recent calls received by dispatchers at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. During the month of December, the Sheriff’s Office investigated a number of cases. During this time, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received an unknown number of total calls. This report includes only new investigations and does not include regular investigations, civil services, and the other responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office.

Mon, Feb 1, 2026

• 16:56 911 Call. Unknown situation

• 17:37 Mental Health Crisis

• 18:48 Welfare Check. Car on. Shoulder of I-15 Mon, Feb 2, 2026

• 03:20 Traffic Violation

• 13:36 Theft Reported. Malad Middle School

• 18:23 Medical Emergency. Possible heart attack

• 18:51 Animal Call.

• 23:51 Death Reported Tues, Feb 3, 2026

• 11:30 Welfare Check Wed, Feb 4, 2026

• 03:09 Traffic Accident

• 14:28 Suspicious Circumstance Reported

• 14:37 VIN Inspection

• 18:19 VIN Inspection

• 20:35 Assault Reported Thurs Feb 5 2026

• 05:14 Parking Problem

• 12:41 Citizen Assist

• 13:47 Traffic Accident

• 20:48 Harassment Reported

• 20:57 Suspicious Circumstance Reported Fri Feb 6, 2026

• 11:17 Trespassing Reported. Horses let out

• 13:47 911 Call. Situation Unknown

• 19:57 Civil Call Sat Feb 7, 2026

• 02:46 Animal Call. Dying deer on freeway

• 16:49 Fire Reported. Car fire

• 18:41 Alarm Reported

• 22:44 Vandalism Sun, Feb 8, 2026

• 18:06 Disturbance. Burger King Drive-Thru

• 19:30 Ambulance Call. Medical emergency Mon, Feb 9, 2026

• 04:47 Traffic Accident. Car swerved to miss deer; driver upside down.

SCHOOL MENU

Malad Elementary BreakfastServed with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk

Monday, March 16 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast Pizza

Tuesday, March 17 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast Burrito

Wednesday, March 18 - Cereal Assortment, Oatmeal

Thursday, March 19 - Cereal Assortment, Breakfast Round

Malad Elementary LunchServed with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk

Monday, March 16 - Crispito, Spanish Rice, Food Choice - Corn or Pears

Tuesday, March 17 - Shamrock Chicken Nuggets, Baked Fries, Food Choice - Green Beans or Apple

Wednesday, March 18 - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Food Choice - Sliced Cucumber or Apricots

Thursday, March 19 - Grilled Cheese, Chips, Food ChoiceCarrot Sticks or Fruit Cocktail

Curlew Senior Citizens’ Menu

Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee & Salad Bar

Mar 17 - Pulled Pork Sandwich, Cucumbers, Mandarin Oranges, WG Roll, Dessert

Mar 19 - Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Green Beans, Peaches, WG Roll, Dessert

Malad Middle & High School

Breakfast - Served with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk

Monday, March 16 - Cereal Assortment, Mini Pancake

Tuesday, March 17 - Cereal Assortment, Yogurt Parfait

Wednesday, March 18 - Cereal Assortment, Waffle Sandwich

Thursday, March 19 - Cereal Assortment, Long John donut

Malad Middle & High School

Lunch - Served with Fruit, Choice of Juice or Milk

Monday, March 16 - Spaghetti w/ Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Corn or Pears

Tuesday, March 17 - Shamrock Chicken Nugget, Pretzel w/ Cheese Sauce, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Celery Sticks or Grapes

Wednesday, March 18 - Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baby Bakers, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Green Beans or Apricots

Thursday, March 19 - Ham & Cheese Hot Pocket, Baked Fries, Salad Bar, Food Choice - Carrot Sticks or Fruit Cocktail

Malad Senior Citizens’ Menu

Every meal served with Juice/ Milk/Coffee

Mar 13 - Spaghetti w/Meat sauce, Sald Bar, Mandarin Oranges, Dessert

Mar 18 - Chicken Tamale Pie, Stewed Tomatoes, Fruit Salad, Dessert

ON THIS DAY

1775 First steam engine in America installed, to pump water from a mine

1894 Coca-Cola is sold in bottle for the first time in a candy store in Vicksburg, Mississippi

• 10:59 Civil Call

• 13:11 Welfare Check

• 21:49 Medical Emergency Tues, Feb 10, 2026

• 08:06 Ambulance Call

• 11:40 Theft Reported

• 16:16 Welfare Check

• 20:29 Suspicious Person Reported Wed Feb 11, 2026

• No Reports Thurs Feb 12 2026

• 04:50 Traffic Accident. Vehicle upside down in road

• 08:22 Theft Reported. MHS

• 09:09 Suspicious Person Reported. MHS

• 10:17 Civil Call

• 14:17 Traffic Stop

• 17:01 Civil Call

• 18:11 VIN Inspection Fri Feb 13, 2026

• 14:42 Litter/Public Health. Camping area up Two Mile

• 16:51 Agency Assist

• 21:33 Abandoned Vehicle. Sat Feb 14, 2026

• 04:30 Traffic Accident

• 18:47 VIN Inspection

• 23:40 Traffic Complaint. Dangerous Driving. Sun, Feb 15, 2026

• 18:27 VIN Inspection

• 05:48 Agency Assist. Blown tires Mon, Feb 16, 2026

• 05:48 Agency Assist Tues, Feb 17, 2026

• 00:14 Fire Reported

• 02:56 911 Call

• 05:19 Slide Off Reported

• 06:07 Traffic Hazard. Trampoline in roadway

• 06:14 Traffic Accident

• 12:48 Civil Call

• 19:54 Animal Call. Horses loose Wed Feb 18, 2026

• 08:20 Slide Off Reported

• 11:16 Slide Off. Blocking median Thurs Feb 19, 2026

• 10:07 Civil Call

• 16:48 Suspicious Person Reported Fri Feb 20, 2026

• 06:44 Prisoner Transfer out of county

• 11:50 Slide Off Reported

• 14:17 VIN Inspection

• 20:45 Ambulance Call

• 23:15 Traffic Complaint Sat Feb 21, 2026

• 02:10 Curfew Violation

• 07:49 Death Reported

• 11:27 Harassment Reported

• 20:07 Traffic Accident

1912 Girl Scouts begin in the US as the Girl Guides, formed by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah

1930 Salt March – Mahatma Gandhi begins his famous 200-mile protest march against the widely hated British salt tax

1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt conducts his first “fireside chat” as US President via radio, speaking directly to 60 million listening Americans, eight days after his inauguration

1951 Comic strip “Dennis the Menace”, first appears in the British comic magazine The Beano’

1970 US lowers voting age from 21 to 18

1980 Jury finds John Wayne Gacy guilty of murdering 33 in Chicago

2002 Animated film “Ice Age” directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, with voices by Ray Ramano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo premieres

2003 Elizabeth Smart found after having been missing for 9 months

2012 “The Hunger Games” directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Jennifer Lawrence premieres in Los Angeles

2019 Dozens charged in US college admission scandal by US federal prosecutors, including actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman

CLASSIFIEDS

MAIELI’S THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE – Neck or Whiplash Issues or for just a great massage. Call Maieli Murray (626) 337 - 0772 (1-52)

ANNOUNCEMENTS, MALAD ALANON - We are only a phone call away. For information on meetings, call 208-220-5295 or 208251-9808. (1-52)

ANNOUNCEMENTS, MALAD AA/NA MEETINGS, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 7:00 p.m., Call: Rick M. 208-7663584; Gary B. 435-230-3734; Jack H. 208-830-7371; or Kirk S. 208241-2297; or AA Hotline 208-2351444. (1-52)

e Idaho Enterprise P.O Box 205 Malad City, Idaho 83252-0205 (U.S.P.S. -- 255-800)

The Idaho Enterprise is published weekly at 100 East 90 South, Malad City, Idaho. Postmaster, please mail address corrections to: The Idaho Enterprise, P.O. Box 205, Malad City, Idaho 83252-0205. Entered as “periodicals” at the Malad City, Idaho Post Office. Subscription rates are strictly in advance -- $55.00 per year delivered in Oneida County, and $67.00 per year delivered outside of Oneida County within the United States. The Idaho Enterprise reserves the right to refuse publication of any or all materials. Brandon Hall

LOOKING BACK

10 YEARS AGO (2016)

Daegon Haycock and Natalie Jensen have been selected to represent the Malad High School Class of 2016 as Valedictorian and Salutatorian at Commencement Exercises to be held May 25. Both will speak at graduation. Rob O’Neal of Cordova, Alaska has been hired as the new Malad High School principal.

The junior girls who are participating in the 2017 Malad’s Distinguished Young Women program began their journey at the Kick-off Dinner, held on Wednesday, March 2, at Malad High School. Those vying for the title of 2017 Malad’s Distinguished Young Woman will be Sami Williams, MacKenzie Walton, Kassy Love, Naomi Corbridge, Sydney Webster and Mady Ward.

The Oneida County Farm Service Agency recently conducted elections for a County Committee Person in Local Administrative Area (LAA) #2. This year the Pocatello Valley, South Malad Valley, Deep Creek and Devil Creek areas voted. Lynn Wright was elected to the County Committee and will serve in that capacity for three years. This will be Lynn’s first term.

The top 10 percent of the Class of 2016 will be Natalie Jensen, Rose Bullcreek, Daegon Haycock, Eric Reiss, and Dallin Atkinson.

Finishing in the Top 25 percent of the Class of 2016 are Calvin Willie, Daegon Haycock, Ammon Bingham, Eric Reiss, Dallin Atkinson, Hayden Peterson, Belle Woolsey, Lindsay Sorensen, Taya Thorpe, Emma Sands, Natalie Jensen and Rose Bullcreek.

Emmah Peterson and Paityn Tripp were selected as members of the 2A Fifth District Basketball All-Conference Second Team. This honor is selected by the district coaches.

15 YEARS AGO (2011)

Oneida County Deputy Blair Higley averted a tragedy on Friday when a traffic stop escalated into a possible “suicide by cop” incident. According to Sheriff Jeff Semrad, “Deputy Higley made a traffic stop on the Stone Road for a violation of the frost law. When Deputy Higley approached the truck, the driver told Deputy Higley that he wanted him to shoot him. When Deputy Higley inquired as to why the driver would make such a request, the driver reached in the truck and took out a handheld torch and propane bottle and held it above his head as if to threaten the officer with it. The driver then told he officer that he would give him an excuse to shoot him. Again the officer told the driver that he was not going to shoot him and backed off and called for assistance. The driver was later taken into protective custody after he laid down in the middle of the road so someone could run over him.”

Malad High School Council sent several representatives to a recent student council conference in Boise. The students attending were Nels

Anderson, Cody Hess, Shala McKinney, Paige Moeller, Braxton Davis, Kye Martin, Kyley Thorpe and Dani Briggs.

During the 2010 – 2011 school year, three exchange students have been among the Malad High School student body. Alex Hornell is from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. He is living with the family of Leila Weeks. Emma Mizrahi is from Oslo, Norway. She is living with the family of Garren and Kathleen Atkinson. Malin Henriksson is from Kungshamn, Sweden. She is living with the family of Suzanne Layton. They have enjoyed their experiences in the United States and at Malad High School.

20 YEARS AGO (2006)

The Dragons brought home their second Idaho State 2A Championship banner from Boise, giving Coach Terry Jones his sixth State Championship to end his 25-year career. For several of the players, this was their second state championship. The team included: Wacey Jones, Jake Sorensen, Chris Semrad, Shae Neal, Danny Hess, Mike Corbridge, Bobby Hannah, Wren Murray, Ryan Hannah, Derek Ward, Skylar Richins, and J.C. Corbridge. Coaches for the team included Terry Jones, Chris Hawkes, Clair Neal, Bob Sorensen and Nard Jones. Managers are Dallas Degn, Nishon Neal and Jonathan Jensen.

Bernice Weeks was inducted into the Idaho 4-H Hall of Fame recently, one of just four or five 4-H leaders in the State of Idaho to receive this honor. Bernice has spent 30 years as a Horse 4-H leader.

The Malad Gutter Gussies are giving the Malad Bowl a bit of a facelift in anticipation of the annual Gutter Gussie invitational Tournament coming up here this weekend. Team members got together on March 5 and 6, and with six gallons of paint and significant labor, brightened up the premises. They were Barbara Thompson, Gaylene Willie, Vicki Ekstrom, Linda Daniels, Mary Ann Tracy, Tami Barnes, Shelia Hawkins, Sheila Clark, Carla Williams and Janice Goddard.

30 YEARS AGO (1996)

It was a different year, and a different team, but the winning tradition was the same as Malad captured the State A-3 boys’ basketball title in Holt Arena for the fourth time in 11 years. State champs are Kyle Tubbs, Brandon Ward, Kyle Jones, Brett Evanson, Gabe Atkinson, Kam Alder, Bryson Vaughan, Tim Jenkins, Cortney Jones, J.D. Tovey, Jason Keetch, Austin Tubbs and Shawn Williams. The coaching staff is Terry Jones, Scot Garrick and Sheldon Vaughan.

Meeting in monthly session last week, the Oneida School Board got a demonstration on how the new Internet computer information system at Malad High School works. John Cockett, who installed the system with resources the school received from a

Distance Learning grant, gave the demonstration.

The Oneida School Board gave the green light for a girls’ softball program this spring at Malad High School. With the board’s decision, the school has the go ahead to put teams, coaches, and a schedule together.

Utah Power’s Malad office will close its doors to walk-in billing, payment and credit services March 22.

This is part of the first phase of a yearlong transition for the utility company towards providing a wider array of more convenient and timesaving billing and payment options, according to a Utah Power news release.

The top three places in the A-3 Fifth District wrestling tournament came down to the final heavy weight match Friday night at Malad High School. Malad heavy weight Tim Moon pinned Tylor Simonsen of Aberdeen in 3:19 to give the Dragons 183 points in the tournament and the championship title. Dragons off to state are Steve Ward, Layne Richins, Brent Schow, Tim Moon, Brian Schow, John Blaisdell, Riley Jones, Jared Robbins and Eric Buehler.

40 YEARS AGO (1986)

Brooks Keller and Ron Henderson are now ready to greet customers at “3R’s Country Tire”. Located at 295 East 50 South, just off the interstate.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 65 has selected two delegates and two alternates for the Idaho Syringa Girl’s State to be held at northwest Nazerene College in Nampa during the week of June 15 – 21, 1986. Selected as 1st delegate is Heather Davis, and Alina Marble is the 2nd delegate pick. Also chosen were two alternates: Karen Jones, 1st alternate and Tricia Hill, 2nd alternate.

Ralph Bennett announced today the names of two more Malad High School music students who will be joining the 1986 All-State Band. Chosen is Ken Kennedy and Chris Blaisdell.

Highlighting this year’s 4-H Awards banquet was the Idaho 4-H Leader Association’s presentation of the “Distinguished Service Award” to Bonna Anderson of Stone for her outstanding service, participation and dedicated service to the 4-H organization. Also recognized during the evening with the First Security Bank Watch Award to the “Outstanding 4-H’er” was Dell Timothy, picked for his achievements during the past four years as a member of the Oneida County Chapter of 4-H.

50 YEARS AGO (1976)

Following a closed executive session for personnel reasons, the Oneida County School Board voted to send out letters of “intent to re-hire” to Oneida teachers, and approve a nine-member Ad Hoc budgetary advisory committee to the Superintendent.

City residents flocked to the polls Tuesday casting 502 votes for J. Marvin Hess to elect him Mayor of Malad City. Candidate Gordon Crowther tallied 399 votes in the March 9 special election.

Dr. Nick Hagen has discontinued his services at the Malad Valley Health Care Clinic, and has made plans to leave here.

Malad High School senior Tom Grubb has been selected by West Point Military Academy, U.S. Senator Frank Church has announced. Look-

ing forward to his first trip to New York – Yellowstone is the furthest east the Dragon has traveled – Tom acknowledges that the going may get rough at the highly competitive military academy. Tom’s interests lie in the field of civil and electrical engineering.

The Oneida County Grain Growers Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Dale Tubbs as manager of their grain operation. Mr. Tubbs has worked several years as an independent grain dealer, and also has experience in buying and selling farm supplies as former part-owner of the local D & J Farm Supply.

Two High School Seniors were selected from Malad to prepare for the annual All-State Choir and Band Concert. Baritone vocalist Brad Bowen, and saxophone musician Becky Crowther are the two selected.

Ceylon N. Reeder is Malad’s newest member of the U.S. Army team. Ceylon is currently in basic training where he will receive training in military history, drill and ceremonies, weapons firing and qualification, and first aid. After his basic training and advanced individual training, he will serve with the U.S. Forces in Europe.

60 YEARS AGO (1966) Regal in a floor-length gown of pink and champagne, lovely Emily Ann Hargrave was crowned Miss Malad of 1967 at the Malad Elementary school auditorium by the reigning Miss Malad Sandy Bowen. A capacity crowd watched the selection of the new beauty queen; runners-up Kristie Adele Champneys and Jill Sue Jones, and Miss Congeniality, Lugene Jones, selected by the contestants.

A farewell testimonial will honor Elder Richard K. Williams, son of Mrs. Mae E. Williams and the late Jack M. Williams, at the Malad LDS First Ward. Elder Williams has been called to serve in the South German Mission.

A farewell testimonial honoring Elder Stewart Allen Jensen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Royal B. Jensen, will be held March 13th, in the Malad Third Ward Stake Building. Elder Jensen has been called to serve in the Northern Far East Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mission headquarters are at Tokyo, Japan. Wayne Jones has been elected historian of Sigma Nu, national social fraternity on the campus at Idaho State University, Pocatello.

70 YEARS AGO (1956)

New partner with his brother, Verlin Allen, as owners of the Daniels Drug Co. here, is Kenneth Allen who is moving from Salt Lake City with his family. A native of Driggs, Idaho, Kenneth is a pharmacy graduate from the University of Utah. He has been employed at Lowe’s Professional Pharmacy in Salt Lake City and Grand Central Drug Co., also in Salt Lake.

Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise are members of the Malad Fraternal Order of Eagles who were honored at a recent meeting when they received their 40 and 25-year membership pins. Those receiving the pins for 40 consecutive years as Eagles were Oscar Booker, W.E. Evans and D.P. Jones. Receiving their 25-year pins are: Frederick R. Jones, Dan K. Evans, V. P. Garst, Charles Wight,

NOTICES

CASPER J. RANKIN (SBN 9107)

SYDNEY K. LEAVITT (SBN 8933)

ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP

3597 E. MONARCH SKY LN., STE. 240 MERIDIAN, ID 83646

Telephone: (208) 908-0709

Facsimile: (858) 726-6254

Email: sleavitt@aldridgepite.com

Attorneys for Plaintiff LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF ONEIDA LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC, Plaintiff, v. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF STEVEN R. MILLS; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20, et al., Defendants.

Case No. CV36-25-0147

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION ON COMPLAINT FOR JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF

TO: DEFENDANTS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF STEVEN R. MILLS and DOES 1 through 20, inclusive, including all parties with an interest in and/ or residing in real property commonly known as 226 N. 200 W., MALAD CITY, ID 83252: You have been sued by loanDepot.com, LLC, the Plaintiff, in the District Court in and for the County of Oneida, Idaho, Case No. CV36-250147.

The nature of the claim against you is an action for declaratory relief and judicial foreclosure of the real property currently known as 226 N. 200 W., MALAD CITY, ID 83252 and legally described as BEGINNING AT A POINT 8 RODS NORTH OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 4, IN BLOCK 8, OF TOWNSITE OF MALAD CITY, ONEIDA COUNTY, IDAHO, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID TOWNSITE NOW ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF ONEIDA COUNTY; THENCE RUNNING EAST 10 RODS; THENCE NORTH 4 RODS; THENCE WEST 10 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 4 RODS, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SITUATED IN NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 21, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 36 EAST OF THE BOISE MERIDIAN. T-164

Any time after 21 days following the last publication of this summons, the court may enter a judgment against

you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the Case Number and paid any required filing fee to the Clerk of the Court at 10 Court St., Malad, ID 83253, (208) 766-4285, and serve a copy of your response on the Plaintiff’s attorney, SYDNEY K. LEAVITT, at ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP, 3597 E. Monarch Sky Ln., Ste. 240 Meridian, ID 83646.

A copy of the Summons and Complaint can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the attorney for Plaintiff. If you wish for legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter.

Dated 12/23/2025

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT

By:Diane Skidmore DEPUTY

#5808-02-19-26-03-05-1226-T4

SYNOPSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 2026 MINUTES ONEIDA COUNTY (IDAHO) BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS

Per IC §31-819 February 2026

February 9, 2026 – Topics discussed and decisions made: Claims for payment and meeting minutes were approved. The board discussed setting aside funds for OneTime Spending; no action taken. A $10,000 donation was approved for the new playground. The board approved the Airport Board’s recommendation to select JUB Engineering for the airport lighting project. The Airport Board was also authorized to apply for a GEM Grant for the purchase and installation of a new Jet-A fuel tank and fueling system at the airport.

The Senior Center is receiving a vehicle donation and the old Geo Tracker will be sold once ownership is established.

The board determined that a portion of the old Harrison Road located 0.6 miles west of 5600 West on 2000 North is not a validated county road and approval of a gate was given to the adjoining property owners who will be responsible for road maintenance west of that point. A public hearing was set for March 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. for the Road Safety Grant Project, which includes the rumble strips and other safety improvements. Issues along Old Highway 191 north of Devil Creek were discussed; no decision taken. A prior HVAC bid was discussed; the vendor noted his higher bid used longerlasting equipment; no action

was taken. Road access and driveway permits for the Robyn & Ronnie Gamble development in St. John were discussed and will be addressed at a future meeting. The board approved the purchase of a Papa Rock Screener for the Road & Bridge Department for $17,350. Information regarding landowners wishing to haul gravel onto county roads was shared; no action taken. A future Gravel Policy was discussed. A retirement party will be held for retiring officer Justin Schwartz. Performance wages outlined by the County Sheriff were approved for nine employees in that department. Public safety concerns were discussed by the County Sheriff, citing morale, wages, and the department being short-staffed for an extended period; no action taken. An update to the county comp time policy was provided; no action taken. A proposal from Healthy Greens (Trevor Robbins) for maintenance of the Event Center trees and to assess the courthouse trees was approved. A Property Tax Cancellation Request for RP0068100 was approved. Action for the proposed Development Code amendments was tabled pending clarification. A collection agency agreement is being reviewed by county legal counsel; no action taken. Discussion regarding language updates to the current airport hangar lease agreements to help the county remain in good standing when applying for grants. Resolution No. 202602-01 was adopted, designating the 129,000-pound oversize truck route. The Elections Department received approval to purchase new election equipment for $9,000 plus an annual $600 maintenance fee. An update to Engage Wellness’s compatibility with Computer Arts Software was given; no action taken. The old metal detector will be donated to Butte County. Outreach information shared with the county regarding asbestos/mesothelioma will be verified as compliant with Idaho Code prior to sharing on the county website. Two 129,000-pound oversize truck permits were granted for MidCrystal Farms. An update on the Onan Diesel Generator in Stone was provided with no action taken. Extension Office department update and opioid funds request for Mental Health First Aid Class granted. Two executive sessions were held, both pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(a). No final action was taken in executive session.

February 23, 2026 – Topics discussed and decisions made: Claims for payment and meeting minutes were approved. No Board of Equalization matters were presented. It was determined that the Senior Center owns the Geo Tracker and the newly donated Jeep, making no action necessary from the county regarding disposal of the Tracker or titling or insuring the Jeep. The Elections Department was authorized

Legislative highlights

Idaho Senate committee advances jury bill

Potential jurors may have the option to instead work the election polls under a bill advancing in the Idaho Legislature. The Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday approved House Bill 560, which would allow county clerks to request from the jury commission that prospective jurors be given the choice to be excused from jury duty to serve as poll workers.

Those who accept and volunteer as poll workers in an upcoming election would be excused from jury service for the next two years.

The bill now goes to the Senate floor for consideration. It passed the House 68-0 with two members absent, and if approved by the Senate, would go to the governor for a signature or veto.

Senate bill sponsor Sen. Phil Hart, R-Kellogg, said county clerks were in favor of the bill, which would allow them the option to seek more poll

workers if they’ve determined there’s a shortage.

Idaho House passes bill to restore presidential primary elections

A bill the Idaho House passed Monday would bring back the state’s presidential primary elections in March.

In 2024, instead of a typical presidential primary election, Idaho switched its process for voters to select presidential party nominees to a caucus.

The shift came because the Idaho Legislature had seemingly unintentionally eliminated the presidential primary election through a 2023 bill.

Only about 7% of registered Republicans turned out for the GOP’s 2024 presidential caucus, which only allowed in-person voting.

The Idaho House passed House Bill 638 with no debate on a 45-23 vote.

“This bill seeks to bring it back exactly how it was before we lost it, puts it back in March,” bill sponsor Rep. Kyle Harris, R-Lewiston, told House lawmakers.

The bill would also require presidential candidates to pay

to purchase new DS300 scanners and tabulators for $43,530 with annual $1,890 maintenance and dispose of old tabulators by sale or trade-in. Authorization was given to explore options and obtain information regarding a compensation study for fiscal year 2027. Detention Center usage over the last 10 years has ranged from 23 to 200 nights and the county payment plan is based on a rolling 10-year average. The Senior Center thank-you note was shared. 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline posters and flyers will be posted in county facilities, public buildings, and at the emergency preparedness fair. The County Weed Supervisor was authorized to begin pricing enclosed trailers and will present a five-year plan for the department at an upcoming meeting. Development Code Amendments were adopted removing the references to stockyard, slaughterhouse, and meatpacking uses from the Agricultural Zone section, as these uses are addressed elsewhere in the ordinance. Information about the National Day of Prayer on May 7, 2026 was shared. Department updates and highlights were provided by the Sheriff, Planning & Zoning, Prosecuting Attorney, and County Fair departments. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is meeting with Commissioner Boards around the state to understand local perspectives on public lands and will provide a statewide report later this summer. Two executive sessions were held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(a) and 74-206(1)(c). No final action was taken in executive session. Approval was given to post the job description and notice for the Planning and Zoning Administrator position.

Expenditures by fund: General Fund/Current expense, $ 54,734.51; Road & Bridge, $ 117,178.96; Airport, $ 668.42; Ambulance, $ 70,270.44; District Court, $ 743.27; Fair/County, $ 663.23; Justice Fund, $ 32,527.99; Parks & Recreation, $ 37.65 ; Revaluation, $ 5.68; Tort, $ 1,571.35; Weeds, $ 1,200.07 ; Consolidated Elections, $ 10,682.02; PILT, $ 10,000.00; E-911, $ 6,832.34; Drug Court/Specialty Court Coordinator, $ 1,249.50. -Total - $ 308,365.43 #5814

SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Case No. CV36-26-0026 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF ONEIDA LIBERTY GOLD USA INC., a Delaware corporation, Plaintiff, v.

HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF ELIDA VANKOMEN; MICHAEL SHOWELL; SHEILA REX; JAMES BOICE HARRISON, AS TRUSTEE OF THE GEOFFREY DEAN SHOWELL AND JAMES BOICE HARRISON REVOCABLE TRUST DATED FEBRUARY 18, 2011; JOHN SCOTT SHOWELL; STEVEN DALE SHOWELL; and JOHN DOES 1-10, Defendants.

NOTICE: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED BY THE ABOVENAMED PLAINTIFF. THE COURT MAY ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW. TO: HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF ELIDA VANKOMEN

You are hereby notified that in order to defend this lawsuit, an appropriate written response must be filed with the above designated court at 10 Court St., Malad, Idaho 83252, (208) 766-4116, within 21 days after service of this Summons on you. If you fail to so respond, the Court may enter judgment against you as demanded by the Plaintiff in the Complaint.

A copy of the Summons and Complaint can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court or the Plaintiff’s attorney.

If you wish to seek the advice of or representation by an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your written response, if any, may be filed in time and other legal rights protected.

An appropriate written response requires compliance with Rule 2 and other Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure and shall also include:

1. The title and number of this case.

2. If your response is an Answer to the Complaint, it must contain admissions or denials of the separate allegations of the Complaint and other defenses you may claim.

3. Your signature, mailing address, and telephone number, or the signature, mailing address, and telephone number of your attorney.

4. Proof of mailing or delivery of a copy of your response to Plaintiff’s attorney, as designated above.

5. The mailing address of the district court clerk in Oneida County is 10 Court St., Malad, Idaho 83252, and the telephone number is (208) 766-4116.

To determine whether you must pay a filing fee with your response, contact the Clerk of the above-named Court.

DATED 3/4/2026.

LON COLTON Clerk of the Court By Diane Skidmore, Deputy Clerk Publishing: 3/12/2026, 3/19/2026, 3/26/2026, 4/2/2026

#5815-03-12-19-26-04-0226-Tt

a $50,000 fee to have their name on Idaho’s ballots. The fees are meant to help offset the state’s estimated $2.5 million cost to run the next presidential primary.

Senate Bill 1366 would have the state hold primary elections in May. That bill was introduced last week in the Senate State Affairs Committee, but it has not yet received a committee hearing.

House Bill 638 now heads to the Senate, where it could receive a committee hearing. To become law, Idaho bills must pass the House and Senate, and avoid the governor’s veto.

Restoration of wildfire budget cuts

The Idaho Legislature’s budget committee voted Monday to restore some of the state funding for wildfire protection and prevention that state legislators cut earlier in this year.

During its meeting Monday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC, voted to restore a total of $265,200 for the Idaho Department of Lands’ forest and range fire

protection program.

The funding, which is split between the current fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027, will go toward hiring seasonal firefighters to gear up for the upcoming wildfire season, standing up a new fire protection district in eastern Idaho and fire prevention.

On Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, JFAC voted to cut budgets for most state agencies and departments in FY26 and FY27 in order to make room to pay for tax cuts championed by President Donald Trump and avoid a state budget shortfall.

On March 4, JFAC voted down proposals to restore the funding in this year’s budget and next year’s budget.

JFAC also voted down a proposal to restore wildfire funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget on Monday before Rep. Chris Bruce, R-Kuna, pushed to reconsider the budget and approve the funding.

JFAC’s action on Monday restores most of the funding cut by the additional 1% and additional 2% state budget cuts that the Idaho Legislature added to the 3% state budget

cuts that Gov. Brad Little approved last year.

The restored funding for the Idaho Department of Lands’ wildfire programs breaks down as follows: $124,900 for fiscal year 2026, $140,300 for fiscal year 2027.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller told legislators that if they don’t restore the funding, it could lead to the state hiring fewer seasonal firefighters, reducing the amount of wildfire prevention work and jeopardizing the new eastern Idaho fire protection district.

After JFAC voted down the first proposal to restore funding on March 4, Miller said that wildfires will still be fought aggressively in Idaho this year, but the state may have to rely more on its federal partners to fight those wildfires, which could increase costs in the long run.

The restored funding for wildfire protection in fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 still must head to the full Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate for a vote before it is approved.

County Commission Report, Feb 23

This report is adapted from the minutes recorded by Deputy Clerk Shanci Dorius. It is not the official record of the meeting, as it has been edited for length, order, and context. The complete minutes for meetings are available at the clerk’s office upon request.

Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Department recently held a retirement celebration for longterm law enforcement officer Detective Justin Schwartz, who served Oneida County for 33 years. Separately, representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense visited the Sheriff’s Office and presented the department with a Patriotic Employer Award.

Sheriff Williams reported that the department has been operating with reduced staffing for the past 2½ years, which has limited its ability to operate proactively. Recruitment efforts have been challenging, with only a few applicants meeting department requirements. One patrol applicant failed the physical fitness test, another did not qualify under IDAPA rules, and one application submitted on February 12, 2026, is currently being processed. The department has received two applications for the open dispatch position, which remains under review. Deputy Moyer is progressing well at POST and is expected to graduate on April 10. Following graduation, he will complete the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Field Training Program before patrolling independently. Deputy Moyer has ties to Malad and several years of prior corrections experience in another state.

Sheriff Williams emphasized the need for experienced staff due to the complexity of departmental processes and protocols. He noted that ongoing training has shown positive results, which are reflected in departmental operations.

Sheriff Williams also provided activity numbers for the period from November through February. During this time, there were 396 total incidents for the county and city combined, 172 for the city, and 18 for the schools. Citations included 86 in the city and 44 in the county, with a total of 74 warnings issued. He clarified that incident reports are generated for all calls requiring action, including VIN checks, noise complaints, and slide-off calls transferred to other agencies.

A recent incident involving illegal activity near a school crosswalk highlighted the importance of proactive policing. During the debrief, Sheriff Williams emphasized that protecting youth is a core focus of the department. Pending charges for this incident include both misdemeanor and felony counts, with enhancements due to proximity to children, the school zone, and the offender’s status as a persistent violator.

Juvenile Detention Usage

A juvenile detention usage report was presented to the Board for review. Commissioner Lewis noted that over the past ten years, nights of detention increased from 23 to over 200. Oneida County had previously determined it needed half a bed, but actual usage has recently been closer to a quarter, returning to historical levels in the last few months. The new payment plan is based on a rolling ten-year average, which reflects this usage trend. The Clerk reported that the Board had budgeted approximately $25,000 for detention costs, but under the updated plan the estimated cost is slightly over $36,000, which may cause the county to exceed the current budget. Further discussion was requested.

Prosecuting Attorney

Attorney Lyle Fuller referenced a report provided to the Board stating that there were 746 total adult cases in 2025, including 19 felonies, 106 misdemeanors, and 621 infractions. Of these cases, 23 were dismissed, 32 remain pending, and 691 resulted in guilty dispositions. Total juvenile cases for the year were 22, including 4 felonies and 13 misdemeanors; of these, 14 were resolved as guilty, 5 are pending, and 3 were dismissed. Attorney Fuller noted that the office works closely with the Sheriff’s Department to review cases, manage large or complex cases efficiently, and ensure that dismissals are handled appropriately. The office is finalizing a collection

services agreement to be presented to the Board at a future meeting. The agreement will allow a contracted agency to assist in collecting delinquent court costs and will work with court clerks to bring in payments. There is no cost to the County, which will receive 100% of any debt collected. The debtor will be assessed a 33% fee, which will go to the agency.

District 6 Behavioral Health - 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Awareness

Recent trainings attended by members of the Board have highlighted awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, an alternative to 911, which connects individuals with help, including therapy. Sheriff Doug Williams noted that the 988 line is promoted during the annual Suicide Walk and is frequently used by individuals needing someone to talk to.

The Board discussed ways to increase awareness, including posting notices in county facilities, public buildings, and local businesses, as well as distributing flyers at the March 14 Emergency Preparedness Fair. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is also available.

Planning & Zoning Department

The department is working on several initiatives to streamline the county’s development code. Proposed amendments include adjustments to setbacks, with current discussion focusing on 30-foot side setbacks versus 15 feet. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were also discussed; concerns were raised regarding cases where a smaller home is built before the primary home. The department is in the middle of a water study. A report is expected by the end of March or early April.

The Comprehensive Plan update is ongoing. Budgeting for the plan has been set, and the plan’s completion depends on the results of the water and traffic studies. Completion is anticipated in April.

The department continues to identify ways to streamline processes, though some proposals have met with pushback. Last year, more than 180 building permits were issued, including over 40 residential permits. Agency letters were sent for minor subdivisions, and guidance was provided regarding current and future building permits, with staffing and funding levels noted as potential limitations. The County may need a strategic public safety model to address increasing demands.

Other department initiatives include clarifying definitions and standards for RV living and campgrounds, as well as ongoing remodeling projects.

The department expects a new administrator to start within the next few months. Rhonda Neal is retiring soon, and a replacement for the vital position will be sought through the county’s hiring process.

P & Z Development Code Amendments

The Board revisited proposed amendments to the Planning & Zoning Development Code that were discussed at the previous meeting. The amendments included defining “Butcher Shop” and “Slaughterhouse,” allowing Butcher Shops as a Conditional Use in the Agricultural Zone and as permitted uses in Commercial and Industrial zones, adding standards for slaughterhouses (5-371), deleting section 4A-8 to conform with the definition of “Contiguous Parcel,” adjusting numeric order of standards, and standardizing penalties (7-8) with clearly identified fees.

Following the last meeting, Planning & Zoning Committeeman Steve Daniels and Administrator Rhonda Neal met with Chairman Bill Lewis to clarify questions regarding “stockyard” and “meatpacking” uses in rural residential zones; the clarifications were reported to the Board during this meeting.

Discussion also included the need for public hearings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-6509, the Board may refer suggested changes back to the Planning & Zoning Board without requiring another public hearing.

Commissioner Jeppsen moved to adopt the proposed amendments to

the Development Code, Ordinance 2022-08-01, removing the references to stockyard, slaughterhouse, and meatpacking uses from the Agricultural Zone section, as these uses are addressed elsewhere in the ordinance. Seconded by Commissioner Eliason. All ayes. Motion carried.

County Fair Board Report

Fair Board member Ken Moss Jr. reported ongoing efforts to organize fair activities and noted that a Monday night event has not yet been finalized. The GEM grant application was not approved, so the Fair Board is exploring alternative options to move forward with power upgrades at the fairgrounds to accommodate additional vendors.

The Board requested that the Fair Board develop a 10- to 20-year longrange plan for the Fair, and suggested the possibility of hiring a consultant to assist with plan development. The Fair Board indicated an indoor arena is a priority, as it would expand event opportunities and provide greater flexibility.

The livestock barn extension was viewed positively by the Board, as it looked good and proved useful during last year’s fair. Gates are still needed at one end, and panels will be installed with assistance coordinated through the Extension Office.

Election Tabulator Bid

County Clerk Lon Colton outlined fund availability while requesting permission to purchase updated DS300 Poll Place Scanners and Tabulators from Election Systems & Software (ES&S). A portion of two Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grants, which have been placed in the county’s Consolidated Election Fund and must be used by the end of the year, will fund the purchase of the ballot on demand printers previously approved at the last Board meeting and the upgraded tabulators presented today. Total costs are estimated at $43,530, with an additional $1,890 for licensing.

Commissioner Eliason moved to authorize the purchase of DS300 Poll Place Scanners and Tabulators from Election Systems & Software (ES&S) in the amount of $43,530, plus the annual post-warranty license, maintenance, and support fee of $1,890; and further to approve disposal of the existing election tabulators by sale to Boundary County or Minidoka County, or by trade-in return to ES&S.

Thank You Note from the Senior Center

The Board received a thank-you note from the Senior Center expressing appreciation for the county’s continued support.

Weeds: 5-Year Plan (Including Drone Trailer Purchase Request)

An enclosed trailer for the drone would allow Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde to store all related equipment in one location, eliminating the need to load and unload items for each use and providing added security. The Weed Department’s capital budget has not been utilized. The Board requested that Mr. Clyde present his five-year plan and agreed he may begin obtaining pricing for enclosed trailers. Estimates will be brought to a future meeting for Board consideration and potential action.

National Day of Prayer –May 7, 2026

Commissioner Jeppsen reported that Amber Langsten with the Interfaith Council is coordinating participation information for the National Day of Prayer scheduled for May 7, 2026. Additional information will be provided at a later date

Senior Center Vehicle (Insurance/Replacement of)

Senior Center representative Dave Colton previously addressed the Board regarding the Geo Tracker used by the Center and the donation of a Jeep. Upon further review, he determined the Geo Tracker is titled to the Senior Center, not Oneida County, and has applied for a duplicate title, as the original could not be located. The County has paid insurance on the Geo Tracker since 2009, which may have been allowed under prior policy provisions. Attorney Lyle Fuller advised that while the Geo Tracker is currently insured, ICRMP may not insure the newly donated Jeep unless it is titled in the County’s name. The estimated insurance cost is approximately $600 per year for a single driver. Options discussed included transferring ownership of the vehicle to the County or the possibility of considering insurance costs for the Senior Center vehicle during a future County budget cycle. Mr. Colton stated the Center will insure the new vehicle. Since the last Board meeting, it was determined that the county does not own the Geo Tracker, so no Board permission is required for the Senior Center to sell the vehicle. Senior Center representative Dave Colton shared that proceeds from the sale will be applied toward the purchase of a new steam table to keep food hot for meals served at the center.

Greater Yellowstone Coalition –Public Lands & PILT/SRS Funds - Matt Lucia Matt Lucia, Idaho Conservation Manager with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC), met with the Board to discuss public lands in Oneida County. Mr. Lucia’s counterpart, Rob Mason, Idaho State Director for The Wilderness Society, was not present.

Mr. Lucia explained that GYC is a statewide coalition representing hunters, anglers, outfitters, outdoor business leaders, and conservation organizations, and that their meetings with county commissions are primarily listening sessions to understand local perspectives on public lands. Commissioners noted that the majority of local ranchers rely on BLM and Forest Service lands for grazing. Hunting, fishing, and recreation activities are popular and contribute to the community. Collaboration on local projects with federal land agencies has generally been positive. PILT and SRS funding are critical to the County’s budget, but uncertainty regarding these funds creates challenges for planning. Loss of road access to public lands due to private property purchases is a concern. Although the County has limited harvestable forest land, recent logging sales have contributed to forest health.

Mr. Lucia noted the information gathered during these meetings will be combined with data from other counties, and GYC expects to provide a statewide report later this summer.

ONEIDA COUNTY WEEKLY EVENTS

By Gramma Dot

Country

Grandparents Only

Not recommended for parents or kids...

Well, here we are again, still talking about the Crowther Brothers. The country got through the war. The mill was running full-board employing several in the valley. The mill had built huge steel tanks north of the concrete tanks to store grain for government contracts. The next project appeared to be building a dam so the water flow to run the mill wheel could be controlled. Now, if you want to build a reservoir today my guess is it would take government studies, government money and the Army Corps of Engineers. Not so with Edward, Norman and Junius… they just went to work.

According to Gordon Crowther’s

history*, building the dam, “…drew probably more attention than anything Crowther Brothers had ever attempted. The water from Spring Creek that supplied the water wheel at the mill was not constant. The canal’s banks were constantly breaking out, especially during the spring runoff. As the summer came, the water from the mountains lessened. Crowther Brothers began thinking seriously of building a reservoir and piping the water directly to the water wheel at the mill. A perfect place was picked out just about a mile north of the mill. An engineer was hired to draw up the plans. Marion Hess, a local contractor with big earthmoving equipment, was happy to take the job because it was close to home. It was necessary to re-

America 250

Key events of March 1776:

• March 2: American troops began shelling British forces in Boston.

• March 3: The Continental Navy under Commodore Esek Hopkins captured New Providence Island in the Bahamas.

• March 4–5: Continental troops, led by General John Thomas, secretly fortified Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston Harbor with cannons from Fort Ticonderoga.

• March 8: A skirmish occurred at Nook’s Hill in Boston.

• March 17 (Evacuation Day): British General William Howe evacuated 11,000 troops and 1,000 loyalists from Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia, ending the eight-year occupation.

• Late March: Washington began moving his army toward New York in anticipation of the next British move.

Partick Henry’s catalyzing speech was given in March of 1775, rather than 1776, but is often seen as one of the most critical catalysts of the Revolutionary War. We have reprinted the opening and closing sections, which convey the ferocity of feeling that laid the groundwork for what would become the United State of America.

place the old water wheel, so Junius began constructing a bigger and more efficient one. So, in the spring of 1948, work began. Dad (Edward) and I were the first to turn a shovel of dirt toward the building of the dam. One day Dad asked me if I would like to go with him and see where the reservoir was to be built. Standing in the bottom of that gully that day, it was hard to imagine just what was going to take place. Dad and I took out an old flume that had for years diverted the water for irrigation purposes. The next day one of Marion’s big bulldozers showed up, and the work began. The first job was to get all the sand and gravel pushed out of the bottom of the ravine. This was a bigger job than Marion had anticipated. The sand and gravel mixed with water were chewing up the rollers on his bulldozer, so Dee Cameron’s team and scraper were brought in to do the job. (Once the gravel and sand were scraped out Marion’s heavy equipment took over.)

“The planning and construction of the Crowther reservoir were followed very closely by officers and members

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me

Death

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I

of local irrigation companies. They had been aware for a long time of the need to store the precious water that flowed from the mountains and watersheds north of Malad, but to build reservoirs large enough to hold that much water would be too costly and would be out of the question. But with the completion of the Crowther Dam and the beautiful sight of that much water being stored, the irrigation companies’ officials began thinking, ‘Well, if Crowther Brothers can do it, perhaps we can too.’ Within a few years, three more reservoirs were completed in the Malad area.”

Life is Good when you take that first step. Once folks know something can be done, they are more likely to spread their own wings. Our county now has several reservoirs that do more than turn the mill wheel. Irrigation and recreation are important aspects of our economy. Thank you, Crowthers, for getting the ball rolling or maybe we should say the water flowing.

*Taken from Gordon Crowther’s “History of Crowther Mill.”

revere above all earthly kings. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper

use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

The heart of a bull sale Cowboy Poetry March

BY ALLISON ELIASON

As a little girl, I always loved the day we held our annual bull sale. The day started early before the sun was even up. The crisp December air was always punctuated by the steam rising off the pens of bulls ready to sell, the smell of the pine chips in the sale ring, and the buzz of the friends, family, and potential buyers chatting over the cattle and weather and everything in between. The excitement and energy of the day were contagious and I reveled in it.

The day was far more stressful for my dad as he dealt with all the logistics, while my brothers worked the bulls in the background and my mom kept the food flowing to satisfy a crowd of empty bellies. With constantly refilled cups of hot cocoa in hand, I walked the pens of bulls, scoured the bull catalog, and meticulously wrote down the price of each animal as it walked out of the ring.

A lot of things have changed since I was a little girl soaking in all the sights, sounds and feelings of a winter bull sale. You could say that growing a few years older and moving to the other side of the sale ring—buying the animals instead of selling them—would definitely bring changes.. But I’ve noticed it's not just me and my seat at the sale that has changed. In the years since those first bull sale days, technology has given the sale ring a new look that just might have blown my little girl's mind.

Back in the day, there really wasn’t any other option than to be sitting ringside. After a few years and the birth of the cell phone, my dad would take calls to help far away buyers get in on a bull or two they had been eyeing from afar. The clunky phones with just average service made things work but if we could see how things are done now, we would have skipped the phone tag bidding altogether.

Live streaming auctions have expanded the reach of herd sire producers far beyond their usual circle of interest. With the click of a button, buyers across the country can see the animals, calculate how the price fits in their budget and bid in real time, just as if they were in the front row. Speaking from experience, it makes it entirely possible for a rancher to be sitting port side on a cruise ship ready to set sail yet still able to bid on the future of the herd thousands of miles away.

Sales days aren’t just less stressful for the buyers to try and muddle through, but the crew working the

back as well. Sorting the cattle to their pens, then bringing them through the ring for buyers to eye as the auctioneer chants to the rhythm of the incoming bids, just to take them back out again might sound easy. But anyone that has worked the sale day will tell you otherwise. The long day changes significantly when instead of inviting the bull to make an in-person appearance, he shows up virtually on the big screen.

It may have its limitations, but the trend to keep the bulls down the alley and let the prerecorded strut work its magic is giving cattle sales a new look. Sleek screens are replacing the messy panels. Bull bellars aren’t being mistaken for a ringman’s cry. There’s not more lag time waiting for the ornery bull to make his way into the ring.

And the technology shaping cattle sales doesn’t stop once the bidding starts. In a world where bull catalogs are packed with numbers and data that can be confusing and hard to decipher, new tools are helping buyers sort through the figures before sale day even arrives.

Recently at a bull sale, I found myself turning to ChatGPT just to see what the artificial intelligence had to offer, to see how well it actually knew cattle. To my surprise a few inputs of how we run our operation and what kind of outputs we hope to get out of our bulls, the app spit out just the right figures to help narrow down which bulls might fit our operation best.

By looking at the EPDs and performance data, it helped prioritize the traits that mattered most for our herd and identified the animals that best matched those goals. In the end, it didn’t make the decision for us—but it did help bring a little clarity and confidence to what we were already looking for. AI in the cattle world isn’t just about artificial insemination anymore.

For all the screens, streaming, and now even artificial intelligence lending a hand, the heart of a bull sale still feels familiar. There are still good cattle to evaluate, neighbors to visit with, and decisions that shape the future of a herd. The tools may look a little different than they did when I was a girl walking the pens with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, but the purpose remains the same. Whether the bid comes from a seat in the sale barn, a phone across the country, or a computer halfway around the world, it still comes down to cattlemen trying to make the best choice for their herd. And in the end, that part of the sale hasn’t changed one bit.

27th and 28th

It’s once again time for the return of the Cowboy Petry and Western Music Festival to the Malad Valley. As in past years, the event will take place over two days, and will be held at the Iron Door Playhouse in downtown Malad.

The afternoon sessions are held for no charge, and give the performers a chance to try out new material, practice their craft, or speak or sing in front of a smaller, less formal audience. The afternoon sessions are Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday from 11-5 p.m.

The Evening sessions have a scheduled program, and carry a cover charge of $15 to support to artists and groups involved, including the Iron Door. Both evening sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the International Western Music Association, and will feature the music of Saddle Strings, as well as Many Strings.

The Cowboy Poets of Idaho and the International Western Music Association have been a part of the much anticipated poetry and music event at the Iron Door Playhouse for a number of years, during which they have brought out members to share their love of poetry, humor, music, and the

history. The weekend of cowboy poetry generally brings together a group of performers of many types—some more serious, some less so. Younger, older, married, still thinking about it, and just ornery. A full weekend usually offers up a range of moods from the fanciful and comic to the serious and reflective, with a number of personal stories shared and songs with deeply personal messages shared.

In the past, fans have come into town from around the valley as well as farther flung places, and spent a leisurely morning and afternoon streaming in and out during the free session—though most who come in tend to end up staying more often than not.

The Iron Door Playhouse is one of Malad’s most cherished historic locations, and is a perfect spot for the performance. If you have never attended in the past, you’ll see what I mean. Put the dates on your calendar and plan to make it downtown for some, if not all, of the yearly treat of the poetic flavor. Given the roster of performers, there is bound to be something that catches your interest and edifies your soul. OR at least makes you laugh, which is its own good.

Welsh Festival begins move to Samaria

It was announced last year that Malad’s famous Welsh Festival, which had been held at the City Park and nearby church building in Malad for around two decades, will be moving to Samaria’s Heritage Square this year.

The move was inspired by a number of different things—one of them was a desire to return to a more historically focused, trim version of the Festival, and another was the wishes of those who had been running it over the last many years.

Samaria makes a perfect place to celebrate Welsh heritage in the Valley, as it has a long historical connection to the Mormon settlers who entered the valley around a century and a half ago. Heritage Square is also already setup to host events that bring in many visitors, and already contains historic cabins, as well as a number of other Welsh items, artifacts, and history.

The Festival has also been sched-

uled to take place later than it had in the past. In prior years, the Festival had been held in late June, often the weekend before the Fourth of July holiday. At times, this did run the risk of muddying the connection between the two, separate events and potentially depressing the turnout as a result.

This year, the Festival will be held in September, creating a late summer/early Fall celebration to add to the calendar after the Fair season has finished.

In preparation for this year’s change in locale, materials that had been stored at the Oneida Pioneer Museum were moved out to be stored in Samaria until they are needed. At present, most of the equipment has been relocated.

The Poetry contest/Bard chairing is being retained by the Festival despite the changes, and more information about events and deadlines will be presented as soon as it is available. Hay study report next week

variety of planned events.

last week’s Forage School for the U of I Extension Office, Sawyer Fonnesbeck presented the initial findings of his two year seed study on how storage conditions affect hay

“Growing Momentum”: Lady Dragons Wrestle at State

BY ALLISON ELIASON

The Lady Dragon wrestling team just completed their fourth official season on the mats. The 2026 season marked a historic point for the emerging program, displaying its clear upward trajectory and growing momentum.

Qualifying for the IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament were three Lady Dragon wrestlers- seniors Aubrey Shultz, Cale Carter, and Braylee Price. Their strong finishes at the tournament was widely celebrated not only for their individual accomplishments but for the strides the MHS girls wrestling program has made since its beginning. These athletes played a crucial part in the beginning years of the program, a program that carried them through to the culminating event of their final season as Malad wrestlers.

Finishing with 50 wins for 2026 and placing 3rd at state, Aubrey Shultz had an incredible senior wrestling season. In her first match of the tournament, she pinned her opponent in the first round. Moving on to the quarterfinals, Shultz battled through a tough match, securing another pin, this time in the third round.

In the semifinals she faced the #1 seed and despite her very best efforts, came up short of the finals. Disappointed by the loss but certainly not undeterred, Shultz bounced back in the consolation semifinals in a dominating way. Leaving her opponent scoreless over the six minute match, she ended the bout with an 8–0 win. Ending her state tournament journey on a final win, Shulz tallied a 12–3 victory to secure the third place finish in her final match.

Teammate Cale Carter became

Malad’s very first four-time girls state qualifier, a stellar career for any athlete, let alone one from an up and coming program. Carter started her course with a first-round pin in her opening match. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Cale dropped a hardfought match in the next round.

Sending her to the backside of the double elimination bracket, Carter wrestled with relentless grit and determination. Her path from one match to the next was laced with a single thread- complete dominance. Pinning every opponent she faced, Carter found herself in the third place match, pitted against the very opponent she had previously lost to. Ready for the rematch, she battled through the first and second periods of the bout. With only a final two minutes left to decide a winner, Carter put everything out on the mat. Holding her competitor to the floor just long enough, the ref slapped the mat to signal the pin and win for the Lady Dragon, winning her the third place finish.

Braylee Price, the final qualifying MHS wrestler, suffered setbacks throughout the season after an injury kept her out for much of the year. Working to rest, rehab, and strengthen, Price was determined to finish out her final wrestling season. Getting the all clear, she hit the mats, returning just in time for regionals where she impressively qualified for state.

Her opening match started her state quest in a challenging way, losing her first bout. Destined early for a hard fought comeback, Price immediately battled to secure an 8–1 win in her second match. Advancing on, she ultimately fell short in her third match to end her tournament run. Price’s comeback was demonstrated not by her finish on the medal stand but rather her ability to refuse to let her injury keep her from competing on the biggest stage and at the highest level of the season.

Carter and Shultz ended the season as Malad highest finishers with their two 3rd place medals. This feat is a

Malad City Bowling Tournament

The 2026 Malad City Bowling Tournament wrapped up with an exciting weekend of competition as local bowlers filled the lanes and battled for top honors across several events.

In the highly competitive Teams Event, the team from Malad Rock Products rolled their way to first place. The winning lineup included Blair Higley, Steve Thomas, Jason Gugelman, and Ceylon Reeder, whose consistent scoring throughout the event secured the top spot. Finishing in second place was the team Chat & Chew, made up of Shawn Blaisdell, Scott Blaisdell, Zack Blaisdell, and Darren Tripp. The Hubcap Lounge team—Marty Hill, Sonny Blaisdell, Steve Thomas, and Brett Blaisdell—claimed third place after a strong showing on the lanes.

The Doubles Event saw Tyler Smith and Desiree’ Smith take first place with an impressive performance. Second place ended in a tie

between the teams of Rachel Green and Julie Green, and Marty Hill and Danny Smith, both pairs posting strong scores.

In the Singles Event, Brett Blaisdell captured first place after a standout performance. Julie Green finished in second place, followed by Rachel Green in third and Sara Sidwell in fourth.

The All-Events category, which combines scores from multiple events throughout the tournament, was won by Scott Searle. Rachel Green placed second, and Desiree’ Smith finished third.

The tournament once again showcased the strong bowling community in the area, with bowlers of all ages and experience levels participating. Organizers thanked everyone who competed, volunteered, and supported the event, helping make the 2026 City Bowling Tournament another successful and memorable competition.

In addition to the competitive

bowling action, the 2026 Malad City Bowling Tournament also featured a large community raffle that added extra excitement throughout the event. Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and sponsors, dozens of prizes were awarded to participants and spectators.

Lacie Hess was among the biggest winners of the raffle, taking home a wide variety of prizes including a Storm bowling ball, a cooler donated by Double or Nothing Wholesale, gift cards to several local businesses, a floral arrangement from Daisy Hollow, a gardening bucket from Ward’s Ace, and many other items.

Nate Williams also picked up several bowling-themed prizes, winning a Storm bowling bag along with a Storm jacket and shirt. Julie Green collected multiple items as well, including a gift card to The Pines, popcorn kits and tools from Hess Lumber, and a bowling backpack and accessories donated by Northern Title.

proud accomplishment, but especially in the context of understanding the uniqueness of the IHSAA tournament. As the sport is still growing, all girls wrestling competitors are placed in the same tournament, regardless of their classification. Unlike the boys’ tournament where wrestlers are split up into different divisions the Lady Dragon athletes were pitted against the very best opponents, most from much larger programs and more numerous resources.

The Lady Dragon wrestling staff were nothing but proud of the accomplishments of their team, especially these three seniors. Head Coach Cambree Howe shared, “All season long all of the girls on our teams put in work in the wrestling room and in the classrooms. Earning Academic State Champions, multiple state qualifiers and two state podium finishers was a great way to complete this season. I am so proud of the girls on the team this year they all had an all around awesome season.”

Other raffle winners included Tammy Braegger, who won a Storm bowling bag and sweatshirt, Shelby Riding, who received a rice cooker from Allen Drug, and Sonny Blaisdell, who took home a Columbia 300 bowling ball along with a $50 Visa gift card donated by J. Peak Propane. Additional winners included Gracie Smith, Rick Giordano, Brianna Williams, Rachel Green, Melanie Bowcutt, Travis Williams, Trey Green, Brett Blaisdell, and Rob Hess, who each won a variety of donated items ranging from gift cards and tools to bowling equipment and specialty gifts.

Tournament organizers expressed their appreciation to the many businesses and individuals who donated prizes for the raffle. Their support helped make the event more enjoyable for participants and showcased the strong community spirit that continues to make the Malad City Bowling Tournament a successful annual tradition.