The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
May 14, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 20
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Passengers leave cruise ship
Sylvia and DelMar (front center) with many of their 4 children, 17 grandchildren, and 11 great gradchildren.
Oneida County Hall of Fame adds three new members The county Event Center was the site of this year’s Oneida County Hall of Fame awards banquet, which saw the induction of three county classics – Dotty Thorpe Evanson, William Griff Jenkins, and DelMar Pierce Williams. Evanson and Williams were in attendance with their extended families, and many members of the Griff Jenkins family were also able to attend. It was a night of excellent food, great company, and inspiring words, as well as a lot of music. Over the last month in the lead-
up to the Hall of Fame banquet, we have brought you details of the lives and accomplishments of each of the amazing inductees to this year’s class. William Griff Jenkins was introduced by Committee member and 2023 Hall of Fall inductee Terrill Schwartz. Schwartz stated that he met Jenkins “when he hired me at the bank. He became my mentor, and taught me banking from the ground up. He told me that a small bank does everything a big bank does, just on a smaller scale. He also taught me to
Representing Griff Jenkins: Tim Deeg, Diane Deeg, Cheryl Marshall, Randy Marshall
check my work, and I have found that invaluable over the years.” “I remember growing up, my mother always got a calendar from Ireland bank, and at the bottom it said ‘solid as the pyramids.’ He took pride in making sure the bank was well run. He was disciplined, hard working, and paid attention to detail. He was loyal to his staff. Many employees worked for the bank for many year—many retired from there.” HALL OF FAME On Page 11
Dotty Evanson and Family: Brandon, Kenzie, Bo, Dotty, Brent, Brett, Elle, Hadley Evanson
A Championship Week! Malad takes top spot in three sports BY ALLISON ELIASON
Malad Dragon fans have a lot to cheer about after a week of not one, not two, but three championship wins! Competing in the softball district championship tournament, the baseball regional tournament, and the district track and field tournament, the MHS athletes rose to the top to meet their challenge head on, coming out victorious. Track and Field The Malad track and field team traveled to Soda Springs Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5-6, to compete in the highly anticipated district meet. With months of training, practices, and competitions leading up to the event, the MHS athletes entered the meet not only hopeful for success, but confident in their preparation. Day one of the meet began with field events and distance races, events where the Dragon athletes were poised to succeed. Beginning with the twomile races, the coaching staff entered more athletes than usual in hopes of
Recent reports on a hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius relay that the ship arrived in Tenerife, Spain, after several passengers became ill during a voyage in the South Atlantic. At least three passengers have died, and additional infections are confirmed or suspected. Health officials believe the outbreak may involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare type that can spread between people in limited cases. Most hantaviruses are normally transmitted through exposure to infected rodents or their waste. Passengers and crew from several countries are being evacuated, tested, and monitored. Some are quarantining in medical facilities, while others are isolating at home under guidance from health authorities. Governments and public health agencies are coordinating international response efforts. Officials say the overall risk to the general public remains low and note that hantavirus is much less contagious than illnesses such as COVID-19. However, the disease’s long incubation period makes contact tracing and monitoring more difficult. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine where the original exposure occurred, possibly during the ship’s South American itinerary.
Data Center Protest goes national
The controversy surrounding the proposed “Stratos Project” data center in Box Elder County centers on concerns about its environmental impact, energy use, and the approval process. Backed by investor Kevin O'Leary and supported by Utah officials, the project would cover about 40,000 acres and could eventually consume more electricity than the state currently uses. Supporters argue the project could bring jobs, economic development, and strengthen U.S. AI and national security infrastructure. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and local commissioners have said the state can manage the project responsibly through environmental oversight and phased approvals. Opponents, including many local residents and environmental groups, worry about water consumption, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and possible effects on the Great Salt Lake. Critics have also questioned tax incentives and alleged a lack of transparency in the approval process. Public meetings drew large protests, and thousands of formal objections were filed over related water-rights requests. The data center would be located within a short drive of southern Idaho, most specifically Oneida county.
Governor’s primary heats up
District Champion Lady Dragons Softball
scoring crucial team points that would make a difference by the end of the meet. The girls race set the tone early for Malad, as the Dragons claimed the top three places by Aezlyn Summers, Kallee Talbot, and Ellie Angell, along with another scoring finish. The boys followed with an equally strong performance, earning first and third place by Boston Burbidge and Jace Nalder, along with two additional scoring finishes to give the team an excellent
start to the competition. Also taking place on day one were the preliminary races for the 100m and 200m dashes. To qualify for finals, athletes had to finish with one of the eight fastest times overall. Malad had several qualifiers advance, with multiple athletes moving on to the state meet, including Anikka Wright in the 100m, Halie Palmer in the 200m, Easton CHAMPIONSHIP On Page 15
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Mrs. Music...........................................Pg. 2 Voter's Guide.......................................Pg. 3 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Seniors.........................................Pg. 11-13 Sports......................................... Pgs. 15-16
In the Republican primary race for governor in Idaho several challengers are attempting to unseat incumbent Governor Brad Little ahead of the May 19 election. While Little remains the leading candidate, backed by strong fundraising and an endorsement from Donald Trump, his opponents are campaigning on a variety of conservative and anti-establishment themes. The challengers include Mark Fitzpatrick, a bar owner known for controversial cultural campaigns, as well as other lesser-known contenders such as county officials and political newcomers. Their priorities include reducing government spending, increasing transparency, tightening immigration enforcement, expanding school choice, and shifting more control to local communities. Some GOP analysts say that Little has moved politically to the right since 2018 when he became governor, which may have weakened the emergence of a single high-profile conservative challenger.