The Idaho Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
May 28, 2026 | Vol. 146 No. 22
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Evacuations follow chemical tank danger
Dave Colton introduced Col. Mark Howard, who spoke at this year's Memorial Day ceremony in Malad.
Memorial Day highlights long weekend Memorial Day is often considered the “unofficial beginning of summer,” and that is no exception in Malad, and across the valley. The other annual occurrence, though, is the observation of Memorial Day itself, which was undertaken in fine fashion on a bright and sunny Monday morning. The American Legion spent the morning presenting three volley salutes at the area’s many cemeteries in honor of veterans, and stopped at the Malad City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. for the primary public tribute. The event was sponsored by the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post #65, and conducted by Legion member David Colton, CMSGT USAF (ret). After an invocation by John Allen and the Pledge of Allegiance, a stirring rendition of the National Anthem was performed by Emree Hanks, Ella Sperry, and London Hess. Colton explained a bit about the history of Memorial Day, which “was started in South Carolina in 1865” when freed slaves decorated the graves of Union soldiers who had died in captivity, which was the beginning of national cemeteries. In 1868, Maj. General John A. Logan, Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic on May 30, 1868 (chosen so that the flowers would be in bloom), established the holiday, which was soon adopted among the states. By 1890, Union all states adopted the hol-
iday. After WWI, it was expanded to honor all soldiers who had died in the service, not just the Civil War. Following the musical performance, featured speaker Col. Mark Howard, USAF (ret) spoke to the crowd about his thoughts on Memorial Day. Col Howard had a long and distinguished career in the Air Force, serving in the field as well as in hospital administration. He has also served as a Mission president. “It’s a real pleasure to be here today. I love coming back to this valley I was raised in, and where I was taught the principles of hard work, and honesty. It’s great to celebrate 250 years!” Howard talked about how the country that we enjoy today was predicated on the servicemen and women keeping it from falling under other hands. “I think it’s amazing what we have accomplished, by those who have served in the military and especially those who gave their tomorrows so that we could be here today.” Howard recounted some of his experiences in the field, including what he saw as miracles that saw him through his military career. He focused, as well, on those who had not made it through and discussed some of the funerals he had been most touched by. “Freedom was never free,” Howard said. “I am very proud to have worn the uniform of the US Air Force.” A musical number was then performed on the violin by Danielle Pet-
tis, after which the names of the veterans who had passed since the ringing of the bell last year were read out. The solemn tolling of the bell brought about the appropriate mood for the Three Volley Salute from the Legion Post 65, and the playing of “Taps” by Bridger deJong. The programs for the day were prepared and printed by the Oneida County Library. Chairs were set up by Kelly Neal of Edith’s Collective, and sound was run by Lance Tripp, of Malad City Council. Following the presentation, the cemetery remained filled with family members decorating and visiting graves, and enjoying he marvelous Memorial Day sunshine.
The bell is tolled for each of the veterans who passed away from the time of last year's Memorial Day ceremony.
Primary election sets stage for Nov Without candidates from parties other than Republican fielding primary challenges for county positions or the legislative district 27, the winners of this spring’s Republican primary are almost certain to be running unopposed for the open positions in the fall general election. It’s important to acknowledge that the foregoing result is technically not guaranteed, but it’s as close as can be otherwise. (A candidate, for instance, could move out of the area, making them ineligible to serve, etc.) At the state level, the incumbents for the contested or unopposed positions all won their respective primary races. All of the races for major statewide positions had multi-party primaries, and will therefore be contested on the November ballot with representatives of at least two parties. At the legislative district level,
again, the incumbents won their races. The county commissioner race resulted in Mike Asay winning the primary in District 1, and Randy Willie winning the primary in District 2. They will run unopposed on the November ballot, replacing Chairman Bill Lewis and Commissioner Ken Eliason. In the contested Precinct Committeeman race for District 1, Bob Crowther defeated Bill Drury for the position. Randy Willie won an uncontested race for the District 4 Precinct position, meaning that he will simultaneously serve as the County Commissioner and the Precinct Committeeman for the upcoming terms. Trudy Ward won a race for District 3, which had write-in ballots cast for candidates that had not filed as writein candidates, it appears.
In the race for District 6 Judge seated in Caribou County, District Judge Cody Brower defeated Magistrate Judge Aaron Thompson. Brower, who was formerly the Prosecuting Attorney for Oneida County, was retained in the seat he was appointed to two and a half years again following the retirement of Judge Mitchell Brown. The Browers had recently moved to Grace, as the position requires residence in the county where the court is seated. The turnout numbers for the election were respectable for an off year election at 39% of registered voters, and were higher than average for the state of Idaho this year. Numerical breakdowns of the voting results are presented here: ELECTION On Page 3
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE Councilwoman Firth.............................Pg. 2 Election results....................................Pg. 3 Puzzles................................................Pg. 6
Looking Back.......................................Pg. 7 Graduation......................................... Pg. 11 Sports..........................................Pgs. 11-12
A major chemical emergency in Southern California forced the evacuation of roughly 40,000 to 50,000 residents after a large storage tank containing methyl methacrylate began overheating at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove. Officials warned the tank could rupture or explode, creating fears of a massive fireball and toxic chemical release across several Orange County cities. Schools closed, shelters opened, and firefighters worked around the clock to cool the unstable tank while preventing chemicals from reaching storm drains and waterways. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as hazmat crews monitored air quality and enforced evacuation zones. By Monday, authorities announced the immediate explosion threat had been reduced after pressure inside the tank dropped, though evacuation orders and safety concerns remained in place as crews continued stabilization efforts.
“100 Deadliest Days” begin
The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” is the name for the just-begun time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when fatal crashes sharply increase across the United States. Safety officials say the combination of summer travel, more inexperienced drivers on the road, distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and lower seatbelt use contributes to the rise in deadly accidents. According to national traffic safety data, thousands of people are killed during this roughly three-month stretch each year, with teens both heavily represented in crashes and especially vulnerable as passengers. Law enforcement agencies across Idaho and the nation use the campaign to encourage safe driving habits, including avoiding phones while driving, obeying speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officials also urge parents to set clear driving expectations for teens before summer travel and activities begin.
Tourism numbers being watched carefully
Tourism officials and economists are expressing growing concern about a projected decline in international travel to the United States this year, with some forecasts estimating millions fewer visitors compared to previous expectations. Industry groups say several factors are contributing to the slowdown, including a strong U.S. dollar that makes travel more expensive for foreign tourists, rising airfare and hotel costs, lengthy visa wait times in some countries, and concerns about political tensions and stricter border enforcement policies. Some travelers have also cited worries about safety, gun violence, and an increasingly complicated immigration process as reasons for choosing other destinations. The decline is especially concerning for major tourism-dependent cities where international visitors typically spend far more than domestic travelers, but states like Idaho and Wyoming that rely on international outdoor recreation tourism are also fearing the worst. Analysts warn the slowdown could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in tourism revenue and impact airlines, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment industries nationwide.