Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
October 2, 2025 |Vol. 145 No. 40
$1.50
NEWS IN BRIEF Arimo Standoff Comes to an End, with One Suspect in Custody
Shield 616 rides to raise funds for needed supplies for first responders, and to memorialize the fallen.
This route started in St. Anthony and ended in Utah, with stops in Blackfoot and Malad.
Shield 616 rides through town in memorium Shield 616 is a group of riders who come from the ranks of first responders. The group of over forty individuals came from a number of locations throughout Idaho and Utah and elsewhere throughout the west to accomplish two main goals: to raise funds in support of first responders, including police, fire, ambulance, and others, and to memorialize those who have fallen, according to founder Jake Skisfstad. Melanie Verhoeven, another member of the organization, put it this way, “Luckily for me, my dad who was an officer came home safe every night, and I want everyone else to come home safe too.” To that end, the ride was raising money to purchase rifle-resistant vests for officers across the region. The group’s ride from Saint Anthony to Salt Lake passed through Malad in between two legs where it paid special honor to local fallen heroes: Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood
and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison who were killed in a June ambush, and then Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, both with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, who were killed last month in Tremonton/Garland. They started the ride in St Anthony and stopped in Blackfoot where they spent a night. They then left for another leg which led them to a night stay in Malad, before the final push southward. While stopping in Malad, they were accommodated at the Event Center where they were fed by the Interfaith Council, and provided with cots owned by the county for emergency sheltering purposes as part of the disaster mitigation plans in place. Members of the Interfaith Council worked to make sure that everything was in place, and that the group was provided with a dinner on Friday night and a breakfast on Saturday morning. “Toni Werk was the primary con-
tact, along with Sheriff Doug Williams. The Sheriff gave Jake Skifstad the number for the Interfaith Council, and they’ve been responsible for the meals,” Brian Jeppsen said. Jeppsen is a member of the Interfaith Council. He also works with Emergency Services within the county. “Last night, all the council participated. The Lions club helped bring down the cots and set them up.” In addition, Broulim’s donated some of the food for the event, “On a Tuesday prior to prayer services, I got a call from Greg Bellew from St. Anthony on my cell phone,” Toni Werk said. “I never answer my cell phone, but I happened to this time. They were hoping to stay at the Presbyterian Church, but for it’s too small for thirty people to stay there. So I told them we couldn’t do it, but let me see if I can get ahold of Brian and the Interfaith Council, and SHIELD 616 On Page 3
Events this week include PTO Carnival and Dueling Pianos An error in last week’s Enterprise led to some confusion about the day/ dates for two of the year’s biggest events, and here are the details: The Annual Malad Elementary PTO Carnival will be held on Thursday at the Event Center. The Carnival has over the years been a massive night of involvement from the community, with treats, games, Halloween fun, and a perfect chance for kids to try out their costumes and make sure that they are the right ones for the big day. For the last few years, the Carnival has been held at the Event Center and Fairgrounds, which have been great venues for creating a number of different activities for the evening. Food and game are held inside the Event Center, with a Haunted House, Maze, and a variety of Midway games outside on the grounds themselves. People watching will be held everywhere. The Carnival officially starts at 6:00 p.m., and runs until 8:00 p.m. Punch cards for games and events will be available on site. The annual fundraiser for the Oneida Crisis Center will be held on Friday, also at the Event Center. This year, the fundraiser comes in the form of a Dueling Pianos concert. The Dueling Pianos team show is a dynamic event where two amazing piano players will entertain the audience through skilled
virtuoso play, comedic banter, and by incorporating audience requests into the performance. In addition to the show, the night will include a dinner, raffle, and mystery grab bags! The event was designed this year to replace the Gala that had been a staple of the February part of the calendar. Following the change in directorship from Holly Llewellyn to Malena Jimenez, a change in the yearly fundraising event was also decided upon. The yearly event is one of the primary sources of raising funds for the Center during the year, and all who support the import-
ant work of the Oneida Crisis Center are invited and welcomed to the show on Friday. Tickets are available at the door, and include the taco and dessert bars as well as the performance. You can call (208) 766-4412 or email malenaj@oneidacrisiscenter. org for more information about tickets. The event is at 7 p.m. Make sure that these two important community fundraising events are on your calendar. If you have any doubts, these are the right dates—Carnival Thursday, Dueling Pianos Friday.
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE
State DYW...........................................Pg. 2 Kelly Anthon honored by Japan...........Pg. 3 Nucor donates trees............................Pg. 4
Puzzles................................................Pg. 6 Class of 75 Reunion.......................... Pg. 11 Sports.......................................... .Pg. 11-12
A tense standoff in Arimo concluded peacefully late Thursday night, with authorities confirming that one suspect is now in custody. The incident began earlier in the day when Bannock County deputies responded to reports of a disturbance at a rural property outside the small Idaho town. According to officials, the suspect barricaded himself inside a residence, prompting a heavy police presence and road closures in the area. Negotiators were brought in and spent several hours communicating with the individual, urging a peaceful surrender. Neighbors reported hearing loudspeakers and seeing armored vehicles deployed as law enforcement worked to ensure public safety. Just after 9 p.m., the suspect exited the home without incident and was taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing as officials determine potential charges.
Lightning Blamed for Deaths of Two Missing Hunters in Colorado COLORADO Authorities have confirmed that lightning is to blame for the deaths of two elk hunters whose bodies were discovered last week in southern Colorado. Andrew Porter, 25, of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, of Salt Lake City, Utah, were last heard from on September 11 while hunting in the remote San Juan Wilderness. Their bodies were located under a tree about two miles from the Rio De Los Pinos trailhead after a multi-day search involving ground crews and helicopters. Conejos County Coroner Rick Grooms determined both men died instantly after a nearby tree was struck by lightning. Investigators found singed hair and burn marks consistent with a lightning strike, with no other signs of trauma. Officials are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during storms, noting that lightning remains a serious risk in the backcountry.
President Russell M. Nelson, Leader of the LDS Church, Dies at 101 President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101. A world-renowned heart surgeon before his call as an apostle in 1984, Nelson became Church president in January 2018. His tenure was marked by sweeping global ministry, historic reforms, and the announcement of more than 200 temples worldwide. Beloved for his compassion and devotion, Nelson urged members to embrace faith in Jesus Christ. The Church now enters a period of mourning and will sustain a new prophet in coming days.