5 YEARS AGO (2018)

Winning first place honors this year for the Christmas Lighting Contest will be no surprise to anyone. Jim and Doreen Mansfield have been decorating their home for Christmas and most other holidays for many years. In 2013 they received Special Recognition from the Malad Area Chamber of Commerce for their Christmas lighting display. In 2014 they were named as second place winners, and in 2016 and 2017 they were Honorable Mentions recipients.

In 2014 when they received second place, Doreen indicated that she was probably influenced by her brother, Del Leavitt, and her father, Bill Thomas, to decorate her home for Christmas. Both always decorated for Christmas for many, many years and loved to do so. "Dad didn't care how cold it was," said Doreen. "Every year he would put out his wooden sleigh and reindeer and a manger scene." The manger was his favorite, according to Doreen: and luchy for Doreen, she inherited her father's Christmas decorations, including the manger. She believes the manger and one of the Santa's close to 70 years old, and she has continued to fix them up each year and repaint when needed.

10 YEARS AGO (2013)

There was a seven-way tie for the winner of the Santa Helper contest. With Dotty Evanson, Jackie Pfieffer, Avis Semrad, Becky Cox, Rhonda Daniels, Nicona Venable, Shirlee Blaisdell and Tam Goddard all naming correctly the 72 Santa’s helpers listed in two issues of The Idaho Enterprise. However, there can only be one winner, and the name drawn at random in the office of The Idaho enterprise Wednesday morning was Nicona Sweeten Venable. She won $125 in Chamber Bucks. 

Homes in the Malad area were judged last weekend, for the 2013 Christmas Lighting Contest sponsored by the Malad Area Chamber of Commerce. Those chosen as the winner for 2013 are Kirk and Jennifer Hill, first place; Alan and Jody Bosley, and Ray and Amber Williams, second place and Merrill and Stacy Dorius, third place. The “Spirit of Christmas” award was given to 300 North Street running from Five Points to North Main. Chamber President, Rhonda Neal said if you stand at the end of North Main and 300 North and look westerly, all you see is a long string of homes, all lighted for Christmas. The Chamber gave special recognition to Jim and Doreen Mansfield who not only decorate their home every year for Christmas, but they also decorate for every holiday throughout the year. Commercial awards were given to the Oneida Pioneer Museum, Malad City and Idaho Milling and Grain.

Malad High School had nine players named to the All-Conference team. They included Griffin Green, Josh Jensen, Nishon Neal, Brody Hubbard, Derek Checketts, Michael Gallegos, Jason Jensen, K.C. Snyder and Tanner Lewis.

15 YEARS AGO (2008)

Scott Ravsten, an avid Utah ice fisherman was rescued from the icy waters of Devil Creek reservoir by his brother Judd Ravsten and Clay Ross when he fell through the ice. With help from Deputies Patsy Sherman and Leland Ward, Scott was transferred to the Oneida Hospital then on to Portneuf Medical Center. Scott’s core temperature was reported to be 86 degrees well below the 90 that’s considered to be life threatening. Scott was in the freezing water between 30 minutes to an hour and recovered without suffering any of the dire consequences that could have occurred from sending that much time in freezing water. 

Retiring County Commissioners Dallan Nalder and Dr. Gerald Goodenough were presented engraved gold watches from Commissioner Joe Daniels during the open house in their honor. Goodenough has served since 2000 and Nalder from 2004.

Dear Santa, I will try not to be scared of you this year. Would you please bring me a toy skidsteer to play with. I want one like my dads. Could you also bring me a new cowboy hat. Thanks for everything you have given me in the past. Have a good Christmas.  - Dalton Davis.

Dear Santa, My favorite memory was, when my whole family went to the Two Mile road. We went to almost the top and slid down the road. Even my grandma slid down! It was the best Christmas ever. We had a blast. I was so excited because I love when my whole family is together. We had a very fun cookout after that. It was great. I loved that Christmas. Santa, thank you for everything last year and the years before that. I loved everything. This year all I really want is all of my family to be there. That would be great.  - Love, your friend Bailey Wise

Dear Santa, Thanks for the remote control cars last ear. Pleas can I have  a Dragon this year.  - Your friend, Dillon Hess

25 YEARS AGO (1998)

 Members of the Malad Volunteer Fire Department presented the Fireman of the Year Award to Dennis Thomas during their annual banquet. Thomas, with 17 years as a fireman, was honored for his hard work and dedication. 

Keith and Carolyn Atkinson, in Pleasantview, are the first place winners in the 1998 Chamber of Commerce Lighting Contest. Second place went to Bonna and Junior Anderson, in Stone. Gene and Kay Caldwell, received third place. In the business category, Hess Pumice was awarded top honors with Ireland Bank in second place. The Oneida County Courthouse, decorated by Wally Facer and Brooks Thorpe, was given honorable mention.

Ron Blaisdell was honored December 8 for nine years of service on the FSA County Committee. He was presented a plaque commemorating his service to the farmers of Oneida County during a County Committee meeting.

Dear Santa, How are you doing? How is Mrs. Claus? I’m doing okay. How are the elves? Have you had fun making toys over the summer? If you have, I would like the Cd’s N’SYNC, Savage Garden, and Backstreet boys, a cordless phone, some computer games, and the movie Lion King 2 Simba’s Pride. - Love Kelsey Anne Wise.

Dear Santa, wil you bring me a race cor. - Love, Dylan Estep

Dear Santa, How are you? Dooyng two day at the wrk shop. How is Rudolph dooyg two day. I wot Crash Ban D Coot toys and danin Ten Duo sisfr Crash Bnd Coot Game two.  - Love, Kaden Jason Goddard

Dear Santa, How are you? How is Mrs. Claus? Does Rudoph still have a red nose? Are you sick? Hope not cause I’m going to put cookies and milk on the table If you’re sick, I’ll tell my mom to put medicine on the table for you. I hope Rudolph’s nose still glows. School is good. I love it. My favorite subject is math and art. If you have room in your sleigh would you bring me a telescope so I can look at the stars. - Love, Aaron Griffiths

35 YEARS AGO (1988)

Dear Santa, How are the elves? Is the reindeer OK? Is the workshop full? I like you vere much. How is Rudolph? I wat a glass doll and a scooder, a crimpeirnirn. - Love, Leah Dickerson

Dear Santa, How is Rudolph and the other reindeer? What I want for Christmas is a Hoilday Barbie scooter. How is the workshop? Merry Christmas.  - Love, Melanie Wittman

Dear Santa, My little sister want a box of Loves. My big sister wants a video camra. My little brother wants candycans. My dad wanta a hat. My mom wants a candle. As for me I want a remote control jet.  - have a merry one, Eric

Dear Santa, How is Rudolph? Are your elves bisy for Christmas? Howe is Mis Santa? I hope she is doioing good? I would hope you can bring my brother a 4x4 truck and my little sister something to play in the tub with. And my mom some pink roses. And my dad a remote control jet. And for me a scooter.  - By Tanya L. Ward

Ten lucky Malad youngsters will go on a shopping spree in the days before Christmas. The ten were winners in the Malad Merchants Coloring Contest for 1988.  Winning “Kiddy Kash” certificates at a special drawing were the following: Layne Richins, 9; Josh Davis, 2; Justin Gilgen, 2; Jordan John, 4; Trent Buehler, 5; Katherine Ward, 6; B.J. Hess, 6; Melissa Thomas, 10; Austin Nieffenegger, 6; and Christina Tubbs, 11.

45 YEARS AGO (1978)

Strawberry blonde Shenell Madsen, daughter of Frank and Donna Gayle Madsen, is about to lose the coveted First Baby of the Year crown to some lucky newcomer! 

The spirit of Christmas was everywhere this week – even on the highways! Hess Pumice truckers Rex Nielsen, Brad Williams, Bill Fullmer and Doug Thorpe took time out to decorate the ‘noses’ of the Hess haulers, each with an individual design. 

Oneida residents are getting used to walking on unsteady ground with the recent increase in earthquake activity. This is the sixth tremor near here since September 28 when 2.6 and 2.4 tremors with epicenters near Samaria were felt. On October 25, residents were jarred by the 4.3 shock that centered near Niter in Caribou County. A month later, November 29, a 4.7 quake hit the north end of Pocatello Valley, which was the site of the 6.5 quake in 1975. On December 5, a 3.2 quake was registered near Malad. The Salmon quake, on October 28, which registered 5.0 on the Richter scale, was not felt in Oneida County. 

55 YEARS AGO (1968)

Traffic congestion  - normally a problem faced only by large cities – occurred in Malad on Saturday afternoon as the result of crowds gathering for the awarding of six bicycles by the Malad Chamber of Commerce as part of the annual holiday activities. As it was necessary that winners be present, a large majority of Oneida county residents were on hand at the community Christmas tree for the drawing. Winners of the bikes were Lynn H. Jenkins, Donna Goddard, Ricky Goddard, Teri Thomas, Julie Blaisdell and Wilda Illum.

Ted Roper, President of the Cache Valley Dairy Association, presented a dividend check to Morgan Harris, Cherry Creek. Mr. Harris’ check was part of $350,000 in cash dividends paid this week to members of the Cache Valley Dairy Association. A long-time member of the Association, Mr. Harris is increasing his herd to 100 cows.

60 YEARS AGO (1963)

Attractive debutantes presented Saturday evening at the Malad First Ward Gold and Green Ball were Diane Bowen, Suzanne Bowen, Rose Mary Hess, Diane Jensen, Kathy Christoffersen and Ruth Ann Hess. The theme, “Our Winter Love”, was portrayed in decorations prepared by ward MIA officers and teachers and featured a color scheme of blue and white. 

Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise are members of the Malad High School band, directed by Leon J. Castleton. Members include the following: Annabelle Evans, Linda Bolingbroke, Rozie Jones, Janice Blaisdell, ReNee Hill, Barbara Jones, Jeannie Madsen, Ruth Ann Ipsen, Suzane Sorensen, Lorene Ward, Linda John, Ann Byrd, Helen Castleton, T. D. Jones, Jr., Cindy Peterson, Cheryl Hess, Linda Evans, Lois Kent, Linda Peden, Linda McDaniel, Rose Mary Hess, Kim Evans, Jim Edwards, Lynn Price, Tommy Colton, Teddy Barnes, Craig Allen, Barry Crowther, Duel Wuthrich, Ricky Williams, Eric Hartvigsen, Lloyd Moon, Randy Isaacson, David Hill, Curt Elcock, Steven Sorensen, Ben Call, Bob Smith, Lonnie Gleed, Roland Evans, Dennis Evans, Darrel Price, Barbara Jones, Fairlene John, Susan Sweeten, Jill Jones, Geri Hanson, Tommy Hawkins, Stephen Smith, Mark Grover, Mike Stayner, Dianne Williams, Ann Hargrave, Linda Nielsen, Margo Thomson, Carolyn Jones, Elda Lane Archibald, Lynn Hadfield, Marcene Williams, Carla Goddard, Bonnie King, Kathy Gilgen, Wynn Price, Gary Peck.

70 YEARS AGO (1953)

Coached and managed by Art Kim, the Honolulu Surfriders basketball team will appear in Malad on December 14. The eight Hawaiian players, who are enroute East to join the Harlem Globetrotters on a nation wide tour, will meet a team selected from the Malad Stake M Men squads.  Comprising the Malad M Men squad are Johnny Smith, Johnny Thomas, Gene Edwards, Richard Goddard, Dale Daniels, Blair Thorpe, Trevor Hughes, Ferris Hess, Ronald Price, Cecil Sweeten, Clyde Williams, Lavar Christofferson, Victor Williams, Richard Knott, Farrel Atkinson and Earl Hess.

Chloe Ann Price, five foot-ten inch statuesque brunette, was named “Miss Malad City of 1954” at the conclusion of a beauty and talent contest conducted at the Malad school auditorium by the Malad Lions Club. Runners-up to the winner were Miss Karen Marie Hartley and Miss Diana Scott.

75 YEARS AGO (1948)

In order to provide musical and dramatic talent from community affairs and afford students an opportunity to develop their specialties, the Orange Kay, music service club, has been organized at the Malad High School under the direction of Mrs. Helen Ossmen of the music department. Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise are Babs Jones, Dee Mansfield, Superintendent C. O. Simpson, Helen Wight, Anna Lou Williams, Jeanine Parry, Joan Whitworth, J. S. Haliday, Mrs. Helen Ossmen, Helen Harris, Mary Jane Vanover, Joyce Williams, Connie Williams, and Helen Rutter (absent when picture was taken).

Pictured in The Idaho Enterprise is the Malad High School 1948 Football Squad: Eldon Reynolds, Jack Davis, Melvin Williams, Jerry Reynolds, manager; Bob Harrison, manager; Kent Williams, Billy Thomas, Sheldon Crowther, Glen Morgan, Dee Mansfield, Danny Edwards, Wesley Reynolds, Sherrill Williams, Frank Vanover, Gerald Harding, Dave Anderson, Jack Williams, assistant coach, Ray Lewis, Vern Wilford, Gene Caldwell, Cleve Morgan, Thayne Waldron, DeVerl Mills, Dick Hall, Johnny Thomas, Jay Mansfield, Darrel Hess, John D. Tovey, Dale Daniels, Sammy Clark, Jim Williams, Lloyd Waldron, Cleon Edwards, Larry Kent, Don Clark, Coach Ralph Crowton.