2023 began in the middle of the one of the highest precipitation “rain years” (September to the following August) in the state’s history, the twelfth highest since records began in 1895.  Precipitation was an amazing 24 inches above last year’s total, and almost 6 inches above the yearly average from 1901-2000.  Oneida had the fourth highest accumulated water out of Idaho’s 44 counties, just below nearby Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake counties.  The rain and snow created a theme throughout the year, leading to flooding, forcing a venue change for an election, cancelling a day of horse racing, affecting the growing season, and creating construction delays on projects like the newly bonded elementary school building.

Growth and change, as well as tradition, were also throughlines for the year.  Planning and Zoning issues, including the Impact Zone and the relatively new Development Code were at the center of many public meetings, as were cooperative efforts by the valley’s organizations, agencies, individuals, and other interests.  The city of Malad hired a Code Enforcement Officer to handle ordinance issues within the city, relieving some pressure on the Sheriff’s Office, which is still getting back to fully staffed.  The Impact Zone Map was ultimately adopted by the city and county, bringing more than a year’s process to an end. 

At the same times as those changes and others were underway, many of the annual traditions kept their time as usual.  The Welsh Festival, Fourth of July Celebrations, Crisis Center Gala, the Fireman’s Ball, Car Show, County Fair, PTO Carnival, Little League Tournament and many other popular events helped fill the calendar, as well as some more recent (or recently re-started) ones like the Renaissance Fair, Christmas Light Show, Halloween Night at the Library, and more.

Highlights throughout the year are recounted below by month.

JANUARY

January began with the year’s First Baby, Cedar Hill, born to Chris and Aubrie Hill 4:51 p.m. Jan 2.  5 lb 14 oz, 18.5 inches.

Business began rather quickly with the swearing in of newly elected County Commissioner Brian Jeppsen, who replaced Commissioner Bob Christophersen following the results of the previous November’s election.  Jeppsen is no stranger to the community, being involved in countless organizations and support services.  After finding his footing, Jeppsen has settled into the position comfortably.

The month also saw the beginning of the school district’s attempt to spread information about the upcoming equalization bond, with which the district would be able to finance the building of new elementary school at a time when the possibility was in reach.  As a result of the bond, the school would be able to capitalize on a situation that would be unlikely to be repeated.  

The Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” was produced in January.  The play involved the participation of dozens of kids from the elementary school both on stage and behind the scenes, and was once again an impressive production.

The Extension Office also started the year off running, with a presentation from Extension Officer Sawyer Fonnesbeck on the role of water and water resources within the agricultural community.

FEBRUARY

During February, further efforts on the part of Jon Abrams and the School District to pass the equalization bond were put forth.  A public hearing on the new school, at which designs for the building were presented, was held to answer questions from the public.  During the presentation, most expressed their optimism for the new school, and those with reservations about the prospect raised their concerns with the school board.  At issue primarily were the ultimate tax burden on residents (which was argued to be non-existent due to the specific structure of the bond itself and the state’s calculations of payments to school districts), the need for a new school in general, and the future of the current building and property.

As is customary during the month, the Enterprise named its Valentine’s Sweethearts for the year, Marv and Sondra Ekstrom, and Ken and Kristy Eliason, two couples who are heavily involved in life here in the valley.

As they do in the early part of the year, the local RACOON (Radio Operators of Oneida County) club held their biannual field day.  The day is a chance to test the functioning of the amateur radio networks that will provide emergency communication in situations where established systems are offline.

February was declared STEM month by Governor Little, and a number of events at the schools, the library, and even the Girl Scouts were held in observance of the month. 

The 25th Crisis Center Gala was held in February as well, and celebrated the accomplishments of Holly Llewellyn and the Crisis Center staff, as well as community volunteers.  The Crisis Center is the only service of its kind within the county.

The Extension Office brought knowledge of the process of tree tapping to those in attendance at a lecture and demonstration on the topic.  The Office hosted a number of similar educational events throughout the year.

Members of the FFA attended the Ag World Expo in February, where they were able to interact with FFA chapters from across the country.

MARCH

A protracted winter remained in the county for most of March, continuing the record precipitation and low temperatures past the usual timeframe.

Search and Rescue held its annual Banquet, the Extension Office hosted a class on Pasture management, the Library’s Readathon took place, and a Patriotic essay contest was held at the Malad Elementary School in conjunction with Grandparents Day, among other events.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was staged at the elementary school by the Oxford Peaks Arts Council, and once again demonstrated the impressive acting and stage production talents of many people in town.  Later in the month, the Cowboy Poetry event was held at the Iron Door Playhouse to raise money for the roof.  

A Heath Fair was held in the MHS gym to connect local health care providers and organizations with those in the community who might benefit from their services.  Organizations from around the region, including the hospital, local health care and counseling providers, the district health department, and private companies were in attendance.

St. David’s Day was observed at the Library by the Malad Valley Welsh Society.

The local FCCLA Chapter qualified for State, and the MHS Academic Team took first place in their division at the Science Bowl sponsored by INL.

Flooding began across the valley, requiring the need for volunteers to fill sandbags at the Fire Station.  Many members of the community stepped forward to help in the emergency, including the local Boy Scout Troop 1776.

The biggest story of the month was the passage of the bond equalization, which passed 1270 to 195, moving the process of building the new school forward.  After a long run-up to voting day, the 

APRIL

In addition to events related to Easter (including this year’s cold and muddy Easter Egg Hunt), April was full of end of school year events, as well as events featuring other groups.

The Lincoln Day Dinner returned to the Event Center in April for another successful gathering of candidates and party members interested in discussing various issues affecting the state with other Republicans.  The featured speaker for the evening was six term Utah Congressman Chris Stewart, who shared his experiences in the international arena and encouraged the party to come together and create a coherent international policy position.  Since that time, Stewart announced he was ending his term in order to care for his wife, who is suffering a long-term illness.  A special election resulted in former Chief Legal Counsel for Stewart, Celeste Maloy, being elected to his seat. 

Malad was named “Capital for a Day” in April as well, and was visited by the governor and others who held an open question and answer session following the official bestowing of the title.

The Evening of the Arts fundraiser for Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital brought out a number of featured artists in support of the cause.  Between the silent auction and the artists’ materials, the event brought in a considerable sum for the support of the hospital. 

Spring Break also took place during April, and this year the Extension Office put together a schedule for the week that included a number of fun and educational activities.

Toward the end of the month, Historical plaques commissioned as part of a preservation grant by the Historic Preservation Committee were placed in various locations around town.  The plaques provide viewers a brief summary of the original purpose and ownership of many buildings in town, as well as accounts of the changes to them over time.  The plaques are mostly in the downtown area, including on the exteriors of the Oneida County Pioneer Museum, Allen Drug, the LaGrande AquaPlunge (formerly Dance Hall), and more than two dozen other locations.

Exit 13 hosted two antique shows in 2023, a spring show in April, and a fall show toward the end of the year.  The antique show, as well as this year’s Festival of Trees and other community events demonstrated the range of events that might be held in the Event Center.  This spring, it also demonstrated the potential for extremely muddy conditions in the parking lot.  

A number of organizations came together for Teal Tuesday to promote awareness of sexual assault.  The Crisis Center, High School Counseling Staff, and others worked to raise awareness.

The Lions Club is one of the oldest and most productive charitable service organizations in the country.  It is primarily associated with gathering eyeglasses for children in other countries, but the scope of the Lions’ service mission is much larger.  The Malad Lions Club is the oldest such club in Idaho, and celebrated its 100th year in continuous operation at an awards dinner.  Don Schwartz, Ed Thorpe, and Thayne Barker were all awarded the President’s Certificate of Appreciation.

MAY

The Oneida County Hall of Fame exists to honor the contributions of those from around the valley.  This year’s inductees were Melvin Joe Daniels, and Terrill Schwartz, who were inducted at a celebration at the Event Center.  The event was emceed by committee chairman Gene Caldwell.

Local author Carolyn Twede Frank spoke to a group at the library.  During the year, the Oneida County Library brings in speakers, demonstrations, workshops and other things in the service of adult education or improvement.  One of this year’s guest authors was Carolyn Twede Frank, who currently lives in the county.  Frank is the author of a number of historical fiction books, and read selections from some of her books, as well answered questions about her material and her writing process.

2023’s Renaissance  Faire and Baby Animal Show was expanded from last year.  A large number of events were held throughout the weekend, including live jousting demonstrations, music, games of skill, Crazy Cow Adventures activities, baby animals, local food, and other attractions.

Alexus Tarbet was named Malad’s Distinguished Young Woman as a result of the DYW program in May.  Tarbet, who went on to be recognized at the state level competition, took over for the previous year’s DYW, Raegan Smith.

Flooding continued apace in May, as the winter thaw and spring precipitation kept the ground soaked through much of the first part of the year.  The waters affected several projects underway.

In terms of Parks and Recreation within the city, the most visible story of the year officially began in May, when ground was broken for the building of the pickleball court that now occupies the west side of the City Park.  The court was the idea of a number of residents in town who were followers of the sport, and thought other people would like it too.  With the aid of a number of grants, donated and discounted materials and labor, and the city and recreation board, the courts would be completed during the fall.   

Mothers Day also highlights May, and this year Violet Ann Briggs and Patsy Bybee were celebrated as Mothers of the Year in the Enterprise.

The end of the school year brought about a number of events, included the beloved Malad Elementary School end of year program, school end activity days in Samaria at the Crazy Cow, the naming of Poetry and Arts winners for the Welsh Festival, Memorial Day, the MMS and MHS Spring Concert, and others.

The Class of 2023 officially graduated in May, bringing one stage of the journey to an end for dozens of Malad’s students who went off to pursue careers, academic paths, travel, and a range of other options.  The Scholarship Awards presentation that preceded graduation made it clear that the county has a deep well of qualified, ambitious, and deserving graduates ready to take the world by storm. 

The Bass Fishing Tournament, State Finals in several sports, the reorganization of the Mayor’s Youth Council, FFA attendance of the Ag Education Expo, and many other activities rounded out the crowded month.

JUNE

June was another busy month in the county, which kicked off with the 32nd annual Malad Car show, a local classic that brings in visitors and car enthusiasts from all around the region.  This year, visitors from Utah, Wyoming, Montana, California, and even farther flung lcoations descended on the downtown block for a walk through automotive history.

Jordyn Rose Thomas, local youth author, introduced her new book “The Cosmo Cats” at a public gathering in the park in conjunction with the summer reading program.  Jordyn has been pursuing her dream of writing books from a young age, and is working on more for the future.  “Cosmo Cats” can be purchased at Target and other retailers.

On June 5, Jean Thomas was awarded the prestigious Esto Perpetua Award for 2023 by the Idaho State Historical Society.  The award is given in recognition of people who have contributed to the preservation of history important to the state of Idaho and the location in question.  As a result of her work with the Pioneer Museum, Welsh Festival, and dozens of other projects devoted to Oneida County, Thomas was one of the 12 recipients across the state.

Construction officially began on the site of the new school building in June, after a ceremonial groundbreaking.  Rain and weather conditions had delayed the beginning of construction a bit, which would continue to be something of a theme for the year.  The construction crew hired to undertake the task is managed by Jared Lusk, and has done a good job to account for the unpredictable weather elements so far in the process.

June is also of course the month of Fathers Day, and the newspaper celebrated the fatherhoods of Dennis Evans and Geoff Green.

Citywide, selections for the 4th of July honorees were announced.  Joe and Euarda Daniels were named the Grand Marshalls of the parade.  Gene Edwards was named the Honored Pioneer, and Rick Neville was named the Honored Veteran.  

Rick Griffiths, of Griffith’s OK Tire retires, finally heeded the call of a well-deserved vacation, after operating the family Tire Center for decades.  Rick took a farewell spin in the 4th of July parade announcing his retirement.  An open house was held at the tire store after the parade.  The store itself has been reconfigured into a signage store to be operated by his children.

The Malad Welsh Festival, one of the largest such celebrations of Welsh heritage in the country, took place at the end of June and beginning of July, right before the 4th of July events began.  The Welsh Festival, one of the largest such festivals of Welsh heritage in the country, saw the chairing of a new Bard of the Festival, musical performances, informative presentations on history and culture, Welsh games and food, and a host of activities and events.

JULY

During the first day of Independence Day events, Brad and Melanie Coleman were named Volunteers of the Year.  In addition to volunteering with a number of organizations, including the PTO, Planning and Zoning, and others, the Colemans are also driving forces behind the seasonal window displays in Malad’s downtown Co-op building as well as the holiday light show at the City Park, now in its second year.

The 4th of July celebration itself was as busy and rich as ever, with a full day of contests (kickball, softball, axe throwing, kids races, a Fun Run, foam machines, tug of war, and many others), and several days of food, music, and community.  The long holiday started with a daybreak fun run, a morning parade, an afternoon performance of a melodrama at the Iron Door Playhouse, a quilt and art show downtown, Malad’s Got Talent in the City Park, and night time fireworks.  As always, it was a great time! 

Also in July, The Gran Fondo bike race, which raises money for cancer research, once again came through Malad.  Starting and ending in Logan, Utah, Malad is the halfway point.  According to many of the racers encountered at the event, Malad is their favorite stop on the route, and they’re always happy to reach it.  The station provides hydration, quick energy food, and pickle juice to the racers, as well as some shade and a pleasant conversation with one of the volunteers from Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital, who is a sponsor of the event.

Public Hearings were held over several requests for rezoning.  Ben Naylor had requested a rezone to allow for a residence and church to be constructed on a property, requiring a change to rural residential.  It was determined by the PZ board that the effect could be achieved without rezoning.  In the second case, of a development proposed by Allen Nielsen, the board denied the rezone on the basis that it was not in accord with the Comprehensive growth plan, and the new development code.  This decision led to a number of follow-up hearings and requests that are still ongoing.

Swim Lessons continued apace throughout the summer, as well as the summer reading program.  Together the two activities kept a lot of kids busy throughout the slower months.

The museum continued its work restoring donated clothing for preservation.

In July, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office aided the Idaho State Police and Federal authorities in making a large fentanyl bust at the Maverik just off exit 13.  Fentanyl is a national crisis, leading to thousands of overdose deaths a year, as well as increased rates of certain related crimes (though in general, violent crime rates are down in the state).  Malad’s location right along the I-15 corridor makes it a prime stop for interstate drug traffickers.  Interdiction rates have increased as the state and county have more squarely focused on the problem, but the frequency of such large busts statewide indicates the scope of the problem.

Malad’s long-running Little League Tournament (the longest continuously running in the state) was held at the end of July, on the same weekend as the revamped Samaria Days celebration.  This year, the parade returned to Samaria, as well as the Queen Contest.

St. Pauls Catholic Church welcomed a new priest in July.

AUGUST

August is generally dominated by the Oneida County Fair, as well as the beginning of school and the end of summer.

The first scheduled weekend of the Parimutuel Horse Races, which help to kick off the Fair opening, ended up having to be cancelled as a result of dangerous track conditions.  The rain that had disrupted the first part of the year found its way into the valley again.  

It wasn’t enough to dissuade people from staying away as August’s Mega Millions Jackpot approached a record level once again, bringing in a high volume of players from Utah.  The jackpot was ultimately won out of state for nearly $1.5 billion.

The Fair itself was a huge success, with a full week of ag shows, 4-H demonstrations, dog shows, motor vehicle sports, rodeo, music, and food.  Both the livestock and animal shows as well as the open class fair categories were busy and impressive.  Many of Malad’s Fair winners made their way to the State Fair in Blackfoot in Septmeber.

Nationally, August was consumed by news of the unusual Hawaiian wildfires that ravaged the island of Maui.  Idaho’s own fire season was somewhat milder than in recent years, mostly as a result of the extended wet season.

SEPTEMBER

For the last several years, September has signaled the beginning of the service season.  The Day of Service is a national event, where communities gather to improve, beautify, and support their area.  This year, the focus of the Day of Service events was the Oneida Crisis Center and Food Pantry.  While donations are often high right around the holiday season, the middle of the summer can be a slower period for donations.  The community as a whole came together to collect, sort, and store hundreds of pounds of food items at Carol’s Pantry.  In addition, the area behind the Veterans Memorial was cleaned and cleared out for planting, trees were maintained in the City Park, shooting ranges were cleaned up, painting and upkeep at the Fairgrounds was done, and many other efforts were made. 

The school year officially found its groove under the singular conditions of construction happening right outside the window.  In order to accommodate parents and student needs, the office to the school was moved to a temporary building on the east side of campus.

September also saw the return of the Constitution Day celebration at the City Park, featuring “historical speakers” Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Patrick Henry. 

John Christophersen was hired to be the city’s Code Enforcement Officer.  The Sheriff’s Office had not had the manpower to devote to ordinance issues over the course of the year, partly as a result of understaffed conditions, and partly as a result of the increased number of traffic and other calls the office encountered.  Christophersen was able to focus on animal ordinance violations, nuisance complaints, parking issues, taking the pressure off the deputies to some extent and allowing for more of the ordinances to be dealt with.

A Suicide Awareness Walk was held at the High school in honor of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

Also during September, a rare Blue Supermoon was seen, interested members of the Victory Baptist Church visited Idaho Falls to see the Will Graham Tour, the State Librarian visited the Library to deliver Chromebooks, a Walkability assessment was conducted on the city’s sidewalk areas, a 4-H Dinner was held to award participants their end of Fair season awards, the American Legion building was nominated for historic registry status, Homecoming took place, and many other things happened.

OCTOBER

Many seasonal events occurred during October, of course, including the PTO Carnival, the elementary Halloween Parade, the Heritage Harvest Festival in Samaria, the Haunted Theater downtown, Halloween Night at the Library.

Walktober, and the Mayor’s Walking Challenge were held, where Mayor Hawkins walked well over her 100,000 steps for the month.

The Heritage Harvest Festival drew big crowds to Samaria for a large number of games, activities, food, and contests.

The official ribbon-cutting event for the new Pickleball court took place at the beginning of October, leaving several months of good weather for local players to experience the new facility.

County Attorney Cody Brower was named by Governor Little as the new District 6 judge chambered in Soda Springs, leading the county to open interviews for the position.  Ultimately, the firm of Fuller and Fuller was hired to provide legal services.

The Annual FFA Auction raised thousands of dollars for the local chapter of the FFA.  The funds are used to support supplies and travel expenses for the club.

Elaine Bohn was named the Trustee of the Year by the Idaho Hospital Association.

A training exercise called the “Great Idaho Shakeout” was conducted to test the readiness of the local amateur radio operators club.  The results will be used to better plan for any countywide emergency situations requiring their communication support.

NOVEMBER

November is typically the time of the year when Veterans become the focus of the community.  The Veterans Program at the Elementary school provided a tribute to Oneida County’s veterans, and coincided with the launch of the Veterans Book project undertaken over the year by Gene and Kay Caldwell and Brent Bowen.  The book features colorized pictures of the county’s veterans.

A historical plaque honoring Malad pioneers Hattie and Joe Morgan was unveiled outside the hospital, which sits on the ground once lived on by Hattie Morgan.  Joe Morgan was a territorial senator, who attempted to pass equal voting suffrage in the 1890s.  Hattie took on the mantle of championing women’s rights, becoming an important force for the cause in the county and state. 

Ward’s ACE Country Store held its grand opening in November, having opened its doors at the end of summer.  The store provides a wide variety of farm, construction, and recreational products.

As a part of red-ribbon week, a Mock Accident drill was held at Malad High school.  The drill emphasized the dangers of impaired driving, and reinforced the work of emergency service workers.

City Council elections were also held, returning Lance Tripp and Jaime Olsen to the council after a somewhat close three way election with Justin Schwartz.

Local veteran Gene Caldwell recounted his experience on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. for selected veterans.

The Theater Guild presented “The Music Man” in November to rave reviews.  The musical involved dozens of local actors in a vibrant and entertaining production of the well-loved play.

DECEMBER

While technically taking place in November, the Light parade officially brought Christmas into the valley.  Locals braved the cold, then met at the Fire Station to meet with Santa, drink hot chocolate, and watch the fireworks.

A Live Nativity was held behind the First Presbyterian Church.  A number of Chirstmas Concerts, including the High School, Middle School, Community Chorus, and Interfaith Sing a Long helped keep the calendar musical.

The Firemans Ball recognized the efforts and milestones within the Fire Department for 2023, and kept the dark at bay with fun, dancing, and friends.

The Impact Zone map was approved by both the city and county as of December’s City Council meeting.