If there’s one thing that can be said to be shared by all residents of Oneida County, it’s pride in the place they call home.  The Oneida County Hall of Fame added two more names to the roster of those it has decided “in the course of their lifetime have made outstanding achievements and brought great honor and recognition to themselves and the Oneida County communities from which they came.”  The Hall was founded in 2009 for the purposes of keeping a permanent record of some of the county’s notable individuals—those seen as best reflecting the county’s values and potential—as well as providing a role model for students in the area.  The latter reason is why the Hall of Fame is housed at the high school, where the lessons of Oneida’s forbears can be felt throughout the year by its younger generations.

This year’s inductees were local veteran and businessman Elton Ashton, who was represented by his daughters Cydney Ipsen, Sandra Colton, and Trudy McMurtrey, as well as his grandson Blaine McMurtrey.  Born in Woodruff in 1928, Ashton served in the Navy in World War II on the U.S.S. Iowa.  He served another tour during the Korean Conflict.  Locally, Ashton was heavily involved in the American Legion, serving as Idaho’s National Executive Committeeman for two terms, and being elected Idaho State American Legion Commander in 1971.  He was also the chairman of the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission, and an active member of the Ernest W. Jones Post #65.  He died in 1990 at the age of 62, having been involved in countless organizations and events in Malad and Oneida, including the Fair and local athletics.  He was also the well-known owner of the Chat ‘n’ Chew.

Ashton’s family shared their memories of growing up in the county with him, his wonderful attitude and sense of humor, and his sweet tooth.  Grandson Blaine quoted from Ashton’s Businessman of the Year Award, in which it was made clear that Elton was a truly significant part of the Malad story.

Coach Roslyn Brimhall, who lives in Idaho Falls, had the distinct honor of speaking to a room full of people to whom she was either a former teacher or colleague, as well as a few who only knew her as a legend.  As Brimhall said during her remarks, both she and Coach Terry Jones “ruled the 80s” in sports, “and it was a great time!”  Brimhall’s two claims on the hearts of those in the county are her tremendous coaching career, and her legacy of education.  More than one person during the evening noted that Brimhall was either the reason they managed to pass their high school English class, or the source of their lifelong love of reading and learning.

Starting in 1975, Brimhall worked at Malad High School for 37 years, during which time she inspired hundreds of students who went on to college, some for athletics, some for academics, and some because of Brimhall’s outstanding example.  

Brimhall coached volleyball for 22 years overall, and her teams were 5th District champions 5 times.  She coached track for 25 years, and they were 5th District champions 8 times.  But it was the 15 years coaching girls basketball, along with the 12 District championships and one glorious State Championship, that made her an icon.

Brimhall was named Idaho A3 Volleyball Coach of the Year 5 times, and Idaho A3 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year once.  She was named National High School Athletic Coaches Association Region 7 Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1990.  To cap it off, Brimhall was inducted into the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2015.  A banner hangs in the MHS gym in her honor.

Brimhall spoke to many of those in the audience directly, reminiscing about times past, and reflecting on the special magic that existed in those years in Malad.  By turns thoughtful, playful, and wistful, Brimhall reminded those in the audience of why she had been nominated.  Her closing words captured the spirit and purpose of the Hall well.  As Brimhall said, “I love the students, I love the athletes, I love Malad.  I may no longer live here, but I will always be a Dragon!”  

Food was catered by Darla Jones.  The flag ceremony was conducted by Ernest Jones Post #65 American Legion.  A musical number was sung by Hayes Teeples, and Hyrum Hanks, Ali Hanks, Maren Sperry, and Ella Sperry served food.  The Hall of Fame Committee consists of Tom Jenkins, Nacona Smith, Susan Wittman, Gene Caldwell, Kay Caldwell, Chris Jensen, Sharee Blaisdell, Diane Andersen, and Terrill Schwartz.  

The audience joined together to end the evening in the singing of the Idaho state song “Here We Have Idaho” and the “Malad High School Song,” as is tradition.