War Veteran J.C. Corbridge

Malad’s 23-year-old war veteran J.C. Corbridge underwent surgery for the 11th time since his early return from deployment in July 2011.
Corbridge was involved in an explosion that was triggered by an improvised explosion devise, or IED.
His tibia and fibula were broken in both of his lower legs, his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were torn in his knee and the palate at the top of his mouth was fractured.
According to Lara Corbridge, J.C.’s mother, the left leg was an open fracture and the right leg was an extensive open fracture -- the fractured bone on his right leg went through the skin and came out his calf.
A steel rod was placed in the tibia and fibula of both legs to help the bones grow back together. It did help the bones heal but bumps began to show on his lower right leg. An infection was discovered in the bone due to the steel rod in that leg. It was taken out but the infection remained.
J.C. recently had surgery where the doctor ground out areas of bone softened by infection. If the infection does not recede, J.C. faces a serious decision -- undergo surgery that will take out four inches of bone or have the leg amputated. Not only is the surgery not guaranteed to be successful, but it will take one year to grow back those four inches. 
“I am way proud of him,” said Jessie Corbridge, J.C.’s sister. “He’s been through a ton since the accident and he just keeps going and isn’t giving up.”
J.C. is currently living at home with home health care aiding him. His nurse is his mother, Lara. She helps him clean his wounds and aids him in all he needs.
J.C. receives $3,000 monthly while he is healing, and Lara receives a check for $1,200 for being his nurse.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” J.C. said.

Malad Prom Night

Tonight at 8 p.m. Malad High School hosts it’s annual Junior Prom.
This year prom’s colors are black, silver, purple and dark blue. These colors mask the gymnasium with it’s theme -- 2012 in Paris.
“The theme is simple and the decorations are simple but it looks elegant,” said Stephanie Treasure, a cochair of the prom committee.
The prom committee this year has had many minor setbacks in the decorating process. One problem occurred when the committee ordered a projector that unknowingly arrived in assembly pieces. Putting it together took four days and slowed down decoration.
There are over 50 students signed up for promenade and even more plan to attend prom itself. According to Treasure for a small school this year looks to have a great turn out.
“I’m excited for all of the girls to shine while they promenade,” said Heidi Hannah, a cochair of the prom committee. “I think there are a lot of girls that will feel like a princess that usually don’t have that self confidence.”
Students say that as they get ready for their dates tonight, they anticipate the fun and excitement of the evening.
“I think it will be the best prom ever by everyone just having a blast and enjoying the night,” Hannah said.
“I’m excited to go to the dance and just party all night,” said Moriah Ihler, MHS Senior.
“I think just going and having it be my year, my prom, my class and being in charge will make this prom the best ever,” Treasure said.
The leaders of the prom committee are Nels Anderson as chairman, with Treasure and Hannah as his cochair.

Malad's new truck stop

Malad’s Kwik Stop gas station is expanding into a truck stop. The company must buy property around the area to make room. The expansion so far has purchased all properties on the block except for Mylene and Fred Jones’ home. If they chose not to sell their home will be the only home left on the block. 
Mylene and Fred Jones have lived in their home for 28 years. Over the years they have raised two children and paid off their mortgage.
“They called a week ago and asked if we wanted to sell,” Mylene said. “I said yes, thinking they would offer a fair price, because I don’t want a truck stop in my back yard.” 
The property is valued around $110,000 but the company that is in charge of expanding is only offering $55,000.
“They said they don’t really need our property, it would just be for expansion and parking,” Mylene said.
The company has bought some of the houses and property around the Jones’ home.
One of the houses was for sale by two citizens that are currently in the town nursing home. Money from the sale of home will be used toward the continued care of these two nursing home residents. This home was listed for sale for about $80,000 -- it included a few acres of land. It is unknown what it was sold for but they did receive less than the asking price.
Another of the Jones’ neighbors was offering to sell for more than the property value. The company said they would only offer the property value on that particular home and the home sold.
“Because of the truck stop, the Jones’ property value will go down...they have already paid off their home and if they were to take the offer they would have to go back into debt to live somewhere else,” said Roxanne Albretsen, Mylene’s sister-in-law.
“We are not selling for half of our property value because where are we going go...we can’t go anywhere for that price,” Mylene said.
According to City Hall, the truck stop is required to put up sound barriers for the residential homes that remain there. They are also required to make sure their drainage will not effect the homes. All of this will be at the truck stop’s expense.