Malta Makers Forge New Paths

Malta Makers Forge New Paths

Story by Dianna Troyer

Making metal signs for a nationally renowned rodeo in South Dakota meant more to Kenny and Chanel Haworth than simply filling an order.

During late September, the Malta couple’s signs hung on the bucking chutes at the 2025 Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The event was a last chance for professional rodeo competitors to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo.

“When we saw our signs at the rodeo, it was definitely one of those full circle moments in life,” Chanel says. “I had worked for Cinch right after graduating from college, then worked with them again while working for the National High School Rodeo Association. It was really a blessing when they called out of the blue and asked if we could make some signs. Serving and being involved in the rodeo industry and Western way of life is where Kenny and I find our passion.”

Kenny believes the signs were a confirmation of how God has guided their lives—how they met through rodeo and started their first business, New Frontier Construction. The couple provides services to ranchers and farmers in Idaho and surrounding states.

“God has a purpose for our lives,” Kenny says. “Through our business, we want to help others and set an example for our kids. We’re called to share the gospel of Christ, to tell a message of hope, how he died for our sins so we could have eternal life. Our goal, too, is to be a good steward of the land he has given. We strive to keep our businesses aligned with biblical principles.”

Kenny recalls how they met through mutual friends. Raised on a ranch near Crane in Northeastern Oregon, he competed for 10 years in bareback riding on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit. Chanel grew up in Northern California then attended Colorado State University where she competed in barrel racing for the CSU Rodeo Team.

To share expenses while competing on the rodeo circuit, Kenny traveled with a friend.

“My travel partner wanted to visit the gal he was dating, so we stopped in,” Kenny recalls. “Her roommate was Chanel. We realized we had a lot in common and started dating. She hasn’t been able to get rid of me ever since.”

When their first child was born, Kenny decided to quit the rodeo circuit.

“Bareback is rough on your body,” he says. “With the injuries I had, we decided it was time to start a new chapter of our lives. We wanted to have a business that involved agriculture and to raise our children in a rural area.”

In 2022, while living in Orofino, they launched New Frontier Construction. The company has up to four employees who build fences for ranches, federal agencies, state and federal highway projects, and municipalities. They also build pole barns.

Wanting to be closer to relatives, Kenny and Chanel began looking for places in centralized location to their families in Southeastern Idaho because it was a more centralized location to their families in Oregon, Colorado and Arizona. In January 2024, they bought property near Malta.

“During winter, we’re busy bidding on projects,” Kenny says. “Depending on the weather, our fencing and construction work really picks up in April and May and goes through November and December.”

One of their most memorable local projects was installing security chain-link fencing for Ormat, owner of the local geothermal power plant.

“It was a huge blessing from God to have the opportunity to bid on the project right after we moved to Malta,” Kenny says.

Chanel says it was confirmation they made the right move for their family.

After they were settled, the Haworths had the opportunity to buy Hamilton Hinge, a company that manufactures hinges and latches.

“One of my rodeo friends owned it and couldn’t do the welding anymore because of his injuries, so he called to see if I wanted to buy it,” Kenny says.

Hamilton Hinge is known for making an accessible gate latch that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

After acquiring Hamilton Hinge in December 2024, the Haworths decided to invest in a computer numerical control fiber laser-cutting machine. It was installed in April 2025.

With the machine, the Haworths started their third business, Maneline MFG, to offer CNC laser-cutting services and custom fabrication.

“We cut parts for manufacturers and keep busy during winter when fencing and construction work slows down,” Kenny says.

People also stop by if they just need something made.

“We’ve done some fire pits and barbecue grills,” Kenny says. “With our CNC technology, if people have a broken part on their equipment, they can stop by and we can make a replacement, so they don’t have to drive to town.”

Chanel says the family enjoys living near Malta.

“It’s a close-knit community where our kids are safe and can learn life lessons and values by raising livestock,” she says. “They love helping with chores—taking care of our horses, cows and goats. Kenny has hunted on Black Pine, and there are plenty of trails to ride.”

When their four children are old enough, Chanel says she hopes they’ll “love competing in rodeo as much as we did.”

For more information, visit newfrontierbuild.com.