Pocatello life magazine 2015

Lifestyle Magazine & Local business directory

Happy Trails— Pocatello is a mountain biking mecca of the Northwest pg. 14

Living History—

Idaho State Veterans Home has some characters living there pg. 148

Dedicated to Dentistry pg. 58

Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic

We can tailor a plan and solution to fit your individual needs.

We provide a wide array of services including: Bunions Foot injuries Child foot care Neuromas Corrective foot gear ( orthotics ) Foot and ankle sprains Diabetic foot care Heel spurs Hammertoes Ingrown toenails Warts Surgery Fractures X-Rays

1555 East Clark Street Pocatello, ID 83201

208-233-4355

4betterfeet.com

Ta b l e o f

Contents BUSINESS PROFILES Section A 18 Pocatello Electric - Built to Last 22 Avery Law - The Best of Both Worlds 26 May, Rammell & Thompson - Trouble with Taxes 28 Jade Auto Clinic - Generations of Care and Quality 36 Accu-Tech Auto Repair - Specializing in Service 40 Wally’s Automotive TKO - Automotive Adaptability

Section B 44

Bank of Idaho - Committed to Community

Section D 58 Oak Mountain Dental - Dedicated to Dentistry

Section F 66 72

Facial & Oral Surgery - Section F A Smile is the Universal Welcome Downard Funeral Home - The Power of Planning

Section H 78 Allen Collins Agency - Understanding Insurance 82 Centrum Hearing Services - Hear This 88 East Idaho Home Interiors - Something Old, Something New 92 Portneuf Medical Center - We’re Expecting You

Section J 96

Molinelli’s Jewelry Store - The Jewel of Old Town

Section P 100 Extreme Staffing - Building a Better Staff 106 Toothtown Dentistry for Kids - Next Stop, Toothtown 112 Brooke Richardson Photography

Section R 128 Brass Rail - Tempt Your Tastebuds 129 Texas Roadhouse - A Taste of Texas

Section S 144

Health & Wellness Sleep Institute - What Keeps You up at Night?

Section V 152

Idaho State Veterans Home - Caring for America’s Heroes ?

4 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

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contents 42

DEPARTMENTS 8 Editor’s Note 9 Contributors 10 Calendar of Events 12 People & Places 60 Welcome to Downtown 130 Restaurant Guide 140 At Your Service 160 Why I Love Pocatello 162 Where on Earth?

CONTENTS 20

Maintaining Your Appliances

24 Keeping the Peace 30 The Endless Road to Recovery 32 Puzzling over Pricey Petrol 35 Baby, Let’s Cruise!

38 Fast is in Your Future 42 Poky’s Boys of Summer 46 Beautiful Me 56 Meet Radene Baker 80 Fitting into the Market 90 Standing Up for Selflessness 94 The Beauty of Pageants 98 Accessorize 114 Expanding Knowledge 117 A Tale of Two T’s 142 Bleeding Orange and Black 146 Stuff It 154 Golden Years in the Gate City

35 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 5

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Contents FEATURES 14

48

52

68

74

84

Happy Trails - “If you rack your bike here and drive to the trail head, it might be a 10 minute trip, but in Colorado some people drive an hour, two hours to get to a trail.”

Backpacking Basics - Bust out your boots and discover Idaho’s wilderness.

14

Weathering the Storm - “Storm drains were overwhelmed, popping manhole covers. We had different and various streets closed. It was absolutely horrendous.”

Haunted Places - “Two separate girls were touched by an unseen hand and dusty handprints were seen on their bodies.”

Traipsing Through Thailand - A trip to Thailand expands more than the mind.

Get Active - Keep the kids busy all year long with a variety of activities.

74

102 The Quest for Musical Theatre - Acclaimed NYC director,

Blair Bybee returns to his roots with a world class production for local kids.

108 Going Postal - “Pocatello and Salmon have the same

(postal) service as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles.”

120 Big Crush - “If we can’t do it safely, we won’t do it at all.”

124 Can Do - If you grow a garden, learning to preserve your

124

harvest is a must.

136 Fine Fiddlin’ - “We’ve succeeded in creating a comfortable,

informal family-type atmosphere.”

148 Living History - “I don’t know how many got killed, but

there were at least 12 guys that I didn’t see anymore.”

156 Paws-itively Committed - “Our main goal is to build a new

shelter, or at least expand the shelter to bring it up to code and make it so there’s enough room for the animals in need.”

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136

Pocatello Life Idaho Life Publications Publisher

Business Directory Meets Lifestyle Magazine

Karleigh Deeds Managing Editor IdahoLifeEditor@gmail.com Janie Budell Creative Director Photographer Brooke Richardson Mark Mendiola Roger Nielsen Contributing Writers Alisa Clickenger Amber Daley Diana Hanson Lisa Jensen Mary Keating Mark Mendiola Kasi Nelson Roger Nielsen JaNae Swassing Krystal Neiwert Woodland Special Thanks To: Duane Rawlings and the Century High School Baseball team for an amazing delivery job!

Downtown At Your Service N THE SHADY LADY

655 N. ARTHUR 208.232.1005 www.web site M - Fx a.m. to x p.m.

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sernatem THE ORANGE AND BLACK STORE

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208.444.4444 Optior si as modi volorec taeperciae mo voles ullant, il ma sunt et esecus dem ex et www.doggytailsdogs.com essume sequia con consecte cum quid molorem asinciis acea dior renihil maioriatem sam con evenditatur?Ehendiscilit doloreserum iunt, ulpa velitas incipid modit, corerit, unt.

Cover photo courtesy of East Fork Bikes taken by DKG Photography.

We welcome your story ideas! Please submit your ideas to idaholifeeditor@gmail.com.

For advertising inquiries, please call 208.680.6713.

Pocatello Life is published annually by IDAHO LIFE PUBLICATIONS, LLC 3270 East 17th St., Suite 213 Idaho Falls, ID 83406 208.680.6713 IIdaho Life Publications, LLC 2014. This issue of Pocatello Life is copyrighted under the laws of the Unites States of America. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

For permission to use any portion of this publication email:smueller@idaholife.net. All editorial and photographic submissions are accepted explicitly without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

RESTaURaNT GUIdE

DOGGY TAILS DOG GROOMING

A guide to some of the area’s best food.

W

hile Idaho Falls may not be on the culinary list of places to be, we Italian do offer a wide variety of fantastic food without all the fluff. In our local establishments you can expect to have out626 E. Lewis standing service in a friendly environment.

208.233.1172 Lots of places know their regulars bywww.websitegoeshere.com name M Sun. 0:00 a.m.

0:00 p.m. and how they take their coffee. You run into your neighbors and friends, and leave he food, cus nam, quia cusa seque res ut audis auwith a full belly, satisfied. Portions and daepuda dolestem quos estoressum quaest latis et qui dolessit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque nobit prices are reasonable and the food tastes omnis dianim ab il impore porem que porio. Et landae. Xerum quam reribusa nusa velecusandit facescit homemade in most places. acerio mi, quas doluptatquia cus int, sernatem rempell Our restaurateurs take pride in what aborem aboreptaquas est exceptatis aruptaque doluptatur? Qui optatur?cus nam, quia cusa seque res ut authey do and it shows on the plate. Most dis audaepuda dolestem quos estoressum quaest latis et qui dm reribusa nusa velecusandit facescit acerio mi, of our restaurants are locally owned and quas doluptatquia cus int, sernatem rempell aborem operated. But with the addition of some aborept. national chains in the past few years, the Taster Comment: It dolessit, aut omnis explatibus type of food offered has expanded as has moluptaque nobit omnis dianim ab il impore porem the dining experience. So whether you’re que porio. Et landae. in the mood for authentic Chinese food, Chef Says: i dolesseafood, or a good old steak, chances are sit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque noyou can find a quality experience right in bit omnis dianim ab town—served with a side of Idaho—just il impore porem que porio. Et landae. am how we like it.

THRONE PLUMBING

000 MainStreet 208.444.4444 www.doggytailsdogs.com

GATE CITY FINE ARTS GALLERY

315 W. CENTER ST. 208.380.3166 www.web site Ferorro moluptatque cus estis nienist landus moloremodi ut earum nonse prat que dolorero M - Fx a.m. to x p.m. occab ium que natiatia consend aessit et rem.

Itatur sequos eturem eium et acestem qui arum ut aped erita cum ut qui natur, adia incimolupis excea dolestis ratur ra iduciistiam quiae. Et vel et, sit esentem.

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Mus, officta apera sera sae quodis maximus arum 2 | P O C AT E L LO L I F E 2014

TEEL COLLISION & REPAIR 252 N. 3RD AVE. 208.232.2068

www.web site Ferorro moluptatque cus estis nienist landus moloremodi ut earum nonse prat que dolorero oc- M - Fx a.m. to x p.m. cab ium que natiatia consend aessit et rem. Itatur sequos eturem eium et acestem qui arum ut aped erita cum ut qui natur, adia incimolupis excea dolestis ratur ra iduciistiam quiae. Et vel et, sit esentem. Optior si as modi volorec taeperciae mo voles ullant, il ma sunt et esecus dem ex et essume sequia con consecte cum quid molorem asinciis acea dior renihil maioriatem sam con evenditatur?Ehendiscilit doloreserum iunt, ulpa velitas incipid modit, corerit, unt.Mus, officta apera sera sae quodis maximus arum sa volorest quiaeria volorem

Restaurant Guide

Restaurant Guide

HANDY MAN FOR HIRE

000 MainStreet 208.444.4444 www.doggytailsdogs.com

GLADYS’S GARDENING

Buddy’s Italian Restaurant

T

000 MainStreet 208.444.4444 www.doggytailsdogs.com

GROCERIES TO GO!

000 MainStreet 208.444.4444 www.doggytailsdogs.com contact information to find out more about advertising in this section.

Special Thanks To: Ty Nelson from East Fork Bikes for supplying our cover photo.

Photography provided by Brooke Richardson unless otherwise stated.

R

123 S. MAIN 208.705.1406 www.web site M - Fx a.m. to x p.m.

128 | I da h o Fa L L S l i f e

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Mexican

The Bridge

815 S. First Ave 208.234.7000 www.websitegoeshere.com M - Sun. 0:00 a.m. - 0:00 p.m.

T

he food, cus nam, quia cusa seque res ut audis audaepuda dolestem quos estoressum quaest latis et qui dolessit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque nobit omnis dianim ab il impore porem que porio. Et landae. Xerum quam reribusa nusa velecusandit facescit acerio mi, quas doluptatquia cus int, sernatem rempell aborem aboreptaquas est exceptatis aruptaque doluptatur? Qui optatur?cus nam, quia cusa seque res ut audis audaepuda dolestem quos estoressum quaest latis et qui dm reribusa nusa velecusandit facescit acerio mi, quas doluptatquia cus int, sernatem rempell aborem aborept.

Taster Comment

: It dolessit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque nobit omnis dianim ab il impore porem que porio. Et landae.

Chef Says

: i dolessit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque nobit omnis dianim ab il impore porem que porio. Et landae. am reribusa nusa velecusandit facescit acerio mi, quas doluptatquia cus int, sernatem rempell aborem aboreptaquas est exceptatis aruptaque doluptatur? Qui optatur?cus nam, quia cusa seque res ut audis audaepuda dolestem quos estoressum quaest latis et qui dolessit, aut omnis explatibus moluptaque nobit omnis dianim P O C AT E L LO L I F E | 129

Idaho Falls LIFE • Pocatello LIFE Magic Valley LIFE • Interesting stories about life in your community • Annual community calendar of event listings • Business Profiles • At Your Service

• Restaurant Section

• Published annually - delivered free of charge to businesses and area residences Idaho LIFE Publications 3270 East 17th Street, Ste. 213 Idaho Falls, ID

208-680-6713 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 7

Editor’s note | Dear Readers,

W

hat is community? When you spend several months putting together a magazine about community, you get to find out just want makes a town a home. The technical definition according Merriam-Webster is “a group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood); a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race, etc.; a group of nations”. But with the expansive growth of the internet and social media, community has expanded beyond the physical boundaries of our towns, county, state and country. The communities to which we belong exist on micro and macro levels and are fluid, overlapping and constantly being redefined.

But at the core of a community are shared values—respect, honesty, freedom, a sense of taking care of each other—all things that the Portneuf Valley emulates.

As I selected stories for this issue, one theme seemed to pop out over and over again. Volunteerism. Pocatello is filled with altruism. Companies like Bank of Idaho, Oak Mountain Dental and Idaho State Veterans Home are all making the time to give back. Clubs like the Classy Car Club (Baby, Let’s Cruise!), and individuals like Amber Davis (Standing Up for Selflessness), and the Magnum boys (Paws-itively Committed) all give of themselves, day in and day out. The Larsens, a caring couple in Traipsing Through Thailand, have dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of underprivileged Thai children while simultaneously opening the hearts of and minds of local residents willing to travel abroad with them. Pacific Steel and Recycling (Big Crush) donates to the Pocatello Zoo. Ron Conlin of Centrum Hearing takes time to mentor young students interested in audiology. Jen Putnam of Eastern Idaho Home Interiors donates her time to making Pocatello a better place for kids to live. I could go on and on, but I’ll let you read about all these wonderful people and businesses that are doing their part to making our community a better place.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading the following pages as much as my staff and I have enjoyed creating them. We’re always open to suggestions, comments, critiques and praises. If you have something to share, please contact me at IdahoLifeEditor@gmail.com. And thank you for being a part of this community. I love sharing your stories.

Happy Reading!

Karleigh Deeds Managing Editor

A SIDE NOTE If you’re inspired to stop by a business that you’ve learned about in this magazine, please tell them how you heard about their establishment.

We can’t bring you this publication without the support of our advertisers. Please consider supporting those that support us.

And thank you to the American Legion Baseball team for the amazing delivery job you did in 2013. We appreciate your efforts and professionalism.

About Me: For the last eight years I’ve enjoyed bossing people around so that I could create magazines about Idaho communities. Outside of editing though, I lead a different life. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy bossing people around, though it’s questionable as to who’s really in charge in my family. (Right now, we think our 4 year old is ruling the roost.) When I’m not making a killer loaf of sourdough bread or winning chili competitions, I can often be found tooling around town Jeff Gordon-style as I run errands and deliver my children hither and thither. I enjoy a good glass of wine and insightful discussions about college football. I’m a fan of most sports and camping. I like the Bee Gees, but I’m not a fan of Katy Perry. Guess which one of these events didn’t really happen to me. 1.) I’ve met Alice Cooper, Ben Harper, and Jakob Dylan (only one of those guys was charming). 2.) I’ve held a poisonous dart frog in my bare hand. 3.) I’ve floated Staircase on the Payette River with just a life vest and helmet.

Life is fun. I love sharing stories of how other people live it and enjoy making memories of my own— just keep me out of water.

8 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Contributors |

mary keating

alisa clickenger

janie budell

Mary Keating is an energetic and overly organized mother of two, a freelance writer, creative consultant, wordsmith and a national and state award winning feature writer. Her writings have taken her many places, caused her to think deeply and taught her much. She loves to investigate, examine, love, discover, laugh, sort out, learn and communicate every day. Find out more about Mary at marykeating.com.

Never one to say no to adventure, Alisa Clickenger’s life is an eclectic mix of chasing leopards in Africa as well as conducting biodiversity studies in the Peruvian jungle with Biosphere Expeditions, traveling to the far ends of the earth on her motorcycle, leading motorcycle tours and writing about her “everyday” life. Alisa’s curiosity about the world around her shows up in delightfully insightful ways in all of her interviews and her writing.

Follow Alisa’s adventures at: www.MotoAdventureGal.com.

Missoula born but Idaho Fall raised, Janie worked in corporate graphics for over 20 years before discovering her love of designing publications. From keeping travelers visually engaged in SkyWest Magazine and American Traveler Magazine, to making business less boring in Idaho Business Magazine, Janie knows how to lay out a story. Her design prowess can also be viewed in LIFE magazines across the state from Caldwell to Idaho Falls. When she’s not sorting through photos and adjusting column widths, she can found painting, reading, or spending time with her husband and dog. Oh, and she has three beautiful children she adores.

diana hanson

brooke richardson

gary and sharon mueller

LIFE CAPTURER

Publishers

Let’s get right to the nuts and bolts of it.

Diana has a B.A. in Communications from California State University of Fullerton and a paralegal certificate from BSU causing her to spend 25 years in the legal field. She wrote for the construction industry for several years, and represented at code development hearings. Currently, she’s a technical writer for a large corporation. When she isn’t playing bass guitar, she’s tearing up the slopes or spending time with her hubby of 28 years, Jack.

Born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, Brooke Richardson is a lifer. While sticking around town used to sound like a death sentence to a younger Brooke, the older and more experienced woman truly appreciates all that Idaho has to offer. There is considerable beauty to be found, both in Idaho’s scenery and residents, and Brooke is a talented capturer of said beauty. When she’s not oohing and ahhing over her photography subjects, she’s pouring her heart and soul into the clothing boutique she owns with her sister.

The last word you might use to describe this dynamic duo is shy - unless you ask for their picture and then they disappear as quickly as the Loch Ness Monster. They both appreciate the support they’ve received in their second career. The Muellers enjoy making an impact on Southeastern Idaho and love bringing stories to LIFE, that is, if you can get them away from their other passion, horses.

WORD MAGICIAN

mark mendiola UBER NEWSIE

A Boise native, Mark Mendiola has served in various editorial capacities at the Idaho State Journal, Morning News and Post Register, including managing editor. He worked in communications at AMI Semiconductor’s world headquarters in Pocatello and for CH2M-WG Idaho at the Idaho National Laboratory. His articles and photos have appeared in numerous publications.

“I am continually redefining myself, and my craft. I love words. I love language.

There is a thrill when words, ideas and knowledge come together to form a well-crafted, graspable piece,” said Keating. “I find that I am continually drawn to the universal themes of family, parenting, organization, technology and health.”

ADVENTURE GAL

VISUAL MANIPULATOR

lisa jensen

STORYTELLER Lisa Jensen is a professional writer and Idaho native who enjoys cooking, working out and her extended family of pets, including a few special needs animals. Her credits include editing and publishing a workout manual, and she currently writes for online and print magazines. Jensen doesn’t consider herself a journalist. She gets all the facts but enjoys putting them together in a creative way.

Armed with a natural skill as a wordsmith, Jensen took every writing course she could squeeze into her schedule, including Creative Writing and Research for Writing. She then set up shop as a freelance writer, specializing in fitness, food and pets in addition to interview-style articles for magazines, both for the web and in print.

WORD TECHNICIAN

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 9

Calendar of Events ONGOING EVENTS “When Giants Roamed” Exhibit—Idaho Museum of Natural History, Tuesdays to Saturdays open through January 2015 Live Bands—Porneuf Valley Brewing, Fridays & Saturdays Pocatello Zoo opens daily, May 2 through Labor Day

2014 OCTOBER

Haunted History Walking Tour—Old Town, Fridays & Saturdays

Swore Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Mondays - Saturdays, closes Oct. 30

The Game’s Afoot—Westside Players Community Dinner Theatre,

Fridays & Saturdays 4 Les Miserable—Mystique Performing Arts, Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays 11 ISU Football vs. Simon Fraser—Holt Arena 17 Greenway Gala—PGF 18 ISU Football vs. Southern Utah—Holt Arena 18 Just Cuz Half Marathon—Crystal Summit to Centennial Park 23 Josh Turner—Stephens Performing Arts Center (SPAC) 25 Zoo Boo—Pocatello Zoo 31 Trick-or-Treat Old Town Streets—Old Town NOVEMBER 3, 7 - 8 Les Miserable—Mystique Performing Arts 7 - 8 Women’s Club Holiday Fair—ISU 7 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 8 Nitty Gritty Dirty Band—SPAC

ISU Football vs. Cal Poly—Holt Arena

3rd Annual Salute to Veterans—Farm Bureau Insurance 11 Veterans Day Celebration—Texas Roadhouse

Hot Pools Free Day for Veterans—Lava Hot Springs 14 Idaho State Civic Symphony (ISCS) Young Artist Competition Winners

and Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5—SPAC 19 ISCS Youth Orchestra Fall Concert—SPAC 22 ISU Football vs. Weber State—Holt Arena 24 - 28 Thanksgiving Holiday, No School K-12 28 Night of 1,000 Santas Festival & Night Light Parade—Old Town DECEMBER Tour of Lights—Pocatello Regional Transit 5 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 6 Breakfast with Mrs. Claws—Pocatello Zoo 12 ISCS Joy to the World: an ISU Christmas—SPAC 16 Kurt Bestor Christmas—SPAC 20 Shop Till You Drop—Old Town 22 - 31 Winter Holiday, No School K-12

10 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Portneuf Valley Farmers Market—Old Town Pavillion, Saturdays, May 2 through October 24 Revive at Five & Portneuf Valley Farmers Market—Old Town Pavillion, Wednesdays, May 20 through September 2 Race Day—Pocatello Raceway, every other Saturdays, June through September (visit Pocatello Raceway Facebook Page for complete schedule)

JANUARY 1 - 2 Winter Holiday, No School K-12 2 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, No School K-12 20 - 22 Eastern Idaho Ag Expo—Holt Arena 21 - 22 Potato Conference—Holt Arena FEBRUARY Things My Mother Taught Me—Westside Players Community Dinner Theatre, Fridays & Saturdays 6 Collin Raye & BJ Thomas—SPAC 7 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 13 ISCS Ballet at the Symphony: Valentine Gala with Special Guest: Brindusa Moore—SPAC 17 President’s Day, No School K-12 21 No School K - 12 28 Idaho Bridal Fair—Red Lion Pocatello Dates TBA

Simplot Games—Holt Arena MARCH 7

14 21 24 - 28 26

First Friday Art Walk—Old Town William Joseph with Teton Chamber Orchestra—SPAC Gate City Brew Fest—various locations ISCS Harville, Copland and Special Guest Béla Fleck—SPAC Spring Break, No School K-12 Pocatello Spring Fair—Holt Arena

Dates TBA

Chrome in the Dome—Holt Arena

Celebrate Idaho State—ISU, Pond Student Union Building

2015 APRIL Ride Your Bike to Work Month Boeing, Boeing—Westside Players Community Dinner Theatre, Fridays & Saturdays Pocatello Zoo opens Fridays & Saturdays (starting April 18) 3 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 5 Resurrection Celebration on Easter Sunday—SPAC 8 Neil Diamond-The Tribute Featuring Rob Garrett, King of Diamonds—SPAC 24 ISCS Brahms Symphony No. 4, Guest Artist: Diana Livingston Friedley—SPAC 25 Urban Invasion Obstacle Challenge—Old Town 30 ISCS Youth Orchestra Spring Concert—SPAC Dates TBA

Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair

District High School Rodeo—Bannock County Fairgrounds

PMXP Motocross Races— Pocatello Motocross Park MAY Horses Races—Pocatello, Sundays 1 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 10 Mother’s Day at the Zoo—Pocatello Zoo Dates TBA

Mom & Me Fun Run—Southern Idaho Public Health

Paint the Town Purple—Old Town

Four Seasons Craft Show—Bannock County Fairgrounds

PMXP Motocross Races— Pocatello Motocross Park

ISU Annual Spring Powwow—Reed Gymnasium

Ross Park Aquatic Complex opens for the summer JUNE 5 7 13 17 21

First Friday Art Walk—Old Town Pocatello 50 - Scout Mountain Ultra Trail 35k, 60k, 100k A Beary Happy Birthday—Pocatello Zoo Grapes & Hops—PGF Father’s Day at the Zoo—Pocatello Zoo

Dates TBA

Idaho High School Rodeo Finals—Bannock County Fairgrounds

West Kids & Cadet Regional Wrestling Championship—Holt Arena

P.A.S.S. Bike Giveaway—Phil Meador Toyota

Idaho Free Fishing Day

Idaho State Journal Family Fun Day

PMXP Motocross Races— Pocatello Motocross Park

Shrine Circus—Bannock County Fairgrounds

Spinderella Bike Ride—Ross Park

JULY I Never Sang for My Father—Westside Players Community Dinner Theatre, Fridays& Saturdays (opens July 10) 3 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 4 Fourth of July Parade 11 A Midsummer’s Night for the Zoo—Pocatello Zoo Dates TBA

Biggest Show in Idaho Music Festival & Extravaganza—Bannock

County Fairgrounds

Greenway Grind Color Run—PGF

Intermountain Equifest—Bannock County Fairgrounds

POW*MIA Awareness Rally—Bannock County Fairgrounds

PMXP Motocross Races— Pocatello Motocross Park AUGUST 1 I Never Sang for My Father—Westside Players Community

Dinner Theatre 7 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 8 Ice Cream Zoofari—Pocatello Zoo Dates TBA RiverFest—PGF

Shoshone Bannock Indian Festival—Fort Hall Indian Reservation

Chubbuck Days

Hometown Heroes Gala

SEPTEMBER 4 First Friday Art Walk—Old Town 8 Grandparent’s Day at the Zoo—Pocatello Zoo Dates TBA

PAS Run with the Big Dogs Fun Run—Lower Ross Park

Sagebrush Arts Fest—Pocatello Art Center

“Welcome Back Orange & Black”—Old Town Pocatello Pavilion

CW HOG Annual Pig Out

Tour De Vins—Family Services Alliance of SE Idaho **Disclaimer - Please visit the website of event host for more information. Dates subject to change.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 11

Sandra mountain biking in the East Fork

The Rice Family

Bike Parade

Caroline Z. learing to ski at Pebb le Creek Ski Area!

People and Places With nearly 55,000 people living in Pocatello there are a lot of faces to capture. Add in the University and there are a ton of events to attend too! Do you know any of the people or events in these photos? Want to see yourself or your friends and family in our magazine?

Share your photos with us! Submit your photos to IdahoLifeEditor@gmail.com by July 31, 2015. Be sure to include the names of the people in the photo and/ or the event where the photo was taken.

We love being a part of this community and we want to see your face in Pocatello LIFE!

stival The Bluegrass Fe

Nicky D. gets a little “electric� from a slide..

Youth Rallie

Long family pla

12 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Ty Nelson from East Fork Bikes

Tony M. and Macey C. enjoying some cotton candy at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

The Swassing family loves the great outdoors and living in Pocatello.

Greg G. an d Willy day at the park B. enjoying a !

Locals cooling off at Ross Aquatic Park.

Brekell Vaugh kids

Family Fun Da y

laying at Ross Park

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 13

s l i a r T Happy Pocatello is a mountain biking mecca of the Northwest.

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Kaye Black & Jalyn Dewall

k lac ye B a K to: pho

O

f all the ways to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Pocatello, mountain biking is one trend in particular that has steadily been gaining momentum for about 25 years. If you already bike the local paths you know that Pocatello has some of the best mountain biking trails in the Northwest, and that’s no exaggeration.

“People from all over come to ride here, and they’re impressed when they see what we have. People from back East, from Canada, and even closer like from Wyoming and Oregon,” says Kirk Lepchenske, a mountain biker who grew up riding the City Creek Trails and who now works at Barrie’s Ski and Sports.

Part of what gives Pocatello trails their legendary status is how widespread they are, and that the huge system is interlinked. Lepchenske points out that the City Creek Management Area, located at the southwestern edge of town, is extensive on its own. Yet that is only one trail system among many in the area.

photo: Kaye Black

Sandra Packard and Cy Pugh set out on a ride

“You can ride almost every day and never take the same route—or even trail. There are a ton of trails like Gibson Jack, Mink Creek, Satterfield, Scout Mountain, China Peak, Black Canyon,” Lepchenske enumerates.

“And that’s just in our immediate area. There’s also Pebble Creek, Inkom and the Lava area, too.”

Ed Gygli, a volunteer who rides his mountain bike patrolling the Forest Service trails in the area, feels they are often overlooked.

14 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

“For the most part, City Creek Management Area seems to be the crown jewel that gets mentioned, but it’s so important that we talk about the Forest Service trails, too. The Forest Service has been awesome about working with the trail users,” explains Gygli. “You don’t see many trails being built anymore on public lands because of the environmental impact statements and studies, as well as the process of taking three to four years to get a new trail approved. But we have incredible trails all on Forest Service ground, there’s just such a vast array, and they’re maintained fairly well.”

Other draws to the Pocatello trails include the landscape and the comparatively mild climate. Sandra Packard organizes road bike tours for women through her company Woman Tours, but she is a mountain biker at heart. Having biked in places such as Oregon, Colorado and Wyoming, Packard knows that what Pocatello has to offer is unique.

photo: Jalyn Dewall

“We have so many trails, and they’re pretty challenging, but we have gentler terrain than the Tetons, and our weather isn’t as harsh, either. So we’ll get a lot of people from the Jackson Hole area because we have some great trails, and we can ride earlier in the spring and later into the fall and winter,” Packard says.

Packard rides with a group at least once a week, but she also enjoys the serenity and solitude of riding alone now and then.

“The scenery is amazing, and you’re so close to the city, but when you get out there it’s like you’re the only one on earth,” Packard says.

“The trees, the wildflowers and rocks, it’s all so peaceful.”

Along with the tranquility of the Idaho wilderness, Pocatello mountain bikers frequently get treated to glimpses of Idaho wildlife. Packard lists deer, badgers, skunks, moose and even two young mountain lions among the animals she’s encountered on rides.

Kirk Lepchenske has a similar list but adds snakes and bobcats to the mix. Observing wildlife but keeping their distance is what has kept Packard, Lepchenske and other mountain bikers safe when the paths of bikers and wildlife cross.

One might wonder how a typical Idaho town such as Pocatello ended up with a system of trails that draw riders from near and far.

Gygli has the historical scoop on the early days of mountain biking in Pocatello.

“Twenty-five years ago, all of the trails were single-track dirt bike

photo: Kaye Black

Enjoying the views from the East Fork Trail.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 15

ck photo: Kaye Bla

West Fork Trail is beautiful in the fall trails,” Gygli recollects. “As mountain biking became more popular, it was natural to use those dirt bike trails. That’s where a lot of the current popular trails came from, so mountain bikers kind of owe a debt of gratitude to the dirt bikers for starting those trails.”

Gygli maintains that one of the most important events for mountain bikers was in 2006 when Joe Rainwater, a private property owner, donated 42 acres to be added to the City Creek Management Area. Mountain bikers are explorers and trailblazers by nature—literally—and that’s when a lot of trails began to appear.

“If someone wanted to access an area, they’d ride through.

Then other people would hear about it and ride through and wear it down more and eventually a new trail would appear,” Gygli says.

That’s not how it’s done if you want to blaze a trail on Forest Service land, however. There’s a proper procedure to follow to get approval before you can create a new trail. Mike Sullivan is very familiar with what it takes to get a new trail added to the system. He was involved with getting Sterling Justice built, the new trail that runs through Forest Service land, connecting the City Creek Management system at the south to the Gibson Jack trail to the southeast.

“Others, such as Richard Newcomb and Bruce Olenick, 16 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

worked on getting the groundwork for the approval laid,” Sullivan explains. “I came in after the red tape was ironed out, and a couple of years later we got approval and started working on the trail.”

Sullivan and a group of dedicated mountain bikers immediately began on the Gibson Jack side and started to dig.

Working in their spare time, whenever conditions allowed, the group started in the spring of 2012 but had to take a break when the ground froze and the weather became too cold in the winter. In the spring of 2013, they picked back up where they left off and by the fall of that year they’d created a seven mile trail accessible to anyone, but more suited to the skills of advanced mountain bikers.

“You have to be a fairly technical rider to handle that one. There are a lot of switchbacks coming down off Cusick Creek Road, which is pretty difficult itself. Then it curves around the mountain and joins up at Gibson Jack to the east,” Lepchenske explains.

Ride-able maintained trails are another mark on the “plus” side for Pocatello. The Forest Service has a volunteer program for people who want to help keep the trails maintained and clear of rocks, fallen trees and

other large obstacles. However, there are caches of tools along the Forest Service and City Creek trails that anyone can use to fill in a hole or trim back a bush when they see it needs doing. Like Ed Gygli says: “If you see something that needs fixing, fix it!”

keep them from becoming overcrowded and to try to manage erosion. We’re lucky to have what we have here.”

“Pocatello Parks and Rec plays a big role in keeping (the City Creek) trails in good condition, preserving the trails and reducing the effects of erosion, putting in switchbacks where it’s necessary,” Lepchenske says. “But everyone helps keep the trails in pretty good shape. If you know where, there are gloves, buckets and gardening tools hidden along all of the trails in certain places so anyone can pitch in to help keep the trails nice.”

“The Pedal Fest has been going for about eight years, and participation has grown every year,” Lepchenske says. “But every year more and more are coming from outside of Idaho, and we’ve started to draw some serious out-of-state riders.

Pocatello bikers still hold our own, but it’s fun and a challenging, competitive ride on our amazing trails.”

An extensive, well-maintained system with trails for all skill levels in a scenic wilderness setting are all positive aspects of mountain biking in Pocatello, yet there’s even one more: convenient access. The fact that people who live right in town are still only a 10 minute drive from a trailhead makes out-of-state bikers green with envy. Sandra Packard says a trip to Boulder, Colorado reminded her of how good bikers in Pocatello have it.

“If you rack your bike here and drive to the trailhead, it might be a 10 minute trip, but in Colorado some people drive an hour, two hours to get to a trail. There are a lot of trail restrictions there, too. Some trails are one-way, and some are controlled according to day to

The notoriety of Pocatello’s mountain biking trails is continually growing and spreading further. The turnout at the Pocatello City Creek Pedal Fest each year is proof of that.

If this all has you itching to don a pair of bike shorts and a helmet and hit the trails, you may not want an entry in a mountain bike race to be your first experience with the sport. Even the beginner’s loop at the Pedal Fest is a 12 mile course, but there’s nothing to stop you from getting the gear, hitting the trail and taking it at your own pace. Lepchenske recommends that you start on the easier paths right around the Bench Trail.

“That will give you a place to practice and learn how to shift gears, things like that. After you’ve been riding for about a month or so, that’s when it gets fun. You’ll want to do it. You’ll look forward to your ride. You’ll start to get in shape and feel good, and you’ll start exploring more.”

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you connect with an experienced mountain biker and join a group ride or give it a go on your own, you’ll have a terrific time biking the extraordinary mountain paths around Pocatello.

Happy Trails!

“The scenery is amazing, and you’re so close to the city, but when you get out there it’s like you’re the only one on earth.”

photo: Jalyn Dewall

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 17

Appliance |

t s a L o t Built Pocatello Electric has been ser ving the Gate City with quality products and customer service for 112 years.

Story & photos by Mark Mendiola

W

eathering economic fluctuations and stiff competition from large national retail chains, Pocatello Electric has been so well-established as an anchor at 258 N. Main St. in Old Town Pocatello that many Pocatellans consider it more an institution than a business, owner Mike Vigliaturo says.

“It may possibly be the oldest family-owned appliance store in America,” Vigliaturo adds, paraphrasing what he was told by a U.S. appliance industry expert.

Pocatello Electric traces its downtown history back to 1902 when H.G. Shafer opened its original store at 340 W. Center Street After many store managers, it was bought by E.W. Hall in the early 1930s. Following World War II, Albert Vigliaturo started to work for Ward Hall, E.W. Hall’s son. In 1973, Vigliaturo purchased it from the younger Hall.

Mike Vigliaturo returned to Pocatello in 1974 to assist his father Albert after serving four years in the Navy on a nuclear submarine during the Vietnam War. He attended Idaho State University under the G.I. Bill and earned a B.A. degree in business. “This makes 40 years for me,” he reflects on his career with a smile.

“I’ve been very blessed,” the 63-yearold retailer is quick to point out, noting that he has been able to successfully build upon the foundation laid by his father and the company’s original owners. With no immediate plans for retirement, Vigliaturo intends to continue running the business until he turns at least 70.

Vigliaturo shows old Vigliaturo and his wife Suzie—who have Pocatello Electric pictures. three grown daughters—bought Pocatello Electric from Albert when he retired in 1989.

Vigliaturo’s father died about eight years ago at the age of 78. His mother, Helen, who is 85, is pleased that the family business continues to do so well.

“It’s been built around taking care of the customer,” Vigliaturo says, emphasizing that large box stores tend to view their customers as numbers, rather than individuals. He has witnessed many competitors and neighboring downtown businesses come and go over the years.

Pocatello Electric prides itself in meeting personal customer requests almost on a weekly basis without charging additional costs. For seven years straight, it was selected as the favorite appliance store in Pocatello by readers of a local newspaper. It has earned that distinction nine of the past 11 years.

18 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

“We’ve always delivered and installed what we’ve sold,” Vigliaturo says, crediting much of his store’s success to its well-rounded staff—there are eight employees on the home appliance and mattress center’s payroll, including sales, office and delivery personnel as well as two independent service people. Vigliaturo often fields telephone calls himself from appreciative customers praising his employees and merchandise.

At one point, Vigliaturo considered moving Pocatello Electric from Old Town Pocatello to the Gate City’s north end near competitors like Sears, Lowe’s and Home Depot, but he decided against it.

“That probably would have been our demise,” he says as a matter of fact, citing a statistic that businesses often lose 40 percent of their revenue when they change locations. Independent locally-owned businesses like Pocatello Electric usually account for 25 percent of total sales.

Instead, he decided to continue upgrading his downtown location, recently investing $10,000 in a new exterior sign. In 1991, the building’s exterior was restored to its original brick façade and awnings were added. New showrooms also highlight kitchen appliances. He plans additional future improvements.

Despite the 2009 recession, Pocatello Electric’s business never dropped into negative territory. While activity may decline during downturns, it stays flat without going into the red, he observes.

“We never really felt the full impact of the recession because of the great support of our customers and the community,” Vigliaturo says.

Specializing in Whirlpool appliances, including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana.

Photo courtesy of Idaho State Journal.

Mike Vigliaturo (right) and crew stand outside Pocatello Electric in Old Town. They invite you in to check out their selection of appliances.

258 North Main Street Pocatello, ID 83204

208-232-1981 www.pocatelloelectric.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 19

Maintaining Your Appliances

Applying a little elbow grease can help keep your appliances doing the heavy lifting.

W

By PL Staff

hen you spend a lot of money on appliances you want to make sure they stay in top running condition for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to keep your home (and appliances) running smoothly for years to come.

Clean the Coils. Build-up of dust and dirt on coils at the bottom and back of your refrigerator unit causes it to work much harder and run for longer cycles. Vacuuming this dust off 2-3 times per year can reduce energy consumption by up to 6 percent.

Greasy Hood.

To clean the filter in your range vent hood, remove it and soak it in a degreasing solution until the grease is dissolved.

Next, wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any traces of the degreaser.

Then put it in the upper rack of the dishwasher and run it through a normal cycle. Make sure the filter is thoroughly dry before returning it to the hood.

In Hot Water? According to ThisOldHouse.com you should be draining your water heater annually to keep it from building up too much sediment.

Luckily, this is a fairly easy task. First, turn off the electricity to the water heater (or gas-switch to the pilot). Turn off the cold water inlet to the unit.

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and run the hose outside where the hot water won’t ruin anything. Open the drain valve to let the hot water out of the tank. Once the water stops flowing out of the hose, turn your water supply back on to flush out any sediment. Close the drain valve, fill the tank and turn the electricity back on. Once the water temperature has been brought back up, test the pressure-relief valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Uneven Flame? If your gas range isn’t producing an even flame it might be time to clean your burner ports around the burner base. Use a small-gauge wire brush or needle to clean small slots or holes. Be careful not to damage the electrode. While you’re at it, clean the burner cap and gently scratch the bottom of the cap.

Vinegar Cycle. Just because your dishwasher and washing machine keeps your stuff clean mean it’s clean itself. Keep your washer and dishwasher doing the dirty work by adding a cup of white vinegar to an empty cycle. Run on a normal setting and viola! a clean, fresh smelling appliance.

Sometimes you can’t fix your appliances with just cleaning. Always consult your owner’s manual for tips and hints on maintaining your appliances and don’t hesitate to contact an expert when something stops working or is making odd sounds.

20 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Celebrating 75 Years!

Appliance |

• Family owned and operated • Professional home appliance repairs • Parts and In-store repairs • We refurbish used appliances

At Tucker’s Appliance Parts and ServiCenter customers can expect a friendly, honest solution.

New Location!

Tucker’s Appliance Parts and ServiCenter

1802 N. Main St. Pocatello, ID 208.233.1608 tuckersapplianceid.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 21

Attorneys |

The Best of Both Worlds

The attorneys and case managers at Avery Law offer both real-world experience and technical expertise.

F

or consumers, there are few financial dilemmas more perplexing than the prospect of filing bankruptcy. But for

John Avery, a 30-year bankruptcy attorney,

addressing these issues comes naturally.

22 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

By Amber Daley Photo by Brooke Richardson

“We’ve put systems in place that have enabled us to gain foresight and learn what can be done lawfully and what the possible consequences are if we make mistakes,” says Avery. The team consists of attorneys Avery and Ryan Farnsworth, as well as four case managers; all have a solid grasp on the complexities of bankruptcy law.

“You can read all the books in the world and it doesn’t mean anything until you get in the real world,” he adds.

“With experience, we have better trained people and we know exactly what we’re doing.”

Avery’s “historical perspective” of bankruptcy law—and how it has evolved over the years—is of crucial importance when complex client cases are involved. And the outcome of such experience? “Eventually you can read [the law] like the back of your hand,” he explains.

country. These opportunities for advanced learning are important to Avery and Farnsworth because they provide “insight into the most recent changes in the law.”

Although Avery’s experience gives him a leg up in the courtroom, he still takes the time to hone his skills in bankruptcy law. After meeting rigorous, objective standards set by the American Board of Certification, Avery is now recognized as the only Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney in Southern Idaho.

In addition to receiving continuous training, Avery Law makes it a point to maintain up-to-date technology, specifically the latest software systems and a database management program customized for their practice.

They recognize that, by staying current both in their understanding of the law and in their internally managed systems and technologies, the benefits are, naturally, passed on to clients.

While Avery offers seasoned practicality representative of his years practicing the law, Farnsworth offers a fresh perspective characteristic of driven younger attorneys. In fact, Avery credits Farnsworth’s “out-of-the-box” thinking, technological savvy, and continual reassessment of the law as a “tremendous benefit to clients.” The result of these two outlooks is a well-rounded practice that skillfully balances ambition and expediency, optimism and realism—and a collaborative environment that ensures a client receives the most efficient, thorough attention.

Expertise and technology aside, apprehensive clients often are put at ease when they learn that both attorneys hail from humble upbringings. “I was raised on a farm in Eastern Idaho, and Ryan formerly drove a truck in an oil field in North Dakota,” says Avery. Having had bluecollar backgrounds means that these highly skilled professionals show genuine concern and tact when addressing their clients’ legal and financial concerns. “A lot of people fear going to a lawyer,” says Avery. “But we like to show clients that we’re approachable and we’re on their team.”

In order to provide this superior level of service, a complete understanding of new laws and processes is essential. “As systems evolve, gaining knowledge keeps things in context,” says Avery. “I remember when bankruptcy law was passed; and I remember when student loans could be discharged.” Times have clearly changed, making the mandatory continuing education hours more valuable to attorneys than ever.

While attorneys in the state of Idaho are required to obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years, Avery, as a certified specialist and his team devote twice that time—60 hours—to understanding the nuances of bankruptcy law. This investment means that the firm’s attorneys and case managers attend seminars, national conventions, and training sessions across the

208-232-3020 Pocatello 410 Yellowstone Pocatello, ID 83201 pocatellobankruptcylaw.com

208-524-3020

208-733-3030

Idaho Falls to the North

Twin Falls to the West

770 S. Woodruff Ave Idaho Falls, ID 83401 averybankrupctylaw.com

808 Eastland Dr. Ste B

Twin Falls, ID 83301

twinfallsbankruptcylaw.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 23

Keeping the Peace

Garcia stands next to a jury box inside a courtroom.

If you think court marshals have an easy job, think again.

Story & Photos b y Mark Mendiola

24 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

H

erman Garcia, chief administrator at Bannock County’s court marshals office in Pocatello, has racked up some harrowing experiences his 25 years on the job, but he says he wakes up each morning eager to don his badge and keep the courthouse safe and secure.

Dealing with criminal elements virtually each work day makes his responsibilities especially challenging. Each week volatile incidents occur—often with inmates with “attitude issues” who must appear in court on various charges.

“We have disturbances out in the hall several times a month,” he says, mentioning some judges have received death threats. “Things have the potential of getting out of control.”

Garcia estimates the Bannock County Sheriff’s Department transports more than 3,000 prisoners from jail to courthouse each year. On Law in Motion Day, 40 to 50 prisoners can appear in district court that morning. Things can get especially tense when emotional family members of defendants and victims are in the same room.

“We serve hundreds of warrants for arrest, both misdemeanors and felonies,” he says, noting his office of seven employees, including himself, is part of the sheriff’s department. At times, there can be 10 to 12 judges on a given day working in the courthouse, which has nine courtrooms.

Citizens who visit the courthouse for vehicle registration or marriage licenses often get annoyed with its stringent security system developed by the Idaho National Laboratory, the first of its kind in the nation, without realizing how effective it has been protecting the public. The last shooting at the Bannock County Courthouse was in 1988.

Garcia says he has outlasted all of the Sixth District Court judges who were originally at the courthouse when he started with the sheriff’s department in 1989. They have either died or retired.

He also has been involved in notorious trials over the years that have required juries to be sequestered for many days and supervised round the clock. That required scheduling employees, maintaining courtrooms and transporting jurors.

“They felt like they were incarcerated. It was difficult for them.”

Another memorable experience for Garcia is when he chased a man about 60 pounds heavier and larger than him who escaped from the courthouse. He finally caught up with him at

Garcia looks at photo of police officers he met in Germany.

Tough Guy Lanes several blocks away, cornering him in a restroom.

When he took the man down to the ground, Garcia realized his handcuffs were missing. Thankfully, backup law enforcers arrived promptly to help apprehend the suspect. A few weeks later, Garcia was contacted by the Pocatello Police Department and informed that his handcuffs had been found after falling off his belt during the foot race.

Garcia was reared in the Burley/Rupert area by parents who were migrant workers from Mexico. He graduated from Ricks College in Rexburg with an associate’s degree in criminal justice and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Idaho State University. He and his wife have two children, a grandchild and a dog.

As an employee of Bannock County Sheriff ’s Department, he held other fulfilling roles in addition being a marshal. For 15 years, he was a hostage negotiator and for five years a member of a gang task force. He’s also a certified instructor for the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy. Reflecting fondly on his career, Garcia has no plans for retirement.

One highlight of his career was when Rotary International sponsored his trip in 2002 to Germany, where he spent a month with law enforcement officials, bringing home many lessons, making friends with foreign counterparts. One German police officer gave Garcia a valued hat, which has encouraged him to “pay it forward,” as well.

“The thing I’ve probably enjoyed the most is just being able to meet and help the public,” Garcia says.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 25

Attorneys |

Trouble with Taxes?

Nathan Palmer of May, Rammell & Thompson can help.

Story & Photos by Mark Mendiola

A

s an attorney specializing in tax matters, Nathan Palmer realizes such complicated issues can be emotional and stressful for clients. He views one of his chief responsibilities as a mediator intervening directly on their behalf with the Internal Revenue Service.

“Once that happens, nerves get calmed quite a bit,” Palmer says.

The 32-year-old lawyer started working for the Pocatello law firm of May, Rammell & Thompson about a year ago. He brings his speciality in tax controversy work, business and estate planning, and trusts to the well-established firm.

Nathan Palmer

Palmer is one of a few attorneys in Pocatello licensed to practice before the United States Tax Court, in addition to being licensed in Idaho and Utah.

“It’s rare cases are tried in Tax Court unless a lot is at stake,” he says.

Palmer earned an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Utah in 2008 and his law degree from the University of Las Vegas in 2012. The following year, he earned a master’s degree in taxation laws from the University of Florida.

Before deciding to go to law school, Palmer was a day trader for Fidelity Investments in Salt Lake City for five years. He and his wife, Lindsey Daniels Palmer, have a 3-year-old son and a newborn son.

They decided to move to Pocatello to be closer to Lindsey’s native Malad and family members.

Palmer said practicing law Pocatello than what he has been in larger cities. The Gate City has a and interesting demographics, professionalism, he says.

Nathan Palmer and Aaron Thompson

is different in accustomed to small town feel but retains a

Peter Wells

26 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

John Smith and Nathan Palmer

“Attorneys here in Pocatello are very cordial and respect each other. In Las Vegas, it’s cutthroat. They don’t negotiate. They take everything to trial,” he says.

“Here you’re not afraid to pick up the phone.”

Palmer’s colleagues at May, Rammel & Thompson each bring unique expertise to the firm, which is housed in a building shared with the Pocatello Railroad Federal Credit Union at 216 W. Whitman in Old Town Pocatello. It occupies the same space as the law firm started by Tom Dial and John Looze in the 1970s.

Greg May was one of the first affiliates and focuses on family law and criminal defense. Bron Rammell has been there since the 1990s, specializing in more complex legal issues. Aaron Thompson has an emphasis on criminal defense, as well as some business work.

Peter Wells handles land disputes and probate work.

John Smith was recently hired as the latest attorney on staff. Rammell and Wells often are engaged in trials at the federal courthouse. In addition to six attorneys, five staffers also are employed at the firm.

May, Rammell and Thompson’s coverage area includes Bannock, Oneida, Caribou, Bear Lake, Power and Bingham counties.

“One or two attorneys are in court any time during the day,” Palmer says of his colleagues, noting there are not many tax attorneys in the area. He owns publications pertaining to Internal Revenue Service codes and regulations, plus subscribes to monthly tax journals to keep abreast of the ever changing tax code. “The tax code changes daily.”

Retirement planning is a legal sector getting much more prevalent, he notes. “People are living longer, but saving less.” Palmer works with a Boise firm in regards to some gift tax and inheritance issues.

Palmer’s expertise in tax law, trusts and estate planning complements the specialties of the other attorneys in the May, Rammell & Thompson law firm, providing clients a well-rounded package of legal services covering virtually every need.

216 W. Whitman Pocatello, ID

208.233.0132 mayrammelThompsonlaw.com

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 27

Automotive Collision Repair |

Generations

of Care and Quality

Methods and techniques may have changed how collision and refinish technicians deal with cars, but the excellent service at Jade Auto Clinic has remained the same.

E

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

ven those who have never needed Jade Auto Clinic’s expert collision repair services are familiar with the memorable motto “Care and Quality.” Those three words have been the business’s slogan since Wade Allred opened Jade Auto Clinic in 1961. From the start, Wade dedicated himself to his customers and business, putting his trademark care and quality into every job he took on. Over 50 years later the Allred family continues to uphold the standard of service Wade set at the start.

Still located at 1359 Yellowstone in Pocatello, Jade Auto Clinic has grown beyond one building that housed a small, closet-sized office and a large, open space for painting and repair work. Over the years, the lot-size was increased through the purchase of surrounding land and rentals as they became available. A larger, more modern office was built onto the original shop and facilities such as a separate repair shop and downdraft paint and bake booths were added.

One of the last few true family businesses, Jade Auto Clinic is currently owned and run by Wade Allred’s son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Becky Allred. Always one to tinker with cars, Ron got his start in the business 37 years ago when he was still in high school.

“I really started working at the shop when I was in school, but I came on full-time to repair cars after graduation in 1980. My dad couldn’t keep me out of it,” Ron remembers with a chuckle.

Most people aren’t aware of the effect that the changes automobiles have undergone over the years has had on the industry, or of the extent of knowledge and expertise involved these days in collision and auto repair.

“Cars are built very differently from back in the ‘70s, when I started,” Ron explains. “There are electronics and computerization that have made them safer. That technology has reduced the number of collisions, but it’s complicated what it takes to repair a car.”

28 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Even the paint has become more complex. Ron and Becky made the decision to use waterborne paint a few years ago, and Ron and his refinish technicians had to put in the time to learn how to apply and blend it on a damaged car.

“Paint isn’t just paint anymore. Matching the paint is more difficult now, but we have equipment that will read the existing color on a car and will communicate to the computer the formula you need,” Ron says.

Almost everything about the business has advanced over the years, from types of welders to how cars are measured. Ron remembers when he used to measure cars with a manual gauge, as opposed to the Velocity Computerized Analysis system he uses today.

“We have these electronic gauges now that are computerized and very accurate, but having that type of equipment means that techs now have to be educated on the equipment and techniques in order to do a good job.”

To keep on top of cutting edge gear and methods, Ron and his technicians are diligent about continuing their education. Ron personally attends classes and trainings three or four times a year, either in Utah or here in Pocatello when the College of Technology offers a course. He then brings the knowledge back and trains his techs, ensuring the entire team is aware of any advances in the industry.

“We need to know that our technicians can do the repair work and do it right,” says Becky. “It’s no longer as simple as pounding out a dent and slapping on some paint.” Repairing vehicles is a team effort with everbody being an essential part.

Ron agrees: “There’s always something new. In the ‘90s, all the vehicles were basically the same, but now each car has their own special things you need to know to watch for. You have to know what you’re doing and care enough to do it right so that when you repair a car you know it’s safe to go back out on the road.”

The next generation of Allreds is poised to join the family business. Ron and Becky’s son, Jared, is already on staff, earning money for college, and their daughter, Shantae, plans on coming on board at the beginning of 2015. There was a time when they weren’t sure the kids would take an interest, but Becky is pleased to confide, “They didn’t want the shop to go away, though, because their grandfather started it.”

Jade Auto Clinic Inc 1359 Yellowstone Ave.

208.237.4500

It’s good to know that Wade’s family is focusing on carrying on his legacy, and that if ever you need the services of Jade Auto Clinic you can be assured you’ll be treated with the same care and quality service you would have gotten from Wade Allred himself.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 29

The Endless Road to Recovery For Rebecca Peterson, getting behind the wheel has a proven a costly necessity. By Lisa Jensen

Photo by Brooke Richardson

A

verage drivers are likely to file an accident claim once every 18 years, according to estimates by the car insurance industry. (CarInsurance. com) calculates those numbers into odds that a driver who gets a license at 16 will have three or four accidents over the course of his lifetime. If those numbers are correct, Rebecca Peterson met her quota by the time she was 36. With a total of 10 collisions by then, Peterson has had enough accidents for three lifetimes.

To be fair, the majority were minor scrapes and fender-benders. However, three of Peterson’s accidents were significant enough to total her vehicles and cause lasting injuries. The first one occurred in 1994, as she was headed north on the old Arco highway.

“I was turning left into a driveway, so I had to cross the oncoming lane,” Peterson remembers. “There was another car coming toward me, though, and it was traveling faster than I thought it was. It slammed into the side of my car and totaled it.”

Peterson claims she had signaled her turn with her blinker, but the other driver said she didn’t see it, so the fault was found to be Peterson’s. The impact resulted in a whiplash injury but, because she only had liability insurance, she couldn’t afford treatment for the condition.

“I went to the chiropractor a few times, and I took a week off from my job, but I ended up having to go back to work before I was physically ready,” she says.

30 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

At the time, Peterson was working as a cosmetologist and found it difficult and painful at first to lift her arms while styling clients’ hair. With intermittent visits to the chiropractor, she was able to function most of the time. Whiplash is the injury that keeps on giving, though, and it came back with a vengeance after another wreck 14 years later.

In the winter of 2008, Peterson was coming down the hill after a day of skiing with her son at Bogus Basin near Boise.

She recalls only driving about 20 miles per hour on the icy mountain switchbacks.

“When we were about half-way down, a guy came barreling up the hill,” she says. “He was going fast enough around the sharp corners that his car was fishtailing on the ice, and he lost control.

He hit us head-on.”

At only 5 feet, 1 inch tall, the airbag hit Rebecca in the face and knocked her unconscious on impact, also reactivating her whiplash. Her son, who is much taller, didn’t sustain any injuries other than scarred cartilage in his chest where the airbag struck him.

“When the ambulance arrived, they thought I’d broken my back, so they immobilized me and took me down the hill to the hospital,” Peterson says.

This time, the fault was clearly with the other driver and, thankfully, his insurance covered Peterson’s medical expenses, including six weeks of physical therapy.

“At first the only thing they could do was massage because I was in too much pain for anything else,” Peterson recalls.

An x-ray revealed that the curvature of her neck had been knocked so far out that it was actually curving outward in the opposite direction. After a month of therapeutic massage, Peterson’s physical therapist had her do upper body exercises to strengthen her neck, shoulders and upper back for two more weeks, and then released her from therapy. She was back on the job two weeks after that, but soon noticed that her injuries were affecting her work.

“I have a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and was working as a physical therapy assistant at a nursing home,” she recalls. “But the job involved lifting patients and helping support their body weight, and I just couldn’t do that anymore.”

Before she even had a chance to start looking for a different job, though, another accident occurred. On her way to the store one afternoon, another driver didn’t see the traffic lights change, and he smashed into her new car, destroying the front end and totaling it.

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Premier Collision Center Powder Coating “I lost it. I couldn’t believe that it happened again so soon,” she says. “It triggered the whiplash and made me not want to leave the house, ever. When I did have to go out, I’d have someone else drive me.”

The third accident required another six weeks off work, more physical therapy and additional treatment for agoraphobia and anxiety. Peterson’s doctor prescribed anti-anxiety medication and recommended breathing exercises, meditation and yoga to deal with the anxiety and help her overcome the agoraphobia.

Peterson has been accident-free for seven years now and hopes that she’s seen the last of her automobile-related woes.

Having three serious accidents—two of them within weeks of each other—has made her a very cautious driver.

“I’m more aware now,” she says. “I’m careful and I watch other drivers, too.”

Additionally, being a physical therapy assistant has given her the experience to know how to deal with her injuries. Plus, she has added sympathy for her patients.

“I know what it’s like to be injured and in so much pain that I could hardly move from my bed to the couch,” she says, wincing at the painful recollection.

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Yet the whiplash remains, an unfortunate souvenir of her accidents, and evidence that, sometimes, there is no total recovery from an automobile accident.

“The insurance claimed that once the physical therapist released me from treatment, then I was ‘cured’ and that it wasn’t an ongoing problem,” Peterson says. “But complications from the injury have lasted all these years and it’s going to affect me the rest of my life. I always ache. My neck and upper back always hurt, and I get knots by my shoulder blades a lot. I saw the chiropractor about two times a week at first and, now, at least I’m down to just going in when I need to, but I’m far from ‘cured.’”

2167 Garrett Way

208-233-3310 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 31

Puzzling Over Pricey Petrol Shedding light on the cost factors of fuel.

By Lisa Jensen

H

earing someone over 30 lament the high cost of fuel, it’s difficult for a younger generation to comprehend paying less than $2 for a gallon of gas. Yet the U.S. Department of Energy reports that in 1964 the average retail price for gas was just .30 cents per gallon.

Although the prices at Pocatello pumps at the beginning of 2014 were lower than the national five year high of $3.86 per gallon, they were still a far cry from prices 50 years ago or even as recently as 5 years ago. So while older folks muse about getting change back from a five dollar bill after filling their tanks, the “good old days” to many drivers was when they could budget $40 or less for fuel each month.

You may only reflect on it for a few minutes while you’re pumping gas into your vehicle, but most have frequently wondered why the cost of gas in Pocatello is relatively high while national reports claim prices are falling. The reality is that many factors go into the price you pay to fuel up your vehicle.

In a breakdown published on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) website 69 percent of the cost of a gallon of gas is attributed to the price of crude oil, so at least you know that over half of what you pay at the pump is actually for the product you want to purchase. But crude oil doesn’t come out of the ground tank-ready. It needs to be refined, and there are costs associated with that. Additionally, the oil companies spend money on marketing their products, so those costs go in, too. Also, the EIA reports that the distance a gasoline retailer is from the refineries, pipelines and storage terminals plays a part in determining prices at the pump in the form of transportation costs.

The final piece of the petroleum price puzzle is fuel taxes tacked on by state and federal government. The federal portion of the tax is an excise

32 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Auto Body |

Dolan Taresh - Owner

208-232-7644

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Having the facts and figures might not take the sting out of trips to the gas pump, but it helps put some perspective on the price you pay. Of course, finding the lowest price possible is the goal, and sites such as IdahoGasPrices.com are useful for locating the lowest gas prices at stations all over Pocatello. It’s worth it to do a quick scan of the listings just before you fill up as the information is updated as often as hourly.

The price difference from lowest to highest can be .25 cents per gallon or more. For cars with 20 gallon tanks, that’s like getting almost 2 gallons free with every fill-up. It might not compare to paying .30 cents per gallon, but in this economy every little bit helps.

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tax of about .18 cents per gallon (around .24 cents for diesel). The State of Idaho’s fuel tax is a flat .25 cents for gas and diesel, bringing the total tax you pay on fuel up to about .43 cents per gallon. That’s a little over 14 percent tax on every $3 of gasoline you buy. It doesn’t put Idaho at the top of the charts for high-priced fuel, but it does place the Gem State somewhere in the upper middle.

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Baby, Let’s Cruise!

The Classy Car Club isn’t just for gear heads.

A

By Lisa Jensen Photos courtesy Classy Car Club

procession of polished, cherried-out classic cars and hot rods parading through the streets of Pocatello can mean only one thing: the Classy Car Club is on the cruise. The CCC has been cruising through Pocatello since 1991, when 10 couples who had a common interest in old cars formed the club and began welcoming others on board.

“You don’t need an old car to be in our club,” says Gary Swan, the current vice president. “Just an interest in old cars.”

That’s not to say that if you have a hot rod or an all-original classic, the club won’t welcome you with open arms. No matter what make, model and era of vehicle you’re interested in, there’s a place for all in the Classy Car Club. In fact, members of the CCC have been known to dabble in hybrids—but not the electric variety.

“Some members take pieces and parts from different cars and create a mixture that only a gear head could come up with,” Swan says, amused.

Car shows tend to be summertime affairs, and the club’s season gets a jump-start with Chrome in the Dome in March, and then begins cruising in April, as the weather permits.

By May the “cruise-in’s” increase and car shows start popping up on the calendar, so many, in fact, that at the peak of the season in July and August, the members split up so they can participate in and attend as many shows as possible.

“There are shows every weekend, sometimes up to three or four and, occasionally, all on the same day. It makes for a busy summer!” Swan exclaims.

The club’s activity starts to wind down in September, but the members still get together at least once a month throughout the winter to keep in touch, plan events and talk shop—auto shop, of course.

“In the winter months we can’t show our cars, but we have business meetings to plan for the summer events and talk about how we’ll help community interests during the year,” says Swan. “Some of those activities include ‘cruise-ins’ at local businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, to bring business in. We’ve done cruise-ins at the Veteran’s Home, and we’ve participated in the Route 66 Run. We collect magazines for rest homes and have donated quilts and lap robes to several senior centers. We’ve provided toiletries to Aid for Friends and Packages to Troops, and raised money for the Food Bank, the Pocatello Animal Shelter, Meals on Wheels, the Back Pack Program and P.A.W.S.” Helping as many local organizations as possible is an ambitious goal, but sharing the joy they get through their common bond with classic cars is part of the CCC’s mission.

Got an old car, restored or not? Want to connect with guys and gals who share an interest in the classics? Or, maybe you’d just like to contact the Classy Car Club for an event. Gary and the gang welcome all those who are interested, just call 208-237-7995 or shoot an email to classycarclub@classycarclub.com.

“You know, we have over 75 members ranging in age from 50 to 90. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and work in professional and labor trades, but sharing our love of and desire to keep old cars alive for personal satisfaction as well as future generations is what we have in common and want to share with others,” Swan says. “We have a great group of people, but we’re always looking for more. We’d love to have you in our garages!”

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 35

Automotive Repair |

Specializing in Service Accu-Tech Auto Repair is committed to quality,their customers,and family.

Story & Photos by Mark Mendiola

I

n a former muffler shop near an imposing grain silo and not far from Union Pacific’s large railroad yard a father and son converse under the hood of a car. No, they aren’t bonding over fixing up an old Ford International truck, they’re working side-by-side at Accu-Tech Auto Repair.

Mitch and Jason Berger know a thing or two about cars.

Mitch, the 53-year-old father of three did a brief stint as a railroad mechanic, but he’s been working in automotive service since he was 16. He moved his wife Brenda, daughters Heidi and Kami, and son Jason to Pocatello in 1989. Mitch worked for Alameda Automotive until 2000 when he opened Accu-Tech. Jason joined in the family business four years ago after completing ISU’s automotive technology program.

“When it first opened up, I wore all the hats around here,” recalls Mitch.

But Mitch is shifting more responsibility at Accu-Tech to his 33-year-old son. Jason primarily runs operations as service manager, overseeing three technicians, and does mechanical work himself. “I definitely get my elbows dirty,” says Jason.

The father/son duo realize they must stay on the cutting edge of technology and continuing education to satisfy customers. They strive to minimize expenses yet provide top quality mechanical work done on their customer’s vehicles.

A wall across from Accu-Tech’s customer service counter is covered with framed certificates awarded to the company’s staff for completing National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and CarQuest training courses pertaining to diagnostics, new vehicle technology and specialized electronics.

“All employees take continuing ed classes at Idaho State University,” sometimes twice a week, the younger Berger notes, estimating Accu-Tech services 200 vehicles a month on average. It also has business accounts with local car lots.

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Accu-Tech is a member of the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN), using all its data as a resource. The members of this group exchange technical knowledge with their peers around the globe, sharing 1.9 million years of experience. The Bergers also use a nationwide labor time guide, ensuring all customers are charged the appropriate amount depending on what is performed on a vehicle.

The Accu-Tech shop is equipped with suspension equipment, a press, a brake lathe, fluid exchange, fuel injection and other specialized equipment. “It is quite a bit of an investment,” Mitch explains. But it’s worth it.

Mitch Berger emphasizes Accu-Tech goes the extra mile to always take care of its customers. The Bergers realize that their customers drive in new business with word-of-mouth referrals, but their family bond keeps their garage doors open.

The technicians routinely keep up on the latest in diagnostic, testing and computerized scanning equipment.

Accu-Tech works on all makes and models, doing brakes, engines, suspensions, transmissions and virtually everything else except tires and body work “This is an ever-changing industry. It takes a lot to keep up with it. We try our hardest to do so,” Mitch says, noting that looking up parts can be a challenge. “Every day presents new challenges. All cars or diesels present new challenges, challenges that we are willing to overcome and succeed.”

Another one of Accu-Tech’s unique aspects is the fact it is a NAPA Auto Care Center. Participating automotive shops in a nationwide NAPA network must meet high standards and honor each other’s work should motorists need help on the road. Accu-Tech also is an American Automobile Association auto care center. It is one of two AAA dealerships in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area.

460 E. Wyeth St.

208-478-1300

www.accu-techauto.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 37

Fast is in Your Future Pocatello Raceway is a fun place for the whole family.

By Diana Hanson Photos by Brooke Richardson

T

he smell of gasoline and rubber fills the air. The chatter of the crowd mingles with revving of engines.

Excitement is all around. Welcome to race night at the Pocatello Raceway where everything from sprint cars to lawnmowers chase the checkered flag.

If you’re fan of racing you likely already know about the Pocatello Raceway and how much fun it is. But if you’re new to racing you’ve got to check out the fast car excitement from mid-May to midSeptember and experience the thrill for yourself. The raceway features an asphalt oval track and bleacher type seating, but the action is incredibly close.

Pocatello Raceway is under new

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ownership as of 2013 when Jerry and JoAnn Bailey, longtime race enthusiasts purchased it. Since then the Baileys have made improvements to the raceway including expanded racing pits, replaced fencing, plus paint and advertising. The upgrades are attracting more racers and fans making the atmosphere all that much more fun.

A variety of race events will keep you looking forward to the next lap. All kinds of vehicles run on the Pocatello Raceway track including OEM stock (original equipment manufacturer, unmodified cars), mods (modified vehicles), sprint (short wheel base, lightweight, high-speed vehicles sometimes with wings to increase

speed and help in negotiate turns), and on occasion trucks, and even lawnmowers.

Surprisingly a driver’s license is not required to race. Young drivers are welcome to try the sport out and will get a chance to improve their skills on the track.

Safety being top priority, all drivers must wear helmets and fire retardant suits. Track traffic is well monitored for the safety of drivers and fans, and emergency crews as well as a tow truck are always on standby in the event of a crash.

If you would prefer to be behind the wheel instead of in the bleachers you are welcome at Pocatello Raceway. Both experienced and first-time racers are encouraged to race.

Thinking of going? General admission is just $10.00 per person. Children 12 years of age and under are free. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and races start at 7:00 p.m. See the website at www.gopocatelloraceway. com for the event schedule.

Know Your Flags!

You will enjoy the racing at Pocatello Raceway even more by learning the flag signals used by officials during a race.

A. GREEN: Start. The course is clear.

B. YELLOW: Caution. All drivers are to get into a single file line. They remain in a single file until the flagman puts them back where they are supposed to be. Even if a driver is in second place and ends up in the seventh place spot in the line, they are to stay in the seventh place spot until the flagman signals them to move. Yellow flag lap-race to the yellow flag.

C. Red flag: Stop. The only time the red flag will be used is on a serious accident or a potentially serious accident.

When drivers see a red flag they must come to a safe, fast stop. They will remain stopped

until a flagman has everything under control, then a yellow flag will be brought out to get everyone moving again.

D. WHITE: Driver is entering the last lap of the race.

E. BLACK: Consultation. The driver must leave the track on the next lap and see the Pit Stewart or Pit Tower for consultation. Failure to leave the track will result in a fine and/or one week’s suspension for the driver.

F. ROLLED UP BLACK FLAG: is a warning to a driver who is doing something they are not supposed to be doing. If the offense continues, the driver will see a full black flag.

G. CHECKERED: A driver has completed the race.

H. BLUE WITH RED DIAGONAL: Passing flag.

A driver is being lapped. When this happens, drivers need to hold their present line steady to allow passing cars to safely get around them.

Pocatello Raceway located near the Pocatello Regional Airport at 1950 Boeing Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Phone Number 208-232-RACEĂ&#x;

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 39

Automotive Adaptability These mechanics know how to get an engine running on just about any vehicle.

Story & Photos

“I

by Mark Mendiola

It is what it is,” Tony Kudla is fond of saying. As owner of Wally’s Automotive TKO, Kudla is used to taking what each situation hands him.

Kudla bought Wally’s Automotive TKO nine years ago from its original owner Wally Smith, but he has worked at the garage for nearly 25 years, getting his knuckles dirty with direct hands-on repairs—something you can still find him doing inside the shop set several yards back from West Chubbuck Road. “There are definite challenges going from employee to owner,” Kudla says, lamenting government over regulation and bureaucratic red tape. But Kudla is able to roll with it.

The Crew: Mike Malmquist, Tony Kudla, and Danny Hobson (from left) 40 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Automotive Repair |

While the business is growing, they are already seeing between 60 to 100 vehicles a month, depending on the size of jobs. Kudla has invested thousands of dollars in diagnostic equipment and specialty tools.

Work ranges from major repairs to oil changes, air bags, electrical circuits, air conditioning, parts replacement, carburetors, clutches, mufflers, radiators, transmissions, rear ends, brakes, intakes, shocks, wheel alignments and diagnostics.

“We take on some of the tougher projects that others can’t,” Kudla says. “It is what it is.”

Wally’s Automotive also has been a NAPA Auto Center since 2000 and is an AAA-approved repair facility. Since 1991 Kudla has been an Automotive Service Excellence certified master technician—one of that national institute’s highest levels. He’s constantly engaged in ongoing educational classes offered by parts suppliers.

Kudla recognizes that vehicles are lasting much longer than they used to. Increased computerization and electronics in vehicles makes intensifying demands on mechanics, especially since features such as adaptive cruise controls and automatic braking systems are becoming more and more sophisticated.

“I don’t see that getting less any time soon. It’s going to be a challenge.”

Kudla, Malmquist and Hobson have their work cut out for them. The next major project at hand is installing more vehicle hoists and reconfiguring the work area. “It is what it is,” Kudla says. “We’re a fairly secure business. We’ve got a good name and reputation.”

Born and reared in Flint, Michigan, Kudla lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, Davis, California, and Vancouver, Washington, before moving to Eastern Idaho in the early 1980s. A NASCAR fan, Kudla has decorated his shop’s waiting room with Dale Earnhardt memorabilia.

A large refurbished old gasoline pump also prominently occupies part of the room.

Only two others are employed at Wally’s Automotive—mechanic Mike Malmquist and office manager Danny Hobson, brother of Kudla’s wife Cindy. “We all get along really good,” says Malmquist. “We pull each other’s chains.”

Friends for about 17 years, Malmquist praises Kudla for his patience and expertise in training him as a mechanic. Malmquist suffered a memory disability in a vehicle accident. “I’m an old dog learning new tricks,” Malmquist says, stressing that vehicle technicians are much more than parts installers.

“We do everything,” Kudla says, citing imports, one-ton pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles and snow machines. “I like my toys. I know how to work on them.”

Wally’s Automotive TKO

410 W. chubbuck Rd. 208.238.1925 www.wallystko.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 41

Poky’s Boys of Summer Baseball is alive and well in the Gate City

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Good Dog Photos

E

ver since the Posse left Pocatello for Ogden in 1993, Poky baseball fans have had to get their fix following other local teams such as the Idaho Falls Chukars or even traveling to Utah to watch the Smithfield Blue Socks play. It was actually at a Blue Socks game, in fact, that the idea was hatched of bringing baseball back to Pocatello.

Terry Frederickson, the CEO of New Day Products, and his wife, Erica, were sitting in the Smithfield bleachers watching their favorite ISU players on the field when they noticed something interesting happening off the field.

“We looked over, and some kids were playing a pickup game of baseball,” Terry Frederickson recalls. “They weren’t trying to emulate famous players, though. They weren’t saying, ‘I’m gonna be Darryl Strawberry’ or ‘I’m gonna be Derek Jeter.’ They were saying, ‘I want to be Chance.’ ‘I want to be Dustin.’ ‘I want to be number 21 for the Blue Socks.’ We just looked at each other and said, ‘Why not do this?’”

The stars must have all been aligned because the Tremonton team had recently dropped out of the Northern League, leaving an opening just begging to be filled by a team from Pocatello. Erica and Terry got to work, first contacting the league commissioner and then Pocatello’s Mayor Blad.

“The mayor has been very supportive since day one,” Frederickson says. “He’s been to all of the games and looks for ways to support the team in any way possible.”

42 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

A green light from the Northern Utah Baseball League and the support of the city mayor isn’t all it takes to get a baseball team going, however. The city council had to approve it, and that meant waiting for the next meeting and getting on the agenda, with the clock ticking all the while.

“We got approval around the first part of April, but that put us two weeks behind in the season,” says Frederickson.

“It was a popular idea across the board, but there were some logistics to be ironed out, such as use of the field. Four teams play on Halliwell field, so there were issues like when can we have a home game, light use and getting the field prepped.”

Once those concerns were addressed and resolved, Frederickson says that the idea of a baseball team in Pocatello hit a home run.

“The council could see that baseball could bring economic development to the city. It opens up job development. There are ticket and concession sales; people need to be hired for stadium maintenance. With a demand for hats, shirts and other team gear for fans to purchase, jobs are created. Bringing baseball back to Pocatello is an investment in the community. It involves mindfulness. It can build bridges and it brings people together.”

Additionally, with other teams and fans travelling to Pocatello for games, restaurants, hotels, gas stations and retail shops will reap financial rewards of having a baseball team.

With the council’s approval, the Pocatello Grays were established. Erica Frederickson, a lifelong baseball fan, had already decided that she wanted to serve as CEO for the team, and the Fredericksons already had Trent Seamons and Derrall Cunningham on board as head coach and general manager.

Tryouts began in mid-May, and the team was ready to go

by June.

“The season will typically run from May to the end of August,” says Terry Frederickson. “It’s not a farm league; we’re not affiliated. We wanted to keep the Grays as a semipro team. That means the players don’t receive compensation, so it won’t affect their collegiate eligibility. That way, they can play in college, and still play for us during the summer.

It’s a great league for a young player to keep his skills sharp.”

The Fredericksons always keep in mind the spark that started it all: the kids playing the pickup game at the Smithfield, Utah field. The players are encouraged to interact with young fans when opportunities arise, as in the case of autograph requests. Erica and Terry know that the Grays can set a standard, can be a real-life, tangible example to local youth in a way that superstars of the MLB can’t be.

An American Legion: Grays in Training

For having just come together this year, and getting a late start at that, the Grays had an impressive first season. They went undefeated at home, winding up at 27 and 4. They did earn the Utah Pennant but lost the playoff. The loss was a disappointment for the team, but they still have the enthusiastic support of their hometown fans.

“We had a great season,” reveals head coach Dan McCaskill. “We only lost one game, and that was to a team we’d already beaten three times. The kids had the mindset that they’d already done what they’d set out to achieve. So we said, ‘Let’s just have fun. If we win, we win.’”

“When we started out, we never dreamed we’d have over 1,000 (attendees) per game,” Frederickson says. “But what we’ve seen is more like 1,300 to 1,500. The Grays have prompted exceptional civic pride. You hear people saying ‘our team’ now instead of ‘the Grays.’”

Frederickson credits the players’ skill and the management’s teamwork with pulling together and shaping a team in short order. Everyone involved is already looking forward to next season and what it will bring.

“There’s already so much support, but we’d like to incorporate more community involvement,” says Frederickson.

“Our goal was to bring baseball fever back to Pocatello. It’s always been a baseball town. We just re-lit the fire.”

Get involved! The Grays are always looking for ideas and volunteers. Email gatecitygrays@gmail.com for more information.

With local kids like the Pocatello Razorbacks, the Grays won’t lack for a talent pool over the next several years. The Razorbacks, an American Legion team of elite high schoolers, are fresh off a thrilling win of the title in the regional championships.

The community rallied behind the boys from the start, donating money and providing sponsorships to get the boys to Anchorage, Alaska for the regional games.

“We couldn’t have done it without the sponsors, parents and fans in Pocatello,” McCaskill says. “We set up a sponsor page on our website and brought in several thousand dollars from families and businesses. Everyone was saying, ‘Go get ‘em!’ ‘Go win!’ but we didn’t know how good the teams would be up in Alaska.”

It turns out that the Razorbacks had nothing to worry about. Dan McCaskill says that there was only one close game, and that the score for the championship ended up 20 to 1.

“These guys never cease to amaze me,” McCaskill says. “Sometimes the season seems so long, but they never let down. You never expect that a team from Idaho will take the championship, it doesn’t happen for many teams from this area. It’s a once in a lifetime thing—for the kids and for me.”

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 43

Committed to Community Bank of Idaho is a community bank with a BIG vision.

By Mark Mendiola

Photos courtesy of Bank of Idaho

W

hen you think of a major overhaul, hard hats usually come to mind. But at Bank of Idaho the overhaul is less cosmetic (though renovations have been made) and more community. “We are changing our model to cater even more to our customers’ needs,” says Brittini Watson, Vice President/Retail Branch Manager at their Tuscany Hills location. “Making sure each and every employee has the opportunity to make a difference in the communities they serve is important to us.” Bank of Idaho realizes that being a community bank involves more than just banking; it involves improving the neighborhoods and areas they serve.

The changes to each location and the additional training given to all of the employees will lead to better service in the branches, and will give the staff additional opportunities to get out into the community to do work that really makes a difference. From providing financial education courses to students of all ages, and participating in community fairs, to providing civic services and donating time are just a few things the bank employees are doing to make our community a better place to live and raise our families. Bank of Idaho is committed to community and committed to making a difference in our little corner of the world.

In one way or another the employees of Bank of Idaho want to have a positive influence for EVERYONE in their communities. “Making sure we give back to our community not only as a business but also as individuals is very important,” says John Arvas, Vice President / Commercial Banking Manager.

Bank of Idaho’s other core focus is taking care of their customers. Recent technological advances have dramatically changed the way banking is done by many consumers. Smart phones, mobile bank deposits and other innovations are becoming the norm. “We’ve seen people start to use our products differently,” Arvas says. “Consumers are communicating with bankers via text and emails in addition to the 44 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

more traditional methods like one-on-one meetings and phone calls.”

Bank of Idaho has started to remodel their branches, removing conventional teller windows and making the entire banking experience more customer friendly in a community friendly atmosphere. A customer’s first point of contact when they come into Bank of Idaho will also be their last. The traditional role of bank teller has evolved to a “Universal Banker”.

In addition to handling basic transactions and opening new accounts, the Universal Banker is also able to assist customers with consumer and small commercial loans. “They will not just be tellers, but also consultants to give guidance to take care of all the customer’s banking needs,” says Arvas.

“The flow has definitely been improved,” adds Watson.

“We’re excited that it’s going so well.”

Another enhancement to each office will be the addition of a community board that will display activities going on in

Bank |

Ashley Perry and Lori Geddes at Skyfest

Acee Lloyd and Lyndee Battson

the area, new services offered by the bank, and spotlight businesses that bank with Bank of Idaho. This information will be visible to everyone that enters the branch and is another example of how Bank of Idaho is showing their commitment to the community.

John Arvas is in the dunk tank at Welcome back Orange & Black

Bank of Idaho will continue to offer plenty of products and services to meet their customers’ needs such as innovative personal accounts, business checking and savings accounts, mortgages, trust and retirement planning and a wide range of cash management services. Customers can access all of their accounts in whatever way they find most convenient—in person, by telephone, by computer or by smartphone. In fact, customers can even use their smartphone to take a picture of a check and deposit it electronically.

“Ensuring you can access your accounts any time that you want to is critical,” says Dixie Donyes, Vice President/Retail Branch Manager at their Yellowstone Avenue location. “People are on the go so much these days, they need to have the ability to conduct transactions no matter where they are. We have the ability to meet that need.”

Bank of Idaho is dedicated to their customers’ needs and the community and regions they serve. Choosing an institution to watch out for your money has never been easier. Customers can feel good about knowing the Bank of Idaho has their back in so many ways.

“We want to be a key reason you’re successful and be an advocate for everyone in our communities,” says Arvas.

That’s something worth banking on.

1230 Yellowstone Ave Pocatello, ID Tuscany Hills 2300 Via Caporatti Pocatello, ID

208-232-1700 www.bankofidaho.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 45

Beautiful Me We all know we’re beautiful on the inside, but sometimes a little outer “polish” can make all the difference to our self-esteem. By Jennifer Douglass

Photos by Brooke Richardson

Acrylics are another option. Acrylic nails are a fake nail added to your own nailbed with an adhesive.

A basic manicure typically isn’t given when getting acrylics added because the lotions can interfere with the bonding process. Unlike Shelac, Acrylics add length. Cost: $35, Upkeep: every 2 weeks Don’t forget your feet!

If you’re rough on your hands, pamper your feet.

Pedicures are a wonderful way to relax and get your toes sandal ready. Cost: $25

SPRAY TAN

S

ometimes looking beautiful is simply a state-of-mind.

Sometimes when your state-of-mind is in the gutter, though feeling beautiful can change everything. A little pampering can go a long way, and doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s the details that count. My grandmother used to tell me that if you don’t have time to focus on the “entire package” at least give some attention to the “trimming”. Here are few easy tips to make you feel more “finished” and give you a little self esteem boost.

NAILS Getting a manicure doesn’t mean you have to have your fingernails painted “Animal-istick Red”, but with some fresh polish, well-groomed nails will have you glancing at your hands all day.

Types of Manicures Basic Manicure includes soaking, cuticle care, shaping the nails, removing any bumps or ridges and an application of polish. You can choose to go clear, nude, French tipped or with a color ranging from subtle to wild. Cost: $10 Consider adding a different finish to your nails when you are done with your basic manicure like shellacking. Shellac is a hard polish that gives your nails strength but not length. Cost: $25 46 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

I’m a beautiful shade of pasty white a good 11 months out of the year. Tanning is not something my fair skin likes to do easily so when I heard of spray tanning, I was totally on board. A spray tan is temporary tint added to your entire body (if you’d like). They’re great to get when you know have upcoming photos, vacations, or dances to attend. The results can last up to seven days if your skin is hydrated and you take a few steps prior to and after your first application.

Start by exfoliating your skin several days before your appointment to extend the life of your tan. “We recommend using a sugar scrub at least 24 hours prior to getting sprayed,” says Ella Andersen of Spray the Sunshine. The day of your appointment shower off any lotions, perfumes, oils, and deodorants. That means no re-application of moisturizers or make-up before the actual spray time. Wear something dark and loose fitting so you don’t smudge on your clothes. “You can wear as much or little as you want to, but we do recommend a bottom of sorts,” says Andersen. She even provides disposable bikinis if needed. Before you get sprayed, your technician may apply a pH balanced spray to make the tanning come out most natural looking.

After a spray avoid water of all kinds including sweating, crying, showering, swimming, etc. And no rubbing of the skin, either. At a minimum, avoid these activities for 8 to 10 hours, but preferably 24 hours.

Also, avoid squinting to reduce the appearance of lines.

Beauty |

Chlorine and the ocean will exfoliate your skin faster. To make the tan last as long as possible use gel soaps (no bar soaps), keep your skin moisturized and be gentle! “How long it lasts will depend on how well you take care of your skin and how quickly you naturally exfoliate,” explains Andersen.

Cost: About $25 each time, ask about packages

HAVE YOUR HAIR DONE My mother, who is in her late 60s, gets her hair done at least every other week, and she’s not alone. Her stylist has a long list of ladies that choose to come in on a regular basis just to have their hair washed and styled. Think about it. It feels wonderful to have someone else wash your hair, massage your scalp and deal with getting the tangles out. And who doesn’t feel fabulous when they walk out of the salon with a perfectly coiffed bouffant? Cost: about $20 Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider going to a The School of Hairstyling and let a student get some real-world practice. The is is cost is only $8.50 for a style.

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LIPSTICK Perhaps the least expensive and quickest tip I’ve ever heard when it comes to a good pickme-up is lipstick. When you’re feeling down simply apply your favorite lipstick. Yes, you may feel a little silly with a lovely shade of cherry red bursting from your lips at 10 a.m., but you won’t be able to help but smile. Wearing lipstick, even if you’re romping around in sweats with a messy bun and no other make-up, can make you feel wonderful. Cost: about $6 At the end of the day, if you feel good about yourself, you’ll look good too. And sometimes, we can all use a little beautiful.

Our Students, while in training and under supervision, provide quality services to the public at great prices! Call or visit us today.

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208-232-9170 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 47

Backpacking Basics What to know before you go.

By Alisa Clickenger

O

ne of the many great things about living in Southeast Idaho is the opportunity to get out and get into nature so close to home. Surrounded by the Teton, Sawtooth and Wasach Mountains, one of the most obvious activities is backpacking into the wilderness. Taking a walk on the wild side can be a very pleasurable outdoor activity as long as we are organized and take a few precautions. For those eager to begin exploring our beautiful mountainous surroundings on foot, here are some tips on how to get started.

48 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Photo Kaye Black

Before You Go A little research goes a long ways towards making your trip an enjoyable one. Start at your local outdoor store.

Purchase a guidebook on the region you want to explore and talk to the store’s staff, usually avid backpackers themselves. The Internet can also give you ideas on where to go, and National Park and Forest Service web pages often list helpful travel and exploration tips for visitors. There are quantities of backpacking resources in the Internet, so start with a broad search and narrow it down to suit your individual desire.

It’s always a good idea to check the area where you are headed to make sure that your vehicle can get you there.

Some roads are not suitable for normal passenger cars, so you first want to know that you can get to your trailhead.

Don’t Leave Home Without It If you’ve never been backpacking before, it’s best to follow a checklist made by an experienced person. Your local outdoor store may have a list handy, and if not there are plenty online. While less is more when carrying all your goods on your back, there are some essentials that you should never be without, even if you never use them.

Navigation tools such as a map, compass and maybe a GPS are on the “must-have” list.

First-aid supplies, a headlamp/flashlight, fire starter, an emergency shelter (a tent, tarp or at the very least a bivy or emergency blanket) and a knife or multi-tool are also on the essentials list. Other must-brings are sun screen, warm clothes that can be layered and some high energy food or nutritional bars. Water in a bottle or hydration pack is essential and it’s a very good idea to also bring along some type of water filtration system.

You can call the ranger’s office for the district where you plan on hiking and they’ll have information on road and trail conditions. They’ll be able to tell you whether the area you are heading has extreme conditions or hazards like snow or fire. You’ll also want to check the weather before heading out to make sure you are not caught off guard by Mother Nature.

At home before your trip starts is the best place to make a plan for the unexpected. Conditions change very suddenly in the great outdoors, so it’s always wise to prepare for the “what if’s” of backpacking adventures.

Make a plan for if you get lost or injured or delayed and

make sure at least one person back home knows where you are going and do not deviate from your plan. It’s also a good idea to register with the local ranger station if headed into extremely remote areas. Also leave a note in your car indicating your intended whereabouts when you park at the trailhead.

Navigation skills are essential in the backcountry, so make sure you have a compass and know basic map-andcompass skills. If it’s your very first time taking the path less traveled, it would be wise to have an experienced backpacker with you. Also, leave a note in your car indicat-

ing your intended whereabouts when you park at the trailhead.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 49

Photo Kaye Black

Practice Run Talk to the folks at your local outdoor shop about what gear is best for your trip. Many stores rent the more expensive equipment such as packs and sleeping bags, so you can see if you like the sport and if you like the fit and feel of the equipment before making a big investment in gear.

Trying it before buying it is a good way to go.

It’s wise to do a practice run on everything before heading out. Experiment with loading your backpack and test the weight of it before strapping it on for the first time It’s best to carry your heavy items closest to your back and shoulders, and put items you will access more frequently like snacks and lip balm in the outer pockets. Practice pitching your tent and inflating your sleep mattress at home. Make sure you understand how to use all your other gear such as your camp stove and water filter before you head out.

Think light. It’s easy to over think what you need and to over pack. A pack that seems an okay weight at home feels much different than a pack that’s been on your back all day.

Doing some day hikes closer to your house with a fully packed backpack will help you discover what the optimal weight is for your comfort and your fitness level. Plus day hikes will help you to break in your boots, which is essential before heading out on a multi-day backpacking trip.

50 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Leave No Trace There’s great wisdom in the “Leave No Trace” campaign. Pack out everything that you pack in, including toilet paper. Leave the areas where you hike and camp as clean and pristine as you want to see them yourself, and if others haven’t been as considerate, pack out their items as well. One of the greatest gifts we have living in this part of the country is our proximity to nature. Enjoying it means we also have to protect it. Taking photographs and leaving only footprints is the best was to ensure that the backcountry is just as beautiful for our children as it is for us. So pack your backpack, and get out there and enjoy.

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www.westcliniconline.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 51

Photo by NWS

Photo by NWS

Weathering the Storm Portneuf Valley is learning how to deal with torrential rains and flooding.

By Mark Mendiola Photos by NWS & Mark Mendiola

H

istoric torrential rain and flash flooding unleashed a deluge of problems on both Pocatello and Chubbuck the past two summers, turning roadways into rivers and parking lots into lakes, toppling trees and wreaking widespread havoc.

The freak cloudbursts kept emergency services, street crews and water departments taxed to the max as they strove to keep storm drains clear, mobilize pumps, redirect traffic and protect the public. Undaunted, city officials and citizens alike rose to the occasion, pulled together and valiantly coped with the onslaught.

“That was a mess,” Blad remarks, noting the City Hall and Federal Courthouse areas also were swamped. “It was really bad.”

Across town, the Irving Middle School and nearby Raymond Park were turned into reservoirs of water, and one house at the foot of a Custer Street was hit like a sledgehammer by water rushing down the hill. A berm and sandbags have since been installed to protect it from future inundations.

Perhaps nothing more dramatically illustrated the magnitude of the relentless rain than the Center Street underpass in downtown Pocatello, which last year filled with water almost 12 feet deep, making it impossible to drive through.

The water could not be pumped out fast enough.

The underpass filled up twice last year as waves of storm systems surged through the Gate City. Center Street was like a flowing river funneling the water into the underpass, which connects Old Town Pocatello with the other side of the railroad tracks.

“It was very, very bad,” Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad recalls, noting the water in the underpass came a foot from its top.

The Phil Meador car dealership on the north end of town also was inundated with water, which ruined vehicles and approached the nearby Costco store, flooding its parking lot. Virtually all of Yellowstone Avenue, one of Pocatello’s main thoroughfares, was under water, as was Alameda Road and Wilson Avenue, too.

52 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad stands on the west side of the Center Street underpass.

Photo by NWS

“This year the ground was so saturated it didn’t have anywhere to go. That put a lot of rocks and dirt in the storm drains. We had to clean them out,” Blad says, joking the city’s revenue from citizens using water will be reduced, but their lawns are much greener.

Photo by NWS

Mopping up the muck at the Center Street underpass

The recent heavy rain storms have made the City of Pocatello more prepared than what it was three years ago, the mayor says. City workers are busy clearing out storm drains. “If this weather continues, we will need to go in and replace eight inch pipes with 12 inch pipes … Like Noah, we could have built an ark.”

“Storm drains were overwhelmed, popping manhole covers,” Blad says. “We had different and various streets closed. It was absolutely horrendous.”

The North Main Extension and Pocatello Creek swelled with water in the second incident of flash flooding. The Alameda area also was overwhelmed. “It was very much a surprise. Every time a rain drop landed on the ground, we panicked,” Blad remarks about the second bad storm to hit that summer.

It took two days to pump 3.4 million gallons of water from the underpass. “The storm drains were already full.”

The city managed to stay better ahead of the flooding in the underpass during the second event, keeping the level lower than the first time.

Although it does not carry flood insurance to cover damage to individual homes, the city provides sand and bags for free at different locations. “We just like people to be prepared. When an event happens, we have plenty of sand bags.”

This past August, it seemed like more water hit all at once than during the previous year. The North Main Extension and adjacent railroad crossing near the intersection of Hawthorne Road and Highway 30 West both had to be closed. However, the city was able to keep the Center Street underpass open and motorists were able to drive slowly through it.

Vernon Preston, National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist

Vernon Preston, the National Weather Service’s Warning Coordination Meteorologist near the Pocatello Regional Airport, says monsoon flows from the Southwest can bring flash flooding to Southeastern Idaho. High pressure also can influence moisture from Old Mexico and changes in wind patterns.

The monsoonal rains came in thinner bands in July 2013 as opposed to wider bands slamming into Eastern Idaho for two or three weeks in August 2014 due to additional influences, Preston says. A low pressure system off the California coast allowed more widespread thunderstorms to move through.

The later arrival of the torrential storms in 2014 caused much more damage to crops than what happened in 2013.

Barley, wheat, alfalfa, hay and potatoes all got hit hard, ruining much of the crops.

NOAA/NWS Hydrologist Corey Loveland says Pocatello received 1.4 inches of rain at the airport the first 14 days of August as opposed to .46 inches the entire month of July in P o c at e l lo l i f e | 53

2014. Most of Eastern Idaho received more than 200 percent of normal precipitation during August, he notes.

Inkom, a little south of Pocatello, also got its share of rain. “It’s not called Rapid Creek for no reason,” Preston remarks. The fact the storm systems have been slow moving, traveling no more than five miles per hour on average, and stalling over the area, caused the flooding to be abnormally worse.

Even the best drain systems cannot handle such sheer volumes of water, he says, urging motorists never to drive through ponds or puddles on roadways. While rain and snow combine to bring nearly 12 inches of rain on average per year in the region, three to seven inches of rain fell in just 10 days.

Preston says he heard rain caused $100,000 in damage to new construction at the Bannock County Fairgrounds.

The Charlotte burn area where 66 houses were destroyed by a raging 2012 wildfire in the Mink Creek area sustained 2.5 inches of rain in three hours, compounding the suffering for residents.

Preston praises the response by Chubbuck officials to the flooding near Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Costco and the Quinn Road overpass this year. “The City of Chubbuck jumped right on it,” he says. “They learned from last year what areas fill up.”

Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England says the intensity of the storms that have hit his city the past two summers normally would be considered 100 year storms. One storm came from the west and stalled out over Chubbuck. It was the first time Chubbuck had experienced such flooding to that extent.

Photo by NWS

Flooding made driving difficult.

The city plans to spend several thousands of dollars on improving dry wells and address how to better manage runoff, which also would require a major investment.

“We probably need to rethink our strategies,” England says. “The thing we need to do is be proactive. We’re asking for patience. It’s a challenge we all need to face together.”

He praises homeowners and property owners for their response to the inordinate amount of rain that flooded Chubbuck, which brought opportunities as well as challenges. City employees also did an excellent job responding.

With a population of 14,500, Chubbuck is the 16th largest city in Idaho. While considered a sleepy bedroom community of Pocatello for many years, Chubbuck has awakened to become a major city in its own right.

New subdivisions in the foothills were especially hard hit by flooding because of a ravine that channeled water into homes. “The bottom was dumped on pretty bad,” England remembers. After the first of two consecutive summers of flooding, “we started right then recognizing we needed to be more prepared.”

The mayor and other officials have wondered if such extreme conditions were “going to be the new norm.” They learned that the east side of the railroad tracks in Chubbuck has better drainage because of a lot of silt.

“If this becomes the norm, we need to look at a better drainage system in the city.”

54 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England outside City Hall building.

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“As mayor, I appreciate how the citizens have responded,” England says, noting complaints were few despite the widespread problems. Neighbors helped neighbors.

Gary Moore, Bannock County’s Emergency Services Coordinator, says he noticed different parts of the county were hit by the heavy rains while other sections went unscathed. Crews had to remove debris from roads and clear culverts, but over all incidents were few.

“There’s not a whole lot you can do with flash flooding,” he notes.

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Moore has been employed by the county for 13 years, working directly for Sheriff Lorin Nielsen, and previously worked 28 years for the Pocatello Fire Department. He is serving his fourth term or 13th year on the Pocatello City Council. “I have never seen the kinds of rains we have had over and over again,” he says.

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208-233-2504 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 55

Meet Radene Barker, Bannock County Treasurer The finances of Bannock county are in capable hands.

by Alisa Clickenger Photo by Brooke Richardson

R

adene Barker has served as Bannock County Treasurer for 8 years with a total of 22 years of experience in the Treasurer’s office. She’s lived in Bannock County for 43 years and has developed a great respect and love for the people of her county. Balancing the county finances to the penny isn’t an easy job, but she loves working with the public and all the different county departments. It was hard to get this very busy woman to sit down for an interview, yet when we did, here’s what we learned.

Pocatello Life (PL): Ms. Barker, can you tell us a little bit about your job as Bannock County Treasurer?

Radene Barker (RB): The business of the Treasurer’s office is to be a steward over all financial income the County receives from its many departments and sources.

I take that responsibility seriously. As Treasurer, I am responsible for the collection of property taxes.

PL: What else do you do?

RB: In the office we process, balance and input all of the property tax data and there are approximately 40 reports that must be run and balanced just to get to the billing process. We also electronically process for the homeowners who pay taxes with their house payments and we work directly with several mortgage companies. After we are in balance we turn the money to the Auditor’s Office and the money is disbursed to the other taxing districts.

PL: What qualifications do you need for a job such as yours?

RB: I am a Certified Finance Executive with the Idaho Association of County Treasurers and continually receive education through the Idaho Association of Counties. I’m very knowledgeable about all the functions of the Treasurer’s office, the Idaho statutes pertaining to the Treasurer’s office, the financial accounts, the investments and the people involved.

PL: So in addition to collecting funds, you manage them as well?

RB: I work with the accounts and investments for the Treasurer’s office and have a professional and congenial working relationship with all of the County’s departments, with the local banks and the Local Government 56 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

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Investment Pool. It’s my responsibility to invest county funds proficiently for maximum investment returns and I’ve done a good job for Bannock County despite the slumped economy.

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PL: That’s a large responsibility. How large is the sum you handle?

RB: In 2013 the tax base amount for Bannock County was $64 million. It’s a huge task and must be kept balanced with the oversight of external auditors. I have an excellent staff working in the Treasurer’s office, and I maintain that excellence in the office.

PL: What other responsibilities do you have as Treasurer?

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RB: Serving as personal representative for the estate of deceased persons when no relative is able or willing to serve as administrator, working with the bankruptcy courts, tax deeds, and balancing with all the departments in the courthouse and with our outside auditor.

PL: Why Bannock County?

RB: I have had the opportunity to work with the County’s most capable people. My husband Tarry Barker and I have lived in Bannock County for 43 years. We can’t think of a greater place to live or better people to live around than right here in Bannock County. We are here to stay.

PL: What’s the best part of your job?

RB: The people I meet. I feel great when I am able to assist them with the issues they have and can help them find solutions.

Bannock County is filled with many wonderful people. I truly love my job and I am committed to serve the citizens of Bannock County in this challenging position as Treasurer.

It sounds like Bannock County is in good hands.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 57

Dedicated to Dentistry Dr. Jake Richards has a soft spot for building a better dental destination.

Story & Photos

By Mark Mendiola

A

fter earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2009 from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Dr. Jake R. Richards “cut his teeth” in the dental profession by working at a health clinic in Kansas that specialized in treating low income and non-insured patients.

Fresh out of the Canadian dental research university, Richards was plunged into honing his dental skills by doing a variety of procedures on the many underserved patients who came to the Kansas clinic, including tooth extractions and oral surgeries.

It was a perfect training opportunity for him as he launched his dental career five years ago. “I was the only dentist,” remembers Richards. As the dental director he was responsible for everything from running dental equipment to renovating the clinic. He worked closely with local specialists so he could provide care for patients unable to go to those specialists. He also had outreach programs that helped children get the care they needed.

“It was a great learning experience that I know has made me a better person and a better dentist. It provided me with many opportunities and challenges that I may not have had in a private practice,” says Richards. “I am glad I did it, but I am just as glad to be in private practice now with my own patients.”

A Tremonton, Utah native, Richards did his undergraduate studies at Weber State University from 2002 to 2005. He previously attended Bear River High

58 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

School in Utah, where he met Amber, his wife of 12 years. They were proverbial “high school sweethearts.” They now have four daughters ranging in age from one year to nine years—Emmy, Kambell, Evie and Berkley.

Desiring to move closer to family members in Tremonton and return to mountains, Jake and Amber scouted the region, considering several places, and settled upon moving to Pocatello, where Richards bought the Smiles by Design family dentistry practice in July 2013 and changed its name to Oak Mountain Dental.

The Gate City’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole and other attractions also was a deciding factor.

Office Administrator Brenda Nugent says Richards retained virtually all of the practice’s full- and part-time staffers, including two office personnel, three assistants and three hygienists.

Oak Mountain Dental’s first year has been successful, she says. It services about 4,000 active patients.

The business offers evening hours until 8 p.m.

Tuesdays to accommodate those who may not be able to get their dental work done during regular business hours. It gives discounts for senior citizens and those who pay with cash. It also offers various financing packages and works with different insurance providers.

Dentists |

Oak Mountain Dental Office Administrator Brenda Nugent smiles as she answers a patient’s questions over the phone.

Dr. Richards examines a patient’s teeth as Terin Schumann assists.

Oak Mountain uses local laboratories for its lab work rather than send it to California, New York, China or elsewhere, guaranteeing more expeditious completion of dental work, as well as a higher quality, and attention to detail, Nugent says. It does not employ sedation dentistry, but does use nitrous oxide for those who may be anxious and nervous.

Oak Mountain’s 11,000-square-foot office building across from the Reel Theater at 135 Warren Avenue features two levels, each at 5,500 square feet, and 12 treatment rooms. A massage therapist operates a basement business. A dentist displaced by Pocatello underpass flooding last year has been operating under the same roof since September.

“I’d like to bring in another dentist when the time is right,” Richards says, expressing a desire to expand office hours.

Oak Mountain offers basic exams, fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, implants, extractions, periodontal treatments, veneers, cosmetic repairs, digital x-rays, ultrasonic teethcleaning scalers and other dental services.

Dr. Jake Richards, his wife Amber and their four daughters Emmy, Kambell, Evie and Berkley.

“I like it that way. It keeps the day from being monotonous,” Richards says, emphasizing he wants to continue upgrading his office equipment. “I’m in the process of buying a soft tissue laser and an intraoral camera.”

Conceding that dentists are more assertively advertising their practices and becoming more competitive, Richards says he does not worry about boosting his patient numbers. “If we do a good job and quality work, they’ll come to us,” he says, adding that he values referrals coming from satisfied patients.

“We try to prove to our patients and others that we are here to do what’s right rather than just make a buck,” Richards said, stressing that quality care enhances one’s reputation. “Gaining trust is the most important.”

135 Warren Ave. 208.237.6453 www.23-smile.us P o c at e l lo l i f e | 59

Welcome

From bikes to beads, car repair to clothing, everything you need can be found in the heart of Gate City.

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to Downtown!

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The Shady Lady

The Orange and Black Store

The Shady Lady 655 N. Arthur Ave. 208.232.1005 Tu. - F 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Look up, down and all around as you peruse the exquisite decor of The Shady Lady.

You’ll find the most unique and finest quality items for any occasion. Idaho’s only full service lampshade and lighting store, specializing in lampshade replacement of all types from contemporary to classical. We also offer professional lighting repair and restoration. We do it all!

Gate City Fine Arts

We have the largest selection of officially licensed Idaho State University apparel in the area at discount prices! We offer ISU clothing for all ages, including onesies, children wear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, knit caps, coffee mugs, handmade items from local artists, jewelry, purses and bags, tie dye clothing, crocheted hats, hair bands, attire for all three local high schools and much more!! Show your Bengal pride and support your community in one stop!

Teel Collision and Repair

Gate City Fine Arts 315 W. Center St. 208.380.3166

Located in Old Town’s charming, W – Sa. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; historic Kane Building, the gallery or by appointment offers high quality, affordable art for visitors looking for an intimate experience in viewing and purchasing the finest art available locally. From whimsical sculptures to watercolor and oil paintings, the gallery showcases art that connects to us in a meaningful way.

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The Orange and Black Store 123 S. Main 208.705.1406 M 2 to 6 p.m.; Tu. - F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sa. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Teel Collision and Repair 252 N. 3rd Ave. 208.232.2068

With over 25 years of auto body TeelCollisionCenter.com experience, Teel Collision Center is M - F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the right place for all of your auto body needs. Teel Collision can handle all kinds of auto body repair. We specialize in collision repair, custom paint jobs and airbrushing on cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, enclosed trailers, as well as small commercial vehicles.

Master Mechanix

Pocatello.net

Pocatello.net 540 N. Main St. 208.406.3005 pocatello.net M – F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Developing an internet community to promote and market the business, recreation, and shopping resources in Pocatello and Southeast Idaho. These great resources include people, businesses, organizations, natural resources and established institutions. Learn about our community and surrounding area, Pocatello attractions, planning your trip or meeting, outdoor life, playing and shopping.

Bejeweled By Me

Master Mechanix 625 N. Main St. 208.478.8878

mastermechanixauto.com

Master Mechanix is a full-service M – F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. preventative maintenance and auto repair center in the Pocatello area. Our experts have the knowledge to service and repair even the most challenging auto problems on all makes and models of domestic and import vehicles. We guarantee all of our work.

Muse Boutique Salon and Spa

Bejeweled By Me 427 N. Main St 208.223.7070 bejeweledbyme.com Home Parties by Appointment

At Bejeweled by Me we are all about providing affordable, beautiful jewelry for whatever your needs may be. We feature our Bejoosa line of snap-on intechangeable jewelry.

Or try our living lockets with floating charms. Enjoy our “make-it and take-it” parties where you can design and build your own jewelry for any occasion and take it home that night.

Visit us online to see a complete selection of our products.

Muse Boutique Salon and Spa 501 N. Main St. 208.232.6873

Welcome to The Art of Muse!

To inspire, satisfy and enrich your life. M – F 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Muse is ultra stylish, iconically cool, Voted “SE Idaho’s #1 Clothing fresh, sometimes sassy, a little bit prairie, a little bit L.A., always tasteful Boutique” 2 years in a row. with exclusive product offerings. A Full Service Salon and Spa, Muse is uber glamorous and intimate for the ultimate in pampering.

If you love unusual urban glamor, you’ll love the trendiest boutique in Idaho. Muse offers high-end style and exclusive, trend setting fashions. It’s the shopping adventure you cannot miss!

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Old Town Embroidery

Old Town Embroidery 556 W. Center 208.234.2679 oldtownembroidery.com M - F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We provide custom screen printed and embroidered apparel for businesses, groups and schools, as well as individuals. When you need custom screen printing done, Old Town Embroidery is the only place to go.

Our screen printing is the perfect thing for family reunions and other fun events. Come experience the superior customer service at our family owned store.

Linda Sharp L C S W

The Pit Stop Auto Repair

The Pit Stop 255 S. Arthur Ave. 208.478.1003 M – F 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. by appointment

Family owned and operate, The Pit Stop Auto Repair provides Pocatello and the surrounding area with fast and reliable service. As a full service repair shop, we’re able to fulfill all of your automotive needs. We provide foreign and domestic repair, diesel repair, as well as work on brakes, wheels and tires, AC service, transmission, detailing, windshields, lock outs and more.

Cynthia Louise Boutique LLC

Linda Sharp LCSW 150 N. Main St., Ste. E 208.251.9779 M - F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For the past 25 years Linda Sharp has been serving the community as a Clinical Social Worker. She offers assistance to adolescents and seniors, and does counseling for families, marriages and adults. Parenting education also available.

Employee assistance, Medicare, private pay, sliding fee and insurance accepted.

Cynthia Louise Boutique 123 N. Main St. 208.232.2848 208.716.0010 CynthiaLouiseBoutique.com Wed thru Fri. 11- 6 & Sat.10-6

Cynthia Louise Boutique is Southeast Idaho’s Most Amazing Women’s Clothier!

Whether you are looking for a whole new look or just a few pieces to update your wardrobe we are here to serve you with a warm friendly atmosphere and great customer service. Featuring fabulous casual to dressy retail clothing, sizes 0 to plus. We carry local artists’ jewelry, silver and exotic gems, CORRAL leather boots, shoe lines, gift items, unique handbags and much more to fit any occasion. We can dress you from head to toe and you’ll look and feel like a million dollars.

For a virtual tour go to GoogleBusiness.com.

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East Fork Bikes

Smoke This

Smoke This East Fork Bikes 346 N. Main St. 208.220.3419

M - F 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We are a full service bike shop selling mountain bikes, road bikes, kids bikes, and BMX bikes. We carry several brands including Schwinn, GT Bicycles, Intense USA, Norco and much more. We also offer repairs, servicing and parts. Visit us in the winter time to get all your ski and snowboarding gear, too.

Waxing and tuning available as well.

Mind Your Own Beadness

Mind Your Own Beadness 103 S. Main St. 208.241.9162 mindyourownbeadness.com T – F 12 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sat. 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Sun. and Mon.

We feature handmade beaded jewelry using only natural stones. These are unique designs for any occasion. We have gathered beads from all around the world to create one-of-a-kind jewelry. Silver pieces are also available as well as a bead store downstairs. Not only are the beads beautiful, but some claim they have healing properties that border on the magical.

233 N. Main St., Ste. B Pocatello, ID 208.252.7894 64 N. Pine St. Blackfoot, ID 208.643.9065

At SMOKE THIS, we genuinely care about your health and want to help you get started today on your road to quitting smoking and feeling better!!! M - F 11 a.m. to Please drop by either of our locations 7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sa. 12 to 5 p.m. where we have a very courteous and helpful staff waiting to help you.

Mention this ad for 10% off your entire purchase!

• Best smoking alternative on the market • Free Taste Testing on over 100+ flavors in a variety of nicotine levels • Highest quality of Premium E-Liquids around

Brambila Motors

Brambila Motors 1625 N. Arthur Ave. 208.339.5780

M - Sa. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. by appointment

At Brambila Motors we offer a wide selection of reliable vehicles at a price that won’t hurt your budget. We have several financing options available, including “buy here, pay here” and 99 percent of our customers are approved! If you’re looking for a new-to-you vehicle, come browse our selection. You’re sure to find the right car to fit your needs. Se habla espanol.

P o c at e l lo l i f e 2014 | 65

e l i m s A

By Mary Keating Photos courtesy Facial & Orla Surgery & Brooke Richardson

is the Universal Welcome

F

acial and Oral Surgery Associates has a long and rich history in Pocatello. Dating back to 1949, doctors and staff have had a strong commitment to patient care and a philosophy of continuing excellence. Through the decades, they have been guided by what is best for their patients.

“We have a passion for surgery, a passion for implants and wisdom teeth and our passion is demonstrated in our continuing growth, advancements and patient care. It is a high tech practice with a neighborhood quality,” says Dr. Mark Baker.

“Our doctors and staff understand that good health care involves collaboration,” says Dr. Jepsen. “As an office, we work closely with our patients as well as local dentists, orthodontists, and general physicians to ensure that each patient receives the care they need. Each patient is treated as if they were a member of our family.”

Center for Excellence Mark Baker, DDS and Shawn Jepsen, DMD bring to Southeastern Idaho an expertise in technology and procedures that profoundly impact a person’s quality of life and help restore smiles. In addition to a degree in dentistry, oral surgeons graduate dental school and complete a four year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Drs. Baker and Jepsen have 50 years combined surgical experience. To maintain their very high standard of excellence and to stay abreast of the latest developments, Drs. Baker and Jepsen continue to take postgraduate coursework.

We Are Here For You Facial & Oral Surgery Associates, with locations in Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Preston, embraces the philosophy that family takes care of family, people take care of people and smiles are universally welcomed. If you or a loved one is in need of specialized care, call 208-232-2807 to schedule an appointment or visit them at www.facialandoralsurgery.com.

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165 N. 14th Ave. 208-232-2807 facialandoralsurgery.com

Facial Surgery |

Technology Their thriving practice combines state-of-the-art technology.

“While we have used CT scans to aid in diagnosis for years, we recently acquired a 3D CT scanner,” Dr. Baker says. “This addition enhances our diagnostic capabilities and, and in the case of dental implants, allows for more precise placement.”

For complex surgical and dental cases, the practice opened a dental anesthesia center; the center is available to dental professionals in the area. Their priority for building this state-of-theart facility was to make affordable anesthesia care available and to do so with a concern for the safety and comfort of patients.

Services and Success Our Southeast Idaho oral surgery practice offers a wide range of services, including dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, TMJ treatment, tooth extractions, IV sedation, minor facial cosmetics procedures including eyelid, post trauma, jaw alignment corrective surgery, pre-prosthetic surgery as well as reconstructive oral surgery.

A retrospective review was recently completed concerning dental implants placed at Facial & Oral Surgery Associates.

Of the 4,635 implants placed over a seven year window, Dr. Baker and Dr. Jepsen are pleased to report their initial success rate of 98.7%, which is well above the national average. Dental implants change the way people live. They too restore the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and smile.

Fostering Smiles Internationally A smile is the universal welcome. In the central coastal part of Peru smiles abound thanks to the care and humanitarian spirits of Dr. Baker and Dr. Jepsen. Each year, these two professionals team up with a group of about 80 dental and medical professionals to serve a two week mission in a poor, rural village in Peru.

“Volunteering and serving others is personally rewarding, not to mention life-changing,” Dr. Jepsen says. “Through helping others, I am continually reminded that true service goes beyond medical expertise. It also includes being friendly, available and deeply invested.”

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Haunted

Pocatello has a well-documented other-worldly presence.

By Karleigh Deeds Photos by Brooke Richardson and courtesy John Brian/Spiro Paranormal

I

f you believe in the paranormal, Pocatello has a lot of evidence of its existence. The Haunted History tour held each October by SPIRO (Scientific Paranormal Investigative Research Organization) and Old Town offers an inside glimpse into some of Pocatello’s most “active” buildings. The tour was even rated the “Best Tour in the Western United States” by a Seattle Magazine. Participants get a guided tour and a chance to experience ghosts firsthand. If you don’t believe in paranormal activity, the tour is at a minimum a great way to learn a little history about our town.

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History Pocatello High School

Perhaps one of the most talked about haunted buildings in town is Pocatello High School (pictured).

According to John Brian, co-founder of SPIRO and author of Ghosts of Pocatello, the gymnasium/auditorium reportedly has “an evil black mass which appears in the upper balcony of the auditorium. Many students and teachers have seen it. It was reported that a blessing/exorcism was performed to remove the mass but was unsuccessful. Also, under the stage in the dressing room area is believed to be inhabited by a male spirit who bothers the females. The new gymnasium is reportedly haunted by an entity that moved from the older part of the building when it was built in 2000.

The janitors do not like to clean the upper deck.”

Brian went on to tell about Harvey Funny Bones, a skeleton from Indonesia that arrived in the 1950s.

For decades his bones would disappear from the classroom and reappear around the school. Prank or

paranormal activity? The history of Pocatello High School has some sad stories which might explain the eerie feeling some people experience in the main building. “There’s the tale of the librarian who hung herself, the ghost of the boy who drowned in the old pool, the girl who hung herself in her locker, and still others which are less confirmed,” says Brian.

Pocatello High School isn’t the only place in town that has reported hauntings. Frazier Hall at Idaho State University also has several sightings. “The main haunting is believed to be a man named Fritz who was an immigrant from Europe,” explains Brian. “He was a volunteer usher at Frazier for plays and musical events. When he passed, he came to his wife in a dream and told her he would be waiting for her at Frazier because he liked it there. I personally saw what I believed to be a man running across the balcony. He had on a gray windbreaker and I heard his keys giggling, but he disappeared before he got to the door.”

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This tile was a marker for a brothel with the Monarch Hotel, left, became before being converted to apartments.

The Monarch Hotel has also been said to be haunted. The Monarch was built in 1907 and premiered as a luxurious place to stay. Over the years it declined to become a brothel and was marked with a tile (as seen here) that would let people know what services were offered inside. In the later part of the century it was converted into apartments. Several tenants reported seeing a the ghost of a man in black hoodie roaming the halls. Research revealed that a man in his early 20s died in the building of a drug overdose in the 1980s.

While tenants of the building never reported any negative behavior from the apparition, during an investigation by SPIRO, one team member was actually scratched. Scott Brian, brother of John Brian, reported feeling a burning sensation on his back at the beginning of their investigation, and indeed another member found a long mark along his back. At the end of the session in the Monarch, Scott Brian lifted his shirt to reveal the word “STOP” etched in his back (as seen here). The entire encounter was being filmed and according to Scott Brian’s website, ghostology.com “I had been on camera and with the group for 45 minutes prior to its discovery, proving it impossible for this to have been a hoax. Just before the discovery of the word, the group had been conducting an EVP session. It seems the entity did not like some of our questions.”

Unfortunately, the Monarch Complex is no longer part of the Haunted History Tour since it burned down in August 2014.

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A paranormal investigator was mysteriously scratched with the word STOP on his back during an investigation at the Monarch Hotel.

Inside Frazier Hall at ISU, photo by Theo Rawson of SPIRO. You can see a girl floating upside-down in the upper balcony.

Haunted History Tour

Want to experience some of Pocatello’s most haunted places firsthand? Go on the Haunted History Walking Tour held each weekend in October put on by Old Town Pocatello and SPIRO Paranormal.

Visit www.oldtownpocatello.com for more information.

These pictures, provided by SPIRO were taken from a previous tour. According to Brian, tenants reported seeing a lady in red on the main floor of the Herb Store which was part of the Monarch Complex.

The basement of the Herb Store was very active. “There is a possibility a girl was murdered there and she is one of Pocatello’s missing persons. We caught an EVP of her saying she was killed there.

There also maybe another spirit named Holley who we also caught an EVP. We believe the main entity is the former owner who was a very weird and creepy.

Two separate girls were touched by an unseen hand and dusty hand prints were left on their bodies,” recalls Brian.

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Funeral |

The Power of Planning

Pre-planning With Downard Makes Lisa Jensen Funeral Arrangements Easier ByPhotos Hollie Hemenway

W

hen a loved one passes away, Lance Peck and the dedicated staff at Downard Funeral Home are experts at making the memorial service as special as possible. Tastefully ornate and elegant, the oldest funeral home in Pocatello has been the place generations of families have received help navigating the grieving process.

With careful attention to individual needs and circumstances, the Downard staff encourages those left behind to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

For all that they do after the fact, however, Owner and Funeral Director Lance Peck believes the most valuable service is what people can do beforehand: pre-planning.

“By pre-planning, you’ll protect your family from unnecessary pain and expense,” says Family Services Counselor Steve Pearce. “Many of the urgent tasks and decisions, which would otherwise burden family members later, are handled now.

You’ll say goodbye in a way that uniquely reflects your style, not someone else’s. You’ll lessen the financial burden on loved ones and eliminate worry about how everything will be paid for. In addition,

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you’ll prevent disputes between your well-meaning relatives because they will have no doubts about what the funeral should include.”

Father John Worster of the Holy Spirit Catholic Community recognizes how important pre-planning is for the emotional well-being of families. He routinely counsels people to pre-plan and has even teamed up with Downard Funeral Home to do estate planning and pre-planning seminars.

“The essential thing is to remember that it’s not for you, it’s for your loved ones,” Father John advises.

“It takes additional stress off of what is going to be an emotional time anyway. It allows for the important things like grieving and visiting with friends and family.”

There is a financial benefit, too. “Preplanning eliminates price increases that otherwise could double in 10 years,” explains Pearce. “Our easy payment plans make it simple to comfortably pay for your funeral over time, so your family won’t have to find the money later.”

Downard Funeral Home Pastor Jaqualine Theresa Thomas of Praise Temple of God is a fervent advocate for preplanning and prepayment.

“If you’re making monthly payments on a pre-plan, before you know it, it’s paid off,” Pastor Thomas says. “If you think about it, it’s good to have insurance, but why not take some of the money that you might consider paying on an insurance policy and pay it toward a pre-plan? You have the rest of your life to pay on insurance, but there is a point when your pre-plan will be paid off.”

Pastor Thomas knows first-hand about preplanning. Having experienced health problems for years, she consulted with Peck to make her own final arrangements.

“I am the type of person who believes in taking care of business,” says Pastor Thomas. “We make plans for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, baby showers, but we have negative feelings about making preparations for our home-going celebration. For me, it was important to make my funeral arrangements while I was still alive, so that my two

241 N. Garfield, Pocatello, ID

208-233-0686

sons wouldn’t have to try to figure out, ‘What would Mama like?’ And my church family wouldn’t have to figure out what my favorite song is or what things would best suit my personality or my needs.”

Pastor Thomas dealt with every last detail, down to the music, the casket, her suit and the customized white satin tufted pillow. Documenting her wishes gives Pastor Thomas and her family peace of mind that everything has been arranged, and no one will have to make guesses.

Assistance with pre-planning is just one element of the valuable services Downard Funeral Home offers. Peck, Pearce and staff strive to help every family through the grieving process and make it as easy as reasonably possible, but always welcome the opportunity to offer help before it’s needed.

“We encourage you to pre-plan,” Peck says.

“Doing so makes things easier on loved ones in charge of your funeral arrangements. Families appreciate having those burdens removed on the hardest day of their lives.”

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Traipsing Through Thailand

Pocatello couple takes tourists on treks through Thailand Story & Photos by Roger W. Nielsen

D

aphne Larsen was a 12-year-old girl living in Thailand when she talked her mom into letting her be a nun for two weeks at a Buddhist temple. “She thought I was too young, but I insisted,” laughs this Pocatello resident of 22 years. But the experience turned out to be something the young girl would never forget.

Now a chemical engineer working as a facility representative for the Department of Energy at Idaho National Laboratories (INL), Daphne and her husband, Eric, also an engineer at the Site, are seeking to provide others with similar life changing experiences in Thailand. “We know our way around Thailand,” says Daphne confidently. “We want people to love the country as we do.” Eric was more persuasive. “Thailand has a rich cultural heritage that is worth understanding,” he says. “We want to show you what makes Thai people tick.”

For years the Larsens have donated money to friends who are underwriting Thai schools. When they discovered their friends were planning a visit to Thailand at the same time the Larsens were, the focus of the trip changed. The Larsens wanted to raise more money for the schools and personally meet the recipients of their donations. They prepared Thai dinners, inviting their friends to come and donate to the cause.

They raised $750 from their first dinner.

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The concept was a success, but Daphne also wanted an excuse to visit her mother on a regular basis. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we operate a tour company that comes to Thailand, provides us with money for operating expenses and humanitarian projects, and gives us an excuse to visit my mom regularly’,” she says.

For years the Larsens donated money to friends who are underwriting Thai schools. The foundation’s mission is to help underprivileged children in remote regions of Thailand attend school. “Our goal is to stay small and remain in control of where we distribute the funds and be able to have immediate impact, rather than having a big administrative burden, and to do one small project at a time,” says Daphne.

But friends and family could support only limited number of Thai dinners before rebelling. The Larsens decided sponsoring tours of Thailand would be the best way to earn money for their Thai obsession.

At the final good-bye Daphne places a donation from the group to the monastery on a plate held by the Abbott.

Monks are forbidden to touch women or accept objects directly from them.

market the tour to her clientele and instruct the seminars. To assure they were compatible, Daphne volunteered to participate in one of Timpany’s retreats as chief cook. “It was a way for us to decide how to run things,” explains Eric. In January 2014 the Larsens and Timpany co-hosted 18 Americans, one Canadian, and two Australians on a 12 day tour of central and southeast Thailand, including a two night stay on thin cloth mats on the concrete floor of a Buddhist monastery.

A Tour Takes Formation

The tour included stops at several must-see tourist destinations in Bangkok plus a five-day stay at an eco-friendly holistic health spa and resort sanctuary on the tropical island of Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand. Along the route Thai Temple Stay Tour treated guests to Thai massages, a dinner cruise up the Chao Phraya River, a zip line obstacle course staged high in the tree tops, a Thai cooking class and a ride through the jungle on the undulating back of an elephant.

From an economic standpoint lodging at the temple also made sense, says Eric. “Americans are curious about nonChristian religions,” he says. “They are seeking more spirituality in their lives. We decided to help them in that journey.”

In between tourist stops Timpany taught sessions in the bus and in the hotel on ways to bring more joy into everyday life. At the temple Buddhist monks instructed the group on meditation techniques. Everything operated like clockwork. “We were very pleased at how well everything came together and how courteously the temple treated us,” says Eric.

Falling back on her spiritual experience at the monastery, Daphne suggested they offer clients a stay in a Buddhist temple since Buddhism is an essential and integral part of Thai society.

“In order for people to really understand [Buddhism], you have to start at the temple,” says Daphne. “I wanted people to spend the night so that they would have more time to see the life at the temple.”

Daphne’s mother knew the Abbot at Wat Phra Nornjusksi monastery near Sing Buri. The monastery had spacious accommodations so a call was made to see if the Abbot would be interested in accepting guests. “We asked him if he would like to be a part of the tour and receive foreigners,” says Eric. The response: “Oh, yes, absolutely!” Thai Temple Stay Tour was born.

Forging New Friendships

After they returned home, Andrea Gower, a friend of Daphne’s, introduced the Larsens to Anne Timpany, an Idaho Falls life coach specializing in laughter yoga. Timpany was hosting retreats in the U.S. and Europe and had just returned from a successful seminar in Germany. The entrepreneurs met together over lunch and discovered tangible chemistry existed between them. “I was excited about what they were doing,” says Timpany. “They suggested a partnership and I said, ‘Let’s go!’”

The Larsens would do the logistics. Timpany would help

Mingling with Monks. The Thai Temple Stay tour group consisted of 16 East Idahoans, one Washingtonian, one New Mexican and one Canadian, plus two Australians who had left the tour at the time of this photo. Front row (l to r) Joan Mikulski, Anne Murphy, Andrea Gower, Carolyn Nielsen, Barbara Grapstein, Dian Sawver, Anne Timpany. Center row: (l to r) Jenni Commanda, Lorrie Holaday, Diane Walker, Deborah Byrnes, Susan Macomb, Mary Martinat, Daphne Larsen, Paulette Lym. Back row (l to r) Greg Koster, John Lym, Eric Larsen, monks, Roger Nielsen, Steve Holaday.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 75

Diane Walker, Mary Martinat, Dian Shawver, Joan Mikulski, Susan Mccomb, Anne Tmpany, Jenni Commanda and Carolyn Nielsen.

Daphne Larsen acts as guide, translator and general caretaker.

Laughter again strikes! Susan Macomb and Anne Timpany share a happy moment with two lovely Thai women who assisted Larsens with local logistics.

Guests React

While traveling abroad typically involves a little drama, the response from the guests was generally positive. “The spa at Kho Chang was very relaxing,” says Andrea Gower, a massage instructor who called the trip “a research experience.” Intent on learning Thai techniques, she engaged a massage therapist at each stop plus signed up for five more sessions while on the island. “This has been an excellent opportunity to usher myself into a different type of massage that I am teaching,” she explains. “I could learn the techniques at home but I wanted to experience them first hand from professionals.”

Idaho Falls resident Steve Holaday had no notion what Thailand was like before visiting the country

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with his wife Lorrie. “There were many firsts for me on this trip,” he says. The monastery, the temples, the tuk tuks were only a few of the things he had never seen before. “Thais have the old and the new tightly woven together in a very eclectic blend of living,” he says. “They all have cell phones and satellite dishes and wide screen TVs in their homes, even the monks.”

Ann Murphy, another Idaho Falls resident, was delighted that the bathrooms were clean and modern.

“I didn’t have to worry about toilet paper,” she laughs.

“The people are very kind and helpful. The monks are friendly and I appreciated their willingness to allow us to view their life from the inside. They are as curious about us as we are about them.”

“[Thais] typically go through life allowing things to happen, letting things be as they are and not having an expectation of how things should be.”

Baby Buddha encourages enlightenment for believers.

Dian Shawver and Anne Murphy enjoy the view on top of an an elephant on Koh Chang Island.

An Ongoing Endeavour

Observing the ingredients for red curry from Nam Jai at the Thai Cooking School on Kho Chang.

What does the future hold for these enterprising humanitarians? For now, the Larsens are taking one year at a time. Recently they raised $1,200 to help three Thai schools, including one that was building a general assembly hall and needed funding to finish it.

The money the Larsens raised provided electrical wiring, walls and floor tile. The school is in a village composed of about 200 homes on a remote mountaintop in northern Thailand. In the rainy season there is an abundance of water but the community doesn’t have a way to store it. The Larsens are considering underwriting costs to repair or replace a leaky dam. “It takes a lot of effort and financial burden for remote village people to do any public project,” says Daphne.

“We would like to help them gather more funding.”

The Thai Temple Stay Tour will be heading back to Thailand in January 2015 for the “Off the Beaten Track” excursion. If you’re interested in being a part of this experience, learn more at ThaiTempleStay.net.

The trip could change your life.

Thai women pose in rented costumes of an earlier age available on the temple squares.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 77

Health Insurance |

Understanding

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“The insurance will cost you the same whether you get it from me or directly from the insurance company. The advice is free.” — Chuck Buerstatte

W

hen Chuck Buerstatte joined his father in the family business at Allen Collins Agency in 1998, he couldn’t have foreseen the massive changes the health insurance industry would undergo during his tenure. Less than two decades later, though, health care reform is the main topic for almost everyone. “ Things are so different, and there are changes coming all the time,” Buerstatte says. “Staying on top of the rules and laws associated with the Health Care Reform Act is essentially what I do so that I can educate and advise clients”.

As confusing as all sides of the media have made it out to be, Buerstatte boils it all down to how the law affects individuals. The time he spent familiarizing himself with the laws and rules, as well as the process

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Insurance

Chuck Buerstatte is an expert at navigating the murky waters of health care reform.

of learning the procedures for the health care exchanges, has paid off for the people who have come to him for help and advice. Many have told him that they wish they’d met with him earlier because he is able to explain in 10 to 15 minutes what they were unable to make sense of after an entire day of reading. Health care reform, in general, has changed how a consultation meeting with Buerstatte will go.

“It used to be that all we did was talk about insurance, but now that is just a part of the discussion. We spend a lot of time talking about how health care reform works. We talk about how the federal law applies to their specific situation.

If we determine they are eligible for subsidies through the marketplace we help enter the data to determine subsidy mounts,” explains Buerstatte. “Once that is finished we can discuss benefit options and their costs. ” If you’ve ever tried to make heads or tails of the health care laws, you know that there is a lot for anyone, insurance professional or not, to wade through. Buerstatte has spent a lot of time sifting through the vast amount of information relating to health care reform.

He continues his education by taking advantage of many available resources, and acknowledges that staying ahead of the curve also involves keeping track of what is going on at the federal level, the state level and what specific insurance providers are doing. Building this wealth of knowledge has allowed him to serve his clients as thoroughly and effectively as possible.

So, after logging those long hours of research and study, what does it all really mean? “The law is actually very specific to individuals,” Buerstatte explains. “For the most part, it is based on your family size, household income and access to other insurance. Once we’ve answered some key questions, we can discuss the best options specific to your individual circumstances.” Hearing him explain it, the current health care laws sound simple enough.

The system is constantly changing Buerstatte mentions. “Questions about health care reform

By Lisa Jensen Photo by Brooke Richardson

continue to need to be addressed. We helped a lot of individuals and families get through the system and have continued working with them throughout the year as things have changed. We specialize in health insurance, so we have to stay up on it,” says Buerstatte.

As of 2014, the Allen Collins Agency has been serving Pocatello residents’ health insurance needs for 50 years. That type of longevity in the community speaks to the quality of service Chuck Buerstatte and his father have provided. It’s always been a priority to ensure local clients know that the Allen Collins Agency is there for them after they buy coverage. Now, with the direction health insurance has taken, Buerstatte has a whole new dimension of service he can provide, including advice and guiding clients through Idaho’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

“Doing your homework is great, and there are some people who do want to figure this all out for themselves,” Buerstatte acknowledges, “but why not get advice from someone who has already done the legwork? Why not save time? The insurance will cost you the same whether you get it from me or directly from the insurance company. The advice is free. I don’t get into the politics of Health Care Reform. I explain to clients how it affects them personally, and that is what is really important to almost everyone.”

Allen Collins Agency 1219 Yellowstone Ave. Suite E Pocatello, ID

208.237.9183

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 79

Fitting into

the Market

Matt Siaperas had a great idea, but how was he going to take his product from

By Lisa Jensen patent to the public?

Photos courtesy of Matt Siaperas

Target Fit Trainer with all the accessories for a great workout.

Matt Siaperas with the portable Targit Fit Trainer.

H

ave you ever had an idea for a product and wondered why it hadn’t been invented yet? Matt Siaperas has had plenty but, like most people, didn’t ever act on them. That is, until one idea came to him that wouldn’t go away.

Siaperas is a personal trainer and owner of Hardbodies Gym in Blackfoot. He’s competed as a bodybuilder and power lifter, and fitness has played a major part in his life since junior high. However, after a lifetime of weight lifting, as well as working hard labor jobs in construction and mining, he knew lifting free weights wasn’t going to be an option much longer.

Siaperas wanted equipment that would give him a free weight-quality workout without hammering his joints. The idea came spontaneously.

“It was an odd experience, because it was like I was inspired to make it,” Siaperas remembers. “I knew how it should look and I knew the basic structure of the machine, and it just popped into my head.”

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Intrigued to see if it would work, Siaperas built a wooden model of what would eventually become known as the TargitFit Trainer. He attached rings to it and created harnesses of resistance bands with trigger clips on one end and handles on the other end, then set about testing it out.

“It surprised me because I found out it worked extremely well. I got such a great workout from it,” Siaperas recalls. “I knew I was onto something that would be useful for everyone.”

Because he felt it was good enough that it might sell, Siaperas took the next step to protect his idea. Although there is no shortage of patent attorneys, Siaperas opted to work with a patent agent in Arlington, Virginia, who had previously worked in the U.S. Patent Office.

“About 99 percent of the time, the examiners will turn a patent down the first time out, requiring that it be rewritten and

resubmitted. I wanted to work with Tom Hamill because he had experience in the Patent Office. He knew how to phrase things and what things might be a red flag,” Siaperas says.

It took over a year, more money and a lot of back-and-forth between Tom and the examiners to get the first patent in place, and more patents pending. However, once the initial paperwork had been filed, that provided sufficient protection for Siaperas to let others see his creation.

Before spending money on manufacturing, Siaperas decided to run some trials.

He built 20 more wooden samples and took them to his gym, where he used them to develop and conduct resistance training classes, consisting of combinations of over 115 exercises. The feedback he got from his members was positive.

Group workouts on the Targit Fit

“They loved it, and I was starting to see that it was useful in more ways than I’d thought. Because the form of resistance is bands, it’s safer than free weights so pretty much anyone of any age or ability can use it. But it’s portable, and efficient, too. One person can train an entire roomful of people at once.”

Satisfied that the TargitFit Trainer worked well, Siaperas started researching ways to produce it commercially. He found roto-molding to be the best choice, and located a mold builder in the Seattle area. After several trips to Washington, he met the builder in Boise to take delivery of the completed molds. They travelled to Caldwell to deliver them to a rotational molding company there, and Siaperas placed his first small order.

With a modest supply of stock, it was time to start marketing the product. Getting the Trainers to market ended up being the easy part. Marketing them effectively proved to be the challenge.

“There are so many pieces of fitness equipment out there and when people take a look at the TargitFit they don’t understand that it works as well as it does,” Siaperas says. “Usually, when people try it, that’s when they buy it, but giving them that experience through traditional marketing methods has been tough to do.

We tried to do an infomercial through a local production company, but it didn’t work out.”

“I had worked overtime to earn money plus mortgaged my house, sold some land and maxed out lines of credit to get the patents, get the molds built, trademark the name and logo, get some Trainers manufactured and get an infomercial made

and run in a few local markets,” Siaperas admits. “There was just no money left.”

Marketing and Patent Facts

Things turned around when local schools and ones across the country started buying the Trainers in quantities of up to 100 at a time.

When Matt Siaperas met the producer of the first Bowflex infomercial, he learned that although it cost the company around $2 million, the final version of that infomercial brought in roughly $200 million in sales.

“ISU has TargitFit classes, and so does Highland High and some junior highs. We had demo booths at some school fitness expos, and the PE teachers could see the potential of the Trainers,” says Siaperas.

“They store easily and are portable, so they don’t need a whole room for resistance equipment. Just a classroom or, one of the schools here in Pocatello holds TargitFit classes in an unused hallway.”

When the economy went south in 2008, school orders all but dried up, although a few orders started coming in again when new focus was placed on childhood obesity and fitness. In the meantime, Siaperas had a website built and has seen some sales through it, including one to NASA to be tested for use on spacecraft headed for Mars. Never one to rest on his laurels, Siaperas continually works on improving the Trainer, creating and patenting accessories that allow users to do even more with the already useful piece.

“We’re still moving ahead. It takes a lot of years to become an ‘overnight success.’ Some people didn’t want their names mentioned, but I’m thankful to my friends and family who have helped, and to the Hardbodies members who were essentially my guinea pigs”, he chuckles.

“The advice I’d give to anyone who has a great idea is to go for it. Don’t give up on your dream. This has been a great experience, one I wouldn’t have missed for anything.”

The actual costs involved in patenting his idea and marketing it have been an education, and Siaperas has learned as he went. Here are some other facts on patenting and marketing an idea:

• The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office says the

cost of patenting a product will vary depending on the type of patent you’re applying for, the way you “claim” your invention, and how many times the examiner rejects it and has to look at it again. For his initial patent alone, Siaperas spent over $10,000.

• The average patent application takes 24.6 months to be processed, according to the U.S.P.T.O.

• All Business reports that 97 percent of

patented products don’t make money. The biggest reason given is that once a person has a patent, they don’t know the steps to take to get it manufactured and to market.

• Licensing your patented product is one

option that puts manufacturing and marketing responsibilities and costs on someone else. However, CNN points out that a patent-holder’s typical royalties on a licensed product are only around 5 percent.

The only way to make a significant royalty when licensing is to sell at a high price point or in large volumes.

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Hearing |

Hear This Centrum Hearing Services is helping Southeast Idahoans filter out the noise.

By Mark Mendiola

R

Photos by Brooke Richardson

evolutionary advances in technology have enabled audiologists to work wonders in assisting those coping with hearing loss. Ron Conlin, owner since 2006 of Centrum Hearing Services in Pocatello, says keeping abreast of the latest improvements is a must and greatly benefits his patients.

“He is not concerned with just selling an aid for monetary gain. His main concern is to see that his patients hear the very best they can,” is a typical testimonial that Conlin receives from his clients.

A Pocatello native, Conlin earned a master’s degree in audiology from Idaho State University in 1997. He worked a clinical fellowship in the Twin Falls/Burley area before he returned to Pocatello and started working at Centrum in 1999. Even today ISU students do clinical work at Centrum under Conlin’s supervision.

Centrum’s close proximity to the Fred Meyer store in Pocatello has been a tremendous boon for the business with its high visibility and traffic volume. But it’s the staff at Centrum that keeps people coming back. Conlin works alongside his wife Krissy and Diane Balls, who share office management responsibilities. Both ladies are highly skilled at making clients feel welcomed and appreciated, something Conlin exudes himself.

When a patient comes to Centrum they can expect to be treated like an individual and not just a number. Conlin and his staff truly care about each client they see. “I love what I do. I love the people I meet and get to assist,” says Conlin.

“I am not selling hearing aids. I am selling hearing help solutions at the most reasonable price possible.”—Ron Conlin

Conlin tests a patient’s hearing ability by having them enter a sound booth with dead space that allows for very accurate test results and prevents reverberation. Ear phones can test frequencies ranging from 250 to 8,000 Hertz (a Hertz or Hz equals one cycle per second). He also conducts speech testing to gauge their recognition abilities. The tests take about half an hour and will provide Conlin with the information he needs to better help his patients.

If Conlin determines a patient is a candidate for hearing aides, he’ll discuss with them what their options are, what’s covered by their insurance, and what they can afford. “I pride myself in not being limited to certain manufacturers. If a new product hits the market, I’m very willing to try it,” Conlin says. Advances in technology mean there are a wide variety of devices out there to choose from.

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804 Yellowstone Pocatello, ID.

208.232.3131

“Technology is changing so rapidly. When I first started, digital hearing aids were barely coming. Most were programmable analog devices,” says Conlin, citing wireless, BlueTooth and cochlear implant advances. “Over the last 10 years, digital technology has taken over everything … The learning curve is constant.”

Microchips in hearing aids have enabled the devices to shrink in size and become much more efficient. “Some of the faster chips make 250 million calculations per second,” he says.

“We live in a noisy world to say the least,” Conlin remarks, noting the 4,000 Hz frequency is most affected by noise exposure. Anywhere from 17,500 to 23,500 sensory hair cells can be found in the human ear—both outside and inside hair cells—leaving people vulnerable to “Blindness separates people from things. hearing loss.

Deafness separates people from people.”

—Helen Keller . . . We don’t want this to happen to you.

Noise exposure, heredity issues, the aging process, shooting guns and certain drugs such as pain medication or strong antibiotics can cause hearing loss, Conlin notes. “Depending on the damage done, there’s only so much a hearing aid can do,” Conlin explains.

“The thing about hearing aids is no matter how good the technology, they don’t cure hearing loss,” he says. “Some do really well, some not. A great challenge is giving people realistic expectations on how much a hearing aid can help.”

According to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), a majority of hearing aid users are pretty happy, though. During a recent survey BHI found that 91 percent of all hearing aid users are satisfied with the ability of their hearing aids to improve communication in one-on-one situations.

Another 85 percent are satisfied in small groups, 80 percent while watching television, 78 percent outdoors, 78 percent during leisure activities, 77 percent while shopping and 77 percent while riding in a car. That’s a whole lot of happiness from such a little device.

It’s a wonder more people don’t jump on the bandwagon. It’s been estimated only 20 percent of those people who could benefit from hearing aids are actually wearing them, Conlin observes, saying price and vanity can be deterrents. Most insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover hearing aids, but Centrum works with patients to establish achievable pricing. “Hearing aids are much, much less problematic now than we’ve been led to believe,” Conlin says.

“It’s really unfortunate that people shy away from this technology because so many people could benefit from hearing aids,” explains Conlin. But that’s not going to stop him from trying to help his patients hear the best they can.

“I am not selling hearing aids. I am selling hearing help solutions at the most reasonable price possible.”

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Get Active!

Pocatello and the surrounding area offer a lot of fun activities and events for families.

I

n this digital world of electronics it is hard to find activities for children that challenge them physically and mentally. But the City of Pocatello is dedicated to finding activities that will introduce children and adults to what the wonderful Portneuf area has to offer. Whether you like to ski, hike, bird watch, dirt bike, swim or play team sports, Pocatello has it all!

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By Kasi Nelson and JaNae Swassing

Pocatello Zoo

The Pocatello Zoo is a wonderful place to spend a few hours with the family. The Zoo provides a unique opportunity to learn about native wildlife through exhibits, storytelling, classes, and other family programs. Zoo Education Programs include Zoo Camps, Day Classes, ZooSnooZzzz, Birthday Bearnaza, Group Programs, Zoorific Tours, and Outreach Programs. Visit zoopocatello.us for more information.

Ross Park Aquatic Complex Ross Park Aquatic is more than just a pool, it is a complex for the community to gather and have fun for children of all ages! The very popular Splash Dances are for individuals ages 12-18. The $5.00 per person charge includes admission to the facility (including the waterslide), D.J. music and loads of fun. The park features: • 25 yard by 25 meter Main Pool – 2 lap lanes always open • Zero depth pool with playground

• Activity pool with cargo net and lily pads and basketball keep everyone busy • Lazy river offers fun and relaxation

• Large waterslide for those wanting to add on to their pool experience • Open deck and turf areas

• Dressing/locker rooms and 2 family changing areas

• Concession stand provides patrons with snacks and beverages

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Pebble Creek Ski Area

Pebble Creek Ski Area is located 18 miles from Pocatello.

Its terrain offers something for every level of skier/snowboarder!

• Kids are invited to experience the excitement of racing at Pebble Creek. Stacy Smith’s Fun Races for Kids will be held four times this season, Saturdays January 3rd and 24th, February 7th and 28th, March 14th.

• Scout Ski Days are scheduled for both Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 19th and President’s Day, Monday, February 16th at Pebble Creek Ski Area. On those days, a program is

offered to assist Boy and Girl Scouts in obtaining their Snow Sports Merit Badge. In order to complete the merit badge program, Scouts should be able to make linked turns and ski or board groomed runs serviced by the Sunshine Triple chairlift. All requirements for the Merit Badge and parts of the Interest Patch requirements will be covered during this one day program.

• Twenty First Annual Freestyle Rally. The event began as a snowboarder only event, The Snowboard Rally, but over the years more and more skiers participated. Now all freestylers are invited to participate with events for skiers and boarders. The events are Saturday, February 28th at Pebble Creek Ski Area. Terrain Park Mavens will design the Cross Course along with the Jump and Features for the Rail Jams and Big Air Competitions.

The Pocatello Motocross Park

For the dirt bike enthusiast The Pocatello Motocross Park has it all. Throughout the summer months they offer a series of races for children of all riding levels and ages. PMXP is located at 1450 E. Pit Rd. at the Pocatello Airport Complex. Take the Pocatello Airport exit, take your first right onto Frontage Rd., left on Pit Rd. and follow directly to the track.

Please call if you need further assistance!

208-419-MOTO

Youth Team Sports • Youth baseball league for ages 5-14

• Boy’s and Girls’ Basketball league 3rd-7th grades • Competitive Basketball League for 5th/6th and 7th/8th Graders • Girls’ Volleyball Leagues for 4th/5th graders and 6th/7th Graders • Youth Flag Football League for 3rd and 4th Graders • Gate City Soccer has teams

Classes

Get moving! Enroll your kids in some fun classes that will get them grooving. Pocatello Parks and Recreation offers a variety of dance classes like ballet, tap, jazz, creative dance, clogging, hip hop, cheer, kindergym, gymnastics and tumbling.

If dancing isn’t your kid’s thing, maybe swimming is. Swim lessons are available for all ages including parent/tot, preschool, and private lessons. Call (208) 232-3901 for more information.

The Leavitt Center offers multiple programs as well. They

Kids can learn to sew at the Pocatello Sewing School. Classes are available for all skill levels. Visit www.pocatellosewingschool.com for more information.

have group classes in dance, musical theater, martial arts, comedy, yoga, Zumba, voice and a variety of musical instruments. The Leavitt Center offers a family friendly environment that drives the students to excel through performance driven education.

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Running

If your kids love running, consider having them join the Pocatello Kids Running club. Kids meet at Alameda park and enjoy a fun run with their peers. If the club is too much for your little one, there are several fun runs to enroll them in, too.

• Just a Cuz Half Marathon 2014: A 13.1 mile stroll from the top of Mink Creek Road to Centennial Park in downtown Pocatello. An early bird division is available to anyone that plans to walk the entire course.

• The Fun Run Series 2014: Register for all 5 summer races and get a discount 5k, 10k and 2.5k walk and run at every race.

• Pocatello Humane Society has a Run with the Big Dogs 2k walk, 5k walk or run. This walk/race is open to children of all ages. The participants can either walk or run with a Humane Society dog or bring their own. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The race typically takes place the beginning of September.

Museums

Museum of Clean

Inspire your kids to keep their rooms clean with a visit to the Museum of Clean, Idaho’s most visited museum. The museum owns and cares for hundreds of thousands of books, photographs, art pieces, sculptures, documents, appliances, fixtures, tools and cleaners.

Idaho Museum of Natural History

The Idaho Museum of Natural History actively nurtures an understanding of and delight in Idaho’s natural and cultural heritage. Guests can discover dinosaurs, ice-age mammals, volcanic hotspots, living off the land, and more. They can also experience science hands-on in the Discovery Room. Outdoor exhibits include a Tree Walk and a Natural History Garden.

Bannock County Historical Museum

The Bannock County Historical Museum houses exhibits, objects, and records relating to Bannock County and Pocatello’s history. Exhibit themes range from railroad history and early fire-fighting displays, to local printing history and archaeological specimens.

Events

Pocatello has a variety of events for your kids to enjoy all year long. Here is a small sample of some of the fun things you can take your family to.

• Portneuf Valley Bike Parade - Children, families, and anyone who enjoys an evening ride can participate in this event. Kids can learn about safe riding tips, too.

• Easter Egg Hunts • Farmers Market open on Saturdays during the summer.

Kids will enjoy checking out all the vendors the market has to offer.

• Idaho High School Rodeo Championships - Come check out the rodeo kings and queens of the future and support local kids as they compete in a variety of events.

• 4th of July Parade - Celebrate America by attending the Elk’s 4th of July Parade - it’s a classic!

• Pocatello Regional Airport SkyFest - Airport Open House with display aircraft, helicopter and airplane discovery flights, food and fun activities for children. Mid-day performance by the MiG Fury Fighters, using three jet Warbirds to perform aerial demonstrations and a mock dogfight.

• Dog-a-pool-ooza at Lava Hot Springs - Bring the family dog out to Lava Hot Springs and let them have a ball in the open swim followed by a fun run.

• Sagebrush Arts Fest - Kids can experience a free “Children’s Art Yard” where they can participate in hands-on activities and special art projects.

• Wild Adventure Corn Maze in Blackfoot features corn mazes, a barrel train, jump houses, jousting, corn cannon, slides, and a ton of fun.

• Trick or Treat the Old Town streets • ISU Homecoming Parade • Night Lights Parade (Friday after Thanksgiving at 6:30) • Festival of Trees at the Stephens Performing Arts Center Take your little princess to the Princess Tea Party or enjoy Breakfast with Santa and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Pocatello has a lot to offer the family. It’s a city dedicated to family togetherness and fun! For more ideas on how to spend time with your kids, visit www.pocatelloparents.com or www.seidaho.org.

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Home Decor |

Something Old,

Something New …

East Idaho Home Interiors is setting trends by mixing the unexpected and creating unique styles.

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

J

en Putnam has an eye for decorating and a knack for reusing the “old.” When she says that old is the new “new,” you can take that to the bank. Another thing you can count on when visiting Putnam’s store, East Idaho Home Interiors, is that you’ll always be surprised. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind store where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and, a lot of times, even things you didn’t know you wanted.

While the majority of the decor in this unique design store is new, about 20 percent includes handmade items and older pieces of furniture that have been redone by local vendors, including Putnam. It’s an eclectic mix that gives the store character and a distinctive identity all its own.

“Selling vendor items right alongside new merchandise is what makes us different from other places. We’re not a franchise, either, and sometimes people don’t get that. We get requests to open stores in other cities in Idaho, but we are happy where we are for now,” Putnam explains.

East Idaho Home Interior’s individuality may make it difficult to pigeonhole the store but, as Putnam points out, the uniqueness of old items is cool.

“Many times people get more excited over old, redone things than over new items,” she says. “It’s great, too, to see people recycling and reusing, and they get to enjoy a beautiful, well-built piece that has some history.”

Putnam’s vendors specialize in redoing furniture, recognizing that older pieces are more durable. When it comes to furniture, Putnam orders very few new pieces because not only do they cost more, but most new items are made of pressboard, so the quality isn’t there.

Ironically, even new furniture is being manufactured and painted to look old.

“Manufactures can’t quite capture the actual look of a piece that’s been redone by a local person,” Putnam says.

“It costs a whole lot more to try to fake it and, in the end, it doesn’t quite look right. Plus, each person has a little different style and technique. Some people love a glaze or stain. Others swear by chalk paint. Each vendor here has a style of their own that’s unique to them.”

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“You miss the boat if you go out of town for prestige,” Putnam insists. “There is no store like this anywhere in Southeast Idaho. Tons of people come from out of town to shop here because of the great items that you won’t find anywhere else. We try to keep our prices low for repainted furniture, and customers who travel to the store end up saving more money even with the gas. So you’ll get something that’s affordable, it’s built better and nicer to look at. It’s much more relaxing, too, because you’re 10 minutes away from home and not in a rush to get back on the road.”

Looking around at the vignettes brimming over with charming decorative items and a creative mix of painted and redone pieces, East Idaho Home Interiors is something you have to experience first-hand to understand that there are treasures hidden right in Pocatello. Even Jen Putnam is sometimes surprised at what a great shop she and her vendors have put together.

“I never imagined the store would take off like it has. It just happened. I’m so pleased that it’s become what it is.”

...All This and Affordable,

Putnam credits the talent of Karla Rigby, Naomi Anderson, Johanna Wallace, Tina Reed, Lindsey Long, Jessie Hamilton, Sarah Galloway, Kristie Johnston, Collete Stosich, Jessica Lopez, Lisa Bosworth and Kate Reichelt for the hundreds of hand-painted furniture and décor pieces that have sold, contributing to the store’s success. “The store wouldn’t be what it is without the vendors,” Putnam asserts.

People like Margee Beebe, Catherine Auger, Jamie Helmandollar and Donna Kent bring in hand-sewn and crocheted items. The 18-inch doll clothing, beds and accessories are provided by Debra Tolman and Kate Knudsen. Mieke Griffiths and Stephanie Francom have beautiful handmade jewelry on display. There’s even children’s fabric furniture, like the adorable miniature black and white zebra sofa with hot pink accents, perfect for a girl’s bedroom, courtesy of Little Spikes Enterprises.

Over the years, people have gotten used to going out of town to shop. Sometimes they reason that it’s hard to find what you want, or that the really “good” things are elsewhere. To some it’s even a matter of prestige, but the ladies at East Idaho Home Interiors are changing that.

237 E. Center St.

|

DIY Weddings, Too!

Having owned wedding shops, Debbie Beaumont and Ruth Clark both have a lot of experience with weddings and the requisite formalwear. They’ve brought their extensive collections of wedding and prom dresses to East Idaho Home Interiors and marked them with unbelievable pricing: everything is only $99. It’s easy to lose yourself for several hours browsing through the racks of gorgeous, high-end dresses but when you find your dream dress, and it happens to be in your size, you’ll agree that it was time well-spent.

In addition to wedding dresses, East Idaho Home Interiors rents much of their stock for wedding use at just 10 percent of the cost of the item. You’re sure to find items that will add a special touch to your special day including:

• • • • • •

Mason jars and eclectic items for unique centerpieces Backdrops, such as a quaint set of hand-painted old doors Chair covers, tablecloths and sashes Bistro table and chair sets Large chalkboards on easels Benches and arches

Pocatello, ID

|

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Standing Up for Selflessness Even though tough times fell on this Pocatello resident, she still found time to give to others.

By Diana Hanson Photos by Brooke Richardson

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E

“[Volunteering] does take a lot of energy but I really feel like its worth it.” —Amber Davis

ight years ago, Amber Davis suddenly found herself alone with two small children, only 10 ½ months apart. One was walking, the other was not. One of her children was sick as a baby so there were visits to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. The bills were piling up and final notices were coming in. It was a rough time.

“When you are a mom, your instinct is to take care of your family, and when that is interrupted in any way, that is the point where you can sink or swim,” says Davis. After taking stock of the situation, Davis decided she wasn’t going to be a victim of her circumstances. Instead, she made sacrifices, took on multiple jobs to make ends meet, and went back to school to obtain her degree. She even volunteered.

Volunteered? That’s right. Amber Davis is all about volunteering.

“It does take a lot of energy but I really feel like its worth it,” says Davis. “I do as much as I can for the community, but my kids (now ages 9 and 10) are right along with me,” she says. Early on she felt compelled to get out there and have her kids experience the world.

She believes it’s important for children to see people helping others in need. “My kids are my copilots when it comes to fundraising and benefits that I do. They are my helpers.”

Davis’ volunteering days started out with organizations her children were involved with. She began as a coach for Campfire USA, then as Advancement Chairman for Boy Scouts of America. While working as a volunteer Wish Granter with Make-a-Wish Foundation of Idaho, she met Hatcher Wheatley, a young boy with a rare heart disease. Wheatley’s parents needed help since they had recently launched the bull riding competition, Hatcher Wheatley Benefit: Riding to Beat the Odds. Davis gladly took on the roll of Marketing Chairman for that event in 2013 and again in 2014.

Currently, Davis is volunteering on the Leavitt Center committee. The focus of the Leavitt Center program is to build inner strength and confidence in people of all age, gender, size and shape through arts.

The idea is to create a springboard of success in the lives of individuals. “It’s an exciting opportunity for sure,” says Davis.

Davis also dedicates a good amount of her time advocating to erase the stigma around mental health so people can get the help they need. Many years in the health care field and heath care administration with an emphasis on mental health made Davis a natural fit.

Davis says it’s interesting that when someone breaks their arm and goes to the hospital, neighbors will cook

meals and callers will come by, but when someone goes to a psychiatric hospital, a lot of times none of that happens. “Mental illness is just like any other illness. The people involved need the same kind of support,” says Davis.

People in the community see Davis as a helpful resource when they encounter someone with a mental illness that needs help. “When it comes to helping someone in need, I will never answer with an ‘I don’t know’… I am happy to help and to let people know about the resources that I am aware of,” explains Davis.

Born and raised in Pocatello, Amber Davis knows a lot of people in the community. Being the owner of Care Connection of Idaho and the volunteer work that she and her kids do, has enlarged her network to include people who are of the same mind to help the community as well. She says she feels honored that her community sees her as a resource for helping people find mental health services.

Last winter she got a call about some frozen pipes: “This gal was just calling anybody and everyone that she knew trying to get some help for her frozen pipes. She called everybody that she could think of and I’m not quite sure how she got my number but I was able to link her to some folks to help her.” Davis says the help just keeps growing and that there are a lot of great people in Southeast Idaho.

When people tell Davis to take time for herself, she responds, “What I think of as ‘time for yourself’ is time that you unwind and you enjoy what you are doing. That is volunteering for me. That is helping people for me. So my hobby is making other lives better. That is how I unwind.”

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Hospital |

We’re Expecting You ….

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By Mary Keating Photos courtesy Portneuf Medical Center

hether you are a first time parent or adding another little bundle to your family, we know that parentsto-be have many questions. At Portneuf’s Women and Children Center we understand the joy and excitement as well as the various anxieties that often accompany pregnancy and childbirth. One of the most important decisions expectant parents make during pregnancy is where to celebrate the birth of their child.

Whether a mom delivers ‘naturally’ or needs assistance, giving birth in a full-service hospital provides the optimum in safety and comfort for both mom and baby. If you are expecting, expect the best.

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Portneuf Medical Center is delivering excellent care.

Experience matters Portneuf Medical Center has celebrated the birth of over 80,000 babies, a legacy of care dating back to the early 50s.

In fact, each month, PMC celebrates the birth of hundreds of babies. Expectant mothers and infants are cared for by highly trained and compassionate labor and delivery nurses, many whom have over 20 years of experience, top–notch OB/GYNs and midwives, and pediatric specialists who can provide the most advanced medical information.

We pride ourselves in offering a high level of expertise so we are always prepared to handle any complications, including those associated with high-risk pregnancies.

These can include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders, among others. The Women’s Center offers advanced monitoring and delivery capabilities, lactation consultants, 24/7 anesthesia and neonatology as well as 24/7 access to perinatology for high-risk OB care.

Enjoy Extra Features In addition to excellence in care, Portneuf is proud to offer ‘extras’ that set us apart. To help prepare for your new bundle of joy, we offer a maternity social with a tour of our birthing suites, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care basic classes as well as Nursery Notes offering tips and information for every stage of your pregnancy and beyond.

Experienced and Prepared for the Unexpected In addition to being well prepared for the expected, we too have planned for the unexpected. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in every eight babies in the United States is born prematurely, before 37 weeks. It is often difficult to predict which mother is likely to deliver early. In fact, the precipitating cause of early labor in nearly half of preterm births is unknown.

Giving birth to a sick or premature baby can be quite unexpected for any parent. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) combines advanced technology and trained health care professionals who provide tailored care for specific needs. The Portneuf NICU is staffed with neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dieticians, occupational, physical and speech therapists, as well as a social worker. The interdisciplinary team approach to care works to the benefit of our tiniest patients. Most babies admitted to the NICU are premature (born before 37 weeks of gestation), have a low birth weight, experienced difficulties during delivery or show signs of a problem shortly after birth. The NICU is staffed with board-certified neonatologists, who are pediatricians who have gone through additional years of training. These subspecialists care for both well and very critically ill newborns and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are expecting and expect the best, we are expecting you. To find an obstetrician, neonatologist, pediatrician, family practice physician or any other physician, call Portneuf Medical Center’s physician referral toll- free line at 1-877-721-6673. To find out more about our wonderful women and children services, please visit us at www.portmed.org.

Exclusive Accommodations Patients who choose PMC discover tastefully decorated private labor and delivery rooms that create a home like atmosphere—with ample room for both parents. Each room incorporates the technology necessary to ensure safe outcomes for both mother and infant while also providing maximum comfort. With laminate wood floors, spacious Jacuzzi tubs, comfortable daybeds for dads, and spectacular mountain views, our exclusive accommodations were designed with you in mind. Our caring staff of professionals and the electronic infant security system are safety features each family can appreciate as they welcome their newest family member.

777 Hospital Way, Pocatello, ID (208)239-1000 www.portmed.org P o c at e l lo l i f e | 93

The Beauty of Pageants Beauty pageants are more than crowns and roses.

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By Krystal Neiwert Woodland Photos courtesy of Tammy Bartlett

magine you or someone you know is involved in an organization that leads the world in monetary and tuition scholarship awards to young women. Allow your mind to conjure up the idea of an organization that allots over $40 million per year to its contestants. What if those who participate in the program donated over 500,000 collective hours of community service annually and had already raised nearly $10 million for titleholder scholarships and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? Many local businesses, volunteers and contestants here in Pocatello are part of this not-so-imaginary scenario through The Miss America Organization.

Tammy Bartlett is the executive director of the Miss Pocatello/ Miss Gate City Scholarship Program. She is a former Mrs. Idaho who is passionate about her unpaid hours of volunteering. In 2012, The Miss Idaho Organization contacted her in hopes she would revive our local scholarship program, which had been inactive since 2008. She agreed and in July 2014, one of her titleholders, Sierra Sandison, was crowned Miss Idaho.

Sandison went on to compete in the Miss America pageant where she made national headlines for wearing her insulin pump during the swimsuit competition, proving pageants aren’t just about beauty.

Miss Gate City 2014, Kalie Wright

“I want people to know these women are not bubble heads and the Tammy Bartlett with Mrs Idaho scholarship program is not silly,” says of the Year 2001 Bartlett. Stories abound about peers, parents and professionals mocking or scolding participants for even considering being a part of a “beauty pageant.” Bartlett wants to change that perception. And to be honest, I was the type of person that needed some education on the matter.

During our interview, I confessed to Bartlett that I had never looked further than the surface of a pageant. I honestly could not get over the idea that women were willing to prance around a stage smiling for the camera in revealing evening gowns and swimwear. Why would a woman make herself a social puppet and seek approval of judges who award her a sparkling crown for making herself look pretty for them? In my ignorance, I objectified these women by assuming their participation in such a shallow show took females back to the 1920s. I ruled that Miss Gate City’s Outstanding Teen 2014, Dianna Nelson 94 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Miss Pocatello 2014, Katelyn Strobel

Miss Pocatello Outstanding Teen 2014, Nicole Guthrie

Diana with with Mat Glittens at Dr. Seuss Day

they were in it for accolades and validation from, ahem...men.

Bartlett enlightened me. Her confidence in the program and her patience with me opened my ears and shut down my presumptions.

The Miss America Organization did start out with a bit of female objectification. The Miss America scholarship program began as a swimsuit competition during the Second Annual Fall Frolic in 1921. The event originated as a way to keep the tourists in Atlantic City through September, but evolved over the years. The concept of an individual platform for each contestant materialized in 1989. A platform is a current and national issue that the contestant chooses which motivates her to serve her community.

Her stature helps bring community awareness and action for her selected platform. In 2007, Miss America adopted Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as its official platform.

Miss Pocatello/Miss Gate City are two different open scholarship programs. This means women and young women statewide can compete for our local titles. We currently have four titleholders in Pocatello. Each are crowned with a four point jeweled headpiece that represents Scholarship, Service, Success and Style. Categories of the competition are Talent, Interview, Evening Wear and Swimsuit. And while the basis of a pageant may seem all style, it’s clear that Bartlett believes (and wants you to, too) that it’s more substance that drives these competitions.

Miss Idaho 2014 Sierra Sandison

With Benny the Bengal Women and young women who participate in The Miss America Scholarship Program experience something rare when they choose to compete for the crown: Women encouraging each other’s confidence, passions, and education. They take an interest in each other’s platforms and are all driven to take action in their community. Bartlett inspired me with the desire to tell every unmarried woman between the ages of 13-24 who are service oriented, academically driven, charitable and confident to compete for the title of Miss Pocatello/ Miss Gate City. I want to encourage businesses to donate and volunteers to sign up for the next pageant. I admit I had prejudged something I knew nothing about. In the end, I was glad to be enlightened—after all knowledge is beauty.

City of Smiles Current Titleholders: Miss Pocatello 2014, Katelyn Grace Strobel Platform: LINK: Leveling Idaho Network for Knowledge Miss Gate City 2014, Miss National Sweetheart 2014, Kalie Wright Platform: Operation Homefront Miss Pocatello’s Outstanding Teen, Nicole Guthrie Platform: Raising Awareness for the Lock Your Meds Campaign Miss Gate City’s Outstanding Teen 2014, Dianna Nelson Platform: “Taking One Small Step” Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness P o c at e l lo l i f e | 95

Jewlery |

The Jewel of Old Town Molinelli’s has been the place “where Idaho goes to propose” for the past 110 years.

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

Buttars bought the jewelry store in 2005, keeping it in the family, and in January of 2013 began an expansive wall-to-wall transformation to enlarge the store and bring the old building up to code.

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“The heating, cooling, lighting and electrical needed to be modernized, but I wanted to keep the feeling of an old jewelry store, and I think we accomplished that,” Buttars says modestly. “Traveling salesmen come in, and they’ve seen jewelry stores all over the country, but they often say that our newly remodeled store is one of the most beautiful they’ve ever been in.”

f someone tells Lance Buttars that they’ve never been to Molinelli’s Jewelers he responds, “I’ve only been waiting for you 110 years.”

Founded in 1903, Molinelli’s Jewelers is the oldest jewelry store in Idaho to retain its name—and reputation—continuously. During that time, the store has been in four different locations in Pocatello but has made its home on Main Street in Old Town since 1973.

“The store has made it through a lot,” Buttars says. “The Depression, the exodus from downtown, business returning to downtown. Through it all, Molinelli’s has built a reputation for being a can-do jewelry store. If you want something, we’ll get it for you or make it ourselves. We take pride in giving great value at affordable prices.”

The focus on excellence in customer service began with Leon Molinelli and was passed down through two families and four generations. Leon’s son, Lambert “Bud” Molinelli took over the store in the mid 1930s and then sold it to Jack Clark, Lance’s father-in-law, in 1972.

“I began working at Molinelli’s when I was 15,” Buttars remembers. “I was the goldsmith for the store for years, and owned and operated the Trade Shop, which does jewelry repair and manufacturing for other jewelers who don’t have a goldsmith.”

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Molinelli’s Jewelers has become known as the place “Where Idaho Goes to Propose,” a designation Buttars has endeavored to cultivate.

“We specialize in bridal jewelry, so the central focus of the remodel was to build a semi-private diamond room to accommodate customers in privacy,” Buttars explains.

“If you shop at a mall, you’re standing with your back to the front of the store, and anyone can see you. They’ll make some phone calls, start texting and the next thing you know, your engagement has been announced without you. At Molinelli’s you get to enjoy having that secret and announcing it when you’re ready.”

When you visit Molinelli’s to shop for any type of jewelry, plan on spending some time. Buttars visits Antwerp, Belgium twice a year to hand-select diamonds from the world’s largest supply, bringing back the perfect diamond for the perfect girl every time, guaranteed.

“If you go anywhere else, you have to settle for the diamond that’s already in the ring. But we let you tailor your rings, picking the diamond, the setting and the ring, at your price point.”

That quality of personalized service would be enough to ensure the success of any jewelry store, but Lance Buttars’s philosophy of doing unto others is what he credits with the double-digit growth the store has seen during his ownership.

“To survive in this business, you have to be part of the community. I feel a debt to give back because Molinelli’s longevity and success is due not only to the skill of the merchants before me, but also to the patronage of the community, and that’s something I am very grateful for. So I try not to turn down any worthwhile cause. So if it’s important to the community, it’s important to me. Sometimes people say, ‘You can’t give to everybody,’ but I believe you can contribute in some way to every cause whether it’s money, time or merchandise,” Buttars says.

Buttars is also generous in recognizing his staff for playing a role in Molinelli’s endurance and success.

“Our staff is the best in the business. We have a graduate gemologist, three goldsmiths, knowledgeable salespeople. Because of them, Molinelli’s isn’t just the oldest but is the finest jewelry store in Pocatello. It takes a great team to accomplish that.”

126 North Main Street Pocatello, ID 83204 208-232-0972 www.pocatellojeweler.com

No one should make Lance Buttars wait another 110 years before visiting Molinelli’s.

“Old Town is a great place to be, and it’s come a long way. Even if you’re not in the market (for jewelry), it’s worth the trip to come take a look. You’re missing a jewel in downtown Pocatello.”

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Accessorize!

The best way to jazz up your outfit is with a few key statement pieces.

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he little black dress should definitely speak for itself, but sometimes it needs to act as a backdrop.

Transform your basic solids with a splash of fun by adding a few accent pieces. From scarves and necklaces, to shoes and watches a little bit of texture, color and design can go a long way to snazzing up an outfit.

Statement Necklaces

Little Black Dress- Dress up or dress down your favorite black dress (or any piece of black clothing) with jewelery. For a more formal look consider pearls, diamonds (or fake bling works too) and silver. To dress it down, think of more bold patterns like animal prints or paisley scarves.

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Watches and Bracelets- Your

Scarves Scarves- Scarves aren’t just for winter anymore.

You can wear scarves year round depending on the fabric. Scarves are also versatile in how you wear them. Check out the amazing YouTube video “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes” and get inspired.

wrists beg to be dressed. Let your watch do double-duty by acting as more than a timepiece.

Stack it up with some bracelets to really bring attention to your arm.

Group It- Sun glasses, hat, a fun bag,

stylish boots, AND a cute little dog! People will instantly think you’re a celebrity and not a local.

Sometimes it’s just fun to play dress up.

Group It

Fun Shoes

Fun Shoes- Your shoes can tell as

Statement Necklace- When you own

much about you as your handshake. From zippers and straps, to heels and flats, your feet are an important component to any outfit and can take you from drab to dressy in a matter of inches.

a statement necklace you’ll find yourself building an outfit around it instead of adding it to an outfit.

Solid turtlenecks or high neck sweaters are a great backdrop for statement necklaces in the winter. In the summer, consider simple crew necks or plunging necklines to show off your piece.

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Payroll |

Building a Better Staff Extreme Staffing makes hiring simple (and helps keep Idahoans employed).

By Alisa Clickenger Photos by Brooke Rochardson

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o one enjoys filling out copious amounts of job applications, just to be turned away for a lack of skill, or perhaps too much skill. Likewise, it’s challenging for companies large and small to constantly be sifting through resumes looking for reliable, short-term workers. Luckily for southeastern Idahoans there’s Extreme Staffing.

Extreme Staffing of Southeast Idaho is revolutionizing the way people work. Their innovative approach to staffing supplies workers in large or small numbers, on demand, creating a custom work force tailored to each client company’s unique needs. Prospective employees benefit too from the wide variety of positions that need to be filled—from construction to clerical and warehouse to manufacturing, Extreme Staffing is dedicated to putting the right person with the right company.

The four year old company has seen explosive growth and with good reason. Founder and President Derrick Hope has used his experience in both construction as well as staffing to create a company that understands both industries well. He has the professional experience and business insight necessary to ensure success for his client companies as well as the prospective workers. “I’ve seen staffing from both sides of the counter—as the worker, as the recruiter, as the manager, as the customer needing people and I’ve seen it full circle,” says Hope.

A fifth generation Idahoan and Twin Falls native, Hope appreciates the hometown approach.

He also likes keeping business local, and what better way than supplying employment solutions so that local companies can do more business? Each of Extreme Staffing’s offices is managed by someone with backgrounds in construction, so they are not your typical office guys. They are community leaders and skilled professionals who are doing the recruitment and hiring of staff.

“We hire skilled people behind our counter,” says Hope. “Our managers are former superintendents, project managers, or former construction craftsmen themselves. We’re from the construction world. We’ve hand-picked those who have been leaders in the industry in their fields of expertise and have brought them into the office so that you have somebody who is skilled recruiting your skilled tradesman and craftsman labor.”

Good for Companies Extreme Staffing helps companies large and small meet all of their staffing needs by offering skilled labor, part-time labor, large labor pools and small project personnel. Companies that contract with Extreme Staffing are able to better manage their employee costs and keep payroll down because Extreme Staffing does all the background checks, drug screening, withholding and payroll.

Construction companies can bid on large projects knowing that there is a labor pool immediately available to them. Companies can write more competitive bids knowing they do not have to worry about the burden of added unemployment rates and workmen’s compensation because those are handled by Extreme Staffing. When the project is done, the employees simply go to work for another company without the typically high post-employment costs associated with turnover.

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Our Corporate Creed: We believe in, and strongly support, the individual success of each of our workers, and, this commitment better enables our customers to achieve greater business success. That’s our formula; short, simple, and very effective!

By using Extreme Staffing, companies also keeps payroll expenses down. They save companies time and expense by handling the recruiting, interview and background check process. If an employee doesn’t work out, Extreme Staffing incurs all of the burdens on behalf of its client companies.

Extreme Staffing makes it possible for companies to easily hire a person for a one-time cleanup gig, small projects, once per week or on a part-time basis without having to go through a lengthy hiring process. Drawing from a pool of about 12,000 workers, Extreme Staffing has the right person for any job.

Good for Workers Extreme Staffing enables people who are new to the area to gain immediate employment and income. People who have injuries and perhaps need light duty are also able to find work through Extreme Staffing, and so are workers that have limited time available such as single mothers or family caretakers that only have a few hours per week to work. Younger people and entry level workers have the opportunity to gain work experience through their Extreme Staffing employment, and see what career opportunities might interest them.

Every employee has the opportunity to contribute to a 401k plan administered by Extreme Staffing from their first day. Full time workers, whether they work for one company or several, can participate in Extreme Staffing’s health insurance.

Payroll is made the same day or weekly, so employees have access to their earned income straight away.

Extreme Staffing helps keep the area’s unemployment rate down by matching companies with workers. This year they’ll issue over 3,500 W2’s, keeping many people working who might not otherwise find the job that matches their expertise or time constraints.

Extreme Staffing has seen explosive growth over the past four years and there’s no doubt they can make it happen for your company as well.

Testimonial: “Pocatello Extreme Staffing has two hard working and upbeat individuals in the office that are a pleasure to do business with. I appreciate them finding the work for me so I don’t have to” ~Bill Miller – employed since April 2013

Offices in: Pocatello (208) 233-5627 Twin Falls (208) 733-5627

Meridian (208) 299-5627 Murray, UT (801) 733-5627 P o c at e l lo l i f e | 101

Guys and Dolls

The Quest for Musical Theatre Broadway veteran returns home, bringing a world-class training program to aspiring actors in Eastern Idaho.

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rtsQuest, a musical theatre training program for youth age 8-19, is truly one of Pocatello’s best kept secrets. ArtsQuest (AQ) was founded in 1991 in New York City and now boasts five satellite sites: Pocatello; New Jersey; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; and, coming in 2015 the first international site, Granada, Spain. While the content and length of workshops and training differ from region to region, AQ training programs are all about musical theatre—teaching, learning, growing, stretching, networking and doing.

The Pocatello site is unique in that it currently offers the most comprehensive, condensed satellite program in the country. All workshops and courses are taught by industry professionals.

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By Mary Keating Photos courtesy of Arts Quest

Blair Bybee, a native of Pocatello and Founding Artistic Director of AQ, along with a small group of other working theatre professionals in NYC, launched ArtsQuest in 1991. The mission of the organization was to produce and create professional musical theatre productions for audiences to enjoy and to share training opportunities with local actors and creative artists.

“In the beginning, the team focused on producing mainly in NYC and Chicago,” Bybee says. “As we branched out, our emphasis shifted. With a wider focus, we brought on additional members including musical directors, university professors, past and present Broadway performers, and other working actors and production personnel. From there, we

way for my dreams to become a reality. But no program existed, or if it did, it never visited Idaho.”

As luck would have it, Bybee is living his dream.

“I was lucky and I got local opportunities,” Bybee explains. “Those chance opportunities lead to other greater opportunities in Chicago and New York where I ultimately landed leading and featured roles in national touring productions and in original works in Chicago in their pre-Broadway runs.”

Frog and Toad branched out from our work in New York City and went into schools and locations around the country.

Our satellite programs emphasize training musical theatre performers in all aspect of the industry.”

AQ is dedicated to bringing those who teach to those who wish to learn. While workshops include a substantial amount of training, programs are also a way to provide the next step for students on their way to finding a niche in the professional world of musical theatre.

“AQ brings current Broadway and other industry professionals in contact with high school and college age students—and we are happy to do it right here in Southeast Idaho,” Bybee says.

He vowed that if he made it in the business, he would make a way for the other kids who wanted to be performers to get training, exposure, and a helping hand.

AQ is that helping hand. Since 2009, the Pocatello Summer Theatre School has seen a steady growth in numbers.

“The talent level is great in Southeast Idaho,” Bybee says. “However, there is a great deal more talent than we currently reach. If you know someone who is interested in musical theatre, we are interested in having them as a part of our summer experience. A few of our students have gone on to careers on Broadway.”

For more information about AQ programs, scholarships, investment opportunities and productions, visit their website www.artsquesttheatre.com, find them on Facebook at artsquest/Idaho or contact them by phone 208-317-8287.

Susan Lamontange, a teaching artist in the AQ family, shares a few words about why she participates in the program.

“Having come from a career as a Broadway performer, I feel that working with today’s youth in theatre arts is important for many reasons: confidence, self-awareness, body-awareness, just to name a few.

Not to mention passing on the legacy that was gifted to me by so many,” Lamontange says. “ArtsQuest allows me the opportunity to share all of these things in a safe, nurturing, honest and, most importantly, a positive environment. That is what keeps me excited about ArtsQuest.”

Like Lamontange, Bybee’s roots are in musical theatre. At an early age when other children were dreaming of becoming a fireman or other neighborhood heroes. Bybee was focused on being a performer; a song and dance man to be precise.

“I grew up watching the Carol Burnett show.

Every week I was more certain that that was my destiny, but how to get there?” Bybee says. “I looked for a program like ArtsQuest to sweep in and pave a

Frog and Toad

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Past ArtsQuest Summer Youth Shows in Pocatello, ID

2009 – Disney’s, The Jungle Book, kids 2010 – Disney’s, Mulan, Jr

Disney’s, Alice in Wonderland, kids 2012 – Disney’s, Camp Rock

Disney’s, Aristocats, kids 2013 - Disney’s, The Little Mermaid, Jr

Willy Wonka, Jr 2014 – A Year with Frog and Toad, tya

Guys and Dolls, Jr

“I am thrilled to share my work with Pocatello audiences. Arts are an important part of our local community and I am proud to give something that came from my heart and from my early dreams back to those who have been so supportive.”

—Blair Bybee, Founding Artistic Director, ArtsQuest

Blair Bybee as Director Choreographer …

Blair Bybee directed the Barry Manilow Cabaret in New York City. His work as a director/choreographer has been recognized on regional and national levels by both the College Theatre and the College Dance Associations, as well as other regional theatre associations. He is a recipient of Dance Magazine’s: Young Choreographer of the Year award. Shows include: Hairspray, 25thAnnual- Spelling Bee, Into The Woods, Disney’s High School Musical, Anything Goes, Footloose, Godspell, Crazy for You, Gypsy, Just one World, 42nd Street, Forever Plaid and Urinetown. He spent three years as a Guest Artist with the Tarkio College Dance Company. While in residence, his concert work, Opposing Stillness, was chosen for the National Gala Performance for the American College Dance Festival.

And, creator of Musical Theatre Shows…

Bybee is also consummate performer having portrayed the role of Skimbleshanks for over two years in CATS. Other musical roles include: Gilligan in Gilligan’s Island, The Musical (Written and Produced by Sherwood Schwartz); Pippin in Pippin; and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors; and most recently he sang and danced the role of Bobby in Crazy for You. Other stage: Merchant of Venice, The Odd Couple – Female Version, Greater Tuna, Romance/Romance, Tintypes, Baby, The Wiz. Film: Where the Night Begins (debut at Venice Film Festival), Brothers and Sisters Starring Franco Nero). Bybee portrayed Barnum Brown in T-Rex; A Dinosaur in Hollywood produced by the BBC 1 and broadcast on Animal Planet. He also has Video Industrials and TV commercials to his credit.

In the last three years Bybee has written, released and produced two new original musicals. Cowpokes and Petticoats is a delightful western romp where two couples discover love and friendship while singing a fun catalogue of older country songs from the 1930s – ‘50s. His original show, musical arrangements by Jason Bartosic, has had two successful seasons of performances, first in West Yellowstone, MT at the Pinecone Theatre and again at the Mack’s Inn Playhouse in Island Park, ID. Cowpokes and Petticoats is currently slated for a workshop production in New York City in 2015.

Bybee has taught musical theatre and dance at Tarkio College in Missouri, Columbia College in Chicago, and Central Washington University in Washington. He has been the Artistic Director for Grand Street Theatre and Idaho Summer Repertory. Bybee also tirelessly contracts around the country directing and choreographing shows, as well as being a Guest Artist at various colleges and universities. In addition to his other projects he is currently the Artistic Director for ArtsQuest Theatricals in New York City.

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In addition to acting, directing, choreographing and continuous learning, story-telling has been a lifelong passion for Bybee. More specifically, he wanted to learn how to take an idea from a basic concept to the stage and make it good.

“Telling the story has always been my passion,” Bybee says. “And, I wanted to create the story being told. I had always been a closet writer, never sharing my work because of fear of criticism or the reality of it just not being good work. However the longer I was in the business, the more I began to realize I was capable of writing theatre equal to that being produced and so the story begins.”

His most recent story is David and the Giant.

Bybee’s latest work is an all original musical based on the David and Goliath story from the Old Testament.

“It is a fun telling of this classic tale using live action and puppets as the characters,” Bybee says.

“Audiences have enjoyed the whimsy and the reality of seeing a nine and half foot Giant battle the boy David.”

David and the Giant had its premiere this season at the Moorlyn Family Theatre in Ocean City, NJ and is looking to go on tour following its New York City run again slated for 2015.

The cast of David and the Giant

Coming to Pocatello - An Original Production on Stage …

ArtsQuest will produce David and the Giant in Pocatello, Idaho in 2015.

“I am thrilled to share my work with Pocatello audiences,” Bybee says. “Arts are an important part of our local community and I am proud to give something that came from my heart and from my early dreams back to those who have been so supportive.”

At the time of printing, the date and location of David and the Giant were not available. Watch the ArtsQuest website, www.artsquesttheatre.com, like them on Facebook at artsquest/Idaho or watch for more information in local media.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 105

: p o t S Next

n w o t h Toot Going to the dentist is a fun experience for patients of Dr. McWhorter and Dr. Stoddard.

By Lisa Jensen

Photos by Brooke Richardson

I

t takes a special person to be a pediatric dentist. You have to have patience, the skill to work on small mouths and it helps if you love kids. You can check off all of the above when comparing that list to Dr. Garth Stoddard. A Pocatello native, Dr. Stoddard graduated high school right here from Highland High, and knew from the start exactly what he wanted to do.

Pediatric dentistry is a specialty that other dentists usually decide upon after experiencing it during rotations in dental school but, as Dr. Stoddard says, “I always wanted to do pediatric dentistry. I knew if I was going to do dentistry, that’s what I’m here for.”

After earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Case Western University and his specialty training in pediatrics from Nova Southwestern University, Dr. Stoddard had practices in Colorado and Twin Falls. In 2012, he followed his heart to come back home to Pocatello where he joined Dr. McWhorter at Toothtown. With his extraordinary ability to talk to kids on their level and put them at ease, Dr. Stoddard has been a welcome and valuable addition to the practice.

Parents appreciate him just as much as the kids do. When asked about his philosophy on pediatric dentistry, he responds with a smile, “I’ll do whatever Mom wants me to do. Parents know their kids better than anyone so if I can do what they’re asking, I’ll do it.”

Dr. Stoddard possesses a patience and rapport with kids that most parents don’t even have, and sometimes that includes the really young ones.

“The ADA has now recommended that kids start visiting the dentist at 12 months,” explains office manager Debi Swanson. “So our doctors will see them at 12 months, but kids start teething at 3 or 4 months, so we’ll

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Pediatric Dentistry |

see them that young if Mom and Dad feel there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Visits at that age tend to be short ones, but it introduces the kids to the dentist and gives them a head start on good oral hygiene.”

The arrival of Dr. Stoddard at Dentistry for Kids ushered in a period of change that is still going on. Having been known as Dentistry for Kids, the practice officially changed the name to “Toothtown Dentistry for Kids Pocatello.” That change included redoing the office’s logo which made its debut on the signage and business cards in August 2014.

The addition of iPads and televisions was another change Toothtown has seen in the past year.

“It’s an effective way to keep the kids occupied during checkups and procedures,” explains Swanson. “Our iPads are only in the waiting room area. So they can play before going to see the dentist for a cleaning or work that needs to be done. While they are in the chair they have the option to watch television or listen to music. ”There will soon be a couple of extra chairs at Toothtown for cleanings and fillings, as well, and the staff is remodeling an office area in the back of the building to provide more privacy for the in-house sedations and surgeries that they’ve always done.

“It will provide a nice, quiet space that’s out of the way for those more involved procedures,” Swanson says.

When a child starts out with a dentist just as her teeth are coming in, it’s understandable that she would get attached. Swanson says that while some kids start to consider making the move to an “adult” dentist around the age of 14, most of their patients want to stay as long as they can, so doctors Stoddard and McWhorter will see patients up to 19 years of age. Even then, the Toothtown staff hates to see them move on. The connection patients make with the doctors, the hygienists and the office personnel goes both ways.

“Everyone here is just amazing, all experts at working with kids” Swanson proudly says. “We just want them to be happy and healthy.”

The authenticity of the affinity and care Dr. Stoddard and staff have for patients is tangible. “I never get frustrated with the kids. The dentist isn’t fun for most of them, so you love them while they’re in the chair and get through it and send them on their way.”

With a big, healthy smile courtesy of Toothtown.

208.237.1567

625 E. Alameda, Pocatello ID. www.dentistryforkidsdocmcwhorter.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 107

l a t s o P g n i Go Pocatello’s past (and future) is intricately tied to the U.S. Postal Service.

Story and Photos By Mark Mendiola

108 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

T

he discovery of gold in the Idaho territory in 1860 brought the first surge of settlers to the region, transforming the Portneuf Valley into an important conduit for transporting freight, merchandise and mail. Although thousands of immigrants had previously traversed the area, it was gold fever that lured permanent residents in large numbers.

As pioneers and gold miners also traveled the Oregon Trail, they passed through the Portneuf Gap south of what is now Pocatello. Stage and freight lines and the railroad soon followed, ultimately turning “Pocatello Junction” into a major trade center, transportation intersection and postal hub.

Even today, Pocatello is called the “Gate City” or the “Gateway to the Northwest” because of its strategic location along the Portneuf River where it emerges from the mountains onto the Snake River Plain.

In 1877, Jay Gould—a financier who came to own Union Pacific Railroad— acquired and extended the Utah and Northern Railway, which previously ended at the Utah border, into Idaho through the Portneuf Gap. Pocatello Junction was founded as a stop along the route during the gold rush and became a significant crossroads.

After the gold rush abated, the region began to attract ranchers and farmers.

The settlers who remained turned to agriculture. With the help of irrigation from the nearby Snake River, the region became a large supplier of potatoes, grain and other crops, requiring more transportation services.

By 1882, the first residences and commercial development appeared in Pocatello, and in 1889 it was founded as a city. With a railroad infrastructure in place and stage lines running, mail was expeditiously handled.

Nearly a century later, Pocatello absorbed nearby Alameda in 1962 and briefly became the largest city in Idaho, ahead of Boise. It now ranks fifth behind Boise, Nampa, Meridian and Idaho Falls.

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad notes that with main Union Pacific rail lines running through the city, Interstates 15 and 86 intersecting here and a major regional airport operating west of town, the Gate City is of strategic importance as a postal distribution center that covers 16 counties in eastern and central Idaho. Its location halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Salt Lake City also is significant.

The Pocatello postal distribution center on Flandro Drive employs about 80 people, tremendously benefits the regional economy and is one of the leading centers of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, Blad emphasizes. It guarantees next day mail delivery spanning a territory that goes to the Utah, Wyoming and Montana borders and stretches from Malad to Salmon and points in between.

The sorting center’s efficiency ranks high, the mayor notes. Its first class overnight mail and first class two day deliveries run at 96.2 percent and 97.1 percent efficiencies, respectively. About 88.5 percent of area residential customers rate their mail experience as good.

“The benefit of having this is all of eastern Idaho is covered by the sorting center,” Blad says, adding it ensures

John Paige, president of the Idaho State Association of Letter Carriers, stands outside Pocatello’s main post office on Clark Street.

Pocatello and surrounding communities enjoy customer service like larger cities, putting them on a level playing field.

“We are capable of getting first class mail overnight. Pocatello and Salmon have the same service as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles.”

Blad puts the annual U.S. Postal Service payroll in Pocatello at $2.5 million, which multiplies out, creating a major economic impact. Small businesses benefit from the convenience of next day deliveries provided by the distribution center, too. Rural communities also are not overlooked, he says.

Pocatellan John Paige serves as president of the Idaho State Association of Letter Carriers, which has 750 members.

He has witnessed many changes the nearly 40 years he has worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Pocatello.

The old Post Office in downtown Pocatello at Arthur and Lewis was moved to the Clark Street location in about 1965.

The Alameda, Chubbuck and Pine Ridge Mall post offices all have been closed in recent years.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 109

And while mail carriers are looking out for our communities, the USPS is looking out for our military veterans. Military vets are given preferential consideration when they apply for a job with the post office.

Lanae Parkin and her son Scott Parkin both work for the Postal Service in Pocatello. She has worked nine years as a mail processing clerk. He started three years ago as a postal support employee and has worked as a career employee since April, servicing customers from behind a counter.

The Parkins say the Pocatello distribution center processes nearly 534,000 or close to half a million pieces of mail a day.

Destiny Lynch picks up her mail from a mail box at the Clark Street post office in Pocatello.

At one time, the main Post Office on Clark Street served as a distribution center, but the needed mail handling equipment was so large it was moved to the Flandro Drive site that opened in 1990, processing mail from as far away as Salmon.

“It worked out really well,” Paige says, noting the distribution center has had a tremendously positive economic impact in the region. Idaho State University saves significant sums of money because of the efficient mail service and lower rates provided by the center.

Pocatello postal employees and their families are a boon to the local economy, including Idaho State University, where their children attend, the Parkins say. Fifty employees at the distribution center with an average annual salary of $50,000 pay an estimated $175,000 in income taxes, $834,000 in sales taxes and at least $7,500 in fuel taxes. Including their spouses, that amounts to a conservative $302,700 that Idaho receives in revenue, they note.

Pocatello’s legacy as a pulsating regional postal distribution center stems back many decades. That major service has maintained a high quality of life in eastern Idaho and contributed to a profound economic impact in the region, benefiting literally tens of thousands of Idahoans.

So the next time you get your mail, think of the impact the Postal Service has had on our community. Thank your mail carrier and be glad we still have reliable mail delivery.

The U.S. Postal Service provides next day service to rural areas without charging extra as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution.

Private overnight carriers are not keen on delivering to outlying, remote areas, Paige observes.

“For us, Shoup is the same as Pocatello or Salt Lake City,” he says. “We just want to provide service to the people of this area at the best possible price.”

Mail carriers conduct annual food drives and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods, often looking out for elderly residents who otherwise have little contact with others, Paige says. They also frequently give directions when asked.

110 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

A mail carrier delivers envelopes in a Pocatello residential neighborhood.

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Expanding

Knowledge

Idaho State’s Physician Assistant Studies program partners with The College of Idaho.

By Krystoff Kissoon Photos by Bethany Baker and Chris Gabettas

I

daho State University has expanded one of its most successful graduate programs—the two-year Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program—to The College of Idaho, helping ease the state’s critical shortage of primary care providers.

The ISU Division of Health Sciences added the 12 seats to its M.P.A.S. Program this fall, thanks to a partnership unique to higher education in Idaho, according to officials from both institutions.

The partnership—which draws upon the resources and health-science expertise of ISU and C of I—is designed to meet the continuing demand for physician assistants in the Northwest and improve access to health care in underserved communities.

Physician assistants or P.A.s are highly-skilled health professionals who work under the supervision of a physician to provide 114 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

New student orientation in Caldwell in August patient care services, including physical examinations, diagnosing and patient treatment. They work in all medical specialties from primary care and therapy to psychiatry.

“We train P.A.s not just for Idaho but for the entire region,” says Paula Phelps, Program Director and Chair of ISU’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies. “Recent studies suggest the Northwest and our surrounding states will not be able to put out enough physician assistants to meet the rising needs,” she adds.

The Idaho Department of Labor predicts the Gem State’s need for P.A.s will increase by more than 40 percent by 2018.

By adding the 12 seats in Caldwell, the number of P.A. graduates in Idaho will increase to 72 a year—up from 60. Thirty students currently attend classes at ISU’s main campus in Pocatello and another 30

Physicans | at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center.

Classrooms at all three sites are linked seamlessly through sophisticated distance-learning technology.

In 2014, Forbes Magazine ranked the M.P.A.S. degree the No. 1 master’s degree for jobs in the country with a 38 percent projected job growth rate over the next decade. Analysts say the rising demand is due to the nation’s lack of primary care doctors and too few seats in medical schools.

The shortage is further exacerbated by a retiring physician workforce, an aging U.S. population and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act which has increased the number of people seeking health services.

ISU’s P.A. program is the only one in the state and draws more than 50 percent of each incoming class from Idaho. It’s also a popular program nationwide, attracting students from numerous states this year, including Alaska, Utah, Oregon and Virginia.

Last year, the P.A. program received over 600 applications for the 72 seats. The number is up 17 percent for the current admission cycle which ends Nov. 1, says Phelps.

Mike Watrobka, who attends class in Pocatello, says he chose ISU because the values and mission of the program align with his desire to work directly with patients.

Previously involved in the development of new medical technologies, he wanted to move to the patient-care side of the industry. “The physician assistant program provided the perfect opportunity,” he says.

We are focused on you!

First-year students like Watrobka spend their first year in classroom study. Their second year is spent in clinical rotations throughout Idaho and the nation.

Phelps attributes the success of the program to top-notch faculty and the 300 volunteer preceptors who provide specialized, hands-on training for students at clinics and hospitals.

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Since it was launched in 1995, ISU’s M.P.A.S. Program has graduated 18 classes and contributed 621 physician assistants, a number program leaders expect will increase with the growing demand for physician assistants.

Call us today to discuss treating cataracts and astigmatism in one procedure.

Krystoff Kissoon is a writing intern in the ISU Office of Marketing and Communications.

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www.poceyecare.com P o c at e l lo l i f e | 115

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Board-certified Mark Capener M.D 116 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

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A Tale of Two T’s Two local events bring awareness to the battle against breast cancer.

By Alisa Clickenger Photos By Brooke Richardson

T

here’s a Tale of Two T’s in Southeast Idaho, and each year the Drive for the Cure is at the heart of it. The first “T” is the Tee-off for the Think Pink Golf Tournament. Held annually at the Juniper Hills Country Club in Pocatello. The Think Pink Golf Tournament is a fundraiser from which proceeds are used to promote breast cancer awareness and provide mammograms for women who may not otherwise be screened.

The Think Pink Golf Tournament celebrates its 13th year in 2015. Each year the event raises funds for 300 to 400 mammograms which are made available for women who are either uninsured or unable to meet their deductible. The screenings take place at the Portneuf Medical Center or at Idaho Medical Imaging, both in Pocatello.

Competitors at the Think Pink Golf Tournament play in a six man scramble. There’s an optional fun game to pay for a possible hole in one on the par three, and everybody cheerfully participates to add to the proceeds. If they come through with the donation, they are given a hole in one. There is Italian food and wine, a raffle for items such as massages, facials and other goods and services.

Patricia Farrell started the Drive for the Cure Foundation that puts on the Think Pink Golf Tournament.

Farrell, a mother of four boys, knows first hand how important early screening and cancer prevention is. Farrell is a two-time cancer survivor, and a woman to be admired. She was first diagnosed in 1998 and given a five percent change of survival.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 117

“I started Drive for the Cure as a fundraiser to fund an annual Breast Cancer Awareness event held during breast cancer awareness month in October,” explains Farrell. “The first Think Pink Golf Tournament was held in September of 2001. We raised about $13,000. Judy Holmes, who arranged [the event] for this each year died a few months after the October awareness campaign. She was a breast cancer warrior and the disease took her life. I am a breast cancer survivor and I picked up the reins.”

The second “T” is the Pink Tea, the Drive for the Cure’s free annual event for cancer survivors.

The Pink Tea is a celebration of the lives of survivors, their supporters and also family members. There is music, a few words of wisdom, and even a celebratory song for those that are no longer with us. It is a lovely ceremony complete with champagne toasts.

The Pink Tea grows every year, and now offers the luncheon Tea to almost 200 women. Farrell hates to turn folks away, yet the numbers increase every year making it important for participants to register early. The Tea is funded in part by the Pink Tee event, and local businesses sponsor and decorate the tables at the Tea. There’s a pink theme, pretty flowers, door prizes, and special touches for folks who aren’t doing so well.

“This an event held to honor survivors, remember people who have not survived breast cancer, and show appreciation to people who support those with the disease,” says Farrell. “The first year we had about 100 participants and things grew very quickly in subsequent years. Now we have about 170 people who attend the event and we fill our venue. I don’t want to move to another site to accommodate increased numbers because I like the intimacy of our event and I am very happy to see people getting acquainted and supporting one another,” says Farrell.

The Think Pink Golf Tournament is always held the Monday after Labor Day and the Pink Tea event is held mid-October every year.

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The Drive for the Cure is dedicated to providing free Mammograms to women who may not otherwise be screened. In order to qualify for a mammogram, a woman must be uninsured or unable to meet her deductible. Call (208) 233-3000 or (208) 239-1500 to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.

Mammograms are provided in Pocatello at: Portneuf Medical Center - 777 Hospital Way Idaho Medical Imaging

- 1151 Hospital Way, Building B

Mammograms are also provided in rural areas of Southeast Idaho on The Portneuf Medical Center Mobile Mammography Coach.

Drive for the Cure is a charitable organization and donations are welcome. If you would like to donate, checks payable to Drive for the Cure may be mailed to: Drive for the Cure, c/o Portneuf Healthcare Foundation, 500 South 11th Avenue, Suite 503, Pocatello, Idaho 83201

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Big Crush

From used cars and trains, to soda cans and curtain rods, all things metal get a new life after visiting Pacific Recycling.

W

hen you think “recycling,” it’s likely that hides and fur don’t enter the picture. However, it was in that branch of commerce that Pacific Recycling got its start in 1869-1870, as Pacific Hide and Fur Depot. Fast forward to 2014, and you’ll see that the company has developed into a steel and recycling corporation spanning across nine northwestern states including a branch in Alberta, Canada.

Pacific Steel and Recycling is one of the remaining true family businesses.

Mike Kempel, manager of the Pocatello branch, is the third generation in his family to be working at Pacific. His grandfather was with the company when it was still a hide and fur depot; Kempel’s father joined the company when he started dating his mother; and Kempel has worked with 120 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Pacific for over 30 years, getting his start while still in junior high.

“I started in the seventh grade, I couldn’t operate any of the equipment, but I did work labor every summer. Then I officially came on board when I was 18,” Kempel says.

Making the jump from hides and fur to steel and recycling might not seem like a logical one but, seeing a need during World War I for metal to build war ships, the company added scrap metal to the hides and furs it was already selling. Because profits weren’t keeping up with other areas of the business, the hide and fur division slowly phased out. In the early 1950, Pacific added new steel to the mix and became the steel and recycling specialists you know today.

Between the 46 branches presently in operation, Pacific Steel sells almost 65,000 tons of new steel each year, and Pacific Recycling processes roughly 500,000 tons of ferrous and nonferrous scrap products annually. Additionally, the Pocatello branch

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

is a major regional processor for Southeast Idaho, handling the bulk of unprepared scrap metal from Twin Falls, Burley, Idaho Falls and Pocatello.

Pacific Recycling came to Pocatello in late 1978. The hide and fur business had already been phased out and the company continued to focus on recycling and steel.

The company acquired an existing plant here and, naturally, recycled it. With millions of dollars in large, specialized equipment, the Pocatello branch can process anything from paper to aluminum, copper, brass, steel, iron and even freon removal. Cars, trucks and old farm equipment make up a significant amount of the larger pieces the Pocatello branch handles.

“Sometimes people bring in cars, but a lot of times they’ll call us for a pick-up and we’ll haul them away. They give us the title, and we give them a receipt and pay them cash,” Kempel says.

in addition to shearing unprepared scrap iron. It can process 30 to 40 tons of metal per hour. It’s large enough that cars and trucks can fit into the hopper without having to be cut up by the shears first.”

Shay McNabb preparing the wheels To get an idea of business as usual on a typical day, Kempel revealed the process of breaking down a car for recycling.

“When we process vehicles, the first thing that has to be done is to drain them of all the fluids. Casey Evans operates our drain rack, and he takes the coolant, motor oil and fuel out of the cars, then Emerald Services picks those up for recycling. Mercury switches are removed, and so are the batteries. We take the lead from the battery cables, remove the weights from the wheels and go entirely through the car to make sure there’s nothing inside.”

Hybrid cars may save on gas and be easier on the environment, but when it’s time to break one down, they initially presented an unforeseen danger.

“Hybrids have extra batteries behind the back seat which caused a lot of fires when those types of cars first started being processed,” explains Kempel. “It’s because no one knew to look for a second battery and remove it. That’s a lot of stored energy and, when you arc it over, it starts on fire.”

Once a car has been properly drained and thoroughly stripped, what’s left of the automobile is ready to be crushed into cubes.

“Monty Winter operates the Metso guillotine shear that the cars and other items to be scrapped are sent through. It works kind of like a big Veg-O-Matic,” Kempel describes. “It’s a 1,000-ton guillotine shear that makes logs and bales out of automobiles

The torch cutting through the ultra-thick metal

For larger pieces, Pacific Recycling does have large and mid-sized shears that cut up items such as a D8 Cat as easily as scissors cut aluminum foil. Occasionally, as in the case of an old rail car, some parts are too much for even shears to handle. In those instances, Chaney Atwood gets to take his torch to the ultra-thick metal of the wheels and axles, cutting through them like a hot knife through butter.

Without the need to chop up a car, though, Pacific has a piece of equipment that is a giant version of a carnival claw game. The 944 crane’s operator, Randy Hansen, works the machinery’s hooks like a gigantic hand, picking up stripped cars and deftly dropping them into the Metso’s hopper. A neat cube approximately onequarter of the size of the original vehicle emerges out of the chute at the other end. The car cube then goes through the shredder.

metal varying from old kitchen appliances to whole locomotives and everything in between. As Kempel says, “If it’s metal, we can settle.”

With a mission of being responsible stewards of the environment and providing solutions for customers, Pacific utilizes their equipment and expertise to assist local businesses that produce scrap metal, and to area farms to help clean up things that are no longer of use.

“In a matter of 20 seconds the shredder takes a complete automobile and chops it up into pieces about the size of your fist,” says Kempel. “We have two 3,500 h/p automobile shredders in Billings, MT and Mayfield, ID, and they’re both equipped with downstream sorting systems that separate all of the scrap metal from the garbage and fluff. The garbage and fluff goes through another sorting that separates it all out: insulated copper, computer boards, quarters, nickels, dimes and aluminum.”

Although Pacific has the equipment to recycle remarkably large items, they routinely take anything Mike Kempel stands in front of excavator mounted scrap metal shears.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 121

Mike Kempel maintains that it’s a strategy that serves the company as well as the employees.

“We have a fleet of semis, and we routinely drop off empty bins and pick up full ones from commercial businesses including the mines in the Soda Springs area,” says Kempel. “We also have a small excavator and we’ll go out to farms where ‘grandpa’ has saved everything for 50 years and haul off the old, unusable equipment. We assist with the demolition of buildings, too, such as the Ash Grove Plant and we’ll haul away the scrap metal.”

Given that Kempel stresses the three most important things during the recycling process to be safety, safety and safety, Pacific will only help demolish one- and two-story buildings as they don’t have the proper equipment for structures larger than that.

“If we can’t do it safely, we won’t do it at all.”

With an eye toward safety, Pacific Recycling has opened up its facility to the local firefighters for training purposes.

“They come in and load up junked 122 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

vehicles with dummies, and our equipment operators will turn the cars or trucks, even buses sometimes, on their sides or their roofs to simulate a crash. The firefighters use them to practice rescue procedures. They burn them sometimes, too, so they can practice putting them out,” says Kempel.

Assisting firefighters isn’t the only way in which Pacific gets involved in local communities.

“Giving back to the community is so important to the company. We’ve given to the Wayne Taysom Fishing Pond and donate to the Pocatello Zoo, and I’m even on the zoo’s board of directors as well as the Trucking Advisory Council for the State of Idaho and a member of Rotary. We give to the Greenway Foundation and support local schools. We’ve even been made Honorary Rams by Highland High School,” Kempel says, proudly pointing to a plaque prominently displayed in the front office that bears the image of Highland’s mascot.

Along with serving the communities it does business in, Pacific Recycling recognizes the importance of treating their employees well. It was as early as the 1930s that Pacific began awarding company stock to employees, and in the mid-80s it became a 100 percent employee-owned business.

“There are 21 employees here (in Pocatello) and 80 percent of them are fully-vested. When people have a stake in the company they work for, they tend to stick around. The people here have an average of 13 years of service,” Kempel reveals. “Plus, the quality of work is better, they make better decisions. Every decision they make all day long, they’re making for themselves as well as the whole company.”

Watching the crew at Pacific Recycling work together, from the resourceful office staff to the skilled large equipment operators, two things stand out: the constant professionalism displayed by all and the fondness and familiarity that unites them.

Pacific may have started out literally as a family business, with aunts, uncles and cousins all being hired on, but a familial atmosphere continues on today, even though the employee base has grown beyond relatives.

“We’re like a big family,” Kempel says.

“The managers’ meetings are like a big fraternity, and the employees are like my family. We protect each other. I look out for them, and they look out for me. If I step out into the yard without a hardhat, I get yelled at by an employee, as I should, just as we all would help another employee correct the situation if they were doing something unsafe, or that would damage a piece of equipment. We all truly look out for each other’s safety and strive to do as much work as efficiently as possible.”

Have something that needs recycling? Contact Pacific Steel & Recycling and turn your trash into cash.

3575 Hwy 30 West 208-233-7720 pacific-steel.com

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RAPID CITY

IDAHO FALLS

CASPER/MILLS

BURLEY ROCK SPRINGS

ELKO

SALT LAKE CITY GRAND JUNCTION

After nearly 100 years of continuously being in business, there’s no arguing that Pacific Recycling’s commitment to values, safety, their employees and the communities it serves is a recipe for success that works.

“We focus on our mission and our values every day,” says Kempel. “And that serves our vision of being the best employee-owned company in the world. We want everybody to earn a good living and go home safe. It’s a terrific big ‘little’ company to work for.”

Casey Evans draining fluids from a car before it heads off to be recycled.

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Can Do!

If you grow a garden, learning to preserve your harvest is a must.

T

Story and Photos by Karleigh Deeds

here is something absolutely divine about sinking your teeth into a juicy, red homegrown tomato. You can practically taste the sunshine as each bite bursts with flavor.

It makes you never want to taste a watery store-bought tomato ever again. Actually, nearly all food grown in a small garden tastes infinitely better than the store-bought variety.

Maybe it’s the labor of love you’ve put into amending the soil, sowing the earth, weeding, watering and waiting. It could simply be that harvesting food when it’s ready (not artificially ripening it) and eating it while it’s still at its peak of freshness just produces better flavor. Whatever the reason, the last thing you want to do as a gardener is waste your produce.

Preserving Your Harvest

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to preserve your food is through canning. There are two methods of canning—a water bath and a pressure cooker. While the pressure cooker method seals your jars more quickly, you do have to have special equipment (e.g. a pressure cooker) to get the job done. The water bath method simply requires a large pot and water, but it does take up more time.

Either way, the most time consuming part of canning is the prep work.

Other ways to preserve your harvest include freezing and drying.

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Prep Work

It’s typically best to harvest and process your food all in one day, if you can. This preserves freshness and keeps pesky fruit flies away (which can mysteriously pop up if you leave fresh fruit and veg on the counter for just a few days). Start by harvesting as much ripe food as you can. If you plan on canning, you’ll want to make sure you have enough produce to fill your water bath (either 7 quart jars or 8 pint jars per bath). I’ve noticed that a five gallon bucket of tomatoes is more than enough for a full water bath.

Most produce needs to be blanched before it’s canned or frozen— this includes (but is not limited to), tomatoes, peaches, zucchini, crooked neck squash, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.

Blanching food is simply dropping your produce into boiling water for about 30 seconds to one minute (corn takes about 5 minutes) and then quickly transferring it to ice cold water. For foods with a thin skin (like tomatoes and peaches) this is the best way to peel them—leave them whole for blanching, cut them up after peeling. For foods like squashes and beans, this process inactivates the enzymes that cause mushiness and discoloration. You’ll want to cut up your most of your produce before blanching— sliced or cubed zucchini, chopped broccoli and cauliflower, trimmed green beans, etc.

Canning

If you’ve never done canning before you may want to recruit someone to help you your first time through or consider taking a canning class at the U of I Extension Center (208) 236-7310. The big issue with canning is the potential for botulism. But rest assured, people have been canning for generations and most of the time things turn out just fine. The key is to keep things sanitized!

You’ll want to make sure your jars,lids and rings are clean and sanitized. To sanitize, boil your rings and lids in a small saucepan and dip your clean jars into boiling water just before filling them. Fill your jars with as much fruit as you can leaving about ½ inch headspace at the top—tomatoes will require 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Top off with water, release any air bubbles, wipe the top and neck of the jar with a clean wet towel and top with a lid. Screw on the ring, but not too tight. Place the jars into the water bath, adjust water so there’s about an inch of water above all the jars and bring to a boil. Boiling times depend on what’s in the jar, the size of jar, and your elevation.

If you’re using a pressure cooker, you may want to adjust the order of things just a tad. Some people recommend putting the jars into the pressure canner and then adding water and heating to boil. If you choose this method make sure your jars are cool. Never put cold jars into hot water or vice versa—they will break. Don’t forget to vent your pressure canner. When the canner is up to pressure, process at 10 pounds for 10 minutes. Turn off heat after 10 minutes and wait ‘until the pressure drops to zero before removing the lid.

When it’s time to remove your jars, tilt them slightly to remove any excess water from the top and set them on a towel—never place hot jars directly on a cold counter or you might have an explosion—not fun. Then sit back, relax and wait for that beautiful “pop” sound of the jar sealing.

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BLANCH, COOL, CUT , BAG, DATE, DONE!

Freezing Produce

Another method that has been gaining popularity over the years and is quick, is freezing. There are some foods though, that just don’t freeze well and you end up losing some flavor when it comes time to reheat them. However, if you’re short on time and long on freezer space, this method might work best for you.

Freezing food is so simple it can be summed up in a few words: cut, blanch, bag, date, done!

Drying

Some items from the garden keep best when they’re harvested and dried out for a bit before being stored. Onions and garlic are key examples of this. It’s time to harvest your onions when the tops start to turn brown. Dig or pull up your crop, leaving the greens attached, then let them dry in a warm space (full sunlight, greenhouse, a shed, etc.) for about 2 to 3 weeks or until the skins get papery. Same goes for garlic, except you’ll want to cure it in a dry shady space (sunlight can actually alter the flavor of garlic). Trim the tops and store in a cool, dry place (I like the bottom drawer of my husband’s beer fridge).

Now I know we’re in Idaho and all of us are supposed to know a thing or two about potatoes, but just in case you didn’t know, here are a few tips we’ve discovered when dealing with potatoes. Keep the dirt on them, don’t rinse them. We grow red, yellow and blue potatoes and store them in a potato/gunny sack for about 3 months. For longer storage I recommend a cool, dark, dry space—again, my husband’s beer fridge is wonderful for this.

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Gardening and canning is a lot of fun, especially if you can get your family involved.

Here at the Deeds’ household we grow a large variety of food from Romanesco Broccoli, over 15 varieties of sweet and hot peppers including the Ghost Pepper (arguably one of the hottest peppers on earth), three types of onions, corn (of course—my husband is from Nebraska), potatoes (of course—I’m from Idaho!), beans, tomatoes, tomatillos, squash, carrots, radishes, greens of all sorts, to peaches, pears, plums, and apples.

At harvest time, my counters are overflowing with produce. It’s a lot work, but I’m so incredibly thankful when in the dead of winter I can go to my cupboard, pop open a jar of tomatoes and taste the sunshine once again.

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Tempt Your Tastebuds

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

The Brass Rail offers affordable fine dining and in an upscale atmosphere.

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hen the occasion calls for more than fast-food fare and drive-thru ambiance, you typically have to forego luxuries and even sometimes less vital necessities to make room in the budget. You can have your steak and eat it too, however, when you celebrate your special events at the Brass Rail inside Pocatello’s Clarion Inn.

Not your run-of-the-mill hotel diner, the Brass Rail Steakhouse more than lives up to its name with a full menu of steakhouse staples including rib eyes, sirloins, New York strips and a tender prime rib prepared especially for Fridays and Saturdays. Jerry Dietz, Executive Chef at the Brass Rail, explains that he saves the prime for weekends because of the special seven-hour roasting process he uses.

Beef isn’t the only thing for dinner at the Brass Rail. For those who prefer surf to turf, the impressive seafood menu includes Alaskan Salmon, Idaho Ruby Red Trout and Calamari Dinner or a Shrimp Dinner. Chef Dietz also offers a selection of chicken dishes and several pastas on the menu such as the savory Beef, Mushroom Fettuccine, Cajun Chicken Fettuccine , and our tasty Waikiki Chicken. And that’s all in addition to succulent choice burgers, an extensive hors d’oeuvres menu and so many delectable desserts, you’ll have a tough time deciding which one will be the perfect finish to your meal. Your best bet is to order the signature Chocolate Thunder brownie sundae after dinner, and order a slice of the sweet and creamy Apple Caramel Cheesecake to go.

Although it’s a steakhouse, The Brass Rail is open for breakfast and lunch, too—and breakfast is served all day! Add in a full children’s menu to cater to the kiddos, and you’ve just found Pocatello’s perfect place for fabulous food for the whole family.

So whether you have a hankerin’ for pancakes or French toast and eggs over-easy at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m., you can get them at the Rail. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Brass Rail Steakhouse has the delicious food and relaxing atmosphere to enhance your next special occasion, or even to make an occasion out of any ordinary meal.

Review:

After 4 days of eating there I was quite impressed with the quaint atmosphere. It is a hotel restaurant but offers a great menu and excellent presentation.

The Beef & Mushroom Fettuccine is my favorite but the Prime Rib Special on the weekends is hard to beat !! If you’re staying at the Clarion, you’re in good hands.

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1399 Bench St. Pocatello, ID 208.637.6591 brassrailsteakhouse.com M - Su 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5 to 10 p.m.

Chef Says:

You’ll always get fresh appetizing food at the Brass Rail Steakhouse but, with over 35 years in the business, Executive Chef Jerry Dietz knows that keeping the menu fresh is just as important.

“We’ll be changing up the menu this fall,” Dietz says. “We’ll be adding some new gourmet burgers, flatbread pizzas, a few new pasta dishes and we’ll be introducing some new chicken dinners, too.”

One item that he’s especially eager to add to the new menu is the tortilla wraps.

“We’ve never offered wraps before, so those, along with the flatbread pizzas, will be a new experience for our customers.”

A Taste of Texas Texas Roadhouse serves big, bold flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere.

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erek Ellis has worked in nine different states and 24 restaurants for Texas Roadhouse over the past 10 years before settling in Pocatello slightly more than a year ago to manage their successful restaurant here.

“Take care of your people and your people will take care of you,” Ellis says, crediting Texas Roadhouse’s robust business to all the food being homemade from scratch, and phenomenal employees. His Pocatello establishment employs 110. “Our food is awesome. All our steaks are cut by hand.”

Texas Roadhouse’s fall-off-the bone ribs take three days to cook. Its dressing, chicken and salmon servings are unbelievably delicious.

Texas Roadhouse in Pocatello has been highly visible from Interstate 86 near the Chubbuck interchange for seven years.

never cut corners to sacrifice the Roadhouse experience”

A Colorado native, he attended college to be a psychologist, but loved working for Texas Roadhouse after starting with it in Greeley. Ellis has been working closely with the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce since arriving here, getting involved in a variety of activities.

Texas Roadhouse’s community involvement has included fundraisers, backing Relay for Life and “huge support” for military veterans, including free lunches on Veterans Day.

Manager Says:

Texas Roadhouse is committed to offering delicious food every day of the week. From succulent steaks to juicy pork chops and crunchy chicken crispers, your tastebuds will be delighted. Surprisingly though, enjoying food this good, won’t break the bank. “The best thing about us is we try to keep all our prices competitive,” says Derek Ellis, manager of the Pocatello Texas Roadhouse. “We will

“You can see us from the highway. We see a lot of travelers. It seems like Pocatello is a midpoint. People like to stay in motels around the area,” Ellis says.

Going on its 22nd year, Texas Roadhouse operates 411 restaurants nationwide, but it is expanding internationally with some in Dubai and Kuwait. It also is opening restaurants in Canada, Mexico and Russia. But you can always taste that down home goodness right here in Portneuf Valley.

Review:

560 Bullock St. Pocatello, ID (208) 238-7427 texasroadhouse.com M - Th. 4 to 10 p.m.; F 4 to 11p.m.; Sa. noon to 11 p.m.; Sun. noon to 10 p.m.

“This was my third Texas Roadhouse visit in the third state I have found one. Each gets better than the last! I knew their ribs were excellent, so this time I tried the BBQ chicken and pulled pork. They definitely outdid their compatriots in Montana and in Iowa! Best Ever! We had a party of 6 adults and one 2yo. EVERYBODY’s meals was a hit! We were visiting family, but part of me drove over 300 miles to go to this restaurant!” Andrew C., reviewed on TripAdvisor

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Restaurant Guide

Leat’s Eat

Fire Up Your Taste Buds

Pocatello has a wide variety of food fare to curb just about any craving. Check out a few of these fine restaurants and support the businesses that support Pocatello LIFE! AMERICAN Applebee’s pg. 133 Olivers Restaurant pg. 134 The Bridge pg. 130 BAGELS 5th St. Bagelry pg. 135 ITALIAN/PIZZA Buddy’s Italian Restaurant pg. 131 Pier 49 pg. 132 MEXICAN Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill pg. 135 El Caporal Mexican Restaurant pg. 133 El Herradero pg. 132 Mama Inez pg. 134 STEAKHOUSE Sandpiper Restaurant pg. 131

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The Bridge

American Gourmet

815 S. First Ave 208.234.7000

M - F 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.; Sa. 4 to 9 p.m.

F - Sa. Lounge open until 10 p.m.

Y

ou know The Bridge as the place to go for a fine dining experience that’s second to none. But have you tried our convenient lunches yet? We offer a fast, affordable lunch service featuring half sandwich with your choice of our bottomless cups or endless fries for $6. You can still expect fresh, local fare on our dinner menu which now has vegetarian dishes and we’ve added few special favorites as well. Come re-visit The Bridge! Our full-service lounge, featuring a wide selection of beer and wine, now has Happy Hour all night on Mondays through Wednesdays with half off appetizers.

Taster Comment

: “The Bridge is a great place to take business clients for a meeting or your significant other. I am a huge fan of the grilled turkey sandwich and the bridge burger but there are many other wonderful things on the menu as well. If you are looking for delicious food in a great atmosphere that isn’t your typical southeast Idaho bar and grill the Bridge is a great place to go.” - Layton S., reviewed on TripAdvisor

Chef Says:

“If you’re looking for inventive, gourmet meals that won’t hurt your wallet, come visit us. We’re taking a new twist on old favorites and making meals memorable.

Lucy’s Lounge is a great place to sip on your favorite cocktail, too!”

Restaurant Guide

Italian

Buddy’s Italian Restaurant 626 E. Lewis 208.233.1172

M - Th. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; F - Sa. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Steakhouse

Sandpiper Restaurant 1400 Bench Road 208.233.1000 idahosandpiper.com M - Th. 4:30 to 10 p.m.; F - Sa. 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.

S

ince 1961, family owned and operated Buddy’s has been serving excellent Italian cuisine at the same familiar location. We only use the highest grade of vegetables and meats in our menu items, ensuring the highest quality and consistency in everything we serve.

We’re proud to serve our special sauces, salad dressing, pizzas, sandwiches and homemade raviolis to the hungry patrons of Pocatello.

Taster Comment

: “Still our favorite place in Pocatello, best pizza in town, marinara to die for and great sandwiches.

The staff is mature and professional not a bunch of high school kids.

The flavors are distinct, flavorful and authentic.”

- Myron, reviewed on Yelp

Owner Says: “Buddy’s is a family tradition and we don’t

serve food that we wouldn’t serve to our own family. We only use the best ingredients. Taste the difference when you try our spaghetti, or my favorite the Sausage Sandwich.

Everything tastes great here!” - Steve Piper, owner

O

ur focus has always been our wonderful steaks and legendary prime rib; however Chef Austin has expanded our menu to include delicious fresh seafood items. We offer nightly fish and seafood specials in addition to the favorites you will find on our regular menu.

Nothing is quite as relaxing as dining on our patio during the summer and fall. For larger groups, our banquet room can seat up to 40 people; please let us help you make your special occasion even more special.

Reservations are always welcome but never required; please stop by – we look forward to serving you.

Taster Comment:

“We eat here a lot. Best steak and seafood in Southeast Idaho.

Atmosphere and the staff is the best around.”

- Rick, reviewed on Urbanspoon

Chef Says:

“Our guests have consistently bestowed us with Best Restaurant, Best Steak and Seafood, Best Fine Dining, and Best Date Place awards.

Thanks Portneuf Valley!”

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Restaurant Guide

Pizza

Mexican

El Herradero

Pier 49 Pizza

M - Sa. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

M - Th. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; F - Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

1000 Pocatello Creek Road 208.234.1414 www.pier49.com

123 Jefferson 208.233-6747 455 N. Arthur St. (208) 232-2200

S

ince 1997, El Herradero has been serving only the finest authentic Mexican cuisine. Our affordably priced menu offers a la carte items, dinners, and combos to satisfy your craving and your wallet. The friendly and efficient staff will have your food out in no time. You can expect outstanding service and excellent food at all of our locations—Jefferson, Arthur St., or 2 food trucks. Maritza Brambila, wife of Efrain Brambila Jr. helps run the Jefferson location with 10 years of experience serving our customers. So if you’re in the mood for a real Mexican meal, El Herradero is the place to be. Thank you Pocatello!

S

ince 1991, creating the gourmet pizzas you experience exclusively at Pier 49 Pizza has been a quest for perfection, the ultimate fusion of premium ingredients and culinary art. Fall in love with recipes refined to the perfect taste, texture and appeal. It is your chance to “Fall in Love with Pizza, Again.”

Taster Comment:

“Best place in town for great pizza, have eaten here since I was a kid and have never had a bad experience. Thanks Pier for feeding my family!” - ReHanna Purser, reviewed on Google

Taster Comment

:“I eat here every chance I get and every day I get paid. It’s been a favorite for me and my friends for a long time. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good restaurant. Especially Mexican food.” - Hailee Collins, reviewed on Urbanspoon

Chef Says: “I’d like to give thanks to all of our customers throughout the years and continue to invite you to El Herradero establishments. We continue to offer great authentic Mexican food from our famous Fajitas to our real Tacos and Burritos and the salsa that everybody loves. We hope to see you here!”

- Efrain Brambila, Jr., Owner 132 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Chef Says:

”Our selection of toppings and sauces is the best in town and our customer service can’t be beat. If you haven’t tried Pier 49 Pizza yet, come in and see what you’ve been missing.”

Restaurant Guide

American

Applebee’s

Mexican

El Caporal Mexican Restaurant 612 Yellowstone Ave. 208.233.9933

1411 Bench Road 208.637-0135 www.applebees.com

M - Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Su. - Th. 11 to 12 a.m.; F - Sa. 11 to 1 a.m.

A

pplebee’s is one of the country’s premier casual dining restaurants featuring new menu items, keeping the diverse menu fresh throughout the year. With our lunch combos and great happy hour half price specials, and our 2 for 20 menu options, we have something for everyone.

“See you tomorrow!”

A

t El Caporal Mexican Restaurant, we are committed to satisfying our customers with great food and excellent service. We offer a wide variety of Mexican- American dishes for lunch and dinner including combinations, specialty dinners, burritos, enchiladas and all your favorites. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it here!

Taster Comment:

Taster Says:

“My wife and I travel a bunch and try to find great Mexican food. This place is at the top! Great food served by professionals in a spotless restaurant. You won’t find better.” - Dave A., reviewed on Yelp

“Great food, great service!

Service was prompt and friendly and the food was hot and tasty. We would definitely recommend this place for a great dining experience.”

- vagabond8400, reviewed on TripAdvisor

Chef Says:

“When you come to Applebee’s you feel like you’re at a close friends house.

Our servers are friendly, the food is great and the atmosphere welcoming. Come by for a cocktail and watch your favorite game on TV. You’re always welcome!”

Chef Says:

“You haven’t tasted delicious Mexican food until you’ve been to El Caporal Mexican Restaurant. Come try our Molcajete, fajitas, or crispy chimichangas.

You’ll leave feeling full and satisfied!”

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Restaurant Guide

Mexican

Mama Inez

390 Yellowstone Ave. 208.234.7674 140 W. Chubbuck 208.237.1792 www.mamainezid.com

American

Olivers Restaurant M - Th. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; F 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sa. 12 to 10:30 p.m.; Su. 12 to 9 p.m.

W

elcome to the award-winning Mama Inez, where you are family. We’ve been a Pocatello staple since 1981. Stop in and experience our homemade food and outstanding service. We will cater or host all occasions!

130 S. 5th Ave. 208.234.0672 oliversdining.com

M - F 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sa. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Su. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

F

or over 30 years Olivers, a family owned business, has been serving up tasty breakfasts, lunch and dinner. We pride ourselves in serving only fresh, healthy, and homemade food. We proudly offer a vegetarian menu as well as full catering and deliveries for any event. Come check out our house-smoked BBQ ribs, homemade lasagna or meatloaf. Your taste buds will thank you.

Taster Comment

: “Quick, friendly and tastes amazing! Never has a bad experience at the place.

My family and I loved both the Mama Inez and Mama Inez Express for years! ” ~nivee_lady, reviewed on TripAdvisor.

Chef Says:

Our unique and award-winning food has been a staple in southeast Idaho for years. We are proud to have served the Pocatello community for over thirty years. We take great pride in our excellent service and cuisine. Our original recipes are prepared fresh daily with distinctive spices from the southwestern United States. If you haven’t tried some of our delicious Changas, Carnitas, or Margaritas, stop by and enjoy our large portions and drink specials. At Mama Inez we treat everyone like family.

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Taster Comment

: “We enjoy our food EVERY time we dine at Olivers.

Each item is made fresh, which we never mind waiting for. You must try Olivers when you have the time—breakfast lunch or dinner!” zeeb24, reviewed on TripAdvisor

Chef Says: Try our specialties: Eggs Oliver, Cobb

Salad, Chicken Fried Steak and our Juicy 1/2 pound Cheeseburger.

Restaurant Guide

Bagels

Mexican

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

5th St. Bagelry

M - Sa. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

M - F 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sa. 7 a.m to 4 p.m.

231 W. Quinn Road 208.237-5555 www.costavida.net

O

pen the door to Costa Vida restaurant in Pocatello: the sights, sounds, smells and tastes capture that unique and vibrant Baja experience leaving you energized, inspired and satisfied. Costa Vida goes to great lengths to ensure the freshest all-natural ingredients are used and prepared from scratch each day. Escape to the Baja coast!

Taster Says:

“I go to Costa Vida a lot. Love their food. It’s maybe not the most traditional Mexican I’ve ever had, but it’s very fresh. They make everything including their beans.” - Jil S., reviewed on Yelp

Restaurant Manager Nancy Scott says:

“We make everything from scratch each day. Our sweet pork is by far our customers’ favorite. For variety try the Raspberry Chipotle Chicken, the Chile Verde or a delicious shrimp salad or shrimp tacos.

Finish it off with a fresh made Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Chip Cookie!”

559 S. 5th Ave. 208.235.1311

C

ome into 5th Street Bagelry and enjoy good food, a great environment, and very good drinks. We have flavored cream cheese and sandwiches and new coffee specials every week.

Try some new flavors today!

Taster Comment

: “My husband and I go out for breakfast every first Thursday of every month. We always pick 5th Street Bagelry, even though there are other breakfast options in town. We love sitting by the mantle and playing checkers on the tables, critiquing the wall art, reading magazines, or watching the cars and people go by.

The breakfast sandwiches are delicious, as well as the lunch options! We love 5th Street Bagelry!” Emilie Peterson, reviewed on Facebook

Chef Says:

“We’ve enjoyed serving you the very best for 19 years. We love being a part of this Pocatello community!”

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Fine Fiddlin’ Bannock County Bluegrass Festival brings together family, fun and fiddles.

By Lisa Jensen

Photo: New South Fork

B

luegrass music may have its roots in 1930s Appalachia, but thanks to the dedication of a small group of diehard fans, “hillbilly music” is alive and well in the Gate City. 2014 marked the 11th year of the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival, a weekend-long event that is a celebration of America’s own traditional style of music. A style that artfully combines the sounds of mandolins, fiddles, guitars, banjos, dobros and bass fiddles together with tenorlead harmony to create a sound that isn’t quite country, isn’t quite blues, but is quite appealing.

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Photo: Kevin Pace You’d have to go back to 1972 to pinpoint the origin of the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival. That wasn’t when Pocatello native Diana Morgan first envisioned an event focused on bluegrass music, but it was when she first became interested in the music itself. She’d moved to Washington, was learning to play bluegrass guitar and even helped out with the first bluegrass festival in the Evergreen State. The genre has long been a popular one in Darrington, WA, where Morgan still works on the local festival, now in its 38th year.

“The Darrington festival is huge, it draws about 6,000 people now,” explains Morgan, “but enjoying the music so much and having been born and raised in Pocatello, I just thought it was wide open for something like this.”

Morgan enlisted the help of Southeast Idaho friends and family, specifically her sister Penny Steed and Penny’s husband Monte. They knew they’d need a venue that could accommodate what would start out as a small event, but that would hopefully grow into a large festival such as the one in Darrington. The Bannock County Fairgrounds was the ideal location with its 160 acres and camping facilities that feature electricity and water hookups, as well as bathroom and shower accommodations.

As it turns out, the last couple of years, festival-goers have had to deal with rainy and colder-than-normal temperatures. The show must go on, however, so thankfully

Kevin Pace and the Early Edition were the headliners this year at the festival.

another amenity the Bannock County Fairgrounds offers are large buildings that the performances and audience can be moved into when the rain becomes a bit too persistent. It’s the perfect balance of facilities, space, conveniences and atmosphere that make the Bannock County Fairgrounds the home of the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival.

Once the venue was chosen, then came the task of booking the bands. In the beginning, Morgan and her crew would contact regional bluegrass bands and invite them to perform at the two-day, two-night festival.

Over the years, however, the event has grown into an affair that talented bands all over the Northwest look forward to participating in.

“Now the bands send in a promo pack at the beginning of the year, and we listen to the demos and pick eight bands to perform,” Morgan says.

These days that’s eight bands plus a headliner, enough to fill a P o c at e l lo l i f e | 137

weekend with bluegrass music. The sets last 45 minutes, running from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday night, 2:15 in the afternoon to 10 p.m. on Saturday night and from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

At first, the festival was mostly a performance event, but it has since evolved. Additional features that get the public actively involved and add to the fun have enhanced the weekendlong affair.

“We’ve been doing free instrument workshops during the day on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a chance for people of any level of talent, from beginner to advanced, to get instruction and pointers from professionals on everything from banjo to fiddle, guitar and mandolin and even the dobro,” Morgan says. “The band members from the performing bands participate as instructors, and the classes last an hour.”

The workshops are free to anyone with a ticket to the festival, and the time spent isn’t for nothing. There are beginner’s and advanced jams held midday on Sunday that lets workshop participants enjoy the spotlight as bluegrass stars for a little over an hour.

Morgan and company have always had the goal of making the festival a family event. To that end, they started “Kids in Bluegrass” in 2013. It’s a special workshop held on Saturday that focuses on kids ages 6 to 18 years old.

“The instructor is Raynae Redmond from Whitebird, Idaho,” Morgan explains. “She brings extra instruments and teaches and then the kids get to perform a full set Saturday afternoon. It’s for any kids coming to the festival who are interested, beginners on up. Some of the kids already play so they might bring their own instruments, but Raynae brings extra fiddles, guitars, banjos, and the kids with some experience help the beginners.”

Kids in Bluegrass only started in 2013 but attracted 15 youngsters that year. The participation wasn’t quite that high in 2014, but the quality was impressive.

“There weren’t as many kids this year, but that ended up being a good thing when it came time for the performance.

There were so many the previous year, it was difficult for them to perform together after just a few hours practice,” Morgan says. “This year, though, the smaller group worked together well, and the performance was pretty awesome.”

Getting their moment in the spotlight isn’t the only payoff for participating in the kids’ workshop. The youngsters also get a “Kids in Bluegrass” t-shirt and a story to tell. It’s a unique part of the festival that the board of directors hopes will grow, and ignite an interest in bluegrass music that will last a lifetime for all the kids involved.

The board of directors are always on the lookout for new ways to add to the appeal of the festival, such as the adult and children’s workshops and the amateur jams. They even came up with the idea of a bluegrass mashup, of sorts.

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Photo: Teton Shadow Band

Morgan explains: “We added a Band Scramble to the schedule a couple of years ago, and it went over so well, we’re continuing it. The members of the performing bands along with anyone of any skill level who plays a bluegrass instrument writes their names on slips of paper, and they’re put into jars for each instrument.

There’s a jar for the fiddlers, a jar for the banjo players and so on. Then names are drawn out and put together to form different bands. It puts musicians together who are talented, whether they’re beginners or advanced musicians, but they’ve never played with each other before. They have 30 minutes to practice and work up three songs, then they have to perform on stage and are judged. They get rosettes for first, second and third places. If some get a good draw, they get a good band but no matter what, they have fun doing it. “ The bands that are chosen to perform in the entertainment portion of the festival are semi-professional and mostly from the Northwest. The names you read on the program, such as Red Desert Ramblers, The Teton Shadow Band or New South Fork might be ones that you only recognize if they come from your neck of the woods. That’s not to say that you won’t be entertained. The talent that the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival brings in is amazing. The first time you attend, you may be astonished by the quality of music and the musicians themselves.

“We’re fortunate with the number of skilled bands that send in their promos and want to participate in the festival. We’d like to eventually bring in some nationally-known bands, and we’re working toward that, so it will happen sometime.

But right now, like with Kevin Pace and the Early Edition from Spokane, we bring in excellent bands with a lot of talent who put on a great show.”

The Bannock County Bluegrass Festival is a great show, one that, if you attend just once, will hook you for life. It’s enjoyable for people of any age and all backgrounds, even those who aren’t familiar with bluegrass or “into” country music.

“It isn’t really country. Some people think of bluegrass as old-time fiddlers and twang, but once they hear the bands, they understand it is its own kind of music,” says Morgan. “Bluegrass is becoming more popular and more people are taking notice and starting to get interested. Once they come to the festival in Pocatello, they always come back.”

All you have to do is take a look at the full-to-the borders campgrounds just below the performance area to see that the festival is an event that many, many people have on their calendars each year— even before radio station KZBQ, the festival’s co-sponsor from the start, begins running promos as a reminder. Bluegrass fans bring in tents, trailers and RVs and enjoy making a full weekend of it, even if they’re only making the drive from Inkom.

The musicians look forward to the experience, as well. Most of the bands are booked for the whole weekend so they, too, set up camp right alongside the fans.

“It’s a really neat experience,” says Morgan. “There are always impromptu jamming sessions in the camping area.

One or two musicians will start playing, and everyone will gather around and join in or just listen. It’s as enjoyable as the actual stage performances.”

Between the workshops, craft and food booths, car show, campground jams and performances, the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival has grown into an occasion that is putting Southeast Idaho on the map and people’s calendars. It’s been a long haul for those behind the scenes, specifically Morgan and Penny, but the sisters feel it was worth it.

“In the beginning, before we’d formed the non-profit and had a board of directors to help take on the responsibility, it was a lot of work. People would say either I was crazy or I liked doing it, and it was a little of both,” Morgan chuckles. “But it’s given me such joy to see what it has become. It’s brought so many people together who didn’t know each other before, and now they look forward to seeing everyone each year. We’ve succeeded in creating a comfortable, informal family-type atmosphere.

I’m very proud of what it’s become, and I’m looking forward to what it will be in the future.”

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Service Guide |

At Your Service Your Business here

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140 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

N

ot many people can survive without goods and services. At some point, we all need help from others—that’s just part of being in a community. The Portneuf Valley is filled with businesses of all kinds, just waiting to help make your life easier. Whether you need a plumber or someone to cut your grass, new tires or a new hairdo, you can find a qualified professional to get the job done. By supporting local businesses, you support our economy and help keep Idaho independent. So be local, buy local and know that businesses are here to serve you.

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P o c at e l lo l i f e | 141

Bleeding

Orange and Black

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Jenny Losee

Dave Allen is an ISU devotee through and through.

A

mong the perks of living in a college town is the advantage of a home football team to root for. For a guy like Dave Allen, who eats, sleeps and breathes football, that’s a significant benefit. Other than a four-year period between 1963 and 1967 when he was away with the Air Force, Allen has been following Idaho State University’s football team ever since moving to Pocatello in 1959. You have to admit that sticking with the Bengals through the highs and lows over 55 years definitely qualifies him as a “superfan.”

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Making History

“I attended and graduated from ISU. I love the university and want to support it,” Allen explains when asked about his long-term allegiance to the team. “I went there, my kids went there. When you live with a team for that many years, you get attached.”

Maintaining that attachment is sometimes easier than at other times. Allen was there for the legendary 1981 season when the Bengals won the NCAA Division Championship. He remembers it as an extraordinary time and names the 1981 Bengals as his favorite ISU team—and not just because they were division champs.

“That team had a chemistry about them,” Allen remembers, affectionately. “They hadn’t played together for very long when they won, so that shows just how talented they were and how well they worked together. Dave Kragthorpe and his coaching team had chemistry, too. The players and the coaches just had the attitude that they were going to go out and win.”

For a superfan such as Dave Allen, tailgating is an important activity. He sees it as essential to forging a connection with the fans that, in turn, boosts morale and school spirit.

“It’s nice when the coaches make time for the boosters,” he says. “I’m glad to see there’s still some tailgating that happens at the games. I think that’s something we— the fans and the team—really need.”

As any superfan worth his salt will do, Allen studies ISU’s roster of football players each year, and knows where the players’ strengths lie. He speaks knowledgeably about the 2014 team, and has hopes that they develop a rapport and playing style that will compliment their individual talents to create a team reminiscent of the division champions.

“They’re getting a few players with different styles than we’ve had, but that can be an advantage. Mario Jenkins is a very good athlete, a freshman from Nampa, who will show us some good things. Tyson Manu is a really good young man and a great player. Xavier

The Bengals finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and a 6-2 mark in Big Sky Conference play. It is only the seventh time in the history of the program that an ISU football team has won eight games or more. The school record for wins is 12 by the 1981 National title team. The 1957 team finished 9-0 and the 1952, 1955, 1983, 2002 and the 2003 teams all won eight games. Also making history is coach Mike Kramer who was awarded the 2014 Big Sky Conference Football Coach of the Year. Great job Coach.

GO BENGALS! Finney is the running back. He plays the rock’em-sock’em knock-you-in-the-nose plays we get excited about. And Madison Mangum is a great wide receiver who has really come into his own this year.”

As this article was being written, it wasn’t just the superfans who were happy to see a win for the first home game of the season. After a disappointing two losses at the start of the season, the Bengals played an exciting and impressive three quarters against Chadron State on September 13. All fans were on the edge of their seats when the Nebraska team tried mightily in the fourth quarter to overtake and win the Bengals. ISU held tight, however, delivering that gratifying first win of the year.

If all it took to win football games was a mega-dose of team spirit, Dave Allen already has the Bengals’ backs covered. He attends every home game and follows the away games when they’re broadcast.

“The history is so important to me. I’ve been there so long, I can’t turn down a seat at the home games or giving to the Bengal Foundation,” Allen says sincerely, adding that he hopes the win against Chadron State will be the positive shot in the arm “his” team needs.

Win or lose, though, Dave Allen will stick by the Bengals, a diehard superfan to the end.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Dave Allen might be a fantastic ISU fan, but he’s a little camera shy. Regardless, we appreciate his willingness to chat with us about his love of ISU.

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Sleep |

Zac Rice , Cyndi Rice RNC, NP, Allison Palmer, and Helene Poulos-Edmo DNP, FNP-C

What Keeps You Up at Night?

Helene Poulos-Edmo can help you get some rest.

I

f you’re plagued with breathing problems or experience stress and anxiety, your first inclination may not be to undergo a sleep study. But that is precisely the thing Family Nurse Practitioner, Helene Poulos-Edmo would recommend. Poulos-Edmo is with the Health and Wellness Sleep Institute, a sleep diagnostic and testing center in Pocatello. She specializes in dealing with patients who have obstructive and central sleep apnea and nocturnal hypoxia. Her background in internal medicine has shown her first-hand how closely sleep disorders are linked to other, seemingly unrelated, issues.

“Sleep medicine and internal medicine involve a lot of the same things, such as respiratory care,” Poulos-Edmo explains.

“So, having been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 1997, before sleep medicine was commonly recognized, I’m 144 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

familiar with how interlinked sleep and wellness are.”

Poulos-Edmo was born and raised in Pocatello and obtained her masters degree in Nursing and as a Family Nurse Practitioner from ISU. In 2012 she received her doctorate from the University of Utah. Over the years, before joining the team at the Sleep Institute, she focused mainly on internal medicine, neurology and rural healthcare. Those nine years provided a wealth of experience useful for her current focus on sleep medicine.

“Because of my background, I can offer patients more than other sleep centers in the way of provider care. Really, the biggest difference between my years in internal medicine and neurology is that now I provide machine treatments, setting patients up for CPAP, BiPAP and Servo-Ventilators,” Poulos-Edmo says.

www.pocatellosleep.com

Poulos-Edmo also provides the face-to-face consultations that most insurance companies require before they’ll order a sleep study. She’s even willing to do home visits and set up home studies for patients who are in wheelchairs or otherwise find it difficult to get to the Institute.

Because sleep medicine has emerged as a branch of medicine all its own, more people are aware that smoking and weight issues can cause sleep apnea. What may come as a surprise, though, are the myriad other conditions that can be discovered and treated through a sleep study. Some of those include: • restless leg syndrome • multiple sclerosis • rheumatoid arthritis • fibromyalgia • mood disorders, such as depression, bi-polar disorder and anxiety “Mood disorders are inherently linked to insomnia,” Poulos-Edmo says. “Stress and anxiety are common issues these days, and can be seen physically on an EEG taken during a sleep study.”

Mood disorders, smoking, weight issues—most are associated with adults. However, children can be affected by sleep disorders and health issues that interfere with sleep, too. Recognizing this, the Health and Wellness Sleep Institute routinely treats pediatric patients as young as 12 years old, and children younger than 12 on a caseby-case basis.

“We have seen some kids as young as 7 on CPAP,” Poulos-Edmo acknowledges. “People are understanding more that tonsils are a big issue, too, but the ear, nose and throat specialists want to do a sleep study before they put their patients through surgery.”

A sleep disorder caused by inflamed tonsils can be at the root of other issues and can result in children being misdiagnosed or labeled. A child who doesn’t get as much rest as she should may not perform to her fullest potential in school, might be considered “lazy” or attention deficit.

Not all kids who deal with such issues have a sleep disorder, but Poulos-Edmo encourages parents to check it out first, as they may be surprised to find that a sleep disorder exists.

Though her focus for the past eight years has been sleep medicine, Poulos-Edmo still keeps a hand in primary care and urgent care, making herself available for locums (a person who stands in temporarily for someone else of the same profession). Her name is on a list of Family Nurse Practitioners who are called upon to fill in when another healthcare provider at a clinic or hospital calls in sick or needs time off. Poulos-Edmo feels working locums is useful because it helps her keep up on urgent care and other internal medicine issues.

“I keep my credentials up, continue my education,” Poulos-Edmo says, “but actually working in an urgent care environment enhances what I do here at the Sleep Institute.

Everything is interlinked. You can’t always isolate a symptom and just deal with that one problem. Many times a sleep problem is a symptom of something else, and we can help you find out what that is and treat it.”

Allison Palmer, a Certified Health Education Specialist, joined the Health and Wellness Sleep Institute in 2013.

Friendly and approachable, her knowledge in health education allows her to step in and fill the gap of educating patients when the other providers at the Institute can’t. She is available to consult with patients on issues such as weight loss, help with smoking cessation and how long they can expect to undergo treatment before seeing results.

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Stuff It

W

An accident with an animal opened the doors for Shane Rudolph to open a business.

W

hile scouting for elk with his uncle in eastern Idaho’s Teton Valley, Shane Rudolph was thrown from his horse and landed on his back. After four or five years, the pain in his back steadily worsened.

X-rays showed he had broken his back in the fall and needed vertebrae fused. After that surgical procedure, he could not return to work at the J.R. Simplot Co.’s phosphate fertilizer complex near Pocatello, where he had been employed for 32 years.

Rudolph’s father, George, who died four years ago, had worked for Simplot for 33 years in his own right.

George instilled in his son an appreciation for the outdoors and respect for wildlife. He fed his family a steady diet of venison and fish.

A 1969 Pocatello High School graduate, Shane worked on the family farm as he was growing up, hauling pipe and bucking hay. Before he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, he worked for the Idaho Transportation Department, striping roads, and as a

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Story & Photos by Mark Mendiola

Union Pacific Railroad switchman. During his time time in the Navy he married his wife Peggy.

They have a son Scott, daughter Rene and five grandchildren.

Shane’s Simplot career started in 1973, following his discharge from the Navy. After his Simplot employment ended, Shane and Scott decided to venture into taxidermy—preparing, stuffing and mounting the fur, fins and feathers of creatures for display.

In 2003, Shane and Scott attended the Colorado Institute of Taxidermy Training for six weeks. He estimates he has worked on some 500 critters. He has received animals from as far away as Nevada, Utah, Illinois, Wyoming and Ohio.

Word of mouth has driven the success of his business, which has been operating since February 2003. “I’ve got a lot of three- or four-time return customers. Our prices are not as high as some, either,” he says, adding he would prefer not to charge anything for his work, but needs to pay bills and expenses.

Tires |

Peggy and Shane Randolph stand in front of a lynx.

Shane urges hunters to be careful how they cut up an animal’s pelt before bringing it to him for taxidermy work. “A lot of people don’t realize how long it does take,” he says, noting he ships fur of larger animals for tanning to Moyle Mink & Tannery in Burley rather than do it himself. A typical taxidermy project takes six to eight months to complete.

Bison are the most difficult animals to work on because of their size. Scales on fish and feathers on fowl can be a challenge, too. Vinegar water is rubbed on birds as a preservative. Getting the eyes to look just right on a subject is one of the most difficult aspects of taxidermy, Shane says.

“I’ve done bison down to squirrels and weasels,” Shane explains, as well as deer, sheep, mountain lions, bear, fish, pheasants, duck, geese, coyotes, badgers, bobcats, quail, mountain goats, and more. “I’m hoping one day to do some African animals. I have no doubt in my mind that I can do them,” Shane says with a smile.

He does his taxidermy work out of a shop next to his home that he’s lived in since 1974.

The once remote neighborhood has changed a lot in the past 40 years, but Shane’s love of animals hasn’t.

“I’ve always been interested in taxidermy work,” Shane says. “I love to see what the Lord gave us.”

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Living History A few residents of Idaho State Veterans Home open up about their time in service.

T

he veterans at the Idaho State Veteran’s Home in Pocatello have the distinction of not only witnessing history, but also being part of historical events. Even if you’re not a history or war buff, you’ll still find an afternoon spent talking with any of the veterans at the facility to be fascinating and educational.

The bonus of making a friend is the icing on the cake.

Prisoner of War Vern Byington has plenty of stories to share. He served as a Private, First Class in the Army in World War II and was a Prisoner Of War for almost eight months.

Still, he will greet you with a smile and an upbeat attitude, and is happy to relate accounts from his time of service.

Vern joined the Army in 1942 and was initially sent to Africa. His company didn’t spend much time there, however, before being sent to Italy, where they marched north through the country and saw plenty of action along the way. Some of it, unfortunately, was “friendly fire.”

“One time we got shelled by our own guys,” Byington recalls. “I remember one guy sailing up in the air like he’d been on a trampoline. The enemy was coming towards us with tanks, so they were really trying to get the tanks and they did with the next shell.”

The enemy had their sights on Byington’s company though, and was relentless with the attacks.

“I got shot at a lot. I would lay on the ground and shoot off two or three rounds, then I’d have to move because they would figure out where I was and start shooting back at me,” Byington says. “One time, before I realized I had to keep moving, I got shot in the foot.

Well, really, it was through my shoe, through the edge of the sole. That shot didn’t hurt me, but I was hit plenty with bomb fragments and still have shrapnel in my back.”

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By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

Byington was fortunate enough to survive the trek northward, but not all of his fellow soldiers fared as well. One by one they would disappear and fresh troops would be sent in to restore the dwindling numbers.

“I don’t know how many got killed, but there were at least 12 guys that I didn’t see anymore, and then they’d send in new guys, but they were less and less experienced,” he remembers with a frown.

“Pretty soon, it got to where they didn’t even know what the enemy looked like or how to shoot a gun. That’s how we were captured.”

After evading the German troops across most of Italy, Byington’s company was cornered by the enemy in October of 1944. He tried to get the inexperienced soldiers around him to fight back and shoot their way out of the situation, but it was in vain.

“I was trying to get them to do something, anything, but they said they didn’t know how,” Byington says, incredulous.

Rather than using his experience to escape alone, he remained with the company and was captured, loaded onto a boxcar and sent to a prison camp. For the next several months, the prisoners were put to work, cleaning up streets, building railways and even laboring on civilian farms. Little attention was paid to the Geneva Convention’s guidelines at the time, and Byington and his fellow POWs went without proper heat, changes of clothing or laundry facilities and only got two meals each day.

“We got ‘barley coffee’ for breakfast, that was burned barley steeped in hot water. Sometimes you’d get a few kernels of barley floating in your coffee, and that was a bonus. For dinner, they’d give us a loaf of bread for six or seven guys, and

“We had to deal with the situation we were in.

Things would have been so much harder if we hadn’t kept our spirits up and tried to get fun out of everything as much as we could.”

—Vern Byington

Living at ISVH allows Vern Byington and other residents an opportunity to give back.

we’d each pull off a chunk and that was it.

I lost a few pounds as a prisoner,” Byington chuckles.

came through, dropped off some C-Rations and pushed on. Then they loaded us up and took us to France.”

It’s surprising that he can laugh about it now, but Byington reveals that a sense of humor was their secret to surviving the ordeal.

At a hospital in Le Havre, the soldiers were weaned back onto a regular diet and, happily, given fresh clothing before being shipped back home.

“We tried to make fun out of everything. We’d make a game of the clean-up jobs we were assigned, sorting trash into ‘good’ and ‘junk’ piles. One day one of the guys came out of the barracks showing off his uniform like he was wearing something new and said, ‘Like my new clothes?’ That’s how we got through the hard times.”

“We were so happy to get those new clothes,” Byington says. “After all those months, the others plumb wore out!”

Those hard times finally came to an end in May of 1945 when the Germans surrendered, and the war was declared over.

“The guards just dropped their weapons where they were and left the camp,” Byington recalls. “The American troops

Many soldiers understandably return from battle mentally and physically scarred. In Byington’s case, however, the appreciation for the good things in life, like clean things to wear and sufficient food, along with the value of a positive attitude are the souvenirs he keeps from WWII. “We had to deal with the situation we were in. Things would have been so much harder if we hadn’t kept our spirits up and tried to get fun out of everything as much as we could.”

ISVH residents know how to have fun.

Here are a few fishing.

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Building Bridges in North Korea and Viet Nam Albert “Bud” Osborne is the veteran to see if you’re interested in the Korean and Viet Nam wars. Friendly and thoughtful, Osborne will tell you that he doesn’t have much of an exciting story. Having served in the National Guard building roads to the front lines, though, his experiences are more interesting than he lets on.

Osborne joined the National Guard in Ashton when he was 18. The year was 1948, and it provided a job that paid well compared to the other work available in the area.

“When I joined up, it was in the infantry and we went to Fort Belvoir (VA) for summer camp. When we came back they 150 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

made us engineers, and we started learning how to operate tractors and road graders, so I had experience with equipment in addition to the rifles,” Osborne remembers.

Understanding of engineering ended up serving the U.S. troops well, as Osborne was assigned to build roads when he was shipped overseas in 1951.

“Roads were needed to get people and equipment to the front lines, so we built roads in North Korea,” says Osborne.

“We graded them and had to repair bridges that had been blown up. We’d have to drive poles into the mud and rocks, and that’s what we started out with to put a bridge across a river.”

Decades later, at least one sample of Osborne’s handiwork is still standing.

“We built the Colonel Sorensen bridge, and one of the fellas that flew over there in the fall of 2013 said that he took a tour, and the bridge is still there,” Osborne modestly admits.

After a year in North Korea, just before the war was over, Osborne came home to Ashton. He remained in the National Guard, performing work that included operating a road grader for the Forest Service in Ashton. When an opening came up for a full-time job as a maintenance man in the National Guard, Osborne applied and got the job.

“We knew how to do our jobs, and I guess we did them right because some of that work is still there today.”—Albert “Bud” Osborne “That kept me in Ashton for a little while, but when personnel was being cut back in certain areas, I got transferred to the field maintenance shop in Boise.”

After three years, Osborne was transferred to Idaho Falls. He worked in the maintenance shop and continued to spend summer training at Fort Belvoir, where he received specialized training on road equipment and moved up to the rank of Sergeant First Class.

In 1969, the Viet Nam war broke out, and engineers and mechanics were needed near the front lines. Osborne was shipped overseas again and found himself once more on a road crew, but in a supervisory position this time.

“We were building roads, but I mostly stayed in the camp and supervised the boys as they did their maintenance on the tractors and graders,” Osborne recalls.

He may not have been traveling to the front lines, but the camp was close enough to the action that they had to deal with mortars frequently.

“One time mortars were being fired in and everyone was scrambling, trying to get into the shelter,” Osborne recounts.

“There were so many, so I just stood back and let others go in, but I knew I needed to find another place where I’d be safe. I was standing next to a jeep, trying to think where I could go, and a mortar hit on the other side of the vehicle. I still have shrapnel in my knee from it.”

The experience earned Osborne a purple heart and, when troops were being removed the following year, he was one of the lucky ones to be sent home. He stayed with the National Guard for awhile but opted to leave the service when a command change resulted in the loss of his job. He likely would have stayed if circumstances had been different, but Osborne is still proud of his time of service.

“We knew how to do our jobs, and I guess we did them right because some of that work is still there today.”

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 151

Veterans Home |

Caring

for America’s Heroes

At Idaho State Veterans Home it is just as important to give as it is to receive.

“H “

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

ow do you define a hero?” asks Josiah Dahlstrom, Administrator of the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello.

residents involved in volunteer work and service opportunities gives them the chance to do what they’ve done for much of their lives: serve their fellow citizens.

“A hero is somebody who has done something significant for you. My heroes may be different than yours, but we can agree that they appear to be larger than life,” says Dahlstrom. “Our home has the unique opportunity to care for America’s heroes and when you get to know these residents you quickly realize they have done some amazing things. These are individuals who have answered the call of duty and given much without the expectation of receiving something in return.”

“I’ve worked in nursing homes for over 10 years and there can be a lot of heartache and grief for the residents, their families, and the staff that care for them,” explains Dahlstrom. “The remedy to cope with these challenges can often come from giving service to others. The industry and its regulations have taught me to look at different coping methods. Often when we focus on someone else and their needs, we can regain a positive outlook on life and its trajectory.” Our Home offers numerous volunteer opportunities.”

Caring for America’s heroes is not just a motto for the staff at the Veterans Home; it’s a goal they focus on every day, for each and every resident. For Dahlstrom, “caring” extends beyond providing medical attention and physical comfort. It means enhancing their time at the home to give them the best quality of life possible, showing them that what they have done for our country is appreciated.

“We want to enrich the residents’ lives,” explains Dahlstrom. “I think we can accomplish this by allowing them opportunities to serve their peers, their care givers and their local community.”

What Dahlstrom is talking about is volunteerism and the two-way street it has become at the Pocatello Home.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed at the home and certainly add to its rich culture, but getting the 152 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

“[Veterans] have served their country well, and they continue to want to give back.”—Josiah Dahlstrom Carrie Leavitt, Activities/Volunteer Coordinator at the home, sees it the same way.

“Part of life, no matter what age we are, we love to help others. Our veterans here still love to do for other people.

They’ve made baby quilts for the hospital, to give to babies that might not have a blanket to go home in. They make baby doll quilts and cradles to give to Toys for Tots at Christmastime. Our residents even did a book drive to send books to the troops overseas, and included handmade bookmarks with each one.”

www.veterans.idaho.gov | 208-235-7838 | 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, ID

Dahlstrom and Leavitt would like to expand the volunteer program to encompass more opportunities for the residents to get involved in the community.

As much as the residents of the Veterans Home in Pocatello enjoy serving the community, there is still a need for volunteers from the community to come in and help out.

“Sometimes you don’t think you have time to volunteer, but you don’t need to schedule a full day,” Leavitt says.

“It can be an hour or even less. People can volunteer as individuals, but organizations, businesses, students and families can also volunteer to come and visit with the residents, read to them, play games, do arts and crafts or even play music for them.”

previously?” We can also guarantee a history lesson that will rival any you have received in a classroom if you take the chance to sit one on one with any of our War Time veterans and allow them to share their stories.”

Favorite volunteer activities at the home include: · Attend a local ballgame · Visit the museum · Go to the local movie theater · Fishing in the outdoors · Attend outings at a local park · Listening to musical talent · Playing a favorite card game

When you volunteer at the Idaho State Veterans Home, you might set out to perform a charitable service.

Don’t be disappointed, though, if it ends up feeling as if you are the recipient of the goodwill. Dahlstrom has personally experienced the “return on investment” effect and is aware of the valuable impact the Veterans home residents can have.

“You may not feel like you have the resources, but if you have a little bit of time that is all that it takes. The smiles and respect you will gain from those who live in our home will certainly brighten your lives and beg the question “Why didn’t I do this

Volunteering at the Veterans Home The Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello welcomes volunteers on any scale: a couple times a year, a few times a month or even a few times a week. There are opportunities to work in the canteen, help with activities, visit with the residents, play cards, board games or even video games. If you have a special skill or interesting hobby, such as cake decorating or fly fishing, you could even present a one-time demonstration.

People who volunteer as often as once a week are required to fill out an application and undergo further screening and training but there is no cost.

If you would like to volunteer on any level please contact Carrie Leavitt at: 208-235-7800 or email her at carrie.leavitt@veterans.idaho.gov.

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Golden Years in the Gate City

Pocatello is a great place to retire.

T

he secret is out: Pocatello is a great place to retire. In the fall of 2013, the AARP published a list of 10 affordable places to live that offer the good life for seniors. Pocatello was second on the list, right after Daytona Beach, Florida.

Dubbed the “Northwest Wonderland,” aspects that contributed to Pocatello’s appearance on the list included affordable homes, inexpensive mortgages and property taxes, no state tax on Social Security, reasonably priced utilities, terrific restaurants and plenty of free entertainment such as self-guided walking tours of Old Town.

That’s not even to mention the endless outdoor activities yearround including camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.

For those who love living and working in Pocatello, the notion of staying put once the responsibility of a job is no longer an anchor isn’t too far-fetched. People may talk about moving away after retirement, but the numbers say that the

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senior population in Pocatello is alive and well. The 2010 United States Census Bureau’s report estimated almost 6,000 people 65 years and over living in the Gate City.

If you don’t personally know someone who moved to Pocatello after retiring, you probably know someone who does. Retirees come here from many different places and for just as numerous and varied reasons. It was health that brought Don Comstock and his wife, Betty, to Pocatello. When Don retired about nine years ago, the Comstocks

By Lisa Jensen Photos by Brooke Richardson

were living in Wyoming, but Betty had been suffering from heart problems and had undergone surgery.

“The doctor said we needed to get to a lower altitude or Betty should just get used to being on oxygen all the time,” Don recalls. “We started looking at lower elevations, and came and stayed in Pocatello for a few days. Betty’s breathing improved, so we started taking a look at other things the city had to offer.”

The Comstocks felt the growing medical community was promising, as was the academic community at ISU, and made the decision to make the move. They sold their properties in Wyoming but after a lifetime of mowing the lawn and painting the house, opted to rent.

“That left us free to travel, and we don’t have to worry about the upkeep on a home,” Don says.

Don and Betty have two children who live in Alaska, but one daugh-

ter lives in the Salt Lake City area, making frequent visits convenient.

Sometimes retiring to Pocatello can be good for the love-life, although that wasn’t the initial reason Paul Robinson moved here after retiring. Paul had been living in Soda Springs and working at Monsanto when he retired in August of 2011.

Originally, he and his wife made the short move in April of 2012 so that she would be closer to her doctors. Her health problems were numerous and critical, though, and she passed away in May of 2013. With a granddaughter and a grandson living in Pocatello and the social activities that he’d come to enjoy, Paul decided to stay.

“I bowl two or three times a week,” Paul says. “So I like that Tough Guy has discount bowling on Wednesdays and Pine Bowl has dollar days on Fridays.

The Senior Citizen’s Center has weekend dances, too, and that’s where I met Jerilynn.”

Jerilynn Mecham works as the General Manager at the center and was attending a dance at the Senior Citizen’s Center when Paul Robinson showed up for some Saturday night fun. They spent the evening talking and dancing and hit it off immediately.

“We’re both active, like to do the same things,” Paul grins. “Jerilynn is spontaneous and up for anything. I just mention something, and she’s ready to go. She is awesome, a sweetheart.”

The couple didn’t waste any time, either. Having met in June 2014, they were engaged by July and had a wedding this past fall.

As Paul explains, “Life’s passing us by. No sense sitting around or putting it off if you know what you want.”

Sometimes what you want is to come back home once you’ve left. That was the case for Ed and Bardee Firebaugh. They’d been living in Pocatello when Ed retired but, like many Pocatello seniors, had dreams of spending their golden years down south. The couple got a condo

in Arizona, but wisely kept their home in Pocatello.

“We went south and stayed, but we’d come back up and visit family and friends.

At one point, though, we decided we’d rather stay here than go back down to Arizona,” Ed says.

When asked if traveling back and forth got old, Bardee replies with a laugh, “No. We got old!”

The Firebaughs haven’t regretted the decision. They have family here and Ed says that there’s plenty to keep them occupied. “We come to dances (at the Senior Citizen’s Center) on Friday and Saturday nights, there’s going to be a celebration in Chesterfield that we’ll go to and we try to go fishing when we can.”

Another convenience was traveling to Montpelier to attend Bardee’s high school reunion, the first she has ever gone to since graduation. It was a trip that the couple probably wouldn’t have made if they were living out of state.

Affordable living, proximity to relatives or the great outdoor lifestyle. Pick one or pick them all, each one plays a part in Pocatello’s power to draw people from near and far or lure them back in the golden years.

P o c at e l lo l i f e | 155

Paws-itively Committed

A desire to get a dog causes two brothers to get involved and give back.

By Lisa Jensen

Photos by Brooke Richardson

N

ot many kids would give up a trip to Disneyland in favor of spending the summer wielding a pooper-scooper at the local animal shelter, but those who know Braden and Tracen Mangum know that they are no ordinary kids. Foregoing a trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth” during the summer of 2013 ended up getting the brothers just what they wanted and igniting an interest in service that has taken on a life of its own.

What Braden, 14, and Tracen, 12, wanted was a dog. However, because they hadn’t been much help in caring for their mother’s Schnauzer, Daisy, Verna Mangum doubted that they would take on the responsibility of a dog of their own. To discourage her boys, Verna made arrangements for them to clean up after the dogs at the Blackfoot Animal Shelter.

“I was thinking after a week or two of that, they wouldn’t want a dog anymore,” Verna recalls.

To her surprise, though, after a couple of weeks they’d not only found the dog they wanted to adopt, but Braden and Tracen wanted to keep going back to the shelter. They happily welcomed Addie, a miniature Aussie-Border collie mix, into their home, and enthusiastically took on other tasks that needed doing at the shelter.

As a side project, the boys created a Facebook page titled “Braden and Tracen’s Project Save-A-Pet,” which they used to post pictures of dogs who needed homes.

“When we started, the boys didn’t know much about what went on at the shelter,” Verna explains. “At first there 156 | P o c at e l lo l i f e

Braden(left) and Tracen Mangum help animals at the Blackfoot Animal Shelter.

were often two dogs in each pen, and there was only about 20 dog pens, and 24 for the cats. Amanda Cevering, an animal control officer at the shelter, had already gotten organizations, rescues from other states such as Washington and Utah, to come in and pick up dogs and Braden hoped to help encourage adoptions by posting photos online and making the public more aware of the need.”

And that was only the beginning of the ideas that the Mangum boys have had— and acted upon—to help homeless animals in Blackfoot. They organized a pet food drive, gaining $900 in donations in addition to loads of food and cleaning and pet supplies for the shelter. At different times, they’ve fostered two dogs and a cat in their own home. Verna helped Braden and Tracen lug home an old, beat-up picnic table from the shelter, too. Home Depot donated some materials, and the boys refinished it to provide a place to sit outside the small shelter office. They’re even in the process of working with Lisa Kauffman, the director of the Idaho Humane Society, to get the mayor to proclaim the last Tuesday in February as National Pet Spay and Neuter Day, an awareness day

that is already recognized in other states, but not yet in Idaho. The plan is to go from county to county and eventually get the entire state on board.

The Mangums were surprised to learn that no local 4H dog group existed, so Verna took on the responsibility of starting one, even though she’d never been involved in 4H herself.

They dubbed it “Dogs R Braden displaying his medal Us,” and created binders and made homemade dog cookies, which Verna says the kids loved as much as the dogs did. The establishment of a 4H group also made it possible for the other kids to get involved and lend a hand once in awhile at the shelter.

“There was a liability issue with the kids being able to go over to the shelter, even just to volunteer to work,” Verna explains. “We had to sign legal papers with the city waiving liability for Braden and Tracen to go do the work they were doing. But now the members of Dogs R Us are covered by being part of the 4H club, so the liability isn’t on the city or the shelter.”

It’s nice to know that good deeds actually do get recognized. In late March of 2014, a representative of Prudential Spirit of Community Service presented awards to kids across the nation for outstanding public service. Tracen was chosen as a distinguished finalist, and Braden was chosen as a state honoree, and got to take a P o c at e l lo l i f e | 157

festival that features a pledge-based stroll around Jensen’s Grove with people and their pets.

Tracen’s medal

trip to Washington D.C. for four days of recognition and an awards ceremony. Prior to that, in September of 2013, Tracen was one of 200 kids across America chosen for the ABC Summer of Service Awards. A $1,000 prize was part of the award, which the Mangum boys presented to Blackfoot mayor Mike Virtue for use at the shelter.

While $1,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to how much money it would take to expand or build an entirely new shelter, it

organization so that they would be able to apply for grants to facilitate building a shelter, as well as other projects they’d like to initiate. Braden and Tracen put up $800 in donations to apply for the non-profit status for Friends of Blackfoot Animal Shelter and, although the organization must be run and overseen by adults, they are still involved and the ones to jump in and work when it’s needed.

“The boys are used to working,” Verna says. “Some parents act shocked that I ‘made’ them clean the shelter, but I wanted them to learn the value of working for something they want, plus giving what they can to help others.”

“Our main goal is to build a new shelter, or at least expand the shelter to bring it up to code and make it so there’s enough room for the animals in need.”

—Braden Mangum

made the long-time need for a new facility a possibility, one that current Mayor Paul Loomis, along with the chief of police and other city leaders, appreciate.

“It’s a perfect example of some young folks stepping forward for a very worthy cause. The interest they took in a smaller service project has really blossomed,” says Mayor Loomis.

When it became obvious that Braden and Tracen’s “pet” project was developing into a permanent part of their lives, the decision was made to start a non-profit

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In an era of the “Me Generation,” it’s refreshing to see Braden and Tracen considering what they can do to help others and coming up with such ambitious goals.

“Our main goal is to build a new shelter, or at least expand the shelter to bring it up to code and make it so there’s enough room for the animals in need,” Braden says.

The organization would like to do that without passing a bond, so they’ll be applying for grants. Plans are in the works, too, to launch an annual event similar to Pocatello’s “Run With the Big Dogs.”

Slated for summer or fall of 2015, it’s tentatively titled “Paws in the Park.” The event will be a dog walk and pet-lover

Braden and Tracen have plans to continue their annual food drive, but other items on the brothers’ wish list include starting a spay and neuter program to help with the costs for those who would like to adopt a dog or cat, but who can’t afford to get them fixed. They have personally sponsored two pets to be spayed or neutered and would like to continue being able to help make adoptions, spaying and neutering possible. In the large agricultural community of Bingham County, spaying and neutering are vital. Dogs are allowed to wander, and colonies of feral cats intermingle with domestic cats. While spaying or neutering is an added expense to having a pet, it is a one-time cost that will help control the animal population in the area long-term. The Mangums themselves live on 20 acres outside of Blackfoot and know the value of having a few cats to help keep the mice under control, but also recognized their responsibility to spay and neuter.

“We had four cats at one time to help outdoors with the mice,” Verna says. “That was $450 to have them all fixed, but then three of them disappeared. I’m not sure what happened to them, but at least, if they just wandered off, they won’t be contributing to a larger population of uncared-for pets.”

The boys’ focus on spay and neuter programs is greatly appreciated by the shelter’s personnel, who have often seen times of overcrowding at the facility.

“They mow the lawn, groom and play with the animals to help socialize them, have gotten food donations and they’ve helped get the word out about animals who need homes,” Amanda Cevering acknowledges. “The most important message, though, is spay and neuter.”

Getting involved with animals and volunteering in general is something that has made a lasting impression on the Mangum boys. Both have expressed interest in continuing to work with animals throughout their lives. Braden got

Veterinary Care |

nominated to go to medical school during the summer of 2014 and earn two credits toward a medical degree. Unfortunately, he had to pass on the opportunity because of an injury in the family. Still, considering his interest in medicine and his background helping animals, it seems that a future in veterinary medicine is logical.

When asked if he agrees, Braden nods an emphatic “yes,” and reveals that local veterinarian Tony Parsons offered to allow Braden to shadow him next year. While shadowing wouldn’t involve hands-on procedures, Braden would be a natural to learn simple things such as giving shots or administering subcutaneous fluids because he has such a heart for helping animals.

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It’s clear that Braden and Tracen are in it for the long-haul and will continue to volunteer their services and whatever else they can to benefit animals in need, but they hope to inspire other kids, too. They are both soft-spoken and even a bit shy, but when it comes to working hard and stepping into the limelight for the sake of the animals, there’s no hesitation.

As Braden says, “Our motto is ‘We’re Paws-itively Committed.’”

And that says it all.

You can help too! Join Braden and Tracen’s Facebook page: “Braden and Tracen’s Project Save-A-Pet” to see pets that are available for adoption.

Make a donation to the Blackfoot Animal Shelter at 199 Frontage Rd Blackfoot, ID (208) 785-6897.

Participate in Paws in the Park in 2015.

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P o c at e l lo l i f e | 159

Why I Love Pocatello

The Pocatello Life staff took to the streets to find out why people love living in Pocatello. What’s your favorite reason for living here? Send your response and photo for our next issue of Pocatello Life to idaholifeeditor@gmail.com

Rob Thompson “Pocatello is a great place to live. From skiing in the winter and boating in the summer, we are fortunate to have it all.”

Tabatha Dean “I love Pocatello because it is a fun and safe place to raise my daughters.”

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Hannah Matsen “I love Pocatello because of the opportunity it provides to get a college education near my hometown.”

Jed Crowder “I love Pocatello because of the friendly people that live here and the quality of life Pocatello has to offer.”

Nan and Matt Meyer “We met and fell in love here...27 years later, we are still in love with each other and this little part of the world!

It has everything from nature to the arts.”

Bart Richardson “Pocatello is pretty friendly place with a great small town feel.”

Tracy Edwards “The main thing I love about Pocatello is the people! I’ve made the most amazing life long friends here; friends that have become like family to me. Whether I’m on a beautiful hike up Trail Creek, having a delicious brunch at Butterburr’s or Elmer’s Restaurant, or catching a new movie at the Carmike Pine Ridge 10, I’m always surrounded by people I love.

Pocatello is home.”

Kimberly Paige “With Pocatello, I feel that there is always something to do. Everyone in the community comes together for events making it the most united city I know. “ P o c at e l lo l i f e | 161

Where on Earth?

You may have lived in Pocatello your whole life, but how well do you really know the Gate City? Email IdahoLifeEditor@gmail.com if you know where this photo was taken. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing for a free Pocatello Life T-shirt! Please be sure to include your name, address and t-shirt size. Submissions must be received by March 31, 2015.

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