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Happening in Pocatello keeps locals informed with a weekly rundown of the city’s biggest news, events, crime reports, sports highlights, school district updates, weather, traffic issues, and restaurant talk. Hosts Mark and Joline bring a raw, critical edge that cuts through the noise and makes staying informed unexpectedly fun.
MARK: Welcome back to 'Happening in Pocatello.' It is Monday, November twenty-fourth, twenty-twenty-five. I’m Mark.
JOLEEN: And I’m Joleen. And before you start, Mark, yes, it is windy as shit out there.
MARK: It is undeniably windy, Joleen. I almost lost my car door to a gust on Yellowstone Avenue this morning. It’s that special kind of Southeast Idaho wind that cuts right through your jacket and makes you question every life choice that led you to this geographical location.
JOLEEN: I like the wind. Keeps the tourists inside. Or blows them back to Utah. Either way, it’s a win for me.
MARK: That’s the spirit. Look, we’ve got a packed show today. We’re talking about the never-ending mayoral drama, some actual good news for people who like to leave town on airplanes, and a local sports story that might actually thaw your icy heart, Joleen.
JOLEEN: Doubt it. My heart is frozen solid, Mark. Like the roads are gonna be in about two days.
MARK: Fair enough. But first, let’s just acknowledge the date. It’s the week of Thanksgiving. The calm before the consumerist storm.
JOLEEN: It’s not calm. Have you been to Fred Meyer? It’s a war zone. I saw a woman nearly tackle a guy for the last can of pumpkin puree. People are losing their minds.
MARK: That’s just the holiday spirit kicking in. But hey, if you’re listening to this, thanks for tuning in. Like, subscribe, leave a comment. Tell us who you think is going to win the runoff next week, or just tell us to go fuck ourselves. We appreciate the engagement either way.
JOLEEN: Yeah, don't be a lurker. Comment something. Even if it’s just to tell Mark his voice sounds like he’s trying too hard to be an NPR host.
MARK: I resent that. I have a very soothing baritone. Anyway, let’s get into the weather, because if we don’t, people will complain we didn’t warn them about the hypothermia.
JOLEEN: It’s gonna be cold. Shocker. Today, we’re looking at a high of forty-two, which is laughable because with the wind chill it feels like twenty. Tonight, it drops to twenty-five.
MARK: And it only gets 'better' from there. Tuesday, we’re seeing clouds and a high of forty-two again. Wednesday, slight warm up to forty-eight—break out the shorts, folks—but by the weekend, we are looking at temperatures plummeting. Highs in the low forties on Saturday, and Sunday? A high of twenty-two.
JOLEEN: Twenty-two degrees. That’s disgusting. And there’s a chance of snow showers later in the week, just to make driving to your in-laws’ house a miserable experience.
MARK: Drive safe, or don’t drive at all. Honestly, staying home is the power move.
JOLEEN: Always is.
MARK: Let’s hit the headlines. Big news for anyone who’s ever been stranded in the Salt Lake City airport for six hours waiting for the connection to Pocatello.
JOLEEN: Oh my god, finally.
MARK: Delta Air Lines announced on Saturday that they are adding a second daily flight between Pocatello and Salt Lake City.
JOLEEN: About fucking time. I swear, that one flight a day was a hostage situation. If you missed it, or if it got cancelled because a cloud looked at the pilot wrong, you were sleeping on the floor at SLC.
MARK: Exactly. The new flight doesn’t start until May seventh, twenty-twenty-six, so don’t get too excited for your Christmas travel, but it’s on the books. It’ll be operated by SkyWest. They’re adding an outbound departure from Pocatello at 11:44 a.m. and another at 7:00 p.m.
JOLEEN: That 7:00 p.m. one is a game changer. You can actually do a day trip or, you know, connect from a flight that lands in Salt Lake after noon. It’s like we’re a real city now.
MARK: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But Airport Manager Alan Evans and Mayor Blad—well, outgoing Mayor Blad—were very excited about the connectivity. It’s good for business, it’s good for sanity.
JOLEEN: It’s good for getting the hell out of here when you need to. That’s the real selling point.
MARK: In other news, did you hear about the 'Great Idaho Potato Grab'?
JOLEEN: I did. And I have to say, nothing says 'Pocatello' quite like a bunch of people standing around waiting for free potatoes.
MARK: It happened this past Saturday. They dumped thousands of pounds of potatoes, and people just... took them. It’s technically a charity thing, ensuring food doesn't go to waste, but the visual of it is just so stereotypically Idaho.
JOLEEN: Hey, free food is free food. In this economy? I’d fill my trunk with russets if they’re handing them out. You can live off potatoes for a long time, Mark. Ask the Irish. Or, wait, don’t ask them. That didn't go well.
MARK: Too soon, Joleen. Too soon. But yes, the Potato Grab was a success. It’s one of those community events that makes you realize we really are just a big agricultural town wearing a trench coat pretending to be a city.
JOLEEN: Speaking of grim realities, we have a missing person report we need to mention.
MARK: Right. This is serious. The Pocatello Police are looking for Ernie McGill Jr. He’s been reported as an endangered missing person. He was last seen in the area. If you have any information, please contact the PPD.
JOLEEN: Yeah, don’t be an asshole. If you saw something, say something. It’s getting cold out there, and we don’t want anyone stuck outside.
MARK: Also in the crime blotter—or rather, regional stupidity—an Idaho Falls man was sentenced for a 'multi-year poaching spree' in Wyoming.
JOLEEN: Of course he was. Because killing wildlife illegally is the ultimate sign of a small dick.
MARK: He was taking mule deer and elk without tags, crossing state lines... just a mess. He got hit with a massive fine and lost his hunting privileges for life.
JOLEEN: Good. If you can’t follow the rules, you don’t get to play. It’s not that hard. There are literally thousands of acres of public land and a very clear book of regulations. Read it, you illiterate fucks.
MARK: Moving on to something that usually makes us angry but today... might actually make us happy? Road construction.
JOLEEN: Don’t toy with me, Mark.
MARK: I’m serious. The I-15 / I-86 System Interchange. The bane of our existence for the last three years. The project that launched a thousand detour memes.
JOLEEN: Is it... is it over?
MARK: According to the latest updates from the Idaho Transportation Department, the project was slated for completion in August of this year. And driving through there this weekend, I noticed something miraculous.
JOLEEN: What?
MARK: No cones. No lane shifts. No confused semi-trucks trying to merge into my passenger seat.
JOLEEN: I don’t believe you. I’ve been conditioned to panic whenever I approach the Chubbuck exit. You’re telling me I can just... drive?
MARK: You can just drive. They replaced eight bridges, rebuilt the ramps, and fixed that death-trap merge from I-86 to I-15 North. It’s done.
JOLEEN: I feel like I need to go drive it just to feel something. That construction has been the most consistent relationship in my life since twenty-twenty-two.
MARK: It’s a brave new world, Joleen. Of course, now that it’s done, winter is here to destroy the asphalt, so we’ll probably be back to potholes by March. But for now, enjoy the smooth pavement.
JOLEEN: I’ll pour one out for the orange cones. They served us... poorly.
MARK: Let’s talk real estate. Everyone loves to know how much money they can’t afford to spend on a house.
JOLEEN: It’s my favorite genre of horror.
MARK: The October numbers are in. The median sale price in Pocatello is sitting at three hundred and thirty-four thousand dollars. That’s up nearly three percent from last year.
JOLEEN: Three hundred and thirty-four grand. For Pocatello. Let that sink in. You used to be able to buy a city block for that kind of money.
MARK: It’s definitely not the bargain bin anymore. And here’s the kicker—homes are sitting on the market for an average of sixty-seven days.
JOLEEN: Sixty-seven days? That’s an eternity. That means sellers are stubborn, or buyers are broke.
MARK: Probably a bit of both. The market is described as 'somewhat competitive,' which is realtor-speak for 'you might get a house, but you’re gonna overpay for a place that hasn't been updated since nineteen-ninety-five.'
JOLEEN: I saw a listing the other day—three bed, two bath, asking three-fifty. The kitchen looked like the set of 'The Golden Girls.' I mean, I love Betty White, but I don’t want to cook in her kitchen.
MARK: It’s the interest rates, Joleen. People are locked in. Nobody wants to sell their three percent mortgage to buy a seven percent mortgage. So inventory sits, prices creep up, and we all just rent forever.
JOLEEN: Speak for yourself. I’m planning to squat in one of those new luxury apartments until they kick me out.
MARK: Let’s pivot to the schools. District 25 has been in the news a lot lately, mostly for budget cuts and the looming closure of Washington Elementary.
JOLEEN: Yeah, that’s still a heavy cloud over the district. The decision is supposed to be finalized in January, but the writing seems to be on the wall. Enrollment is down, money is tight.
MARK: It is. But there are some bright spots. Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell was recently honored with the District Leadership Award by the Idaho School Superintendents’ Association.
JOLEEN: Okay, good for him. A plaque is nice. But does it fix the budget deficit?
MARK: No, but it shows leadership is being recognized. Also, reading proficiency scores are up across the district. So the kids can read the eviction notices on their schools, at least.
JOLEEN: Jesus, Mark. That’s dark.
MARK: I’m just saying, literacy is important. Also, did you hear about the 'Earn While You Learn' Apprenticeship-Plus Night?
JOLEEN: I did. That’s actually cool. Getting high schoolers into trades, letting them make money while they get credits. We need more of that. Not everyone needs a four-year degree in interpretive dance or whatever useless shit colleges are peddling for fifty grand a year.
MARK: Agreed. If you can weld, you can write your own ticket in this town. Especially with all the industrial work around here.
JOLEEN: Exactly. Learn to fix a pipe, learn to wire a house. You’ll never be unemployed. You might be tired and smell like drywall dust, but you’ll have cash.
MARK: Let’s talk sports. And Joleen, I know you hate sports ball, but you have to admit, it’s been a weirdly successful month for our local teams.
JOLEEN: I don’t hate sports. I hate the people who scream at their TVs. There’s a difference.
MARK: Well, scream at this: Idaho State Men’s Basketball absolutely dismantled Justice University the other night. Eighty-nine to fifty-one.
JOLEEN: Justice University? Is that a real school? Sounds like a place Batman would get a degree.
MARK: It’s an NAIA school, I think. But a win is a win. Caleb Van De Griend went off. Nineteen points in the second half alone, twenty-nine total. The guy was a machine.
JOLEEN: Good for the Bengals. It’s nice to see them blowing people out instead of getting blown out. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
MARK: And let’s not forget the football team. They wrapped up their season recently, and while they aren't going to the playoffs, they did manage to bring the Train Bell Trophy home by beating Weber State earlier this month.
JOLEEN: See? Beating Weber State is all that matters. As long as we’re better than Ogden, I can sleep at night.
MARK: But the real story—the one I promised would thaw your heart—is out of Pocatello High School swimming.
JOLEEN: Okay, hit me.
MARK: Kaiden Irwin. Senior swimmer. Less than five months ago, this kid had open-heart surgery.
JOLEEN: Oh, shit. Really?
MARK: Yeah. Recovered, got back in the pool, and led the Thunder to their best state finish ever. That is some serious grit.
JOLEEN: Okay, I respect that. Most people stub their toe and call out of work for three days. This kid gets his chest cracked open and then goes and races? That’s badass.
MARK: It is. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel lazy for complaining about the wind.
JOLEEN: Speak for yourself. I can respect him and still complain about the wind. I contain multitudes, Mark.
MARK: Fair enough. Now, let’s look at what is happening this week. Because despite the cold, there is stuff to do.
JOLEEN: If you must leave your house.
MARK: Tonight, Monday the 24th, if you’re listening to this in the evening, 'The Forgotten Carols Musical' is happening at Pocatello High School at 7:30 p.m.
JOLEEN: If you’re into that sentimental holiday stuff, go for it. I’m sure it’s heartwarming. I’ll be at home watching reruns of 'The Office.'
MARK: For the rest of us, later in the week, we have the big one. The 'Christmas Night Lights Parade' is this Friday, November 28th.
JOLEEN: In Historic Downtown Pocatello. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Prepare for traffic, prepare for cold children, and prepare for candy being thrown at your head.
MARK: The theme this year is 'Traditions of Christmas Past.'
JOLEEN: 'Traditions of Christmas Past'? What does that mean? Are they gonna have a float depicting the Great Depression? Maybe a Victorian child with rickets?
MARK: I think they’re going for more of a 'vintage nostalgia' vibe, Joleen. Old sleighs, carolers, that sort of thing. Not medical history.
JOLEEN: Boring. I want to see a float dedicated to the Krampus. Scaring kids into behaving is a tradition I can get behind.
MARK: Maybe you should enter a float next year. 'Joleen’s Nightmare Before Christmas.'
JOLEEN: I’d win. Hands down.
MARK: Saturday is also huge. It’s Small Business Saturday.
JOLEEN: Okay, this I actually support. Don’t go to Walmart. Don’t go to Amazon. Go downtown. Buy some weird handmade soap, buy a book from a local store, get a coffee that isn't from a chain. Keep the money in the town.
MARK: Absolutely. There’s also the 'Crafter’s Market' at Station Square on Saturday morning. Perfect place to find gifts for people you sort of like but don’t want to spend fifty dollars on.
JOLEEN: 'Here’s a crocheted potholder. I acknowledge your existence.'
MARK: It’s the thought that counts. Also, the Festival of Trees is happening this week at the Stephens Performing Arts Center.
JOLEEN: It’s trees. They’re decorated. You look at them. You bid on them. It’s fancy. If you have too much money and not enough pine needles in your living room, go check it out.
MARK: And finally, looking ahead to next week... the Runoff.
JOLEEN: Ugh. Do we have to?
MARK: Tuesday, December 2nd. Mark Dahlquist vs. Greg Cates. The showdown for the mayor’s office.
JOLEEN: We’ve been talking about this election for what feels like six years. Can we just pick one and move on?
MARK: Well, that’s what next Tuesday is for. If you live in the city limits, you have to go vote again. I know, it’s exhausting. I know, you just did this. But this is the one that actually decides who runs the snowplows.
JOLEEN: And considering the forecast, you’re gonna want someone competent running those plows. So look up their platforms, figure out who you hate less, and go fill in the bubble.
MARK: Dahlquist had a strong lead in the general, getting over forty percent, but Cates has been rallying. It’s going to be interesting.
JOLEEN: 'Interesting' is a strong word. 'Mercifully ending soon' is how I’d phrase it.
MARK: Just vote. Please. Local elections matter way more than the national circus.
JOLEEN: They really do. The President doesn’t decide if your pothole gets filled. The Mayor does.
MARK: Before we wrap up, I want to mention one more thing from the 'good vibes' department. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council held an Essential Needs Drive this past weekend.
JOLEEN: Yeah, on Saturday. They were collecting stuff for the Free Little Pantry. It’s cool to see teenagers actually doing something useful instead of just making TikToks in the middle of the mall.
MARK: Hey, the youth are alright. They collected food, hygiene items, winter gear. It’s a good reminder that there are a lot of people in Pocatello struggling right now.
JOLEEN: Yeah. If you missed the drive, you can still donate to the pantries around town. Just don’t put expired cans of beans in there. Nobody wants your botulism beans from two thousand and twelve.
MARK: Check the dates, folks. It’s basic decency.
JOLEEN: So, to recap: The wind is awful, the Delta flights are improving , the potatoes were free, and the election is almost over.
MARK: And the forgotten carols are being remembered tonight.
JOLEEN: Sure. That too.
MARK: That’s 'Happening in Pocatello' for this week. I’m Mark.
JOLEEN: I’m Joleen. Don’t freeze to death.
MARK: And we’ll see you next week for the post-election breakdown.
JOLEEN: Unless I get blown away by a gust of wind and end up in Blackfoot.
MARK: We can only hope.
JOLEEN: Fuck you, Mark.
MARK: Bye, everyone.
JOLEEN: Wait, did we mention the Thanksgiving closures?
MARK: City Hall is closed Thursday and Friday. Trash pickup is delayed. You know the drill. It happens every year.
JOLEEN: Just checking. Didn’t want people leaving their trash cans out to get blown into the neighbor’s yard.
MARK: Consider them warned. Now, cut the mic.
JOLEEN: On it. Bye, bitches.