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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.
[00:00:00] Announcer: Welcome to the show where the spuds run free Pocatello Tales, as weird as can be from the land of taters and Tom Bull weeds. It's happening in Pocatello where the news is strange and mellow. Grab your seat. Let's laugh and mellow. What's happening in.
[00:00:23] Mark: Alright. Alright. Settle your asses down. Pocatello.
Welcome to Happening in Pocatello, the only goddamn podcast that tells it like it is, even if it is just another Tuesday in this glorious, dusty corner of Idaho. I'm Mark your cool, collected and perpetually unimpressed host.
[00:00:45] Joleen: I'm Jolene here to add a touch of defiant apathy to your Monday. If you're expecting sunshine and rainbows, you've clearly tuned into the wrong frequency.
You pour diluted souls. But hey, at least you're here. We appreciate your questionable taste.
[00:01:01] Mark: Questionable but loyal. So if you haven't already. Hit that like button subscribe, leave a five star review, or hell just send us a carrier pigeon with your thoughts. We're not picky. Just engage your lazy bastards.
Let's kick this off with some headlines that are, shall we say, uniquely Pocatello.
[00:01:22] Joleen: Get ready for a real emotional rollercoaster. Folks. First up, someone's decided to commit the ultimate act of disrespect, and it's not even a big time heist. Apparently hand painted gnomes were stolen from a 14-year-old child's grave at Mountain View Cemetery.
The family is understandably pleading for answers
[00:01:43] Mark: gnomes. Fucking gnomes who steals gnomes from a child's grave? That's not petty theft. That's just a special kind of asshole behavior. I mean, what do you even do with stolen grave gnomes? Are they gonna start a tiny morbid garden party? Pathetic
[00:02:02] Joleen: indeed.
Mark, you have to wonder about the thought process there. Moving on to slightly less, no ish, but equally intriguing local happenings. It seems our political landscape is getting a bit more crowded. Pocatello native, Terry Pickens officially launched her 2026 gubernatorial bid on the Democrat ticket just last week on November 10th.
Always good to see a local trying to make a difference, even if it's Idaho politics.
[00:02:29] Mark: Yeah, make a difference or stir the pot. Same thing in politics, really. And speaking of planning for the future, the Idaho Transportation Department, bless their bureaucratic hearts, is actually looking for public input on a long range transportation plan.
They've got open houses starting mid-November, right here in Pocatello. So if you've got complaints about the roads, now's your chance to be a part of the solution, or at least sound like you tried.
[00:02:59] Joleen: Or just complain online like everyone else. Let's be real. But the biggest political shakeup locally, our Fair City is headed for a mayoral runoff election on December 2nd.
It's between Greg Cates and Mark Dahlquist. So we are guaranteed a new mayor in 2026, which frankly sounds like a Tuesday to me. Same old song, just a different singer.
[00:03:21] Mark: A different singer, possibly with a slightly less annoying whistle. Here's hoping anyway, while the politicians are doing their dance. Some other folks have been making headlines in less savory ways.
Let's talk crime because who doesn't love A good reminder that not everyone in Pocatello is here to bake cookies and pet puppies.
[00:03:43] Joleen: Spoiler alert, no one's baking cookies here. On a truly disturbing note, a former Pocatello, MMA coach was recently sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting multiple children.
The news was updated last week on November 13th. Just a real standup guy. Clearly,
[00:04:01] Mark: yeah, standup right into a jail cell where he belongs. That kind of shit just makes your stomach turn, and in related news, proving that the internet is a cesspool. Two more charming individuals. John McGraw from Idaho Falls and Leslie Markham from Nampa were arrested last week for possessing child sexual exploitation material.
The Pocatello Police Department even lent a hand in those arrests, which were announced on November 12th. So thanks for that. PPD, at least some of these sick bastards are getting caught.
[00:04:36] Joleen: It's a small victory and a world full of big problems. On a slightly more localized front, there's also been a report of a Pocatello man arrested for a Sunday morning shooting.
Details are still a bit hazy, but it just goes to show you, even in our sleepy town, people can't seem to keep their shit together for a full weekend.
[00:04:55] Mark: Tell me about it. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one with a grip moving on to something that affects everyone, especially the parents who are probably listening to this while trying to wrangle their gremlins.
Let's talk about the Pocatello slash Chubbuck school district. Because if anything is a constant source of drama, it's our schools
[00:05:16] Joleen: always something. The big news from PCs D 25 is a revised cell phone policy. Starting this school year, all students are required to have their devices turned off and stored away during classes.
Apparently, Highland High School had a pilot program and shocker engagement actually went up. Who knew? Kids might learn something if they weren't glued to TikTok?
[00:05:39] Mark: Mind blowing. I know. It's almost like having a tiny, glowing distraction machine in your pocket isn't conducive to learning what a concept.
And for those of you with kids, mark your calendars. There's no school for learners this Thursday, November 20th, and Friday, November 21st for record day and professional development. The second trimester kicks off on December 1st, so enjoy your slightly extended weekend. Parents try not to murder each other.
[00:06:07] Joleen: Good luck with that, but it's not all about cell phones and days off. The district is also wrestling with some heavy financial shit. PC SD 25 is facing a shrinking budget and the very real possibility of closing a school due to declining enrollment. They've already cut 14 staff positions and are looking to cut 20 to 37 more over the next few years.
A decision on which elementary school gets the ax is expected by the end of February. Just a total fucking mess.
[00:06:37] Mark: Yeah, because nothing says thriving community like closing down schools. It's a real dick punch for the families involved, but you can't run a district on fumes and good intentions. Someone's gotta make the tough, unpopular calls, shifting gears from impending doom to athletic triumphs and defeats.
Let's talk local sports because sometimes you just need to scream at a tv.
[00:07:00] Joleen: Or just watch it happen. The Idaho State Women's basketball team took a gut punch on Sunday, November 16th, falling to South Dakota, 64 63 after a buzzer beater. Ouch. That's a rough way to go down. Better luck next time. I guess
[00:07:16] Mark: a buzzer beater.
That's the kinda shit that makes you wanna throw your remote through the screen. But hey, at least the Idaho State football team brought home a win. They absolutely demolished Weber State 31 to three on Saturday, November 15th and get this, they actually retained the train Bell Trophy for the first time since 1984.
Quarterback Jordan Cook was a total beast accounting for three touchdowns. Finally, something to cheer about without a hint, a sarcasm.
[00:07:45] Joleen: A rare moment of genuine enthusiasm from you, mark, I'll cherish it. Also, big congrats to the Highland Girls soccer Trio who signed college letters of intent on November 15th.
That's some real talent right there. And for the football fanatics. Mark your calendars for this Saturday, November 22nd. Rigby and Homedale will be battling it out for state championships right here in Pocatello at the ICCU Dome. So get out there and watch some actual honest to God competition.
[00:08:14] Mark: Because our lives are so lacking in drama, we need to inject more through sports, whatever.
If you're looking for something to actually do, besides wallowing in self-pity, we've got a rundown of some upcoming community events. You know, for those of you who still leave your houses.
[00:08:30] Joleen: If you must tonight, Monday, November 17th, you can try your hand at paint night at Wanderlust from six to 9:00 PM tomorrow.
For the Early Birds, there's a CEO Breakfast Series with Mindy Benedetti at Juniper Hills Country Club from eight to 9:30 AM or if you prefer your brain cells to remain mostly intact. Wanderlust is hosting a wine tasting on Wednesday, November 19th from six to 8:00 PM.
[00:08:54] Mark: Wine tasting, eh, sounds like a good way to forget your troubles for a bit if you're feeling lucky.
Wanderlust is also doing bingo on Thursday, November 20th from six to 8:30 PM and for the music lovers, or at least people who tolerate live music, there's a live acoustic performance at Wanderlust on Friday, November 21st from seven to 9:30 PM Clearly, wanderlust is the place to be if you're looking for something to do this week.
[00:09:20] Joleen: It's either that or stare at a wall. Your choice, and for those of you who enjoy the more festive, slightly less cynical fight of life, the Festival of Trees kicks off this Thursday, November 20th, and runs through Saturday, November 22nd at the Step Ins Performing Arts center. Get your holiday cheer on. I guess
[00:09:38] Mark: holiday cheer is a strong phrase, Jolene.
But yes, twinkle lights and overpriced crafts for everyone. Plus, if you're a glutton for holiday punishment, a Christmas Carol is showing at the Stevens Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 22nd from two to 4:30 PM Relive the joy of a crotchety old man, learning to be slightly less of a dick.
[00:10:02] Joleen: A timeless classic.
Also for the shoppers, there's a crafters market at Station Square on Saturday, November 22nd. Get out there and support some local artisans or just browse awkwardly and buy nothing. It's your civic duty.
[00:10:16] Mark: And then we've got some other big ones coming up next week. The Pocatello Christmas market is on Friday, November 28th at the Mountain View Event Center, starting at noon.
Plus get ready for some serious traffic and general chaos because the historic downtown Pocatello Christmas Night Lights Parade is also on Friday, November 28th, kicking off at 6:30 PM The theme this year is Traditions of Christmas Past. Don't Forget Small Business. Saturday, the very next day, November 29th in downtown Pocatello.
Go spend some money. You cheap skates.
[00:10:53] Joleen: Or just stay home and order everything online like a normal person, it's less hassle. Now, for the real buzzkill, let's talk about the weather, because Pocatello always delivers a thrilling
[00:11:03] Mark: experience on that front. Thrilling is right today, Monday, November 17th. We've got a chance of showers early this morning.
Then mostly cloudy skies with a high, around 52 degrees Fahrenheit. It's gonna dip to a low of about. 37 tonight with some south winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour. So hold onto your hats or just let 'em fly into the abyss. Sounds like
[00:11:27] Joleen: a typical Monday. Moving into Tuesday, November 18th, expect partly sunny skies with a high near 55 degrees and a low around 35.
Wednesday, November 19th brings a 30% chance of showers before 11:00 AM. Then partly sunny with a high, around 50 and a low of 33. So don't forget your umbrella or just embrace the dampness,
[00:11:49] Mark: whatever. Embrace the dampness. That's the Pocatello way. Looking towards the end of the week, Thursday, November 20th is looking sunny with a high of 51 and a low of 33.
Friday, November 21st is mostly cloudy with a high around. 39 and a low of 32 for the weekend. Saturday, November 22nd has a chance of showers high around 43 and a low of 36, and Sunday, November 23rd. Looks sunny with a high of 41 and a low of 32. So a bit of everything as usual. Don't let it ruin your plans or do I don't give a shit.
[00:12:26] Joleen: Just another week of meteorological indecision. Finally, let's turn our attention to the delightful world of real estate, because who doesn't love hearing about how much more money you could be spending?
[00:12:38] Mark: Yeah. Or how much you just lost. The Pocatello housing market is apparently somewhat competitive, scoring a solid 68 out of a hundred.
In October, 2025, the median sale price for a home here was. $334,000, which is up a measly 2.8% year over year. Not exactly a booming market is it?
[00:13:00] Joleen: Thrilling homes are also hanging around on the market a bit longer, with a median of 67 days in October, 2025, up from 58 days last year, and only 51 homes sold in October, down from 61 last year, so less selling.
More waiting. Sounds like a party.
[00:13:17] Mark: Yeah, a party where nobody's showing up. As of last week, November 14th, there were 173 active listings and a measly eight new listings in Pocatello. The average home value is sitting at $332,639. Up less than 1% over the past year, and they take about 41 days to go pending.
So if you're looking to buy, you've got options. But don't expect to be breaking the bank with a bidding war unless you're an idiot.
[00:13:47] Joleen: And for those of you not looking to buy, but to throw away money on rent, the average rent in Pocatello was 1100, $2. Just think of all the craft beer you could buy with that.
[00:13:58] Mark: Or you know, food
[00:13:59] Joleen: priorities, Jolene priorities. Alright, that about wraps up this edition of Happening in Pocatello another week, another round of local absurdity and mild inconvenience. Remember to like, subscribe and tell all your friends who still have a pulse about us or don't. We'll still be here next week, probably still covered in the metaphorical dust of this town.
And if you don't like it, well you know where the unsubscribe button is or you can just. Scream into the void. It amounts to the same thing. Really catch you later ya Bunch of dickheads.