The new Western States Caterpillar sales, service and training center opened last summer. The facility was built on 27 acres and encompasses 150,000 square feet, which means there’s plenty of room to continue to grow the business. The expansion was in the works for a few years, and after a VIP reception on July 12, […]
In the early 1980s, malls across America began their glory days. In 1981, Price Development cashed in on the burgeoning lifestyle trend and built the Pine Ridge Mall. Later owned by General Growth Properties, the mall was home to anchors JCPenny, ZCMI and The Bon Marche (which became Macy’s). For more than 35 years, the […]
Rising four stories north of Interstate 86, Idaho Central Credit Union’s 68,000-square-foot office building demonstrates the financial institution’s strong commitment to Bannock County and Southeast Idaho That, coupled with recent and prospective branch additions and expansions — both locally and across the state — only bolsters the credit union’s allegiance to serving Idaho. In addition […]
POCATELLO — According to a study done by the financial technology company SmartAsset, Pocatello is leading the country in terms of job prospects. A study of the “Top 10 Cities for Career Opportunities” conducted by SmartAsset finds the Gate City checking in at No. 3. The report looked at the 355 largest metros in the […]
POCATELLO — The number of passengers using Pocatello Regional Airport continues to climb. According to the airport, 41,273 passengers came in and out of the airport from March to September of 2016, a nearly 45 percent increase from the same time last year. September also saw the airport’s load factor at 79.2 percent, up from […]
Old Town Pocatello has a new identity. Well, five new identities, all meant to help bring the community together. In a ceremony on Sept. 15 on the corner of Whitman and Main streets, NeighborWorks Pocatello unveiled the five names for new subneighborhoods within Old Town. The Foothill subneighborhood is on the west side of the […]
Winter has finally arrived in the Gate City.
Though commuters had a rough time dealing with the precipitation on the area’s roads on Monday morning, the snow was a godsend for winter sport enthusiasts such as skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.
But if you’re not equipped to ski down a steep mountainside or if you can’t afford a massive snowmobile, there’s always the simple, time-honored tradition of sledding down a hill.
With the rolling landscape in town and mountain ranges to the east, west and south, it’s no wonder why sledding is so popular in the Pocatello area. There’s just so many hilly areas to choose from, all of which provide different terrain, obstacles, skill levels and thrills.
To help get you started in your sledding adventures, here are four of the top sledding areas in Pocatello:
Bartz Field
In terms of popularity, Bartz Field is one of the most visited spots in Pocatello for sledding. Located near the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Idaho State University’s campus, the field’s rolling hills provide a perfect winter escape after the snow begins to fall.
“It’s fun,” said Andrew Taylor, interim director of public relations with ISU’s Office of Marketing and Communications. “There’s people of all ages everywhere at Bartz Field.”
Bartz Field is especially popular among ISU students looking to take a break from their homework, and at times the area can get incredibly crowded.
Safety measures always need to be taken wherever you sled, and that is especially true at Bartz Field. In 2013, there was a rash of sledding injuries at the field. A child broke her leg, and another person suffered a lacerated spleen and lost of a kidney in a sledding mishap.
ISU recommends making sure to look out for other people and to avoid obstacles such as trees and rocks. Some of the areas along Bartz Field have been closed to sledding and are marked by signs. Sledding these closed areas can be extremely dangerous.
Ammon Park
Ammon Park seems like it was built for sled enthusiasts.
The Pocatello park sits in a bit of a ravine, with hills of various sizes rising on all sides. Though most of the hills aren’t very tall, some are fairly steep, giving sledders a chance to get some great thrills as they race down the hillsides.
Like Bartz Field, Ammon Park can attract a crowd, so be cautious and courteous when sharing the hills with others.
East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center
The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center is well-known in the area for its cross-country ski trails.
But it is also home to a sledding hill that’s approximately 60 yards long.
What sets this hill apart from the rest, according to Lance Clark, program manager with Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, are the hill’s banked corners, a unique feature included with the natural terrain. Though the hill isn’t very steep, these corners provide an exciting challenge for sledders.
Though it costs $5 to park your car, the natural aesthetics of sledding in the tranquil mountains south of Pocatello are worth the cost. You even have a warming hut nearby.
Plus, you’ll be far away from the crowds that are usually found at Bartz Field and Ammon Park.
Just don’t take your sled on the groomed ski trails.
Bistline Park
The hill at Bistline Park in Chubbuck may not appear to be the most intimidating place for sledders.
However, the park located near the corner of East Chubbuck Road and Hiline Road does offer variety, and when the ground ices over, sledders sliding down the hillside are in for quite a wild ride.
At one time, the hill used to be really steep and short. But it was redesigned a few years ago to give the southern portion a more gradual descent, while giving the northern half a more intense drop.
After heavy snowstorms, both sides of the hill at Bistline Park are heavily utilized, so prepare for a crowd.
POCATELLO — Organizers with the annual Cranksgiving food drive have already received 500 turkeys that will help provide local needy families with a Thanksgiving meal this year.
But with less than one week to go, the organizers are asking the public for help to meet their goal of 1,000 turkeys by Nov. 19.
Known as a “food drive on two wheels,” Cranksgiving collects turkeys and cash donations so no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal. The event was originally started in New York City in 1999 and has expanded around the globe.
The event was launched in Pocatello in 2014 after Tami Parris heard about the food drive on NBC’s Today show. Then, after she heard that the local Idaho Foodbank office needed 600 turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday, she teamed up with Barrie’s Ski and Sports and state Sen. Roy Lacey to meet that quota.
Those who participated in the event stepped up to the plate and delivered.
The following year, the Idaho Foodbank asked organizers for 1,000 turkeys, and they delivered. More than 1,200 turkeys were donated.
“Pocatello can be proud,” Parris said. “The number of turkeys that have been donated has been astronomical.”
So far this year, numerous individuals and businesses have provided food and cash donations. For example, Idaho Central Credit Union recently donated $2,500 to help the cause.
Like the previous two years, cyclists will ride from Barrie’s at 624 Yellowstone Ave. and deliver the turkeys to the Idaho Foodbank at 555 First Ave. once the food drive is completed. The ride will be held on Saturday and is open to the public.
The bike ride has grown substantially since the food drive began. In 2014, approximately 20 to 25 cyclists braved the cold and rain and participated. The following year, there were approximately 60 bike riders.
“Seeing all the bike riders, it really is a beautiful sight,” Parris said.
Those wishing to contribute to the event can donate a turkey or turkeys, or they can provide cash or a check made out to “Cranksgiving.”
Donations can be made at Barrie’s Ski and Sports before Nov. 19. All of the turkeys and money donated at Barrie’s will stay in the community and directly assist local families.
Plus, with every turkey or $20 donation, five raffle tickets will be provided. The prizes for the raffles are two packages that include passes to Pebble Creek Ski Area, the hot pools at Lava Hot Springs and a $50 gift card to the SandTrap.