Happening in Pocatello: Water Woes and Downtown Drama

Outgoing Mayor Brian Blad will deliver his final 'State of the City' address at the City Council meeting this Thursday, December 18th, highlighting the city's accomplishments and priorities. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Early Sunday morning, police responded to a public safety incident near 2nd and Center Street where an individual was found with injuries. The individual was transported to the hospital, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them.

On Friday, December 12th, two separate water line breaks caused the closure of Hawthorne Middle School and Indian Hills Elementary. A 12-inch water main broke near Pole Line Road and Eldredge Road, flooding a power grid area and forcing the closure of Hawthorne Middle School. Later, a second water line broke on Cheyenne Avenue, leading to the evacuation of Indian Hills Elementary. Students were taken to the LDS Church building on Bannock Highway for reunification with their parents.

The I-15/I-86 interchange project is expected to be completed in August 2025. Remaining tasks include completing the new southbound-to-westbound ramp and finishing the Chubbuck Road underpass. A recent incident involved a semi-truck colliding with a traffic control vehicle on I-15, resulting in lane closures. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution in work zones.

In other news, Buddy's Italian Restaurant received a positive review for its classic Italian-American cuisine. The ISU football team finished the season with a 6-6 record, while the women's basketball team is currently 5-4. Community events include 'Kurt Bestor Christmas,' 'A Christmas Carol,' and 'The Nutcracker.' Weather forecasts predict a week of rain and possible snow with unseasonably warm temperatures. The median listing price for a home in Pocatello is around $390,000, with average rents at approximately $1,100.