Idaho Falls FAQs
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We often get questions about Idaho Falls in our live chatbox, questions from residents and people looking to move or visit. One proud accomplishment for IdahoFallz.com is the numerous times a visitor says they found the best and most honest information about our area from this site.
This discussion thread will be wide-ranging for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our area. We will still discuss the merits of answers, but I hope to create links up here to the best information answers in the comments below.
Hopefully we can create a quality FAQ repository of our collective Idaho Falls and southeast Idaho knowledge with this thread.
If you have a question about our area, please comment your question. If you have an answer, please comment the answer. I will periodically add the jump links at the top to what looks like the most important information bits.
If you have information you think is frequently asked in our area, please add a comment with that information below. Please add one comment per distinct information nugget so I can easily link to each distinct item, and so info-seekers can easily find distinct information fast. Feel free to still comment discussion-wise on the “official” FAQs, especially if you notice an incomplete answer was given, or if information changes over time.
This is one thread where some businesses may be linked to, so long as they are absolutely appropriate to the legitimate question. “What’s the best furniture outlet: Store X!” not so much; “What are the cheapest furniture sources: X, Y, Z” is more informative.
So what are some Idaho Falls frequently asked questions?
Where can I find online information about Idaho Falls and surrounding areas?
Where can I find jobs in the Idaho Falls and southeast Idaho area?
Where is a good place to rent if you have pets?
Who are the best home construction contractors around Idaho Falls?
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Comments
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0 
0 Where can I find jobs in the Idaho Falls and southeast Idaho area?
I think the two best sources are the Post Register’s free employment listings and Job Service. There are other job listing websites here, but they tend to have very few updated listings, and those listings tend to be repeats of what you find in the PR and Job Service.
Also a lot more jobs can be found by walking the beat with your resume, and asking your friends and family for leads.
PR Job Listings:
http://www.postregister.com/class/
Job Service:
https://cl.idaho.gov/IW/Jobsearch/js.asp?22=esCustomJobSearchHelp.htm&92=217579520&116=1mWc&bDebug=False
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0 0 http://www.monster.com and http://www.careerbuilder.com are two very good sites to look for local jobs.
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0 0 Another good place to look for job openings is http://www.betteridahofallsjobs.com.
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0 0 Here’s where the discussion kicks in 8^)
I used to link to the betteridahofallsjobs.com, but realized they get very few listings. I checked again now and it appears they add a new one about every day, so maybe they’re getting busier lately.
I’ve never used careerbuilder, but the only thing I’ve ever gotten was spam from listing myself at monster.com, both in Boise and here. They also had a major security breach a month or two ago, where a someone registered as an employer and harvested a bunch of job applicants’ information.
Those are a few options, but my opinion is that in our area most employers go with the PR or the Idaho Job Service listings because those are the biggest. Of course when you really need a job you want every lead possible so… Thanks for the extra options SlimPickens and Anonymous.
What else is a local frequently asked question?
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0 0 A question I’d like to see posted/answered by many is “What is there for stay at home moms to do around town”?. I have found many things now, but when I was new it was tough learning the ropes about where to go and what to do to get out of the house. Especially for those with kids 5 and under.
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0 0 I spent the better part of a month creating a collection of things for new families, moms with kids (pre-school) or school age to do.
That is where I really became aware of the disconnect for new residents moving to the area thinking there was nothing to do vs. knowing where to find the activities.
Since that information is posted elsewhere, I don’t know if I can post it here.
It would be interesting, “a mom” for you to share with us what you have learned.
Also, often people want to know where they can go “do things,” and they are easily bored. When I suggest they might want to try giving of themselves - community service whatever it may be- that receives mixed reviews.
I’m not sure if I can share the user’s name here who searched for an organization that would let that user donate time. However, that person obviously knows who s/he is. If you are comfortable explaining your process of finding volunteer work, I hope you will post some of what you encountered and what has changed in your life.
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0 0 Where are the cheapest gas sources generally?
I think most Mavericks are cheap because they price match within a mile or so. Flying J on Broadway is usually cheapest, along with the WinCo grocery store gas station if you have a $50+ grocery receipt.
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0 0 More job hunting links
http://amwtp.inl.gov/outside_hr/jobs.cfm
http://www.dhr.idaho.gov/stateJobs/default.aspx
http://www.usajobs.com/
http://eirmc.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=B42D5E2D-3468-40B6-A89A-D36DAA048B52
http://www.jobcentral.com/
Is it time for an Idaho Falls wiki?
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0 0 I think this post has turned into a big job link! 
I agree with Joe that Maverick has cheap gas, but therin lies the problem, their gas is cheap! I’ve gotten gas at a number of different Mavericks around town using three different vehicles, and every vehicle has run rough after filling up with Mavericks fuel. I’ve even tried the high octane and no difference. I’ve heard you’re supposed to go early in the morning to fill your car up, because that’s when the condensation in the tanks has seperated from the fuel and you’re more likely to get a better cleaner tank of gas when you fill up. Our vehicles just run like crap when we use Maverick and we won’t use them anymore, no matter how low the price is.
Maybe it’s just my family and we’ve been unlucky, but we refuse to damage our vehicles by using this cheap fuel anymore.
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0 0 I’ve thought about this discussion’s organization for months, and there’s not a perfect way to do it, regarding the jump links at top. All comments have a grand numbering scheme behind the scenes, so I cannot take one comment and make it an earlier one, and I cannot just “force” one comment to appear earlier time-wise since they are dynamically called. And I don’t want to take one person’s comment content and add it to another’s comment, since the first person would lose their ‘comment count’ in our sidebar.
Ehh, we’ll just talk and do the best we can. I imagine folks reading the FAQ will realize this and start reading through more comments below where a new subject starts.
Here’s a question we get asked a lot in the chatbox:
Where is a good place to rent if you have pets? I don’t have pets, so what are some things to keep in mind for these folks?
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0 0 Who are the best home construction contractors around Idaho Falls?
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0 0 Wind River Homes & Design has been wonderful to work with. They build beautiful homes and pay particular attention to the details. They are owned by Quinn & Robyn Webb. I’d highly recommend them.
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0 0 How do I find the school district boundaries between District #91 and #93? And what schools are in each district?
This is the link for District #91 which includes most of Idaho Falls proper. The different schools and how to contact them are listed as well. http://www.d91.k12.id.us
District #93 essentially covers, Ammon, Iona, Ucon, Inincorporated Bonneville County and some other areas.
The link for School District #93 is: http://www3.d93.k12.id.us
The various schools are listed as they are built and named. Rapid growth in the elementary schools in District #93.
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0 0 There you go, great Idaho Falls FAQ!
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0 0 This morning’s Post Register had an article portraying a very bad image of a local Webb construction, owned by Randy Webb. The story indicated he has built several high end speculation homes and has over $376,000 in liens on his properties from subcontractors. At least one customer was profiled who cannot get their home finished by Webb. When the customer tried to talk to Webb and get it done, Webb ordered them off his property!
These are allegations and the PR said they were not able to get a response from Webb, but I imagine anyone looking for a home contractor should probably avoid Randy Webb for awhile, at least until those problems get worked out.
The reason I wanted to put this comment in this FAQ is because another contractor with last name of Webb was mentioned here, and I want to make it clear if there is a distinction between the companies. Are they related (the Webb’s at Wind River Design) or not?
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0 0 I read that also. Pretty interesting. This one couple sold their home in California and was having this guy build them a custom home and after giving him over 60 grand up front,they were supposed to move in to their new home in May and it still has not been completed. They ended up having to get an attorney to go after this guy. This Randy Webb character has got dozens of contractors that have put liens against him and his company. Unfortunately this couple won’t see any money from this guy for quite awhile being that he’s almost 400 grand in the hole.
Good news for home buyers though. With all these custom homes sitting on the market for so long and nobody buying them, the prices will soon drop and someone looking to buy a high end home thats worth over 500K will soon be able to get it for much less.
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0 0 Wind River Homes is run by Quinn and Robyn Webb (who does interior design). Their house in Shelley is for sale now for 1.3 million, quite high for that area and property. I do not know if there is a relation to Randy Webb, but in the last month or so I have heard there are financial issues/liens/repossessions going on with the Wind River business too, so your post interested me. I know it’s only heresay but, it was told to us by someone who isn’t a gossip and a respected professional.
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0 0 For that price, the house better wipe your nose for you when you sneeze! I don’t see them getting anywhere near that price, especially for a house in Shelly. But who knows….
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0 0 Quinn and Randy Webb are brothers, but the construction companies they run are completely seperate. I personally know Quinn and his wife Robin and they are not having the financial set backs like Randy is. They built their home for the 2006 Parade of Homes and listed it on the market after the show. I had also heard from another source that Randy Webb sold his home in Shelley as well to help pay off some of his debt.
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0 0 Thanks for the clarification. The individual must have had the brothers confused.
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0 0 No problem “reader”, I think there are many contractors that are down from what they are use to but I have also heard that many have taken steps to protect themselves. I heard a few weeks back that Rockwell Development laid off 20 employees.
Hate to see anyone lose their job, but it’s good to see the company is watching out for the many other employees they have.
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0 0 Hopefully this downturn in the business will eliminate a few of the “slob” builders and contractors that have infested this area in recent years. There are a few I’d love to see go out of business permanently. Anyone who has spent much time touring new construction, especially in the Ammon area, knows what I’m talking about. I’ve never seen so much crap being built so fast in one area. Unfortunately, the better builders are also getting hit. Many overestimated the market or just plain gambled on too many high-end spec homes. The survivors will be the ones who do QUALITY work and treat their customers fairly.
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0 0 How long is the Idaho Falls greenbelt? What is the length in meters/miles, and how long does it take to walk?
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0 0 From the Summer 2005 issue of Idaho Falls magazine:
South Capital Loop—1.39 miles
From Broadway past the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and Sportsman’s Park to Pancheri and back, behind the Taylor Crossing development.
West and East Bank Greenbelt Loop—2.34 miles
Central loop across John’s Hole bridge, across the Highway 20 bridge.
Connector Loops to Freeman Park—0.45 miles
In the summer, the floating bridge under Highway 20 and the paved path to Freeman Park. In the winter, the alternate trail is 0.69 miles.
Freeman Park Loop—0.99 miles
The outer loop surrounding the park.
North Extension—0.28 miles
Behind University Place, dead-ends at the north railroad bridge.
*Mileage was mapped by Alan Crockett using a GPS device.
Joe, I’ve walked and biked the entire loop countless times, but never once kept track of time.
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0 0 What are the best entertainment bets for young single adults visiting Idaho Falls?
Best places to meet other drinking young people?
Best places to meet other non-drinking young adults?
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0 0 Joe, I would like an answer to that one! I’ve been here over a year and still haven’t found many cool, young, drinking folks to hang out with.
For the most part I hang at Vino or MarCellars because the places are chill, you can have a conversation, and the owners are nice folks. If I’m feeling rowdy I’ll walk into one of the other bars in that area: Samoa, the Crown, or Frosty Gator. Ford’s and Karen’s are just about too sketchy to set foot in. DB’s on first street used to be ok, but it’s been getting worse and worse (fights, weirdos). Same goes for the Peppertree and Chick’s.
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0 0 Is it true that the Mormon church in Rexburg, purchased all the liqour licenses alloted to that town, to keep anyone from opening up a bar or liqour store there? I’ve heard this from a number of reliable sources and think that type of thing should be against the law. You shouldn’t be allowed to purchase a liqour license only to sit on it to keep others from profiting or opening up a bar.
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0 0 I also heard this is the reason there are so many DUI’s on hwy 26, because of people having to drive to Idaho Falls in order to enjoy an adult beverage.
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0 0 Jose
The Mormon church doesn’t own any liquor licenses in Rexburg or anywhere. The city council (which is nearly if not all mormon and has been forever) just hasn’t granted any liquor licenses inside city limits most likely due to the mormon belief that alcohol is bad for the body (but suitable to bathe in 
). Your reliable sources have been fed bad information or make things up.
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0 0 Do you know this for a fact? And if what you say is true, there has to be a law against that. They can’t deny somebody a license just because of THEIR beliefs. Surely they understand that not everyone has the same religious beliefs. What about seperation of church and state? Don’t they know that Jesus turned water into wine? Or are they just being hypocrites? This really infuriates me even more then them buying all the licenses up and holding onto them. They have no reason not to grant a legitimate business owner a liqour license if he so chooses to have one.
That makes me want to buy a restaraunt in Rexburg and apply for a license, just so I can be turned down. Then I’d take the city council to court and make national news out of it! It’s an outrage I tell you!
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0 0 Sorry to change the subject, but can anyone recommend a good jeweler here in IF? Not the cookie cutter stores, but someone who pays personal attention to customer’s needs and wants. I had a few pieces made for me in our old town and it would be nice to have someone to do the routine checks of the stones, cleaning, etc we had done in the past. Also for new orders, someone who offers high quality stones and not the cheap China-mart diamonds. Someone who won’t switch the stone on you, know what I mean? Any help appreciated.
Regarding the bar issue, the one at the Cellar isn’t bad, but not rowdy like some want. My friends have also met new ones at Apple Athletic Club, seems like some age groups and types (ie stay at home moms, students) tend to work out around the same times or go to similar classes.
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0 0 I really like Ingrams Jewelers downtown, they are family owned and have always treated me good. Ingrams will always have my business.
As for Josecuervo and his Rexburg rumor, that is an old urban legend going around for years, and it sounds like you really have some sort of grudge, because your “rumor” is not true, and never was. But it sounds like you will continue to critizize and keep spreading the rumor when you probably really know its not true.
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0 0 How do you know it’s not true? I’m not spreading rumours, but you just saying “it isn’t true”, doesn’t make it so.
Why don’t you explain to me why there are no bars in Rexburg?
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0 0 In reference to your question about best entertainment bets for young single adults in Idaho Falls
The Chamber of Commerce is starting a new program called the Young Professionals Network where young adults can get together once a month a with other business professionals to network, make contacts and meet new people. The first social event will be Thursday, January 31 at Carino’s in Ammon. Free food and a couple of drink tickets. We hope this will fill a void that is missing for this age group (21-40). What do you think?
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0 0 That looks interesting. None of my friends (mostly young INL workers) have heard of this event. The chamber should have advertised through the Lab. Thanks for the info.
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0 0 I’d like to know where they ARE advertising it?? Aside from this site. Sounds ok, but only once a month? I guess we’ll see huh? Doesn’t sound all that exciting to me. Not to mention the bar in Carrinos is very small, so it’s not going to accomodate that many people. I assume it’s being held in the bar. It’s not like Carrinos is going to shut down their whole restaraunt for the night.
Kind of short notice, but I’ll spread the word and we’ll see how it goes.
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0 0 I think it sounds like an awesome idea, like one that makes you wonder why we haven’t been doing it all along. What time? Any kind of entrance requirement, such as produce your business card or whatnot?
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0 0 Myself and a friend will be attending, although I’m wondering why Idaho Falls is holding the event in Ammon…
Joe, it’s from 5 to 7. The link to the pdf is here:
http://www.idahofallschamber.com/use_images/youngprossmallflyer.pdf
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0 0 Ammon, IF….same difference. Most of the nice stores, restaraunts, theatre’s are in Ammon anyways. It’s not like you’re driving to a different city. (kinda) 
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0 0 I was kind of wondering why it would be held on a Thursday night, when everyone has to work the next day. But I guess having it on a Friday night would be rather difficult, since every restaraunt in the city is packed to the gills Friday & Saturday nights.
I’m going to check it out, since I live right around the corner. It’ll be interesting to see how many people show up.
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0 0 I was just wondering why the Chamber of Commerce would be promoting a business that they probably get no revenue from.
CR67, I will see you there. Perhaps we can debate whether towns such as Ammon are the bane of America. In fact, perhaps that would be a good thread!
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0 0 Thanks for the comments. We hope to get a nice crowd. The only thing you neeed to bring is yourself and of course some busines cards to let people know who you are. This will be a first time event, so bear with us. The event will be held in the enclosed (and heated) patio at carinos. We’ll see if we need a bigger space next month. As for as those who mentioned why the Idaho Falls Chamber is hosting an event in Ammon, we are actually called the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce representing IF, Ammon, Shelly, etc. And by the way, what does that mean “supporting a business we get no revenue from? Carinos pays it annual dues just like every other restaurant who is member of our organization.
Anyway, I hope to see all of you there, and I look forward to seeing what suggestions you have to make it a better event.
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0 0 Excellent!
Thanks Robb!
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0 0 Sorry for whoever said the Mormans aren’t buying liquor licenses or DON’T OWN ANY… simply untrue. There are quite a few, I’ve been in the dining industry for some time here in town and for one reason or another, they purchase them. That’s not my business but I’m guessing that JoseC is correct in their intentions.
Research your facts first Guest_2380. There are a few other “city talk” sites that discuss this across the country, search the truth. Fact is, Romney’s run for the pres has opened quite a few eyes on the Mormoms and their extreme influence and bias in this area.
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0 0 Sorry Robb, I thought you guys only represented IF, and therefore figured Carino’s was not affiliated. My bad - thanks for the correction. I’ve gotten 3 other people to RSVP so far!
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0 0 Frank,
I don’t believe anyone said no mormon has bought a liquor license. I think the rumor was, the Mormon Church was buying all the available licenses in Rexburg. I’m sure many restaurant owners in this area have liquor licenses and are also mormons. Big difference. If there are limited numbers of licenses available in IF, I would bet some bar or resaraunt owners will buy them to keep out competition. I don’t see it as some church conspiracy, but then there will always those that will believe whatever unsubstantiated rumor they hear based on bias and prejudice.
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0 0 So…if I am a professional over 40 years old am I not welcome to attend the meeting? I guess I’m a little confused about the age group listed. If this is really set up to improve professional and social networking why should age matter? Not complaining, just curious.
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0 0 Buzz, we’re not talking about Idaho Falls. We’re talking about Rexburg and the fact that there are NO BARS in that town, even though it’s not a “dry” county or city. The fact is, the Mormon church is huge in that area and with BYU being right there, the church doesn’t want it’s students drinking. Period! They know that if there’s a bar in town, their young gullable students, being of drinking age, may be tempted to drink. Thus the reason they purchased all the licenses. You say you’re sure many restaraunts there have liquour licenses, yet you can name one. I don’t know of any off hand.
This has been a known fact for years from what I hear. I heard about it a couple years ago and I’m new to this area.
I believe JoseC asked you to cite your proof that its NOT so, instead of just “claiming” it’s not. IF it’s not true, please tell us why there are no bars in that town? (if not because of the churches influence)
I’m willing to bet you can’t give us an answer.
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0 0 I agree with Buzz, I can’t see a concerted effort or conspiracy by the church itself in this regard.
I can certainly see public officials acting in a specific way due to their beliefs, but this would be true of any area where there is a majority who have a strong faith.
I do not believe the rumors. However, that being said, someone mentioned a possible law change where these licenses become available when applied for, instead of limited and held hostage for whatever reason.
I’d support that law, for sure. And I don’t even drink.
Back to the subject of the meeting at Carino’s…I have only heard of it through this site. But I’m thinking that it will be crowded, at least the first few times. There’s a need.
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0 0 It’s about getting professional “singles” together to meet and mingle. Claiming it’s a “networking social”, is better than a “singles meet and greet”. I think it’s a good idea to put an age limit on it.
What it really boils down to is, it’s their party and they’ll make the rules.
however I don’t think someones going to be their checking id’s. although you may look a little out of place if it’s a bunch of 20-30 somethings, and some 50-60 y/o’s show up.
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0 0 I have no doubt there are no bars there due to the church’s influence. The claim was made that the mormon church bought all the licenses. Why do I have to prove a rumor wrong, why not ask the person who made the claim to prove it right?
I thought Frank was making comments about businesses in Idaho Falls since he said “this town”. I guess he can clairify for us.
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0 0 Why wouldn’t you see an effort by the church to do something like this? Is it so out of context for them? I certainly think not. The Mormon population is much larger in that town than in IF, plus BYU is there. It certainly makes sense to me. If you want to keep your minds closed to the idea, thats certanly your perogative, but until somebody actually dispels it with concrete proof, I’ll believe what I’ve heard from numerous reliable sources.
(and I’m willing to be those that don’t believe it, are of that particular faith)
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0 0 And my point is made….
Thank you Buzz.
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0 0 Funny how defensive Mormons get when they hear about all the ridiculous things their church does in this day and age. They just don’t want to believe it!
Oh well, glad I don’t live in that town.
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0 0 Wouldn’t it be easier to debate the “who holds the liquor license” debate if we knew who owns all of the available liquor licenses in each city and/or county, especially Rexburg?
Names or restaurants specifically will help those of you in disagreement determine whether there is a problem or not.
How does one go about getting this sort if info? Is it public record and if so, through who?
Good idea Chamber on the Carino’s idea. Although, be aware last Thursday we ordered take-out and the poor bartender was absolutely slammed b/c he was in charge of tending bar AND filling 30+ to-go orders all evening. People weren’t getting served timely at the bar, and our order was messed up. Better for Carino’s management to hire separate people for those two functions to pull off any event, IMO.
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0 0 The Chamber’s flier says “Young Professionals Network”, so no offense to the older set but I think they should specify the age range. Young folks are just eager to hang out with young folks sometimes, and they don’t get so many chance in Idaho Falls (which is why it’s great for the Chamber to sponsor this event).
Why not organize an “Older Professionals Network” event as an extra activity? Okay the name may need some work…
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Where can I find online information about Idaho Falls and surrounding areas?
I’ll toot my own horn here and point to some of the huge local links collections we have:
Idaho Falls Links Collection
Idaho Falls Events Calendars Collection
Southeast Idaho Links Collection