Shopping, Giving & History
Dishing up Happiness
editor’s note
HEADING INTO THE HOLIDAYS
Maudie Heard
As we head into the holiday season, treats and gifts are heavily on my mind.
This month’s cover story features Farr Candy Co., a local company that has a long history of creating ice creams and candies. The owner, Kevin Call, is the third-generation member of the Farr family and plans to pass the torch to his son, Bill Call. Read more about the history of Farr Candy Co. on page 14.
Following the treat trend, this issue features a new bakery that started as a Thanksgiving trend and now resides in a cottage on 1st Street. Megpies bakes an abundance of pies and is the go-to for Thanksgiving pies. Read more on page 30.
On page 36, you will find the story behind Zz Coffee and The Plant Box, two small businesses located in the heart of downtown that have become a favorite spot for many to enjoy coffee, baked goods, and specialty plants.
This issue of Idaho Falls Magazine features the annual Shopping, Giving & History section along with the regular Faces of the Falls, Business Spotlight, and In the Kitchen columns, and more. Enjoy!
NOVEMBER EVENTS
1 11
MUMMIES SOIRÉE AT THE HAUNTED MUSEUM
On the night after Halloween, you’re invited to enter the Museum of Idaho as it transforms into an opulent space caught between worlds, dressed in shadows and candlelight. Arrive in your finest spooky-season attire or haunted elegance. Inside, music, dancing, themed drinks, & Mummies of the World: The Exhibition await you. Purchase your tickets at museumofidaho.org.
TIME: 8-11 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum of Idaho CONTACT: 208-522-1400 www.museumofidaho.org
6
IDAHO FALLS HOCKEY: SPUD KINGS VS. CASPER WARBIRDS
The Spud Kings will play against the Pueblo Bulls at the Mountain America Center. Join the crowd for a fun night out watching hockey and enjoy snacks from concessions. Tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster.com.
TIME: 7:05 p.m.
LOCATION: Mountain America Center CONTACT: 986-497-0509 www.mountainamericacenter.com
7
IDAHO FALLS HOCKEY: SPUD KINGS VS. OGDEN MUSTANGS
TIME: 7:05 p.m.
LOCATION: Mountain America Center
CONTACT: 986-497-0509
www.mountainamericacenter.com
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends. Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition!
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Colonial Theater CONTACT: 208-522-0471 www.idahofallsarts.org
12
THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET BY WORLD BALLET COMPANY
Dance into the Roaring Twenties with this dazzling Broadway-style ballet. World Ballet Company’s “The Great Gatsby” is the must-see show of the season. Dress to impress, raise a glass, and get swept away in an unforgettable night of elegance, drama and breathtaking artistry.
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Colonial Theater CONTACT: 208-522-0471 | www.idahofallsarts.org
12-13
LITTLE LEARNERS
Parents and kids ages 2-5 explore a new topic each month through crafts, games, songs and snacks.
TIME: TIME: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum of Idaho
CONTACT: 208-522-1400 | www.museumofidaho.org
13-16
DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN & ENCANTO
Step into the world of magic, adventure, and unforgettable music as Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto! Join Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family as they bring these beloved Disney tales to life on the ice at the Mountain America Center.
TIME: Various Times
LOCATION: Mountain America Center CONTACT: 986-497-0509 www.mountainamericacenter.com
17-21
FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Festival of Trees returns for its 59th annual fundraiser. Purchase a pre-decorated tree to benefit the Development Workshop.
LOCATION: Idaho Falls Elks Lodge, 640 E. Elva St. CONTACT: 208-524-1550 | www.dwinc.org
22
DISCOVERY DAY
Kids ages 6-12, enjoy fun hands-on learning in a new STEM topic each month.
TIME: 1:30-3 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum of Idaho CONTACT: 208-522-1400 | www.museumofidaho.org
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
The event is hosted by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation and is expected to feature music, a night market, and a light show on the water tower. The event is free and family-friendly. Activities are expected to include a night market, music, giveaways, a live painting by a local artist, kids' activities, a community wall, and a light show on the water tower, followed by fireworks to conclude the evening.
LOCATION: Downtown Idaho Falls CONTACT: 208-535-0399 | downtownidahofalls.com
28
WORLD BALLET COMPANY: NUTCRACKER
Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together.
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Frontier Center CONTACT: 208-522-0471 | www.idahofallsarts.org
29
POP-IN PROGRAM
Pop-in to the education center at the Museum of Idaho for crafts and educational activities.
TIME: 1-5 p.m.
LOCATION: Museum of Idaho CONTACT: 208-522-1400 | www.museumofidaho.org
around town
THE JOE MARMO/WAYNE LEHTO ICE RINK OPEN FOR THE 25-26 SEASON
If spending a winter day outside isn’t your jam, the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena is for you. This ice skating rink is located at Tautphaus Park and is a gem in the community for many reasons. Rental skates, snacks and a locker room are available at the arena. Check out the calendar for skate times at www.idahofallsidaho.gov.
“I might wake up at two in the morning and think, ‘What if we made something like a cherry cordial with a huckleberry in the center and flavored with huckleberry fondant?’”
Kevin Call, owner of Farr Candy Co.
Page 24
IDAHO FALLS FIRE CHIEF DUANE NELSON RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE
After nearly three decades of service with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, Fire Chief Duane Nelson has announced his retirement.
Chief Nelson began his career with the department in 1997 as a firefighter and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as Interim Fire Chief in 2014, Deputy Chief from 2015 to 2019, and Fire Chief from 2019 to 2025. His tenure reflects a lifetime of dedication to public service, leadership and innovation in the fire and emergency medical fields.
“Serving the people of Idaho Falls has been the honor of my life. I am proud of what we have accomplished together — growing the department, caring for one another and preparing for the future,” Chief Nelson said. “I will always be grateful to the firefighters, city leaders and community members who have supported me along the way. It has been a privilege to wear this badge and to serve this city.”
“We think it’s the cutest little cottage to come and have a slice of quiche, pie, treat or cup of coffee.”
Megan Hopfer, owner of Megpies
Page 30
THEY SAID IT
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) is proud to announce the launch of Foster the Arts, a new initiative designed to celebrate and support families who open their hearts and homes to children in foster care.
“Foster families play such a vital role in our community,” said Amy Thompson, Development Director at TAM and former foster parent. “They are helping children heal, grow, and find their footing again—and we believe art can be an important part of that process. We’re honored to create a space where families can connect, create, and find joy together through art.”
Through this program, TAM is providing free annual family memberships to foster families as a way of showing gratitude for the vital role they play in our community. For more information, visit www.theartmuseum.org.
THE ART MUSEUM OF EASTERN IDAHO LAUNCHES “FOSTER THE ARTS” PROGRAM
This high-mountain scenic destination is open all year round and when winter comes, it’s a hot spot for winter recreation. World famous for its winter slopes, Grand Targhee has a mountain of activities to choose from, whether you love snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking. This resort is located in the Teton Mountains in Alta, Wyoming and about a 1.5 hour drive from Idaho Falls. Get ready to hit the slopes and make memories that will last a lifetime! More details at www.grandtarghee.com.
DID YOU FIND ME?
Were you one of the first people to email once you found the water tower? For the October 2025 edition: The water tower was hiding on page 31.
Sheryll Scott
Naomi Diego
Maria Villegas
Rylee Likes
Paula Justin
Kenzie Armstrong
Jim Conan
Sandy Anderson
Jason Armstrong
Kris DAntoni
LET’S DO IT AGAIN! Once you find the water tower, email its location, your name and contact to maudie@idahofallsmagazine.com.
ROAD TRIP OF THE MONTH: GRAND TARGHEE RESORT
JOIN JEREMY TAYLOR IN PAYING DOWN STUDENT LUNCH DEBT.
As a 501(c)(3), 100% of your donation helps local struggling students and their families. Venmo or
shopping, giving & history
Just over a century ago when Roy Farr was casting around for a vocation in Idaho Falls, he settled on a happy one and opened an ice cream and chocolate shop on the corner of Broadway. At the wide marble counter with red bar stools, you could order a dish of ice cream or a handmade chocolate bar. It wasn’t just a social way to chat with friends, flirt with a cute date, or unwind from work—it was the only way you could eat ice cream back in 1911.
Long before home refrigerators and freezers were commonplace, the ice cream parlor of the 1900s was THE way to enjoy the creamy frozen sweet that’s said to be cheaper than therapy and happiness in a bowl. Add in tantalizing flavors, swirls of chocolate, or fresh berries and you’ve got a blissful cold treat that’s just as good in a shake or cone as it is piled with whipped cream and eaten with a spoon.
SUGAR CONFECTIONS
Like all successful confectioners, Roy would tinker with flavor combinations and specialty candies. Some of his most popular hand-dipped chocolate bars are still made by the family-owned company today, and you can try them out just as easily as you might have at the turn of the last century.
Fancy a Cherry Cordial where a whole cherry is nestled in a rich fondant center and dipped in chocolate and peanuts? How about the Mallow-Nut bar with a marshmallow divinity center coated in chocolate and walnuts? Or maybe the Peanut Cluster with a maple fondant center loaded with peanuts and covered in chocolate? Either choice is going to set you on a sugar-filled taste explosion and make the drudgery of your day melt away.
These days, it’s Roy’s grandson who wakes up in the middle of the night with eureka flavor combination ideas. Kevin Call is a third-generation member of the Farr family, and he and his son Bill lead the business with the same giddiness and flavor experiments of the company’s founder.
“I might wake up at two in the morning and think, ‘What if we made something like a cherry cordial with a huckleberry in the center and flavored with huckleberry fondant?’” Kevin said. And so the Huckleberry Cordial was born.
With new flavor combinations and innovation in what their business offers, Farr’s Ice Cream and Candy Co. has continually dished up happiness in Idaho Falls for 114
DISHING UP
FARR CANDY CO.
by rebecca blackson
years, never faltering through the Great Depression or WWII. And though they’ve changed with the times—no longer offering ice cream on demand at a retail shop—they now sell 46 flavors of ice cream and 13 candy bars to grocery stores such as Broulims, Wal-Mart, Winco, and Sam’s Club throughout Idaho and Utah. With the advent of home freezers, you can now keep your home stocked up with the latest and best flavors of Farr’s Ice Cream — Yellowstone Mudslide, Lemon Custard, Huckleberry Cheesecake or Hawaiian Vanilla.
DENTISTRY OR ICE CREAM SALES?
When Roy passed away during WWII it was his middle daughter, Clairibel Farr, who was interested in purchasing the family business. Except that she was busy raising her family and her husband, Bill Call, was a dentist in the Army.
Decision time came at the end of the war in 1945. Would Bill practice dentistry or start selling sweets? Even today his son Kevin chuckles about it. “It’s a funny thing to be a dentist running a candy company. But that’s what he did. He left dentistry and got into the candy and ice cream business,” Kevin laughed.
Bill had his work cut out for him. It was a challenging time to purchase sugar since rationing was still heavily in place. But as Idaho Falls natives, both he and Clairibel were determined to keep the tasty options coming. When Bill was called in to do more military service as a dentist, Clairibel ran the business for a few years and built up their marketing campaign.
“The little sheriffs that you still see on our trucks today were designed by my mother and a marketing guy by the name of Doug Snarr. They put that together as Farr’s marketing approach in the late 1940s,” Kevin said.
After Bill’s military service, he returned to Farr’s and gave all four of his kids experience and training, though it was Kevin who became the most interested. He liked driving delivery trucks and making ice cream and popsicles, though his dad still nudged him toward dental school.
“I enjoyed working at Farr’s so much. I loved being on the trucks, making deliveries to Blackfoot and Jackson. I went to school, served a mission in Hawaii, and came back here.”
Dental school just wasn’t as enticing to Kevin as the sweet treats and flavors of ice cream, so he became a full-time employee in 1977 and has been there ever since. Like his dad, Kevin’s son (also named Bill) finds tremendous joy in the business.
“I love ice cream!” Bill says as he narrates an early morning tour through the factory and hands out samples of fluffy vanilla ice cream. “It even makes a great breakfast,” he laughed.
Screaming for Ice Cream
Ice cream’s popularity continues to soar, especially during the summer months. Almost everyone passing through Swan Valley knows to stop for square ice cream at Berry’s Famous Square Ice Cream, supplied entirely by Farr’s.
“We make deliveries to Swan Valley almost every day around the Fourth of July, when they go through hundreds of 3-gallon containers in a single week,” Kevin said. And recently, Farr’s picked up an account in the Bear Lake area where raspberry shakes are THE thing to try. Currently, Farr’s supplies just one shake stand, which goes through roughly 300 3-gallon containers of vanilla ice cream in a week. And Victor Emporium will use just as much Farr’s ice cream for their famous huckleberry shakes in the summertime.
To produce that much ice cream, Farr’s freezes between 1,200 to 1,400 gallons of ice cream each day, and manufactures more than a dozen kinds of candy bars in their candy room. One of the newest flavors is the popular S’mores bar, which tastes just like the fireside treat with marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate.
“We’re a hands-on company,” Kevin explained. “A lot of big companies are fully automated. Our ice cream is made from scratch and hand-filled at a fastpaced 500 gallons an hour.” Summertime employment stretches to nearly 30 employees and 15 delivery trucks come and go from Farr’s manufacturing plant tucked away on the corner of Boulevard.
Covering Boise, Twin Falls, Arco, Sun Valley, Yellowstone, and Pocatello, they supply ice cream and chocolates to grocery stores, as well as being a delivery supplier for other frozen brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Dryer’s, and Ben and Jerry's. But once they cross the border into Utah, Farr’s delivers under the label Holiday Creamery to avoid being
confused with the Ogden-based Farr’s Ice Cream.
“The Utah Farr’s are good guys, but there’s no relation to us, actually. And our granddad started in 1911 while theirs began in 1929. So we like to remind everyone that the Idaho boys were here first,” Kevin teased. And while Farr’s in Ogden runs a storefront and stays up late scooping ice cream treats until midnight, Farr’s in Idaho Falls is happy to close shop much earlier and let you do the scooping at home.
Loving Local
Rooted in the community, Farr’s loves to source local ingredients (such as hand-picked huckleberries) as well as build up the community. “It’s because of the people here that we’ve been successful as a business,” Kevin said. “It’s important to do what we can to give back. Service is a big deal to us.”
A leader in the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, Kevin has helped make the annual Duck Race a huge success. Being involved in the fundraiser for 34 years, Kevin is proud to give back to the community and notes that the Duck Race has raised nearly $8 million since its beginning, which is all used to improve the Greenbelt. And as a just-for-fun thank you to the community, Kevin and the Rotary
Club launched the Holiday Light Parade a few years ago, where hundreds of light-decorated UTV’s circle the Greenbelt accompanied by music and fireworks.
“It’s our way of saying thanks for supporting us with the duck race. This will be our third year, and we even light off fireworks from a barge in the river, which is dazzling on a cold winter night. Join us with your buddies on December 19th!” Kevin said.
From ice cream and candy to fireworks and parades, it’s almost like Farr’s is in the business of pure joy. Like his grandfather before him and ideally his grandchildren after him, Kevin hopes that for many years to come, Farr’s will continue to share delightful treats and make life sweeter.
shopping, giving & history
80 years AND COUNTING
U OF I IDAHO FALLS BUILDS ON HISTORY OF COLLABORATION AND DISCOVERY
by danae lenz | university of idaho
One night in 1954, a group of engineers and technicians clocked out from their shifts at the Atomic Energy Commission’s National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS) and drove into Idaho Falls for their first day of class. They weren’t typical college students. They were working professionals, parents and pioneers in America’s emerging nuclear industry.
That year, 114 students filled borrowed classrooms around town to study subjects like quantum mechanics, advanced engineering math and inorganic chemistry. The courses were offered through University of Idaho, brought to Eastern Idaho to meet the urgent demand for nuclear education.
From those humble beginnings, U of I Idaho Falls has grown into a fixture of Eastern Idaho’s scientific, educational and civic life. Seven decades later, the campus has seen thousands of graduates, research breakthroughs and partnerships that helped shape Eastern Idaho’s economy and identity. Its growth has closely followed that of the NRTS, now Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
“We have a rich 70-year history of offering outstanding educational programs that support the economic
vibrancy of this region and beyond,” said Marc Skinner, center executive officer of U of I Idaho Falls. “Our longstanding ties to INL, businesses and other institutions give us incredible momentum for the future.”
BUILDING A HOME
The student population and class offerings grew quickly. By 1961, 306 students were enrolled in classes. A decade later, 538 students were seeking degrees. Still, U of I Idaho Falls was without a permanent home, with students taking classes at Idaho Falls High School and elsewhere.
Enter Fred H. Tingey, who had been with U of I Idaho Falls from the beginning, starting with teaching mathematical statistics in 1954. In the late 1970s, he approached the University of Idaho Foundation with the idea to purchase the short-lived Intermountain Science Experience Center (Intersec) and the 26 acres surrounding it. They agreed, and in 1980, the university finally had a place to call home. Tingey became the first director of University Place, where U of I managed the former NRTS education programs, and university-level courses were also offered by Idaho State University and Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho).
Intermountain Science Experience Center is pictured when it opened in 1976. Just four years later, it would become University of Idaho's permanent home in Idaho Falls. Courtesy of Museum of Idaho.
The student population outgrew the former Intersec building, and plans were made for a second building, the Center for Higher Education, which opened in 1994. Tingey retired in 1995, ending one era but launching a new one.
A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP
ISU and U of I had long teamed up to provide advanced education in Idaho Falls. But in the late 1990s, they became official partners thanks to a State Board of Education mandate to coordinate, combine and share educational facilities.
Alice Allen, director of recruitment and student engagement, was hired in 1997 in part to help with the transition.
“Our partnership with Idaho State University is very unique,” she said. “People always ask me about rivalry, and I tell them, ‘We work together, not against each other.’ We couldn’t operate here without each other.”
The two schools combined student services, coordinated programs and expanded access to the wider public. The Bennion Student Union opened in 2000 to house those services and support nearly 3,000 students.
Bob Smith, who served as center executive officer for 10 years, also stressed the importance of collaboration with ISU.
“It allowed us to bring more expertise than any single university could provide individually,” he said.
SHIFTING TOWARD RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Smith arrived on campus in 2001 as a distinguished professor with a joint U of I/INL appointment, and he became CEO
University Place opened in Idaho Falls at what was formerly the Intermountain Science Experience Center on Science Center Drive. Courtesy of Museum of Idaho.
in 2005.
“The most significant contribution I made during that time was helping move us from being mainly a provider of courses for INL employees to becoming a true research partner with the lab,” Smith said.
In 2004, Battelle Energy Alliance’s new INL contract included a requirement to create a shared research facility for Idaho’s universities and the lab. Smith helped shape that vision, and a research center, launched in 2008, brought together INL, U of I and other Idaho universities to expand research opportunities.
“The exciting part was having a dedicated set of faculty focused on U.S. energy security who were eager to collaborate with the national lab and others,” Smith said.
Even with progress in research partnerships, distance remained a hurdle — both symbolic and real.
“On my first day as center executive, I heard the narrative that the university had abandoned Eastern Idaho — and I went home unsure about the job,” Smith recalled. “My wife said, ‘We’ll fix this,’ and together we made it our mission to raise awareness of the university’s presence and benefits in Idaho Falls. The physical distance was real as well. Flights were limited, and I’ve driven the nine hours from Moscow to Idaho Falls more times than I can count.”
Local visibility was an ongoing challenge as well. Allen has seen progress.
“One of the biggest changes since I started is people are more aware of what University of Idaho does and how we’re connected across the state,” she said. “Being physically here
Allen also emphasized the importance of being involved and understanding how to better meet the needs of the community.
“Here, we’re a piece of the community — one of many,” she said. “You can’t just say, ‘We’ll build it and you’ll come.’ It doesn’t work like that.”
Amid challenges, certain strengths stand out — including the student body.
“Most students are nontraditional and have different needs,” Smith said. “They typically have families or other obligations, and they pursue education because they see real value in it, not because it’s expected at their age. Many were INL employees with doctorates and decades of experience. It provided a different kind of educational experience that you don’t get at a normal university campus.”
Another strength is a strong institutional commitment to access and opportunity.
“Having a presence here makes higher education possible for students across Eastern Idaho,” Allen said. “We’ve worked hard to hire innovative, creative people who fit well with our programs and who want to help people and find ways to make things work.”
TO THE FUTURE
Building on decades of collaboration, the universities and INL signed the five-year Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) agreement, expanding collaboration in nuclear materials, energy systems and cybersecurity. The agreement formalizes opportunities for students and faculty to work alongside lab researchers on projects vital to national security.
“Here in Idaho Falls, we’re committed to innovative, interdisciplinary education in a student-centered environment,” Skinner said. “Hundreds of students are pursuing advanced degrees while working alongside researchers who are shaping and strengthening the nation’s energy future.”
For Allen, the heart of the work remains close to home.
“There’s so much value in having people here, doing research, teaching, connecting with the community,” Allen said. “The partnerships and the students make it all worthwhile.”
shopping, giving & history
FIND HIDDEN TREASURES FOR YOUR HOME
AT
The WAREhouse
IN IDAHO FALLS
If you are looking for a hidden treasure, something that is one-of-a-kind, or a statement piece for your home, one local business might be the place for you.
The WAREhouse, located at 1352 South Holmes Avenue in Idaho Falls, is known for its refinished furniture, decor and market.
It opened in 2019 by four women: Kassie Traughber, Teresa Bush, Dawn Moldenhauer, and Audrey Henrie. They had been refinishing furniture separately but found themselves in a position to start the business.
“There’s four of us that split the main floor and we are just in charge of our own space as far as finding furniture, refinishing it, finding decor and getting it all set up and decorated,” Traughber said. “I get to almost like redecorate a house every week in a different way.”
There are actually multiple vendors at The WAREhouse, including The Plaid Buffalo, Handmade & Home, Box & Bramble, Two Old Bags, Huckleberry Designs, and Make It Mini. A variety of items are sold such as handbags, handmade jewelry, women's and
by andrea olson
baby’s boutique clothing and accessories.
The WAREhouse is a group of mostly women (and one man) working together to create, inspire and empower each other, customers and families, according to its website.
“Our motto from the time we started is ‘empowered women empower women.’ We just wanted a space where local women could have their own business and run their own store,” she said.
Traughber said they typically have to travel to source the store with different types of furniture. They go from Jackson, Wyoming, to Montana and Utah, even to Las Vegas, Nevada. They shop locally as well.
“I get excited to go look for furniture because I never know what I am going to find and once I find it, then it will spark an idea. It’s literally a treasure hunt from the furniture to the decor to all of the things that we collect and put together. We never find the same thing twice. It’s pretty fun,” she said.
What’s in the store is unique and can lead to inspiration when it comes to picking out the perfect piece..
“If we come across antiques and things like that, we will try to restore them before we paint them. We take outdated furniture and refinish it so that there is not another piece of its kind out there,” said Traughber.
Traughber loves the creativity behind the work that she does and said beginning the business was her saving grace.
“I started refinishing furniture during a really bad marriage and it was a way for me to gain confidence. When people were liking what I was doing, it bolstered me,” she said. “Eventually, as I grew and grew my own little refinishing business, I was able to leave my bad marriage and support myself and my two little girls and start an entire new life for myself which is what The WAREhouse was born from.”
She said one of the women started in the business because her husband passed away unexpectedly and she needed something to help her get through it. Another one had a business fail and wanted income.
“So we all have these really cool interesting stories about how we all started and came together,” she explained.
Traughber said customers have talked about how they like the atmosphere at The WAREhouse. One couple came from Jackson and said it has “heart and soul.”
“That was the biggest compliment to me. They were trying to furnish their home and they came to Idaho Falls to purchase and she said, ‘I have been to every big box furniture store in Idaho Falls but I am missing the heart and soul of what I am looking for. I found you on Google.’ And she’s like, ‘I found it,’” Traughber recalled.
The WAREhouse is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a live tour on Instagram every Wednesday evening to show all of the new inventory.
Prices are mid-range. For instance, dressers are typically around $300. Most everything is under $500, Traughber said.
If you want to learn more about The WAREhouse, check out its website at thewarehouseidaho.com.
“If you are looking to furnish a home on a budget while still keeping the heart and soul of your space, then we are definitely the place to start,” Traughber added. “We are not cookie-cutter and our prices, you just can’t beat.”
shopping, giving & history
VENDING GIFTS ONE LIGHT AT A TIME
Light the World Giving Machines, the large red vending machines located around the country at Christmastime, are making their debut in Idaho Falls this year. Unlike normal vending machines, the Giving Machines are not about getting but giving. Instead of buying something for yourself, you can donate to local and global charities with the click of a button. Imagine swiping your credit card at a vending machine—but instead of buying for yourself, you’re buying an animal for a family in a developing country. Or a pair of socks. Or seeds and tools. Or meals for seniors in need. Giving Machine items often include food, clean water, medical care, clothing, education support, hygiene kits, and even livestock, such as chickens, goats, or pigs.
Imagine the memorable experience of gifting a goat to someone across the globe whom you have never met. Selling the goat’s milk will help them provide for their families. One resident vividly remembers the experience she and her family had buying a goat years ago from a Giving Machine in another state. That memory still warms the hearts of her and her children. These selfless donations provide hope and support to individuals and families in need worldwide. Touch lives with just one touch.
Idaho Falls will have the privilege to host three Giving Machines located in the Grand Teton Mall. Visiting the Giving Machines will be a holiday experience the whole family will enjoy from Dec. 15- Jan. 1.
The Giving Machines work like standard vending machines but allow donors to select and pay for charitable items, such as food, shelter, or farm animals, that are then delivered to those in need through partner nonprofit organizations. Donors make selections by choosing cards representing items, then making the payment. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints funds all the machine's operational costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to the charities to
by susan stucki
purchase and deliver the specified items.
The Giving Machines in Idaho Falls will offer options for donations for six of our local charities, plus two international nonprofits.
THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE.
• Browse the cards inside the machine, each representing a specific item that a charity needs, such as a meal, a blanket, or even a goat. Select the item or items you would like to give.
• Use your credit card or mobile payment to purchase the item.
• Enter your email or phone number to receive a digital receipt for your donation, which can be used for tax purposes. Donate with confidence that 100% of the contributions go directly to participating nonprofit organizations.
• Watch the item card drop. Similar to a traditional vending machine, the card for your chosen item will drop into a collection bin, indicating the donation has been made. You can watch the placard fall, like a bag of chips, into a big, messy pile of kindness that collects at the bottom of the machine.
Prices of goods and services range from $10 to $150. If someone wanted to buy all 30 items, one of each item offered, termed the “777 Challenge,” the donations would total $1,449. But purchasing just one item will make a big difference in the life of someone in need. One click has the power to change the lives of both the recipient and the giver.
This Christmas season, there are 131 Giving Machines across five continents. Since 2017, Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than US$48 million for local and global charities.
Visit the Giving Machines, and with a click of a button, light the world… and change lives forever. This season, vend joy!
pies pies piespies
pies food for thought
by cody roberts
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Megpies
335 1st St, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-398-3118
HOURS
Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
FROM KEY LIME TO CUTIE PIES, MEGPIES BAKES THEM ALL
What started as a simple Thanksgiving tradition has turned into a full-year operation for local piemaker Megan Hopfer, owner of Megpies.
Megan has been baking since she was a little girl, working with her mom, grandma and aunties. She said several years ago, she used to just make pies for family and friends around Thanksgiving. But after she got a cottage food license, she started making pies for friends of friends and brought a booth to the Idaho Falls Farmer’s Market.
Eventually, she licensed a food trailer, and she was able to expand her customer base. Then the opportunity to buy a quaint yellow cottage on 1st Street fell in her lap. It’s now where Megpies calls home.
“We love this little space,” she said. "We think it’s the cutest little cottage to come and have a slice of quiche, pie, treat or cup of coffee.”
Megan called piemaking something of a lost art. She said that while many places in town offer sweet treats like cookies or cupcakes, few specialize in pie.
Megpies has a rotating assortment of pie flavors. She usually has between four and six sweet pie options and several savory options such as quiche. Every other Tuesday, the flavors are switched except key lime pie — her most popular flavor.
Customers can buy whole pies or individual slices. Personal-sized pies called cutie pies are also offered at the Idaho Falls Farmer’s Market.
Megpies also offers gluten-free options and snacks such as brownies, cookies or zucchini bread. And customers can wash their pie down with coffee, lattes, espressos, teas or cold drinks.
Megan said she is currently working on a website with a full list of pies she can make, but her Facebook or Instagram page gives a good idea of the options. She said she loves to talk to people about their favorite pies and see if she’s ever made it. If not, she’d love to give it a try.
“I pretty much can attempt to make any kind of pie,” she said.
Megan said her favorite pie depends on the season. A crisp apple pie in the fall is hard to beat. Wintertime cream pies get around the need for seasonal fruit. And in the summer, a beautiful, fresh peach pie is “fire.”
Megpies is currently going on two years of business in the cottage and is finishing up its third year selling pies at the farmer’s market. Megan said she still looks forward to the market every Saturday.
“We have a lot of regulars that come out every week to see what we have,” she said. “We rotate the flavors at the farmer’s market every week as well, so people are excited to come and see ‘what do you have this week? Is it my favorite?'"
Megan said every week in the bakery is different. As a smallbatch baker, sometimes she works around the clock to keep her pie inventory fresh.
“I’m constantly here baking fresh things for people, sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes in the middle of the day,” she said.
“It’s worth it because we love it,” she said. “And we hope to continue doing it for a long time.”
With Thanksgiving feasts just around the corner, Megan said anyone who wants to order a pie should do so sooner rather than later, as she reaches capacity fast. Orders can be placed at Megpies.net.
She said if your favorite pie isn’t listed on the form, talk to her about it. She’d love to make it.
Bob Drexler faces of the falls
LIGHTS UP THE MUSEUM
by maudie heard
There are some volunteers whose presence simply lights up a room. One such volunteer is Bob Drexler, who has spent the past 22 years volunteering at the Museum of Idaho.
22 years ago, a friend of his talked him into helping out at the museum when the Museum of Idaho was still in its original building. “I thought, ‘I’ll give it a try.’ And it just never ended,” he said.
The first job he had at the museum was gathering zip codes from visitors, and over the years, he’s just about done it all. “Since then, I work around wherever they need me,” he said. Bob volunteers at the museum weekly and says it keeps him on his feet. “I'm just in the habit, and I like to see the same people, both employees and other volunteers.”
After recently celebrating his 95th birthday, Bob reflects on how the museum has brought back a lifetime of memories.
Bob has seen every exhibit that has passed through the museum, but the toy exhibit specifically brought back
sweet memories. “They asked me what my favorite toy was, and I said, ‘A size 7 1⁄2 Erector set.’ I had wanted one of those when I was young,” he said. “They had one in the exhibit, and it brought back memories.”
When Bob was just a young boy, he had dreamed of getting this toy, and finally, his dad got him the size 7 1⁄2 Erector set, and it’s what he recalls sparked his passion for engineering. Before he began volunteering at the museum, he was a mechanical engineer for 40 years at the Idaho National Laboratory. Engineering was one of his life’s greatest passions, aside from being a devoted husband and father.
Bob grew up in Twin Falls, was in the army for two years, and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow before coming to Idaho Falls, where he’s made a home the past 70 years.
His lifetime of experiences and his sense of humor are what make him such a pleasure to be around at the museum. “Bob is such an amazing volunteer, and we are so lucky to have him on our team,” said volunteer coordinator Ashlee Perrenoud.
When asked about his favorite thing about the museum, he jokingly remarks that it’s the snack room, but on top of that, it’s the positive attitudes of the people he works with.
The Museum of Idaho just seems to be where he fits in and where he plans to continue volunteering for as long as he’s able to. “The museum people are wonderful, friendly and helpful, and it’s a good thing to get me out of bed.”
friendliest of IF
Zz Coffee & The Plant Box
by maudie heard
WHERE COFFEE AND PLANTS MEET COMMUNITY
Inside of the historic Rogers building downtown, there is a small community of hidden gems. Two being Zz Coffee and The Plant Box.
Located inside Suite 110 is this cozy coffee shop, and a few steps away is a specialty plant shop.
The two small businesses are owned by best friends Kaitlynn Reagle and Chayla Rasmussen, who have been best friends since the 4th grade and both dreamed of one day owning their own business.
Kaitlynn has always had a love for coffee, having been a barista for six years, and Chayla has always been passionate about plants. “I’ve wanted to open a coffee shop since I was in high school, and after graduating, I thought, ‘One day I will own a coffee shop,” Kaitlynn said.
Chayla too had a long-awaited dream of owning a plant shop. “I went to my first specialty houseplant store a few years ago, and this one was specific to different, unique, rare plants, and they offered that if you bought a plant and a pot, they would pot it for free,” Chayla said. “And I just loved that idea. So I thought, ‘You know what? I just want to follow my dreams.’”
In January of 2023, Kaitlynn was building a trailer set to become a coffee trailer when Chayla was looking for a space for her plant shop when the idea sparked to share a space and follow their dreams together. “I texted her, and I said, ‘Hey, you should come and look at this space, because how fun would it be to do plants and coffee?’” Chayla said. “This was both of our dreams.”
In August of 2024, their dreams came true when Zz Coffee and The Plant Box opened its doors, and since opening, this cozy space has become a hot spot for the community to gather.
Inside the coffee shop are a variety of unique flavor combinations and syrups that make this spot stand out. “We offer a couple of house syrups and specialty syrups that are unique to us because they’re house-made recipes,” Kaitlynn said. And inside of the specialty plant shop are an abundance of plants and plant supplies that you won’t find anywhere else.
“We get a lot of girlfriends that come to have a coffee date, and then after they go and pick out a plant. They get matching plants, and then they pick out a pot, and they can make it unique to them,” Chayla said.
“It's just a fun place for friends and families to come pick out a gift for somebody, pick out a plant for themselves, and have a coffee date.”
business spotlight
Rush’s Kitchen Supply
Rush’s Kitchen Supply is a family-owned business that started over 100 years ago.
Owner Alex Constantino, said his great grandfather started the business in Pocatello, and his father opened the Idaho Falls store in 1988. Constantino has been operating the store himself since 1995.
“We have restaurant-quality kitchenware that we also sell to the retail home chef, " he said. “Most of my customers are coming to me because I have really good quality products. They perform at a high level and are reasonably priced. We carry everything from pots to pans to knives to all the small things that you need to prepare, hold or serve food, whether you’re a restaurant or just a home cook.”
Constantino said he was not always planning on running the business when he was younger, but has since found a passion for cooking. Rush’s Kitchen Supply hosts culinary classes, allowing participants to learn culinary skills. Constantino himself learned through these classes.
by karcin harris
“I met one chef in particular by the name of Keith Darling, and he put it in my ear that we should do cooking classes and I didn’t even know how to cook,” Constantino said. “I wasn’t a chef.”
They started the classes in the back of Rush’s Kitchen Supply with Darling as the instructor. After about 10 years, Darling left and Constantino took over.
“I had put a lot of hard work and energy into this kitchen and teaching cooking that I couldn't let it drop, and so I started teaching it,” Constantino said. “Lo and behold to me that I'd realized that I really enjoyed teaching and I really enjoyed teaching cooking.”
Constantino says people love the classes, describing the classes as “insane” and “super popular.”
“We have a really good time connecting with people, talking and eating food, cooking food and it's been a very enjoyable experience that I had no idea when I was younger, that this is where I would be,” he said.
The classes happen once or twice a week. Those interested in joining should visit rushskitchen.com to sign up for the newsletter and view the schedule. The schedules come up Dec. 1, April 1, and Aug. 1. Constantino said to be quick to sign up. When the most recent schedule dropped on Aug. 1, it was sold out by 10:50 a.m.
They also do culinary seminars for local high school students weekly.
“It's been really fun,” Constantino said. “We've had almost 1,500 students through our program and it's fun to bump into students who have taken classes years ago and see how learning how to cook has changed their life. When you know how to cook, your confidence goes up and you feel like you can cook a really good meal for your family and friends. They love the connection that we have.”
An exciting addition is coming to Rush’s Kitchen Supply this fall. This November, there will be a coffee cafe inside the store called the Pitstop.
“It's a great way for us to share a food experience with people,” Constantino said. “We like to kick it up and make it a little bit more gourmet. We'll have breakfast burritos and we'll have sandwiches and of course, coffee and all that kind of stuff. So that's kind of a fun new adventure that we're on. It will be fun to experience with students and customers.”
in the kitchen
Here is my favorite baked Thanksgiving mac and cheese recipe, with a creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping that gets perfectly browned in the oven.
This mac and cheese is always the first dish to disappear from our Thanksgiving table. I’ve learned to make a double batch because everyone goes back for seconds, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day reheated with turkey leftovers.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE PASTA:
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp unsalted butter
FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups warmed milk
2 cups grated gruyere cheese (cheddar or colby can be substituted)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
FOR THE TOPPING:
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 tsp salt
by molly brown www.mollyshomguide.com
Step 1: Cook and Butter the Pasta
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute for a firmer bite.
Drain the macaroni, then return it to the pot.
Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and toss until melted and the pasta is coated.
Set the pasta aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 tsp salt
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt to make the topping. Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Set aside for later use.
I like to use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups warmed milk
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 cups grated gruyere cheese (cheddar or colby can be substituted)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
In a large saucepan or an ovenproof skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Pour in about 1 cup of the warmed milk and stir to dissolve the roux fully, then gradually add the remaining milk, whisking until smooth.
Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard.
Cook the sauce, whisking regularly, for 5 to 8 minutes or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Remove from the heat and add the grated gruyere and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring until well combined.
The cheese does not need to be fully melted at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
buttered elbow macaroni (from Step 1) cheese sauce (from Step 3) breadcrumb topping (from Step 2)
Pour the finished cheese sauce from Step 3 into the pot with the buttered macaroni (from Step 1).
Mix quickly to evenly combine.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the ovenproof skillet or a baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping (from Step 2) over the top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the assembled macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is light golden and crispy.
Be careful not to bake it too long, or you risk the sauce drying out.
Serve immediately!
For an extra pop of color, I sometimes sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top just before serving.
CREAMY BAKED THANKSGIVING MAC AND CHEESE
celebrate life
LOCAL CHARITIES BENEFIT FROM ‘GIVING MACHINES’
by susan stucki
Ordinary vending machines are familiar to all of us, but a Light the World Giving Machine is extraordinary! With the push of a button, you can change a life for the better while impacting your own.
These life-changing machines are coming to Idaho Falls, bringing along real-life lessons in giving. Residents will have the chance to support six local charities and two international charities this year at the Giving Machines that will be at the Grand Teton Mall Dec. 15-Jan. 1.
An in-depth vetting process was used to determine which local charities would qualify for the Giving Machines. Local organizations that will benefit this first year of hosting Giving Machines include:
IDAHO FALLS RESCUE MISSION
The Rescue Mission offers fresh meals daily, recovery programs for people in crisis, as well as church information, educational classes, and counseling resources. They also offer nightly shelter for individuals and families, to provide safety, rest, and an environment for change. In 2024, the rescue mission provided over 47,000 meals, 20,000 safe nights of sleep, and 9,000 clothing items. They strive to help everyone through the love of Jesus Christ.
EASTERN IDAHO COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Also known as EICAP, Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership helps and empowers at-risk individuals and families to meet their basic needs and increase their independence through support and education. They offer services for early education, weatherization, seniors, housing and more. EICAP has been active in the community for 50 years and currently helps 19,000 clients annually across nine counties.
IDAHO FALLS COMMUNITY FOOD BASKET
Since 1980, Idaho Falls Community Food Basket has been a caring and sharing community-based organization. They provide emergency food to struggling families and individuals as they strive for a welcoming judgment-free environment. They’ve partnered with 30 Charities in southeastern Idaho to better assist those seeking aid. They help 1,600 families
monthly and have served 1.7 million meals in the greater Idaho Falls area.
The VillageThe village is a foster care closet serving the 16 counties of eastern Idaho. The village seeks to ease trauma, build self-esteem, and show love to Idaho foster children, from newborns to teenagers. The Village provides essential care and comfort items to foster children free of charge. These items include clothing, hygiene items, and sensory items. The village helps approximately 120 children per month, meeting their needs and providing a sense of normalcy.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER
A helping hand to victims of crime. The D-V-S-A-C provides support and services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. They offer both immediate and long-term support. They help all victims, adults, adolescents and children. They offer a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, victim and court advocacy, individual counseling and a GED program.
Friends in Service Here (F.IS.H)An inconspicuous organization that fills gaps in people's lives. They often provide school supplies anonymously to school children in need. Those donations include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, headphones, calculators and so much more. These supplies empower students to succeed in class and beyond. F.I.S.H. knows the importance of education. They strive to give children confidence and equal footing. Fish serves an estimated 10% of all school children in school districts 91 and 93.
International charities’ offerings in our Giving Machines include Care and Right to Play, both helping children across the globe.
Since 2017 hundreds of thousands of people have donated over$48 million in goods and services to care for those in need—around the block or around the world. Every dollar goes directly to the selected charities. This is our opportunity to come together to make a significant impact while experiencing the true meaning of Christmas, sharing love with our neighbors around the world or around the corner.
SIGNAGE
APPAREL APPAREL
kids corner
