Andrea Olson

Cracker Barrel's CEO did not have awareness of what customers were afraid of losing, and that gap is what cost her the job.

IDAHO FALLS — A husband-and-wife duo is transforming events with impressive balloon artistry, and they are always willing to take on a creative challenge. Shasti and Ryan Ballard own BLOW IT UP! Parties based in Idaho Falls opened the business in 2018. Shasti makes custom balloon arches and garlands. Ryan twists balloons to create animals […]

IDAHO FALLS — The wait is finally over to try a sweet summer treat at a new Italian ice and frozen custard shop. Zeppe’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is located at 1505 East 17th Street. It’s the same location where the Great Harvest Bakery Cafe used to be. “The thing about Zeppe’s that makes […]

IDAHO FALLS — The owners of a new event venue in downtown Idaho Falls are inviting the community to its grand opening this weekend. The venue, called The Poppy Collective, is located at 635 North Park Avenue. It’s in the old Bonneville Hotel. The owners, Carli Bodily and Emilee Sanchez, said the space is available […]

RIGBY — An amusement park that holds fond memories and nostalgia for many has returned to Rigby. Squealers Fun Park, at 735 Rigby Lake Drive, reopened parts of the park in June, including the miniature golf course and go-karts on the Wild Hogs Raceway. Derek Hansen operates it, and it’s part of the family business. […]

IDAHO FALLS — A new preschool and daycare is offering hands-on learning, Spanish classes, and even tumbling classes from an instructor. The Little Play Hut Preschool and Daycare opened on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 2285 North Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls. “As soon as we opened our doors, a lot of people started touring, and […]

This encore presentation of Workin It’ originally ran on Jan. 13, 2025. IDAHO FALLS — The EastIdahoNews team is highlighting different jobs in our area, and today, we’re workin’ it at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Do you ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a hospital? I was curious to […]

IDAHO FALLS — “Say goodbye to yearly recaulking and repairs on your RV roof,” because a new family business is offering maintenance-free roofs with a lifetime warranty. Hamblin RV Roof, located at 3166 Lockheed Circle, is owned by David, Josh and Kyle Hamblin. Kyle and David are brothers, and Josh is a cousin. The RV […]

BLACKFOOT — After Joann Fabric and Crafts closed down in Idaho Falls, a new business owner said it left a hole in the yarn retail business. That’s why she and her husband have opened up a shop to help fill that gap by providing unique yarns. The Yarning Portal, located at 97 West Pacific Street […]

MONTPELIER — Everyone is invited to tour the new Montpelier Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September before it’s dedicated. There will be a public open house for the temple from Thursday, Sept. 10 to Saturday, Sept. 26 at 534 Washington Street in Montpelier. Chad and Bethany Packard are […]