Summer is almost over, despite the temperature saying otherwise. As school is starting back up again and summer vacation fades, it doesn’t mean it is too late to get out and still enjoy some summer treats. Keep the hamburgers grilling, and the hotdogs going, and of course, you have to have ice cream to end the summer in style. When it comes to eating ice cream in Idaho, there are some incredible local options, but from time to time it is nice to get a cone or a cup on the go from a national selection. Taste of Home recently released a list of the best fast food ice creams and the results are surprising.  Where is the best place to get ice cream if in a hurry or choosing from a national chain? Here are the top 5 selections in the Gem State.

5) Chick-Fil-A in Idaho

Coming in at number five on the list is a place that has many delicious eating options, and some may not realize that they have good ice cream to offer as well, and that place is Chick-fil-A. While most go for their chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, the next time you are craving ice cream on the go, make sure to add a cone or cup to your order. 

4) Baskin Robbins in Idaho

While perhaps not a true fast food chain, Baskin Robbins does offer ice cream and is a national chain. Seeing how ice cream is what they do, it might be surprising that they don’t rank higher on the list. They have the most variety of any place on this list, as they famously have 31 flavors to choose from. If looking for some good dessert, Baskin Robbins is never a bad option. 

3) Sonic in Idaho

Sonic is best known for its drinks, chilidogs, and delicious treats. Ordering a slushy or a blast is what most people prefer to order, but if wanting some plain ice cream, try their soft-served ice cream. It may surprise you and is better than what many other food chains offer. If that is too boring for you, get a blast, where you can enjoy their ice cream with some candy mixed in. 

2) Cold Stone in Idaho

Similar to Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone is not your typical fast food chain, but is a national chain that you can find in most places. Their thick custard is often offered in multiple flavors and can be mixed with other ingredients to give it more taste or be eaten by itself. They are often a favorite among ice cream lovers but can be a tad pricey. To most, the cost is worth it for a cup or cone from Cold Stone

1) Culvers in Idaho

The number one chain for ice cream in the Gem State may come as no surprise that have had it, but Culver’s comes in at number one when it comes to fast food and national chain ice cream. It can be plain, a sundae, or with goodies mixed in, and it is all good. Even their shakes are some of the best on the market, making them the best place to get ice cream of any kind when on the go in Idaho. 

If you want to see the full list, make sure to click the link in the first paragraph. The biggest take on these rankings might not be who is in the top five, but who was left out of it. Some big chains are missing, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good as well. The next time you are on the go and want ice cream quickly, instead of stopping at a local place, pick one of these and you won’t be disappointed.

BLACKFOOT — A 24-year-old Blackfoot man was killed by a vehicle on a rural road in Bingham County Friday.

The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to a pedestrian versus vehicle crash around 11 a.m. in the area of 62 East on 200 North (Weeding Lane), according to a sheriff’s office news release. The area is about half a mile east of U.S. Highway 91.

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies learned Paul R. Dreher had been struck by a white 1997 Jeep Wrangler driven by Julie Marlow, a mid-50s aged female from Blackfoot. Officials say the Jeep was traveling westbound and encountered visibility issues caused by grain harvest occurring in the adjacent fields.

Dreher had been assisting in those agriculture operations when he crossed the road and was hit.

Dreher was taken by air ambulance to to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls with severe, life-threatening injuries. Marlow was taken by ground ambulance to Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot with minor injuries.

Dreher succumbed to his injuries several hours later at the hospital, according to the release.

Idaho State Police are performing a crash reconstruction of the incident. Bingham County continues to investigate the crash, but its preliminary findings do not show any conclusive evidence of negligence.

IDAHO FALLS – Onlookers quacked with delight at the 33rd annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race on Saturday.

Every year, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club hosts the Duck Race to raise funds for local projects.

During the race, each rubber duck has a number. Community members could pay to “adopt” a duck to race for a chance to win big prizes, including a 2024 KIA Sportage this year.

The Duck Race proceeds go towards Heritage Park. Kevin Call, spokesman for the Idaho Falls Rotary Club Duck Race Committee, says they laid five acres of sod at Heritage Park this year.

“It’s all used for the Greenbelt. It doesn’t go out of town. This is the place,” Call said.

The Rotary Club participates in international and local service projects. The club donates all of the proceeds from the Duck Race to the city of Idaho Falls, who matches the funds. Over the course of 33 years, the Rotary Club has raised $6.5 million dollars.

“We have just the most incredible community,” Call said.

In fact, the duck race has been growing every year. This year, 25,000 rubber ducks “swam” to the finish line, which is the most the Duck Race has ever had.

A man who introduced himself to EastIdahoNews.com as Logan Quack Pickens bought a “six-quack,” and could not wait to see how they would do in the race.

“Scoring a car would be cool, but I’m really just excited to see how good my kids do,” Pickens said. “I adopted some, so I’m going to see how well my kids do and I’m going to cheer them on.”

Before the ducks jumped in the water, the Rotary Club presented dedicated member, Ida Hardcastle, the Top Duck Warrior Award.

Hardcastle has been involved in the Rotary Club for 13 years. She also served on the Idaho Falls City Council for 20 years, retiring in 2013.

“Ida has worked diligently with the duck race for many, many years,” said Elaine Gray, the Director Public Image for the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls. “We just wanted to recognize her for all she does for us.”

A crane lifted up a yellow dumpster full of rubber ducks above the river. Hardcastle pulled the rope to release the ducks, and off they went.

Here is a full list of winners from the Duck Race:

• Grand Prize, KIA Sportage: Justin Henderson
• First Prize, Outlander: Rylan Ricks
• Second Prize, Tikka T3X Super Varmint gun: Tiffany Jones

Other winners:

• Gloria Miller Allen watercolor painting: Chris Albert
• Two 2022 Season Golf Passes: Brad Weeks
• Weber Grill: Elizabeth Parker-Quiafe
• Downtown Voucher Package: Peggy Dale
• $1250 Dining Package #1: Garn Herrick
• Two tickets to every Eastern Idaho State Fair Grandstand Event:Regina Stauffer
• $1,000 Sam’s Club Gift Card: Kim Michelle
• Rubber Ducky Car Wash & Thirst Burst: Jennifer Liberty
• $1000 Dining Package #2: Christie Wilson