Fishing Pond Receives $60,000 Donation

The family of the late Roger Benton Humberger of Pocatello has contributed a combined $60,000 to the Edson Fichter Community Fishing Pond to be built in Pocatello. The Humberger family, namely cousin Jerry Humberger of Salmon and his children Sherry and Cindy, Diane Humberger of Twin Falls (wife of Roger's late cousin Gilbert) and their children, Todd, Shawn and Lori, honored Roger's wishes and made the donation in his name. A pavilion will be built at the fishery in Roger's memory. In addition to the donation by the Humberger family, a memorial fund had been set up in Roger's name for those who wanted to make donations to the pond. That fund generated an additional $1,100 for the construction of the pond. Roger, a chemist for more than 40 years with the J.R. Simplot Co., was an avid angler. Before his passing, he had expressed his desire to donate $60,000 to the fishing pond so that the youth and families in the community would have a special place to enjoy an activity he himself cherished, said Stacie Gebo of Pocatello, a close family friend. "Though Roger was passionate about his work, fishing was one of Roger's favorite respites," Gebo said. Fundraising for the Edson Fichter Community Fishing Pond has been under way since a special fundraising committee was established in March. Fundraisers, such as the Dutch Oven Rendezvous at Ace Hardware in May and a fishing derby at American Falls Reservoir last month organized by First American Title Co., have been bringing in money for the pond. Other donations have made a difference as well, including donations of airtime from radio stations KZBQ in Pocatello to promote fundraising events for the pond and a $1,000 donation by Pacific Recycling in Pocatello. Raffle tickets are still being sold for various prizes with all proceeds going to the community fishing pond. Raffle tickets for great camping and fishing packages donated by Ace Hardware and Snake River Outdoor Sports, are on sale at either store location on 5th Avenue and Yellowstone. Raffle tickets for the new 12 foot motorized Fisher fishing boat with trailer are still being sold at First American Title Company on East Center, Portneuf River Outfitters on Main, Bob's Intermountain RV and Marine on Garrett Way, and Patriot Lending Group in Chubbuck. Drawings for these prizes will occur on Saturday, July 31. "The community support for the fishing pond has been tremendous, and we thank all those who have contributed to the fundraising effort thus far," said Jennifer Jackson, regional conservation educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "Now, add the extremely generous donation from the Humberger family, and the dream of a community fishing pond has become a reality almost overnight. Fish and Game and the fishing pond fundraising committee are truly grateful." Construction of the fishing pond is set to begin this fall at the Edson Fichter Nature Area in south Pocatello. The three-acre pond will be approximately 15 feet deep and will be stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, and bass. Site amenities will include fishing docks, a perimeter trail, a pavilion, picnic areas and benches.