🌱 Basketball Is Money + Governor's Death + Catching The Unabomber

Hi all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Including news about:

• A new place to grab a cup of coffee is slated to open in downtown Boise.
• Take a look back at commercials playing in Boise in 1987.
• Idaho mourns the death of former Idaho Governor Phil Batt.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, flurries; chilly. High: 42 Low: 23.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Boise Patch begins today with sad news. CBS2 news staff report former Governor Phil Batt passed away Saturday at his home in Wilder on his 96th birthday. After serving as lieutenant governor from 1970-1983, Batt was Idaho's governor from 1995-1999. He started his political career in 1965 as a member of the Idaho House. Information will be released later on how the public can honor the former governor. (idahonews)
2. Basketball is coming to Boise and with it comes dollars. KTVB-TV staff report the upcoming Big Sky Conference basketball tournament is expected to bring 3,000 visitors and $6 million to the capital city. If you are thinking of eating out in downtown Boise during the tournament, you may wish to consider a reservation. (KTVB.com)
3. You can never have enough coffee. BoiseDev managing editor Gretchen Parsons reports Pine Coffee Supply is scheduled to open in the Watercooler Building downtown next month. The new coffee place roasts its own coffee and offers an array of drinks along with pastries and breakfast burritos. (boisedev)
4. An Eagle man is a former F.B.I agent instrumental in tracking down Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber. KIVI-TV's Don Nelson speaks with Terry Turchie, the former head of the Unabomber task force for the federal government. (kivitv)
5. If you are of a certain age (young), you may wish to skip this story or just read it for fun. KIDO-AM's Chris looks back at commercials from 1987. Recall Blacker's home furnishings with locations in Nampa and Ontario? What about Madison's commercial showing the latest in home decor? (kidotalkradio)

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Today in Boise:

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Snow is coming through early Sunday, and several winter weather advisories have been issued. Please allow extra time if you need to travel in the advisory areas. Breezy conditions will add to the problem." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise Fire Department: "As part of Read Across America Day, Chief Niemeyer, Asst. Chief Bolen, Asst. Chief Gervais, and Chief Administrative Officer Kelsie read to students at Horizon Elementary School!" (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "We some bear-y exciting news – The Intermountain Eye Centers Sloth Bear Encounter is now happening daily from 10:30AM – 11:30AM. For only $5, you can feed Paji some worms and 100% of the proceeds go to support wildlife conservation." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Eleven names of Idahoans represent the 11 million undocumented people living in the US today. That’s the premise of Los Caminos de la Vida, a traveling art exhibit from the ACLU of Idaho showcased at the Flying M in Caldwell." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The federal government requires people who receive food stamps to have a job or be enrolled in training, but the state allows exceptions. This bill would get rid of those and require “able-bodied” people to work at least 30 hours." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right! I'll see you soon.

— John Braese

About me: Welcome to the Boise edition of patch.com. I am the community editor in this exciting endeavor for the Boise area. I was born and grew up in Boise, attending Bishop Kelly High School before graduating from Borah High School more than a few years ago. I have seen Boise grow substantially in the last few years, but still maintain my hometown appeal. I want to hear about what is important to you and the stories you wish to see on patch.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email at john.braese@patch.com or drop me a phone call or text at 208 954-9585.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com