🌱 Boise Business Owner Pleads Guilty + Amity Closure + Gas Prices

Morning, friends! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Daily — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town these days. Keep scrolling for the scoop...

We start the Sunday edition of the Boise Daily with a Boise business owner and Republican candidate for Congress using federal pandemic funds for posters and radio ads. Amity will be torn up for the next two weeks and 12 new businesses are opening in the Village at Meridian. The Idaho Supreme Court is ready for abortion hearings and save the gas money driving around looking for the cheapest price-we have the answer.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon t-storm or two. High: 72 Low: 53.

🏡 Looking for more real estate leads in Boise? Let us help you reach prospective home buyers and stand out from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A Boise business owner and former Republican congressional candidate who used pandemic relief funds for his own personal use pleaded guilty to wire fraud and falsifying records. KTVB-TV staff report Nicholas Jones received a total of $753,600 in 2020 through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Jones used the money for personal expenses including car payments, life insurance policies and political advertisements, not business expenses. He now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. (KTVB)
2. The following story is a warning to all drivers starting Monday. CBS2 news staff pass on Amity road will be closed for approximately two weeks between Meridian and Locust Grove. Drivers are advised to use Victory or Lake Hazel Road. (Idaho News)
3. Clothing, shoes and food. BoiseDev reporter Autum Robertson writes 12 new stores are soon to open at the Village at Meridian this summer. The openings include Burlington, Bohme, and Cotton On representing clothing while Skechers and Nike will feature shoes. Food stores include Burnin' Mouth, Devil & Angel and Zullee Mediterranean Grill. (boisedev)
4. The date has been set for August 3 for the Idaho Supreme Court to hear arguments on a case filed by Planned Parenthood against Idaho's Texas-style abortion law. The Idaho Capital Sun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris reports the new law makes abortion a felony in the state only if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade case. (idahocapitalsun)
5. Filling up that pickup at the gas pump is not fun anymore. LITE-FM's Chris jumped on GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest place to fill up around the Treasure Valley. Spoiler alert-not one place mentioned in the article is below $4.50 a gallon. (liteonline)

Today in Boise:

• The motorcycles will hit the road Sunday morning for the annual Idaho Patriot Thunder Ride. (8 a.m.)
• If you are interested in vintage bicycles, pedal cars, or cruisers, the parking lot of Bikes and Beans is the place to be Sunday morning for a swap meet. (9 a.m.)
• Tour the gardens of Boise's North End on Sunday and all for a good cause. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "(Animated) View from Stanley of the Sawtooth Mountains today vs June 5th of last year. Much more snow at this time than last year at high elevations. Be prepared if heading into the backcountry- many trails remain snow-covered." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• BOISE FARMERS MARKET: "Who else loves fresh local mushrooms?! We sure do! #Repost @fergsfabfungi with @make_repost ・・・ Just wanted to share with you this massive 4.5lb Black Pearl in all its glory!🍄👀" (BOISE FARMERS MARKET via Instagram)
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: "Get those tickets! The audiences are raving- don't miss out. "Saw it tonight. FABULOUS! Even if Shakespeare isn’t your thing, you will enjoy it. My 12 year old niece and her friend saw it and really enjoyed it too." (Idaho Shakespeare Festival via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The bell is a replica of the famous Campana de Libertad, the church bell from the city of Dolores in Guanajuato rung by Father Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810 as a call to arms that ushered the Mexican War of Independence." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lakewood: "Has anyone else had this happen? - What could it be?! My sister had a package stolen from her apartment porch. Then people started contacting her on Facebook and Instagram that they had a package for her and her apartment number." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on June 14 & 16 (June 14)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com