🌱 Boise Holiday Map + Expensive Trees + More Bikes Under The Tree

Hi all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Boise Daily, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Today you'll learn about these stories and more...

• The City of Boise is providing more information on how investigations are conducted after city employees file a complaint.
• Intermountain Gas wants all customers to pay a little more to heat their homes.
• There will be many happy faces this year as Boise children ride new bikes thanks to local volunteers.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 38 Low: 26.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. If you are heading out this weekend to purchase that perfect Christmas tree, be prepared to pay more. KTVB-TV's Andrew Baertlein reports the cost to find that perfect tree has doubled in just the last 10 years. While demand for live trees has increased, fires, droughts and inflation has made for fewer trees on the market and increased costs. (KTVB.com)
2. The dream for many a child is to find a bicycle under the Christmas tree. KIVI-TV's Don Nelson writes the Boise Bicycle Project is working hard to make sure those wishes for a bike are granted. The Boise group is handing out 567 bicycles this year using donated bikes fixed up by volunteers. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
3. You may need to shell out an extra $2.19 a month to keep your home warm. CBS2 staff report Intermountain Gas is asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to increase its price 4.4 percent for residential customers. (Idaho News)
4. The Boise Police Department has not had the best year. From terminating a chief to a recent allegation of racial issues, local law enforcement has been in the news constantly. BoiseDev editor Don Day has pushed the city into providing additional information on how investigations are handled in the department and provides an update into a series of nine complaints filed against the former chief. (boisedev.com)
5. If your plans this weekend involve looking at the holiday lights around town, we are here to help. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart provides a map of Boise's Best Lights. As of Nov. 29, there are already 40 home displays on the map. (liteonline)

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Today in Boise:

• The Gem Center for the Arts presents Created: The Dream - A Celebration of Winter Festivities opening Saturday morning. (10:00 AM)
• Bring your camera and wish list and visit City Santa for free Saturday morning. (10:00 AM)
• What are the holidays without model trains? The NScale Model railroaders will be open to the public Saturday morning. (10:00 AM)
• Brush up on your reading skills and make a pooch happy as the Boise Public Library presents Read to a Therapy Dog Saturday. (10:30 AM)
• Watson's Mystery Cafe and Spirits presents A Christmas Cabaret Saturday afternoon. (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "The Boise State family celebrates this season of light and reflection. Share your favorite Bronco memory below or add your memory to the holiday 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 located inside @albertsonslibrary." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• #BoiseBucketList: " Just in time for the holidays, if you haven’t been to @TwoRiversSpa or you’re needing to give the gift of relaxing and self-care." (#BoiseBucketList via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "November 2022 ranked as one of the coldest on record for many cities across the area. For #Boise, it was 7th coldest and coldest since 2000. It was the 2nd coldest for #Burns and #BakerCity #Oregon. #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "2023 ZooTeen applications are officially open! This is a great opportunity for teens who love animals, want to make new friends, looking to build their college resumes, and want to spend their summer at the zoo!" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "Here are the Top 10 Most-Played from the week past. Enjoy!" (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Farmers Market: "👀Wondering what's happening at the market this weekend?! Scroll to find out! Malheur River Meats took a week off, but they are back this Saturday with eggs, meat, jerky and plenty of protein options!" (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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