🌱 Boise House Fire + Vacant Council Seats + Murder House Demolition

Morning, friends. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including news about...

• A review of campaign money for a former city council member has been completed and found no issues
• A house where four students were murdered will soon be torn down in Moscow
• A Meridian man has been charged with multiple crimes for an incident involving the death of a Boise pedestrian in October 2022

But first, today's weather: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 50 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A Boise family is safe but without a home after a fire started on Thursday, Feb. 23 on West Pattie Street. KTVB-TV staff have video of the blaze provided by the Boise Fire Department as they arrived on the scene. (KTVB.com)
2. Residents of Boise want to be involved. Boise Patch announces 53 applicants submitted interest in two vacant Boise City Council seats. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean will begin a review of the applications with interviews starting later this week. The city anticipates the choices will be announced in early March. (Boise Patch)
3. A Meridian man was arrested Thursday on charges stemming from an October 2022 deadly crash. CBS2 news staff report 28-year-old Cole L. Clucas is charged with vehicular manslaughter, possession of controlled substance and open container in connection with the death of 54-year-old Korena Baker in October. After hitting Baker as she was walking along the street, Clucas registered a .178 blood alcohol content (BAC). After his arrest, Clucas posted at $150,000 bail and was released from jail. (idahonews)
4. The owner of the house where four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death now belongs to the university and will be demolished. IdahoEdNews staff report the university is considering options for the property. (idahoednews)
5. Ada County has found no problems with the finances of a former city council member. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports the Ada County Clerk's Office and Ada County Prosecutors Office reviewed Lisa Sanchez's campaign expenditures for 2022 and found no problems. Sánchez is no longer a city council member after she briefly moved out of her council district but has applied for reappointment to the vacant seat. (boisedev)

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Today in Boise:

• The entire clan is invited as the World Center for Birds of Prey holds Family Field Trip Weekend. (10:00 AM)
• The Catalyst Arts Collaborative is looking for just the younger artists as it sponsors Kid's Clay Play. (10:00 AM)
• The Meridian Library hosts the Idaho BCA STEM Workshop Saturday afternoon. (2:00 PM)
• The event is sold out but if you have tickets, the Idaho Steelheads hit the ice Saturday to benefit the Idaho Humane Society. (7:00 PM)
• Jay William Miller will perform Saturday evening at the Barbarian Brewing Taproom. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Do you have a business or venture idea? Applications are open for the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, a statewide university competition hosted by Boise State University to develop and reward student entrepreneurs with promising ventures." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "What a wonderful reunion at Station 8 today! Crews from Boise Fire Engine 8, Ada County Paramedics Medic 18, Ada County Dispatch, and three civilians all received ACCESS Life Saving Awards with Tony, the man whose life they saved in 2022." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Quite the charmer! Have you visited Amur tiger Akasha in her ReTIGERment Home yet?" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• From Boise: "Today’s newsletter is out NOW! LOTS of great things going on this weekend. Quick Recap: @maestrearts has a jam on the 3rd Friday of the month. Open to singers, rappers, instrument players & people who just wanna watch." (From Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Bicycle Project: "We are honored to receive an Organization of the Year Award from the Idaho Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for our work with youth in the Treasure Valley. BBP's work is made possible because of our dedicated volunteers." (Boise Bicycle Project via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Lots of interesting things showing up in satellite imagery today. A large, textbook-looking low-pressure system is spinning off the coast of California and is bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the state." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 7)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com