🌱 Boise Police Survey + Stable Removal + Speed Skater Death

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. These are the most important things going on around town today.

Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Boise Daily. The Boise Police will soon be asking you how they are doing, and for those who spent Wednesday in the dark, we have the answer what occurred. Some old horse stables are making way for a park and in a story you need to read to completely understand, an Idaho woman and her husband face charges after the death of a Utah speed skater. Finally, a Boise employee met the owner of the company under the glare of television cameras.

First, today's weather:

Rain and snow showers. High: 45 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A few Boise residents will soon receive contact by the Boise Police, but not for a problem. The agency is contacting those who have recently requested police services and asked to complete a survey. The survey has been used nationwide and results will be shared with the community at a later date. (Boise Patch)
2. Were you one of many without power on Wednesday? KTVB staff have the answer why as a car collided with a power pole on Victory and Federal Way leaving 660 customers of Idaho Power in the dark. (KTVB.com)
3. A step in moving Lady Bird Park is underway. CBS2 news staff report the old horse stables at Expo Idaho will soon be removed. Horse racing at the location ended following a voter-supported ballot initiative in 2018. (Idaho News)
4. This story will involve speed skating, online romance, mad cow disease and a longtime sheriff's office employee. The Idaho State Journal's John O'Connell writes Marina Billings, a longtime deputy with the Bannock County Sheriff's Office, and her spouse have been charged in connection with the death of an accomplished Utah speed skater. (idahostatejournal)
5. Undercover Boss, the popular television show, is set to premiere on Friday and Boise will be featured according to KLIX-AM's Greg Jannetta. The owner of College H.U.N.K.S. stops in to check on one of his employees who works out of Boise. (News Radio 1310 KLIX)

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Today in Boise:

• The Canals Connect Community Coalition is a big-tent space for interested nonprofits, businesses, residents and others coalesce once-a-month to talk and strategize about how to help advance urban pathways in the Treasure Valley utilizing irrigation infrastructure. (Noon)
• Have you ever wondered how penguins paint? Wonder no more. Join Zoo Boise for a special evening and a paint and sip with our Magellanic penguins. (5:30 p.m.)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Thursday is 711 Mountain Cove Road in Boise. (Noon)
• Join featured artist Lisa Bower “in the moment” throughout January at Art Source Gallery. Enjoy music by JB Duo, snacks, and wine by Indian Creek Winery at the opening reception. (5 p.m.)
• Enjoy free admission at the Idaho State Museum on Thursday. Drop in for a guided tour led by a certified tour guide, offered at 5:30 and 6:30. Tours are 45 minutes and cover the highlights of the museum exhibits. In addition, see the temporary exhibition Trailblazing Women of Idaho. (5 p.m.)

Boise Fact of the Day:

The reported incidence of classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob (Mad Cow) disease is one case per million people. From this, experts predict that approximately 270 people per year will die in the United States from the disease.

From my notebook:

• Boise Weekly: "Omicron and Testing in the Treasure Valley: Testing remains to be a bit of an issue across the nation and Idaho and although the CDC states that 'testing is very important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.'" (Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Snowpack levels are now hovering above average from the Rockies to the Sierra Nevadas, according to the National Weather and Climate Center." (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Central Rim: "Large, sweet black Lab running loose in neighborhood. Orange collar, no tags." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Borah: "If there are anybody that are having trouble snow shoveling, or getting out of a stuck situation, please shoot me a message! I will do my best to get to helping those who are in need!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Roosevelt Flats: "Hello Neighbors! I am fostering the sweetest dog that needs a loving home. I’m hoping a neighbor will adopt so that he can have a built-in dog-sitter! I don’t want to miss him… he’s pretty special." (Nextdoor)

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Events:

• Brave New World: Artist Reception (Jessie Swimeley, Carolyn Greener, Jill Storey) (January 8)
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Loving the Boise Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at john.braese@patch.com

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning 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.