🌱 Boise Runaway + Most Hated Local Vehicle + Amtrak Return Study

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening these days in town. Follow along for the latest.

Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Boise Daily. A Boise man will see the inside of prison for some time following him ramming a police car last year. Boise law enforcement is asking for your help in finding a missing teen, and take a look at an unofficial list of Boise's most hated vehicles. Kids, including those with cancer now, are headed for summer camp, and a study is underway to possibly returning a mode of travel to Boise not seen since the 1990s.

First, today's weather:

Very warm with plenty of sun. High: 94 Low: 59.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A Boise man who stole a stole a van, led police on a chase and rammed a Boise patrol vehicle will serve a minimum of 10 years in state prison. KTVB-TV staff report Ezra Smith, 26, was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for the July 11, 2021, incident. Smith will need to serve a minimum of 10 years before becoming eligible for a parole hearing. Smith, who at the time of the chase was already on probation for felony drug charges and vandalism, was shot while being arrested. Smith has filed a $1.27 million lawsuit against police stating excessive force was used against him. (KTVB.com)
2. Boise Police are asking the public's assistance in locating a 16-year-old endangered runaway. Lele has been missing since June 8 with no evidence of foul play involved. CBS2 staff include two pictures of Lele in the body of the story. (Idaho News)
3. If you drive around Boise in a minivan, Prius, or Audi, you are, according to one source, driving one of the most hated cars in Boise. LITE-FM's Chris examined a recent number of responses online and compiled a listing of those cars we hate to see on our local streets. As this is Idaho, no brand of pickup made the dreaded list. (107.9 LITE FM)
4. The ritual of attending summer camp is not unusual for many children, but for kids battling cancer, attending camp can be a struggle. KMVT's Elizabeth Hadley visits Camp Rainbow Gold, a place where campers can connect with others who have cancer or have siblings battling cancer. The camp is not limited to just cancer patients as this summer will also see campers made up of widows, one for children whose parents have cancer, and another for children with complicated medical diagnoses. (KMVT)
5. All aboard Boise. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel writes the push to bring passenger rail service back to Boise is chugging ahead. Fueled by federal dollars as part of a $41.5 billion infrastructure package, the study is looking at reestablishing Amtrak's Pioneer Line, which carried passengers from Portland through Pendleton, Oregon, Boise, Pocatello and south to Salt Lake City through the late 1990s. Here is hoping Boise residents will soon have another alternative to travel. (boisedev)

Today in Boise:

• The Citywide Advisory Committee tasked with rewriting Boise's Zoning Code meets Thursday at Boise City Hall. (3 p.m.)
• The Garden City Library invites everyone to discuss sharks with shark expert Jillian Morris. (5:30 p.m.)
• Boise's JUMP holds a free community screening of the original documentary, "LIKE." The film looks at the impact of social media in our lives. (6 p.m.)
• Calling all Harry Potter experts. Watson's Mystery Cafe and Spirits holds a trivia challenge Thursday on all things Hogwarts. (7 p.m.)
• Put on your walking shoes and take a Macabre History of Boise: A Walking Tour. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Boise Association: "What to do in Downtown Boise this Fourth of July weekend? Where to park, where to shop, and where to dine? Events, kid friendly activities, holiday specials and live music? We’ve got you covered!" (Downtown Boise Association via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "🔥 Wondering what that smell is? The Willow Creek Fire northwest of Ontario is now over 30,000 acres and is producing lots of smoke — you can even see it on satellite. #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise State University: "Forecast: Blue skies and hot weather. Boise State University is a wonderful place to explore, relax and propel during the summer months. The Boise River float season is open! Enjoy a 2–3-hour float from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Congratulations Capt. Ryan Yates on your well-deserved promotion! Capt. Yates spent 3 years as a senior firefighter and driving Engine 4 before being promoted to captain this month." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Elvis is turning 60 years old! Join in and help us celebrate his 60th birthday at Red, White, and Zoo on July 2. We'll also be celebrating the birth of our nation and Aldabra tortoise Mr. Mac’s 100th birthday." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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