🌱 Boise Students Unmasked + Wine Home + Emissions Testing End

Up and at 'em, Boise! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Boise today.

The Boise Daily is waiting for you in your mailbox every day with all the local news of Boise. Boise students may soon sit the classroom without masks while where you vote in the next election will soon be expanded. We found a home for the wine enthusiast, and a man has filed suit against the Boise Police after a shooting. Finally, emissions testing may soon be a thing of the past.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 47 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. After a year of wearing masks at schools, students in Boise may soon see masks as an option rather than a requirement, according to IdahoEdNews reporter Kyle Pfannenstiel. The Boise School District will discuss ending the mask mandate at Monday's meeting of the district's board of trustees. Boise is one of the few of Idaho's districts with a mask mandate still in place. (Idaho EdNews)
2. Ada County will add 46 new polling locations as reported by CBS2's Marcos Guadarrama. The county currently has 151 voting precincts, but growth and legislative redistricting has forced the expansion. (Idaho News)
3. If you are in the market for a new home and have a few bottles of wine needing to go with you to your new house, LITE-FM's Michelle Heart may have found the buy for you. A home in Boise's North End comes complete with a wine room with a commercial-grade air conditioner and humidifier plus room for 1,200 bottles of your finest vino. (liteonline.com)
4. A man who is claiming he was shot and injured while unarmed during a high-speed chase in 2021 filed a claim with the City of Boise and Boise Police Department asking for $1.27 million. Ezra Smith, 25, filed a civil claim on Jan. 10 after being injured in an officer-involved shooting in July 2021. The story, written by Alexandra Duggan of the Idaho Press, is carried by KTVB-TV. (KTVB)
5. If you are tired of paying for someone to stick a rod up your car's tailpipe, take note. BoiseDev and senior reporter Margaret Carmel write a new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature would remove requirements for any emissions testing in the Treasure Valley by 2023 and shutter the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council. (BoiseDev)

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Today in Boise:

• Join the ISA for a fun Valentine's themed coffee and conversation at the Boise State University Recreation Center. Bring your friends and loved ones to celebrate the spirit of Valentine's week. There will be food and drinks provided. (3:30 p.m.)
• Do you love wine? Have you always wanted to explore your inner artistic abilities? Are you looking for a night out with friends, or maybe a new option for date night? The Boise Zoo is offering Paint & Sips on Thursday. Registration is required. Cost is $50 per person, plus fees. (6 p.m.)
• Kuna High School varsity boys basketball will take on Capital High School Thursday evening. (7:30 p.m.)
• The Public Works Commission for the City of Boise will meet Thursday. (4:30 p.m.)
• The Boise Urban Garden School presents Boise Outdoor Preschool on Thursday. (9 a.m.)

Boise Fact of the Day:

In 2018, a bottle of 1945 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru at a Sotheby's auction for a record-setting $558,000, making it the most expensive bottle of wine ever in the world.

From my notebook:

• From Boise: "The story of @FreedomBoundHounds is more like a book. It’s a story made up of many stories — 334 stories to be exact. And it all begins with a dog named Alabama." (Instagram)
• The Local - Boise: "“What’s on tap today?” Something guaranteed to be delicious and representative of Idaho in some fashion! Do you see a favorite of yours? Come by this week for a pint, and $1 off if you’re a @boisebeerbuddies member." (Instagram)
• Radio Boise: "We’re featured on the latest episode of @story.forward ! Go to the link in our bio to listen to Nichole and Wayne share some stories about the station." (Instagram)
• The Local - Boise: "Less than one week left until our very local Valentine’s Day feast! Have you made your reservations for our four-course dinner? You won’t want to miss it! Call today 208-412-3095 to book." (Instagram)
• Boise Blues Society: "Tickets are selling fast... get yours while you can! It's going to be a great show next week!" (Facebook)

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
• Get your local business showcased in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at john.braese@patch.com

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.