🌱 Boise Vandalism Arrest + Idaho's Hermits + Idaho Child Poverty

Hello all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including...

• Residents of Boise's North end will be please to know an arrest has been made in connection with their vandalized vehicles.
• Emails from city officials appear to contradict their claims why a recent employee was terminated.
• If you have $2.5 million in your cookie jar, we have the home for you.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds breaking for some sun. High: 41 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The public was told by city officials Boise's Office of Police Accountability Director, Jesus Jara, was fired Dec. 9 for concerns over his office viewing random police body camera videos. KTVB-TV's Alexandra Duggan reports recently discovered emails from the mayor's Chief of Staff, Courtney Washburn, appear to provide authority to Jara to to view those videos. (KTVB.com)
2. A Boise man has been arrested in connection with a rash of vandalism acts in Boise's North end. CBS2 news staff write Eric Pavlis, 52 of Boise has been accused of vandalizing multiple vehicles between Dec.18 and Dec. 20 by pouring glue on them, drilling holes in the tires, and removing the valve stems. (Idaho News)
3. At one time or another, we have all dreamed of just getting away from it all, listening to the quiet of solitude. FromBoise's Amanda Patchin writes the story of some of Idaho' s hermits. From religious hermit Sister Mary Beverly Greger to Earl Parrot, these folks chose to leave it all and live life alone. (fromboise)
4. If you are looking for a four bedroom, four bath home for just shy of $2.4 million or a four bedroom, three bath for $750,000, Boise Patch provides a roundup of residences for sale locally. (Boise Patch)
5. A recent study shows child poverty rates are highest in states that have not raised the minimum wage above the federal mandate. The IdahoCapitalSun's Casey Quinlan breaks down the study, including Idaho where the child poverty rates stands at 14.4 percent. In Idaho, about 5 percent of families use food stamp benefits. Mississippi has the highest child poverty rate in the United States, at 27.6%. Congress last failed to increase the minimum wage in 2021, when it was proposed as part of a larger pandemic relief package. Fifty Senate Republicans and seven Senate Democrats voted against raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025. (idahocapitalsun)

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Today in Boise:

• Grab the whole family and head down to the Boise Public Library for Family Storytime. (10:30 AM)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Wednesday is Fire Station 12. (Noon)
• Even with Christmas a memory, the Holiday Light & Sound Show continues at the Boise Centre. (4:00 PM)
• The White Dog Brewing Company has prizes for winners of Game Night Live Trivia. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Latest satellite and wind gusts across the West. The storm is analyzed down to 966mb, the same as a category 2 hurricane! #idwx #orwx #cawx #wawx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "This Thursday is the final $3 Thursday! Bring the kids and have a fun family day observing, exploring, and learning all about animals! Zoo admission is only $3 every Thursday in December." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Little Theater: "What will you do with your New Year? #newyears #newyearsday #newyearsresolution #newyearsresolution2023 #newyearscelebration2019 #boisetheater #idaho #multicultural #unique #uniquetraditions #traditions #newyear #Boise2023 #trysomething." (Boise Little Theater via Instagram)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "That went so fast. It's the last week of Winter Garden aGlow! WGA is a great way to keep spirits high during the holiday break. Sitting around the house is making the family antsy? Keep the celebration going!" (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "A Colorado facility where Japanese-Americans were interned during WWII will become part of the national park system. Survivors and their descendants explain the significance of the internment camp, and why preservation is so important." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Aquarium Of Boise: "As 2022 comes to a close, we look forward to a bright & vibrant 2023. The Aquarium of Boise will be closing early on December 31st at 3 pm and open on New Year's Day from 12 pm till 5 pm. We wish everyone a Happy New Year!" (Aquarium Of Boise via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com