🌱 'Casting,' 'Dark' Police + TikTok School Ban + Local Speed Traps

Hello all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community. Including news about:

• A small local town is making some serious money from speeding tickets.
• The Boise River is running high and that is making some outdoor enthusiasts very happy.
• Planners want your input on three ideas for public space on the Basque Block.

But first, today's weather: Increasing cloudiness. High: 55 Low: 35.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. After an unexpected recess on Wednesday due to a death in a family, the trial of Lori Vallow Daybell continued on Thursday. EastIdahoNews reporter Nate Eaton was again in attendance to provide updates. First on the stand in the morning was Melanie Gibb, a former friend of Vallow Daybell. In her testimony, Gibb states Vallow Daybell stated she had been married to the prophet Moroni from The Book of Mormon in the past and that Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell had lived multiple lives in the past. Vallow Daybell also told Gibb her first husband, Charles Vallow, was dark and had been taken over by Satan's spirit. A large amount of the testimony dealt with "casting," a form of driving evil spirits out of bodies. Gibb also testified Vallow Daybell claimed JJ, her son, was dark. She also testifies Chad Daybell contacted her, stating she was not to speak with Rexburg police and Vallow Daybell said the police were "dark." The link in this story contains recording of two phone calls between Vallow Daybell and Gibb. (eastidahonews)
2. Effective Friday, the TikTok app will be removed from Boise School District devices and networks. KTVB-TV's Jude Binkley writes the move comes as the district complies with a ban on the social media app per state law. The district says that any TikTok accounts affiliated with schools, clubs, or athletics teams will be deactivated in compliance with state law. The district noted personal accounts on person equipment not on school-provided internet is not impacted by the ban. (KTVB.com)
3. The Basque Block is changing, and organizers want your input. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports plans are for a “public space” at the corner of 6th Street and Grove Street. On the table currently are three plans for the space and after viewing the plans, a link to a survey is included in the article. (boisedev.com)
4. Are you looking for a way to make an extra $67,000 annually? LITE-FM's Marco reports that is the amount our small neighbor, Garden City, collected in speeding ticket revenue in 2021. The cash coming in is more than both Meridian and Eagle, both who have more residents. Boise took in $147,000 in speeding tickets last year. If you heading to the fairgrounds, might want to watch the speedometer. (107.9 LITE FM)
5. Like most stories, there is a positive and negative to every story. Our large snowpack has resulted in some flooding in the valley, but KIVI-TV's Steve Dent joined local surfers and kayakers enjoying the high water. With the Boise River running at 3,600 cubic feet per second, the waves were good. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)

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Today in Boise:

• The Fans Strike Back exhibit continues at the Discovery Center of Idaho. (10:00 AM)
• The Boise Public Library hosts Baby Stories & Play Friday morning. (10:30 AM)
• The Idaho Humanities Council presents the 2023 Eastern Idaho Distinguished Humanities Lecture with Angeline Boulley Friday. (5:00 PM)
• Watson's Mystery Cafe and Spirits invites patrons to The New Vaudeville Revue Friday evening. (7:00 PM)
• The Lounge at the End of the Universe invites you to enjoy some of Boise's top improv talent at Comedians of Olympus: A Comedy Show of Mythic Proportions Friday evening. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Congratulations to Cheyon Sheen for being named one of just 62 recipients of the Truman Scholarship. Out of 705 nominees from 275 universities, Sheen stood out for her leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to serving others." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Farmers Market: "This pretty pot of blushing heirloom lettuces grown from @snakeriverseedcoop seeds is proof you don’t need a garden to grow your own cool season salad greens right now. Choose from hardy, local select seed stock this Saturday." (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Temperatures and river water levels will continue to rise later this week. It is tempting to get into the local rivers, but higher than normal water levels create dangerous and cold fast-moving water! #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Sure, you could get tickets at the door. If you know you're going, why not save $ with that early bird price? It's your last chance to pre-purchase tickets at the early bird price for Shade City Brewfest!" (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "We are Radio (Boise) Gaga as day one of our Spring Radiothon comes to a close. Join Teamwork and Santamia tomorrow for The Current's Hot Takes 2.0, and a special opportunity for a $500 match from @idahofloorsupply!" (Radio Boise via Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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