🌱 Charges Dismissed + Boise Bikes Needed + Holiday Murals

Hello, friends! John Braese here with your Wednesday edition of the Boise Daily, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. Including updates on:

• Catch up on hints to keep your yard safe from wildlife moving down into the valley.
• A state system designed to provide cash to home school students is drawing the ire of those attempting to use it.
• Meet a Boise woman passing on holiday cheer with a paintbrush and a window.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 36 Low: 23.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. After three years, a charge of injury to a child has been dismissed against a former principal of Star Middle School. KTVB-TV's Joey Prechtl reports Tony Nelson, the former principal, was charged with two felony counts of injury to a child after an indictment on May 9, 2019, related to withholding food from children and hitting them. The case was dismissed upon a motion of the prosecutor. (KTVB)
2. The Boise Bicycle Project is needing a little help to ensure bikes are under the trees of children in Boise. Jimmy Hallyburton and Devin McComas of the Boise Bicycle Project speak with Boise State Public Radio's Gemma Gaudette discussing the program of giving away bicycles and the need this Christmas. (Boise State Public Radio)
3. With the snow piling up in the mountains, wildlife is making their way to the valley. CBS2 news staff offer some helpful hints from the Idaho Fish and Game on winterizing your home to protect the wildlife that might pass through your yard. The article is extremely helpful for those living in the foothills or down by the Boise River. (Idaho News)
4. Many Boise residents send Christmas cards or decorate the yard for the holiday, but KIVI-TV's Nicole Camarda introduces a Boise woman spreading the holidays by painting on windows. MaLynda Poulsen is the artist of many of the murals seen on downtown businesses and is now expanding to homes in the area. (KIVI)
5. If you are one of the 28,000 Idahoans waiting for a response from the Empowering Parents Grant Program, you are not alone. The IdahoCapitalSun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris reports complaints are adding up for the $3,000 grant as less than half of all applicants have been approved and the vendor granted administration of the project subcontracted the applicant process out. Those already approved and receiving funds report problems purchasing items through the Odyssey program. (idahocapitalsun)

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Today in Boise:

• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Wednesday is Fire Station 14 located at 2515 S Five Mile Road. (Noon)
• The Hillcrest Book Club meets Wednesday at the Boise Public Library. (2:00 PM)
• Seniors from the Boise State University College of Engineering will showcase their design projects Wednesday. (3:30 PM)
• The Arts & History Commission for the City of Boise meets Wednesday. (3:30 PM)
• The Open Space & Clean Water Advisory Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Winter break is approaching. Wishing all of our Broncos good luck in preparation for finals. You got this!" (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Idaho Humane Society: "We're excited to roll out Humane Education Camps this December and January! We have 10 spots for each session, costing $25. In these one-day camps, children will learn about pet responsibility, animal safety, shelter life, and animal care." (Idaho Humane Society via Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Thanks for your patience and caution as our crews work to clear the Boise River Greenbelt and park paths. Utilizing ice melt products, and snowplows when able, our team works hard to keep pathways safe and accessible on wintry days." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Fighting Presumptive Illnesses within the Firefighting Community: “Within the last 6 months in our fire department we’ve had two retirees who have passed away and one most recently diagnosed with cancer." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Boise Little Theater: "Have you already seen White Christmas? If not, now's your chance to grab some tickets before the show closes next week! Tickets are sold at $25. https://boiselittletheater.org... #boiselittletheater #whitechristmas." (Boise Little Theater via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow 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.

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