🌱 Daybell Trial Update + Leading UFO State + No Execution Chemicals

Good morning, friends! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Patch newsletter. Let's get this week started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on...

• A Caldwell man is in jail after shooting up the family home after an argument.
• The defense in an upcoming trial announced mental health will not be used as a defense, but may come up in the penalty phase if a couple is found guilty of multiple murders.
• Idaho is unable to lay claim to SpongeBob but can claim his best friend.

But first, today's weather:

A shower; breezy in the p.m.. High: 43 Low: 27.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. A new week and time to catch up on the upcoming Lori Vallow Daybell/Chad Daybell trial. EastIdahoNews reporter Nate Easton writes District Judge Steven Boyce will soon issue a written decision on a request to sever the two cases. Chad Daybell's attorney, John Prior, argued his case will not be ready to present on the opening day scheduled for April. Attorneys for both defendants announced the mental health of both Lori and Chad will not be used as a defense during the trial portion, but may be brought up if there is a penalty phase. (eastidahonews)
2. A Caldwell man is in custody after firing a gun into his family's residence. CBS2 news staff report after family members asked Angel Montanez to leave a home after an argument, he returned to fire multiple shots inside the home. He was arrested at approximately 4 a.m. Sunday morning. (idahonews)
3. Idaho leads another list. KTVB-TV's Shirah Matsuzawa reports our state, per capita, leads the nation with most UFO sightings per 100,000 residents over the last five years. We may not be Roswell, New Mexico but for the last five years, our state reports 420 sightings of flying objects without explanation. (KTVB)
4. The State of Idaho wants to execute Gerald Pizzuto at the prison outside of Boise, but does not possess the chemicals to carry through the process. The IdahoCapitalSun's Ruth Brown reports the Idaho Attorney General’s Office announced Friday it obtained a new death warrant for Pizzuto Jr.’s execution. Stopping the process scheduled for March 23 is the state's inability to find the necessary chemicals to complete a lethal injection. (idahocapitalsun)
5. Idaho may not be Hollywood, but we can lay claim to Bill Fagerbakke. Growing up, he graduated from Minico High School and went on to play football at the University of Idaho. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart writes after an injury cut short his football career, Fagerbakke enrolled in theater classes, ultimately graduating with a master's degree. Straight from Idaho, you probably know him better as the voice of Patrick Star on Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants! (liteonline)

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Today in Boise:

• The City of Boise and the union representing local firefighters will again sit down and attempt to hash out a contract with the public invited to watch the negotiations via livestream. (11:00 AM)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Monday is Meridian Republic Services. (Noon)
• The Garden City City Council meets Monday. (6:00 PM)
• The Historic Preservation Commission for the city convenes Monday. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Zoo Boise: "Come see the zoo in a whole new light during this evening program just for adults (18+). Enjoy fun activities, up close animal encounters, and seasonal appetizers. Beer, wine, and cider available for purchase. Registration is required." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Contemporary Theater: ""And though she be but TINY, she is BEAUTIFUL." It's NOT Shakespeare, it's Sugar. Join us in March and see how even the tiniest encouragement from Sugar can make things beautiful." (Boise Contemporary Theater via Instagram)
• Boise Hive: "Live at the Hive with HEATRAY and GRIMAGE Broadcasting from historic Boise Hive in Boise, ID" (Boise Hive via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Members of Congress from dairy states like Idaho have called on the FDA to “crackdown” on companies that call their increasingly popular plant-based alternatives “milk.”" (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 7)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back 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.

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