🌱 Drive-In Openings + Invasive Crawfish + Temperature Record Is Over

Hello, neighbors! John Braese here with your Sunday edition of the Boise Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the community news you need to know right now, including updates on...

• The cost of renewing your driver's license may be going down.
• Habitat For Humanity is accepting applications for Boise residents to own a home.
• A record Boise residents have been waiting to see go by the wayside is no more.

But first, today's weather:

Mild with partial sunshine. High: 71 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. It is not often you see a story where prices of something are dropping. CBS2 news staff report the Idaho DMV recently released that Idaho driver’s licenses and ID cards are now available at a reduced cost when completed online. If you choose to complete the transaction online, the Idaho DMV removed convenience fees and passed the savings on to customers. (idahonews)
2. Boise finally did it. The capital city reached 60 degrees for first time in 157 days according to KTVB-TV staff. Our cold days did set a record but find the shorts and flip-flops for the record is done. (KTVB.com)
3. Pack up the popcorn and blankets. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart writes Caldwell's Terrace Drive-In has announced plans to open Friday-Sunday beginning April 14. The valley's second drive-in theater, the Parma Motor-Vu starts showing movies April 7. (liteonline)
4. If dreams of home ownership are yours, KIVI-TV news staff report Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program will be taking applications, beginning April 10, from low-income families in need of adequate housing to help build and then purchase a home. Applications will be available from April 10-21 at their office, on the website, and at select locations in the Treasure Valley. (kivitv)
5. Idaho is actually pretty lucky when it comes to pests. We do have ticks, a few dangerous spiders and a few varieties of dangerous reptiles. BoiseWeekly staff report the state now has to start worrying about the Red Swamp Crayfish. The invasive species was recently discovered near the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. If the crayfish multiplies in the surrounding environment, it could harm water quality and native species. (boiseweekly)

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Today in Boise:

- Sunday means the day for free guided tours of the Boise Depot. (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Good luck to @boisestateesports as they compete in the Mountain West Esports Championship. Over two exciting days, the best teams from across the conference will battle it out for the title." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Join us in congratulating Casey Wilson on his promotion to Senior Firefighter! Today, at Station 1 we celebrated this great accomplishment and his son pinned his new badge. Strong work Casey! #BoiseFire #BFDMissionStrong" (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Visit Boise: "New to craft beer? In honor of #IdahoCraftBeerMonth, we've got a guide to help get you going! Head to the link in our bio! #visitboise #boiseidaho #craftbeer #boisebeer #pintsup #idahocraftbeer #boisebreweries" (Visit Boise via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "If you liked the satellite comparison earlier- here's an on-the-ground view of snow cover in Stanley, this year vs last year on April 2nd." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Join Boise State Public Radio in partnership with the Piatigorsky Foundation for two musical performances with a Q&A session to communities within our listening area." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Over five years, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $8.3 billion to repair and improve things like dams and canals -- as well as increase drought resilience." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com