🌱 Fairmont Teacher Arrest + Trustees Needed + Greenbelt Closure

Morning, friends! I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Boise Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Testimony in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial on Tuesday included a recorded phone call in which the defendant's eldest son call her a "murderous mother."
• The Boise Pride Festival has spawned two possible lawsuits against the city and the police department from both sides of an incident.
• Plan on a detour for your run on the Greenbelt due to high water.

But first, today's weather: A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 51 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. A teacher and coach at Boise's Fairmont Junior High School have been arrested and charged with felony rape and child sexual battery. CBS2 news staff report Eric McDermott was arrested Monday for rape and sexual battery committed by lewd or lascivious acts on a minor child 16 to 17 years of age. The Boise School District placed McDermott on administrative leave following the arrest. (Idaho News)
2. After taking Monday off, jurors were back at work on Tuesday at the Lori Vallow Daybell trial. EastIdahoNews reporter Nate Eaton writes the morning started quickly with a person watching the trial removed after taking pictures with her cellphone. Taking the stand in the morning was Garrett Smith, Vallow Daybell's son. Eaton writes the son does not look at his mother during his testimony. Smith is asked about if he received money for the recent Netflix documentary and a book he is writing. Played during the hearing is recorded phone conversations between Vallow Daybell and Smith. In one call, Smith calls Vallow Daybell a "murderous mother." The afternoon starts with Mark Saari, an agent with the Social Security Administration, on the witness stand. Also in the afternoon, Rexburg Police Detective Chuck Kunsaitis takes the witness stand. He provides testimony regarding the financial dealings of Vallow Daybell. (eastidahonews)
3. Legal claims have been filed against the City of Boise and the Boise Police Department for an incident that took place during Boise Pride. BoiseDev reporter Margaret Carmel reports the claims come from both sides as one has been filed by Pride counter-protester Martin Bettwieser, and the other from Charles Rehdorf, a private security guard hired by Boise Pride. (boisedev.com)
4. The city is looking for bookworms willing to serve. Boise Patch carries the request by the City of Boise looking for applicants interested in serving on Boise Public Library’s board of trustees. Interested candidates must have the ability to meet monthly, be residents of the City of Boise and be willing to serve a five-year term. (Boise Patch)
5. A good water year typically results in parts of the Greenbelt facing temporary closure and this year is no exception. KTVB-TV staff report Boise Parks and Recreation has closed part of the Bethine Church River Trail due to flooding. A marked detour has been set in place and the stretch will be reopened when the water level falls. (KTVB.com)

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Today in Boise:

• The R. Grey Gallery continues a silent auction of works completed by Boise State University artists Wednesday. (8:00 AM)
• The Discovery Center of Idaho celebrates Child Abuse Prevention Day Wednesday with the first 300 kids receiving admittance free. (2:00 PM)
• The Boise Public Library hosts Crafternoons in the Library Wednesday. (3:00 PM)
• The Garden City Planning and Zoning Committee convenes Wednesday. (6:30 PM)
• If you are a fan of "Pretty Woman," Wednesday is your chance to show your knowledge as Humpin' Hannah's presents Trivia Night and prizes for best hooker look and other costumes. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "The @inc_bsu student organization, with the support of @boisestate_ec and members of the Indigenous Treasure Valley community, hosted the 30th annual Seven Arrows Powwow last weekend @extramilearena." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "It's been an unusually snowy spring in Boise this year. Today's snowfall of 0.3 inch brings us to 10.5 inches total since the beginning of March. That's the 4th snowiest spring on record for Boise, and the snowiest since 1951." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• #BoiseBucketList: "G I V E A W A Y Idaho Mamas we see you! We know how much you like to blend motherhood with adventure. You deserve some recognition and some FREE STUFF!" (#BoiseBucketList via Instagram)
• Radio Boise: "Have you always wanted to be a radio DJ? Donate during The Rapture and get entered into a drawing for an opportunity to make a playlist for an upcoming edition of the show. @idahofloorsupply will be matching $250!" (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Music Festival: "We want to see YOU on-stage at Boise Music Festival! The deadline to submit your local band here in Boise, is Friday, May 5!" (Boise Music Festival via Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "Registration now open for the Birds, Bats, and Botanical Fun Camp (ages 7 - 9) happening at Zoo Boise and Idaho Botanical Garden." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com