🌱 Foothills Drone Flight + Big Bronco Donation + User Park Reviews

Hello all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on:

• A federal agency is ordering a review of security practices around power stations.
• Like the rest of the country, fewer Southwest planes are landing and taking off from the Boise airport.
• For a flight that is in the air, take a quick drone flight over our beloved foothills.

But first, today's weather:

A little morning snow. High: 41 Low: 35.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Boise who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. Take 52 seconds out of your day and fly over the Boise Foothills. CBS2 news staff present a short video of a drone flight conducted by the Idaho STEM Action Center. (idahonews)
2. The national news has covered the problems experienced by Southwest Airlines extensively, but what about Boise? KIVI-TV's Brendyn Jones reports over 80% of Southwest flights in Boise have been called off since Tuesday. In real numbers, 51 flights in and out of Boise never took place. People love Boise, but we assume many want out after spending days in the airport waiting for a flight. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
3. We all expect to get up in the morning, turn on the lights, hit the on switch on the coffee pot and grab our phone fully charged from being plugged in overnight. Due to vandalism, that has not occurred recently in a few towns. The IdahoCapitalSun's Robert Zullo writes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday ordered the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which sets and enforces reliability standards for the bulk power system in the U.S., Canada and part of Mexico, to review existing “physical security” rules for the components of the power system. (idahocapitalsun)
4. A local family loves the Broncos. KTVB-TV staff report Bob and Sharon Miller donated $5 million to the Boise State Athletics program, the largest donation ever received. The money will be allocated to the north end zone project and future basketball capital improvements. (KTVB)
5. Do you like your neighborhood park in Boise? POWER-FM's Ryan provides reviews supplied to online sources of what locals have to say about their park. Wasps, hard pavement, geese poo and chatty co-workers are all discussed. (powerboise)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Boise:

• The LEGO Club! meets Friday at the Boise Public Library. (4:00 PM)
• You only have two days left to catch the Holiday Light & Sound Show at the Boise Centre. (4:00 PM)
• The Community Center sponsors an Open House/Game Night Friday evening. (5:00 PM)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Boise!

• If you want to nominate a local hero, click here
• If you want to nominate a local athlete, click here.

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Our mountain snowpack is off to a good start this winter season. Most basins across southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho are running 125%-150% of normal for late December." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Special Olympics Idaho - Boise Community Stars Team: "Merlynn Sue Vowles Legg became our Christmas Angel, passing away December 25, 2022 at home after a short illness. Merlynn was born on April 11, 1946 to E.E. “Jim” and Pearl Vowles." (Special Olympics Idaho - Boise Community Stars Team via Facebook)
• Boise Weekly: "Do you Fiction 101? Deadline is Friday. boiseweekly.com" (Boise Weekly via Instagram)
• Boise Rock School: "Bands Unlegit and Bay After Bae will be playing at the @idahopotatodrop this year! Find us at Cecil D Andrus Park (across the Capital) from 7-7:45" (Boise Rock School via Instagram)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "I know an excellent place to begin ringing in the new year. Come to the Garden for the last night of Winter Garden aGlow (Dec 31, 6 pm - 9:30 pm) and start your celebration in a winter wonderland!" (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Global demand for potatoes is spiking prices for Idaho's largest crop export, but supply is having a hard time keeping up." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Events:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com