🌱 Free Tree + Boise Ladybug Release + Power Bill Rising

Hello all. I'm back with your new copy of the Boise Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including...

• A taxpayer's association has lost in court regarding living and paying extra taxes in Harris Ranch.
• Boise now has some extra ladybugs thanks to some young budding entomologists.
• A pathologist in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial testified JJ Vallow died due to a plastic bag being placed over his head and duct tape over his mouth.

But first, today's weather: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 73 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. Wednesday proved to be a very graphic day of testimony in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial. EastIdahoNews reporter Nate Eaton starts the day's reporting with FBI photos of JJ Vallow's burial site. The photos of the site and the decomposing body were admitted into evidence. Later in the morning, a pathologist testifies JJ Vallow died of asphyxia by plastic bag over the head and duct tape over the mouth. The boy was found with the forearms and hands bound with duct tape and the ankles were found with duct tape. Vallow Daybell refused to look at the autopsy photos presented as evidence. The pathologist also testified of an autopsy performed on Tylee Daybell, stating a cause of death cannot be determined due to fire damage to the body. (eastidahonews)
2. Boise has more ladybugs thanks to the efforts of some young residents. KIVI-TV's Geneva Zoltek was present when students of Montessori Academy released the natural predators in a garden next to the school. As one student stated, "bugs are awesome!" (kivi)
3. The issue of extra taxes owed by Harris Ranch residents will not go to court. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel reports Judge Nancy Baskin issued an opinion siding with the Harris Ranch CID, which is administered by staff at the City of Boise and has a board made up of city council members, and the Harris Ranch Limited Partnership after the Harris Ranch CID Taxpayers’ Association asked the court for a hearing disputing the constitutionality of extra taxes collected. The taxpayer's association said it is now reviewing its next move. (boisedev.com)
4. Hang onto your wallet as Idaho Power wants an extra $11.06 a month. KIDO-AM's Kevin Miller reports the utility is asking for more cash due to higher costs for natural gas, reduced hydropower, and insufficient coal to offset the difference. (KIDO Talk Radio)
5. Boise is known as the "City of Trees" and this Friday, you can add to that for free. KTVB-TV's Tracy Bringhurst reports the Idaho Forest Products Commission is giving away 20,000 Idaho native tree seedlings that were grown in Idaho at University of Idaho's Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery. A list of where to pick up your free seedling in Boise is included in the story. (KTVB.com)

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Today in Boise:

• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Thursday is Republic Services in Boise. (Noon)
• Timberline High School hosts a Spring Art Night Thursday in the cafeteria. (3:00 PM)
• The Boise Public Library invites all for School Age Fun Thursday. (4:30 PM)
• Thursday continues testimony regarding Boise's new zoning code before the City of Boise's Planning and Zoning Commission. (5:00 PM)
• Join the city's new Energize Our Neighborhoods Program Manager, Nicole Carr, as she tours neighborhood meetings Thursday at the Library! at Bown Crossing. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Congratulations to Abigail Whitbread of Pendleton, Oregon, winner of the Grad Fair photoshoot raffle! Abigail will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a minor in Family Studies." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Downtown Boise: "Do you have a classic car or hot rod? A modern electric vehicle? Or a vintage or electric motorcycle? We’re looking to add more registrants to the 20th Annual Downtown Boise Father’s Day Car Show in front of the Idaho State Capitol." (Downtown Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "A third closure is now in effect on the Boise River Greenbelt. About .7 miles of pathway is covered with water along the north side of the East Parkcenter Bridge, near the Golda Harris Nature Preserve and Marianne Williams Park." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "You thought week one was hot? For week two of Manimal's spicy pepper live request show, your favorite late-night host will be joined by other Radio Boise friends to eat the spiciest peppers we can find for each donation that comes in." (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Blues Society: "Don't miss this weekend's Boise Blues Society Jam with host band Muddy Rain Blues Band performing at from 2 to 2:30 p.m., and again at 5:30 to 6 p.m. For more information please visit: https://boiseblues.org/the-boise-blues-society-jam/" (Boise Blues Society via Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Looking for a job? Join the Parks and Recreation team! We're looking to fill a variety of roles through the summer months including: • Adaptive Recreation Leaders • Lifeguards • Playcamp Staff and Swim Instructors and Pool Cashiers •" (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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