🌱 Goodbye Elmer's + Toy Filled Trucks + Best Tubing Hills

Hi all. It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in our community. Including news on...

• Read where to go tubing during this snowy winter.
• A Republican wants to limit who makes decisions on the central committee to just a certain few.
• Another defendant in a high-profile Idaho case is deemed incompetent to stand trial.

But first, today's weather:

Snow in the morning, 1-2 inches. High: 37 Low: 3.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. German pancake lovers are going to be sad. Since 1978, Elmer's Pancake and Steak House has kept Boise families full of hearty breakfasts and lunches. That is coming closer to an end according to BoiseDev editor Don Day. Plans are moving forward with building apartments on the site of the Boise restaurant. All may not be lost, according to Day as Elmer's CEO states the chain is actively looking for a new location, possibly in Meridian or Eagle. (We wonder how many relationships of BSU students since 1978 started over breakfast at Elmer's?) (boisedev.com)
2. A man accused of murdering a New Meadows couple has been ordered to be committed to a psychiatric facility on Monday for restorative treatment. KTVB-TV's Morgan Romero and Alexandra Duggan write John Cody Hart was declared unfit to proceed in his court hearings. Hart was in Idaho after he was deemed unfit to stand trial earlier this year in Washington and was released from jail while waiting for a bed to open up in a Washington psychiatric hospital. (KTVB)
3. The Idaho Republican State Central Committee is considering a rule change casting out voting by women and younger members of the party. The IdahoCapitalSun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris reports a proposal by Shoshone County Republican Central Committee member Linda Yergler would strip voting rights on the party’s state executive board from the Idaho Young Republicans, the College Republicans and the Idaho Republican Women’s Federation. (idahocapitalsun)
4. The trucks rolled into St. Lukes's Children's Hospital and not filled with medical supplies. CBS2 Marcos Guadarrama writes Idaho Home Realty and several local businesses filled three trucks full of toys for those spending the holidays in the hospital. The goal this year was to make sure every child received a gift Christmas morning. (Idaho News)
5. Skiing is fun but takes a while to learn. The same can be said for boarding. But everyone can go tubing and the cost is almost nothing compared to a new pair of skis or a new board. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart provides a listing of seven of the best tubing hills in Idaho including three within an hour's drive of Boise. (liteonline)

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Today in Boise:

• The Art Source Gallery continues Holiday Shopping on Main Street. (10:00 AM)
• It is the season for handmade gifts and the Boise Public Library sponsors Crafternoons in the Library Wednesday. (3:00 PM)
• The Warehouse Food Hall presents Midweek Magic Wednesday. (6:00 PM)
• The Garden City Planning and Zoning Commission holds a hearing Wednesday evening. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Fire Department: "The man, the myth, the mustache… A firefighter with a mustache is an iconic image spanning decades. A facial feature rooted in history and tradition. Check out some of Boise Fire’s finest mustaches. #mustachemonday" (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Frozen grounds and golden skies: @i.am.optimus.prime capturing the sun setting on a (very) cold day." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Instagram)
• Visit Boise: "Winter is the best time to try some of Boise's best breweries! Everything from lagers to IPA's to ales to sours... we have it all. Your guide to all things beer is at the link in our bio! Cheers: @mkventures21 #visitboise." (Visit Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Rock School: "Reminder that winter camps are just around the corner!! There is still time to sign up, which you can do on our website under 'programs' (link in bio)" (Boise Rock School via Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "Admission to Zoo Boise is only $3 every Thursday in December! The holidays can be costly, so here's an inexpensive way to have a fun day. Plus, part of every admission to Zoo Boise goes to support wildlife conservation!" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow for 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com