🌱 Grandmother Guilty Plea + Springs Growth Plan + Bundy Not Out

Rise and shine, Boise! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

Welcome to the Friday edition of the Boise Daily. An Emmett grandmother is set for sentencing after a guilty plea in the death of her granddaughter. A valley water park has big plans for more slides and fun, while we have all the weekend high school sports for you. A local journalist has opened up her violent past dating life in print, and voters will see Ammon Bundy's name on the November ballot, not the May primary.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 52 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. In a case that shocked the valley in April 2021, an Emmett grandmother has reached a plea agreement after her granddaughter's remains were found inside a trash bag in Emmett. CBS2 news staff reports 54-year-old Connie Ann Smith pleaded guilty to felony injury to a child and failure to notify of a death. Smith is the grandmother of 8-year-old Taryn Summers. (IdahoNews)
2. A trip to Roaring Springs may soon be more exciting. BoiseDev reporter Autumn Robertson breaks the news the popular water park has plans for a major expansion, increasing the size of wet fun by 40 percent over the next decade. One of the new features will be designated Camp IdaH20. (boisedev)
3. The weekend is upon us, and Boise Patch has the schedule you need for all the high school sports action in Boise. (Boise Patch)
4. Journalists spend hours writing of others and stories of incidents with no personal relationship. Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice speaks with a journalist who, using her real name and life experiences, talks candidly about her own teen dating violent past. (Boise State Public Radio)
5. Ammon Bundy is out of the Republican primary, but not out of the race for governor. KTVB-TV's staff clear up confusion recently reported with a statement from the man himself. Calling the Republican Party "corrupt and wicked," Bundy announced he is now running for Idaho's top office as an Independent. (KTVB)

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Today in Boise:

• The Children's Home Society of Idaho is offering Trauma Based Training on Friday. The training will focus on learning to work through relationship wounds by engaging a safe healing relationship of your own. (9 a.m.)
• Join Boise State University's Director of Government Affairs Andrew Mitzel for a quick update on what is happening in the Idaho State Legislature. (3 p.m.)
• The Morrison Center presents The Terrible Infants by Oliver Lansley on Friday. (7 p.m.)
• The Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau is accepting award nominations for the Sixth Annual Rose Awards (Recognition of Service Excellence). (8 a.m.)
• Watch the Beijing 2022 Olympics on the Jumpotron screen outdoors with friends at Boise's JUMP. This event is free to all. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Idaho Humane Society: "These two senior pups are looking for homes to give them a place surrounded by comfort and love, while they live out the rest of their time. Buddy (white dog) is a calm and sweet older gentleman looking for his forever home!" (Facebook)
• Boise Police Department: "BPD Explosive Detection K9 Nora had a very important job last weekend and was rewarded with quite a view! She and her partner, Cpl. Nesbitt joined officers from across the country at SoFi Stadium and the LA Convention Center." (Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Your recycled plastics helped make a new bench at Manitou Park! The unique project turned blocks made from hard-to-recycle plastics, collected through the Hefty EnergyBag program, into a brand-new amenity for the community." (Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Are you interested in becoming a Boise Firefighter? Here are a few important dates to remember: • May-August 2022: Submit an application • September-November 2022: Exam, testing, certifications • January 2023: Start the BFD Academy." (Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "A low pressure system will arrive Sunday and linger into early next week, bringing colder max temperatures and scattered snow showers to the region. Here is the current temperature forecast: #IDwx #ORwx" (Facebook)

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Events:

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• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. See you all tomorrow morning 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.