🌱 Greenbelt Closure + Teacher Pay Inequity + Extreme Housekeeping

Hello again, everybody! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick guide to the most important things happening in town, including updates on...

• You may be able to soon live at the Boise Spectrum with a trip to the movies just a walk away.
• The State of Idaho may soon not be able to sponsor a rodeo or drag show.
• Make some alternate plans as the Boise Greenbelt closes Monday for new lighting.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 35 Low: 18.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. If you always start your week with a walk on the Greenbelt, take heed. CBS2 news staff report Boise's popular walkway will be closed from the Old Timer’s Shelter in Ann Morrison Park to the 9th Street Pedestrian Bridge on Monday, Jan. 23 for construction. The city is adding pedestrian lighting along the area to improve visibility and safety with a completion date of March expected. A detour will be in place over the Pioneer Bridge in Ann Morrison Park. (Idaho News)
2. If a Meridian lawmaker has his way, the state will not be able to sponsor LGBTQ+ pride events, a community rodeo or a church picnic. The IdahoCapitalSun's Ruth Brown writes the Idaho House State Affairs Committee unanimously introduced a bill Thursday that would prohibit state agencies from donating to or sponsoring non-governmental organizations, unless approved by the governor. (idahocapitalsun)
3. The average teacher pay in Boise stands at $66,942. That amount is third among average pay for teachers across the state, but over $13,200 less than Blaine County teachers. Boise teachers do make over $22,500 more than teachers in the Prairie District. IdahoEdNews reporter Carly Flandro runs the numbers on pay inequity among Idaho school districts. (idahoednews)
4. DeEtta Peterson is an extreme housekeeper. KIVI-TV's Steve Dent spends the day with yurt coordinator for the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department. On this day, Peterson snowshoed two miles uphill with a sled full of supplies to clean the Banner Ridge Yurt with the temperature standing at negative degrees. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
5. The Boise Spectrum could soon be more than just a place to grab a dinner and movie. BoiseDev editor Don Day writes plans have been submitted to replace two existing restaurants with apartment complexes. The former Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant and the current El Tenampa Restaurant would be replaced by a 124-unit apartment building with surface parking behind. (boisedev.com)

Today in Boise:

• The Discovery Center of Idaho continues the exhibition of SLIME! (10:00 AM)
• The Boise Public Library sponsors Baby Stories & Play Friday morning. (10:30 AM)
• The City of Boise Building Code Board will hold a meeting Friday. (2:00 PM)
• Comedian Brandon Vestal will appear at the Lounge at the End of the Universe Friday evening. (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Police Department: "It was awesome to see so many faces at the Coffee with a Cop event this afternoon. Thank you to Viking Coffee for helping BPD provide coffee and hot chocolate and the Idaho Black History Museum for hosting!" (Boise Police Department via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Don't be shy, send in your snow reports! Photos with rulers are always appreciated. We measured 1.1 inches as of 6 a.m. at the office... what do we got out there, folks? #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Volunteers needed! Do you love animals and want to help protect wildlife? Then YOU should volunteer at Zoo Boise! No prior experience needed and there are many different opportunities." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Special Olympics Idaho - Boise Community Stars Team: "Our powerlifters are getting ready for the big competition on Saturday." (Special Olympics Idaho - Boise Community Stars Team via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Let an experienced florist teach you how to keep flowers fresh and beautiful! Join us for the Cut Flower Care Class on Feb. 4, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., and learn the techniques that keep arrangements vibrant even longer." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "Want to get involved with Radio Boise? Join us for our next volunteer orientation party Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.! RSVP through the link in our bio, and join our family of Freqs!" (Radio Boise via Instagram)

That's it for today. 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