🌱 Happy Boise Skiers + Surplus Ideas + Tested Kits

Happy Friday, Boise! Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

As 2021 is about to close, the Boise Daily is here to keep you up to date. We start with some ideas for you if you are unwilling to brave the cold this New Year's Eve. You may be tiring of driving in the snow, but local winter sports enthusiasts are excited. Idaho has some decisions to make regarding a pile of extra money, and a Boise man is dead after a slide off on the interstate. Finally, law enforcement has announced a number of old sexual assault kits have been tested.

First, today's weather:

Morning snow showers; cold. High: 27 Low: 6.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. If, for whatever reason, you are deciding to stay in this New Year's Eve, the Boise Weekly's Tracy Bringhurst has some ideas how to celebrate within the confines of your own home. (boiseweekly)
2. All this new snow in Boise has created some problems, but for skiers and snowboarders, all this new powder at Bogus Basin is heaven. KIVI-TV's Steve Dent speaks with the people waiting for the next storm to dump even more of the white stuff on us. (6 On Your Side)
3. The state is sitting on a budget surplus of more than $1.6 billion. The Idaho Capital Sun's guest columnist Stephen Hartgen has some ideas on spending some of the money and returning back to taxpayers some of the money. (idahocapitalsun)
4. A Boise man has died after sliding off I-84. CBS2 news staff report after sliding off the interstate, the 67-year-old man was out of his pickup when a car slid off the interstate at the same location, striking the man and killing him. (idahonews)
5. KTVB-TV's Patrick Henkels writes a backlog of sexual assault kits, identified in a 2016 audit, has now been tested. Reports have been provided to investigators and prosecutors, as well as local law enforcement for further follow-up on ongoing sexual assault cases. (KTVB)

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Today in Boise:

• New Year’s Eve is on its way! Regardless of how you’re planning to ring in 2022, a stunning bouquet or centerpiece will only liven up the celebrations. FTD Flowers has countless options available — and right now, Patch readers can take 15 percent off the retail price. (9 p.m.)
• The Idaho Humane Society will be closing at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. If you have an animal emergency, please call police dispatch at (208) 377-6790 and they will contact Humane Officers. The Humane Society will be closed on New Year’s Day and will reopen during regular business hours on Sunday morning. (3 p.m.)
• Guilty Pleasure will ring in New Year's Eve at WilliB's! (8 p.m.)
• The 9th Annual Idaho Potato Drop will take place in downtown Boise with festivities starting at 6 p.m. (6 p.m.)
• The Boise State basketball team hosts the Lobos of New Mexico on Friday. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Boise Fire Department: "Congratulations to Captain Marc Lewton, who retired from the Boise Fire Department today. We thank him for his 31 years of dedicated service to the City of Boise and wish him a long and happy retirement!" (Facebook)
• Visit Boise: "We're a day away from the 9th Annual @idahopotatodrop in downtown Boise! Main stage entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. along with athletes competing in the Urban-Air 2022 Ski and Snowboard Exhibition." (Instagram)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Do you want to build a snowman?" (Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Data from the University of Iowa show that rural death rates across the region rose sharply from mid-October through November. Residents in non-metro areas were dying at twice the rate of those in cities." (Facebook)
• BOISE FARMERS MARKET: "A look back at all the wonderful 2021 memories. Our vendors, board, staff, volunteers and customers kept the market going through rain, snow, and sunshine. Thank you to everyone for supporting the Boise Farmers Market this year!" (Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.