🌱 Idahoans Speak Out + Sting Ray In + Encampment Lawsuit Dismissed

Good morning, friends! I'm back with your new copy of the Boise Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including:

• Prepare your introduction letter now as we tell you how to fill a spot on the Boise City Council.
• Red pandas will soon have a new home thanks to a donation.
• Idahoans have provided their views on property taxes, sales tax on food and more.

But first, today's weather:

An a.m. flurry; partly sunny. High: 34 Low: 15.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. Do you recall the encampment outside the state capital and subsequent removal in March 2022? CBS2 news staff report a judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's right, and the governor's authority to remove an encampment from public property. (idahonews)
2. People in Idaho are pretty evenly divided on the question if the state is heading the right away according to the eighth annual Idaho Public Policy Survey conducted by the Boise State University School of Public Service. The IdahoCapitalSun's Clark Corbin breaks down the responses from Idahoans showing support for property tax relief, repealing the sales tax on food and allowing parents to use tax money to choose a school. (idahocapitalsun)
3. Red pandas and those needing a little help received some assistance recently. KTVB-TV staff report the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust recently donated a total of $1.25 million to two Treasure Valley non-profit organizations, with $750,000 going to the Boise Rescue Mission and $500,000 to the Boise Zoo for the new panda exhibit. (KTVB.com)
4. The Boise City Council currently has two vacancies and Boise Patch provides you with the information how people will fill those empty seats. The application process will open January 31, 2023, and close after three weeks on February 21, 2023. (Boise Patch)
5. Idahoans have a new reason to watch Indy car racing. KIVI-TV's Steve Dent speaks with Sting Ray Robb, a 21-year-old Payette native who just found out he will be driving in the Indy Car racing series this season. Robb will join Dale Coyne Racing and partner with second-year driver David Malukas to make the youngest team in the sport. (kivi)

Today in Boise:

- Like every Sunday, the Boise Depot is open for free tours Sunday morning. (11:00 AM)

- Learn to sew your own apron at Roots Zero Waste Market Sunday afternoon. (1:00 PM)

- All ages are invited to take the stage and show your stuff at the Lounge at the End of the Universe. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Stay on course with summer classes. The 2023 summer class schedule is available now! Check out the schedule on myBoiseState or boisestate.edu/summer, and don’t forget to enroll Feb. 21." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Art Museum: "After months of planning and two full weeks installing more than twenty thousand handmade paper kites, Jacob Hashimoto was putting the finishing touches on his site-specific installation “The Fractured Giant” yesterday. " (Boise Art Museum via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Small actions have huge impacts on young minds. We love that this little guy came dressed in his own turnout gear ready to rock it. Thanks for stopping by, and talking fire engines with us! He definitely is a #futurefighter. " (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Don’t be fooled by their looks! Sand cats, like Nala, are opportunistic hunters that can kill and consume vipers. #caturday 📸: ZooTeen Ethan" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Looking for a free, family-friendly activity this weekend? Join us tomorrow for a tour of the historic Boise Depot! Guided tours are now offered at noon and 1:30 p.m. every Sunday." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Here are just some reasons why our members listen to Boise State Public Radio. Our staff thrives on providing the news that matters to you 🎙" (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Boise Farmers Market: "Hey Boise! We are now accepting vendor applications for 2023! If you have been searching for a premier market to sell your locally grown fresh produce, artisan foods or handcrafted goods, the Boise Farmers Market is the market for you!" (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)

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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Boise Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com