🌱 Illegal State Tree + Bundy Hours + Giant Pancake Loss

Happy Saturday, Boise! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Boise today.

The Boise Daily is not here to throw a cloud on the holiday, but it appears the state Christmas tree is illegal. A Meridian man will not be using his new boat for 41 months, and Ammon Bundy will not be seen on the side of the road picking up trash. One of Idaho's famous pancake houses will close for good on Sunday, and two members of Idaho's congressional delegation don't want separated families receiving compensation for time apart.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 53 Low: 34.

Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. In the spirit of the holiday, the Boise Daily will keep this story to just the facts presented. The official Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree, the tree adorned with lights in front of the state capital building, apparently was cut down without the proper permits, according to BoiseDev managing editor Gretchen Parsons. Due to the tree being removed from Harrison Boulevard, an area covered within a historic district, a permit issued by the City of Boise was required prior to the chainsaw's firing. (boisedev.com)
2. A Meridian man is heading to federal prison and will be unable to use his new speedboat after a scheme involving COVID-19 funds. KTVB staff report 49-year-old Douglas Wold fraudulently took almost $70,000, using the money to purchase a speedboat and trailer. (KTVB.com)
3. Idaho gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy did not want to pick up roadside trash or volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Ordered to complete 40 hours of community service in his recent sentencing, Bundy has now submitted a letter stating he has completed 1,621 hours of community service — on the campaign trail. In a story written by Jacob Scholl and published in the East Idaho News, Bundy states his travels count towards his hours as he was encouraging people to “become more active in holding public officials accountable to the People of Idaho.” (eastidahonews)
4. For the past 43 years, those driving Highway 55 could stop and grab a monster breakfast at The Pancake House in McCall. Those days will come to an end on Sunday, according to CBS2 news staff, as the business has been sold and new owners have no plans on maintaining a restaurant at the location. (idahonews)
5. The Idaho Capital Sun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris writes Idaho's two senators are co-sponsoring a bill to prevent the federal government from paying legal settlements to immigrant families who were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border under the previous administration’s policies. The bill would bar payments involving 5,636 migrant children separated from their parents between July 2017 and President Donald Trump’s departure from office in January. (idahocapitalsun)

Today in Boise:

• Join Golden Eagle Audubon Society for a field trip at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve. Hyatt is an urban oasis of wetlands, ponds, and upland vegetation providing habitat for over 100 species of birds throughout the year. Easy walking on wide, flat gravel trails. This is a great opportunity to practice duck identification after taking our Winter Ducks class. This is a beginner-friendly bird walk. All levels are welcome. Binoculars will be available if needed. (9 a.m.)
• Come visit the largest December Holiday Bazaar in Nampa. The Holiday Fest is held in both gyms so that we can provide wide aisles and plenty of safe holiday shopping from local artisans. If you like to give unique and beautiful gifts, this is the event for you. Also, our Polynesian Plate lunches will be available, so bring your friends and family and come spend some time with us. (9 a.m.)
• Please join us in December at Global Lounge Commons as we celebrate the work of many local artisans during our Holiday Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
• Come enjoy the holiday celebration with Santa and friends at the Party Barn. Friends including our Cocoa, the miniature horse. Cocoa will be there from 5-7 p.m. for photos and loves. You are welcome to free pictures taken yourself or can order photos from Brilliant Moments that will be there and available. (4 p.m.)
• The Capital High School boys basketball team will take on Vallivue Saturday at the Vallivue gym. (7:30 p.m.)

Boise Fact of the Day

Other names for pancakes in the United States are hotcakes, griddlecakes, or flapjacks.

Boise Patch Notebook

• Idaho Humane Society: "All of these precious pups are on our adoption floor ready to meet you! We use peanut butter as a treat when they're getting their photos taken, hence all of the silly tongue ones." (Facebook)
• Boise Police Department: "Are you interested in a career at BPD? We are currently accepting applications for lateral officers, and we anticipate hosting a Lateral Training Academy in April 2022." (Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "The latest outlook from the NWS's Climate Prediction Center calls for below normal temps and above normal precipitation late next week into the following weekend in the Pacific Northwest." (Facebook)
• Studio Boise Photo Center: "If you go to www.studioboise.org you'll find our calendar with all of our monthly classes and anytime we adjust business hours, you'll see that there on our front page, as well! Here's our calendar for December." (Instagram)
• Radio Boise: "There’s still time to bid on some stellar items on our auction page, including music instruction from our very own Dave Manion! Follow the link in our bio to place some bids!" (Instagram)

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— 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? You can reach me at john.braese@patch.com.