🌱 Investigation Still Open + Surplus Ideas + Restaurant Arrest

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Boise Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today. Today you'll read about:

• 500 smiling faces are in Boise due to the work of volunteers.
• The homeless in Boise will be able to continue to live in motels due to the Ada County Commissioners.
• Idaho enters the new year with a large surplus and legislators are working on ideas how to use the extra cash.

But first, today's weather:

Very cold with periods of sun. High: 23 Low: 8.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Eight years ago Saturday, 25-year-old Christopher Reese was working as a cashier at the Jacksons Food Store in Notus. Two men entered the store, shot Reese to death and stole the safe. KTVB-TV's Jude Binkley writes the Canyon County Sheriff's Office states the case to catch the murderers remains open with detectives still actively working the case. After 1,000 tips, police are still looking for those involved. (ktvb)
2. Idaho heads into the new year with a projected $1.5 billion surplus. The Idaho Capital Sun's Clark Corbin writes legislators coming to Boise in January have ideas have to use the surplus including property tax reduction. (idahocapitalsun)
3. Boise Police were in a downtown restaurant, but not to grab a bite to eat. CBS2 news staff report a suspect was fleeing from law enforcement and ran into the restaurant, sitting down and attempting to act as a patron. Three officers arrested the man, wanted for hitting and spitting at people in the downtown area. (idahonews)
4. Homeless in Ada County will continue to live in downtown motel rooms. BoiseDev reporter Margaret Carmel writes the Ada County Commissioners unanimously voted to allocate $697,600 of federal COVID-19 relief funds to keep a bank of hotel rooms open for people experiencing homelessness through the winter months. (boisedev)
5. 500 Boise children have new bikes for Christmas. KIVI-TV's Steve Dent was present as the Boise Bicycle Project handed out 500 bikes for the holiday, the 16th year the project has been able to bring a smile to kids. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)

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Today in Boise:

• For the second day in a row, those up early can have Breakfast with Santa at Zoo Boise. (8:30 AM)
• Take a break from shopping and take a free tour of the Boise Depot Sunday. (Noon)
• Taking place through Dec. 31, the Boise Centre celebrates with a holiday-themed light & sound one-hour show. (4:00 PM)
• If the thought of bringing more stuff into your home for the holidays is scaring you due to being disorganized or hoarding, there is hope. (5:00 PM)
• de Lioncourt Productions Presents How the Grinch Stole my Pasties Sunday evening. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 Winter 2022 Commencement stats: 2,436 Broncos eligible for graduation (a winter record), 2,833 total qualified degrees or certificates achieved, 25 doctoral degrees achieved." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "One of our meteorologists captured a picture this afternoon from Bogus Basin above the inversion, where it's nice and sunny. It looks like the inversion could break tomorrow afternoon across the Treasure and Magic Valleys." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Don’t forget to add your favorite zoo animals to your holiday shopping list! The Zoo Boise animal residents have created an Amazon Wish List of what they’d like this holiday season. https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/8UGH0LSD0T2" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: "The wintry views on our grounds are stunning, come visit! While you are at it, secure those season tickets for yourself and gift certificates for all in your list." (Idaho Shakespeare Festival via Facebook)
• Boise Bicycle Project: "We had a busy day moving bikes (576+) from our warehouse and preparing for the Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway. Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, and partners who are making this weekend so special!" (Boise Bicycle Project via Facebook)

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You're all caught up 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