🌱 JEMfriends Helps Out + Rental Assistance Approved + Life Sentence

Hello, friends! It's Sunday in Boise and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today you'll read about:

• Outfitters and guides may need to worry less about being sued if a bill currently in the legislature becomes law.
• A local leader in Boise's homeless issue is being recognized by the Boise Police Department.
• An inmate in the local prison will be spending quite a bit more time behind bars after sentencing for murdering his cellmate.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and chilly. High: 48 Low: 39.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The question of just how much liability you take when rafting a river or hunting in the high country with a guide is being debated in the Idaho legislature. KIVI-TV's Steve Dent reports the bill would give outfitters and guides some protections from liability unless their conduct is negligent or reckless. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
2. The Boise Police Department is recognizing a local leader working with the homeless. Boise Patch carries the story of Interfaith Sanctuary Shelter Director Maranda Jay and her work in stopping a group of criminals who were targeting a vulnerable population in our community and attempting to defraud financial institutions across the Treasure Valley. (Boise Patch)
3. Here is some good news for those struggling to make rental payments. The IdahoCapitalSun's Clark Corbin reports the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved $32 million supplemental funding request for emergency rental assistance. The money is federal cash from the American Rescue Plan Act COVID-19 relief fund. (idahocapitalsun)
4. An inmate at the prison south of Boise may spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering his cellmate. KTVB-TV staff report 26-year-old Colton Reagan was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder with a minimum of 30 years before being eligible for parole. Reagan's victim and cellmate, 57-year-old Gerald B. Cummings Jr., was found beaten in the cell the two shared. (ktvb)
5. The stark reality is when a child hits 18 years of age, the foster system releases them without emotional of financial support. CBS2 reporter Mickaela Elich writes a local organization, JEMfriends, is stepping up to assist and has been there for these young adults for the past 15 years. (idahonews)

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From my notebook:

• Boise's Best Bites!: "Self serve boba bar in Boise! @bubblesandboba.idaho You buy the cup (little or big) and then you fill it with your choice of 10 bobas: flavored popping boba or jelly boba. Then there are 15 choices of teas to top it off." (Boise's Best Bites! via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: " Precipitation returns Sunday with passage of a warm front. Showers will continue through Wednesday as several systems move through the Pacific Northwest. Snow levels will rise to over 6000 feet by Monday limiting snow to the mountains." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "ICYMI: A week ago, Former Republican Gov. Phil Batt died on his 96th birthday. Batt was widely viewed as one of the driving legislative forces behind Idaho’s human rights laws." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "You've heard of film noir, but we present you with feline noir. What would you title this ferocious thriller? #caturday We came up with - "My Mane Squeeze": Original photo by ZooTeen Alexis" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Art Museum: "Artists have until midnight on Wednesday, March 15, to apply for BAM’s 2023 Art in the Park. Visit our website for event details, important dates, helpful tips, and the online application process." (Boise Art Museum via Instagram)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The proposal would let a family whose minor child saw such a performance sue in civil court for up to $10,000. That kid could also recover an uncapped amount of money for “psychological” damage." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com