🌱 Leash Those Pooches + Falling Home Prices + State Of The State

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening locally. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• Idaho's top elected official announced his plans for the legislative session.
• A Star family is seeing the good of their community after a horrific accident.
• Boise Patch has the canines looking for owners and the story on keeping them leashed in management areas.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with a few showers. High: 45 Low: 35.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. The Idaho Legislature has officially started with Idaho Gov. Brad Little giving his State of the State address Monday. The IdahoCapitalSun's Clark Corbin was in attendance and reports Little wants to increase pay for the state's teachers, create new scholarships for those interested in college or workforce training and set aside $120 million to offset property taxes. The governor also wants to spend $1 billion on one-time projects around the state including transportation needs and improvements of airports around the state. (idahocapitalsun)
2. Fish and Game is warning people to keep pets on leashes during the winter. CBS2 news staff relays the information from the state agency patrols will be increased in Wildlife Management Areas as unleashed dogs are harming wintering deer and elk. A dog off-leash infraction is $300+ and littering carries a fine of more than $200. (Idaho News)
3. A Star family is seeing the good of their community after two sisters were seriously injured in a Friday night vehicle crash. KTVB-TV's Abby Davis reports Emily and sister Kayla Schmidt were driving to visit a friend Friday night when they hit an excavator head-on in the fog. Kayla broke her neck in the crash and is temporarily paralyzed. (KTVB)
4. Looking back at our story on leash laws, Phil, Codie and Scooter would love a walk on a leash. Boise Patch brings you these three plus many other pets looking for a home of their own. (Boise Patch)
5. The price of homes in Boise and surrounding towns continue to fall. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports the median price of a home in Ada County fell 5.6 percent last month and now sits at the lowest since April 2021. In addition to falling prices, fewer homes sold overall, with 13,578 finding new owners in 2022, down from 16,908 in 2021. (boisedev.com)

Today in Boise:

• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Tuesday is the Cole and Ustick Library location. (Noon)
• Enthusiasts are encouraged to head to the Boise Public Library for Unraveled, A Yarn Guild Tuesday. (2:30 PM)
• Families of students interested in attending Sage International School are invited for a Night for Families information session. (4:30 PM)
• The Boise City Council meets Tuesday evening. (6:00 PM)
• Test your knowledge Tuesday evening as the Payette Brewing Company holds Trivia Night. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "We’re so excited to start the spring 2023 semester. Whether you’re new to Boise State, joining us online, or a returning Bronco — you are welcome here! Bronco Welcome programs are happening this week to enhance and support you." (Boise State University via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "A look back at 2022👀 In total, Boise Fire responded to 25,806 incidents in 2022. That is a 16 percent increase in the last 5 years. *The previous number reported didn’t include 'other' responses #BoiseFire #BFDMissionStrong" (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Another #AtmosphericRiver bearing down on the West Coast today. Here is today's satellite. #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Studio Boise Photo Center: "storytelling by @allymarie.photo @jordanmiller.2." (Studio Boise Photo Center via Instagram)
• Zoo Boise: "Volunteers needed! Do you love animals and want to help protect wildlife? Then YOU should volunteer at Zoo Boise! No prior experience needed and there are many different opportunities." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Gov. Brad Little is prioritizing law enforcement raises with his latest proposal, while pay for the majority of state workers wouldn’t keep up with inflation under the plan." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com