🌱 Mardi Gras Farewell + Boise Robot Waiters + FBI Investigation

Good morning, Boise! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

Welcome to the Friday edition of the Boise Daily. After hosting thousands of events since 1958, the last dance for Boise's Mardi Gras will hit the floor April 9. A crash involving a motorcyclist ended in death, and we have additional information on the ongoing investigation into the Caldwell Police Department by the FBI. We have some great houses for you to visit, and in one Boise restaurant, a robot will deliver your meal.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 77 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. For many residents of Boise, the Mardi Gras is a memory of a school dance or a wedding reception. Sitting in one of the tables surrounded on three sides of the stage, you could look down on the dance floor and make the decision to dance or wait until the next song. KTVB-TV's Katija Stjepovi writes the last dance for the famed Boise landmark will take place April 9 after owner Lydia Merrill recently passed away at the age of 106. In 1958, Orson and Lydia Merrill purchased the building for $1,000. (KTVB.com)
2. A motorcyclist is dead after a collision on Victory Road Wednesday night. CBS2 news staff report a 53-year-old man from Nampa was riding his motorcycle on Victory Road near Robinson Road and attempted to pass a car and collided with the car in front of it that was turning left. He was pronounced dead at the scene. (idahonews)
3. In a story carried by KTVB-TV, but originally published by the Idaho Press reporter Erin Banks Rusby, more information has become public regarding the FBI investigation into the Caldwell Police Department. The police misconduct being investigated appears to center on alleged sexual relations that one officer had while on duty, as well as the treatment of suspects in alleged drug crimes, according to the article. (KTVB)
4. In our continuation in helping you find that new home, Boise Patch has five houses in Boise currently for sale and ready for you to make the move into that new residence. (Boise Patch)
5. A new question for Boise diners is how much do you tip a robot waiter? BoiseDev managing editor Gretchen Parson writes the Magnificent Garden on Milwaukee Street is now using a fleet of robots to deliver food to tables. The robots speak, provide facial expressions and even play a tune as they leave. (boisedev)

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Today in Boise:

• The Capital High School varsity softball team will meet Idaho Falls High School at the WTP Spring Break Classic on Friday. (10 a.m.)
• Join Boise State University Director of Government Affairs Andrew Mitzel for a quick update on what is happening in the Idaho State Legislature. (3 p.m.)
• The TRICA Preschool of the Arts will have a night of disco for both parents and kids on Friday. (6 p.m.)
• During “An Evening of Laughter and Reflection,” entertainment icon Carol Burnett will take questions from the audience and show video clips from her shows in a format that harkens back to the legendary openings of "The Carol Burnett Show" where her studio audience had an unfiltered opportunity to engage Burnett with questions and receive spontaneous answers. The show is presented by Boise State University. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Boise State University: "Happy Treefort Week! Be sure to follow our student radio Broncos over at @UniversityPulse. They'll be covering #Treefort10 events and posting 'By the B' interviews with Treefort artists all week long. Link in our bio." (Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "High pressure and southerly winds will bring near record highs Friday through Sunday. Temperatures will warm into the 70s in the lower valleys, with some locations approaching 80 degrees!" (Facebook)
• Boise's Best Bites!: "McTeo. This is the one La Merced market stand in Mexico City that has fresh hand cut fries and adds them to your tacos. It’s not traditional but my followers from Idaho would likely be interested, right?" (Instagram)
• Boise Rock School: "Are you ready for this?! #treefort10 lineup is stacked with BRS alums; students and teachers alike. Go see them in action! Who are you excited for? #boiserockschool #junoarts #livemusic #musiceducation" (Instagram)
• Boise Weekly: "The Max Beefwater Band at the Hideout. #treefortmusicfest" (Instagram)

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That's it 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.