🌱 Muddy Boise Trails + Education Salaries + UFO Year

Hello and happy Thursday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town today. In today's issue, we'll touch on:

• Bogus Basin is ringing in the New Year with a party including fireworks.
• The funds for rental assistance are running out and applications are not being accepted.
• A number of videos have surfaced in the last few months of unexplained aircraft in Idaho, including Boise.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m.. High: 40 Low: 35.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Boise had all that snow and now the weather warmed up. CBS2 news staff write the Ridge to Rivers is urging users to stay off trails or find an alternative. The wet conditions have turned trails into mud and use will cause erosion. (Idaho News)
2. The average teacher salary in Idaho stands at $54,806 according to IdahoEdNews reporter Carly Flandro. Increasing 18% since 2017, the salary is still less than peers in other fields who have the same level of education and teachers continue to leave the state as rent and home prices continue to increase. (idahoednews)
3. If you don't yet have plans to bring in the New Year, Bogus Basin is inviting everyone to celebrate their 80 years this Sunday. KIVI-TV's Roland Beres reports the resort will have games and activities throughout the day followed by torchlight parade down the mountain and fireworks right above Simplot Lodge. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)
4. For those needing assistance, this is bad news. KTVB-TV's Andrew Baertlein reports the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) is pausing their Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program as the program is running out of money. The Idaho Legislature does have the authority to dedicate outstanding federal money to the program. (KTVB.com)
5. 2022 is going out with a bang when it comes to UFO reports in Idaho. KLIX's Greg Janneta writes the last months of the year have seen numerous video footage including one from Boise showing a fleet of falling aircraft reportedly filmed near the state's capital city. (newsradio1310)

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Today in Boise:

• Today is the final $3 Thursdays in December for Zoo Boise. (10:00 AM)
• The Meditation Group will meet at the Boise Public Library Thursday afternoon. (1:00 PM)
• The Handlebar Boise will hold trike races Thursday evening. Prizes go out to the top three finishers. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Fire Department: "It’s Business Time. Engine 8 details #BoiseFire #BFDMissionStrong" (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "More snow expected Thursday and Friday. Plan for slippery roads. #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Can you help us build the red pandas a new home? One with more flexible space that could allow for separate areas for cubs and parents. Donate today and learn more at tinyurl.com/zooboise-redpanda Any gift will make a big difference!" (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Contemporary Theater: "Auditions next week for Tiny Beautiful Things. For consideration, please submit a headshot and resume to submissions@bctheater.org (use the link in our bio)! Dates are TBD but will be in the latter half of the week. #TinyBeautifulThings." (Boise Contemporary Theater via Instagram)
• Boise Weekly: "Fiction 101 deadline Friday! Go to boiseweekly.com to submit." (Boise Weekly via Instagram)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Trails across the Boise Foothills are very wet and muddy after the warmer weather. Even all-weather Ridge to Rivers trails are too wet for responsible use this week. Please give the trail system a break and use the Boise River Greenbelt." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "An important update for our guests: If you purchased a Winter Garden aGlow ticket for Christmas Day (12/25) your tickets are valid for any of the nights and times this week. No need to change your date or call ahead, just show up." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop 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