Postseason Play + ShopKo Replacement + Retirement Grade

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

The Boise Daily is back from the long weekend and ready for you to catch up. The Boise Hawks are also working late in the season as the team had made the postseason. Unions celebrated the recent holiday with their annual picnic, and child care providers are asking for some help. Idaho teachers may see smaller paychecks than other states, but the retirement is worth staying for, according to a recent study. Finally, the last Boise ShopKo building has new tenants.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 97, low: 67.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. Although not October and not the World Series, for the first time since 2014, the Boise Hawks are heading to the playoffs. CBS2 staff report on the successful season and the first scheduled playoff matchup. (Idaho News)
2. KTVB-TV staff joined members of the Boise Central Trades and Labor Council as the annual Memorial Day Picnic took place at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park in Boise. (KTVB.com)
3. Idaho is one of four states in the U.S. that does not provide state funds for pre-K programs. The Idaho Capital Sun's Kelcie Moseley-Morris speaks with child care providers asking for assistance to keep costs down for our youngest Idahoans. (idahocapitalsun)
4. While wages for Idaho teachers may be among the lowest in the nation, the retirement is one of the best, according to Blake Jones with IdahoEdNews. Using a study by Bellwether Education Partners, Idaho received a "B" for a teacher's retirement. (IdEdNews)
5. In 2019, ShopKo called it quits and closed all the Boise locations. The final vacant location is about to house a new business according to 107.9-FM's Michelle Heart. Southeast Boise is about to be home to "The Outlet by Scandinavian Designs." (liteonline)

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Today in Boise:

• The City of Boise Special Events Team meets Wednesday. The Special Events Team oversees the permitting and planning for special events and festivals in the City of Boise and hosts bi-monthly meetings to discuss event proposals between the event organizer and city departments and other agencies. Meetings typically last two hours, but can vary based on agenda. (9:30 a.m.)
• Join your neighbors on a leisurely stroll along the Bethine Church River Trail as we explore the flora and fauna that make up the Boise River riparian ecosystem. Participants can expect to learn about common native plants, invasive and noxious weeds, birds, and other wildlife found along the trail. Meet at the eastern trail entrance near the East Parkcenter Bridge. Parking is available at the library at Bown Crossing. There are no restrooms, so please plan accordingly. Participants are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. This event is geared toward adults and older youth. (10 a.m.)
• The City of Boise Design Review Committee will meet in the Maryanne Jordan City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall. (6 p.m.)
• Timberline High School will hold a Back to School Night on Wednesday for all parents and students. (6 p.m.)
• Debbi Murphy brings her passion for sharing yoga’s gifts to enhance EveryBODY’s wellness to JUMP’s Move studio every Wednesday in September from from noon to 1 p.m. In each session, she’ll introduce techniques to empower participants of any age, size or experience to establish the healthy lifetime habit of yoga. (Noon)

Boise Patch Notebook

• Boise State University: "Cathy Jo Ayotte, aka Bronco Girl, is back with Blue to lead the Boise State football team onto the Blue Turf this season! boi.st/tickets #BoiseState #BleedBlue" (Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Wildfire smoke near the surface will (unfortunately) be with us today through at least Wednesday, with smoke likely to persist beyond as southwest flow continues. Air quality will be impacted over the next several days." (Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Zoo Boise’s hours have changed for the fall. Zoo Boise is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. Remember that you help keep your world wild by visiting Zoo Boise." (Facebook)
• Idaho Humane Society: "Since March, we have adopted out over 1,000 felines under one year old! It takes an incredible amount of resources, food and supplies to safeguard these vulnerable kittens until they are ready to find their forever home." (Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "'I think it’s a really sticky road to go down to say that you’re going to do something that’s punitive around somebody’s personal health decision.'" (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you around. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? Reach out anytime to boise@patch.com.