🌱 Prison Staff Needed + Laugh Boise + Outdoor Exchange Celebration

Morning, friends! John Braese here with your Thursday edition of the Boise Daily, filled with all the community information you need to know right now. Here goes.

As we look over today's stories, our reader question of the day revolves around sports. What is the one sport so important to you years ago, but you have not participated in for years? Email you answer to john.braese@patch.com. Years ago, I really became interested in frisbee golf — have not played a round in years.

Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Boise Daily. While many Boise employers are looking for staff, our first story looks at one state agency needing more than just a few staff. Idaho's governor and the leader of the Republican Party are not seeing eye to eye on the upcoming special session and a local business is celebrating 10 years of sports equipment. We look at places to laugh in Boise and Micron is planning on a really big office building.

First, today's weather:

Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 96 Low: 66.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Imagine you work in a small office in Boise with 12 coworkers typically sitting with you on any given day. When you walk through the front door this morning, three people in the office have quit and your company is unable to fill their positions. That is the problem facing the Idaho Department of Correction as statewide, 26 percent of its security positions, including those south of Boise, remain vacant according the KTVB-TV's Morgan Romero's interview with IDOC Director Josh Tewalt. Unlike many who worked from home during COVID-19, many staff were required to continue to show up for shifts and for many, work extra shifts. Even with bonuses and increased pay, the department fights rising housing costs in the area and inflation costs. (KTVB.com)
2. Idaho's Republican Gov. Brad Little has called the Legislature back next week for a special session to deal with tax cuts and increased education funding. IdahoEdNewsreporter Kevin Richert reports Little's GOP party is not in full agreement with the top Republican in the state on extra money to schools. Idaho's Republican Chairwoman Dorothy Moon issued a statement calling the extra funding for education "Democrat-backed tax increases." (idahoednews)
3. When your interest in rock climbing has fallen off, but you are considering spending your weekends at the driving range at Warm Springs Golf Course, a trip to the Outdoor Exchange may be the answer. CBS2 staff look at the small Boise business in the Linen District preparing to celebrate 10 years in existence. Owner Tracy Crites states the goal of making the outdoors affordable and accessible for everyone is why the doors have remained open at the downtown location. (Idaho News)
4. Inflation, forest fires, taxes, politics. At times, it can just be a little overwhelming and one just needs to take a little time and laugh. Writing for FromBoise, Sonya Feibert looks at the vibrant comedy scene in Boise. From open mics nights to comedy competitions, Boise has numerous opportunities for residents to sit back and laugh. (fromboise)
5. Boise-based Micron needs office space and is planning on a new building with over one-half million square feet of desks and chairs. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports the new plan calls for the large building to be erected on the Micron campus and will accommodate more than 2,000 employees. A skybridge on the second floor will connect with an existing office building and also include outdoor dining and lounge areas and an amphitheater. (boisedev.com)

Today in Boise:

• The City of Boise will hold a dedication for the new amenities added to Franklin Park with all invited to see the playground, outdoor gym and shelters. (9 a.m.)
• The Boise Public Library host Family Storytime Thursday. (10:30 a.m.)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Thursday is Republic Services located at 11101 W. Executive Drive. (Noon)
• The Citywide Advisory Committee for the City of Boise convenes Thursday. The discussion will revolve around the city's rewrite of zoning code. (3 p.m.)
• The Stone Temple Pilots take the main stage Thursday at the Western Idaho Fair. Admission is free with the cost of entry to the fair. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Boise Parks and Recreation: "We're looking forward to dedicating Boise's newest playground and outdoor gym at Franklin Park on Thursday. Located on the Boise Bench, these new amenities are designed to provide a healthy place for residents of all ages and abilities." (Boise Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Idaho Humane Society: "We'd like to give a special shout-out to Jacksons Food Stores employees for volunteering their time to assist us with events! We are so grateful for your support!" (Idaho Humane Society via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "If you can look past the next few days there are temperatures closer to normal for the weekend." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "What are baboon baubles? Baboons are distinguished by the possession of cheek pouches. The cheek pouches extend down both sides of the neck and are used for storing food or other “treasures.” (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Most Idahoans are deeply concerned about climate change, but incorrectly believe most of their fellow Idahoans are not, according to new research published in the journal Nature Communications." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com