🌱 Public Assistance Needed + Bad Area Codes + ESA Idea Dead

Hello again, friends! I'm here right on time with your Saturday edition of the Boise Patch newsletter, full of all the community information you need to know right now. Today you'll read about...

• An Emmett man has been sentenced for administering a child pornography social media group
• A Boise company involved in transportation technology is laying off employees
• Have you been a victim of the "one ring scam" of been charged for calling back a number with a 473 area code? We offer phone tips to keep you out of trouble

But first, today's weather: A snow shower in the morning. High: 41 Low: 25.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. The Meridian police need a little help finding a suspect after robbing a Walgreens on Fairview Avenue. KTVB-TV staff report the suspect jumped the counter and stole pain medication before running out of the store. A picture of the suspect is included in the story. (KTVB.com)
2. In the wake of announced layoffs from Boise's Micron, a second Boise company has let staff go. BoiseDev editor Don Day reports Idaho-based trucking industry technology Truckstop.com has quietly escorted people out the door. Though not commenting on the number of employees laid off, a representative for the company said employees were provided transition assistance, stating the reduction in staff involved "restructuring our organization to allow us to operate more efficiently and deliver more customer value.” (boisedev)
3. An Emmett man is heading to federal prison for 78 months after being in possession of child pornography. CBS2 news staff report Rex Lanham III was the administrator of a social media group where child pornography was shared. A search of Lanham's home by the FBI resulted in several electronic devices discovered. (idahonews)
4. Low-income students will not receive almost $7,000 to pay for tuition at accredited private schools. IdahoEdNews reporter Sadie Dittenbar writes the idea of an education savings account was defeated by the House Education Committee. After one hour of debate, members voted the $17.5 million idea down on a 9-7 vote. (idahoednews)
5. This final Boise Patch story is dear to my heart. After being on the federal Do Not Call Registry for years, I still receive an average of five robocalls calls per week. LITE-FM's Michelle Heart provides useful tips on five area codes you should not accept calls from or call back. (liteonline)

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Today in Boise:

• The Victory Branch Library invites everyone to the free workshop Ready! For Kindergarten Part 2. (10:00 AM)
• Potter Wines sponsors Family Fun Days Saturday. (Noon)
• The Enlightened Vine presents a night of 90+ Point Rated Wines. (5:30 PM)
• The Meridian Symphony presents "Vive la France" Saturday at the Centennial Performing Arts Center. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Fire Department: "A firefighters calling to serve isn’t just when they’re in uniform. Last month, Boise Fire Battalion Chief Shawn Res was off duty heading home from coaching football practice when he received a text notification about a structure fire." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Excited to share highlights from another Joel Sartore, Photographer Photo Ark visit! Mr. Sartore returned to Zoo Boise to photograph the spotted-necked otter and striped hyena." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Farmers Market: "Save the date for the 2023 Idaho Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Boise, March 22-24! There will be great speakers, breakout sessions and evening events to bring together volunteer leaders." (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: "2023 Summer Camps are Open for Registration! We teach confidence and character through the joy of theater. Enroll your student for a summer experience of exploration and joy!" (Idaho Shakespeare Festival via Facebook)
• Idaho Botanical Garden: "Has your kid ever asked you 'why are leaves different colors?' and you didn't know how to answer? Maybe there is a way they can discover the answer firsthand." (Idaho Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The whole idea of the Boise River ReWild Project is to increase the native biodiversity along the Boise River. One of the goals of the project is to bring back the native biodiversity of wildflowers, native grasses, and native shrubs." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 7)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 7)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com