🌱 Record Busy Airport + Boise Amory Update + Local Evictions Rising

Hello again, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Boise Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on:

• A state agency has a new director, and he started his career looking at smolts
• An Idaho legislator wants the act of transporting a minor across state lines for purpose of obtaining an abortion to result in a five-year prison sentence
• If you thought the Boise Airport appeared to be busy last year, you were correct

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 47 Low: 26.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. More Boise residents are finding themselves in court facing evictions. KTVB-TV's Abby Davis reports January 2023 eviction hearings stood at 138, more than double January 2022's 62 cases. Cited in the article is a 40 percent increase in rental prices the last few years while wages have not grown in comparison. (KTVB)
2. One of the oldest buildings in Boise may soon get a new look. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel reports the Boise City Council approved a plan to redevelop the historic Armory across from the Military Reserve. While the original building would remain in place, the proposal includes a mix of apartments, townhomes and 3,000 square feet of commercial space. (boisedev.com)
3. A friend providing a minor child a ride to Oregon to obtain an abortion could face up to five years in prison. The IdahoCapitalSun's Kelcie Mosely-Morris writes a bill introduced by an Idaho Falls legislator would add to Idaho's human trafficking laws to include the act of transporting, recruiting or harboring minors to seek an abortion. In addition, if a county prosecutor refuses to pursue charges, the bill provides "Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador the authority and 'sole discretion' to prosecute a person for violating any section of the section of law around human trafficking or abortion." (idahocapitalsun)
4. Idaho Fish and Game has a new director, and he knows fish. CBS2 news staff report Jim Fredericks is the new director of the Idaho agency after serving as deputy director for Idaho Fish and Game and is a former fisheries bureau chief. Raised in Moscow, Idaho, Fredericks started his career as a fisheries research biologist. (Idaho News)
5. The Boise Airport is a busy place. KIVI-TV staff report our local airport saw almost 4.5 million passengers in 2022, a new record. To accommodate all these flyers, the airport is expected to complete a five-level, 1,100 stall garage this summer. (Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls)

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Today in Boise:

• Every Thursday in February is $3 Thursdays at Zoo Boise. (10:00 AM)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Thursday is Fire Station 3. (Noon)
• Thursday is your chance to let Mayor Lauren McLean and Planning and Development Services Director Tim Keane your thoughts on the city. The two will be at the Library! at Bown Crossing for coffee and casual conversation. (4:00 PM)
• Take a break from homework and tests at School Age Fun Thursday at the Boise Public Library. (4:30 PM)
• Thursday is your chance to tube with a cop. Boise Police Officers will be at Gateway Parks Tube Hill in Eagle for a night of fun. (5:45 PM)

From my notebook:

• Studio Boise Photo Center: "Photos we’re obsessing over by @pocketsfullofpeonies from @workshopsbymonet content day held here at the studio." (Studio Boise Photo Center via Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "The 8-14 day outlook from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center favors a return to below normal temperatures across our area. Average high temperatures in Boise in mid-February are in the mid to upper 40s." (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Zoo Boise: "Lion Revan recently had his teeth ultrasonically scaled to remove dental calculus. Just like humans, this helps to prevent dental disease, common in animals as they age. It’s important to keep his mouth healthy." (Zoo Boise via Facebook)
• Boise Farmers Market: "We are hiring a communication and marketing specialist and a markets coordinator for our Mobiles Market and Drive Thru Market! If you've been wanting to jump on our team, now is your chance!" (Boise Farmers Market via Instagram)
• Boise Fire Department: "Boise Fire is looking for passionate community members who want to join our Planning & Administration section. We are hiring a senior administrative specialist! The application period closes Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 12 p.m. MT." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com