🌱 Senior Center Lease + ADU Explained + Gas To Whiskey Change

Good morning, Boise. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• A fish had been illegally residing in a local lake for at least two years before being caught by state researchers
• Idaho's governor ordered a state agency to pull sponsorship from a Boise activity
• After pumping gas for 25 years, a Meridian man has decided to serve whiskey and tapas instead

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 43 Low: 27.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Boise who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. The City of Eagle states services to seniors in the community will be increased after the city decided to terminate the lease of the Eagle Senior Center building to the Eagle Senior Citizens, Inc. nonprofit organization. CBS2 news staff reports the move came after the city was notified of a tort claim stemming from a death associated with an accident on a Valley Regional Transit (VRT) van driven by an Eagle Senior Citizens, Inc. nonprofit employee. (Idaho News)
2. Before we go forward with this story, an ADU is an accessory dwelling unit — basically a small shed or mother-in-law suite lived in by a family member, friend or renter. BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel writes a Garden City legislator has introduced a bill banning HOAs, cities and counties from prohibiting property owners from placing an ADU on their property. (boisedev.com)
3. Someone, according to KTVB-TV staff, caught and drove a walleye to Lake Cascade, transplanting the fish into an area known for perch fishing. When it was caught by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) researchers in May, 2022, the illegally stocked fish had lived in the lake for at least two years. Work is now being done to determine where the three-pound fish originated. (KTVB)
4. We all need a change of pace sometimes. KIVI-TV's Don Nelson speaks with Steve Bainbridge, a Meridian man changing careers based on advice from Joe Albertson and his own dog's name. After 25 years of pumping gas and washing cars, Bainbridge has changed his Phillips 66 station into Maddies, serving wine, whiskey and tapas. (KIVI)
5. When the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare pulled sponsorship from last September's Boise Pride festival, it failed to mention one thing. BoiseWeekly carries an Idaho Press story written by Erin Banks Rusby showing Idaho Gov. Brad Little ordered the state agency to cease sponsorship. After the emails were discovered, Little's office confirmed the directive to pull sponsorship. (boiseweekly)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Boise Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Boise Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Boise:

• For brides and those planning ahead, the Idaho Dream Wedding Expo opens Saturday at Expo Idaho. (10:00 AM)
• The Discovery Center of Idaho wants Young Discovers in attendance Saturday morning. (10:30 AM)
• The Meriwether Cider House celebrates seven years in business on Saturday with a party. (3:00 PM)
• Boise's JUMP celebrates Black History Month on Saturday with a Black Excellence Gala. (5:30 PM)
• The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform Saturday at the Knitting Factory in Boise. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Much cooler temperatures expected next week. Heavy mountain snows expected with snow to the valley floors. Stay tuned! #idwx #orwx" (US National Weather Service Boise Idaho via Facebook)
• Boise Fire Department: "Today, Truck 7 was dispatched to assist ACSO with an overturned tractor trailer that was carrying cattle on E Kuna Mora Road. When crews arrived on scene, they found a tractor trailer on its side, with cattle stuck inside needing to be extracted." (Boise Fire Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Boise: "There's 225+ unique traffic box art blending in all around Downtown Boise! Public art makes our Downtown experience more colorful and fun! #downtownboise #boise #thisisyourdowntown @boiseartsandhistory" (Downtown Boise via Instagram)
• Radio Boise: "Tennis Court Disco with Wendy Fox is the perfect uptempo soundtrack for your Thursday evenings. From 5-7 p.m. every Thursday, Wendy invites you to close your eyes and imagine yourself inside a movie where everything is fine." (Radio Boise via Instagram)
• Boise Music Festival: "Still thinking about this awesome announcement? Get your Early Bird Tickets now before prices go up! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boise-music-festival-2023-tickets-524597444077?aff=erelexpmlt" (Boise Music Festival via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (February 21)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— 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