🌱 Tater Tot Return + Boise Poaching + 80 Years Of Skiing

Happy Saturday, people of Boise! Let's get this day started. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

Welcome to the Saturday edition of the Boise Daily. We open with news Ore-Ida, a corporation well known in Boise, is making a return by way of the Simplot Corporation. An Idaho conservative group is being looked at, and a mule deer has been found poached in a highly populated area next to Capital High School. Substitute teachers in Idaho may need to undergo drug testing, and skiers looking towards next season can purchase season passes at a discounted price now.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and chilly. High: 42 Low: 21.

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Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Ore-Ida, a leader in tater tots and other frozen potato products, is returning to the Treasure Valley. BoiseDev reporter Autum Robertson breaks the news the J.R. Simplot Company and Kraft Heinz struck a multi-year deal, making Simplot the exclusive supplier and manufacturer of Ore-Ida products. The move marks an expansion for Simplot into the consumer space in the U.S. The agreement will also transfer ownership of the Ontario plant to Simplot. (boisedev.com)
2. A nonprofit conservative group with strong lobbying influence is under scrutiny. KTVB's Morgan Romero takes a look at the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a group which bills itself as a conservative think tank devoted to "exposing, defeating, and replacing the state's socialist public policies." (KTVB)
3. A mule deer was illegally shot near Capital High School and Idaho Fish and Game would appreciate information related to the kill. KEZJ-AM reports the deer was found Feb. 12 near the local high school; an area surrounded by houses. (KEZJ)
4. After testimony from a bill's sponsor stating substitute teaching “is a very easy way to access children and sell drugs to them,” the House Education Committee narrowly passed a bill to require schools to drug test substitute teachers before hiring them, according to IdahoEdNews reporter Blake Jones. Rep. Judy Boyle bolstered her argument by stating during her sophomore year of high school a first-year English teacher made her class listen to a Beatles song about LSD “every single day.” (idahoednews)
5. Bogus Basin will celebrate 80 years of skiing next season and season passes went on sale Friday for next year. CBS2 news staff advise season pass prices will be lowest Feb. 25 through March 6. (idahonews)

Today in Boise:

• Timberline High School will hold a Sweethearts Dance Saturday evening. (7 p.m.)
• Join the Idaho Caregiver Alliance on Saturday for the Idaho Family Caregiver Conference to embrace caregivers in their many identities, as caregivers and beyond. The Idaho Family Caregiver Conference is an opportunity for caregivers, employers, policymakers, and leaders to join together in support and celebration of the identities and passions that enrich the lives of caregivers. The agenda will feature expert speakers on topics like Alzheimer’s and Dementia, cultural competency, end-of-life planning and so much more. (8:30 a.m.)
• The Scripps Southwest Idaho Regional Spelling Bee will be held at Boise State on Saturday in the Simplot ballroom in the Boise State Student Union. Children from all over the region come to Boise to compete for a chance to win prize money and a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national spelling bee. (9 a.m.)
• Join Monks and Music Academy on Saturday and start making some music. In this course you will learn the skills to navigate the guitar, keyboard or ukulele with confidence and ease. These fun and intimate classes are for adult beginners ready to get their musical journey started. Our direct goal is to be making music in just two months. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Nextdoor Neighbor, The Legends: "Hello, has anyone tried Mountain Mike's Pizza? Opinions are welcome!" (Nextdoor)
• Deputy Director, Communications Shandy Lam, Ada County Highway District: "Speed limit change: After a recent speed limit investigation, it was determined that a speed limit reduction is necessary on a portion of Warm Springs Avenue. The daytime speed limit will reduce from 45 mph to 40 mph." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, South Boise Village: "Hello neighbors! My girlfriend and I are wondering if anybody had any recommendations on a tax accountant that works with 1099 and new home loans. Will look online but I like to hear who people like." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, West End: "Where are the best toilets/bathrooms in all of Boise? I’m a toilet reviewer and want to really learn the Boise toilet scene." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Sunrise Rim: "Hi! Someone’s groceries were dropped off at our house. There was no receipt or any information with the groceries. Is anyone missing an order from Albertsons? I’d love to get it to the right person ASAP!" (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! See you all tomorrow morning for 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.