🌱 Treefort Expansion + Field to Fork Festival +Help Zamboni Driver

Hello, everybody! It's me, John Braese, your host of the Boise Daily. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Due to lack of homes, foster children in Idaho are now being housed in short-term housing.
• Whether full-time or part-time, check out the newest local jobs available.
• The Boise ice community is stepping up to help the man who has kept the ice smooth for almost 20 years.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 40 Low: 24.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. Food producers based in Idaho, big and small, will be at Boise's JUMP on Thursday, Jan. 19 for Idaho's first-ever “Field to Fork Festival.” Boise State Public Radio's George Prentice speaks with Katie Baker, executive director of FARE Idaho, the sponsor of the show. In addition to a trade show offering samples, the afternoon will feature chef-led classes in the afternoon. (Boise State Public Radio)
2. Since October 2021, foster children in Idaho are being housed in short-term rentals around Idaho. CBS2 reporter Ryan Hawes continues an investigation into how the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is handling to find foster families including sending those needing placement out of state. (Idaho News)
3. For almost 20 years, Paul Homola has made sure the ice is just perfect for both the Idaho Steelheads and for numerous youth hockey teams. KTVB-TV staff report the Idaho Steelheads Booster Club is stepping up to help for former Zamboni driver after a massive stroke hit on Christmas Eve. Homola now has limited mobility and limited speech due to the stroke and was the sole provider for his family. (KTVB)
4. Are you looking for new employment or maybe just want to find something part time to bolster your account? Boise Patch offers you new local jobs offered by local companies. (Boise Patch)
5. Treefort 11 is scheduled for March 22-26 and this year, one location just cannot handle all the activities. The BoiseWeekly's Jeanne Huff writes to accommodate the over 25,000 fans, the music festival is expanding to different locations and names including Alefort, Artfort, Comedyfort, Dragfort, Filmfort, Foodfort, Hackfort, Kidfort, Podfort, Storyfort, Skatefort, Yogafort, and Music Talks. (boiseweekly)

Today in Boise:

• Preschool can be fun at Preschool Zoo at Zoo Boise. (10:00 AM)
• More than 50 employers will be present Tuesday for the Idaho Job & Career Fair. (10:00 AM)
• The Household Hazardous Waste Collection site for Tuesday is the Wright United Church of Christ. (Noon)
• You can become "Unraveled" but in a good way with a program sponsored by the Yarn Guild at the Boise Public Library. (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Boise Hive: "Truth! This social media thing can fool us. You are important, you matter, even if you're not taking the trip of a lifetime or eating the best looking food ever. We need you!" (Boise Hive via Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "Clashing debates ended a Caldwell School District meeting early as public comments about proposed best practices around students’ sexual orientation and gender identity got out of hand." (Boise State Public Radio via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Depot Bench: "How do I apply for a FHA loan? - Our lease is up in October and we’re planning on moving out of state. My credit is looking pretty good. I’m just curious on how it works." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Veterans Park: "Does anyone know who owns the husky mix in the area that gets loose? - He has been climbing my fence into my backyard to play with my dogs recently. I've caught him in my yard almost daily, but he runs and jumps the fence when I get close." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Boise Bench: "I am a looking for an amazing electrician who can troubleshoot and isn’t scared of a challenge. - Someone trustworthy and presentable. Please let me know your referrals! Thanks" (Nextdoor)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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 Daily? Contact me at john.braese@patch.com