🌱 Vaughn Vigil + Boise Soup Gift + Givens Hot Springs

Morning, Boise! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing around town today.

From the staff of the Boise Daily, we hope your Christmas Day met all expectations. For today's edition, one family gathered with neighbors and supporters in support of a missing child in Fruitland. No matter how big the tree, we all need to dispose of that Christmas decoration soon. One Boise resident spent the holidays adding to her soup recipes and we offer a suggestion for soaking in some hot water. Finally, read some uplifting news as we head towards the end of a rough year.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with a bit of snow. High: 34 Low: 25.

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Here are the top stories today in Boise:

1. For the Vaughn family of Fruitland, this Christmas marks a holiday with a child still missing. KTVB-TV staff joined others as a candlelight vigil was held Christmas Eve for Michael Vaughn, a missing 5-year-old since July 27. Both family and law enforcement spoke during the vigil. (KTVB)
2. The Grove Plaza has the same problem you do after Christmas Day, although on a larger scale. Once the presents are opened and the family returns home, a tree is left. LITE-FM's Marco did a little digging and discovered what happens to a 45 feet tall, 4,000 pound leftover Christmas tree. (liteonline.com)
3. Holiday cheer comes in many forms. One Boise woman has chosen not to hand out wine or a box of chocolates, but soup. KIVI-TV's Karen Lehr speaks with Elizabeth Westenburg of "Caryl's Kitchen" on why she makes 80 servings of soup just to give away every other Sunday. (KIVI)
4. If you have family from out of town staying or the kids are bored over the holiday break, the Boise Weekly's Tracy Bringhurst may have the answer. Givens Hot Springs is a short drive from Boise and offers a swimming experience going back to 1879 and earlier. (boiseweekly)
5. As 2021 prepares to come to an end, we look back on high gas prices, masks, school board meetings ending in slugfests and more. The Idaho Capital Sun invited a guest commentary from Stephen Hartgen discussing how we will come back, much like we did in the 1920s. (idahocapitalsun)

Boise Fact of the Day:

Also known as Enterprise, Enterprise Givens Springs, Givens Springs, and Givens Warm Springs, Given Hot Springs has been a popular destination for bathing and swimming since it was settled in 1879, and it became a destination for travelers on the Oregon Trail. Earlier, the site had a 5000-year history of Native American visits.

From my notebook:

• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "With active and colder weather on the way, we suspect the snowmen population will increase. Here's the latest forecast around the area. #IDwx #ORwx" (Facebook)
• Boise's Best Bites!: "I kicked butt in our Christmas cookie decorating this year: Snoopy, Olaf, Merry Marauder (Fortnite), Venom. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!" (Instagram)
• Visit Boise: "Merry Christmas!: i.am.optimus.prime #visitboise #boiseidaho #visitidaho #idahocapitol #christmasinboise #downtownboise #merrychristmas" (Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Robie Creek: "Merry Christmas to Hilltop Station. - Thanks for all you provide to the community. You make life on the mountain a little easier for all." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Sunset: "Merry Christmas Eve! - ISO a photographer to take maternity photos next week, super late I know but I'm not looking for anything fancy just someone with a camera willing to do a nice photo shoot for us." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Collister: "Moving Boxes Galore! - I have dozens of boxes if anyone is needing them." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, North End East: "Have a lovely holiday. - Merry Holidays to all and to all a goodnight." (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. 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.