Growth Moratorium + Ghost Town Trips + New Eateries

Rise and shine, Boise! Let's get you all caught up to start this Saturday off on an informed note. Here's what's happening around town today.

Welcome to the Saturday edition of the Boise Daily. Don't forget to get downtown and catch the Criterium today. A neighboring town has decided to hold up new homes for six months as it plans for growth. We have a list of ghost towns you need to visit, and a lack of employees is hitting everyone, even non-profits. If you are looking for a new place to eat out, see the link before as a blogger gives his advice.

First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 107, low: 69.

Here are the top stories in Boise today:

1. Like a family expecting and living in a two-bedroom home, towns surrounding Boise are experiencing growing pains. One town recently decided to halt subdivisions for six months to plan for the growth. Originally written by Sally Krutzig, KIVITV has the story of Melba's decision. (6 On Your Side)
2. For those living in the late 1800s and early 1900s, air conditioning, microwaves and cell phones were not available. Grab the family this weekend and take a trip to see the best ghost towns in Idaho within a few hours of Boise. This is quite an experience to see how well we have it today. (Boise Patch)
3. The news is full of stories of staff shortages at local restaurants, department stores and small businesses. That same shortage has now hit the Boise Rescue Mission. The Mission is grappling with staffing shortages in a number of areas as reported by KTVB's Doug Petcash. (KTVB.com)
4. Staff of IdahoEdNews introduce the new Idaho School Boards Association's Executive Director, Misty Swanson. She replaces retiring Executive Director Karen Echeverria. (IdahoEdNews)
5. A positive of Boise's explosive growth is more great places to eat. Boisestatepublicradio's Gemma Gaudette speaks with food blogger Alex Milles regarding some new places you should consider the next time you head out the door. (Boise State Public Radio)

Today in Boise

• Add some sparkle and color to your garden by designing your own concrete stepping stone at the Adults Get Crafty class at the Ada Community Library. (10 a.m.)
• Join us for WalkAbout Boise — a 1.5-hour guided walking tour through 150 years of history and architecture. Let us introduce you to the built environment that makes downtown Boise like no other place.
  *Please register online or by phone. We meet at the bench in front of the Basque Museum. These walking tours will be held rain or shine, so please plan and dress accordingly with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, an umbrella if needed for sun or rain, and a bottle of water. They will start promptly at 10 a.m. and end around 11:30 p.m., beginning and ending in front of the Basque Museum on Grove Street downtown Boise. Walking Tour highlights include: Downtown's evolution from gold rush boomtown, through urban renewal decline, and 21st century revitalization; the oldest and newest buildings downtown, spanning 150 years of construction; buildings associated with Boise’s historic Basque, German, Jewish, and Chinese communities; the Idaho State Capitol and Boise City Hall; buildings designed by early pioneers and nationally known master architects; and the Egyptian Theater. To register, contact gaby@preservationidaho.org or phone
  208-353-2011.
• Are you heading off on an adventure this summer or maybe exploring your own hometown? Road trips can take us near or far — the only thing you need is a new place to visit and time to explore it. Come make a postcard or two with us in the classroom which you can send to family or friends from wherever your travels take you, then explore the Idaho State Museum’s galleries with a postcard scavenger hunt!
  Walk-ups will be accommodated. Pre-purchasing admission online before arrival is strongly encouraged. Purchase admission at https://store.history.idaho.gov/GeneralAdmission.aspx.

Boise Patch Notebook

• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Concrete work has been completed on the section on the North side of the river between Americana Boulevard and 9th Street." (Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "Latest smoke projections from the HRRR model. #idwx #orwx." (Facebook)
• Boise State Public Radio: "The deadline for St. Luke’s employees to get their first vaccine is Sept. 1." (Facebook)
• Boise Art Museum: "Visit BAM this weekend for the last opportunity to see our popular exhibition, “The World Stage” in person!" (Instagram)
• BOISE FARMERS MARKET: "We are so ready! . #Repost @acme_bakeshop with @make_repost ・・・ Ho boy!" (Instagram)
• #BoiseBucketList: " G I V E A W A Y If you’re seeing this, it’s meant for you to try @tonygs_crave!!" (Instagram)
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: "First curtain speech…. First AUDIENCE…. First performance…. WE ARE BACK! Get those tickets and join us!" (Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Boise Idaho: "The temp in Boise this morning dropped to 64 degrees! The last time we got below 70 was almost two week ago." (Facebook)
• Studio Boise Photo Center: "At Studio Boise we offer lens rentals, for anyone in need. We take all of the precautions." (Instagram)
• Boise Bully Breed Rescue: "SUGAR AND CHEESIE ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION CONTACT: Pocatello Animal Services, located in Pocatello." (Facebook)
• Radio Boise: "We have a couple of changes to our late-night/early-morning lineup. First, we bid a fond farewell tonight to Dylan." (Instagram)
• Boise Little Theater: "Summer Show Information⁠ Boise Little Theater Presents:⁠ 'A Night of Many Stories.'⁠ Four one-acts by youth." (Instagram)
• Boise Bicycle Project: "Boise Goathead Festival is back and better than ever! Dust off those costumes, pull those wacky bikes out of storage." (Facebook)
• Boise Parks and Recreation: "Construction has begun on a new shelter and playground at Molenaar Park, 2815 S. Maple Grove Road." (Facebook)
• Idaho Humane Society: "Adopting a dog means adding a best friend to your life. They're loyal, great listeners, give cuddles." (Facebook)
• Boise Bully Breed Rescue: "Thank you Valerie for sharing!!" (Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update! If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.