Final float weekend + BSU trading cards + Dog toy box

Aug 31, 2023

Hello Thursday. Gretchen Parsons here with your morning stories.

Good morning. A local Girl Scout troop is designing a community dog toy box at a Treasure Valley park, details below. But first, what you should know about floating the Boise River.

The official Boise River float season comes to an end after this weekend.

After Labor Day, people can still float the river but the shuttles won’t be running at the tube rental at Barber Park won’t be open.

Those that do float this weekend should plan for a 3-hour trip, as the river is running below 600 cfs. Although the water level is low, hazards can still exist and children 14 and under must wear a life vest.

Since the season began on June 29, it’s estimated that 135,000 people have floated the six-mile stretch between Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park. The City of Boise says that number is slightly lower than in 2022 and attributes the decrease to cool weather during August.

So far, there have been only 26 calls to the Boise Fire Department for rescues and other incidents, that’s compared to 137 calls last year.

“It’s been another fun summer on the Boise River and we’re looking forward to a safe and festive final weekend,” said Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg. “Despite the forecast, we expect one final busy holiday weekend filled with floaters through Labor Day. The Boise River is a special place and we’re happy to see how much joy it brings to the community throughout the summer.”

Boise State’s football season kicks off Saturday against Washington and ahead of the game, fans can get their hands on Bronco trading cards.

For the second year in a row, Jacksons Food Stores will begin selling trading cards tomorrow featuring BSU’s 2023 football team. Every student-athlete on the roster is included and one in 10 packs will feature a limited-edition autographed card from team standouts, including DJ Schramm, Taylen Green, Ashton Jeanty, Markel Reed, and George Holani, among others.

Each pack will contain 14 cards and retail for $12.99 at Jacksons and Extra Mile locations in the Treasure Valley. They can also be purchased online.

“Thank you to Jacksons, and everyone involved in bringing the cards to life, and to Bronco Nation for the overwhelming response,” said Jeramiah Dickey, Boise State Director of Athletics. “The Jacksons trading cards are an incredible collectible for Bronco fans of all ages and I am thrilled to see new sports included this season. I am incredibly proud to be part of a community that supports its student-athletes to the fullest extent.”

The trading cards are licensed through a name, image and likeness deal with BSU, meaning the student-athletes get paid.

Saturday’s game is at Washington. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. and you can watch the game on ABC.

Trading cards featuring BSU’s women’s volleyball and soccer teams can be found online.

A local Girl Scout troop is teaming up with Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity to enhance a Nampa dog park.

Silver Sage Girl Scout Troop 202, made up of four girls in fourth and fifth grades, is building a toy box for Amity Dog Park. The box will be designed to look like Snoopy’s doghouse and will hold dog toys that can be used by all visitors to the park. BVHH is donating all building materials needed to complete the project.

This is a Bronze Award project, which is the highest award a Junior Scout can earn. It asks them to identify a need in the community and address it. All the girls loved the idea of doing something for a dog park and after some brainstorming, one of the girls and her dad drew out a plan with all the measurements and supply list. Each girl must put in at least 20 hours of work on the project.

“The girls have already planned and designed the toy box,” said Cathy Cabalo, Girl Scout Troop 202 leader. “They got approval from the City Parks Department. They are now working on getting supplies and obtaining toy donations. They will build the toy box and paint it with the aid of some parents as soon as they can. They will then present it to the park at a date that will be determined later.”

Troop 202 will begin building the toy box on Saturday at one of the girls’ family’s farm shops. Once complete, it will be transferred to Amity Dog Park.

For those who frequent the park, be on the lookout for the toy box!

(Photo: Courtesy Nampa Dog Park)

In an update to a story BoiseDev brought readers last week, the owners of three aging hotels on Vista Ave are now firing back (via their attorney) after a lawsuit accusing them of fraud. Margaret Carmel has this story.

As Don Day reports, a judge ruled that the City of Boise acted appropriately when it told former council member Lisa Sánchez she was not longer a council member earlier this year – and said that her moving out of her council district necessitated the action.

Kathy Corless, former president of the South Cole Neighborhood Association, Ada County procurement employee, and landlord, is running for Boise City Council’s District 3. Margaret Carmel interviewed Corless and has more on why she’s running.

Meet Chester! Owner Sean Toombs says Chester is a really chill dog that loves to cuddle. However, he will steal your spot on the couch or your pillow.

Submit your pet’s photo here, and we may feature it each weekday! Plus, our friends at Zamzows will send along a prize to the winning pet (owners)!