Cascade pharmacy fire + Teacher health insurance + Landfill renewable gas – boisedev.com
Hello Wednesday. Gretchen Parsons here with your morning headlines.
Good morning. Sadly, Watkins Pharmacy in Cascade burned to the ground, we have the details. Plus, what the Ada County Landfill is doing to become more sustainable.
Today: 47°🌤 Mostly sunny.
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First Up Today
Watkins Pharmacy in Cascade burns to the ground
Watkins Pharmacy in Cascade was destroyed by a fire early Tuesday morning.
According to Valley County Dispatch, the fire was called in at 2:46 a.m. No injuries were reported but the building sustained significant damage.
Watkins is located at 104 Main St., alongside Highway 55. The Cascade Public Library sits across the streetand posted about the tragedy on Facebook.
“Overnight our neighbors Watkins Pharmacy was destroyed because of a fire. Unfortunately, the Library sustained significant smoke and water damage. We are closed at present. We will be posting notice for an emergency trustee meeting shortly. Thank you for your understanding.”
The Idaho State Fire Marshall’s Office is currently working to determine how the fire started.
Lake Cascade Recreation Area & Cascade Chamber of Commerce also took toFacebook to speak about the loss.
“Please join us in prayer for our family of Watkins Pharmacy. The loss of Watkins Pharmacy is such a loss to our community. Our heartfelt prayers are with our Watkins family.”
Teacher health insurance bill signed into law
Governor Brad Little signed HB 443 into law Tuesday, a measure that allows school districts to leave private healthcare carriers and join the state’s self-funded insurance plan.
Backers of the bill say it will make Idaho more competitive when it comes to recruiting teachers, teachers will be able to pocket more of their paychecks, and it could reduce reliance on school levies, which raise property taxes.
“This investment means Idaho’s teachers will be able to access better health benefits to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. It means teachers will be able to keep more of what they earn,”Governor Little said.
The Idaho House passed the measure 55-14 in late January and the Idaho Senate voted 32 to 3 for approval last week. HB 443 was led by Representatives Rod Furniss, Wendy Horman and Senator Jim Woodward. More than 40 other lawmakers co-sponsored the measure.
Ada County to convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas
Ada County will begin converting gas from its landfill into renewable natural gas (RNG) in 2023.
Landfill gas is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material in landfills.Currently, the county converts this gas into electricity, which is then sold to Idaho Power. Under a new agreement with LFG Development, the gas will be “cleaned and conditioned” into RNG, which “significantly” reduces greenhouse gas emissions, according to the county.
Ada County also says that there is a high demand for RNG, which is used to heat homes and run city busses. Revenue generated from the agreement will offset other costs at the landfill and keep tipping fees competitive.
“We are literally turning trash into cash for our taxpayers,” said Ada County Commissioner Ryan Davidson. “This process of capturing landfill gas and converting it to a usable and sustainable product is something that will benefit the entire Treasure Valley and beyond.”
Happening Today
ACHD: The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) released its 12th annual revenue and expenditures report, which outlines nearly $122 million in spending on new roads, sidewalks, and bridges last year. View the report here.Taxes: The Idaho Tax Commission has tips on how to receive your refund faster.Tree Pruning: The City of Boise is hosting a free virtual class on how and when to prune fruit at 6 p.m. Tune in here.Tickets: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE, a children’s show, will be at the Morrison Center in March. Tickets are on sale now.
BoiseDev Reports
Boise to change travel expense policies, 20 years after Coles’ misuse of funds
The City of Boise is changing its policy on travel expenses in an attempt to be more transparent. This came about after BoiseDev started asking questions about where Mayor McLean was during a business trip. Don Day and Margaret Carmel explain the change.
Developers reveal plan for city-backed affordable housing project on old Smoky Davis site
Plans for an apartment building on the old Smoky Davis site in Boise have formally been submitted. The building would be five stories with 102 units. Find out how this fits into the city’s affordable housing plan from Margaret Carmel.
Boise startup passes on acquisition by Spotify, takes secondary investment
Spotify hoped to buy Boise-based email service provider ConvertKit, but ConvertKit passed. Find out why this frustrated members of the ConvertKit team and what the company did about it.
Majority of House passes bill blocking rental application fee caps
In yesterday’s newsletter, we told you about the Idaho House passing a bill that blocks Boise’s cap on rental application fees. Margaret Carmel has more on that.
Link-worthy
Heroes Honored: The deputies who saved a driver from an icy pond in Eagle were honored for their heroic actions. KBOI2 has the story.Healthcare Workers: Idaho has about 170 pediatric primary care doctors — to care for about 450,000 children. As the Idaho Capital Sun reports, health care leaders have a plan to recruit and train more health care providers. Masks in Schools: The Boise School District is considering making masks optional after requiring face coverings for the entire school year. Idaho Education News has the report.Drug Bust: According to East Idaho News, six people are in custody following a high-speed chase, drug charges and outstanding warrants in separate incidents last week.
Things To Do
Ladies Night: The Melting Pot in downtown Boise is having a “Galentines Day” special for ladies tonight. $39 for cheese fondue, salad, chocolate fondue, and a glass of champagne. Reservations are recommended.Yoga: JUMP is hosting a one-hour yoga class at noon today in the MOVE studio, a dance and yoga studio on the 5th floor with a stunning view of Boise’s skyline. The class is $12.Gardening: For those with a green thumb, there is a virtual gardening class tonight focused on some lesser used annual plants that might inspire your 2022 garden beds & containers. Class starts at 6:30 p.m. and is $25.Paint N Sip: Zoo Boise is hosting a DIY painting class Thursday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include supplies and wine.
Pet of the Day
Today’s Pet of the Day is extra special. This is Stewie. After 16 years of a great life, Stewie passed away several days ago. His young human siblings Avery and Chase are very sad. Owner Justin Hull says Stewie loved snacks, ear rubs and short walks around the living room. I’m sure Stewie is enjoying all the snacks and pets in doggy heaven! He will be missed.
Submit your pet’s photo here, and we may feature it Monday-Thursday! Plus, our friends at Zamzows will send along a prize to the winning pet (owners)!
