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Hello Monday. Gretchen Parsons here to start off the workweek.
What a wild weekend of sunshine, wind, and snow. More active weather is expected today. Also, don’t eat this mushroom if you find one in your yard, eating just half can kill you.
- Today: 45° 🌨 Rain, snow, wind, lightning all possible today.
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First Up Today
Have you herd? Fossils of ancient, pre-historic animal found in Idaho
Anna Daly writes: While Idaho’s state horse is the Appaloosa, the first known horse grazed Idaho land over 3 million years ago.
This discovery of what is now known as the Hagerman Horse happened relatively recently. According to the National Park Service, a cattle rancher named Elmer Cook came across some strange bones while digging in the Hagerman Valley in 1928.
Scientists from the Smithsonian Institution observed the bones and found they were from an animal that had yet to be discovered. That’s when a group of scientists traveled to Idaho to study the area. They found over three tons of fossils not only from the Hagerman Horse but also other pre-historic animals. The fossils were eventually shipped from Hagerman back to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
“The Hagerman Horse Quarry remains the largest single find of equus simplicidens, a predecessor of modern horses that lived 4 to 3 million years ago,” the NPS website notes of the expedition.
Today remains from 200 horses have been found, including 20 complete skeletons.
The Hagerman horse is the earliest known representative of what would eventually become the animal we are familiar with today, according to Idaho State University’s website. It’s also believed that the horse is actually more related to the Zebra than today’s domestically bred horses.
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument was created in 1988 to preserve one of the richest Pliocene fossil sites in the world. That same year, the state legislature made it the state fossil of Idaho.
The new Thousand Springs Visitor Center is expected to open this spring, according to the Hagerman National Monument website. The center will feature all-new fossil exhibits and host ranger programs and other activities.
The monument’s trails and overlooks are still open to visitors. In 2023, a new campground is supposed to open in the area.
To learn more about the Hagerman Fossil Beds, click here.
Deadly mushrooms found in Boise neighborhood
Deadly mushrooms have sprouted in Boise.
According to the Department of Health and Welfare, a death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) was found under an oak tree in a Boise neighborhood. As the name suggests, eating just half of one of these mushrooms can kill you. Early symptoms include violent vomiting and profuse diarrhea for about a day, then there is an apparent recovery phase for about three days with no symptoms. That is then followed by jaundice, coma, and death from kidney or liver failure.
DHW says there could be more death caps in undetected areas. If you think you spot one in your yard, use gloves to grab the mushroom by the stock, pluck it, and throw it away. Do not put it in a compost bin. Then wash your hands thoroughly, although there is no evidence that you can get sick from just touching the mushroom. Submit photos of death cap mushrooms to iNaturalist.org to help track the spread of this mushroom in Idaho.
If you, your kid, or dog has eaten a death cap, call poison control immediately at 888-426-4435 as early intervention is critical.
Volunteers needed to paint 40 Ada County homes
NeighborWorks Boise is hosting its 40th annual Paint the Town event in June and is looking for more volunteers.
If you’re unfamiliar with the campaign, volunteers band together to put a fresh coat of paint on a deserving neighbor’s home. The person getting their house painted must be over 65, a veteran, or disabled and unable to paint their home because of physical or financial barriers.
For this year’s event, which is happening June 4 through June 11, NeighborWorks hopes to paint 40 homes in Ada County. If you are interested in volunteering or buying a bucket of paint as a donation, click here.
Since 1982, volunteers have helped paint more than 3,300 homes for seniors, veterans, and those who are disabled.
Happening today
- Sheep Crossing: The public is invited to come out and watch a herd of sheep cross Idaho 55 in Eagle at the Beacon Light Road Junction between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
- Available Grant: Applications are now open for Commuteride’s Workspace Mobility Grant program, sponsored by the City of Boise. Small businesses can apply for up to $3,000 to improve transportation options for employees or customers. Apply here.
- Irrigation: The City of Caldwell says all pressurized irrigation stations will be on by April 29. Irrigation delivery will be 70% of normal flows, residents are asked to conserve water.
- HWY 55: Starting today, full road closures go into place near Smiths Ferry on Highway 55. Details here.
BoiseDev Reports
Ada Co. looking for businesses to lease The Turf Club at Expo Idaho
Is your business looking for new office space? Ada County is looking for a tenant for The Turf Club at Expo Idaho. Find out about the offer on BoiseDev.
New program aims to bring more Latino interns to Idaho newsrooms
Two former Idaho Statesman reporters spearheaded an effort to raise $20,000 to help pay Latino/Hispanic interns. Learn about the Voces Internship of Idaho program on BoiseDev.
Indian Creek and beyond: Caldwell leaders study how and where to grow
Developers say Caldwell’s proximity to major roadways, median resident age, and diversity, among other factors, make the city very attractive for businesses. Find out what statistic is working against the city when it comes to growth opportunities from our partners at the Idaho Press.
Link-worthy
- Tort Claim: According to the Idaho Press, an Idaho woman and a student who allegedly fell and hit his head on a fire hydrant during a physical education class filed a tort claim seeking more than $1 million in damages.🔒
- Abortion Ban: The Idaho AP reports that the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked a new state law that would ban abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and allow the law to be enforced through lawsuits.
- Rental Scam: KBOI2 spoke with renters who almost fell victim to a prevalent scam on Craigslist.
- Larry Gebert: Boise Mayor Lauren McLean on Friday signed a proclamation declaring June 25 to be Larry Gebert Day in the City of Boise. June 25 was Larry’s birthday. Read more from KTVB.
Things To Do
- Afternoon Tea: The Lively in downtown Boise is hosting an afternoon tea today at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include tea and savory and sweet bites.
- History: If you are interested in learning more about the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial there is a free tour on Tuesday from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. No registration is necessary, just show up.
- Show on the Roof: “There’s a nightly floor show at the local drive-in… on the roof! Come on up for a journey through the turbulent times of 1955 in Boise, Idaho where no one is safe from suspicion. This is a musical that examines the homosexual panic that swept up the entire city.” The show is Thursday. Get tickets and read more here.
- Market: The Meridian Main Street Market kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pet of the Day
Aww meet little Pip! Owner Andrew Kopral says Pip needs a new toy from Zamzows…his favorite kitty has seen better days.