Hello Tuesday. Gretchen Parsons here with your local happenings.

Good morning! After a two-year absence, the Boise Holiday Parade returns this weekend. Plus, if you need to ship holiday gifts, we have info on important deadlines.

• Today: 32°🌤 Mostly sunny.

First Up Today

Holiday shipping deadlines

If you’re in the midst of holiday shopping, or maybe you knocked it out over the weekend, there are some looming shipping deadlines to keep in mind.

Because of staffing and supply shortages, experts say to ship as early as possible to avoid potential delays and long lines.

For packages to arrive by December 25, here are the following cutoff dates:

USPS

• USPS Retail Ground – Saturday, December 17
• USPS First Class Mail – Saturday, December 17
• USPS Priority Mail – Monday, December 19
• USPS Priority Mail Express – Thursday, December 23

Also, the U.S. Postal Service implemented temporary price increases through January 22, 2023. Customers will pay $0.95 more for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes among other increases. See the full list here.

UPS

• UPS Ground – Calculate it here
• UPS 3 Day Select – Monday, December 19
• UPS 2nd Day Air – Wednesday, December 21
• UPS Next Day Air – Thursday, December 22

FedEx

• FedEx Ground Economy – Thursday, December 8
• FedEx Ground – Wednesday, December 14
• FedEx Home Delivery – Wednesday, December 14
• FedEx Express Saver – Tuesday, December 20
• FedEx 2Day – Wednesday, December 21
• FedEx Same Day – Friday, December 23

ITD seeking applicants for training program

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking applicants for its upcoming month-long training program.

The program teaches students skills in heavy equipment operation, cement masonry, carpentry, truck driving, and mechanics. ITD says of the 105 class graduates over the past few years, 80% found careers in highway construction within 45 days of program completion.

In Idaho, the starting pay in the construction industry is around $40,000, according to ITD. Having experience in a construction trade, such as this class, can increase annual earnings by about 20%.

ITD’s course is open to 20 students and will take place in Lewiston from April 17- May 19. Despite being held in Lewiston, the program is open to anyone who has a valid driver’s license, is at least 18, and can pass a drug test. ITD also offers housing assistance to those who are not in the Lewiston area.

Interested applicants can find a brochure with more information and a link to apply here.

Boise Holiday Parade returns

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, a festive Treasure Valley tradition returns this weekend!

The Boise Holiday Parade is happening this Saturday at 10 a.m.

The parade starts at 11th and Jefferson streets and makes a big loop around Cecil D. Andrus Park. Locally built holiday floats, cool cars, and school bands and choirs are all a part of the procession.

The parade typically lasts about two hours and attendees are encouraged to bring either chairs or blankets to sit on.

The theme this year is Joy To The World.

(Photo Courtesy Boise Holiday Parade)

Happening Today

• Boise City Council: Today, Boise City Council will be voting to accept the proposed city council district map from the redistricting commission and hearing a rezone application for the first of two parcels on the Simunich parcel near Vista Avenue.
• Santa’s Mailbox: Drop a letter into Santa’s Mailbox outside of Meridian City Hall by December 19 and you will receive a response in the mail from Santa before Christmas. Santa’s Mailbox is located along Broadway Avenue near Meridian City Hall’s outdoor plaza.
• Winter Window Competition: Get into the spirit of the season by meandering through Downtown Boise to view decorated holiday window displays at different shops. As you go, you can vote for your favorites by scanning the QR code displayed on the storefronts.
• Giving Tuesday: Today is Giving Tuesday! Consider making a donation to your favorite local charity.

BoiseDev Reports

Sun Valley Brewing Co. building in Hailey listed for sale

The building that houses Sun Valley Brewing Co. is listed for sale. However, the Brewery hopes to stay put. Anna Daly has the details on the sale.

Albertsons, Kroger CEOs will testify in DC Tuesday as they ramp up influence campaign

Albertsons and Kroger will testify in front of a US Senate panel Tuesday. Senators on the antitrust panel have serious concerns about the merger. Don Day has the latest.

Ada Co. denies apartment proposal in favor of keeping land open for mixed-use development

Ada County denied a proposal to rezone a vacant lot near the intersection of Five Mile and Lake Hazel Roads from commercial development to multifamily residential. Commissioners heard hours of testimony from neighbors before making their decision. More on their concerns from Margaret Carmel.

Link-worthy

• Pot Initiative: A group called Kind Idaho is trying to get an initiative on the 2024 ballot to make medical marijuana legal in Idaho. Details from KTVB.
• UI Support: CBS2 reports that a UI alum collected enough donations to buy pocket alarms for all of the women in the UI Greek system.
• UI Welfare Checks: According to Idaho Education News, as classes resume Monday at the University of Idaho, police have reported a big uptick in calls for welfare checks.
• Abortion Lawsuit Bills: The bill for the Legislature’s private legal team defending the state’s abortion laws against multiple lawsuits, in addition to the defense of the laws already provided by the Idaho Attorney General’s office, has now topped a quarter-million dollars. Read the report from the Idaho Press.🔒

Things To Do

• Wine Tasting: Telaya in Garden City is hosting a wine-tasting event Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Try five different wines paired with a snack box. Tickets are $30 for non-members.
• Ornament Auction: Stop by Capitol Contemporary Gallery in Boise for an ornament auction benefitting Campa Rainbow Gold Thursday from 5-9 p.m. The ornaments are made by local artists and the exhibition is free to attend. Coiled Wines will be providing vino. More details here.
• Holiday Market: Barbarian Brewing in Garden City is hosting a holiday pop-up market on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. There will be local vendors, live music, and of course, drinks.
• High Tea: Capitol Cellars in downtown Boise is hosting a Holiday High Tea on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call for reservations.

Pet of the Day

Meet the adorable Odee! This pup belongs to Berkley and Taylee Jensen. He’s a good boy who likes to play, eat and lick people!

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)!