Hello Wednesday. Gretchen Parsons here with your morning news.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, we have some tips to keep in mind after four homes in the same neighborhood were burglarized over the weekend. Also, a Meridian City Council member shares his grim medical diagnosis.

We’ll be back tomorrow with a special Thanksgiving weekend edition of Idaho First!

• Today: 42° 🌤 Mostly sunny.

First Up Today

Thieves target empty homes in Meridian

If you’re going to be traveling for the holidays, police have a few tips and reminders for homeowners after four homes were burglarized in Meridian over the weekend.

The Ada County Sheriff’s Office says thieves smashed through the back glass doors of four houses next to Spurwing Country Club, near Linder and Chinden. Once inside, they targeted bedrooms and offices, stealing cash, jewelry, guns, and other valuables. No one was home during any of the break-ins, and they were all reported Sunday morning.

ACSO says it appears the thieves were staking out the area to see which homes were empty and which ones did not have video surveillance systems, motion detector lights, and other security equipment that can deter a burglary.

Another common element is that all four homes backed up to a golf course or large open field. Anyone with information is asked to send an email to [email protected].

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have security equipment like cameras or motion-sensing lights if possible. Telling a neighbor or friend when you will be traveling and having them check on your place, shovel your driveway if it snows, and pick up packages is also helpful. Never broadcast on social media when you are planning on being out of town.

(Photo Courtesy Ada County Sheriff’s Office)

Meridian council member Cavener hospitalized after health issues worsen

Don Day writes: Meridian City Council Member Luke Cavener posted to social media Tuesday, saying he was set to be flown to Salt Lake City, as a medical issue continues to worsen.

“For the past few months, I have struggled with some medical issues that have become more and more challenging,” Cavener wrote. “Last month, I had my gallbladder removed, and unfortunately, things have only gotten worse.”

Cavener said he was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury, and has been hospitalized for the last few days. In his post, he said he’s shown some improvement, but is being transported to Salt Lake City to see a liver specialist.

“Without knowing or wanting to share all the depressing details, I’ll be clear, my diagnosis is grim, and we aren’t sure what next steps, if any, will solve what’s going on inside me,” Cavener wrote. “Candidly, while I’m in a place of optimism, there is a big, sad, scary dark cloud hanging over our home.”

Cavener wrote despite the challenges, he’s been uplifted by support.

“When you have dark clouds, it’s amazing to see the brightest spots that appear,” he wrote. “The humbling grace from others has, at times, been so overwhelming. I appreciate the many of you who have delivered meals, words of encouragement, and support.”

Cavener was reelected to his seat in 2021, and joined the council in 2014. He is also the Manager of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society’s local chapter.

Small Business Saturday shopping

If you want to support local small businesses and knock out some holiday shopping at the same time, Small Business Saturday in downtown Boise is the perfect opportunity.

The Warehouse Food Hall on 8th Street is hosting a holiday market Saturday from 4-9 p.m. The market will feature over 20 local artisans selling handmade goods. There will also be live music and food and drink specials throughout the event.

Earlier in the day, local small businesses will be selling their goods at the Capitol City Market at the Grove Plaza from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. BoiseDev’s Don Day will be there selling the book Boise: City of Trees.

There’s also a chance to win some money when shopping local this Saturday. Shoppers can print out “passports” from the Downtown Boise Association that can be stamped at participating downtown stores. If you get six stamps, the passports can be dropped off at Rediscovered Books and entered into a drawing to win several $100 gift cards. Print a passport and see participating businesses here.

Happening Today

• Capitol Christmas Tree: Check out this video of the giant Capitol Christmas Tree being carted off down Harrison Blvd the other day.
• City Council Deadline: Today at 3 p.m. is the deadline to apply to fill State Senator-Elect Treg Bernt’s spot on Meridian City Council.
• Scam Alert: Nampa Police say if you get a call from someone claiming to be “Sgt. Jamie Burns” of the Nampa Police Department telling you to take care of a warrant, it’s a scam. More on that from NPD here.

BoiseDev Reports

Going up: Work starts on new building that would be Idaho’s second-tallest

A very tall apartment building, clad mostly in glass, is going up in downtown Boise. After the first floor, the next five would be reserved for parking and then the next 18 floors would have apartments. Don Day has the details on the amenities and features.

Eagle poised to change sanitation companies. Current, former mayor trade barbs over trash

The City of Eagle is changing its trash collection service from Republic Services to Hardin Sanitation. As for the reason why, Eagle’s former mayor says the current mayor has a personal vendetta against Republic Services. Margaret Carmel has this story.

Long-standing McCall Christmas shop listed for sale

Two McCall businesses that share a building in a prime McCall location are for sale. The Christmas House and Silver Linings Gift shop are on the market. Details of the sale from Autum Robertson.

Forty apartment units to be built off Broadway Ave

An apartment building with a mix of one and two-bedroom units is slated for 2312 S. Broadway Ave. There would be forty units total. More on the new complex from Autum Robertson.

Link-worthy

• Aggravated Battery: A police officer in southeast Boise on Monday shot and injured the suspect in an aggravated battery incident, sending the man to a hospital before he was booked into the Ada County Jail. More on this from the Idaho Statesman.
• Dentist Shortage: Idaho’s dentists are facing a staffing shortage, and they’re turning to local high schools to solve it. Idaho Education News has the story.
• Historic General Store: One of the oldest general stores in the country is located in Idaho. Lite Online has the details.
• Pizzuto Execution: According to the AP, a terminally ill man scheduled to be executed in mid-December for his role in the 1985 slayings of two gold prospectors in Idaho is asking a federal court to block the execution.

Things To Do

• Steelheads: Watch the Idaho Steelheads take on the Allen Americans tonight at 7:10 p.m. at Idaho Central Arena. Get tickets here.
• Hip Hop Show: Craft Brewers of Boise on orchard is hosting a hip hop show on Friday starting at 8 p.m. All performing talent is from the Seattle area. $20 at the door.
• Dark Beer: If you like dark beer, Payette Brewing is the place to be Friday. At their annual Black Friday event, which starts at noon, there will be more than 30 rare and high-end dark beers, food trucks, live music and more. Entry is free.
• Port & Pintxos: Join the Basque Market in downtown Boise for the annual port and pintxos event on Friday from 4:40-8 p.m. Taste 5 ports paired with 5 pintxos for $60. Call 208-433-1208 to sign up.

Pet of the Day

Look at this big boy named Porter! Owner Jeff Frechette says “Porter loves affection and will hop up in our laps like he’s a small dog. When he feels ignored, he will hop up in a chair like he owns it.” I guess this picture is him feeling ignored 😂

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)!