Hello Thursday. Gretchen Parsons here with your roundup.

Good morning. The drought will affect boating season at Lucky Peak this year, we have the details. Plus, a new bagel shop in Meridian is open.

• Today: 59° 🌧 Showers and possible thunderstorms.

Know someone who would like this newsletter? They can sign up at BoiseDev.com/idaho-first

First Up Today

Memorial Day Weekend airfare expected to be expensive

For those planning on flying over Memorial Day Weekend, experts recommend finalizing your trip now.

According to AAA Idaho, airline tickets for the holiday will be about $160 more expensive than last year. The best time to buy your tickets is two weeks before MDW, so around May 15, for an average ticket cost of $444. Last-minute flights this year are expected to cost around $845 per ticket.

In years past, the cheapest day to fly over MDW has been Saturday. This year, experts say Saturday will be the most expensive day and Sunday will be the cheapest for flights. AAA is predicting Friday to be the busiest day for travel and Monday to be the slowest.

“As always, we encourage travelers to book the first flight in the morning.  Throughout the day, the chances of a canceled flight or missed connection tend to increase,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Another option is to fly at off-peak times and on days that are farther from the holiday, which may be possible for those who are able to extend their trip by working remotely from anywhere with Wi-Fi.”

In addition to airline tickets, rental cars, cruises, and hotels are up in price by 122% compared to last year.

Freedom Bagel Bakery opens in Meridian

A new bagel shop is gradually opening in Meridian.

Freedom Bagels, located on Eagle Rd. across the street from Trader Joes, had a soft opening last weekend and will have another one this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re super proud of the recipe. It’s a traditional New York style bagel,” said owner and baker John Heintzberger.

Heintzberger is a Boise State alum and has been mentored by bagel bakers in New York and New Jersey. His shop offers a variety of original bagel flavors, including Cacio e Pepe, Rosemary and Sea Salt, and French Toast. Cream cheeses include Loaded Idaho Potato, Sundried Tomato, Huckleberry and more. Customers can also enjoy a number of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, including the Tri-Tip. You can see the full menu here.

One of the most popular and more unique menu items is the Hot Honey bagel.

“Basically, it’s a spicy honey,” Heintzberger said. “We drizzle it over the top and bake it in and it just gets this really hot and sweet flavor.”

Heintzberger says hiring staff has been a challenge. As soon as Freedom Bagels adds more workers, the shop will be open more days. For now, customers can enjoy the soft opening this weekend.

Some boat ramps to be closed because of low water levels

This year’s drought conditions are having an impact on boating season at Lucky Peak.

Water levels in the reservoir will be 20 feet below “lake full” conditions, according to the Army Core of Engineers. As a result, boat ramps at Robie Creek Park, Macks Creek Park, and half of Barclay Bay will be closed this season. Ramps at Spring Shores Marina and Turner Gulch will be open.

“Carryover in the system from 2021 was lower than average and the dry year and numerous constraints on the system will make Lucky Peak difficult to fill,” said the Army Core of Engineers in a news release.

This will be the second consecutive low water year at Lucky Peak. Officials say boaters who are not familiar with below “lake full” conditions should be careful. Lower lake levels can pose new hazards such as shallow and rocky areas.

Happening today

• Recycled Water: The City of Boise is inviting residents to a “listening tour” today at the public library at Cole and Ustick from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. City staff wants residents’ feedback over the city’s plan to recycle water. More info here.
• Survey: ACHD is exploring improvements along the Nez Perce Corridor between Columbus Street and Orchard Street. Learn about the improvements and share your thoughts here.
• Lowell Pool: Boise is having another open house regarding the fate of its 1950s-era public pools. This open house is at Lowell Pool today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Drug Take-Back: The City of Meridian is holding a Prescription Drug Take-Back event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Cross of Idaho parking lot. This is a drive-through event for community members to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

BoiseDev Reports

Boise Bench farm could see around 1,000 new rental homes with plans for Simunich site trickling out

An area between Victory Rd. and the New York Canal below the second Boise bench could see significant development. The land was once the site of a family farm. Find out what future plans could hold for the area on BoiseDev.

Investigation into possible campaign finance violations from Ada homebuilder PAC remains open months later

An investigation into campaign finance violations by a big-spending PAC associated with major Ada County homebuilders remains open five months after a complaint was filed. Margaret Carmel has the in-depth report.

Meridian brewery Loose Screw is under new ownership

A local couple just bought Loose Screw Beer Company in Meridian. All current staff will remain. As Autum Robertson reports, the new owners plan on taking what has already been accomplished and elevating it to the next level.

Link-worthy

• Von Ehlinger Trial: An intern who says she was sexually assaulted by a state lawmaker during the 2021 legislative session took the stand Wednesday afternoon, only to abruptly leave the courtroom in the middle of her testimony. KTVB has the details from inside the courtroom.
• Vaughan Case: In an emotional ceremony, Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law that creates an Endangered Missing Person Alert. The Idaho Press was at the ceremony and spoke with Michael Vaughan’s mother.
• History: Residents across the state will have a new opportunity to learn about the Idaho Constitution, its history and its conservation. Read more about the opportunity from the Idaho Capital Sun.
• Real Estate: Lite Online gives readers a look at an old Idaho brothel for sale.

Things To Do

• Beer: Barbarian Brewing is releasing new batches of specialty beers today, including Wolves on Parade Hay IPA and Barbarian Pale Ale. Live music starts at 7 p.m.
• Arbor Day: The Idaho State Museum is celebrating Arbor Day on Friday. Swing by for free seedlings, refreshments, informational booths, and appearances by Smokey Bear from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Bluegrass: Enjoy a free Bluegrass concert at the Nampa Senior Citizens Center on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Karaoke: Friday is karaoke night at Mad Swede in downtown Boise from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Pet of the Day

Meet Nora! Owner Nicole says Nora is sweet, loving, and has the cutest puppy dog eyes even though she is not a puppy anymore.

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)!