Hello everyone! This is Autum Robertson with your weekend news update.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. First up, we have a story about the Caldwell Housing Authority selling a renovated home for under $200,000. We also have info on the San Inazio Basque Festival happening this weekend and an update on the Saltbrush restaurant planned for downtown Boise.

• Today: 98°☀️ Hot.
• Sunday: 96°☀️ Hot.

> Today first

Caldwell Housing Authority brings affordable homes to market

The Caldwell Housing Authority is offering a renovated home for sale for $170,500.

The home is located at 2407 College Street in Caldwell and was recently appraised at $310,000.

According to Redfin, the median sales price in Caldwell in June was $375,000.

“Real estate prices in Caldwell have increased dramatically in recent years, making it difficult, if not impossible, for young families and first-time homebuyers to purchase an affordable home,” the housing authority wrote.

To apply, the housing authority sets a list of criteria, including being an Idaho resident for five years, being a first-time homebuyer, having worked continuously in Caldwell or the greater Caldwell area for the past five years, and having an annual net household income of less than $87,500.

The full list of application requirements and steps can be found here on the Housing Authority website.

‘A sweet addition’: Boise baker serves cookie art at celebrations across the Treasure Valley 🍪🎨

Anna Daly writes: There are cookies. And then there are cookies that serve as canvases for beautiful art.

At Tree City Cookie in Boise, baker Arika Cooknell combines her love of baking and designing by creating sugar cookie art for special occasions and celebrations.

“It’s a sweet addition to any celebration and everyone I’ve ever spoken to is so excited to receive cookies to celebrate a special moment in their life,” Cooknell said. “And I’m absolutely honored to be able to create edible art.”

Ocean themed birthdays and baby showers, florals, portraits, pool parties, graduations, commencements, woodland animals, retirements, and company holidays/employee awards are just a few of the events/themes Cooknell can bake cookies for.

“I am blown away by every single bridal/baby/1st birthday kit I make because these moments in a person’s life are just so remarkable,” Cooknell said. “I know it makes the recipients feel great to receive a cookie kit personalized with their favorite things.”

In addition to custom cookie kits, Cooknell also offers cookie decorating classes.

“I offer many different types of classes: private birthday parties, ladies’ nights, etc.,” Cooknell said. “Most of them are hosted and have a theme, so I provide cookies and decorations to match.”

For more information on ordering custom Tree City Cookie sets and to see more of Cooknell’s cookie art, visit her Instagram page here.

(Photo: Courtesy of Arika Cooknell)

The Basque Festival San Inazio begins this weekend

It’s time for the Basque San Inazio festival.

The festival began on Friday and runs until Sunday, July 30. The celebration includes Basque dancing, food and drinks, street dancing and live music.

There are also traditional Basque sporting events such as pala and handball.

The majority of the festival takes place in the Basque blocks of downtown Boise between Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street on Grove.

San Inazio is an annual Basque festival honoring the Basque Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The event takes place in Boise every year at the end of July and began over 25 years ago.

Here is the full schedule for Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday

• 7am Basque Open
• 11am Boiseko Gazteak Basque Dancers
• 12 p.m. Txan Txan Gorriak Basque musicians
• 13.00 Oinkari Basque Dancers
• 2.00 p.m. Mixed Pala Game
• 3:00 p.m. Pala game for women
• 16:00 Women’s Handball Final
• 16:30 Women’s Awards Ceremony
• 7.00 pm Mass in San Inazio
• 8pm Street Dance on the Block

Sunday

• 19:00 Women’s handball exhibition doubles
• 7 p.m. Txan Txan Gorriak Basque musicians
• 19:30 Bertsolari
• 8pm Sunday street dance

> This weekend

• Grant application: Individuals and organizations may apply for the Eagle Arts Advisory Committee grant application for 2023-2024. More information can be found here.
• Blood donation campaign: The City of Meridian is hosting a blood drive on August 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in City Hall Meeting Rooms A and B.
• Nampa Survey: The City of Nampa conducted a survey to better understand the housing needs in the city. Survey.

> BoiseDev Reports

‘Seasonal, global flavors’: New downtown Boise restaurant to open early next year

Construction has begun on a new restaurant in downtown Boise. Saltbrush will be located in The Lucy apartment building on Grove Street. Sydney Kidd has details on the project.

Meridian City Council members and the mayor could expect a raise in 2024 and 2025. Meridian’s compensation committee told the council that current salaries “do not reflect current market conditions.” For more information, visit BoiseDev.

> Linkworthy

• Prisoner reintegration program: The Idaho Capital Sun examined a report showing that staffing shortages are one of the main factors limiting the success of inmate reintegration. The study found that staffing shortages make it difficult for residents to access these programs.
• Kohberger Update: Idaho News 6 reports that defense attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss charges for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of the four University of Idaho students.
• Canyon County Fair: The fair is this weekend at the Canyon County Fairgrounds. The Idaho Press has details on what to expect.

>Things to do this weekend

• Saturday
  • Beer and flip-flops: Payette Brewing Co. is celebrating summer today with booths, food trucks, live music and more, starting at 2 p.m.
  • Meridian Main Street Market: Head to Broadway Avenue every Saturday to visit the Meridian Main Street Market. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Training for a good cause: Green Acres Food Truck Park is hosting So Good for its Pound Workout charity event to benefit local causes. It starts at 10am, costs $10 and includes a drink.
  • Roller Derby: Today at 5:30 p.m. we’re heading to the Idaho Central Arena to watch some local roller derby teams compete. Tickets are $15.
  • Public market of the capital: Every Saturday from 9:30am to 1:30pm, enjoy the sights and sounds of the public market and shop for a wide variety of specialty foods and art!

• Sunday
  • Yoga and wine: This Sunday, you can head to Indian Creek Winery in Kuna for a one-hour yoga session starting at 11 a.m. Be sure to bring a mat. Register here.
  • Live music: Ste. Chapelle invites The Noteables for its concert this Sunday. The concert starts at 1pm and tickets start at $25.
  • Yoga on the mountain: There is yoga at Bogus Basin on Sundays at 10am. It’s free, on the lawn, all you need to bring is a mat.
  • Art bazaar: On Sunday, the Lounge at the End of the Universe is hosting an art bazaar. There will be local artists, food, psychics and live music. It starts at 1 p.m. and admission is free.

>Zamzow’s Adoptable Pet of the Weekend

Check out this cute guy! Pongo is three years and six months old and gets along well with other dogs. Here’s what his bio says about him:

“This dapper guy’s name is Pongo and he’s as handsome as can be! Pongo is sociable and alert and reportedly gets along well with other dogs and he loves toys!!! Come by today and say hello to this looker.”

Learn more about Pongo here.

Thank you to our friends at Zamzows for sponsoring our adoptable pet of the week!