Hello Tuesday. Gretchen Parsons here with your local news.
Good morning. A new gourmet cookie shop is opening in Meridian soon. Plus, a long-time Hyde Park business is looking for a new location.
Today: 49° 🌥 Partly sunny.
First Up Today
🍪 New gourmet cookie shop to open in Meridian
Calling all dessert lovers, there will soon be a new place to get your gourmet cookie fix in Meridian.
Cookie Co. is slated to open Saturday, March 18 at 6500 N. Linder Road in Suite 112.
The first Cookie Co. opened in California in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, according to the company's website. There are now more than a dozen locations across the West, with the Meridian store being the second Idaho location. The other one is in Idaho Falls.
Similar to Crumbl Cookies and Chip Cookies, Cookie Co. offers a customizable four-pack cookie variety, a party pack, and catering options. Flavors rotate weekly with the classic chocolate chip always available.
During Saturday's grand opening event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., there will be free cookie samples and a chance to win free cookies for one year.
“We are excited to bring fresh, delicious cookies to the Meridian community and can't wait to share our love of cookies with everyone," said Marketing Manager, Malcolm B Kong. "We want to thank everyone for their support and we look forward to serving you soon!”
Dunia Marketplace to leave Hyde Park after 27 years
Autum Robertson writes: After spending 27 years in Hyde Park, Dunia Marketplace will leave at the end of March.
Dunia Marketplace is a fair trade non-profit that was founded by members of the Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship in 1995. The store sells goods from 82 countries, states, and tribal reservations.
However, Dunia is still on the market for a new home and continues to seek input from the public.
“People come in to tell us where they saw a property or to just offer support and brainstorm ideas,” Delavan said in the news release. “Every day someone asks if we have found a place yet. Many can’t believe we have to leave, saying that we are quintessential Hyde Park. The overwhelming sentiment is that we cannot close.”
Delavan explained that they have struggled to find a property. They are looking for a space that would be around 1,200 square feet with storage. The market has had conversations about co-locating with another non-profit. It is also noted that Dunia is working with a commercial real estate agent.
Dunia Marketplace’s last day at 1609 N 13 Street is March 19. Delavan said they are “preparing” to potentially close up shop for a “short while.”
“We are preparing for the possibility of being closed for a short while. Even if we find a new place immediately we would need a little time to get that space ready. We are looking for pop-up opportunities in the interim to keep us going, and possibly doing more with our online shop. We think there is a real opportunity there,” Delavan said, “But an online shop cannot replace the essence of Dunia. We are more than just a place to shop. We are a reflection of community. Our small-space holds the stories of hope, culture, and creativity. These are the stories of artisans both throughout the world and here, locally.”
Meridian police warn of 'Microsoft scams'
If there's someone in your life who is vulnerable to scams, there's another scheme going around to be aware of.
The Meridian Police Department says there's been an increase in "Microsoft" scams. Victims are receiving emails and pop-up notifications stating that something is wrong with their computer and are given a number to call. Once on the phone, the scammer says they need to make a payment via money transfer or gift card.
Police say if you know someone who would be susceptible to this, let them know they should always consult with someone else when faced with this type of situation. Some other tips from MPD to keep in mind:
Never click on links and popups or call numbers when instructed to
Install firewalls and virus protection software on electronics
Money transfers and gift cards for payment are always huge red flags
Idaho Museum Camps: Do your kids need something to do this Spring Break? Registration is now open for Spring Break Camps at the Idaho State Museum.
Greenbelt Closure: A section of the Greenbelt is closed on the south side of the Boise River near Garden City just downstream from the West Bridge until early March. There will be no detours. See the closure map here.
10 Mile Closure: Starting today, Ten Mile Road is closed between Columbia Road and Lake Hazel Road for underground sewer line work. The road is expected to be back open at the end of April.
BoiseDev Reports
First batch of Idaho-funded housing projects awarded, set to build 1,000 units statewide
More than one thousand income-restricted housing units will be built in Idaho after $50 million in federal funds were approved by the Idaho legislature. As Margaret Carmel reports, rent will vary depending on where in Idaho the units are.
Michael Vaughan: Sarah Wondra, the Fruitland woman charged in connection to the disappearance of missing boy Michael Vaughan, will remain in the state hospital pending continued evaluation of her competency to stand trial. Read the full report from Idaho News 6.
Ex-Cop Sentenced:According to KTVB, the former Caldwell Police officer convicted of three federal crimes in September 2022 will serve three months in prison, far less than prosecutors sought.
EMS:As Boise State Public Radio reports, there's a push to make Emergency Medical Services an essential service in Idaho because as of now it is not. And currently, the 44 entities - one in each county - don’t receive state funding.
Assault Charges:According to East Idaho News, a 23-year-old Idaho Falls man is facing a felony charge after a woman reported that she woke up to him sexually assaulting her.
Things To Do
Bad Art: The Garden City Library is hosting a "Bad Art Competition" Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. where participants are encouraged to make a very tacky masterpiece and the winner receives a trophy. The library will have art supplies and the competition is free but registration is encouraged.
Boise Golf Show: The Boise Golf Show is happening this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Expo Idaho. Find deals on golf rounds, equipment and golf travel and test your skills at the long-drive and long-putt contests. There's also a free instructional area and a kids' area. Get tickets here.
Valentine's Dinner: The Bishops' House by the Old Pen is having a Valentine's Dinner Friday and Saturday with food from Cucina Di Paolo, including an appetizer, salad, bread, entrée, and dessert. Get tickets here.
Cupid's Undie Run: Cupid's Undie Run is happening this Saturday. The run kicks off with drinking and dancing at Tom Grainey's then a mile-long run. Details here.
Pet of the Day
Meet Willow! Owner Midori Krueger says, as you can see, Willow loves the snow!
