Pull The Thread Count From A Certain Forum?

[oneupdave]

Hi, I'm working with someone on a custom theme, and in one of the areas, we want to display the number of announcements. How can I pull the number of threads from just one forum ID to display in this area? I'm currently at a loss.

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Bonus: This is just wishful thinking, but if someone could guide me as to how one would pull the amount of posts that a user have not read in said announcement forum, that would be peachy and VERY much appreciated. Once I get a job, I'll send a small financial gift your way.

[Matt]

Where will you want the number being displayed...??

The second bit would need a plugin.

[oneupdave]

Under the header, we've replaced the welcome panel with a sliding panel. This would go within that panel.