Idaho Statesman week in review

Ada library moves kids book without board vote

Ada Community Library relocated “The Bare Naked Book” from the children’s section to a Parent-Teacher shelf after a patron objected to depictions of tattoos, nipple piercings and “transgenderism,” under a 2024 Idaho law on materials deemed harmful to minors. Board Chair Steven Ricks announced the move without a formal vote, calling the book “borderline” and endorsing staff’s recommendation . Trustee Mary-Anne Saunders objected and later said votes should be recorded for transparency. Open-government advocate Betsy Russell said the board must vote publicly to take action, disputing Ricks’ interpretation.

Reported by Rose Evans, published Nov. 24

Boise Board Room to close after 30 years in town

Boise’s Board Room, a 30-year fixture for snowboarding, skateboarding and “anything sideways,” will close this month, the shop announced Nov. 12 on Facebook. Owner Chris Heise said the decision followed a landlord notice that the lease would not be renewed, delivered 29 days before renewal and 15 days before a major shipment. Heise said he was told to buy the building for $1.75 million or leave. He called the price unrealistic and canceled winter orders. Heise, with the company since 2001, said the community’s support kept doors open a few extra months. Events like the Grom Games will continue as part of the brand’s legacy, he said.

Reported by Shannon Tyler, published Nov. 23

Boise eyes big pickleball expansion by 2031

Boise plans to boost its share of outdoor courts dedicated to pickleball from 16% today to 25% by 2027, with a longer-term goal of 40% by 2031, Boise recreation superintendent Roseanne Brown told the Parks and Recreation Commission. The push follows court closures at Willow Lane and Manitou parks after a neighbor’s lawsuit over noise led to a city settlement, which officials said generated at least 150 public emails. The city spent $75,000 converting those sites back to tennis and now manages 75 tennis courts and 14 dedicated pickleball courts, with about a third of tennis courts striped for dual use. Funding is not yet secured for new builds. Options include converting four Owyhee Park tennis courts into 12 pickleball courts and adding courts at the Optimist complex.

Reported by Carolyn Komatsoulis, published Nov. 25

Coroner IDs Boise man in hotel death case

The Ada County Coroner identified the victim as 40-year-old Abel Garcia Jr., who died around 3 a.m. Nov. 20 at a hotel on Sunrise Rim Road in Boise. The coroner said the manner and cause of death are pending. Boise Police Department officials also declined to specify how Garcia died. Police said Brian Jones, 36, called dispatchers around 12:45 a.m. and told them he killed his friend, adding the friend “wanted to go” and calling it assisted suicide. Assisted suicide is illegal under Idaho Code 39-4514, officials noted. Jones was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and is held at the Ada County Jail, police said. The investigation is ongoing.

Reported by Shannon Tyler, published Nov. 21

Boise schools shift millions to settle abuse suits

Boise School District will redirect more than $4 million from planned facility maintenance to help finance $7 million in settlements with seven families over sexual abuse allegations tied to former Valley View Elementary paraprofessional Gavin Snow, spokesperson Dan Hollar said. Court approval is still required before any payments are made. About $2 million will come from insurance and $5 million from the district’s general fund, altering a planned $7.4 million transfer to the district’s maintenance fund down to $3 million, Hollar said. The district will postpone lower-priority projects but keep essential maintenance on schedule, Hollar said.

Reported by Becca Savransky, published Nov. 21

Expert pegs $402K claim in West Bonner suit

Former West Bonner County School District Superintendent Branden Durst is seeking $402,210 in alleged lost wages and benefits, according to an expert report filed in his lawsuit over his termination, court documents show. The district argues his contract was void after the Idaho State Board of Education denied his emergency certification and that he resigned, filings show. A Dec. 1 hearing on summary judgment motions precedes a January trial date, according to the court schedule. The expert’s breakdown cites $168,208.46 in wages, $39,843.86 in benefits, $12,692.31 in vacation, and $181,465 in retirement.

Reported by Ryan Suppe of Idaho Education News, published Nov. 21

This story was originally published November 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Idaho Statesman week in review."