Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

1 month ago

Panhandle Health pitches integrated clinic model; Bonner County commissioners press for county-level data and fiscal note Panhandle Health’s medical director outlined a new integrated primary-care model emphasizing preventive care, use of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, and a two-track clinic approach. Commissioners welcomed the ideas but demanded county‑resident utilization, clear day‑of‑service targets for Sandpoint, and a fiscal note before approving any increased county funding.

Panhandle Health unveils an ambitious plan for integrated clinical services, but Bonner County commissioners are holding off on funding until they see the county-specific data they need.

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealthcare #PreventiveCare

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

1 month ago

Bonner County hears proposal for shared direct primary care clinic; no decision made Bonner County commissioners and stakeholders on Feb. 12 heard a presentation from PMR Healthcare and benefits consultants on a shared direct primary care clinic model that could offer $0 in‑clinic costs to employees, but commissioners requested more data and took no action. Key concerns included budget impact, participation thresholds and competition with local providers.

Bonner County commissioners explored a groundbreaking shared direct primary care clinic that promises $0 costs for employees, but left the meeting without a vote as concerns lingered.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CostControl #EmployeeWellbeing #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

1 month ago

Commissioners accept emergency management grant reduction and approve routine claims and demands Bonner County accepted a reduction in the 2022 SHSP grant award from $72,183.32 to $67,359.84, and the board approved FY26 claims batch 19 ($309,503.82) and demands batch 19 ($105,160.29).

Bonner County Commissioners have adjusted a crucial emergency management grant, freeing up funds for other preparedness programs while approving significant routine financial claims.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #EmergencyPreparedness

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

1 month ago

Bonner County OKs design contract with Keller & Associates for Coqualalo Loop bridge after procedural delay After procedural discussion about signature authority, the board approved a professional services agreement with Keller & Associates for design and permitting of the Coqualalo Loop bridge; the project already has $1.2 million set aside, and the design contract budget is $277,960 (time & materials cap).

Bonner County is taking a major step forward in bridge safety with a $1.2 million project to revamp the aging Coqualalo Loop Bridge, but procedural hurdles nearly halted progress!

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment #FloodMitigation

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

After-action: Sandpoint District reports 12 fires, 2,738 acres burned and new rappel capability coming Zone fire management officer Justin Clary told commissioners the Sandpoint Ranger District handled 12 fires totaling about 2,738 acres, hosted Type 3 teams and mutual aid, and expects to base 18 rappelers in Coeur d'Alene by May to improve firefighter delivery for initial attack in northern areas.

The Sandpoint Ranger District battled 12 fires across 2,738 acres and is gearing up to enhance firefighting efforts with new rappel capabilities by May!

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #FireManagement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

Forest Service: Wellington Creek bridge washed away; federal aid sought as flood repairs loom Sandpoint Ranger District told Bonner County commissioners that December floods washed out the Wellington Creek bridge and closed several Forest Service roads; the district is pursuing an IRFAA declaration to seek Federal Highway Administration assistance while weighing whether to rebuild in kind or lower maintenance levels to speed future repairs.

The devastating floods have wiped out the Wellington Creek bridge, leaving Bonner County's access roads in jeopardy and prompting urgent calls for federal aid.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #InfrastructureRepair #EmergencyManagement #FloodResponse #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

Panhandle Health review in Bonner County spotlights clinical services costs, mental-health gaps and grant urgency At a Jan. 14 meeting, Panhandle Health officials laid out clinical-service volumes, payer mix and county contributions and recommended stronger outcome metrics; commissioners debated whether the district should focus on gaps such as mental-health care or avoid duplicating federally qualified health centers.

Panhandle Health's recent review reveals critical gaps in mental health services and sparks debate over the role of public health funding in Bonner County.

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #MentalHealthCare #CommunityHealthServices #PublicHealthReform #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

Committee hears that a refiled House Bill 101 will aim to protect public water access A committee member said the upcoming legislative session will include a refiled version of last year’s House Bill 101, renumbered for the new session, intended to prevent road vacations that would block access to public waters and lands under Title 40.

A new version of House Bill 101 is on the horizon, aiming to safeguard our vital public access to lakes and lands—will it make the difference we need?

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #WaterAccess #LegislativeReform #PublicLands #CitizenPortal #BonnerCountyPublicAccess

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

4‑H leaders and volunteers urge caution as Bonner County debate over fair governance unfolds Fair Board members, 4‑H leaders and community volunteers told commissioners they rely on fairgrounds access and volunteer labor and warned that changing staff reporting or funding arrangements could harm low‑cost youth programs and year‑round events.

Bonner County residents are demanding clarity and caution over a governance dispute that could jeopardize affordable youth programs and year-round events at the fairgrounds.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #YouthPrograms #CommunityAccountability #CitizenPortal #BonnerCountyFair

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

Bonner County commissioners reverse reporting change for fair manager, seek written legal opinion The Bonner County Board of County Commissioners voted to return the county fair manager's direct reporting to the Fair Board and requested a written legal opinion clarifying the statutory duties and separation of responsibilities between the county and the Fair Board.

In a surprising turn of events, Bonner County commissioners have restored the fair manager's reporting line to the Fair Board while seeking legal clarity on responsibilities that could impact the future of the county fair.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

2 months ago

Fire chiefs urge action on staffing, sign‑offs and levies; commissioners agree to pursue MOU and planning-code review Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong told commissioners local fire districts face a staffing, equipment and insurance crisis and urged clearer agreements on fire sign‑offs; commissioners asked for a sample MOU, scheduled further discussions and asked planning staff to review Title 12 fire‑signoff language.

Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong warns that local fire districts in Bonner County are in a "crisis" over staffing and equipment, urging commissioners to take immediate action for public safety.

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #FireDistricts #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CommunityCollaboration

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

3 months ago

Bonner County declares disaster after flooding, ratifies Army Corps cooperative agreement Bonner County declared a county-level disaster after heavy snowmelt and rain damaged roads and infrastructure, and the Board ratified a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize riverbanks and restore access.

Bonner County has declared a local disaster as severe flooding wreaks havoc on roads, prompting urgent action and assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #BonnerCountyEmergency #DisasterResponse #InfrastructureStability #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

3 months ago

Bonner County authorizes RFQ for admin building remodel amid elevator and ADA concerns County engineers were authorized to solicit architectural qualifications for a first-floor remodel of the Bonner County Administrative Building; commissioners pressed staff to get elevator-repair cost estimates and prioritize ADA accessibility and security needs before committing to scope creep.

Bonner County is taking a significant step towards improving accessibility and security in its administration building with a first-floor remodel, but will it prioritize the long-awaited elevator repairs?

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

3 months ago

Commissioners urge Fair Board to adopt written policies, tighten purchasing and improve public access County commissioners told the Bonner County Fair Board to formalize policies, publish minutes and consider switching from debit to credit cards; they recommended adopting SOPs and consulting county legal counsel on open-meeting requirements.

Bonner County commissioners are pushing for crucial changes to the Fair Board's policies, aiming for better transparency and accountability in their operations.

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicAccountability #ProcurementReform #MeetingAccess #BonnerCountyFairBoard

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

3 months ago

Bonner County commissioners press Fair Board after bookkeeper finds deleted entries and unclear finances A newly contracted bookkeeper told Bonner County officials she found deleted QuickBooks entries and misnumbered checks dating to 2023and 2024, prompting calls for a limited forensic reconciliation and clearer written policies; the county and fair board discussed authorizing hourly corrective work with a not-to-exceed cap.

A shocking discovery by a Bonner County bookkeeper reveals deleted financial records that could reshape the future of the county fair!

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #BudgetReconciliation #CivicOversight #FinancialTransparency #BonnerCountyFairBoard

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Bonner County commissioners debate remote-work policy and continue comprehensive plan revisions around Priest Lake Commissioners discussed creating a formal remote-work policy with approval procedures and explored alternative flexible schedules; separately, the board continued deliberations on comprehensive plan map amendments around Priest Lake and proposed two new zoning districts to reconcile small residential lots and resort-commercial uses.

Bonner County commissioners are shaping the future of remote work and land use near Priest Lake, balancing flexibility with community needs.

Learn more here!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #WorkplaceFlexibility #CommunityOutreach #BonnerCountyRemoteWork #LandUsePlanning

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Bonner County HR director reports biometric screening turnout, plans interviews and policy revisions Bonner County’s Human Resources director told commissioners the county held a biometric screening with 39 attendees, will interview candidates for the vacant planning director post this week, and has sent a revised compensation policy to legal while drafting benefits and volunteer policies.

Bonner County's HR Director reveals promising results from a recent biometric screening and highlights exciting updates on hiring and policy revisions that could shape the future of the county.

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #HiringProcess #CitizenPortal #EmployeeWellness

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Resident urges caution on EMS-only mental-health responses; board highlights 988, training and a possible $350,000 SAMHSA grant During public comment, Duane Martin urged the board not to send EMS to mental-health calls without law-enforcement backup; commissioners described plans to pursue 988 usage, CIT training and a potential SAMHSA grant to improve crisis response coordination.

A Bonner County resident raises urgent concerns about the safety of EMS personnel responding to mental health calls without police backup, prompting discussions on crucial training and grant opportunities.

Read the full story!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MentalHealthTraining

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Bonner County approves Solid Waste contracts, carries forward capital funds and adopts revised fee schedule with clerical fixes The Bonner County Board of Commissioners approved multiple Solid Waste contracts and budget carryovers and adopted a revised disposal fee schedule effective Dec. 1, 2025, while directing staff to confirm a wording detail about household hazardous‑waste handling and stickers.

Bonner County is revamping its Solid Waste contracts and fee schedules, ensuring better services and clarity for residents while tackling household hazardous waste regulations.

Learn more here!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSustainability #CommunityServices #WasteManagement

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

IDL outlines navigable-waters permit workload, mine-reclamation role and lease activity IDL officials said the department administers submerged-land encroachments (docks, boat launches) for Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork and other waters and that more than 3,000 active encroachment permits exist statewide; staff also summarized the Mining Land Reclamation Act requirements, abandoned-mine work and local leasing activity (cabins, one

Did you know there are over 3,000 active permits for docks and boat launches on Idaho's beautiful lakes and rivers?

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #NaturalResources #MiningReclamation

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

IDL says private-forestry program saw hundreds of notifications and tens of millions of board feet harvested in past year The department reported 727 active forest-practice notifications in Bonner County and said private and industrial lands together produced about 27 million board feet last year; staff emphasized voluntary compliance and technical assistance to landowners.

In Bonner County, a staggering 727 active forest-practice notifications hint at a booming private forestry scene, with a remarkable 27 million board feet harvested last year!

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #LandownerAssistance #CitizenPortal #SustainableHarvesting #ForestManagement

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Good Neighbor Authority projects in Sandpoint area advance fuel-treatment and commercial-sale work IDLs Good Neighbor Authority team said a Sandpoint South decision notice is expected in December and will cover roughly 8,300 acres with fuels and commercial harvest components; a prior Scattered Lands NEPA decision covers about 7,000 acres and has already produced several sales.

Exciting developments in Bonner County as the Good Neighbor Authority gears up for major fuel treatments and commercial harvests across thousands of acres!

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityResilience #ForestManagement

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

IDL: Stimson, Inland Empire projects bring tens of thousands of acres under conservation easements in Bonner County The Idaho Department of Lands reported Oct. 27 that recent conservation-easement projects will keep large timber tracts intact while preserving public non-motorized access in many areas; some easements include specific seasonal access limits. Staff described how federal Forest Legacy funding and appraisals determine easement payments and noted the

Major conservation projects are set to preserve vast tracts of land in Bonner County while ensuring public access—find out how this impacts the community and the environment!

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #ConservationEasements #ForestLegacy

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

IDL fire staff: Sandpoint-area season saw 52 fires and 3,264 acres burned; Sunset and Sagebrush were largest incidents The Idaho Department of Lands reported that the Pend Oreille Lake supervisory area saw 52 fires this season, totaling about 3,264 acres burned. Staff said 96% of fires were contained at 10 acres or less and described staffing, resource modules and mutual-aid agreements used during the season.

The Idaho Department of Lands reports a challenging fire season with 52 fires and over 3,264 acres burned, yet they successfully contained 96% at 10 acres or less!

Get the details!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #FireSuppression #ForestManagement

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

4 months ago

Bonner County OKs framework to let communities pursue railroad "quiet zones" with community-funded consultants The Bonner County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 29 approved a framework to allow communities to pursue Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) quiet zones by hiring a consultant engineer to act as the county's proponent. The board directed the Road & Bridge Department to solicit a consultant and return with a professional services agreement; the pro

Bonner County is paving the way for quieter neighborhoods by approving a framework for community-funded railroad crossing quiet zones!

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #QualityOfLife #BonnerCountyQuietZones #CommunityFunding

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

5 months ago

Bonner County natural resources panel reviews past caribou work, winter travel impacts; cannot act without quorum Committee members recounted a multi‑year coalition effort that reduced proposed caribou critical habitat acreage and discussed winter travel plan closures affecting snowmobiling; no formal votes were taken because the meeting lacked a quorum.

Bonner County's Natural Resources Committee slashed proposed caribou habitat from 376,000 acres to just 30,000, balancing wildlife protection with local interests!

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #LandUsePolicy #CommunityParticipation #WildlifeConservation

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

5 months ago

NEPA changes could speed Bonner County forest projects, panel told At a Bonner County Natural Resources Committee meeting without a quorum, members heard that recent federal changes to NEPA will speed reviews in high wildfire‑risk areas, potentially accelerating logging projects and infrastructure work such as a long-delayed bridge replacement; the committee agreed to invite a Forest Service representative for a详细

Federal changes to NEPA could finally clear the way for long-awaited logging projects and critical infrastructure in Bonner County, but will it be enough to overcome a decade of delays?

Click to read more!

#BonnerCounty #ID #WildfireRisk #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPolicy

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

5 months ago

Residents press Bonner County for no-wake buoys; advisory committee asks director to review denials Residents from multiple inlets on the Pend Oreille River urged Bonner County’s Waterways Advisory Committee to overturn earlier denials and install no-wake buoys. The committee heard appeals, clarified criteria (including a 400-foot channel rule and 200-foot no-wake zone), and the director agreed to review the denied applications and respond within

Residents are demanding action from Bonner County to protect their shores from dangerous boat wakes and unsafe conditions as they push for no-wake buoys in local inlets.

Read the full story

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CommunityEnforcement #WaterwaySafety #ShorelineErosion

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

5 months ago

Bonner County proclaims Oct. 14, 2025 a Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk after debate over process The board adopted a proclamation condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and designating Oct. 14, 2025 as a day of remembrance. The item prompted extended discussion and public comment about whether the county needs a formal process for adopting remembrance days.

Bonner County has officially designated October 14, 2025, as a Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, igniting a heated debate on how future remembrance days should be determined.

Learn more here

#BonnerCounty #ID #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PoliticalViolence #CommunityRemembrance

Citizen Portal News Idaho

@citizenptnewsid.bsky.social

5 months ago

Bonner County approves temporary easement for Sandpoint Airport and accepts aviation counsel rate addendum The Bonner County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary construction easement to remove trees encroaching on Sandpoint Airport airspace and accepted an addendum to retain Pillsbury attorney Paul Fradinberg for aviation matters after discussion about fees and limited use of outside counsel.

Bonner County has greenlit a crucial easement to clear trees obstructing Sandpoint Airport's airspace, while also tackling rising legal fees with a top aviation attorney.

Learn more here!

#BonnerCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #BonnerCountyAirport #CommunityEngagement #AviationSafety