TAXES: Here's a waste on wheels

I was once a Bonner County resident and now am a Kootenai County resident. I would like to think that every person that lives in their own county would like to know that their tax money is being used for the benefit of the county they live in and not another.

Bonneville County announces Disaster Declaration

On Friday, March 20 Bonneville County Board of Commissioners are issuing a Disaster Declaration for Bonneville County.

REDISTRICT: Need the best in court

I read Thursday's article about the pending legislative redistricting lawsuit with a growing sense of alarm. The idea that Kootenai County would even consider hitching our strong lawsuit with a weak lawsuit like the one proposed by Twin Falls County is a recipe for disaster for the 5,155 residents of southeastern Kootenai County, and to a lesser degree, the 40,785 residents of northern Kootenai County, all of whom would be joined to a district outside their county. In the past, some legislation has been enacted that affected only Kootenai County. A representative living more than 200 miles away (but in the same district) might see things differently than if he was a Kootenai County resident.

Idaho showing shifting citizens

Kootenai among counties with population growth

The steady shift of Idaho’s population from smaller to larger counties continued between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015, according to estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Some FAQs about the county ballot question

Your current elected Kootenai County officials - Clerk/Auditor Cliff Hayes, Assessor Mike McDowell, Treasurer Tom Malzahn and Coroner Deb Wilkey - offer this guest opinion to help voters weigh the merits of the Nov. 6 ballot measure which the County Commissioners have proposed to replace the present county governance structure.

County: No time for big change

The citizens of Kootenai County should be very wary of the upcoming ballot measure to "Change the Form of County Government." The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in a departure from their campaign promises of "openness and transparency in government" has brought forward a proposal to create a juggernaut of administrators with the ability to hire and fire the county coroner, treasurer, clerk and assessor while hiring a county administrator.

COLLEGE: Who pays for what?

While reading the article “LCSC looks north” a question was raised at the dinner table. While it is wonderful that the colleges are becoming more available to residents of Idaho, who is funding the sites outside of Kootenai County? Are the sites in Shoshone County, Benewah County, Bonner County and Boundary County all funded by the citizens of Kootenai County or does each share in this privilege?

Shoshone County finds itself in ranger danger

North Idaho’s counties have a considerable stake in the management of the national forest areas they host. Counties depend on the U.S. Forest Service for multiple important services: Reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, fighting wildfires effectively when they inevitably occur, maintaining and enhancing forest health, fostering and developing forest-related economic activity, and insuring forest recreational uses and access. The greater the area covered by national forests in a county, moreover, the more that county will feel these needs.

Blame it on Kootenai County

Bonner County DMV to serve locals only

Bonner County DMV says no more KC residents

HEALTH: See how county ranks

How healthy is the county where you live in comparison to other counties in Idaho? The health of a community depends on many different health factors, including the environment, education and jobs, access to and quality of health care, and individual behaviors. One way to look at the health of your county is through the County Health Rankings. These rankings look at measures that describe the current health status of a county (Health Outcomes) and the health factors that influence those outcomes.

COUNTY: Mind your business

Perhaps some of our county officials would be best advised to pay closer attention to the county needs and have less concern about the various city redevelopment agencies. Just to be clear, city residents pay county taxes. County residents do not pay city taxes.

Shared risk

COEUR d'ALENE - When a claim against the county is settled and there's a big price tag attached, the Idaho Counties Risk Management Plan often cuts the check.

County ceremony set for Monday

The swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected Kootenai County officials will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in Rooms 1A and 1B of the County Administration Building.

SHOSHONE: Dispute is hurting citizens

In past years I have attended any number of annual budget hearings because I am concerned that our local tax districts (county, city, schools, water, sewer, etc.) are providing quality goods and services for the tax dollars that we, the citizens and taxpayers of this great republic, provide. I do this because I have always believed that, at least on a local level, I can effect change. I must now admit that I was naive to believe that, even at a local level, our elected officials care about any public input on any matter.

County, city closer to solving property anomaly

Sheriff’s office, jail would be de-annexed from Coeur d’Alene

It's been 31 years since the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and jail have been on county property. They reside in the city of Coeur d’Alene.

NELSON: Business background a boost

It is with pleasure I have the opportunity to speak on behalf of Jai Nelson who is running for County Commissioner of Kootenai County. Jai is an experienced business owner who has resided in Kootenai County her entire life. She is vitally interested in openness and transparency in our county government. She plans to bring about transparency by placing the county checkbook online so expenditures can be traced and followed by everyone.

COUNTY: Mind your business

COUNTY: Mind your business

Bonner County, Spirit Lake Fire District reach accord

SANDPOINT - Bonner County has reached an accord with the Spirit Lake Fire District concerning emergency medical response in the southwestern portion of the county.

Impact fees: Kootenai County takes a look

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County commissioners are considering impact fees to help growth outside cities pay for itself.

Where does the buck stop?

County commissioners make the call on settlement agreements, but others can have their input