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Kootenai County has taken swift action to ensure uninterrupted coroner services by approving a new agreement for forensic pathologists amidst an impending autopsy contract expiration.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #HealthcareAccess #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County secures interim coroner arrangements, approves locum pathology contract
The board approved a locum‑tenens forensic pathology agreement and a 2026 MOU with Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office to cover autopsy capacity through Jan. 31 while the county completes an RFP for permanent services.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 10:41 AM
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Kootenai County just greenlit major airport developments, including hangar sales that could save taxpayers up to $800,000 a year!

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #EconomicDevelopment #PublicAirports #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal
County approves airport hangar transactions and pays for work to pursue FAA contract tower program
Commissioners approved airport lease terminations and hangar sales, consolidated a hangar lot to just over 3 acres, and authorized a work order (not to exceed $16,360) to prepare an application for the federal contract tower program; staff said FAA staffing could save $700,000–$800,000 annually in controller costs.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 10:09 AM
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The Kootenai County Board of Equalization's recent decision to reinstate a homeowner’s exemption raises serious questions about the assessor’s motives and potential conflicts of interest.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HomeownerExemption #PoliticalImpartiality #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County BOE reinstates homeowner’s exemption for appellant after deliberations; commissioner alleges conflict by assessor
The Kootenai County Board of Equalization voted Jan. 14 to reinstate a homeowner’s exemption for an appellant (referred to in the record as Miss Knapp) after commissioners concluded submitted assessor evidence did not refute the appellant’s Idaho residency. One commissioner questioned the assessor’s motives and the timing of his investigation.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 5:33 AM
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A new draft ordinance in Kootenai County aims to modernize wireless communications regulations, tightening restrictions on tower placements in residential zones while ensuring public safety and compliance.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #WirelessCommunications #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Draft cell-tower ordinance moves to Planning & Zoning after county accepts outside attorney offer
A Kootenai County commissioner presented a modernized draft wireless-communications ordinance that tightens siting in residential zones, requires technical data and independent review paid by carriers, and includes enforcement provisions; the board agreed an outside attorney paid by a community group may draft language, with Planning & Zoning vetting required before the board sees a final proposal.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 4:13 AM
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Allison Knapp's battle for her homeowner exemption reveals a contentious clash over residency claims, with accusations of power abuse and conflicting evidence at the Kootenai County Board of Equalization.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #HomeownerExemptionRules
Kootenai County BOE pauses decision in homeowner-exemption appeal after competing evidence on residency
On Jan. 7 the Kootenai County Board of Equalization heard competing testimony in Allison Knapp’s appeal of a revoked homeowner’s exemption, debated tax returns and residency indicators, and voted to close testimony and reconvene for deliberations Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m.
citizenportal.ai
January 9, 2026 at 4:56 PM
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Kootenai County's proposed autopsy lab design has gone $297,000 over budget, but staff are pushing for innovative cost-saving measures while ensuring essential features stay intact.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #LocalGovAI #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealth
Kootenai County says autopsy lab design exceeds budget by about $297,000; staff propose value engineering and a temporary lab
County facilities director and the coroner told commissioners the autopsy lab GMP exceeded the allocated funds; staff identified roughly $256,000 in potential savings, propose accepting about $245,000 of them, and asked the board to consider covering a $296,910 shortfall from either the five‑year facilities plan or fund balance; staff will present a formal GMP for approval later the same day.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 5:43 PM
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Kootenai County is rushing to establish a temporary autopsy facility after Spokane abruptly cut ties, with emergency funding approved to tackle an unexpected crisis.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HealthCare #PublicSafety #EmergencyFunding #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County authorizes emergency coroner funding after Spokane ends autopsy relationship
Facing a sudden cutoff of autopsy services from the Spokane Medical Examiner, the county approved Resolution 2025-98 to release up to $40,000 from the coroner construction assigned fund balance to make a temporary autopsy facility operable.
citizenportal.ai
January 3, 2026 at 7:53 PM
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Kootenai County just secured a $450,000 grant to tackle hazardous fuels across 133 acres, paving the way for safer communities in Wolf Lodge, Cataldo, and Harrison!

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CommunityAssistance #HazardousFuels #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County approves $450,000 MOU with Idaho Department of Lands for hazardous-fuels treatment
Board approved an MOU with the Idaho Department of Lands for a $450,000 landowner assistance grant to treat roughly 133 acres of hazardous fuels in Wolf Lodge, Cataldo and Harrison; county staff said no local match is required.
citizenportal.ai
December 27, 2025 at 9:44 PM
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Kootenai County commissioners have extended a disaster declaration after windstorm damages soared past $1 million, ensuring crucial resources for recovery efforts.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #DisasterResponse #CostRecovery #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal
Board extends disaster declaration after windstorm; insurer estimate in record exceeds $1 million
Kootenai County extended a disaster emergency declaration related to a recent windstorm while damage assessments continue; OEM staff said an estimate from the local electric utility placed damages "a little bit over $1,000,000."
citizenportal.ai
December 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
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Kootenai County has approved new area-of-impact maps that shrink boundaries to just one-eighth of a mile outside city limits, sparking significant public debate over conservation and development.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #EnvironmentalConservation #LandUsePlanning #CommunityInput
Kootenai County approves trimmed area‑of‑impact maps; orders opt‑out process, limits AOIs to 1/8 mile outside city limits
The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners approved revised area‑of‑impact (AOI) maps for several cities, including Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and Rathdrum, adopting a one‑eighth‑mile limit outside city limits and asking staff to develop an opt‑out process and supporting narratives. Public commenters urged removal of conservation easements and rural hillsides from AOIs.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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Kootenai County is at a crossroads as residents voice concerns over proposed maps that could reshape city planning and annexation in Post Falls.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #UrbanPlanning #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
Kootenai County hears Post Falls AOI maps as residents raise concerns about notice, sewer costs and annexation
Kootenai County commissioners heard a Dec. 18 public hearing on ORA25-0009, a set of Post Falls "area of city impact" maps. City staff said the maps narrow some boundaries and do not force annexation; residents pressed for clearer notice, questioned sewer costs, and sought protections for long‑time rural households.
citizenportal.ai
December 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
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A man was killed in Kootenai County after a tree fell on his home while he slept, officials say.

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#NeighborhoodNews #KootenaiCounty #Fernan #IdahoWX
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December 17, 2025 at 11:42 PM
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Kootenai County officials are raising alarms over mining practices that threaten the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer's water quality—could your drinking water be at risk?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #WaterQuality #MiningRegulations #CommunitySafety #CitizenPortal
County staff seeks direction to draft mining-code amendment after nearby mining breached aquifer layer
Kootenai County staff asked the board to allow drafting a mining-code amendment after staff identified cases in an adjacent county where open mining penetrated a layer that allowed aquifer water to surface and be converted to home sites, posing water-quality concerns.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 9:45 AM
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Kootenai County is embroiled in a heated debate over AOI mapping and boundary disputes just weeks before a crucial Dec. 18 hearing—will they find common ground?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #KootenaiCountyCommunity #CommunityInvolvement #LocalGovernance #LandUsePlanning
Kootenai County and cities spar over AOI maps, notice procedures and boundary inclusions ahead of Dec. 18 hearing
County staff briefed the board on proposed Area of Impact (AOI) maps and a plan to use the state 15‑day notice for a map-only submittal; city attorneys and the City of Hauser’s counsel urged inclusion and raised boundary, notice and revenue-sharing concerns ahead of the Dec. 18 hearing.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:29 AM
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A Rathdrum homeowner is fighting back after her property tax exemption was abruptly revoked due to a mysterious out-of-state notice—could this be a case of miscommunication or something more sinister?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #HomeownerExemption #GovernmentTransparency #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County homeowner appeals removal of exemption, alleges improper out-of-state notice and possible targeting; hearing continued
An appellant whose homeowner exemption was removed told the Kootenai County Board of Equalization she lives in Rathdrum and that an ineligibility notice was hand-delivered out of state; assessor staff cited State Tax Commission records showing nonresident filings and zero personal-use days. The board set a follow-up hearing for Dec. 17 for the appellant to provide documentation.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:54 AM
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Tensions rise in Kootenai County as commissioners prepare for a critical mediation on the future of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board—will volunteer support vanish if the county takes control?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #PublicComment #KootenaiCountySewerBoard #LocalGovernance
Commissioners enter executive session after review of mediation for Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board dissolution
Commissioner Duncan said mediation over the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board dissolution begins the next day and reviewed attorney guidance. After public comment raised concerns, the board voted unanimously to go into executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(d) and later voted to exit with staff directed to proceed as discussed.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:48 AM
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Kootenai County is on the brink of a game-changing decision: should they accept a donated helicopter that could enhance rescue operations but comes with potential legal and financial risks?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CivicAccountability #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Kootenai County commissioners weigh accepting donated helicopter amid liability, training and insurance questions
Lieutenant Mark Ellis told commissioners the sheriff’s office wants to keep a helicopter donated by a nonprofit, citing lifesaving uses and investigative value. Commissioners pressed for outside counsel review of a donation agreement and the unit’s operations manual to clarify liability, maintenance responsibility and insurance before accepting the aircraft.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:47 AM
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Kootenai County is embarking on a groundbreaking 20-year comprehensive plan that not only addresses housing and infrastructure challenges but also introduces its first-ever parks and recreation master plan—how will your community shape its future?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID
Kootenai County launches comprehensive-plan update with first-ever parks master-plan component
SCJ Alliance kicked off a countywide comprehensive-plan update Dec. 4, 2025, presenting growth projections, a parks and waterways assessment and a public-engagement schedule; consultants highlighted housing affordability, infrastructure concurrency and water-quality risks as top issues.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:46 AM
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Kootenai County commissioners are weighing a major shift in CityLink governance that could give cities and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe a say in transit operations—will this change improve services or complicate control?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #IntergovernmentalAgreement
Kootenai County commissioners discuss CityLink intergovernmental agreement; no decision made
County commissioners reviewed a draft intergovernmental agreement to give cities a formal advisory role over CityLink, heard tribal and city presentations on costs and operations, and agreed to take the proposal under further consideration; no vote occurred.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:11 AM
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Kootenai County is embarking on an ambitious journey to shape its future with a groundbreaking comprehensive plan and its first-ever parks and recreation master plan—are you ready to have your voice heard?

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CommunityEngagement #SustainableDevelopment
Kootenai County, consultants launch combined comprehensive plan and first parks master plan
Consultants from SCJ Alliance and county staff kicked off a combined countywide comprehensive plan and Kootenai County’s first parks and recreation master plan Dec. 4, outlining a fast engagement schedule, growth projections to 2045 and funding questions for parks and infrastructure.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 12:57 AM
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idahocapitalsun.com/2025/11/20/i...

Local hospital in Post Falls charges $2,900 to treat a runny nose, and causes 5x more insurance disputes than the rest of the state combined. #healthcare #kootenaicounty #postfalls #bluecross
Insurer asks Idaho Department of Insurance to investigate hospital billing practice • Idaho Capital Sun
Blue Cross of Idaho has asked the Idaho Department of Insurance to investigate billing practices of Post Falls ER & Hospital.
idahocapitalsun.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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Kootenai County's 9-1-1 center is facing urgent facility challenges despite recent staffing improvements, with a new dispatch center potentially costing up to $7.5 million on the horizon.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovement
Kootenai County sees staffing gains at 9-1-1 as leaders weigh new dispatch center
Lieutenant Jeff Howard told commissioners the county has hired seven dispatchers in six months, with six "on track" and multiple trainees expected by spring, but said aging facilities, odor and space limits may force a move and an estimated $5M–$7.5M build cost warrants preliminary engineering.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:00 AM
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Kootenai County's Board of Canvassers has officially certified the recent election, revealing insights into a 28% voter turnout and minor ballot discrepancies that didn't affect the outcome.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #BallotAccuracy #ElectionTransparency
Kootenai County canvassers certify Nov. 4 consolidated election after staff report on machine tests, turnout and minor ballot errors
The Kootenai County Board of Canvassers unanimously approved the canvas of the Nov. 4, 2025 consolidated election after elections staff reported machine accuracy checks, 30,705 ballots cast (about 28% turnout), several small precinct ballot-issuance errors that did not change results, and a small number of rejected absentee ballots.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 2:48 AM
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Kootenai County's latest decision to extend paratransit vehicle purchase deadlines has sparked a heated debate over city funding and governance.

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#KootenaiCounty #ID #CitizenPortal #CityFunding #PublicTransit #CivicParticipation
Kootenai County extends ITD paratransit grant deadlines amid debate over city funding and governance
The Board of County Commissioners approved multiple Idaho Transportation Department grant amendments that extend the performance period for paratransit vehicle purchases to September 2027. Commissioners and public speakers pressed for city cost-share breakdowns and discussed creating an MOU or joint powers agreement to lock in city contributions or
citizenportal.ai
November 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
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milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/...

Much of the current shutdown is about our failing US healthcare system. Yet, there are also success stories. Community Healthcare Centers, like our own Heritage Health, are a great success story. Their funding is under threat. #cda #kootenaicounty #healthcare
Community Health Centers Show Bipartisanship Creates an Enduring Health Care Legacy | Milken Institute
In an era of partisan gridlock and government shutdowns, one American innovation stands as a testament to what bipartisan cooperation can achieve: community hea
milkeninstitute.org
November 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM