Lakes Highway November 20 at 5:30 pm

The tale of two old ladies in flip-flops

Tmberlake Fire Commissioner Rudy Rudebaugh

Name:  David “Rudy” Rudebaugh

Town you live in: Athol, ID              

Age: 57

How long have you been a resident of the city or district?:  12 Years

Are you married:  Almost

Do you have children: Yes   How many:  four Boys and one daughter

Highest level of education completed:  14 years

Degrees held:  AA in computer information technology with a business emphasis.

Profession:

Business owner of Victory Auto Parts 12 Years

Solid Rock Solutions (Pro Audio Visual, Sound and Lighting) 17 years

Civic groups or nonprofit boards you belong to:

Athol Chamber of Commerce, Charter Member and sit on the Board of Directors,

Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association, President last 2 years

of approximately 165 Fire Districts which represents over 500 Elected Fire Commissioners throughout the state.

Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association Legislative team.  I was a member of the team that fought for equality for 5 years for Occupational Illnesses’ of firefighters.  Results, Idaho now has approximately 7000 Volunteer Firefighters and the 1200 Career firefighters with the same coverage.  

Idaho Fire District Training LLC, Board member that sponsors Fire Commissioners and Chief Officers training through the state. Primary focus of understanding the statues, which we operate under, protection of liabilities within an agency, where to find resources and much more.

Volunteer work:

Economic leader in the Athol Area Rural Community review in 2016.

Sponsorship of 11 classic car shows in conjunction with Athol Days.

Previous political experience:  Timberlake Fire Protection District Commissioner, President of Idaho State Fire Commissioners Association, Board member Idaho Fire District Training LLC.

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What prompted you to seek election to this position?

I am seeking reelection, so I may continue to serve the taxpaying citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District in maximizing the provided tax dollars with efficient budgets in providing the citizens the best possible depth of service. Insuring equipment and training programs keep our members safe as they serve you. Working with and achieving collective bargaining agreement s with the Districts Union members while finding the delicate balance between available dollars and their needs. The volunteer program is currently in the best shape in Timberlake’s history and is receives positive comments all over the state of Idaho. You now have two newer fire engines, a brush truck alongside a water tender all purchased within budget planning and the proper management of the districts Local Government Investment Accounts (LGIP).

What are three things you will work to change or improve if elected?

1.   The continuation of a board of Commissioners who understand their duties and responsibilities as outlined in the many various rules and statues, which guide us. This means finding the balance of meeting the first and foremost issue of Firefighter safety while serving you during some of the worst times you may be having. Secondly, having a budget that meets the employee’s needs in the district, which includes vehicles, facilities and protective equipment, while they deliver first class service to you the customer. 

1.   The continued growth of the resident/intern program alongside with our current volunteer program.  This is extremely important for the fire district as in a combination fire department is one of the factors in order to keep your homeowners insurance rates as low as possible. This requires us to maintain a ratio of two volunteers for every fulltime career employee.

2.   Continue the Strategic Planning process we have begun with the Fire District employees, Citizen Involvement and an open-minded non-biased thought processes for the long-term health and stability of your fire district. This will assist in your fire districts long-term best interest in meeting your needs.  

What makes you the best candidate?

I feel that based on my nearly eight years of experience in the Timberlake Fire District I have maintained my promise of “Responsible Decision Making on behalf of the Taxpaying Citizen”.  This to me means the members of the district are able to serve you in the safest possible environment, I believe in a strong career and volunteer fire district, which maximizes every tax dollar received as we serve you.

I feel that my in-depth understanding and experience gained as the President of the Idaho State Fire Commissioner Association has given insight and skills to continue to part of the positive leadership your fire department deserves. I do not have any hidden agendas.

In closing, I sincerely appreciated support and trust since 2010 you have placed in me.

David “Rudy” Rudebaugh

Commissioner Zone 4

Timberlake Fire Protection District

DEQ Report

Unfortunately I cannot post the DEQ Report for the "overflow incident report"
However any of you that would like to receive the report can do the following:

DEQ Report Records Request:

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the DEQ report for the “overflow” incident, you can request the records by going to:

http://www.deq.idaho.gov/contact-us/public-records-request/online-prr-request-form/

Simply fill out the form and request the incident report from the overflow which occurred at the Bayview wastewater system in August 2017

Norma Jean

Reprinted with permission from Cedar Mountain Association

Special Alert Board of County Commissioners Hearing September 14 – 6 PM Admin Bldg.

This hearing will be your last chance to address any remaining concerns you have regarding ORA 17-0001, Mr. Poorman’s requested changes to the Kootenai County Ordinances. BUT WAIT… we now have another issue coming before this same hearing. This summer, members of Cedar Mountain Association have monitored Kootenai County Planning Commission workshops and hearings regarding ordinance changes which, for the most part, are routine and helpful to our community.  However, one issue has surfaced which causes us great concern.   Without Notice, Transitional Housing, All Zones?  Kootenai County Community Development Department has requested that a use be added to allow Transitional Group Housing Facilities conditionally permitted in the County in virtually all zones. Transitional group housing would accommodate 9 or more people on 3 or more acres. Without notice, at the Planning Commission workshop, a presentation was made, including architectural renderings, showing a village of what was described as 22 insulated and heated sheds on skids, each shed providing sleeping quarters for two people, to serve as transitional shelters for the homeless.  The facility also included plans for communal kitchen and bathroom facilities.  Currently, such a proposal cannot be considered by Kootenai County because there is no use in the ordinance allowing such facilities.  The proposed change to the ordinance, 8.5.135: TRANSITIONAL GROUP HOUSING FACILITIES, if passed, would allow this housing model – as well as others models- to be considered in virtually all zones. Real Concerns, Their Reaction, We Agree Members of the Planning Commission had many real concerns about the transitional housing concept, among them density in zones which are not meant to be densely populated, and the location of such facilities far from services such as medical, mental health, transportation, law enforcement, and jobs.  Their reaction was that such facilities should be located in or near the city, but this same concept has been rejected by the City of Coeur d’Alene for good cause. We agree that the homeless population would be better served in an urban setting. We do not, however, believe that the tiny shed model is the best solution for them. The argument is being made that the CUP process will give the rigorous vetting needed for transitional housing.  You will recall, however, Community Development has time and again told us it does not have enough funds budgeted for vetting or enforcement. Our Research, The Model, Our Concern While we recognize that sheltering the homeless is a vital concern to every community, our research has found that this tiny shed model has not had the success predicted and it is being abandoned in other cities in favor of other models.  Our concern is, this land use category is being pushed beforeKootenai County has formulated any consensus-built county-wide policy to address homelessness. We believe this use would be to dump transitional housing for the homeless in the laps of an unprepared and unconsulted rural and agricultural community. There is no reason to rush to action. A serious review of this change to the ordinance will show that this is not appropriate for the County. Here is a link to a 2016 article regarding this proposal in Coeur d’Alene:  http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/sep/27/tiny-homes-for-the-homeless-proposed-for-coeur-dal/#/0 We need you to attend the upcoming BOCC hearing and speak out on this critical issue.

From the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Idahoans are exposed to wildfire smoke from both wildfires occurring in Idaho and from wildfires in nearby states. Wildfire smoke exposure can cause both respiratory and heart problems. To protect yourself and your family review the information below about people who are most at risk from wildfire smoke, symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and how to limit your and your family’s contact with wildfire smoke.

For more information click on the topics below.

  Sensitive Populations

  Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Sensitivity

  Ways to Reduce Smoke Exposure

• Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.

• Refer to visibility guides if they are available. Not every community monitors the amount of particles that are in the air. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on how far they can see.

• If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot inside. Run a filtered air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. For example, go to a local mall, movie theater, library or some area that can provide temporary relief from the smoke. 

• Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Avoid frying or broiling when cooking. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

• Do not add to outdoor air pollution. When smoke levels are high, try to limit activities that add to poor air quality. For example, do not burn wood or other materials that will add smoke to the air. Try to limit using gas lawnmowers and driving your car during poor air quality days. Consider taking the bus or carpooling to limit air pollution.

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract making it easier to cough smoke particles out. Plan on coughing, it is nature's way of clearing your lungs. Avoid caffeine products, sugary drinks and alcohol as they have a dehydrating effect. 

• Avoid outdoor exercise or other strenuous activities on poor air quality days. Both adults and children should limit outdoor activities when smoke levels are a concern. 

• Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Keep at least a 5-day supply of medications on hand. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

• If you wear contact lenses, switch to eyeglasses in a smoky environment. 

• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. For more information about effective masks, see the Respirator Fact Sheetprovided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

  Portable Air Cleaners

  Emergency Go Bag

Reposting of anonymous article sent to me

The previous posting was cited appropriately. I will not be bullied by Sheryl Puckett

NOTICE TO BAYVIEW SEWER CUSTOMERS 

Let it be known that the new board has voted to terminate the last remaining employee, who possesses current licenses to operate all aspects of wastewater collection, treatment and land application as well as water distribution.  The BW & S board has now contracted with a water management company who does not hold licenses to operate the wastewater treatment site, and as such, this operation has been shut down months early and all waste water is being diverted to the leach fields, intended only for winter usage.  The Department of Environmental Quality intervened, since the district was out of compliance with licensure requirements. (Research Bureau of Occupational Licenses)

A recent article highlights the LACK of wastewater experience:

BW&S Under New Management

by Sheryl Puckett

Excerpt from Sheryl'Puckett’s post

“Integrity Water Management, Inc is Bayview Water & Sewer’s new management  company. Bob Kuchenski is the owner. This is a big change for our community and I'm reminded of the quote, "I welcome change as long as nothing changes."

Bob has lived in Athol the past 18 years and has managed and operated water systems for 25 years. He also served as a Board member on the Green Valley Lake Mutual Water company for 8 years.

Integrity Water Management has three employees, all licensed. They will serve our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And yes, they'll read our water meters. Integrity currently serves 20 other water systems, some private, some  really small and two that are close to (sic) our the size of Bayview.”

(Sheryl Puckett using Shorelines header)

Clint Cord

The time has finally come to put our RED SHIRTS ON and HAVE OUR VOICES HEARD - OR THE ENTIRE COUNTY MAY BE DOOMED TO UNBRIDLED DEVELOPMENT WITH NO POWER TO STOP IT!!  This is NOT "fake news" or false alarm.. this is the REAL DEAL!!    We are being directly threatened by a potential decision that will be made either for or against us at a BOCC Hearing: 
                                      THIS THURSDAY, JULY 13th by the BOCC!!  

Many of you will recall when I sent out the original "Kiss Your Rural Lifestyles GOODBYE!" flyer to my rural neighbors warning of a MASS INVASION OF DEVELOPMENT COMING... over 350 of us stepped outside our comfort zones and attended an emergency town hall, then all of us responded IMMEDIATELYplus UNITED and reacted with ACTION!  You'll never convince me that we would have succeeded as well as we did to successfully defend our rural lifestyles if we hadn't DEMANDED our united voices be heard.  

Here's a summary of the situation:  Everyone on this mailing list has received updates regarding the processes of revising our existing zoning ordinances. There have been numerous Planning and Zoning Workshops over many months, with input from the public regarding protections against irresponsible growth threatening the entire rural county.  After months of interaction between the County and the public, after agreements were reached, Scott Poorman, Swartout's attorney, submitted HIS version of rewrites as well as threatening potential lawsuits against the County.  Ironically, WE, the taxpayer's were forced to pay Poorman's fees and court costs when he/they appealed the County's denial of Swartout's development plans!

Due to an obvious pro-growth majority bias on the Planning and Zoning Commission and I can only guess, the County's concerns about Poorman's threats to sue, plus in spite of massive public protest, Poorman's recommendations remain in tact and are now being presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on THIS THURSDAY for approval! 

Prepare yourselves for this shocker:   NONE of the public testimony presented throughout the workshop hearings will be considered by the BOCC to make their decision!  Unless each Commissioner specifically orders those public records, they will only have contributions by Scott Poorman, surely Drew Dittman, Swartout's planning engineer, plus Community Development's recommendations .  We've even been told outright by one of the P & Z Commissioners that "our voices and input does NOT represent what's best for the County!"  It's even been recommended by a high ranking county official that "we" essentially back off and let the County decide what's best for the County's people and future.

DUE TO THE URGENCY AND IMPORTANCE OF OUR ACTIONS:  We have LESS THAN 3 DAYS to react with a plan of action, otherwise ALL OF OUR PAST EFFORTS may end up in vain and we'll surely lose any future development opposition efforts.

First and foremost, we need to convince the County that we are rallying rural citizens COUNTY-WIDE to protest and defend against legal language written BY AND FOR PRO-DEVELOPMENT attorneys, politicians and determined greedy developers.    Our ONLY CHOICE is to demonstrate the power of the voting public by notifying the County that we will need a large venue again, like Boswell Hall, again!

By flooding the Commissioner's mailbox directly with responses that demonstrate hundreds of us plan to attend the Hearing regarding ORA17-0001  and oppose any and all proposed changes by Scott Poorman to the existing County Zoning Ordinances.  We absolutely need to exceed the nearly 200 person capacity of the County meeting room in order to get a postponement until a larger venue can be scheduled.  This will give us time to organize (again), educate(more) and strategically plan (again).

Here is a link to email the Commissioners:  http://www.kcgov.us/contactus.asp?dept=Commissioners

If you prefer to telephone instead:  Phone: (208) 446-1600​

It is imperative for us to each react with the same alarm and intense passion we did for Swartout's rezone request!  We've proven that when our scenic landscape, wildlife habitat and rural lifestyles are at stake - and they are, but potentially worse this time as the entire RURAL County will be affectedINDEFINITELY!.  We must continue to fight for our rights to enjoy our rural lives without further threats!  

Please, contact your neighbors, civic and church groups, network on social media, submit letters to the press.. do anything and everything in your power and ability to defend our rural county lands, for everyone's sake and for generations that will follow us!

I promise to keep everyone up to date on changes plus include a lot more detail than I've covered here..  Don't hesitate to contact me and if I don't have answers, I'll do my best seek answers and report back.  

We're each counting EVERY ONE of our concerned rural neighbors to participate and support this critical opposition campaign!

Job posting for BW&S

No I did not get this in time for the Bylines and yes I took it upon myself to post!

We are seeking a Senior System Operator

---

     Senior System Operator

   Bayview Water and Sewer District

Seeking a Senior System Operator or a contract company to service the district

in that capacity. Responsibilities include the coordination of safe drinking water and

the monitoring of waste water collection according to guidelines which meet the

Department of Environmental Quality criteria. Job will require some night time

and weekend work. System Operator must be knowledgeable in the installation and

operation of water valves, meters, pipe lines, collecting samples for chemical analysis,

and pump and tank maintenance. Applicant must hold current Class 1 Certificates

required for position.

     Applicants should submit resume or proposal for services by email to

               bswd637@gmail.com

                   by July 12, 2017

Go to bayviewwaterandsewer.com for more detailed information.

Saturday September 10th

Letter and Comment

Norma Jean & Chris:

I would like to thank you both very much for running in the election yesterday for positions on the BW&S Board.  I sincerely appreciate that you both were willing to step up and give voters a choice.  You both can hold your heads high for running an ethical race and not passing out misinformation regarding voter status. 

It is unfortunate that those elected will not be watching out for their customers, the employees and the district operations.  The problem has been that the previous newly elected board members (last couple of years) have been seen around town discussing board business without other board member present and with some members of the general public, which violates open meeting laws.  They are not transparent and any chance they get, slam the previous board under Chuck Waller, without knowing or listening to the facts or the reasoning behind their actions.  It is disgraceful and everything that the new board accuses the past board of doing is done 10 fold under their watch.  I personally feel that those board members residing on the Cape and in Bonner County could care less about those actually residing in the town and in Kootenai County. I base this on their actions, defensiveness, and attitudes, which has been apparent and hostile at many board meetings.  The voters retained Rich, which will be more of the same.  Robyn is newly elected and from my understanding the same philosophy is shared.  Maybe, Jan,  the newly appointed can be a voice of reason to the others.  I sincerely hope that the face of the office will also show more professionalism, customer service and respect to ANYONE that she encounters and a daily basis.  ANYONE that interacts with her is a customer, be it an employee, board member, other contractors and the general public.  This is Customer Service 101 and she is the face of the district.  Good luck, all. 

JMB

Unofficiall Election Results

Thank you all for voting: I may have lost but I will still be looking out for you!

BAYVIEW W&S DIRECTOR 1
          Vote for  1
           Robyn Edwards .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        86   58.11
           Norma Jean Knowles  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        62   41.89
                   Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       148

          BAYVIEW W&S DIRECTOR 2
          Vote for  1
           Richard E. Doney .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        94   63.51
           George "Chris" Gormsen .  .  .  .  .  .        54   36.49
                   Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       148

VOTE May 16th

The election for Bayview Water & Sewer Board is May 16^th. Please vote.

Things to consider while you contemplate who to vote are:

Has change led to an improvement for all within our Community? Change can happen but is that change ultimately benefitting a few rather than the whole community?

Improvement in systems and processes IS the ultimate goal for any public entity.

How is your customer service?

Is the current Board adhering to State statues and the “Open Meeting Manual”?

Do the current employees feel valued?

Customer service for me is one of the most important aspect of any business. I had a boss who wanted all customers  to “experience customer service beyond their expectations”. If elected this would be part of my goal for BW&S.

I do have the ability to acknowledge and utilize resources – allowing me to ask questions of skilled experts, verify facts and make decisions that are based on laws and regulations which are designed to serve the common good for everyone.

Making decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate facts is detrimental to business operations – I will work to establish an agenda for improvements vs impose a pre-determined agenda which has been designed by a select few.

Do you believe that you the customers are valued? YOU after all are Bayview Water & Sewer.

VOTE

Do you know?
Not registered to vote? Bring your Idaho Drivers License to the polls along with proof of residency (utility bill, cable bill, etc that shows your residence). Simple, register and VOTE please.

Vote May 16th Bayview Water & Sewer

Hello all –

Per a phone conversation with Kootenai County Elections office: A voter wanted to verify information that a current Board Director was telling people around town they are only eligible to vote for BWSD board seats if they are the owner and receive a blue post card bill in the mail.  A current Director has told this to several people in Bayview. Eligibility is based on address of the registered voter, not ownership of the property.

Please share this information with anyone who may have been told they cannot vote!!!!!!!

 If you have questions whether your registered address is eligible, please contact Kootenai County Elections @ 1-208-446-1030.

Spring Derby Official Report

 Hello everyone, 

Here are the official standings after fish verification and final fish weigh ins. Corrections have been made to names, weights and the Youth A Division. Sorry for any confusion.

Rainbow Division

Vali Moore - 17.36 lbs. 34.5"
Rodney Vandever - 15.90 lbs. 31.5”
Jeff Baugh - 14.48 lbs. 33.5”
Brad Sturgis - 14.28 lbs. 33"
Calvin Nolan - 14.00 lbs. 31.25"

Mackinaw Division

Scott Plue - 23.34 lbs. 36"
Derek Blanchard – 22.90 lbs. 37”
Harvey Rutherford - 20.26 lbs. 37
Randy Mikels – 19.92 lbs. 35.5 lbs.
Becky Morrison - 19.72 lbs. 38”

Junior Division - 14 to 18 years old

Zac Kohal - 15.96 lbs. 37"
Luke Stebbins - 10.78 lbs. 28”
Patrick Elmore - 10.60 lbs. 23

Youth A Division 9 to 13 years old

Carson Laybourne - 15.56 lbs. 32.5"
Jenny Elliott - 14.40 lbs. 31"
Londyn Steckman - 10.34 lbs. 29.5”

Youth B Division 0 to 8 years old

Jackson Sifford - 15.90 lbs. 33.25”
Jace Chapman - 12.46 lbs. 29"
Mason Nett - 11.72 lbs. 29

German Brown Division

Scott Plue - 4.52 lbs. 26.75

Mac of the Day

4/29 - Becky Morrison - sponsored by Mirror Lake Golf Course
4/30 - Derek Blanchard - sponsored by Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports
5/1 - Jim Carothers - sponsored by Pacific Steel and Recycling
5/2 - Joseph Eicher - Dr. Benjamin Hull DDS
5/3 - Scott Plue - Trolling Solutions
5/4 - Raleigh Turley - Pierce Auto Center
5/5 - Gale Belgarde Sr. - 16.52 - R&R Logging
5/6 - Harvey Rutherford - Pend Oreille Charters
5/7 - Dennis Pringle - Unique Tire & Suspension


Thanks again for all the support and getting the results out to everyone.

Clint Nicholson, Director of Sales & Advertising
Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
Publishers of Sandpoint Magazine and SandpointOnline.com
phone: 208.263.3573 ext. 123
Cell: 208-946-1682 
fax: 208.263.4045  
www.keokee.com 
www.SandpointOnline.com