NEW THIS MORNING: Thursday, September 12
Fire Chief Pat Riley speaks during a town hall Tuesday concerning the Northern Lakes Fire District levy. The levy is aimed at retaining 12 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant-funded firefighters, maintaining current staffing levels and ensuring the new Garwood fire station is fully operational.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
1. Northern Lakes Fire asks community for mutual aid
The Northern Lakes Fire District is proposing a two-year override levy to increase its base budget by $3.5 million per year.
A press release said the levy increase would allow the district to reduce response times, improve firefighter safety and ensure the community receives the highest level of fire and emergency medical services.
If approved, the proposed levy would result in a tax of $94 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year, the release said. It would replace an existing levy set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, which costs $62 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.
2. Coeur d'Alene business receives International Torch Award for Ethics
A local tax relief company is receiving top honors from the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
Precision Tax Relief, in Coeur d’Alene, has been awarded the International Torch Award for Ethics by the IABBB.
The IABBB gives out several such awards to “recognize businesses in North America that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business practices and promoting trust in the marketplace,” according to a media release announcing the winning companies.
3. Equipment, signs vandalized on Coeur d'Alene Tribal land
Just days after a new gate was installed to prevent trespassing on a stretch of Coeur d’Alene Tribal property, new equipment was damaged and No Trespassing signs were shot, according to Tribal Law Enforcement.
“This blatant disregard for Tribal property is deeply disappointing,” Tribal Law Enforcement said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Trespassing has long been an issue on this stretch of land east of Idaho Road starting at the intersection of Tekoa Idaho Road and known as “Stateline Patch.” The land is significant to Tribal members for hunting and gathering purposes, the statement said.