Road & Bridge

The Road & Bridge Department has begun dust control and blading for the season, with bridge paving planned for this summer. Traffic will be redirected due to the Portage bridge removal, and Depot Road will serve as a detour during the city’s paving of Bannock Street. The open winter allowed hauling gravel on several roads, although some temporarily became muddy. Upcoming work includes chip sealing, patching, grading, ditching, and culvert maintenance, with a focus on restoring road crowns.

Employees Kellum and Williams are progressing on the Road Master program; Kellum has completed the Road Scholar program, and Williams has one class remaining, with completion expected by June. The department is awaiting completion of the Transportation Plan and learned that the Local Highway and Rural Improvement Program (LRHIP) grant application for the culvert near the old St. John Church was not approved due to significant competition. Despite budget reductions, chip sealing remains a priority, and the new grizzly screen will support gravel hauling. Proposed purchases include an additional water truck and a new grader wing, with primary expenditures focused on patching, gravel, and oil.

The department is exploring ways to increase public awareness of its activities, including a possible Road & Bridge–only informational Facebook page and using the Busy-Busy app to generate task reports when workers clock in.

Emergency Services

The county submitted a refund request to the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) for $1,175.81 paid for preparedness pamphlets; reimbursement through the 2024 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds is expected. All 2023 SHSP grant funds have been fully expended, and approximately $14,454.45 remains in the 2024 SHSP allocation, including roughly $2,000 for the Sheriff’s portion. Due to partial government defunding of FEMA and Homeland Security, grant disbursements and payments are temporarily on hold.

Upcoming events include a National Weather Service presentation on March 12 at 7:00 PM at the Oneida County Recreation Center and the Spring Preparedness Fair on March 21 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, also at the Recreation Center. The recent emergency preparedness fair was well attended, with over 250 participants, nearly double last year’s turnout, and presentations were well received. The IAC Regional Spring Officials Institute is scheduled for April 8 in Downey. IOEM will require the county to pay vendors upfront in the future and submit for reimbursement.

Probation

Juvenile Corrections District 6 Liaison Stace Gearhart was present, along with Oneida County Probation Officer Gabe Jimenez. Mr. Gearhart recently received notification regarding the three-year compliance review conducted by the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC) to ensure adherence to evidence-based practices and program standards. Oneida County is scheduled for review on September 21. Mr. Jimenez has updated and finalized policies and procedures in preparation for this review. At the last review, there were three items identified for Mr. Jimenez to address, and those items have since been completed, including updates to required certificates. The Idaho Criminal Risk/Needs Assessment and Case Management (ICRIMP) team has completed their assessment and incorporated all necessary revisions. An Oneida County Probation manual was submitted to the Board for review, with a request for suggestions over the next few months.

Regarding the current caseload, there are three juveniles currently placed with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC). Arrangements are in progress for their transition from placement, with planning underway to ensure appropriate supervision and support upon release. These cases involve coordination with family, school, and other support systems to promote successful outcomes, with individuals expected to complete the terms of their probation under appropriate supervision.

Probation staff assist with informational tables at local schools on topics such as safety, bullying, and mental health awareness to help students become familiar with their role in the community. Information, treats, and small prizes are sometimes provided. Additionally, Mr. Gearhart noted that the IDJC facility and team-building course are available for tours by county officials, and he can assist in coordinating tours for anyone interested.

Weeds

Oneida County Weed Supervisor Cody Clyde forwarded his report to the Board. The department is preparing for a busy season addressing noxious weeds throughout the county. Focus will be on common species, including thistles, morning glory (field bindweed), black henbane, and rush skeleton weed, with efforts to identify new infestations early. The department is hopeful the cost-share chemical program can be offered again this year to support landowners in managing noxious weeds.

The department received a grant from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and will coordinate with the Forest Service to cover additional acres and address problem areas proactively. Mr. Clyde expressed appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for their support and to the landowners who cooperate with the department, noting that their efforts help maintain control of noxious weeds across the county.