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Comment period on Bonner comp plan open
SANDPOINT – The Bonner County Planning Department is updating its final chapter on the county’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, with public comment being taken at workshops and via email. Comments should be submitted by Feb. 12.
The final workshops are from 3-7 p.m. at three locations, including one at the Inn at Priest Lake Feb. 4. There is also a meeting at the Bonner County Administration Building.
Idaho taxpayers can start filing
BOISE – Idaho income taxpayers can start filing both their Idaho state and federal income taxes now, according to the Idaho State Tax Commission.
New this year, Idaho is participating in the federal Internal Revenue Service’s Direct File program.
With Direct File, taxpayers begin by filing their federal return on the IRS tool at directfile.irs.gov. The tool walks them through interview-style questions to prepare the return.
Once the federal return is completed, the taxpayer will click a button taking them directly to Idaho’s FileYourStateTaxes tool to prepare their Idaho state return. Much of the information from the federal return will be populated into the state tool.
Direct File is another option taxpayers have to e-file their federal and state taxes based on their eligibility and tax situations. To use Direct File, taxpayers must have lived in Idaho for all of 2024, and they must use the standard deduction. They can’t itemize.
People can go to tax. idaho.gov to check their refund status, get tax forms, make payments and find tax help. They can also call toll free at 800-972-7660.
SPOFR announces Newport Station lieutenant
NEWPORT – Donald McCloud has accepted the position of Newport Station 11 lieutenant, South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue announced.
Newport Station 11 is full-time career-staffed with an active and growing volunteer and support base. McCloud’s responsibilities include organizing them.
McCloud has been with SPOFR for seven years and is a firefighter and first responder. He has also been taking volunteer-on-duty shifts for the last three years. Before joining SPOFR, he was an electrician.
“There is no question of Donald’s commitment to SPOFR, his leadership, his fathership to many and his wealth of knowledge,” SPOFR fire chief Shane Stocking said in a press release.
McCloud has been married for 34 years and has three children and seven grandchildren. They love to dirt bike and go to the lake together in the summer.
“I spend as much time as possible with the grandkids,” McCloud said.
