Clearwater County

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Clearwater County Clearwater County was established February 27, 1911, by the State of Idaho under the provisions of H Clearwater County Idaho
Photo is courtesy of Dave King

10/05/2026

Forest Service News Release
Media contact: Zach Peterson
986-689-9519
[email protected]
Media kit containing b-roll photos and more: https://tinyurl.com/2026peoplestree

2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Route Announced
Kamiah, ID, October 1, 2026 — The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be visiting communities on its journey from Idaho to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building this holiday season. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, along with nonprofit partner Society of American Foresters, 2026 presenting sponsor Idaho Forest Group, other contributing organizations, and local communities are planning a series of events as the tree makes its way to Washington, D.C.

Festivities will be held at communities along the route, and well-wishers can view and take pictures with the tree and truck, sign the banner, buy official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise, and learn more about the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and Idaho.

Festivities are free and open to the public. Dates and locations include:
Thursday, Oct. 29: Grangeville, Idaho
Friday, Oct. 30: Lewiston, Idaho
Saturday Oct. 31: Moscow, Idaho
Sunday, Nov. 1: Orofino, Idaho and Kamiah, Idaho
Tuesday, Nov. 3: Lolo, Montana
Wednesday, Nov. 4: Salmon, Idaho
Thursday, Nov. 5: Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho and Twin Falls, Idaho
Friday, Nov. 6: Idaho Falls, Idaho

Partners and communities will finalize event details over the next several weeks. For the latest information, monitor www.uscapitolchristmastree.com and all U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree social media platforms.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 56-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from the 2026 presenting sponsor, Idaho Forest Group; the nonprofit partner, the Society of American Foresters; the Nez Perce Tribe; and by contributions from companies and volunteers across America.

10/02/2026

From Sheriff John Smith:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clearwater County Sheriff's Office Enters into ICE 287(g) Warrant Service Officer Agreement

Clearwater County, Idaho — 10/01/2026 — Over the past several months, I have researched the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) program and carefully evaluated how participation could benefit Clearwater County.

This decision was not reactionary. It is the result of deliberate and responsible planning focused on one mission: protecting the people of Clearwater County.

On August 24, 2026, I signed the ICE 287(g) Memorandum of Agreement under the Warrant Service Officer (WSO) Model. We have selected personnel to participate in the program and have completed the required training and implementation process.
I want to be clear about what this agreement means for Clearwater County.

Under the WSO Model, designated personnel receive federal training and authorization to perform specific immigration-related duties within the scope of the agreement, particularly in connection with individuals already in our custody who are subject to qualifying immigration warrants.

This is not a program designed to turn our deputies into federal immigration agents. Our primary responsibility remains for the safety and security of the people of Clearwater County.

Our office will continue to focus our law-enforcement resources on individuals who commit serious crimes in our community, including violent offenses, felony drug offenses, and repeat criminal conduct. When individuals already in our custody are also subject to qualifying federal immigration warrants, this partnership provides our office with an additional lawful mechanism to coordinate with our federal partners.

The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office has worked closely with federal law enforcement agencies for years. These partnerships have strengthened our ability to investigate criminal activity, share information, and protect our communities. The 287(g) agreement builds upon that existing cooperation.

As Sheriff, I will use every lawful tool available to my office to protect the citizens of Clearwater County. Our responsibility is to enforce the law, maintain public safety, and work with our state and federal partners when doing so serves the interests of our community. I take that responsibility seriously.

This agreement represents a proactive step in that effort.

Sheriff John Smith
Clearwater County Sheriff's Office

09/29/2026

Transfer Station Announces Updated Disposal Fees and Load-Security Reminder

Residents are reminded of several changes at the Transfer Station taking effect this week.

The following disposal fees will apply:
Metal: NO charge. Residents are encouraged to bring in metal for disposal at no cost.

Appliances containing freon: $10.00 each.

Other appliances: NO charge.

Mattresses: $5.00 each.

Tires without a wheel: $7.00 each.

Tires with a wheel: $10.00 each.

For added convenience, cash payments will be rounded down to the nearest whole dollar. This will help simplify transactions while also saving residents a little money. Payments made by check or credit card will be charged the exact amount.

Please Secure Your Loads
Residents are also reminded to properly secure loads before traveling to the Transfer Station. Please use a cover, net, tarp, or other appropriate method to prevent debris from escaping during transport.

The Transfer Station has received complaints about debris coming from unsecured loads. Many other landfills charge a fee for unsecured loads, and while we do not currently have such a fee, continued problems may require us to consider one in the future.

Please take a moment to make sure your load is secure before heading to the Transfer Station.

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and diligence in helping keep our roads and community clean.

Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Detention Deputy Derek DotsonThe Sheriff’s Office is pleased to welcome Derek Dotson as ou...
09/29/2026

Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Detention Deputy Derek Dotson

The Sheriff’s Office is pleased to welcome Derek Dotson as our newest Detention Deputy!

Derek has been an active member of our Search and Rescue team since moving to the area in 2023, where he has already demonstrated his commitment to serving and supporting our community.

We are excited to see Derek take the next step in his public service career as he joins the Sheriff’s Office full-time as a Detention Deputy. His experience with Search and Rescue and dedication to our community will be valuable assets in his new role.

Welcome aboard, Derek!

08/30/2026

From Sheriff John Smith:
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 29, 2026

Residential Fire Contained Near Lower Ford’s Creek

At approximately 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, emergency personnel responded to a reported structure fire at 3499 Lower Ford’s Creek Road, near the intersection of Lower Ford’s Creek Road and Bluebird Lane.

Firefighting efforts successfully contained the fire to the residence and nearby outbuildings. No other properties were damaged, and crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding areas.

As a precaution, an early warning was issued to residents in the Crow’s Bench area due to the direction of the winds and the surrounding terrain. Fire conditions and the potential for the fire to spread prompted officials to take the precautionary step of warning nearby residents.

There were no reported injuries associated with the fire.

At this time, all surrounding properties have been cleared from the evacuation warning, and residents are no longer under evacuation-related restrictions.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the responding firefighters, emergency personnel, and residents for their cooperation while crews worked to contain the fire and protect surrounding properties.

From Sheriff John Smith:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEClearwater County Sheriff’s Office Provides Update on Flock Safety Contract...
08/22/2026

From Sheriff John Smith:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office Provides Update on Flock Safety Contract

The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding its ongoing discussions with Flock Safety concerning the department’s current contract and the future of the associated equipment.

The Sheriff’s Office has been in communication with Flock Safety regarding an understanding previously held by former Sheriff Chris Goetz that, at the halfway point of the contract, there would be an opportunity to terminate the agreement and have the equipment removed.

Flock Safety has disputed that understanding. In the most recent communication received by the Sheriff’s Office from Flock Safety at the end of July, the company stated that it considers the contract binding and that it is unable to cancel the agreement under the circumstances presented.

Because of the importance of this matter to Clearwater County and its citizens, the Sheriff’s Office referred the issue to the Clearwater County Prosecutor for review.

After researching the contract and the circumstances surrounding it, the County Prosecutor has expressed the legal opinion that there are legal and constitutional deficiencies within the agreement and that, in his opinion, the contract is void.

The County Prosecutor has authorized the Sheriff’s Office to share his written opinion regarding the matter and has indicated that he is prepared to defend that opinion in court if necessary.

“Our responsibility is to look out for the best interests of the citizens of Clearwater County,” said Sheriff Smith “We are taking this matter seriously and are working to ensure that any agreement involving our office is legally sound and consistent with the interests and rights of the people we serve.”

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work through this matter and appreciate the public’s patience, we will strive to keep Clearwater County residents informed as we move forward.

Sheriff John Smith

08/18/2026

UPDATE: The transfer station will be closed all day on Thursday, August 27th due to training and they will be chip sealing the transfer station road.

The transfer station will be closing at noon on August 27th for training purposes. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

08/17/2026

The transfer station will be closing at noon on August 27th for training purposes. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

08/14/2026

From the Idaho Department of Lands:

Mile Marker 50 Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2026, 9:30am PT

(Orofino, Idaho) – The Mile Marker 50 Fire upriver from Orofino was declared contained last night and Highway 12 fully opened in both directions. One fire engine and one hand crew will remain on scene to continue mopping up the fire. This will be the final update for this fire.

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Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, and LinkedIn

08/14/2026

From the Idaho Department of Lands:

Mile Marker 50 Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2026, 6:00 PT

(Orofino, Idaho) – Highway 12 remains open to one lane of alternating traffic with a pilot car through the Mile Marker 50 Fire area upriver from Orofino. Motorists should use caution while traveling through the area as firefighters continue working near the roadway. Officials anticipate the highway will be fully reopened in the near future.

The Mile Marker 50 Fire remains approximately 7 acres, although accurate mapping is challenging due to the steep, rugged terrain.

Firefighters conducted a small burnout operation overnight, and there was little fire activity Thursday morning. Crews have secured the fire perimeter and are now focused on mop up operations.

At the end of today’s shift, one hand crew and one engine will remain assigned to the fire.

Travelers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 and the Idaho Transportation Department for the latest road conditions and traffic updates.

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Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, and LinkedIn

Address

150 Michigan Avenue
Orofino, ID
83544

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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