Latest news with #Panhandle
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After court ruling, plans for Panhandle Bike Ranch on hold
Jun. 13—SAGLE, Idaho — A series of mountain bike trails weaves through a steep piece of forest at the Panhandle Bike Ranch. There are flow trails with hairpin turns and rolling bumps. There are gaps, jumps and tall wooden platforms to ride off. There's also a long beginner trail called First Rodeo that a 4-year-old recently cruised down with ease. At the bottom, there's a spacious parking lot and two shuttle trucks specially designed to haul riders and their bikes uphill. All of it was set and ready for opening day on Friday, when the first paying guests were set to arrive and start speeding down the trails. Then a court ruling forced the park to hit the brakes. In a decision filed in early June, Kootenai County District Court Judge Casey Simmons found that Bonner County erred in granting the Panhandle Bike Ranch exceptions to local zoning rules that would allow the operation of the pay-to-play mountain bike park. The ruling was in response to an appeal from a group of opponents of the park who challenged the county's 2024 approval of a conditional use permit for the park. The judge's decision found the county didn't provide enough evidence to support their decision to approve the park and vacated the permit — essentially telling the county to take another look and forcing the bike park to stay closed for now. Jen Kalbach, who owns the park with her husband, Scott, said the decision was "heartbreaking." The day the decision was signed, they were finishing gravel work on the parking lot and preparing to open for the summer with a staff of between 15 and 20 people. Since the decision, they've made arrangements to offer invite-only rides for free — an opportunity they've advertised on social media and via email. But without paying customers, they've had to scale back. "It's a shame," Jen Kalbach said. "I just had to lay off seven people." Opponents of the park are celebrating what they see as a win in a fight to maintain the character of the neighborhood. Shawna Champlin, who lives nearby, said building a mountain bike park in the neighborhood is like "jamming a square peg into a round hole." "You have a dedicated, already prebuilt residential community, and then you plop this mountain bike park in the middle," Champlin said. "Now we as homeowners have to worry not only about traffic and noise, but erosion, stormwater drainage, water runoff." This conflict over zoning regulations has spawned competing yard signs and heated sparring on social media, and it's heightened tensions in Sagle, an unincorporated area just a few miles south of Sandpoint. It all goes back to 2023, when the Kalbachs purchased their property with plans for a mountain bike park in mind. The family lived in Utah but had been visiting North Idaho since the 1990s. They have also owned a house in the Sagle area for about a decade, Jen Kalbach said. They were avid mountain bikers. "Our kids have always been on bikes," Jen Kalbach said, adding that they raced competitively on teams in Utah. The family visited similar mountain bike parks in other areas and really liked the idea — a ski hill but for bikes, where riders can skip the pain of riding uphill and maximize their downhill adrenaline rush time. Jen and Scott — who owns a tech company called Avant Link — started talking about whether they could build one. They started looking for properties that might work. They wanted something that wasn't flat, and that already had a road that might work for a shuttle truck. They bought property along Five Lakes Estates Road that seemed to fit the bill. It also abutted state and federal land, which was another plus. Bonner County had the area zoned for rural residential use, so the Kalbachs needed county permission to open a business there. They applied for a conditional use permit and worked through the approval process with the planning department. That's about the time neighbors caught wind of the project and started raising concerns about potential crowds, parking problems, dust and increased traffic on the gravel road up to the property. They created a website under the name "Stop the Sagle Bike Park" and posted signs with the same message throughout the neighborhood, ensuring that anyone who drives up to the park will see them. The conflict came down to whether the county classified the park as a "commercial resort" — which can't be approved in the neighborhood — or a "recreational facility" — which is allowed with a conditional use permit. Bonner County defines a commercial resort as land that's privately owned and "devoted primarily to outdoor recreational uses conducted for profit." A recreational facility is meant for "small scale and low-intensity sports, leisure time activities and other customary and usual recreational activities." After two hearings, the county planning department classified the park as a recreational facility. Mountain biking isn't listed as one of the approved uses for either category, but Jake Gabell, the Bonner County planning director, said they felt it was similar to other activities listed in the definition for recreational facility, such as horseback riding and snowmobiling. He also said it didn't seem much different from a disc golf course that got the same designation. The county commission agreed and gave the Kalbachs the OK to move forward, albeit with conditions — such as limiting use to the summer and capping the number of people allowed on the property. The opposition wouldn't take yes for an answer. A group of neighbors filed an appeal with the Bonner County District Court in August. The case was eventually transferred to Kootenai County District Judge Casey Simmons. Attorneys for both sides filed briefs this spring, arguing over the designation. Oral arguments were held in April, and Simmons issued the ruling blocking the park's operations on June 2. In the order, Simmons steered clear of saying which category the park belonged in, instead ruling that the county didn't provide enough evidence to support its decision. The order also said the county hadn't proven that the park had adequate water supply for fire suppression. The decision sends the conflict back to the Bonner County planning department. Gabell, the Bonner County planning director, said the vacated permit is one of a handful of similar decisions that have been remanded to the planning office since a recent Idaho Supreme Court decision that changed the standard of review required in these cases. Courts are remanding the cases and asking for more thorough "reasoned statements" for decisions like this one. He said the planning department and county's civil attorney would review the file this summer. A new hearing in front of the county commission is expected in either late August or early September. Champlin views the ruling as confirmation of she and other neighbors had been arguing — that the park has too great an impact to be considered a "recreational facility," and that it's just built in the wrong spot. She and her family moved to Sagle five years ago from northern California searching for a "rural" place to live. "We're looking for it to be peaceful out here," she said. For the Kalbachs, the setback is a disappointment, but not one that feels like their fault. They still feel the park can be reasonably considered a recreational facility, and that mountain biking fits within the county's definition of a "low-intensity" sport. "It's a tough situation," Scott Kalbach said. "We did everything right, followed all the rules." Now comes a summer of waiting. They plan to continue putting the final touches on the park. On Monday, workers were putting together trail features and a roller was mashing down the gravel on the entrance road. They want to set up some picnic tables next to the parking lot. They're also excited to have people out to ride for free. Last weekend, they had their employees on the trails one day and members and families from the Pend Oreille Pedalers club the next. They loved seeing people enjoying what they'd built. "The community that we invited out here was incredibly stoked on the place," Scott Kalbach said. "We had a lot of kids out here. It was awesome."
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Why A-listers are FLEEING New York and LA for the 'Redneck Riviera' as elite hotspots become 'no-go' areas
Forget the Hamptons and Malibu, the rich and famous have an unlikely new go-to destination. Known as the 'Redneck Riviera', Florida's panhandle is attracting celebrities in droves.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
They Bet Their Future on Barbecue Dreams. Many Lost Everything.
Wendy Williams was manifesting her future. After years of moving around, the Army veteran and registered nurse had settled in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. 'I found my forever home,' she said. 'I painted it Euphoric Lilac.' Ms. Williams had a good job as a sales representative for a medical device company, but wanted to be her own boss. Her dream of financial independence began where it has for countless Americans: an online search for a restaurant franchise to buy. She was drawn to the patriotic, family-centered brand story of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the world's largest barbecue chain, with some 300 locations. In 2018, she signed a contract to open two locations and attended Barbecue University, the company's training program in Dallas. 'I got a 25 percent discount for being a veteran,' she said. 'I felt so proud.' Ms. Williams remained upbeat even after the startup costs for the restaurants she opened in Florida turned out to be more than twice the $250,000 she said Dickey's sales representatives told her she'd need. Revenues also fell short of projections provided by the company, she said. 'I used my retirement,' she said. 'I used my house, I used my rental house, I used my van, my Tahoe — I used it all as collateral.' Ms. Williams claimed more than $1.5 million in losses in her Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in 2023; the bank foreclosed on her forever home last fall. 'I believed in Dickey's,' she said. 'I was lied to.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weather Service offices covering parts of rural Nebraska no longer monitor weather 24/7
Among the responsibilities of the Nebraska State Climate Office is to manage the state's "mesonet" system, which includes this weather monitoring station near Big Springs. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Mesonet system) LINCOLN — Two National Weather Service offices that cover some rural parts of Nebraska will no longer monitor local weather around-the-clock. The Weather Service offices in neighboring states that forecast parts of western and southwest Nebraska cut back from 24/7 coverage after staffing reductions were made under the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. One office in Wyoming covers eight counties in the Nebraska Panhandle, and the other, in Kansas, forecasts for three counties in the southwestern corner of Nebraska. Those two offices in neighboring states are among only four nationally so short of staff that they lack enough meteorologists to staff an overnight shift. Other nearby forecasting offices — dealing with their own staffing problems — will have to handle the load during those shifts. They will be tasked with monitoring conditions and temporarily issuing forecasts and warnings each night for the two regions in addition to their normal coverage duties. Earlier this month, five former National Weather Service directors wrote an open letter to the public expressing fears that the cuts would endanger lives. An agreement last month between the Weather Service and its employees' union warned of 'degraded' services as more people leave. 'These shortages threaten public safety,' said Nebraska State Climatologist Deb Bathke, who works out of the State Climate Office based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Bathke said staff may be unable to provide accurate and timely severe weather warnings, monitor for storm reports and monitor radar during severe weather because the offices are running thin. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesperson Kim Doster told the Nebraska Examiner that the Weather Service has updated the service level standards for its weather forecast offices to manage impacts from shifting personnel. The same NOAA spokesperson told the New York Times that 'several local NWS offices are temporarily operating below around-the-clock staffing.' 'These revised standards reflect the transformation and prioritization of mission-essential operations, while supporting the balance of the operational workload for its workforce,' Doster told the Examiner. The Trump Administration fired roughly 600 workers at NOAA and NWS in March as it tried to reshape the federal bureaucracy. NWS was understaffed long before Trump's second term, but the recent cuts required 'urgent action,' according to NOAA. NOAA is offering paid moving expenses to get employees to move voluntarily to fill positions across the country, including the Kansas office that covers Nebraska. Like other rural areas across the U.S, rural Nebraska has fewer news outlets providing crucial, time-dependent information, such as weather alerts, to the public. Many of those areas rely on rural radio stations. Nebraska Rural Radio Association, also known as Rural Radio Network, is a group of stations owned by farmers and ranchers that provides news and weather reports for rural areas of the state. NRRA's Bill Boyer, who manages the Scottsbluff market, said the change 'raises concern' due to the possibility of a missing severe weather alert. Boyer said that western Nebraska had its own NWS office in the 1990s, but it was shut down, and the remaining operations were moved to the Cheyenne office in Wyoming. 'More troubling is that we received no communication from the National Weather Service,' Boyer said. Kevin Spencer, manager of the biggest city in the Panhandle, Scottsbluff, told the Examiner that the city is monitoring the changes to the Cheyenne NWS office and working with the Scotts Bluff County Emergency Management Office to do so. 'We support NWS staff and have complete confidence in their ability to manage their time effectively, ensuring we receive accurate information in the event of inclement weather,' Spencer said. 'We have been assured that staff will be available in case of severe weather.' The two parts of Nebraska affected by the recent staffing cuts in forecasting are in U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith's congressional district and include his Gering-area home. Smith said timely and reliable weather warnings can make all the difference in a region of the state where severe weather can arise suddenly. 'I am working to get additional information from the NWS to ensure Nebraskans have access to the information they need when it counts,' Smith said. Russ Pankonin, who lives in the state's southwestern corner, in Imperial, said this is the first time the region has felt a direct effect of DOGE. Pankonin said the area shouldn't feel an impact if the other offices tasked with the overnight shift can handle it. He ran the rural Imperial Republican newspaper and several nearby papers for years. This isn't the first DOGE cut to the Weather Service affecting Nebraska this year. In April, an NWS office in the Omaha area and other Great Plains offices announced pausing the deployment of weather balloons. That decision was reversed after some of the state's federal delegation pushed back on those DOGE cuts. At the time, U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., said he hoped to introduce legislation that would reclassify National Weather Service employees as public safety personnel because it would exempt them from future hiring freezes and buyouts. Flood has since said the station is launching two weather balloons a day. However, the Omaha area NWS office has said it is still facing staffing issues. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
