Stories in this Regional News Roundup are excerpted from weekly newspapers from around the region. This is part one, with part two scheduled to appear in Sunday’s Tribune.

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OROFINO — During its meeting May 28, the Orofino City Council approved hiring a new city attorney, Todd Richardson, of the law offices of Todd Richardson, PLC, Clarkston.

Councilors asked about his availability to handle the needs of the city since he also works with several other small cities in the region.

They also asked how long he has been licensed in Idaho, his experience in reviewing contracts, his relationship with law enforcement, his success rate with cases and his philosophy in representing clients.

He said his philosophy is to get the best results that he can for his clients. Outcomes can depend on the type of case, how the facts come together, how the jury comes together and the judge. He said he loves litigation and working with cities. Richardson was interviewed by phone because he was stuck in an airport.

— Nancy Butler, Clearwater Tribune (Orofino), Wednesday

Schneider returns, sworn in as mayor

KAMIAH — “Councilors, best decision you’ve made in a long time,” piped up an audience member before the newly approved mayor, Dale Schneider, was sworn in during the May 29 Kamiah City Council meeting.

Councilor Genese Simler had nominated Schneider, and he was sworn in following a unanimous vote of approval by the three councilors.

Schneider served as the mayor of Kamiah for 12 years, choosing not to run in 2018. He replaces Betty Heater, who was recalled by voters in the last election, having served as mayor since 2018.

Before voting, councilors invited Schneider to speaks. He began thanking the council and Kamiah citizens for their trust and support.

“Everywhere I went, they would ask me to run for mayor … what a compliment,” Schneider said. “I realize I’ve been gone for six and a half years. A lot of things change, and so that’s gonna be quite a learning curve for me.”

Schneider stated his priorities are going to be having a financial audit of the city and a technology audit for the city’s computers.

“I need to know where the city stands financially, and I think the citizens should know where we stand financially. That’s very important,” he said.

He also mentioned the infrastructure priorities of the pump stations on Crest Drive and Pine Ridge and said he hopes to look into emergency grants.

“Last thing I’ll say this to the Christian community,” Schneider concluded, “there’s power in prayer and we need your prayers.”

A request for comment by Sandie Daeges turned out surprisingly short as she explained she hadn’t realized Schneider was being considered for the position of mayor.

“I was gonna ask the council if they might consider him, because I have worked with him when I was with the city, and (he’s) a very wonderful man and knows the business inside and out and represents us very well,” she said. “He’s number one for a mayor for me.”

During the meeting the council also approved payroll, after spending several minutes clarifying totals around sick and vacation hours.

Water Plant Operator Stu Bryant then spoke, outlining various repairs he’d brought to the council in past meetings. Specifically he impressed on two positions the city is looking to fill, a water plant operator and a wastewater operator.

“Wastewater operator is of particular interest right at the moment, because without having a certified wastewater operator in the city in charge, we have a major violation we’re looking at,” Bryant said.

— Kaylyn Ahrens, The Clearwater Progress (Kamiah), Thursday