SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners are supporting Sheriff Daryl Wheeler’s freedom of speech, but they’re staying the course with reduced operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wheeler called upon Gov. Brad Little to ease the state’s stay-at-home order on Thursday and reinstate the Constitution on grounds that public health officials were misled by information about COVID-19 being distributed by the World Health Organization. He asked for those who were not sickened by the virus to be able to gather for worship.

Wheeler’s request was jeered and cheered on social media. Little has not responded for a request for comment on the matter.

Commissioners released a statement Friday defending Wheeler’s First Amendment rights

“Our country was built upon differing views and opinions and we believe it’s always important to look at all options in situations that we find ourselves in. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and should be the determining factor in any decision or statute created by any level of government,” commissioners Dan McDonald, Steve Bradshaw and Jeff Connolly said in the statement.

However, the board points out that Wheeler’s letter does not have the force of law and is strictly his opinion.

“As far as Bonner County, for the safety of our employees and their families, we will remain at reduced staffing and operations while avoiding direct face-to-face contact with the public through the end of the governor’s 21-day order. Any question regarding constitutionality should be considered, but will most likely not be until long after this is all behind us,” the board said.

The board also acknowledged that decisions made at all levels of government could have multiple long-term effect on businesses across Bonner County. Commissioners are directing affected businesses to the Bonner County Economic Development Corp. (bonnercountyedc.com) for a complete list of resources which may be available to them.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.