The Women Honoring Women committee was eager and happy to award the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award to Debra Heise. Her community involvement and achievements are widely known in Bonner County.

Heise served for many years as a magistrate judge for the county. She was the first woman to be appointed to a judgeship in the county and the second female magistrate judge in the state of Idaho appointed by Governor John V. Evans. After 33 years of service she retired but continues to serve the county post retirement as an Idaho Supreme Court sanctioned judge. Also she has taken on the role as co-director and advisor of Judicial Education for the Idaho Supreme Court. While serving as a judge her quest for prompt and impartial treatment for children and families was apparent. Throughout her career she championed children’s issues, strongly supporting our local CASA (court appointed special advocate) program. Classes of 5th graders were always welcome in her courtroom to observe and participate in mock trials of the “Grinch” or Three Little Pigs”, teaching life lessons.

Heise started the Bonner County Drug Court program to help convicted drug/alcohol users to stay clean through a supportive and strict 18 month program. She volunteered her time and facilitated weekly meetings with local medical and business personnel.

In addition to all her professional successes she servers on several community committees. She has deep rooted commitment to Kinderhaven, Panhandle Alliance for Education, Panida Theater and Panhandle Health District. During her spare time she participates in book clubs, biking, wine tasting and enthusiastically supporting the Festival at Sandpoint.

Heise lost her husband, Jeff Jones, in 2003 just prior to their 25th anniversary, but was able to remain steadfast in her pursuit to provide her three children opportunities to succeed.. In their letter of nomination the siblings recognize her traits that of wisdom, strength, leadership, love, poise, integrity and courage. She selflessly gives her love, time and resources to individuals with whom she interacts, be it at work, in the community, her friends or family. Heise’s co-workers, friends and children were thrilled to nominate Heise as a Woman of Wisdom acknowledging she represents the WOW criteria and is deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

To be nominated for Woman of Wisdom, candidates must be 65 years or older. She possesses vision and achieves goals through collaboration. She exhibits a love of learning through the pursuit of knowledge by study or experience. She shows a commitment to the Bonner County community and its members, and has had a positive impact, such as in the areas of art, music, theater, dance, sports, education and service. She demonstrates dedicated leadership that results in admiration and respect from others. She is an inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women. She faces life’s challenges with grace and courage, and lives with dignity, integrity and honor.

The Gala luncheon honoring the Women of Wisdom is schedules for September 26, 2020 at the Ponderay Event Center, at 11 a.m. Gala luncheon reservations are accepted starting August 11, 2020 from Diane Stockton at 208-290-6362 or stockton_diane@yahoo.com. Tickets are $30. Send lunch payment to Women Honoring Women, Attn. Patti Clemons, 419 Upper Humbird Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864. If you would like to sponsor a WOW to the luncheon, call Diane Arrants for more information (208) 255-6194. The luncheon includes great food, a program introducing the 2020 Women of Wisdom to celebrate their Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2020 Women Honoring Women committee members are: Diane Arrants, Kathy Chambers, Barbara Eacret, Deanna Harris, Alana Hatcher, Julie Jurenka, Pat Lewis, Debbie Love, Sally Lowry, Leslie Marshall, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Tina Sleyster, Kendall Stratton, Sally Transue, Patti Clemens, Diane Stockton, Toni Sommer and Linda VanDellen.