After seven years on the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission, local legend and historian Robert Singletary was taken off one committee and recruited by another. 

The county's HPC acts as the Certified Local Government agent and advisory board to the Kootenai County commissioners to better understand historic properties in Kootenai County.

Similarly, Singletary has embodied North Idaho through Coeur d'Alene walking tours, serving as chairman for the Kootenai County HPC, authoring multiple books about important regional figures of old, and even writing a historical column for the Press for 10 years. 

However, this year, he was not reappointed to a third three-year term on the advisory board by the county commissioners. 

"I thought I had one more term in me, but we had some pretty good people that wanted to be on the board, so the commissioners maybe thought I had spent enough time on the board and was not re-elected," Singletary said. "That was a little disappointing because I would've liked to have spent another three years, which would've made it 10."

It was disappointing, he said, but not surprising. The new applicants — and now commission members -- Jennifer DeRose and Joseph Piedmont have skills that will push the advisory board into the future like business cooperation, management, and archaeological experience, Singletary said. 

"I hate to admit this, but I do think people, companies, and organizations have some reservations about hiring people who are 87 years old," he said. 

Commissioner Chris Fillios, who also acts as the board of county commissioners' liaison to the HPC, recognized that Singletary is undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to North Idaho history — but said it was time for change.

"Robert has served the board well for seven years," Fillios said. "But it was time to get new blood on the commission, so we appointed two new members, and we have another waiting in the wings."

When nominations opened for advisory board members, the commissioners were surprised as an abnormally large number of applicants came in for the HPC. There were only three positions available, and eight applied — two being previous members Laurie Mauser and Singletary. Mauser, who had been on the board for five years, was reappointed. 

"We welcome Robert's participation because he's been very valuable to the county. He is always able to attend any meetings, just not as a voting member," Fillios said. "He's a very positive person and a real asset."

The HPC was not the only advisory board to have a member rotated out, Fillios said, as the commissioners made an effort to "bring in new blood" to the airport and planning committees.

"With the presence of new blood, commissions might take on new projects and move a little faster," Fillios said. "When you bring in a new block, people like to get off to a quick start and accelerate action."

Singletary has been a valuable member of historic commissions both locally and statewide. About a decade ago, Singletary said the Kootenai County system needed a little work, so he stepped in. More recently, he noticed the same need for a historical presence in the city of Coeur d'Alene and began working with the city to set up a commission of its own — which he now serves on. 

"Things were going on within Coeur d'Alene that the county had no control over, so I suggested maybe as early as four years ago that the city develop a program and become CLG certified," Singletary said. "About a year ago, Kiki Miller decided to get it going and set it up. They wanted some people from the county commission to serve in the city to help those who were less experienced, and I was suggested as one of those people."

Singletary says he plans to stay involved with North Idaho history for as long as possible. He is continuing his position assisting the Museum of North Idaho, aiding the city's new preservation committee, and said another local-centric book is likely in his future.