Kootenai County jail planned power outage

The Kootenai County jail had a planned power outage Tuesday morning. 

The Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new generator in October of 2025 with a scheduled installation in the spring to replace the decades old generator, a Kootenai County Sheriff's Office press release said Wednesday.

The power outage was planned as part of the installation of the new generator. Jail staff had pre-made meals on hand for use during the outage to ensure inmates were properly fed, the release said. 

Staff monitored the inmates during the outage to ensure their safety and well-being. 

"No issues arose during this outage," the release said. "We would like to thank Board of County Commissioners for recognizing this much needed equipment as part of their inspections and the budget process."