UPDATE TO PREVIOUS RELEASE
According to Frontier Communications, phone services have been restored to all affected residents. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time.
Medimont, ID - Currently there is a phone outage in the Medimont area between Cataldo and the Hwy 97/Hwy 3 interchange. This outage is affecting all hardline communication to include 911 services.
Frontier is aware of the problem that was originally reported on Friday. They reported to KCSO that they began working on the problem this morning and have determined it is with a buried line, however they are not sure of the location. They are currently digging up all lines to find the break. Once the break location is found they will decide if it can be repaired or if new lines will need to be ran. Frontier advised they did not have an ETA for when the service will be back up.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office conducted a reverse 911 for that area, which includes hard lines and cell phones. That “Reverse 911” call reached 262 property owners. It is unknown how many residents are truly affected by this outage.
Cellphone coverage in that area is spotty, but if you happen to have coverage please reach out to your neighbors, especially the elderly or ill. If someone is in need of medical attention, it is suggested you respond to Benewah County Hospital or go to a place where there is cell phone coverage.
Kootenai County Sheriff Deputies will be patrolling the area throughout the day and until the lines are fixed or there is measures in place to supply cell phone coverage.
If you have any questions please contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at 208-446-1300. If you have questions about the outage and when it will be repaired, you are asked to reach out to Frontier.
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
By: Lt. Ryan Higgins