Nearly 3,800 get new addresses

By GWEN ALBERS

Managing editor

Nearly 3,800 properties in Boundary County have received new addresses that replace the "HCR" addresses.

In preparation for questions from property owners, the county set up a telephone line, which has been available since Jan. 28.

"While a few problems have arisen, it appears that the majority are tremendously happy to at last have a physical address to give businesses and service providers around the world who can't seem to conduct business here without one," according to a newsrelease issued by the county.

Gary Falcon, who was hired as the county's geographical information system mapper, helped create the county's new addressing system. It's hoped that the county will have more accurate and more informative county maps.

The new addressing system, which accurately pinpoints the location of nearly every road, street, alley and driveway in the county, was done to simplify delivering packages to homes and getting emergency responders to the right location.

Falcon worked with the U.S. Postal Service and local emergency responders on the project.

The new addresses also were assigned in preparation for an upgraded 911 emergency calling system.

Rich Stephens, chief deputy with the sheriff's department, noted that anyone who calls with an emergency must still give their name, place of emergency and directions.

"The technology (that will no longer require that information) is not in place yet, Stephens said. "That system will be in place eventually."

The upgraded 911 system will flash a caller's location on a screen.

Stephens said he understands the system will not be in place for a couple of years.

"If you are going to use your new street address, make sure it's at the end of the driveway," he said. "Post it visibly. We will not find you without better directions yet."

In related matters, county clerk Glenda Poston said voters will need to inform her office of their new addresses. To be registered for the May 27 primary, addresses can be updated 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the courthouse prior to May 2. Voters can also register at the polls, and will need to bring their new address with them.