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By SARAH JENKINS
Staff Writer
BONNERS FERRY--During the June 7 Bonners Ferry City Council Meeting, members of the Idaho National Guard were in attendance to discuss the National Guard building in Bonners Ferry. Col. Thomas Rasmussen and Brig. Gen. John Goodale along with other uniformed personnel from 145th Support Battalion out of Post Falls were among those chosen to speak.
According to official press release and the information from the meeting, the reasoning for closing the National Guard is due to the modernization and realigning of facilities due to the demographics and the specifications set forth by the Department of Defense (DOD). The idea is to use the building as a readiness center in the near future.
“Most Idaho armories--now referred to as readiness centers--currently sit on insufficient acreage without enough space for expansion and will need to close in order to meet the new federal guidelines,” said Col. Rasmussen of the Idaho National Guard Construction and Facility Management Office. “When many of the facilities were constructed--some nearly 70 years ago--they were built on lots, that, at the time were considered adequate. As our communities have grown, as is the case with Bonners Ferry’s, the Idaho National Guard is left without sufficient room for expansion.”
According to the press release, the facility has been in operation in Bonners Ferry since the 1950’s. Soldiers in this area have been an integral part of the community for more than 60 years.
Detachment 1 of C Company Engineers built bridges and completed construction of the local football field, which is named after 1st Sgt. Kenneth Mendenhall, an Idaho Army National Guard NCO assigned to the Bonners Ferry armory from 1961-1981.
Col. Rasmussen added, “these new requirements will force us to consolidate, but we still remain in proximity so we’re able to continue supporting our community in Bonners Ferry as we always have.”
It was also stated during the City Council meeting that the State of Idaho has half interest in the building along with the National Guard. Col. Rasmussen stated that they would like the building to be leased to the county, to benefit the community.

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