St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health have announced the acquisition of Arnzen Super Drug Inc., which includes established pharmacy locations in Cottonwood, Kamiah, and Orofino. This significant purchase marks a continuation of Arnzen’s legacy of service in the region, where it has operated since its founding in 1890.
With over 135 years of experience, Arnzen Super Drug has become a trusted provider of pharmacy care. Rod Arnzen, who has led the company, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition, stating, “I am so excited to see the Arnzen legacy continue forward with Kootenai Health, St. Mary’s Health, and Clearwater Valley Health. It ensures my patients will receive the exceptional local care and continued service from my staff that they’ve relied on for so many years — and for many more years to come.”
Commitment to Community Care
Lenne Bonner, CEO of both St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health, highlighted the importance of this acquisition in a recent statement. “We are incredibly grateful for the foundation that Arnzen’s has established over the past 135 years,” Bonner said. “Arnzen and his staff have served this region with integrity, dedication, and a genuine understanding of rural health care. We could not be more thrilled to carry this mission forward and ensure that these essential pharmacy services remain not only available but strengthened and expanded.”
The pharmacies will continue to operate with the same staff, ensuring that patients can expect the personalized service they have come to know and trust. The partnership aims to enhance resources, improve coordination of care, and invest in local pharmacy services.
Bonner reaffirmed the commitment to honor Arnzen’s legacy, stating, “Our commitment is simple: to honor what Arnzen’s has built, to support the dedicated staff who have served so faithfully, and to invest in the future.”
As the transition unfolds, further information will be provided to the community, with no disruptions to patient services anticipated.
Idaho County Commission Updates
In a related meeting, the Idaho County Commission discussed the increasing costs associated with the new jail construction, which have risen by an additional $26,000. According to Denis Duman, the county needs to install essential network equipment to ensure internet service is operational upon the facility’s opening. While the internal cabling is complete, infrastructure such as network switches and battery backup systems remains to be installed.
County IT manager Mike Brown emphasized the need for a functional network from day one, stating, “We need a perfectly functioning network with no extra bells or whistles the day it opens; we can add on later if we want to.”
The commissioners approved the necessary equipment and installation to support the project. Additionally, the airport manager, Mike Cook, reported on the need for an independent fee estimate for planned apron construction, a requirement under FAA rules prior to finalizing contracts.
The board also addressed the upcoming replacement of the Automated Weather Observing System, which may be completed in-house to save costs. This project is expected to be funded through an approved grant.
Concerns regarding communication inefficiencies in remote areas were raised by road and bridges supervisor Guy VonBargen. He highlighted issues with current telephone systems, stating, “When I send somebody to Warren or up the main Salmon, the phones are dead.”
Commissioners discussed the high costs and poor reliability of existing communication systems, including the $270 monthly fees for two GlobalStar satellite phones. Alternatives, such as Starlink, newer smartphones, Wi-Fi calling, and satellite texting, will be researched to enhance service and reduce costs.
The county commissioners meet every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the courthouse, providing a platform for local governance and community updates.
