Our Viewpoint

At a meeting we attended last week, some people were there in person social distancing and some were attending via Zoom video conference. Let's face it, six months ago few of us had heard of Zoom. There were issues with the audio and Internet connections during the meeting.

People attending the meeting via their phones and computers were getting frustrated. The response from a board member at the meeting was "we can't fix the Internet." In another meeting, attendees were saying that they thought more notice should have been given to residents.

Blackfoot is working hard to upgrade our Internet by installing fiber from Trout Creek through Thompson Falls. While the updated services likely won't be available until next year, it's our responsibility to do our best to communicate with the community when we're on a board or part of an organization.

Zoom meetings may be the new normal for years to come. Everyone, not just the people listening in, will have to adjust to new technology. We know people who still don't have a smart phone. We're all having to adjust.

Boards, committees and organizations will have to go the extra mile during these times of change to make sure they are effectively communicating with parents, members and residents.

We love that there are still areas of Sanders County where you can't get cell service. But when decisions are being made that affect entire schools or towns, every effort should be made to help our communities be in the know.