Runway Upgrades and New Hangars Ahead for County Airport
Paris, ID · September 10, 2026
Expect an uptick in traffic along Highway 89 this morning as regional open house tours get underway just north in Montpelier.
The Lead
The Bear Lake County Airport, situated on the valley floor between Paris and Montpelier, is moving forward with a major expansion backed by state and federal aviation grants. Originally established as an auxiliary military airstrip during World War II, the county-owned field has seen steady traffic growth, regularly clocking 10 to 20 aircraft movements a day during peak summer travel.
Airport manager Trevor Keetch oversees the planned buildout, which will more than double on-site hangar space, resurface taxiways, and eventually introduce dedicated jet fuel service. The improvements are designed to accommodate cross-country pilots stopping for lower-cost fuel while giving valley aircraft owners much-needed room to hangar planes out of harsh winter weather. Ground leveling and preliminary site preparations wrap up this month ahead of next year's paving schedule.
Today's Outlook
- High 76°F · Low 43°F — Overcast
- Expect cloud cover all afternoon, but you will only need light layers outside.
What's On Around Town
Montpelier: Temple Public Open House Montpelier Idaho Temple (534 Washington St), 9:00 AM–7:00 PM Free forty-five-minute guided walking tours through the new landmark building.
Logan: Tiny Houses Exhibition Tippetts Galleries (USU Fine Arts Center), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Design models exploring compact living, built by university architecture and art students.
Spotlight & Story
- Bear Lake Motors
- Founded in 1918 to service early Model Ts, the Sneddon family has steered Bear Lake Motors through generations of valley drivers along Washington Street. What keeps it running is simple: dependable wrench work, fair trades, and keeping neighbors moving through harsh mountain winters.
Paris Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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