Hutter steps down as chief

PONDERAY — Police Chief Mike Hutter is retiring next month.

But it will be a short retirement — one week.

After that, he be on patrol for the Sandpoint Police Department on a part-time basis.

“I’d still like to work,” said Hutter.

Hutter has been with the department 19 years and said he is ready for a change.

“It’s going to be a nice change,” he said.

Although it will be a somewhat familiar change as Hutter’s came from Sandpoint Police before transferring to Ponderay.

Mayor Steve Geiger said Hutter will be missed.

“He has represented our city with a high level of professionalism and I feel like he has done a great job putting the city’s best interests first,” said Geiger.

Geiger said Hutter was always easy to talk and work with.

Hutter’s final city council meeting will be May 16. His semi-retirement takes effect at the end of May.

Detective Jimmy Cornelius, another long-serving Ponderay officer, is being appointed interim chief and Geiger said he will seek the council’s confirmation for Cornelius as the department’s chief.

“I’m a firm believer of promoting from within,” said Geiger.

Cornelius is a 20-year veteran of Ponderay Police.

Cornelius said he has no immediate plans for change in the department.

“I will discuss that first with the Ponderay City Council and the mayor. If they are happy with how it has been running with Chief Hutter, I’ll continue along those guidelines,” said Cornelius, adding he is open to change if those are the council’s wishes.