Shoshone County loosens restrictions

WALLACE — Shoshone County is loosening some of its pandemic restrictions.

Shoshone County Sheriff Mike Gunderson said the licensing department will start accepting out-of-county residents for drivers license services only. Due to staffing issues, the office will still be processing concealed weapons permits and fingerprinting for county residents only.

Open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the licensing department inside SCSO will continue to have restricted access — serving only one customer at a time.

Across the street at the Shoshone County Courthouse, Assessor Jerry White and Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald report that almost all in-person services will also be returning.

While mask usage and social distancing must be observed at both buildings, all courthouse departments (except for courts proceedings and Parks & Recreation) can now see customers from anywhere face-to-face. Courtroom proceedings will remain digital until tentatively March 1 and all Parks & Recreation services are closed.

Depending on the department, some may still utilize the drop-box format that has been in-place under the more strict regulations.

SCSO's licensing services were closed to non-residents on Dec. 1, 2020, when its limited staff become overwhelmed from the influx of customers from neighboring counties. That influx caused extended wait times for customers — some lasting up to 60 days or more.

Under the emergency action plan, SCSO has been largely closed to the public and suspended in-person services such as driver’s licensing (limit one person inside at a time), notaries public and jail visitation.