Black Sheep honored by senator

COEUR d’ALENE — Since Dave and Barbara Knoll bought the Silver Lake Mall last year, people have noticed.

They brought new life to the shopping center managed by son Brian Knoll just off U.S. 95.

As part of the acquisition, the Knolls moved their anchor store, Black Sheep Sporting Goods, to the mall.

Many have followed.

“We’ve got people standing in line wanting to be in the mall again,” said Dave Knoll.

Their way of doing things has attracted more customers, more businesses and now, recognition from elected officials.

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch on Wednesday announced Black Sheep Sporting Goods was selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for October and will be recognized for its contribution to the community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

“For nearly five decades, Idaho’s outdoorsmen and women have relied on Black Sheep Sporting Goods for their hunting, outdoor, and firearm needs,” Risch said in a press release.

Since 1975, Black Sheep Sporting Goods has provided Idahoans with hunting equipment, outdoor gear, firearms and toys. It also has several concept stores at the mall, including Knives and Optics, Hydration Station, Timberline Trading Company, and American Heritage.

As longtime Idahoans, the Knolls have made significant investments to bring brick-and-mortar stores back to life, Risch said.

“Congratulations to Black Sheep Sporting Goods on being the Idaho Small Business of the Month for October 2022,” he said. “You make our great state proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.”

Dave Knoll was pleased.

“I’m honored and excited to receive this award,” he said.

Each month, Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional commitment to community.

Black Sheep Sporting Goods fit that description.

“Thank you, Sen. Risch, for thinking of us,” Dave Knoll said.

He said the mall is gearing up for a big holiday shopping season. It is pretty much full, with a strong lineup of businesses.

“We’re happy to be here,” Dave Knoll said. “We thank all of our customers for their support.”