JOSH McDONALD
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Shoshone County's first fentanyl trafficking offender sentenced
Two individuals were sentenced on Monday in connection with Shoshone County’s first fentanyl trafficking case since Idaho passed new legislation concerning the dangerous opioid.
Shoshone County amends budget to track jail spending
The Shoshone County Commissioners amended their budget last week to accurately track spending by the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office.
Shoshone sheriff seeks Border Patrol grant
Captain Seth Green with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Department met with the Shoshone County Commissioners earlier this month, where they approved his request to pursue a grant from the United States Border Patrol (USBP).
Crisis resource available in Shoshone County
Benchmark Human Services offers counseling, more
A new resource aims to add another resource in the fight against suicide in Shoshone County.
Superintendents discuss education scorecard results
A recent study reveals Idaho's schools ranked 30th in math recovery and 38th in reading from 2019–2024. While some local districts show progress in the post-pandemic educational landscape, others continue working to create more stable learning environments.
Flood advisory in place throughout Shoshone County
Areas throughout Shoshone County are under a flood advisory alert according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). However, county officials aren’t raising the alarm just yet.
In Shoshone County, the RATs are coming
The RATs, as they prefer to be called, have already made a significant impact on the community, busting up meth labs, halting trafficking operations, arresting drug dealers, and removing mass quantities of harmful substances like fentanyl from area denizens.
North Idaho Physical Therapy buys Kellogg clinic
Justin Kane and Cory Lewis took over the operation of Kellogg Physical Therapy earlier this year and have brought it under Kane’s North Idaho Physical Therapy, BioPerformance Institute umbrella.
Kellogg man found guilty of drug charges
On February 12, Kenton Isom, 39, of Kellogg was convicted of three felonies, including possession of fentanyl in various forms, possession of methamphetamine, attempted destruction or concealment of the controlled substances, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Entrega especial: Kellogg firefighters travel 1,200 miles to deliver fire engine to Bolivian volunteers
Two firefighters from Shoshone County Fire District #2 will be going on the adventure of a lifetime all in the name of goodwill.
Kellogg police investigating hit and run
Kellogg police are looking for community help locating a vehicle and driver involved in a hit-and-run that occurred on Sunday afternoon.
ITD urges caution around snowplows
Each year, the Idaho Department of Transportation (IDT) waits for this moment knowing full well that the chaos tends to get worse before it gets better, largely because people struggle to coexist with the snowplows while they’re out clearing the roads.
Earthquake shakes Silver Valley
Folks settling in for the evening on Monday night got quite the shock when an earthquake briefly rattled through the area.
Kellogg's basketball court becomes center of hope for 2-year-old's cancer fight
The Wildcat community rallied around some of their own recently, when the Kellogg High School Boys Basketball team turned a busy weekend into what has become known as the “Live for Viv” Fundraiser.
Kellogg's Mayor Mac receives Precious Gem award
Last month, Pooler was awarded the Silver Valley Chamber’s “Precious Gem” award, which is given to a person who has given abundantly to the local community. He was unable to attend the chamber’s award ceremony, so former chamber president Juli Zook brought the award to him.
Shoshone new Rapid Action Team busts meth lab
Special unit in action after a year of training
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Pine Creek on Tuesday morning, leading to the discovery of a significant methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
Shoshone patrol deputies to fill gaps in jail staffing
The Shoshone County Commissioners approved a $12,000 transfer from the sheriff's jail budget to sheriff’s patrol overtime budget.
Honoring Sheriff Gunderson's legacy
The Silver Valley took a hit last year when former Shoshone County Sheriff Mike Gunderson passed away following a battle with cancer, but in the wake of their grief, his family has created something to ensure that his legacy lives on.
Extreme SkiJor kicks off next week in Wallace
The signature winter event at the Center of the Universe is just over one week away and even with less-than-advantageous weather, the seventh annual Wallace Extreme Ski Jor is set to go.
Shoshone fire crew returns from California
Dietrich is the chief at Shoshone County Fire District #2, one of many departments that answered the call earlier this month when several fires broke out around Los Angeles. When he received the email from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, requesting any help that could be spared, Dietrich asked his crew if anyone would be interested in a 20-day excursion to California.
Shoshone county struggles to staff jail
Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey and Undersheriff Lance Stutzke went before the county commissioners on Wednesday to discuss what they’re calling a “dire” concern.
North Idaho hit with air stagnation warning
Old, young among those most at risk during stagnation advisory
People checking the weather on their mobile devices were recently hit with a new and ominous warning that simply read: Air Stagnation Advisory. But what exactly is an air stagnation advisory? What causes it and who might it affect?
Pinehurst man pleads guilty in child porn case
A Pinehurst man pleaded guilty to three child pornography charges on Monday morning.
Silver Valley Chamber honors community servants
It was a night of celebrating the helpers on Thursday when the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Night at Noah’s Loft.
Wallace special events ordinance up for public comment
A new law aimed at special events was up for public comment during Wallace’s January City Council meeting.
Kingston-Cataldo sewer district awarded $1.4M loan for treatment facility project
Last week it was announced that the Kingston-Cataldo Sewer District had been awarded a $1.4 million loan from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).
Smelterville man arrested after domestic dispute turns violent
According to court documents, Robert Funk, 36, was arrested after deputies responded to a call from Funk’s ex-girlfriend, who was attempting to leave their shared residence after an argument allegedly escalated into a violent altercation.
Shoshone County Sheriff Lindsey discusses new term
When Holly Lindsey received word that she had won the race for sheriff in the November election, her initial thoughts were of gratitude to have received the stamp of approval from the voters in Shoshone County.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Office opens branch in North Idaho
History was made on Tuesday afternoon when the Shoshone County Commissioners approved two agreements that will create the first Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Office in North Idaho.
Burglary investigation leads to drug bust
Two people were arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses following an investigation of a burglary at a Pinehurst residence.
Elected sworn in at Shoshone County Courthouse
Five elected officials were sworn in on Monday morning during an intimate ceremony inside the foyer of the Shoshone County Courthouse.
County renews law enforcement contract with Smelterville
The city of Smelterville will continue to receive 730 annual patrol hours from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office after the county commissioners signed off on a new contract between the two entities on Thursday morning.
Study to be completed on old Wallace school building
For the past few years, the Wallace School District has been exploring options related to the old Wallace High School building. However, a determination on the building’s fate may be on the horizon.
Kellogg woman convicted of domestic battery
A Kellogg woman was found guilty of felony domestic battery earlier this week following a one-day jury trial that needed just 30 minutes to return a verdict.
Wallace considering 'Special Events' law
The Wallace City Council will be hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, January 8, to discuss a proposed Special Events Ordinance that was discussed at December’s council meeting.
Project to repaint road lines between Osburn and Wallace will have to wait
A highly trafficked section of road is at the top of Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke’s to-do list, but people are going to need to be patient with the county.
New lights brighten up Silver Valley cemeteries
Cemeteries may not be the most hopeful of places, but at Kellogg’s Greenwood Cemetery and Shoshone Memorial Gardens in Pinehurst, the new lighted crosses have provided some much-needed light in the darkness, both literally and figuratively.
Bunker restart delayed, but momentum continues
Mine combats rising costs
The finish line for the anticipated restart of the Bunker Hill Mine is still clearly in sight, but a few setbacks have delayed the previously forecasted return to production. The delay is a minor inconvenience compared to the amount of positive momentum the mine is experiencing.
Work continues around Silver Valley superfund site
Several projects completed
Progress was made on several projects in both Shoshone and Kootenai Counties, as crews continued to undo the damage done by pollution from years of irresponsible mining practices.
Lookout, Silver Mountain ready for New Year's Eve
Both resorts planning celebrations
One of the more unique spectacles on New Year’s Eve will once again take place at Lookout Pass when they host their annual Torchlight Parade.
Another big year for Shoshone County Shop-With-A-Cop
Shop-With-A-Cop was more than a little bittersweet this year. Once again, the event demonstrated the incredible generosity of the Silver Valley community while also allowing 84 kids the opportunity to experience the human side of law enforcement.
Wood or electric, be safe with your heating systems
According to Shoshone County Fire District #1 Chief John Miller, his agency is dispatched numerous times each year during the holidays due to someone not following simple safety rules or properly maintaining their wood heating systems.
Christmas comes early in Pinehurst
Festival brims with holiday spirit
A few years ago, Pinehurst didn’t have much going for it during the holidays. There were a few small events, but nothing that brought people to the town. This really bothered Miranda Elam, so she did something about it.
Kellogg's Radio Brewing releases limited-edition beer
Radio Brewing has released a limited-edition beer to commemorate the restart of the Bunker Hill Mine.
Charges dropped against pair in Kellogg man's death
Charges have been dropped in the cases against two California men believed to be involved in the April death of a Kellogg man.
P&Z, disaster services request new vehicles
Last week, the Shoshone County Commissioners met with the county’s Planning and Zoning Administrator Dan Martinsen to discuss purchasing new vehicles for both P&Z and the county’s disaster services department.
Shoshone County officials give tips for staying safe on winter roads
The busiest travel season of the year is just days away and local officials hope that everyone stays safe during the holidays.
Shoshone deputies navigate bomb threats, highway pursuits Wednesday night
It was a wild Wednesday night for local law enforcement, as deputies from the Kellogg Police Department and Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office engaged in a pursuit that took them from Kellogg to Osburn. This wasn’t the only source of drama that evening, as deputies with the SCSO had to respond to a bomb threat called into their own office.
Shop Small in Wallace
The Wallace Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday Shop Small event has already begun, but there are still plenty of opportunities for people to get to Wallace and grab a sweet deal before the holidays.
Shoshone County officials discuss future plans Pt. 3
After Shoshone County Clerk-elect Lori Osterberg won her race in the May Primary Election, she could have sat around for the next eight months and waited for her term to begin. However, Osterberg isn’t one to sit and wait.