JOSH McDONALD
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Shoshone County takes over Silver Express shuttle service
On Wednesday, the commissioners met with Shoshone County Grant Administrator Colleen Rosson where they made the decision to take full control of the bus service for the next six months.
Silver Express facing new administration
The Shoshone County Commissioners are working behind the scenes to make sure that public transportation remains an option for the county’s residents.
Jackass Half Marathon on the horizon
Hosted by the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Jackass has become a staple of the running community, with hundreds of people pouring in from around the United States to participate.
Reward offered in May gun theft
Weapon was recovered near Kellogg High School
A reward is being offered for anyone with information about a robbery that occurred in May which resulted in the recovery of a handgun near Kellogg High School.
New treatment facility on the horizon for Kingston
Big things are coming for the Kingston-Cataldo Sewer District now that plans are in place for a new treatment facility near Kingston.
SCFD2 gets new wheels
There’s nothing like that new car smell, or in this case, that new firetruck smell.
A little rain couldn't stop Wallace 9/11 Stair Climb
A little bit of wet weather wasn’t enough to stop the people of the Silver Valley from honoring and remembering the victims of the September 11, Terrorist Attacks during the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
Wallace passes business registration ordinance
The new ordinance, which was met with some skepticism, was passed by a 4-1 vote, with Councilwoman Cindy Lien being the only member to vote no.
Grant powers project toward Murray
A much-needed infrastructure improvement project is currently underway and could mean big things for the Golden Chest Mine.
Annual S.A.V.E. walk is Friday
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and this Friday, S.A.V.E. will host their 10th Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk.
Shoshone County adopts budget after increasing levy
After weeks of special meetings, the Shoshone County Commissioners adopted a budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/24.
Nighttime project begins on I-90
On Thursday, crews from the Idaho Transportation Department began a nine-mile, nighttime project where they are resurfacing Interstate 90 from Pinehurst to Cataldo.
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb next week in Wallace
Next week marks 23 years since the September 11 Terrorist Attacks and once again the crews of Shoshone County Fire District #1 will be honoring those who lost their lives with the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
30 years for Mike's Specialty Welding
Last month, the locally owned and operated industrial fabrication business celebrated its 30th anniversary with a community barbecue. Memories and laughs were shared over burgers and beers, but the anniversary also signaled an unofficial changing of the guard for the company.
Commissioners, SCSO navigate budget issues
The Shoshone County Commissioners met with administration from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday to discuss how they planned to overcome a $605,000 budget shortfall.
Calder man charged with aggravated assault after allegedly firing rifle
61-year-old Steven Meile was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault after he allegedly opened fire on two men who were conducting a tree survey on Stimson Lumber property.
Kellogg bridge to be named after Mayor Mac
When long time Kellogg mayor Mac Pooler resigned earlier this year, it was a major shock to the community. Pooler had been a fixture in the city’s government for 32 years, leading Kellogg through several major developments and tough economic times.
Welcome to 'The Dirt'
Goal is to keep people informed about Superfund site
A new collaborative group has formed to provide a series of up-to-date information and educational news about the current happenings within the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site (BHSS).
Quick response helps quench Kingston fire
Emergency crews responded to a fire near a Kingston residence on Thursday afternoon.
OPINION: Grading Wallace and Kellogg after season openers
Let's breakdown what we saw in 'Zero Week'
Overestimated of overspent? Shoshone County's budget mystery solved
Earlier this month, county officials received the final report from consulting firm Eide Bailly, who reviewed portions of the county’s financial statements from the previous three years to help them identify a reported $1.7 million in overspending.
Wardner man pleads guilty in child abuse case
Raymond Lee, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of felony injury to a child as part of a plea agreement with the State.
Forest funds push KSD stormwater project across the finish line
With just under two weeks until the new school year starts, KSD is scrambling to get the major project wrapped up before students arrive, but several unforeseen issues have slowed the project.
Wallace reviewing proposed business registration ordinance
The Wallace City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday night where they held a workshop concerning the city’s proposed Business Registration Ordinance.
Cold beer and perfect weather
Brewsfest '24 another hit for Silver Mountain
Perfect temperatures, a light breeze, great music, and plenty of ice-cold beer made the 27th annual Brewsfest on Silver Mountain one of the biggest events of the summer.
New coin celebrates 140 years of Sunshine Mine
A special edition 1-oz silver coin commemorating the 140th anniversary of the Sunshine Mine is now available at the Sierra Silver Mine Tour gift shop.
27th annual Brewsfest this weekend in Kellogg
For almost 30 years, Brewsfest has been a highlight on Silver Mountain’s summer calendar and once again the celebration of craft beer looks to be a hoppin’ good time.
Kellogg woman graduates from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Kellogg High School graduate Shea Curran recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York.
Public Works director responds to allegations of procedural violations
Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke went before the county commissioners earlier this week to address claims of code violations that were made against her department last week.
"Of course': Surprise marriage proposal highlight of Pinehurst Days
Brad Kitchen, the president of the Pinehurst/Kingston Lions Club, was thrilled with the turnout for the weekend, hailing everything from the nice weather all the way to people who volunteered their time to make the event happen.
Kootenai County man donates $10K to Shoshone County sheriff
Russ McLain recently moved his mother into an assisted living facility after years as a resident of the city of Wallace and after spending some time in the community, McLain decided that he wanted to give back to a department that he believed has served her well.
Communication issues highlight Shoshone County budget workshop
A Shoshone County budget workshop got contentious on Wednesday morning as concerns over budget cuts went largely unanswered.
Osburn continues to add to Lions Park
The new 40’ by 70’ court can be used for both basketball and pickleball and was designed and installed by Cool Courts out of Spokane.
Another slam dunk for SilverHoops
A record-breaking 210 teams took to the courts at Teeters Field this past weekend in hopes of calling themselves SilverHoops champion.
Pinehurst Days this weekend
The P/K Lions strive to ensure that Pinehurst Days has something for every family member, and once again they’re checking all the boxes.
Shoshone BOCC approves wage and radio funds
Last week, the Shoshone County Commissioners met with Shoshone County Fire District #1 Chief John Miller and members of the Shoshone County Ambulance Service District (SCASD) to discuss a wage shortfall within the district.
Kellogg School District settles civil suits
The lawsuits, filed by former Kellogg High School student Travis Lohr and former district employee Dakota Mailloux, stemmed from an incident in June 2023 where the district suspended Lohr after he made a controversial statement during a school assembly.
Additional work to be completed on Moon Pass
In April, a rockslide wiped out a section of the road, delaying its seasonal opening and requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars in work to clear the debris. The road was reopened in early July, but more work is needed to make sure that another slide doesn’t happen.
Guilty verdict returned in Pinehurst meth case
A 65-year-old Kingston man is facing up to eight years in prison after he was found guilty on several drug charges.
Shoshone sheriff battles manpower, equipment needs
Addressing increasing levels of crime in Shoshone County has been a challenge, but the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office is hoping that its efforts throughout the county continue to yield positive results.
Sundae Edition: Tin Snug scoops up big flavors on National Ice Cream Day
Ice cream is universally beloved, but in Shoshone County, there seems to be an intense love for the stuff that goes beyond reason. With roughly 13,000 residents scattered across the sizeable county, there are more than 15 places to stop in and grab an ice-cold sweet treat.
Smelterville excited for Maverik
Opening expected later this year
The 6,000-square-foot store will be one of the company’s larger facilities, and the expanded design of the facility grounds will make it easily accessible for semi-trucks and recreational vehicles and passenger vehicles.
Shoshone County officials review annual audit
Elected officials and department heads throughout Shoshone County met with auditor Tony Matson on Monday to review the county’s annual audit.
Internship programs continue successful run in Shoshone County
Four students are participating in the county’s internship and clerkship programs under the watchful eyes of the Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Allen and Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine.
Efforts on North Fork yielding positive results for Shoshone sheriff's department
In the weeks since Memorial Day weekend, things have quieted down on the North Fork according to the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office.
"A story of 1,000 heroes"
Wallace leadership praises new festival
City leadership expressed their support for the upcoming Wallace Music Fest during their monthly council meeting on Wednesday night.
Cities still waiting on FEMA
Another year, another round of waiting as the city of Kellogg works to revise its aging flood maps.
Annual audit meeting scheduled in Shoshone County
The results of a special forensic audit are reportedly right around the corner, but the Shoshone County Commissioners will review the county’s annual audit first.
The day the music was revived
In the wake of last week’s decision to cancel the Wallace Blues Festival something magical has happened in Wallace. A new music festival has been born.
Huckleberry Havoc to open at Sixth Street Theater
Will the huckleberries be saved? Will the pie recipe be found? And will the dastardly villain ever get a joke to land?