JOSH McDONALD
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Silver Valley caregivers honored
Patience, compassion, and a keen eye are just a few of the traits needed to be a good caregiver. In Shoshone County, the staff at Access Care at Home routinely demonstrate how quality care can help a person maintain their independence, no matter their age or disability.
Arraignment Wednesday in Shoshone County murder case
Kaylor, 31, will have an opportunity to enter a plea to the five felony charges that he currently faces, including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
Shoshone County commissioners approve budget
Plan includes 3% increase in property tax revenue and use of foregone taxes
The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously approved a $17.7 million county budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year – but it will not be the last we hear of the much-maligned financial plan.
ITD won't lower speed limits in Shoshone work zones
From the bottom of Fourth of July Pass to the Idaho/Montana border there are four different construction zones along Interstate 90 where traffic is reduced to single lanes in each direction. The speed limits through these zones have become a topic of much debate as many feel that 65 miles per hour is simply too fast.
Bridge over St. Joe River repaired
A bridge over the St. Joe River required emergency repairs last month.
Find yourself in a pickle
The sport was invented in 1965 in nearby Washington State and is a cross between ping pong, tennis, and badminton. Named after one of the founders’ dogs, Pickles, the sport has rapidly grown over the years and is now being played in parks, fitness centers, and gymnasiums across the county.
Shoshone County commissioners slash $1.2 million from budget
Shoshone County will have a public hearing Tuesday, when they will bring a proposed annual budget before the community for comment and potential approval.
Navy veteran cycling group stops in Kellogg
Members of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1983 have undertaken a serious challenge in the name of raising funds for various groups that provide support for veterans.
Shoshone County facing potential budget crisis
According to BOCC chairman David Dose, after weeks of reviewing proposals and feeling confident moving forward with approving their proposed $16.5 million county budget, it was brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), that in its current state and with the proposed various revenue streams, the county would not have the funds to approve such a budget and that they needed to tighten their proposed budget by roughly $3 million.
Art for everyone
Mountain Valley of Cascadia hosted their first-ever art show earlier this month.
Fentanyl, stolen guns seized during Pinehurst raid
Earlier this week the Pinehurst Police Department (PPD) along with several other agencies successfully conducted two raids that led to the seizure of more than 400 doses of fentanyl.
Tigers in the park
Members of the Mullan/St. Regis Football Team took some time away from the gridiron to give back to their local community.
Leadman gives back
When the annual Leadman Triathlon was established two decades ago, the goal was to create an event that brought people to the Silver Valley and gave local organizations an opportunity to volunteer in order to raise funds.
Fire halts operation at Lucky Friday
Authorities with the Hecla Mining Company are investigating an underground fire that broke out sometime Sunday at the Lucky Friday mine.
Bottoms Up!
A sell-out crowd makes Brewsfest 2023 a success
1,200 people packed the tubing hill area of Silver Mountain this past Saturday for BrewsFest 2023 – as Shoshone County continued its streak of stellar summer events.
Brewsfest 2023 this weekend
Along with the scenic views, there is just something different about enjoying a cold beer at 5,600 feet.
Shoshone County rethinking COLA decision
In the wake of a recent decision from the Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to set the county employee 2023/24 cost of living adjustment at 1% in order to meet their budgetary needs – the board is now looking at figuring out a way to make up the difference for their employees.
Paris to serve 22 years for Smelterville murder
Admitted murderess Stephanie Paris will serve at least the next 22 years in prison following her sentencing earlier this week in Shoshone County. Paris was arrested in June of last year on charges of first-degree murder, failure to notify authorities of a death, and obstruction of justice.
Shoshone County to reduce pay increases for employees
Last week the Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) elected to reduce the amount of the county’s cost of living adjustment (COLA) for their employees for the upcoming fiscal year.
Just the right amount of fun
Hosted by the Pinehurst/Kingston Lions Club, Pinehurst Days was three days of family fun in the not-so-hot sun, which helped keep people around and engaged.
Silver Valley Swim Team looks to grow roster
Not many of the smaller school districts in North Idaho offer swimming as an extracurricular activity, which means that when Silver Valley Swim Team competes, more often than not they are swimming against full teams of athletes from the biggest schools in the state.
Georgie Oaks opens at Sixth Street Theater
"Perils on the Georgie Oaks, or, Every Dog Has Its Day" opened earlier this week. It was originally written by Pat Grounds who was instrumental in the founding of the Sixth Street Theater and Melodrama.
Reward offered in Teeters Field vandalism
The Kellogg Police Department is investigating the attempted break-in and vandalism of the brand new drinking fountain/water bottle fill station at the new Teeters Field concession stand.
'The perfect basketball weekend'
SilverHoops 3-on-3 tournament attracts thousands to Kellogg
This being the 30th anniversary of the event, it was only right that it took the mantle of the biggest event in its history. This year, 181 teams, 710 players and more than 3,000 spectators made their way through the courts at Teeters Field – during an event that many folks called “the perfect basketball weekend.”
Bunker Hill reopening remains on track
At the local level, the reopening of the mine would be an economic stimulator for a historically economically depressed area – which began its decline with the mine’s closing in the 1980s.
Pinehurst Days this weekend
Pinehurst Days has more than a half-century’s worth of history to lean into, but this year they decided that along with celebrating their small bedroom community, they would honor a number of the people who played a part in the weaving of that community’s fabric.
Big turnout expected for Kellogg 3-on-3
One of the longest-running events in the Silver Valley, SilverHoops is celebrating its pearl anniversary this year – 30 years of bringing the masses down to the blacktop at Teeters Field.
Kellogg to resume resealing redone roads
Beginning next month, the city of Kellogg will begin a resurfacing project for all of the streets north of Interstate 90.
Silver Valley I-90 projects on schedule
The good news is that, unlike last summer when unusual weather caused numerous delays, according to Idaho Transportation Department Senior Public Information Officer Megan Jahns this year many of the projects are right on track or even ahead of schedule.
Silver Valley Pride goes off without a hitch
The ability to be seen, supported, and included. These were the goals for Silver Valley Pride 2023.
Silver Valley Seniors receives WaFd Bank grant
A recent grant from the local branch of the Washington Federal Bank is going a long way toward keeping the kitchen open at Silver Valley Seniors.
State funds new sidewalks in Kellogg
A $250,000, five-part pedestrian safety project is underway thanks to funding from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) as part of their Children Pedestrian Safety Program.
Shoshone County declared the winner in legal battle with Silver Mountain
After nearly six years of litigation and multiple levels of appeals, Shoshone County has emerged victorious in its tax appeal fight against Silver Mountain Resort.
Kellogg, FEMA at standstill
Progress between the city of Kellogg and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to revise aging flood maps has ground to a halt.
Shoshone County wins legal battle with Silver Mountain
After nearly six years of litigation and multiple levels of appeals, Shoshone County has emerged victorious in its tax appeal fight against Silver Mountain Resort.
Teeters Field project, a labor of love for many
Kellogg football stadium's renovations almost complete
Teeters Field has seen its fair share of upgrades over the years, but the city of Kellogg is putting the finishing touches on the biggest series of modifications to date. That includes a brand new 750-square-foot concession stand and restroom facility, a ticket booth and an ADA-compliant viewing platform.
SV Chamber ready for summer concert series
The melodic voice of Ron Greene will open the six-week run of free concerts and vendor shopping – Nothing but warm evenings, live music, cold drinks, and handmade crafts.
Kellogg ready for all-class reunion
Organizer Lori Sawyer and her dedicated committee of former KHS grads have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming three-day reunion and Sawyer is looking forward to seeing as many familiar faces as possible.
Not your average fairy tale
July production now showing at the Sixth Street Theater in Wallace
The Sixth Street Theater and Melodrama is kicking off its 40th year of shows with its July production, “Into the Storybook – or – Never Judge a Book by its Contents.”
Hearing rescheduled, gag order issued in Kellogg murder case
The preliminary hearing originally scheduled for Monday, July 3, in the case of accused murderer Majorjon Kaylor was vacated and rescheduled and a gag order has been issued in the matter.
Fresh faces, familiar acts at Wallace Blues Festival
The annual music extravaganza known as the Historic Wallace Blues Festival is just days away and the city of Wallace is getting ready for a full weekend of packed streets.
Shoshone VFW to host another stand down
The veterans that attend each stand down are able to receive referrals for health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, mental health assistance, and other vital services.
Kellogg gearing up for Fourth
Through collaborative efforts between the city, the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce, Silver Mountain, the Kellogg Elks, and VFW Post 1675, Kellogg’s July 4 celebration will be jam-packed.
Pottsville Seven host successful park clean-up
Under the guidance of Jim See, the leader of the Pottsville Seven, the team of volunteers met June 11 to make sure that the park was ready for visitors during the 2023 summer season.
Hard Enduro on Silver Mountain
Event attracts huge crowds to watch motorcycle races
Silver Mountain played host to one of the Silver Valley’s largest events in recent memory as the Silver Kings Hard Enduro races returned to Shoshone County.
Mountain West partners up to help finish park
Over the past few years, Jenna Grant-Arthun and the City of Osburn, along with the Lion’s Park Playground Committee have been hard at work putting together and executing a plan to revitalize the aging park.
A vigil for Aiken
On Wednesday night, a still-grieving community of classmates and community members held a candlelight vigil outside of Smith’s home in Kellogg.
Kiwanis to hold vendor fair this weekend
The weather looks good, the vendors are signed up, and the Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley is ready for Beer and Browse 2023.
Kaylor will not face death penalty if convicted
Kaylor is accused of murdering Kenna Guardipee, 41, Kenneth Guardipee, 65, Devin Smith, 18, and Aiken Smith, 16, at their home in Kellogg on Father’s Day.
Accused Kellogg murderer appears in court
MajorJon Kaylor was charged with four counts of first-degree murder Tuesday morning during his first appearance in Shoshone County Magistrate Court.