JOSH McDONALD
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Osburn Craft Fair right around the corner
Shoshone County navigates sheriff's resignation
Lance Stutzke will lead department
According to a Wednesday evening release from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Lindsey stepped down after an investigation was launched into a hit-and-run incident that occurred Tuesday in Osburn. While Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen has not yet received the official report from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, it has been confirmed that Lindsey did not strike another vehicle or pedestrian.
Kelloween returns Saturday
Live music is scheduled at the old McConnell Hotel lot, featuring Cowboy Andy and the Salamanders, an all-ages rock band from Missoula. If the skies don’t cooperate, the tunes will move indoors to the Kellogg Elks building.
Details of Shoshone County's election initiatives
Enter if you dare
KHS leadership students cook up scares
Lindsey resigns as Shoshone County sheriff
KCSO investigating reported hit-and-run crash
Stutzke is expected to serve as interim sheriff until the commissioners appoint someone to complete Lindsey’s term. Lindsey was elected to her first four-year term last November.
Early snow a good sign for North Idaho ski hills
Hopes for early openings rise
“The frosted peaks were a welcome sight this weekend, about a week earlier than our first snow last year,” Colburn said. “Our crews are busy getting the mountain ready for opening day, which is scheduled for Nov. 28. If the snow continues to pile up, we won't rule out an early opening."
Experience Patti's Purgatory
ENAVILLE — It’s thrills, chills and a scary good time at Patti’s Purgatory Haunted House. This is the second year for the haunted house, which is being presented by the Elam family and friends and sponsored by Jim’s Towing. “We added three rooms and lots of new scares,” Miranda Elam said. “There’s no real theme, but a little bit of everything.” After seeing the popularity of other haunted houses and scary attractions, Elam came up with the idea to create something in Shoshone County that was terrifying, affordable, and didn’t require a trip over Fourth of July Pass.
Donated AED makes Silver Valley football field a safer place to play
In 2023, the most recent year with complete data, there were 385 reported instances of SCA in high school athletes, up roughly 100 from the previous years’ average. Experts believe the increase reflects improved recognition and reporting by school staff and emergency responders.
Shoshone County secures additional fire mitigation funding
$7.5M will address 18,890 acres of high-risk forestland along I-90
The $7.5 million initiative will address 18,890 acres of high-risk forestland along the corridor and treat 1,275 acres of private property, with a focus on the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), areas where wildland and residential zones meet and fire risk is highest.
Wallace forum attracts mayor, council hopefuls
Priorities revolve around housing, supporting businesses
Watterson, running against Frieh for Seat 1, emphasized youth engagement and volunteerism as her motivation for seeking office. She also highlighted her experience as a business owner, noting it as a key focus if elected.
Osburn man facing child sex abuse charge
A Silver Valley man is facing child sex abuse charges after being arrested last week following a police investigation that began with a report from the victim’s mother.
Shoshone County Fire District consolidation complete despite petition efforts
The board elected Sam Gibbons as chairman. Current board members John Specht, Tyler Carrico, Dennis O’Brien, Mike Pierce and Jeff Passer will continue serving until the May election, when voters will elect representatives for five newly created subdistricts.
IDFG investigating moose poaching in Shoshone County
Moose are classified as trophy animals in Idaho, with hunting tags issued through a limited draw system. Hunters who successfully harvest a moose are not eligible to receive another tag, giving the hunt a “once-in-a-lifetime” stat
Kellogg pushing FEMA on flood maps
Says updates will provide economic relief to residents
These designations are based on historical data, including rainfall and stream stage, and represent the statistical probability of a river reaching flood stage in any given year: 10% for a 10-year flood, 2% for a 50-year, 1% for a 100-year, and 0.2% for a 500-year.
Accused drug trafficker pleads not guilty
A Montana man facing multiple drug charges pleaded not guilty Monday morning during his arraignment at the Shoshone County Courthouse
Wallace embraces haunted past with new festival
If you’re into spooky history, ghost stories, haunted buildings, or just looking for a fun way to spend an October weekend, the upcoming Wallace Paranormal Festival might be just the ticket.
PES celebrates new playground
After years of playing on cracked asphalt and aging woodchips, students at Pinehurst Elementary School finally have a playground built for fun and safety.
Dive team secures $14K equipment donation from Shoshone County
The recently re-established Shoshone County Dive Team (SCDT) received a major boost this week thanks to a donation from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.
Remembering Herb Carlson, Wallace's legendary fighter
Herb Carlson, one of Wallace’s most celebrated native sons, passed away on Sept. 6, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate throughout Idaho.
Volunteers needed for Jackass Half Marathon
This weekend marks the sixth annual Jackass Half Marathon, and organizers are calling on locals to help make this year’s event one to remember.
OCT. NIBJ: Growing panes
For six decades and across three generations, Shoshone Glass and the Sawyer family have been serving the Silver Valley.
Shoshone County Jail gets good news for roof repair
A much-needed roof repair at the Shoshone County Public Safety Building is on its way, and county officials feel like they’re getting quite the bargain.
Medicaid cuts could have dire consequences in Silver Valley
IDHW says changes necessary to curb rising costs
Sweeping Medicaid cuts have rural medical professionals bracing for impact, and one nursing home in the Silver Valley is pushing back.
‘Risk a lot to save a lot'
Silver Valley first responders honored for rescue efforts
Three firefighters and two law enforcement officers were honored Monday for their heroic efforts during a house fire in Kellogg last month.
Historic Burke mine featured in new book
Howard Frisk’s newest book, Abandoned Mines of Western Idaho, brings Idaho’s mining past vividly to life, featuring dramatic sites like the towering remains of the Hecla Mine in Burke. The book is part of Frisk’s six-title series exploring ghost towns, abandoned mines, and historical landmarks across the Pacific Northwest.
Kingston man faces sex abuse charges
A Kingston man has been charged with numerous sex crimes, including rape and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under the age of 16.
Shoshone County faces lawsuit over sheriff's levy
Beehner’s complaint centers on an Aug. 14 meeting listed on the commissioners’ agenda as a workshop under the subject line “health of the county.” During the meeting, Shoshone County Clerk Lori Osterberg presented financial figures outlining the county’s fiscal challenges. Commissioner David Dose then introduced the idea of an override levy for the sheriff’s office.
ISR steps up to help Shoshone County
Earlier this week, the Shoshone County commissioners approved the reinstatement of a full-time county roads position, thanks to a generous donation from a local business.
Details of Shoshone County Fire District consolidation outlined
With the recent decision by Shoshone County’s two fire districts to consolidate into a single entity, Silver Valley Fire Rescue, many residents have been curious about what the merger will look like when it takes effect next month.
Accused child abuser pleads not guilty
A Silver Valley woman accused of child abuse pleaded not guilty to all charges Monday in the Shoshone County Courthouse.
KHS shop classes get a glow up
Students in Cory North’s agricultural mechanics, systems, and welding classes at Kellogg High School are getting new tools to hone their skills.
First responders offer message of unity during 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
First responders offer message of unity during 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Over the past nine years, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb has grown from a quiet, two-person tribute into an annual community event that now draws more than 100 participants from across the region.
ISP makes trafficking arrest in Shoshone County
A Montana man is facing felony trafficking charges after a traffic stop led to the seizure of more than 80 grams of methamphetamine.
Shoshone County fire districts to consolidate
Move expected to save money, improve efficiency
Last week, commissioners from Shoshone County’s two fire districts voted to consolidate Fire Protection Districts 1 and 2 into a single entity: Silver Valley Fire Rescue.
Shoshone County adopts $16.6M budget
After multiple meetings last week, the Shoshone County Commissioners formally adopted the county’s 2025-26 budget, but not without making some tough decisions.
Kellogg seeks public support for proposed fee increase
Voters in Kellogg will decide in November whether to approve an increase in the city’s franchise fee.
Silver Valley man accused of sexual abuse of children
Maxwell Burrell, 52, was taken into custody on Aug. 29 and charged with three counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16.
WSD to increase proposed levy amount
Trustee says delaying hike could worsen situation
The Wallace School Board voted to increase the amount of its proposed replacement supplemental levy during its August trustee meeting.
Commissioners approve Shoshone County ambulance purchases
The Shoshone County Ambulance Service District (SCASD) has committed to nearly $150,000 in annual lease payments for the foreseeable future following the approval of an ambulance purchase last Friday..
WSD pursuing demolition of Civic Auditorium
The Wallace School District last week approved submitting an application to the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee to demolish the Civic Auditorium.
County approves SCSO levy resolution
Issue may go to voters
By a 2-1 vote Thursday morning, the Shoshone County commissioners approved a resolution allowing the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office to pursue an override levy in the upcoming election.
Kootenai County woman arrested following Kellogg home invasion
A joint operation between multiple Shoshone County law enforcement agencies and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a Medimont woman following a reported break-in at a residence outside Kellogg.
Labor Day flea market returns to Wallace
Beneath the hum of traffic on Interstate 90, one of Wallace’s most distinctive traditions is set to return this Labor Day weekend: the Under the Freeway Flea Market.
Pinehurst man charged with kidnapping, rape
A Pinehurst man was arrested Saturday after Kellogg Police were alerted to a possible sexual assault that reportedly occurred during the early morning hours.
Major striping project to be completed in Shoshone County
After years of wear and tear and detour traffic, Silver Valley Road is finally getting a facelift.
Unapproved ambulance purchase sparks debate over funding options
Concerns over ambulance funding and purchasing decisions resurfaced during a recent meeting between the Shoshone County commissioners and members of the Shoshone County Ambulance Service District (SCASD).
Commissioner: Override levy could ease Shoshone sheriff's budget woes
Dose says the people should decide
The Shoshone County Commissioners met Thursday evening with County Clerk Lori Osterberg to discuss the county’s upcoming budget. What began as a routine meeting ended abruptly after a commissioner proposed a controversial solution to address deep cuts to the sheriff’s office.
Veteran educator takes the helm at Kellogg Middle School
Brad Harmon previously worked in the Lakeland, Post Falls districts
Most experts agree that middle school is one of the most challenging age groups in education. Good thing Brad Harmon isn’t afraid of a challenge
Silver Valley Cat Wranglers seek help after taking influx of felines
A sudden influx of felines in need have the Silver Valley Cat Wranglers scrambling for resources, human or otherwise.