Wallace, Kellogg join forces at Kellogg pool
Photo by JOSH MCDONALD The Kellogg Public Swimming Pool was finally able to address their staffing needs by hiring the lifeguards from the Wallace Public Swimming Pool. Pictured are Brayden Peyer, Kellogg pool manager Numa Poché and Colin Chilgren. Both Chilgren and Peyer were working at the Wallace pool, but unforseen issues have kept the pool from opening. Not pictured is lifeguard Kendall Lohr.
KELLOGG — After weeks of confusion on one end and maintenance issues and being short-staffed on the other end, the Silver Valley will now have some continuity from their local public swimming pools.
It was announced last week that the Wallace Public Swimming Pool won’t be opening anytime soon due to the pool mysteriously losing hundreds of gallons of water.
Meanwhile, the Kellogg Public Swimming Pool has faced issues with maintenance, which forced a delayed opening, and then dealt with being short-staffed while searching for lifeguards.
For the past few weeks, the pool had been operating with only two lifeguards, including the pool manager.
Now, with the presumptive season closing of the pool in Wallace, the Kellogg facility will utilize the lifeguards from Wallace to round out their staff and keep the waters accident free for swimmers in Kellogg.
Kellogg’s first-year pool manager Numa Poché was thrilled to get the additional help at the pool, which should make the hot summer days easier for her to monitor.
“I’m so happy they are here. They have been a big help already and are fitting right in,” Poché said. “I’m super thankful that they agreed to come out here and help us out. They really stepped up to the plate and are working hard for us.”
The Kellogg Public Swimming Pool is open free of charge Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. with there being adults only open swimming on weekdays from 5-6 p.m.
Unfortunately, due to the late start and staffing issues, the Kellogg pool will be unable to offer swimming lessons this year.
The pool is available to rent. For more information contact pool manager Numa Poché at 208-783-1070 or Kellogg City Hall at 208-786-9131.