Friday, May 29
Around the World in 80 Days
Silver Valley Fuller Center supports international fundraising challenge
Emergency crews keep busy with I-90 crashes
WALLACE — It’s like how that old saying goes, “when it rains, it pours.”
Wildcats nab nearly $1 million in scholarships
Students at Kellogg High School are flush with scholarship cash following the announcement of their scholarship recipients last week.
Galena’s Recapitalization Plan progressing ‘better than expected’
It was announced last September that the Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (AGSC) entered into a strategic joint venture agreement with Eric Sprott to recapitalize operations at the Galena Mine.
Initiate Stage 3
Movie goers, pool swimmers, and bar flies — rejoice. Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Thursday that he is authorizing Stage 3 of his Rebound Idaho plan, which is set to begin Saturday.
Dale Roy Noordam, 67
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother and friend, Dale Roy Noordam, 67, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away May 24, 2020 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg, Idaho. He was born October 27, 1952 in Missoula, Montana; Dale was the son of Harry and Evelyn (Kolczak) Noordam.
Legals for May, 29 2020
Thursday, May 28
IPNF prepares to open campgrounds Saturday
COEUR d’ALENE – The Forest Service Staff on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is preparing campgrounds for forest visitors in alignment with state orders and federal phased reopening plans.
KPD Roll Call: May 20-27
•Called to Amy Lynn’s for fight in progress. Cleared citation issued x2.
Pinehurst Library offers computer access starting June 2
Community Library Network locations across Kootenai County will offer its members appointments for reserving one-hour computer access starting June 1, 2020. Pinehurst, in Shoshone County, will begin offering this service on June 2nd.
Foreign policy looms large in Senate campaign
If you are a die-hard Republican who puts the word “greatness” in the same sentence with Donald Trump – as many within the GOP do – then you’ll probably appreciate how Idaho Sen. Jim Risch does business as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
The streak has been broken!
SCSO reports zero alcohol or recreational deaths over holiday weekend
WALLACE – Memorial Day Weekend proved to be another busy holiday for the SCSO.
CHS senior draws statewide attention to child marriage
Idaho has highest rate in the nation of wedded minors.
Scott: Little’s actions threaten constitutional rights
Heather Scott was in Bonners Ferry this past Thursday, May 21, to speak to a standing-room-only crowd inside the Bonners Ferry Providence Presbyterian Church.
Wednesday, May 27
Benewah COVID-19 cases jump to 4
Total Panhandle cases at 79
Seniors cash out at scholarship ceremonies
Seniors at Mullan and Wallace high schools had quite a bit to celebrate last week, including more than $325,000 in scholarships that were awarded.
Wallace students receive recognition for Arbor Day pics
WALLACE — A pair of Wallace School District students have been making the most of their time outside from school, receiving high marks in the Idaho Forest Products Commission’s (IFPC) Look to the Forest Photo Contest.
Congratulations to the Wallace and Mullan 2020 Senior Classes!
Answering the call
Local trio to join military academies following appointments and scholarships
Tuesday, May 26
Idaho Public Television viewers will see schedule change June 1
Beginning Monday, June 1, viewers in the Pacific time zone will see a one-hour shift in the broadcast schedule on Idaho Public Television’s PLUS, WORLD, CREATE and PBS KIDS channels. Programs that currently broadcast at 7 p.m. on these four channels, for example, will begin broadcasting one hour later at 8 p.m. beginning June 1.
Silver Hills Elementary School announces Kindergarten Roundup changes
OSBURN — The Wallace School District Kindergarten Roundup is next week, but with some changes.
Legals for May, 26 2020
Monday, May 25
Idaho Unemployment reaches record high of 11.5% in April
Nonfarm Jobs Fell 10.4 Percent
Idaho rolls out new COVID-19 testing strategy
BOISE – Governor Brad Little announced last Friday that the Testing Task Force assembled one month ago has completed its recommendations.
Saturday, May 23
First case of COVID-19 in Benewah county has been confirmed
Shoshone and Boundary counties still have zero confirmed cases.
Friday, May 22
Let’s break the streak
SCSO stresses safety this Memorial Day weekend
EPA to begin Ninemile Creek work
WALLACE — Cleanup work will begin soon in Ninemile Basin as Coeur d’Alene Work Trust crews continue the efforts to remove sources of heavy metals from historical mine and mill sites.
Get ready for the Jackass Half Marathon
OSBURN — A new event will be taking place this fall and it already appears to be a growing success.
Silver Valley Memorial Day ceremonies canceled
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local veteran groups will not be hosting their traditional Memorial Day ceremonies at the various cemeteries in Shoshone County on Monday. The 21-gun salutes performed by the Kellogg High School JROTC drill teams will also not be carried out.
Oh, pretty flowers
Wallace Flower Project assembles hanging baskets
A ceremony to remember
It’s graduation week on the east end of Shoshone County as Wallace and Mullan high schools prepare for their seniors departure.
Legals for May, 22 2020
Thursday, May 21
St. Joe Valley Fire welcomes eight volunteers
CALDER – St. Joe Valley Fire District #4 added eight new volunteer trainees recently. This was only possible because of the expertise, dedication, and generosity of St. Maries Fire Department chief Larry Naccarato.
OP: Idaho’s economic rebound hinges on the safety and confidence of consumers and employees
As more and more businesses are opening their doors, many Idahoans have been eager to get out of the house and get back to work.
Gov. Little host press conference on new COVID-19 testing strategy
BOISE – Governor Brad Little will host a press conference regarding a new COVID-19 testing strategy on Friday, May 22 at 12 p.m. MT (11 a.m. PT) in the Lincoln Auditorium. The conference will be streamed to the public through Idaho Public Television online- www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/governor/.
Kellogg keeps playgrounds closed
The City of Kellogg re-taped off their playground equipment in their city park on Wednesday, despite varying opinions that they should be reopened.
Shoshone County scholars make LCSC 2020 spring honor roll
LEWISTON – Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic including a transition to remote learning midway through the semester, a total of 913 students at Lewis-Clark State College earned honor roll distinction this spring, LC State administrators announced.
KPD Roll Call: May 13-20
•Animal complaint 10 block W. Idaho/McKinley area, report of dog left alone without food or water. Later found animal and owner and animal was extremely healthy and happy. Owner left momentarily while entering business. Unfounded.
Idaho Sees 5,800 New Weekly Initial Claims Because of COVID-19
COVID-19 layoffs continue to affect people of all ages, with young people under age 25 representing almost 20 percent of initial claims for the week. Male claimants represented 52 percent of claimants – a slight majority between the two genders.
Shoshone County Weed Warriors Host Free Spray Day
WALLACE – Members of the Shoshone County Noxious Weed Advisory Board would like to invite residents to participate in a free spray day Thursday, June 10. The spray days are made possible with the help of dedicated community volunteers and have been a huge success in past years.
Death notice: Merna A. Helms, 78
Merna A. Helms, 78, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 in Noxon, MT.
Wednesday, May 20
Carra Dolores Humphreys
Carra Dolores Humphreys passed away on May 16, 2020 after a long battle with dementia. She was a tremendous example of strength, loyalty, friendship, and love to all who knew her.
Flood warnings issued for parts of Shoshone County
The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office reports that certain residents in Shoshone and neighboring parts of Kootenai County should be on the lookout for minor flooding events.
Tuesday, May 19
I don’t care if I never get back…
Local man’s passion for baseball has taken him across the country to see 40 different MLB fields
There’s only one way to describe today’s election: Historic
I’m writing to you from what we affectionately call the “Bunker.” The Bunker is the base from which, under normal circumstances, we coordinate the massive undertaking that is required to pull off an election at hundreds of polling places, each processing hundreds, if not thousands, of voters. Elections Offices are effectively the largest event planning operations in any given community. In Ada County, running an election is like hosting an event with 265,000 of our closest friends and neighbors all across 151 polling locations with all of the associated logistics of supplies, staffing, parking etc. Hence why we need a bunker. Months of methodical planning and preparation goes into pulling off each election to ensure every vote is counted and the experience is smooth for voters.
SMC welcomes new CFO
KELLOGG — Shoshone Medical Center recently hired Donja Erdman to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the rural hospital.
Blues Fest 2020 canceled
WALLACE — Music lovers have another reason to sing the blues now that another one of the Silver Valley’s largest summertime events have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moon Pass now open
WALLACE – The Silver Valley’s shortest route to the St. Joe region of Shoshone County is now officially open.
Legals for May, 19 2020
Monday, May 18
Route of the Hiawatha opens Friday
TAFT, MONT. – One of the area’s greatest outdoor attractions is set to open this week.
Time to clean-up the cemetery
Memorial Day is fast approaching, and the city is working hard to have Kellogg Greenwood Cemetery grounds cleaned up with leaf and debris removal, mowing and trimming.
There’s only one way to describe this election: Historic
I’m writing to you from what we affectionately call the “Bunker.” The Bunker is the base from which, under normal circumstances, we coordinate the massive undertaking that is required to pull off an election at hundreds of polling places, each processing hundreds, if not thousands, of voters. Elections Offices are effectively the largest event planning operations in any given community. In Ada County, running an election is like hosting an event with 265,000 of our closest friends and neighbors all across 151 polling locations with all of the associated logistics of supplies, staffing, parking etc. Hence why we need a bunker. Months of methodical planning and preparation goes into pulling off each election to ensure every vote is counted and the experience is smooth for voters.
Gov. Little extends cash grants to self-employed
BOISE – Self-employed individuals economically impacted by COVID-19 now may be eligible to receive up to $7,500 in cash support through the Idaho Rebound cash grants for small businesses.
North Idaho COVID-19 cases hit 70
COEUR d’ALENE — The Panhandle Health District (PHD) announced the total number of cases of COVID-19 is 70 in the Panhandle area. Sixty-six of the cases are in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County.
Death notice: Edward “Ed” Jeff Banning, 80
Edward “Ed” Jeff Banning, 80, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away May 14, 2020 at Kootenai Health of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born on November 25, 1939 in Atlanta, Idaho.
Friday, May 15
Ziply Fiber selects Kellogg for network upgrade project
Company to deploy miles of fiber-optic cables to enable gig-speed internet service
City is one of 13 across Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington scheduled to start construction this month.
Arlene Faye Walcker, 87
Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Arlene Faye Walcker, 87, passed away May 13, 2020 at the Mountain Valley Nursing Home of Cascadia in Kellogg, Idaho surrounded by her family. She was born May 6, 1933 in Butte, Montana. Arlene was the daughter of William and Hulda (Bakkala) Ralph.
Florence Mae Dinius, 84
Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Florence Mae Dinius, 84, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg. She was born November 25, 1935 in Beulah, North Dakota; Florence was the daughter of Chris and Emma (Richau) Christman.
HUCKLEBERRIES: Wallace ready for center stage
Oldtimers will remember Turner as the glamorous leading lady of the 1940s and 1950s who played...
Initiate Stage 2
Idaho continues to slowly reopen
Shoshone County Sheriff Candidate: Darrell Michael (Mike) Gunderson
Shoshone County Sheriff Darrell Michael (Mike) Gunderson is running uncontested to retain his current position in this year’s election cycle. In his second term, he plans to continue to be transparent and build a working relationship with the community.
Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Candidate: Keisha L. Oxendine
Keisha L. Oxendine
Keisha L. Oxendine is seeking re-election to the position of Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney.
Let the graduations commence
The plans have been made, approved, and are now set for the three local school districts and their graduation ceremonies.
U.S. House 1st Congressional District GOP Candidate: Nicholas Jones
Nicholas Jones (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Idaho’s 1st Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on June 2 where he is running against Russ Fulcher (R).
U.S. House 1st Congressional District DEM Candidate: Staniela Nikolova
Staniela Nikolova (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Idaho’s 1st Congressional District. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on June 2 where she is running against Rudy Soto (D).
District 7 State Representative (Position A) GOP Candidate: Dennis Harper
Regarding education, Dennis Harper has an Associate of Arts degree from the College of the Redwoods, is a Doctor of Chiropractic from the University of Western States, Certified by the Department of Transportation as a Physicals Examiner, has a Naturopathic Degree, is certification in injectables from the University of Western States training.
County facilities to slightly relax pandemic regulations
WALLACE — The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed a special motion on Wednesday morning to open the Shoshone County Courthouse up for more broad public use beginning Monday.
Legals for May, 15 2020
Thursday, May 14
Deputies seize 223 grams of meth in abandoned vehicle
SCSO asks community for more information
3 Bank house demolished
WALLACE – The long-running saga to decide the fate of the 100-year-old Mallon House in Wallace has finally come to an end.
KPD Roll Call: May 6-13
•Called to a fight in progress in the 400 block of Bunker, however was canceled due to it actually happening in the county.
Tuesday, May 12
Fire District No. 2 moves into new home
KELLOGG — It took a little longer than anticipated, but crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 2 are now working from their new home.
A lot of heated seats at Mountain Valley
Local fitness instructor Monica Miller has put new energy into the sit/fit workout genre
BOCC certifies delinquent Milo Creek charges
WALLACE — The Shoshone County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met with Mayor Joe Guardipee to discuss the certification of delinquent charges from the Milo Creek Water District.
EMS Corp. agrees to extension
WALLACE — The ongoing efforts between the Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Shoshone County Emergency Medical Services Corporation to overhaul the county’s ambulatory services continued this week when the EMS Corp. agreed to extend their contract through September.
Legals for May, 12 2020
Monday, May 11
North Idaho COVID-19 count at 68
COEUR d’ALENE — The Panhandle Health District (PHD) announced Monday that the total number of cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle area is at 68. Sixty-four of the cases are in Kootenai County and four are in Bonner County.
Idaho gas prices now below national average
BOISE — Idaho gas prices are currently below the national average, even as both prices went up in the last week.
Innovia accepting COVID-19 Response and Recovery funds applications
SPOKANE, Wash. — Innovia Foundation announced Monday a second round of grant funding available to community-based organizations engaged in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
Labor begins pandemic unemployment assistance payments
BOISE – The Idaho Department of Labor is now making payments for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits to individuals who are unemployed because of COVID-19 and are not eligible for regular benefits.
Kingston woman arrested for delivery of meth
Drug detection K9 utilized
White House highlights Idaho as leader in reopening plans and distribution of federal relief funds
The White House is highlighting Idaho as a leader among states for our plans to safely and responsibly reopen the economy and for how we are allocating federal relief funds.
Friday, May 8
Dennis Rae Riegle, 75
Dennis Rae Riegle, 75, of Osburn, ID, passed away at his home on May 4, 2020. Dennis was born on August 11, 1944 in Wallace, ID, a son of the late Donald and Genevieve Carroll Riegle.
Water shut-off notice
Central Shoshone County Water District conducting line repairs
Community Garden open despite restrictions
KELLOGG — It’s all about green thumbs, fresh air, and social distancing at the Silver Bee Community Garden this season.
Revised criteria not changing local schools’ plans
Despite revised re-entry criteria from the Idaho State Board of Education, none of Shoshone County’s three school districts have any plans to reopen their building this school year.
Kellogg School District celebrates teachers, staff
KELLOGG — This week was National Teacher Appreciation Week and the Kellogg School District celebrated in a very unique way.
Feed store embraces new Kellogg home
Food trucks rolling at new location
Depot Day goes virtual
Judging for ‘No Show-Car Show’ Saturday
Legals for May, 8 2020
Thursday, May 7
Linda Sue de Young, 75
Linda Sue de Young was born Jan. 3, 1945, in Pontiac, Mich., to Douglas and Susie Bitterle.
Vote for Rasor!
May 19th, all ballots for this year’s primary election must be marked and mailed in. In these trying times with keeping our social distance, understanding how to vote, and who to vote for is mind-boggling.
KPD Roll Call: April 29-May 6
Landline regarding odd items left on someone’s property...
Rasor for District 7 Rep!
I’m asking you to consider voting for Cornel Rasor for district 7 representative!
No ‘murder hornets’ reported in Idaho
BOISE – As of May 7, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) being found in the state. At this point in time only two specimens have ever been collected in the United States - both in northwest Washington.
A million-dollar question for Democrats
A decade ago, I was entertaining the notion of running for an open seat in the Idaho Legislature and getting a fair share of encouragement in the process. Some of my friends were telling me that I would be an asset to the Legislature and the constituents I’d represent.
Death notice: Bruce Frederick Mars, 67
Bruce Mars, 67, passed away on May 1, 2020. Bruce was born in Spokane, Washington, to George and Marjorie (Holm) Mars. The public viewing will be held at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene on May 18, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To meet social distancing guidelines, guests will be directed to stay inside vehicles until called. A private interment to follow, and future memorial service and full obituary are pending.
Tuesday, May 5
Local meal services receive welcome donation
For more than 125 years, Hecla has been a part of Shoshone County, they have seen the height of the community as well as the low, as businesses and other organizations have folded due to economic hardship.
Shoshone County receives SRS dollars
WALLACE — $23.9 million in Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds will be distributed throughout Idaho following a two-year extension of the program, authorized by Congress in December 2019.
BOCC asks for extension from EMS Corp.
WALLACE — Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) chairman Mike Fitzgerald and his fellow commissioners understand that there is no simple solution as it comes to the county’s emergency medical services, but they are hoping to figure out a solution in the coming weeks.
Silver Valley artists receive honorable mentions in UI Art Exhibition
MOSCOW — Two Silver Valley high school students were recently recognized for their submissions into the University of Idaho’s high school art exhibition.
‘Murder Hornets,’ with sting that can kill, land in U.S.
SPOKANE — The world’s largest hornet, a 2-inch killer dubbed the “Murder Hornet” with an appetite for honey bees, has been found in Washington state, where entomologists were making plans to wipe it out.
Gyro Days, Lead Creek Derby postponed
WALLACE — The Wallace Gyro Club is saddened to inform you that, for the first time since 1942, they will be unable to provide the Lead Creek Derby that so many in the Silver Valley have grown to look forward to on the third Saturday of every June. The decision to cancel for this year was difficult for us to make, but seeing no path forward to a successful Lead Creek Derby this year, the decision was made to postpone it for a year.
Legals for May, 5 2020
Monday, May 4
Silver Valley Search and Rescue assist in Mineral County operation
Washington man found deceased
Kudos to the local nursing home staff! Kudos to the local nursing home staff!
Thanks to unbelievably good attention to detail (and some good luck) on the part of Good Samaritan, Mountain Valley and Pacifica. The Silver Valley appears to continue to dodge huge tragedy and crisis. Seriously, thank you all for your very stressful work, help, communication efforts and attention during these times.
North Idaho COVID-19 cases at 66
COEUR d’ALENE – The Panhandle Health District (PHD) announced Monday that the total number of cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle area is at 66. 62 of the cases are in Kootenai County and four are in Bonner County.
Here’s the plan for restaurant reopenings
To our Food Establishment Operators,
Chicken Scratch comics
Emergency grants available for child care business owners
BOISE — Gov. Brad Little announced recently a new Idaho Child Care Emergency Grant to provide child care business owners with the financial resources to reopen and continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kellogg native makes SCC winter Honor Roll
SPOKANE, Wash. - Darol Lortz of Kellogg, ID earned a place on the Spokane Community College Honor Roll for Winter Quarter 2020. Students on the honor roll earned a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Pinehurst Library opens curbside self-service
PINEHURST – All seven Community Library Network libraries across Kootenai County and in Pinehurst will offer self-service curbside pickup starting May 11th.
No headline
Treat both parties equally
Sup’s corner
The first week of May is celebrated as Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s been a time to recognize hard work and dedication to students. It’s different this year. With everything that has occurred, one of the bright side-effects is that teachers are now recognized among the heroes of our society. They may not have the 366 batting average like Ty Cobb, they may not average 30 points a game like Michael Jordan, and they can’t match Tiger Woods’ golf swing; but, they can manage a classroom of 30 unique students at one time and inspire them to learn. The home runs they hit are measured in small milestones of a struggling student who finally understands; a hungry child who is fed at school; and, providing a listening ear to help students through life’s issues.
Burn permits required starting May 10
BOISE – Beginning May 10, Idahoans must obtain a fire burn permit from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) before starting debris burning activities. Closed fire season takes place annually between May 10 and extends through October 20.
Sup's corner
The first week of May is celebrated as Teacher Appreciation Week...
COVID changed your college plans?
NIC host Zoom session to answer questions
Friday, May 1
April showers bring May flowers
Nursing home residents, staff receive May Day gifts
PES adjusting kindergarten registration
PINEHURST — The Kellogg School District is set to begin accepting registrations for kindergarten, but there are few changes to how things are usually done.
Wallace approves project bid
WALLACE — The Wallace City Council voted on Thursday to approve a $63,000 bid from National Native American Construction (NNAC) for the Gateway Project.
Initiate Stage 1
Idaho takes first step toward reopening
Ziply completes purchase of regional Frontier properties
Improvements slated for Silver Valley service
Death notice: Howard John Markve, 76
MARKVE, Howard John, 76, of Silverton, died Jan. 25, 2020, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. Born May 9, 1943, in Waubay, S.D. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held and announced at a later date. Arrangements by Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg. Guest book: www.shoshonefuneralservice.com