County pandemic restrictions loosening up

WALLACE — With Gov. Brad Little bumping the state up to a modified version of Stage 3 in his Idaho Rebounds plan, Shoshone County is now loosening some of their own pandemic restrictions.

At the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Mike Gunderson reports that it's licensing department will start accepting out-of-county residents for drivers license services only. Due to staffing issues, the office will still be processing concealed weapons permits and fingerprinting for county residents only.

Open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the licensing department inside SCSO will continue to have restricted access — serving only one customer at a time.

"We're warning patrons to come dressed for the weather, as at times there can be a long wait," Sheriff Gunderson said. "You will be advised not to block the stairs or doorway into the office if you are waiting. Starting a line down the sidewalk area would be suggested. Please be patient and courteous, and we will get your needs processed as soon as possible."

Across the street at the Shoshone County Courthouse, Assessor Jerry White and Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald report that almost all in-person services will also be returning.

While mask usage and social distancing must be observed at both buildings, all courthouse departments (except for courts proceedings and Parks & Recreation) can now see customers from anywhere face-to-face. Courtroom proceedings will remain digital until tentatively March 1 and all Parks & Recreation services are closed.

"We kinda miss saying hi to everybody, so this is a good thing," Fitzgerald said.

Depending on the department, some may still utilize the drop-box format that has been in-place under the more strict regulations.

SCSO's licensing services were closed to non-residents on Dec. 1, 2020, when its limited staff become overwhelmed from the influx of customers from neighboring counties. That influx caused extended wait times for customers — some lasting up to 60 days or more.

Under the emergency action plan, SCSO has been largely closed to the public and suspended in-person services such as driver’s licensing (limit one person inside at a time), notaries public and jail visitation.

Due to state mandate, licensing services in Idaho are run through county Sheriff's Offices, not the standard DMV office. The licensing desk inside SCSO handles I.D. related concerns, such as driver's licensing, sex offender registration, concealed weapon permits and STAR card registration.

The DMV office, located in the basement of the Shoshone County Courthouse and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., handles registration concerns such as license plates and vehicle tabs.