Stories for December 2022

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Friday, December 30

Edward 'Ed' Allen Pommerening, 75
December 30, 2022 2:36 p.m.

Edward 'Ed' Allen Pommerening, 75

Edward “Ed” Allen Pommerening, 75, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from cardiac failure caused by a brief illness on Dec. 24, 2022 at the Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg.

December 30, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/29

It’s officially the void week between Christmas and New Year’s, where nobody knows what day it is and no reasonable person would ask you for anything except for a ride to the gondola.

2022 Year in Review
December 30, 2022 5:10 a.m.

2022 Year in Review

For our year-in-review, we provide the date of the edition that each story ran in as well as it’s headline,

December 30, 2022 5:10 a.m.

2022 Year in Review: Editor's Forward

From the Editor,

December 30, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 30 2022

Thursday, December 29

December 29, 2022 2:33 p.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 26-28

Jesus Galvan, 30, of Kellogg, Idaho was arrested for battery. Galvan has since been released.

Tuesday, December 27

Trap King
December 27, 2022 3:19 p.m.

Trap King

It was back in August when Williams won the 123rd Grand American Trapshooting Championship in Sparta, Illinois – a shoot that featured over 3,000 of the best trapshooters in the world. Williams’ championship is what is termed the High All-Around championship and is the aggregate score of three different disciplines. Single target, double target, and handicap.

Dennis Tesky, 68
December 27, 2022 3:10 p.m.

Dennis Tesky, 68

Dennis Tesky, of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Nov. 23rd, 2022.

Kenneth E. Miller, 83
December 27, 2022 2:52 p.m.

Kenneth E. Miller, 83

Kenneth “Ken” Edward Miller, 83, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on Dec. 18, 2022, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

MALLOY: Simpson’s ‘no’ vote was the right call politically
December 27, 2022 5:20 a.m.

MALLOY: Simpson’s ‘no’ vote was the right call politically

Critics may say that Congressman Mike Simpson, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, “caved” to Republican leadership in his vote against the $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations package that both houses of Congress approved … while selling out his Idaho constituents in the process.

December 27, 2022 5:10 a.m.

LETTER: In response to; Not Just a Shoshone County Issue

In response to; Not Just a Shoshone County Issue. We’re those people who moved to the area. I share the author's frustration over our increased property taxes but the real culprit is a flawed tax system.

Santa Ski Day at Lookout Pass
December 27, 2022 5:05 a.m.

Santa Ski Day at Lookout Pass

Santa Ski Day at Lookout Pass

Celebrating holiday traditions
December 27, 2022 5:05 a.m.

Celebrating holiday traditions

Across the globe, families from different cultures celebrate the holidays in different ways, from Christmas to Kwanzaa and everything in between.

December 27, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 27 2022

Monday, December 26

Fire destroys Wallace home
December 26, 2022 11:50 a.m.

Fire destroys Wallace home

Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 Chief John Miller explains that at approximately 1:33 p.m., fire crews were notified of a possible structure fire when initial reports to dispatch indicated that "smoke was rolling into town" and it "smelled like a house fire."

December 26, 2022 10:19 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 22-25

Susan Ann Dean, 64, of Kingston, Idaho was arrested for use or possession f drug paraphernalia.

Friday, December 23

Connie J. Burkhart, 66
December 23, 2022 12:12 p.m.

Connie J. Burkhart, 66

Connie Jane Burkhart, 66, of Hayden, Idaho passed away on Dec. 15, 2022, after battling early-onset Alzheimer’s for over 10 years.

Wayne A. Lesterberg, 66
December 23, 2022 12:11 p.m.

Wayne A. Lesterberg, 66

Wayne Arthur Lesterberg, 66, passed away Dec. 15, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Joan Corrine (Edwards) Dorendorf, 95
December 23, 2022 11:58 a.m.

Joan Corrine (Edwards) Dorendorf, 95

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Joan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Carl L. Wilson, 80
December 23, 2022 9:18 a.m.

Carl L. Wilson, 80

Carl Lewis Wilson, 80, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away December 19, 2022 at his home in Mullan.

Shoshone County receives LATCF funding
December 23, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Shoshone County receives LATCF funding

The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met with Shoshone County Grants Administrator Colleen Rosson to discuss the allocation of funds from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF).

Beach Bum Bakery rolls into Kellogg
December 23, 2022 5 a.m.

Beach Bum Bakery rolls into Kellogg

“I love people; I love talking to them. Life is hard enough. So to be able to see people come by with a smiling face. I can’t solve all the problems, but I can make someone’s day a little better,” said Rebekah Garvin, the owner of The Beach Bum Bakery.

December 23, 2022 1 a.m.

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS: More than a gymnasium

It is a great irony that while the midterm elections will be an important factor in determining the fate of our democracy, a grand and sacred war memorial, built in honor of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country, in defense of this democracy, is, once again, being threatened with destruction.

Local kids 'Shop with a Cop' for seventh year
December 23, 2022 1 a.m.

Local kids 'Shop with a Cop' for seventh year

Held on both Saturday and Sunday, members of local law enforcement agencies met up with the participating kids at the Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 firehouse in Osburn and treated them to a little shopping spree to help spread some holiday cheer.

Zimmerman, Dose dispel paycut rumors
December 23, 2022 1 a.m.

Zimmerman, Dose dispel paycut rumors

The two months between the General Election and when newly elected or re-elected officials take office in January can be a time of unrest as many people wonder what changes might be in store under new leadership. Commissioner-elects Jeff Zimmerman and Dave Dose have been preparing for their upcoming terms by undergoing several different training courses that prepare them for the rigors of their new positions.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/23
December 23, 2022 1 a.m.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/23

Merry Christmas from Silver Mountain! We picked up 14” of fresh snow this week, and these cold temps will keep it light and fresh for some great holiday skiing and snowboarding. Its going to be a white Christmas on top of Silver Mountain as we’re expected to receive another 5-10 inches before it's finally time to open presents.

Ski Lookout Pass Ski Report 12/23
December 23, 2022 1 a.m.

Ski Lookout Pass Ski Report 12/23

At Lookout Pass we have enjoyed incredible powder days the past week thanks to the storms that passed our way over the last few weeks. Year to date, our snow total stands at 162” with 34” of that received in the past four days.

Thursday, December 22

December 22, 2022 9:43 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 19-21

David Steven Donald, 41, of Potlatch, Idaho was arrested for two counts of aiding and abetting/resisting or obstructing and unlawful taking of game animal. Donald has since been released.

Tuesday, December 20

Annette 'Nettie' M. James, 75
December 20, 2022 1:20 p.m.

Annette 'Nettie' M. James, 75

Annette “Nettie” Marie James, 75, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on December 16, 2022 at Mountain Valley of Cascadia in Kellogg, Idaho.

Silver Splendor Christmas Show
December 20, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Silver Splendor Christmas Show

The Silver Splendor Christmas Show took place Sunday evening and was hosted by the United Church of Christ Congregational (UCC) to get in the holiday spirit.

Eagle Peak opens at Lookout Pass
December 20, 2022 1 a.m.

Eagle Peak opens at Lookout Pass

Following three years of construction, last Saturday was opening day for the Eagle Peak expansion at Lookout Pass. After opening for a few hours for early-ups on Friday, Chair 5 to Eagle Peak Summit is officially open for the season.

Stutzke tapped for SCSO Undersheriff position
December 20, 2022 1 a.m.

Stutzke tapped for SCSO Undersheriff position

“I’m super excited and looking forward to working with Sheriff Lindsey to develop relationships with our community and promote a positive environment to work in for our employees,” he said

MALLOY: When 'privacy' does not apply
December 20, 2022 1 a.m.

MALLOY: When 'privacy' does not apply

According to the Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson underwent surgery recently and will be out until after the new year. He gave his proxy to his counterpart in the First District, Congressman Russ Fulcher.

December 20, 2022 1 a.m.

Silver Valley Sports Recap: Dec. 12-18

Kellogg wrestling continues to impress. Local hoops teams all pick up important holiday wins.

J&R partners with SFSD for new internet tower
December 20, 2022 1 a.m.

J&R partners with SFSD for new internet tower

They say cooperation is the key to success and opportunities for cooperation can sometimes appear in the strangest of places – Perhaps no two stranger bedfellows exist than J&R Electronics and the South Fork Sewer District. Recently, the SFSD board voted in favor of funding $10,000 of a new multi-point microwave repeater tower that will be utilized by J&R to provide internet service to the residents of Osburn.

December 20, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 20 2022

Monday, December 19

December 19, 2022 10:44 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 15-18

aiden Clark Anderson, 39, of Kellogg, Idaho was arrested for 2nd degree kidnapping, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and obstructing or resisting and officer.

Friday, December 16

Denise E. Hohnsbehn, 57
December 16, 2022 10:32 a.m.

Denise E. Hohnsbehn, 57

Denise Elaine Hohnsbehn, 57, of Kellogg, Idaho, beloved mother and friend, passed away on December 12, 2022 at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Nellie M. Elam, 89
December 16, 2022 10:13 a.m.

Nellie M. Elam, 89

Nellie May Elam passed away peacefully December 11, 2022 at Good Samaritan in Silverton Idaho; she was 89 years old.

Stanley K. Baldwin, 81
December 16, 2022 9:40 a.m.

Stanley K. Baldwin, 81

Stanley “Stan” Kent Baldwin, 81, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away December 11, 2022 at the Mountain Valley of Cascadia of Kellogg.

Fredrick E. Blakney, 79
December 16, 2022 9:09 a.m.

Fredrick E. Blakney, 79

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Fredrick “Fred” Elias Blakney, 79, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away December 11, 2022 at the family home in Kingston.

PK Lions volunteers awarded for 65 years of service
December 16, 2022 5:10 a.m.

PK Lions volunteers awarded for 65 years of service

The Pinehurst/Kingston Lions Club (PK Lions) held a very special meeting this past Tuesday, celebrating and awarding Robert (Bob) Fisher and James (Jim) Bening with the Legacy Service Award for sixty-five years of incredible volunteer service.

Grocery Outlet, serving its community
December 16, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Grocery Outlet, serving its community

Since its grand opening in October, Grocery Outlet: Bargain Market has made its presence widely known as a community staple.

A Christmas present for Wallace
December 16, 2022 1 a.m.

A Christmas present for Wallace

During the tree-lighting ceremony at Magnuson Park in Wallace, Caron presented the Samuels Hotel sign. Caron and associates gathered resources to design, manufacture and install an interpretive sign with a surrounding brick frame.

Shoshone County, Silver Mountain tax saga nears end
December 16, 2022 1 a.m.

Shoshone County, Silver Mountain tax saga nears end

Resort faced with decision following District Court ruling

Ski Lookout Pass ski report 12/16
December 16, 2022 1 a.m.

Ski Lookout Pass ski report 12/16

Lookout Pass is enjoying prime conditions right now. We’ve received 128 inches of snowfall so far this season so the conditions are spectacular and we’re currently operating seven days a week.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/16
December 16, 2022 1 a.m.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/16

Silver fans, the time has finally come: Silver Mountain is open daily for skiing and snowboarding!

Multiple ARPA requests approved during BOCC
December 16, 2022 1 a.m.

Multiple ARPA requests approved during BOCC

12 different entities were discussed during the meeting among those were new applications from the Cataldo Water District (CWD), the city of Kellogg, the Pinehurst Community Building, Silver Valley Seniors, and the South Fork Sewer District (SFSD). Previously tabled applications from the Friends of the River Coalition (FORC), Mountain Valley of Cascadia, the Mullan Community Foundation, 9 Mile Cemetery, the Shoshone County Ambulance Service District (SCASD), the Snowmobiler Groomers Board, and the Silver Valley Softball League were also addressed.

Thursday, December 15

December 15, 2022 11:51 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 12-14

Andrew Thomas Lipscomb, 37, of Kellogg, Idaho was arrested for driving under the influence.

Tuesday, December 13

DEQ permits new incinerator for better air quality
December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

DEQ permits new incinerator for better air quality

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is ready to sign a permit to Shoshone County next week for the first air curtain incinerator in the state of Idaho.

A (George) Wild weekend
December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

A (George) Wild weekend

It always feels good to win at home, but for the Kellogg Wrestling Team, winning at home this past weekend felt better than normal. Kellogg High School played host to the annual George Wild Memorial Wrestling Tournament, which featured 18 schools from across the region.

We woof you a merry Christmas
December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

We woof you a merry Christmas

The holidays aren’t just for humans – Cindy Lien has ensured that. Last weekend the 9th Annual Wallace Paw Parade took place and if growth is any indication of staying power, the Paw Parade might just be around fur-ever.

MALLOY: McGrane ready for tough new job
December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

MALLOY: McGrane ready for tough new job

Here’s how a transition should work. A day after Phil McGrane was elected as Idaho’s secretary of state, he had a friendly lunch with retiring Secretary of State Lawerence Denney and his chief deputy, Chad Houck. As McGrane observed, “I’m pretty sure we were the only ones that had lunch together.”

10-year sentence in child abuse case
December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

10-year sentence in child abuse case

Admitted child abuser Sean Reed was sentenced on Wednesday morning during law day at the Shoshone County Courthouse. Reed, 31, was arrested in June of this year after being kicked out of his former girlfriend’s home – After she had alleged that Reed had been abusing her non-verbal three-year-old son. Reed was initially charged with six counts of felony injury to a child stemming from three different incidents in April and May of this year.

December 13, 2022 1 a.m.

Silver Valley Sports Recap: Dec. 5-11

Mullan boys beat Wallace, Wildcats open CIL play with win over Priest River, Lady Miners beat Tigers.

Monday, December 12

Lindsey selected as Sheriff
December 12, 2022 5:43 p.m.

Lindsey selected as Sheriff

Will serve out Gunderson's remaining term

December 12, 2022 1:40 p.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 8-11

Christopher Todd Grass, 38, of Vancouver, Wash. was arrested for Vancouver, Wash. was arrested for failing to appear.

Friday, December 9

Holiday fundraiser rolls on
December 9, 2022 11:36 a.m.

Holiday fundraiser rolls on

American author and military veteran John Holmes once said, “there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” Even when times get tough, perhaps no community understands helping one another more than the people of the Silver Valley.

Leon J. Osterberg, 73
December 9, 2022 9:44 a.m.

Leon J. Osterberg, 73

Leon J. Osterberg, 73, was born in Spirit Lake, Idaho on April 19, 1949, to Gordan & Betty (Loveless) Osterberg.

Gerald D. Hakola, 84
December 9, 2022 8:50 a.m.

Gerald D. Hakola, 84

Gerald Duane Hakola, affectionately known as “Jerry the Barber,” 84, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away on December 5, 2022 at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho.

Festival of Trees supports local senior center
December 9, 2022 5:20 a.m.

Festival of Trees supports local senior center

“How can I help?” was the most common question posed by readers after the Shoshone News-Press reported on area seniors facing hot meal reductions.

Demolition of old Bunker Hill mill building underway
December 9, 2022 1 a.m.

Demolition of old Bunker Hill mill building underway

Company optimistic about restart timeline

Ski Lookout Pass ski report 12/9
December 9, 2022 1 a.m.

Ski Lookout Pass ski report 12/9

Lookout Pass is happy to report they are buried in snow.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/9
December 9, 2022 1 a.m.

Silver Mountain Ski Report 12/9

It's going to be a great winter at Silver!

December 9, 2022 1 a.m.

LETTER: Not just a Shoshone County issue

I'm writing this letter out of frustration like many property owners in Shoshone County. I received my tax bill in the mail and my first thought is you have to be kidding me.

Thursday, December 8

December 8, 2022 11:14 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 5-7

Jaymi Michelle Mortensen, 47, of Cataldo, Idaho was arrested for unlawful manufacturing/delivery/possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than three ounces of marijuana, failure to maintain insurance, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without privileges.

Tuesday, December 6

Silver Valley Sports Recap: Nov. 28 to Dec. 4
December 6, 2022 11 a.m.

Silver Valley Sports Recap: Nov. 28 to Dec. 4

Winter sports get into full swing. Wildcat boys drop tourney championship to former rivals, Wallace struggles at SVT.

Thomas E. Higbee, 78
December 6, 2022 10:52 a.m.

Thomas E. Higbee, 78

On November 23, 2022 we lost our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend Thomas Edward Higbee.

Rachel M. Sigars, 93
December 6, 2022 10:15 a.m.

Rachel M. Sigars, 93

Rachel M. Sigars passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Hospice house with her daughter by her side. She was 93.

Inland Iglu has launched
December 6, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Inland Iglu has launched

“I think the most important thing with Inland Iglu is the ability to bring out imagination,” said the project’s inventor, Eli Goodner.

Rehnborg in as Zone 2 trustee
December 6, 2022 1 a.m.

Rehnborg in as Zone 2 trustee

Mary Rehnborg was recently appointed to the Wallace School District Board of Trustees. Rehnborg was appointed and sworn in at the November 14, meeting of the Wallace School Board, where she replaced Dan Hussey as the Zone 2 trustee.

Wildcat wrestlers open up season with quality wins
December 6, 2022 1 a.m.

Wildcat wrestlers open up season with quality wins

The Kellogg High School Wrestling Team was on the road to open their season — and they showed why they are among the best in the region.

MALLOY: Crapo sees new power for Republicans
December 6, 2022 1 a.m.

MALLOY: Crapo sees new power for Republicans

To put it mildly, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo was disappointed with the outcome of the mid-term elections. But he sees some interesting possibilities when the new Congress convenes in January. Will President Biden meet Republicans halfway … or even a quarter of the way?

Smelterville, CSCWD selected for state funding
December 6, 2022 1 a.m.

Smelterville, CSCWD selected for state funding

One Shoshone County city and another taxing district were among 26 drinking water and wastewater systems that will receive state funding. On Monday, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the awarding of $1,681,466 to help the 26 different entities’ facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades as part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” plan.

Sheriff Gunderson retires
December 6, 2022 1 a.m.

Sheriff Gunderson retires

Sets solid foundation for future replacement

Sets solid foundation for future replacement

December 6, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 6 2022

Monday, December 5

December 5, 2022 11:08 a.m.

Jail bookings: Dec. 1-4

Robert Sheldon Bublitz, 19, of Kingston, Idaho was arrested for driving under the influence and obstructing or resisting an officer. Bublitz has since been released.

Friday, December 2

Kay M. Pellens, 81
December 2, 2022 12:09 p.m.

Kay M. Pellens, 81

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Kay Marion Pellens, 81, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away November 26, 2022 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg.

A Miracle Gift
December 2, 2022 9:53 a.m.

A Miracle Gift

A holiday poem from Wallace's own CornBread Wallace.

Arthur 'Art' F. Britton, 78
December 2, 2022 9:46 a.m.

Arthur 'Art' F. Britton, 78

Arthur "Art" Franklin Britton, 78, of Wallace, Idaho passed away peacefully on November 28, 2022 at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho.

A Pinehurst Christmas
December 2, 2022 5:35 a.m.

A Pinehurst Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Pinehurst isn’t holding back when it comes to its Christmas Festival, taking place the evening of Friday, Dec. 9th, and all day Saturday, Dec. 10th.

Christmas in a Barn
December 2, 2022 5:10 a.m.

Christmas in a Barn

After a successful November run of the hilarious show ‘Guys On Ice’, the Sixth Street Melodrama will be back in December for a new show, Christmas in a Barn.

Snow my goodness!
December 2, 2022 1 a.m.

Snow my goodness!

As mother nature pummeled the region over the past week, some of the communities in the Silver Valley saw upwards of 10 inches of snowfall, first the exceptionally fluffy fun snow that can dusted off of cars, and sidewalks using nothing more than a broom, then it warmed up (if we’re calling going from 28º to 35º warming up).

Area seniors facing meal reduction
December 2, 2022 1 a.m.

Area seniors facing meal reduction

Silver Valley Meals on Wheels program director Darrell Lemieux was recently informed that of the 77 seniors he regularly prepares and delivers meals – 17 of them would be reduced from seven meals a week down to just five. Eliminating the two meals that are provided additionally on Thursdays and Fridays to be heated up and eaten over the weekend.

ITD works on I-90 drainage issue near Kellogg, Elizabeth Park
December 2, 2022 1 a.m.

ITD works on I-90 drainage issue near Kellogg, Elizabeth Park

"People remember the last significant rain events over the year of work," Jahns said. "We had some issues with water ponding and making a big puddle. So it's just to correct that."

SVEDC to talk Smithsonian exhibit, revitalization at next Uptown Social
December 2, 2022 1 a.m.

SVEDC to talk Smithsonian exhibit, revitalization at next Uptown Social

After SVEDC applied for a grant through the Idaho Humanities Council in April of 2022, Kellogg was selected to host the Smithsonian Institute’s “Spark! Places of Innovation” traveling exhibit from mid-July to mid-August of 2023.

December 2, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 2 2022

Thursday, December 1

New films explore Sunshine Mine Disaster, Bitterroot Mountains
December 1, 2022 1:24 p.m.

New films explore Sunshine Mine Disaster, Bitterroot Mountains

Fifty years after the fire, Idaho Experience looks at the ways the community remembers the losses and lessons of the disaster.

December 1, 2022 11:21 a.m.

Jail bookings: Nov. 28-30

Stacey Dean Spencer, 54, of Kellogg, Idaho was arrested for failing to appear.