Monday, February 28
McHugh announces bid for district judge seat
McHugh has been the Kootenai County prosecuting attorney since 2009
Silver Valley Sports Recap: Feb. 21-27
Boys basketball comes to a close. Kellogg wrestling finishes top 10.
Jail bookings: Feb. 24-27
Nikki Lynn Hennings, 31, of Osburn, Idaho was arrested for violating her probation. Hennings has since been released.
Risch has eyes on the ‘real’ enemy
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch has found a common enemy – and it isn’t President Biden, or congressional Democrats who are trying to ram through their socialist agenda.
Friday, February 25
Hundreds of fentanyl pills, more than a pound of meth seized by ISP
Two suspects arrested for drug trafficking
Cpl. Green explains that the duo had made the road trip to Spokane, Wash. from Montana, where they acquired approximately 350 "mexi blue" fentanyl pills and 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine with the intention of reselling the drugs.
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 110: Headlines from 2/23 thru 2/25 and interview with Hayden Mayor Steve Griffitts
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson and Molly Roberts take you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Feb. 23-25.
Norman Ralph Blakney, 83
Norman Ralph Blakney, “Norm”, 83, of Dalton Gardens, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022. He was born September 25, 1938 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Leonard and Evelyn Blakney (Schneberger). He was the second of three children.
Neon Metals Bar sign recreated from classic image
An old photo and willingness to recreate nostalgia led to some cool “new” illumination in Downtown Wallace.
Talk about top shelf...
Wallace bars acquire rare bourbons
Date chosen for South Fork cleanup
A tentative date has been set for an expansive cleanup effort in the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River as it cuts through the City of Wallace.
Legals for February, 25 2022
Thursday, February 24
Death notice: Norman Ralph Blakney, 83
Norman Ralph Blakney, 83, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho passed away February 19, 2022.
Shoshone scholars make list of U of I Winter 2021 graduates
A total of 637 degrees were awarded to 583 students.
Hearing held in Weyer Gulch case
The validation of Weyer Gulch Road continues to be petitioned as the Shoshone County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) listened to supporting and opposing positions at last Tuesday’s public hearing.
Jail bookings: Feb. 22-24
Jessica S. Bangerter, 40, of Tacoma (WA.), was arrested and booked on charges of possession of a financial transaction card and intent to defraud with that card.
U of I launches Principal Training Program for North Idaho educators
The purpose of the program is to create a pool of candidates who are interested in educational leadership roles as principals in K-12 schools in those counties.
Duane M. Hollis, 77
Duane M. Hollis, 77 of Sun City, Az. passed away January 18th, 2022.
South Fork recreation area proposed at visitor center
The Wallace City Council is considering an idea from some of its residents that centers on allowing access to South Fork Coeur d’Alene River near the City’s Visitor Center.
Wednesday, February 23
Forrest Chapin, 86
Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, friend and neighbor. Forrest Chapin, 86, passed away on February 11, 2022, at his home in Post Falls.
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 109: Headlines from 2/19 thru 2/22
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson takes you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Feb. 19-22.
Grants available for North Idaho education projects
Offered by the Idaho Community Foundation, the deadline is Mar. 1
Forest Service seeking volunteer hosts at Red Ives Cabin
Located on the St. Joe River, and in the heart of the Wild and Scenic River corridor, Red Ives Cabin is one of the most popular rental facilities on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Tuesday, February 22
Tony Gene Sauer, 52
Tony Gene Sauer, 52, of Williston, North Dakota (formerly of the Silver Valley), passed away February 19, 2022 from complications of cancer.
Skis, snowboards, UTVs: Oh my! SkiJor is back!
The 4th annual SkiJor event was held in Wallace, with skiers and snowboarders being pulled on 4-wheelers (instead of the traditional horses) down the only snow course in the middle of historic downtown Wallace.
Legals for February, 22 2022
Monday, February 21
Second winter brings snow and low temperatures
Silver Valley sees high snow accumulation
KHS students host art show in Wallace
Kellogg High School students along with Kellogg High School Art teacher Racheal Krusemark will host an art show at Wallace flower shop Sol & Serre.
Wildcats named to all-star game rosters
Wildcats Hailey Cheney and Grace Nearing named to region roster
Jail bookings: Feb. 17-20
Steven M. Goodson, 41, of Kellogg, was arrested and booked on a charge of theft by possession of stolen property.
Silver Valley Sports Recap: Feb. 14-20
Lady Wildcats, Lady Miners go two and out at state. Tigers beat Miners, Wildcats beat Spartans twice – advance to District Championship game.
Evelyn Lovella McBride, 87
Evelyn Lovella McBride, 87, of Smelterville, Idaho, passed away Feb. 20, 2022, at Mountain Valley of Cascadia in Kellogg.
Wrestle Mania
Kellogg sends 12 grapplers to state championships, Wallace to send one
All season long it looked like the Wildcats were the best wrestling team in the Intermountain League, the only thing standing in their way was themselves.
Gov. Little calls on Gov. Inslee to stop six cent gas price increase in Idaho
The letter has come on the same day as Inslee's visit to Spokane and Airway Heights.
Beverly Hyde, 86
Beverly Allayne Hyde, 86 years old, of Post Falls passed away on February 16, 2022. Beverly was born on January 31, 1936 to Ruth Gates and James Marble, in Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania.
As the years climb, so does Pat Flanigan
When Flanigan was approached by friends Bumper Yanzik and Joe Avery about snowshoeing into Avery’s cabin in the high mountain areas south of Pine Creek, he didn’t quite know what to expect, but he knew it was going to be an adventure.
Dorla J. Hanson Johnson, 89
Our precious mother Dorla got her angel wings on the evening of February 17, 2022, at the Hospice House of Spokane.
Friday, February 18
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 108: Headlines from 2/16 thru 2/18
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson Molly Roberts take you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Feb. 16-18.
Honoring a winner
The Shoshone News-Press is proud to be celebrating Coach John Drager
“If it didn’t matter then there wouldn’t be a scoreboard.”
LETTER: To my friend and mentor, Coach John Drager
Recently I turned 75 years old and began reflecting on the phases of life that one goes through. I personally found that each phase was about a decade. As I reflected; my thoughts turned to memories, particularly about a decade of time involved with coaching football – in which most of that decade I was blessed to have the opportunity to work as an assistant coach for you.
Coach, Teacher, Prankster, Ophidiophobist: The many hijinks of Coach Drager
A selection of memories from several folks who love Coach Drager.
Rich in life
A former student, player, and friend of Coach John Drager reflects on what made the man the legend that he is today.
Coach was old school, some players loved him, and some hated him. He was tough and like a military leader wanted people to show up on time and give it their all. If he saw you being weak, he would call you out on it and you had two choices, toughen up or get out of the way for the next guy.
The biggest shoes
What does it feel like to follow in the footsteps of someone as celebrated as Drager? Stetson Spooner, Mullan Jr./Sr. High School activities director, head football coach, as well as health and P.E. teacher can answer that question.
Paul McCartney to launch tour in Spokane
Sir Paul McCartney will visit Spokane Arena on April 28. The first stop in a U.S. tour.
Legals for February, 18 2022
Thursday, February 17
Washington mask mandate ends March 21
Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to end the state’s indoor mask mandate on March 21 in most locations, including schools. Masks will still be required in hospitals.
Jail bookings: Feb. 14-16
Christopher R. Strawick, 48, Of Kellogg, was arrested and booked on a charge of battery.
Women Leader of the Year award nominations sought at NIC
Day of Dialogue celebrates women of leadership.
Tuesday, February 15
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 107: Headlines from 2/12 thru 2/15
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson takes you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Feb. 12-15
Replacement levy offers relief for WSD voters
The Wallace School District is seeking the approval of a supplemental levy from its patrons on March 8.
Pinehurst Elementary to receive new TMC Lab
Students at Pinehurst Elementary School (PES) are back in the lab again – well at least they will be soon.
Miner's Hat, Scout House added to Register of Historic Places
The buildings have been added to the registry following an application procedure that began in 2019.
Legals for February, 15 2022
Monday, February 14
Wallace Jr./Sr. High School First Semester Honor Roll
The Wallace Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their high school honor roll students. These students are those who finished the first semester with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Silver Valley Sports Recap: Feb. 7-13
Kellogg, Wallace girls head to State. Kellogg Boys clinch IML championship. Wildcat wrestlers honor seniors with big night.
A triumphant return
A lot of words could be used to describe the feelings that head coach Nichole Farkas and the Wallace Miners were experiencing following their play-in game win over Clearwater Valley last Saturday.
MALLOY: Smith says Simpson has met his ‘Waterloo’
Say one thing about Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith, he does not lack for confidence or swagger. And he will need all of that if he’s going to take out longtime Second District Congressman Mike Simpson in May’s primary election.
Shoshone scholars make U of I 2021 Fall Dean’s List
A total of 2,585 students qualified for the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester, which ended Dec. 17 To qualify for the Dean’s List, U of I students must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA on a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester.
Jail bookings: Feb. 10-13
Matilda Maxine Pablo, 23, of Ignatius, Mont. was arrested for delivery of a controlled substance, use or possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Shoshone Elections Office releases May 2022 Primary Election information
Candidates for county offices must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the County Clerk.
Friday, February 11
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 106: Headlines 2/9 thru 2/11 and interview with local musician Sam McCue
NIN brings on their VERY FIRST musical guest, local county music artist Sam McCue
Barry Alan Absec, 40
On Valentine’s Day in 1981 the world was gifted with a kind soul and big heart. Barry Alan Absec would go on to spread his kindness, becoming known for his endless smiles and big, tall hugs.
White supremacist group eyes Hayden Lake
Plans gathering in March
Aryan Freedom Network eyes Hayden Lake gathering
Deborah “Debbie” Inez Buffington, 57
Deborah “Debbie” Inez Buffington, 57, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away February 7, 2022 at Kootenai Health of Coeur d’ Alene.
Biker bros set to kick off big year
Brothers Dallas Cox and Tucker Cox are gearing up for a busy year as they compete in local dirt bike competitions with the hopes of qualifying for national-level competition.
Legals for February, 11 2022
Thursday, February 10
KSD extends application period for school board vacancy
The Board of Trustees for Kellogg Joint School District extended the application period for a vacancy for the Zone 1 Trustee position at Tuesday’s board meeting.
6-year-old dies in snowmobile accident
The accident happened Wednesday evening
Ronald Kalmback, 78
Ronald Kalmback, 78, of Cataldo, Idaho, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont.
A thanks to the guys at the Murray Shop
A thank you to the guys who work at the Murray Shop. I live in Murray, so thank you for keeping our roads plowed and sanded this winter.
Kellogg High School First Semester Honor Roll
Kellogg High School’s first semester honor roll.
Jail Bookings: Feb. 8 - 10
Kindra J. Mejia, 35, of Marysville, WA., was arrested and booked on a charge of failure to appear.
Clerk clarifies March election
The March 8, 2022 Election will determine the school levy’s for both Kellogg School District #391 and Wallace School District #393.
Wednesday, February 9
Let's go dancing!
Lady Wildcats are headed back to the state tournament following district championship win over Timberlake
On Tuesday night the Wildcats knocked off the Timberlake Tigers in the 3A District I championship game and punched their ticket to next week’s state tournament at Eagle High School
Tuesday, February 8
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 105: Headlines from 2/5 thru 2/8
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson and Josh McDonald go over the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, and the Shoshone News-Press from Feb. 5-8.
Mitchell 'Mitch' Gary Menke, 60
Mitch passed away on Jan. 17, 2022, in Spokane, Wash., at Holy Family Hospital.
Brian James Self, 57
Brian James Self, 57, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away Feb. 6, 2022, in Osburn.
OPINION: The importance of education
Two recent studies should put to rest the debate about how important education is to Idaho’s citizens, economy, and quality of life.
Oxendine appointed to Shoshone Magistrate seat
Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Keisha Oxendine has been appointed to the position of Shoshone County Magistrate for Idaho’s First Judicial District.
Mountain West Bank to open Wallace branch
Mountain West Bank president and CEO Scott Anderson said the Wallace branch should be open for business in May 2022 after receipt of regulatory approval and installation of an ATM, signage, and data and telecommunications connections at the building.
Aiding in the fight against eviction
Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved a $1.8 million inaugural grant from its Eviction Protection Grant Program to support a regional proposal submitted by Idaho Legal Aid Services.
Levy time once again for KSD
For many rural Idaho schools the use of supplemental levies is the final mile to making the bare minimum and the Kellogg School District is no different.
Silver Valley Sports Recap: Jan. 31 - Feb. 6
Kellogg girls get first round win in districts, Kellogg boys sitting atop the IML, Wallace girls have busy week, Kellogg wrestling continues to roll.
Local groups support VFW with annual poppy drive
The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 10 and the Easy Riders 4-H Club worked together to raise $550 for the local VFW by taking donations for the annual Veteran’s Poppy Drive.
Local health providers work diligently to confirm COVID-19 cases
Questions arose earlier this month at the Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting with Panhandle Health District (PHD) Director Don Duffy about the number of backlogged COVID-19 cases.
Legals for February, 8 2022
Monday, February 7
Marian Newburn, 93
Beloved friend Marian Newburn passed away Saturday, Feb. 29, 2021.
Jail bookings: Feb. 4-6
James V. Bryant, 45, of Kingston, was arrested and booked on a charge of violating a protection order.
Malloy: Could a Republican Senate help Biden?
Put this in the category of “wishful thinking,” but there may be a way for President Biden to turn around his sagging approval ratings. And, for those who may be interested, to keep former President Trump out of the White House in 2025.
Erratic driver report yields fentanyl seizure, arrest
Shoshone County Sheriff's Office Cpt. Jeff Lee states that on Feb. 4 around 2:30 p.m., 911 dispatch received a call reporting traffic complaint on Interstate 90.
Friday, February 4
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 104: Headlines from 2/2 thru 2/4
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson Molly Roberts take you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Feb. 2-4.
Jail bookings: Feb.1-3
Melissa D. Minor, 42, of Pinehurst, was arrested and charged on a count of felony probation violation.
Wallace School District to interview school board candidates
The search for a new school board trustee is progressing well for the Wallace School District, as three candidates have thrown their names into the ring.
Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H turns 100
and you're invited to the party
Legals for February, 4 2022
Thursday, February 3
Wendell David Schutt III, 84
Wendell David Schutt III was born in Oregon on April 17, 1937, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 3, 2022, at 84.
Kellogg Police Department Roll Call: Jan. 26 - Feb. 2
Tattooed face guy decided to stroll through Kellogg and thought it was a good idea to run a stop sign right in front of K76. Well, the chase was on. Tattooed face guy quickly found out North Idaho and Montana do things a little different than Washington. Tattooed face guy eventually got to meet Audie,Flathead county’s K-9 unit. Game over Mr. Tattooed face guy.
Robert 'Bob' Allen Van Kleeck, 75
Robert “Bob” Allen Van Kleeck, 75, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away Feb. 2, 2022, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Road validation petition before BOCC
Paul Loutzenhiser a local off-road vehicle enthusiast and member of the North Idaho Trailblazers (NITB) voiced his desire to see a widely discussed section of road along the West Fork of Pine Creek Road validated.
Judge Duggan presiding…
It was announced in November of last year that Idaho Governor Brad Little had appointed Duggan to the position from her now-former position as magistrate judge in Shoshone County.
Applications being taken for Morbeck Foundation grants
The Wallace-based philanthropical organization has donated over $2.9 million since its inception in 2001 and is opening up applications for both youth and community categories.
Wednesday, February 2
Winter Weather Advisories in place ahead of incoming snow
The timing and location of the storm put a bulk of the snow along Highway 195, and Highway 95 south of Interstate 90, and along Interstate 90 over both Fourth of July and Lookout Passes.
North Idaho Now podcast Episode 103: Headlines from 1/29 thru 2/1
In this episode of the North Idaho Now Podcast, Chanse Watson takes you through the latest news coming out of the Coeur'd Alene/Post Falls Press, the Bonner County Daily Bee, the Shoshone News-Press, and the the Bonners Ferry Herald from Jan. 29-Feb. 1.
Dennis Gene Nearing, 74
Dennis Gene Nearing (Denny) passed away Jan. 29, 2022, in Aberdeen, Wash.
Francis 'Marilyn' Dooling Wofford Hayes, 90
Francis “Marilyn” Dooling Wofford Hayes passed away Jan. 20, 2022, in Hermitage, Pa.
Tuesday, February 1
Service Notice: James Allen Seaton, 85
James Allen Seaton, 85, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away January 8, 2022 at his home in Kellogg, ID.
Daphne Lynn Frank, 44
Daphne Lynn Frank, 44, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Jan. 27, 2022, at her home in Wallace. She was born June 12, 1977, in Kellogg, Idaho.
Steps for Schools walking challenge starts today
70 Idaho legislators, elected officials participating
Silver Valley Sports Recap: Jan. 24-30
Kellogg girls beat Timberlake, Wyatt Hei wins Rumble, Wallace girls knock off Lakeside, and Kellogg boys beat Priest River in thrilling week for area teams.
Finalists chosen for Shoshone Magistrate seat
Four candidates have been named to fill the position of Shoshone County Magistrate for Idaho’s First Judicial District.
Tracey Ann Staggs (Lilienkamp), 60
Another Angel taken to heaven, Tracey Ann Staggs (Lilienkamp) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 22, 2022.
Base Camp Coffee, a family affair
The Chatfield family is making a name for themselves in the Silver Valley.