Sheriff's Office stresses safety over Memorial Day weekend

From 2016 through 2019, Shoshone County emergency crews responded to a call on Memorial Day weekend in which someone was killed as the result of a preventable incident.

Thankfully, the four-year streak ended in 2020 and the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to keep it that way as we enter another holiday weekend.

“Shoshone County is a destination for people who enjoy the outdoors and the spring/summer holidays bring more people to the Silver Valley every year,” said SCSO Cpt. Jeff Lee. “Many residents and visitors will flock to the numerous outdoor destinations here and, at times, bring bad decisions with them.”

With the goal of keeping everyone safe this holiday, SCSO recently announced on its Facebook page that its agency will once again be stepping up its presence in popular camping/event areas this weekend. Those planning on recreating along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River or in the St. Joe region of the county should expect to see deputies patrolling, conducting traffic stops and enforcing parking regulations.

These units will especially be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers and juveniles.

“We will have a good amount of designated deputies conducting DUI and speed enforcement emphasis’ on the St. Joe River Road and Coeur d'Alene River Road starting Thursday and going throughout the weekend,” Lee said. “We will also be focusing on underage drinking throughout the county. We want everyone to have a good memory of this Memorial Day weekend versus a lifetime of tragic memories.”

“On Memorial Day weekend, we do see a rise in alcohol related incidents including DUI’s, DUI accidents, ATV/UTV accidents and juvenile alcohol/drug offenses,” said Sheriff Mike Gunderson.

The local deaths in 2016, 2017 and 2019 involved either one or both of two factors — motor vehicles and/or alcohol. With local high school graduations timing up with the holiday weekend, the focus on youth safety is also a top priority.

The final major factor to consider when enjoying the three-day weekend is the conditions of both the Coeur d’Alene (North and South Fork) and the St. Joe Rivers.

Both Gunderson and Undersheriff Holly Lindsey stress that whoever plans to be near the river this weekend should be mindful of not only its speed and depth, but also its temperature.

Krem 2 Meteorologist Thomas Patrick reported previously that this May has been one of the coldest on record. Silver Mountain Resort even reported on Thursday that due to unexpected snowfall, the mountain would be open for skiing and snowboarding over the weekend.

With snow still melting in higher elevations of the county, the temperature of our local rivers remains low and has not caught up with the season. Combine near-freezing temperatures with a powerful current and you get incredibly dangerous conditions.

Lee stresses that the rivers are still cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly and warns campers to be very cautious around them.

“Remember that the Coeur d’Alene River can be high, unpredictable and fast,” Lindsey said. “There also may be debris under the water that you can’t see, so play it safe and just stay out of it.”

The speedy, powerful and chilly conditions of the river were responsible for the 2018 Memorial Day weekend local death.

SCSO would also like to remind North Fork recreationists who like to park on Old River Road between Bumblebee Campground and Albert’s Landing that if you park in an area with a solid yellow line, you will receive a citation and/or your vehicle will be towed.

“A solid yellow designates do not cross or park,” Gunderson said. “There are several signs stating this up and down the river.”

Lee stresses that SCSO wants everyone to enjoy this upcoming weekend, but to keep safety in mind.

“We encourage everyone to have fun building good memories with our families and friends. Let’s have a great summer of 2022!”