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North Idaho Now Podcast Episode 170: Local headlines from 9/28-/9/30

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 Bonners Ferry Herald from Sept. 28-30.

Report: Lake CDA improving

No evidence phosphorus levels are increasing or oxygen levels are declining

Lake Coeur d'Alene is beginning to recover from nearly a century of mining in its watershed, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Jackasses race the Trail of the Cd'A's this Saturday

The ever-popular Jackass Half Marathon and 5k will fill the Trail of the Couer d’ Alene's this Saturday, Oct. 1, ending with a delicious beer and after party at Radio Brewing Company in Kellogg.

SMC kids health fair, community success

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Shoshone Medical Center (SMC) Kids Health Fair was back in action, holding its outdoor event this past weekend and spreading health awareness to the community.

Superstars take first place in Bocce

The sun shined on the Silver Valley Superstars as they recently took first place at the Regional Bocce Tournament at McIntire Family Park in Couer d’Alene.

Kootenai County will fund lake water analysis

Kootenai County commissioners voted Wednesday to commit $50,000 to a project analyzing lake water samples for trace and toxic metals. Bill Brooks and Chris Fillios voted to provide the funds, which will come from the fiscal year 2022 community support budget. Leslie Duncan was not present for the meeting.

Can you dig it?

There is just something about the athletic rivalry between the Kellogg and Wallace High Schools that will never grow old – but it becomes memorable when both communities come together for a good cause. On Wednesday evening that good cause was the annual Dig Pink Night.

Legals for September, 30 2022

Dolores Ellen Kirk, 86

Dolores Ellen Kirk, 86, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away September 21, 2022 at Kootenai Health of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

Jail bookings: Sept. 26-28

Kurt Alan Scholz, 69, of Osburn, Idaho was arrested for two counts of aggravated battery. Scholz has since been released.

LETTER: Democracy or republic?

Let me first say that I do not belong to any political party. I believe they have both been infiltrated by the ones who want to take over America and make it the way they want it.

North Idaho Now Podcast Episode 169: ITD Construction/Traffic update with Megan Jahns and local headlines from 9/24-9/27

We kick things off with another ITD Construction/Traffic update with Public Information Specialist Megan Jahns! Make sure to plan ahead and drive safe, North Idaho!

Organ and Brass Concierto in Wallace

Hauntingly beautiful music filled the Prayer Station at the centuries-old Wallace United Methodist Church during the 'Organ and Brass Concierto' earlier this month.

Making Idaho more accessible

The Idaho Access Project (IAP) toured North Idaho last week, making stops to ensure that every community in Idaho is accessible to all people, including those with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on outdoor recreation.

Silver Valley Sports Recap: Sept. 19-25

Feline football programs romp, Wallace and Kellogg volleyball pick up big wins.

Local bank celebrates Day of Caring

Acts of service is one of the five love languages, and Mountain West Bank recently took an opportunity to show their new home some love as part of their annual Day of Caring.

WSD pays off 'new' school

After almost 20 years, the taxpayers within the Wallace School District will see some relief on the tax rolls now that the district has paid off the construction bond for the “new” Wallace Jr./Sr. High School. The former building, although iconic in nature, required several upgrades in order to get it to a place where it could continue to be used as a school – which led to the subsequent $3.365 million bond being passed.

Legals for September, 27 2022

Heidi Elizabeth Pennington, 56

Heidi Elizabeth Pennington, 56, of Smelterville, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home, of which was her greatest wish, on September 24, 2022.

PHD offering high-dose flu vaccine for seniors

Approved only for those 65 years of age or older, the Sanofi Pasteur Inc. manufactured vaccine contains four times the antigen as standard-dose flu vaccines.

MALLOY: Big changes coming if GOP wins the House

First District Congressman Russ Fulcher has spent his first two terms in office in unfamiliar territory as a member of the minority party — a drastic culture change from his years in the Idaho Senate, where Republicans controlled the agenda. If the political sages are correct, and Republicans gain a majority the House, Fulcher’s congressional career will take another twist. Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi will be gone as speaker of the House and Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy will likely take over. Rep. Jim Jordan, one of the staples of the House Freedom Caucus, will be the new lead figure on the Judiciary Committee.

Jail bookings: Sept. 22-25

Trower Lewis Crain, 35, of Cataldo, Idaho was arrested for attempted strangulation, domestic battery with traumatic injury, domestic battery in the presence of a child, and violating his probation.

North Idaho Now podcast Episode 168: Local headlines from 9/21-9/23

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 Bonners Ferry Herald from Sept. 21-23.

Kellogg liquor store moves after 50 years

After fifty years of selling spirits out of its former location, the Kellogg Liquor Store has moved to a bigger, brighter building.

Pottsville Seven requests bridge photos

The Pottsville Seven are looking for the communities' help with photos of a specific wooden bridge from Pottsville Park that crossed over the South Fork of the Couer D’Alene River and led to a log cabin.

SMC gets groovy with Kids Health Fair

The fourteenth annual Kids Health Fair, hosted by Shoshone Medical Center, is this weekend.

PLANT NOTES: Wild Ginger

If you've ever noticed a lemony, gingery scent while tramping through shady, moist woods, you've probably stepped in a patch of Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum).

LETTER: More to the story

I am writing this letter in regard to the article written by staff reporter Josh McDonald about the BOCC Hearing regarding the validation of a section of West Fork Pine Creek Road.

New book aims to help everyone stay on track

Local Bruce Flohr will be hosting a book signing next month to promote his new book Staying on Track. Flohr, who was born in Wallace in 1939, went on to collect several degrees from colleges and universities across America – and then he put that education to use.

Get ready to Fall for History

We’re just a few days from the annual deep dive into the colorful past that is Wallace’s Fall for History Festival and space is getting limited. This year the festival is looking at some of the not-so-pretty moments from their beloved town, with the theme of Wallace: A Checkered Past – this will include some of the more notorious events from throughout the former boomtown’s legacy, including a comprehensive look at Black Sunday and how it affected everyone in the area.

Legals for September, 23 2022

Dennis Eugene Morris, 62

Dennis Eugene Morris, 62, of Wallace, ID, was called home to the Lord on September 15, 2022 at his home in Wallace.

George Harrison 'Harry' Sandow, 68

Harry lost his one (1) year battle with Myelodysplasia Syndrome (MDS) on September 2, 2022.

Charlotte Ann (Gross) Kasner, 75

Charlotte Ann “Char” Kasner lost her 4-year battle with cancer on March 3, 2022.

Barry Dean Williams, 60

With great sorrow we say goodbye to our father, Barry Dean Williams. Barry passed away on September 16, 2022 at Mountain Valley of Cascadia in Kellogg, ID.

North Idaho Now podcast Episode 167: Local headlines from 9/17-9/20 and interview with musical guest Jake Rozier

We kick things off with an interview with local musician Jake Rozier, who just released a new album, "Hard to Kill a Ghost."

Dawn Jolene Kitchen, 60

We are sad to announce the passing of Dawn Jolene Kitchen of Smelterville, Idaho on September 18, 2022; she passed away peacefully at the Mountain Valley of Cascadia of Kellogg.

Julie Carole Murchison, 71

Beloved mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, Julie Carole Murchison, 71, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away September 17, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Silver Wood Village of Silverton.

Paul Anthony Durfee Sr.

Paul Anthony Durfee, Sr., 70, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away September 9, 2022 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg.

Osburn woman sentenced for wire fraud scheme

Trina Welch embezzled over $3.6M from Kasco of Idaho

Trina Welch, 49, of Osburn, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced Monday. According to court records, Welch was employed by Kasco of Idaho, LLC, with an office in Rathdrum, as a bookkeeper from 2012 until 2019. Kasco is a construction and telecommunication company that does work in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska.

Cataldo citizens concerned over water budget increase

The small Cataldo Water District office was filled with community members gathering to express their concerns to the board of directors concerning increased rates on their water bill, questions about the budget, and curiosities surrounding the district’s board and employees during a public meeting last week.

Volunteers remove TONS of metal from South Fork

Fifty volunteers joined the quest to clean the metal debris in the mile-long Wallace stretch of the South Fork of the Coeur d’ Alene River, clearing out almost five tons.

Silver Valley Sports 9/12 – 9/18

Kellogg gets big HoCo win, Makai Peak wins Bonners Ferry Invite, Mullan dominates Wallace on the gridiron, and so much more from last week!

Longstreet, Bopp replace Posnick as District 1 basketball commissioner

Rayna Longstreet and Bill Bopp have been named interim basketball commissioners for high school basketball in District 1 for the 2022-23 school year.

Reed enters guilty plea in child abuse case

Accused child abuser Sean Reed admitted guilt on Monday during Shoshone County’s law day proceedings. 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.

Citizen tip leads to major drug bust

A reported drunk driver resulted in the confiscation of a high amount of dangerous narcotics early Sunday morning. During the stop, one of the SCSO’s K9 deputies picked up on something within the vehicle and upon searching it they were able to seize 225 grams of suspected fentanyl pills – called Mexi Blues, as well as eight grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Legals for September, 20 2022

Sandra “Sandy” Margaret Braley, 85

Sandra “Sandy” Margaret Braley, 85, of Pinehurst, ID, passed away on September 13, 2022 at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, ID.

MALLOY: Risch: Senate control far from decided

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch has every reason to hope that Republicans gain control of the Senate after November’s midterm elections. That would mean he would be back as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a lofty position he held during the Trump administration, and that fellow Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo would lead the Senate Finance Committee – assuming that he is re-elected.

Jail bookings: Sept. 15-18

Jesse Ray Messer, 45, of Smelterville, Idaho was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender.

VIDEO: Sunny and warm weather for the last three days of summer

Temperature will be in the 70s

Jail bookings: Sept. 12-15

Charlet Kathryn Bice, 55, of Osburn, Idaho was arrested for failing to appear.

Blues Fest gives back

The Historic Wallace Blues Festival showcases award-winning blues bands on the streets of Wallace while also giving back to the community.

Summer of '63... 1863

Eagle City Park took you back to the summer of 1863 this past weekend, as it was the site of the Living History Camp and Civil War Reenactment.

PLANT NOTES- Yarrow

One of the world’s oldest recorded medicinal plants, Yarrow (Achillea milleflium) was named after Achilles, the Greek warrior of Trojan War fame, by the Swedish botanist Linnaeus in 1753.

Wallace P&Z sends ordinance to city council

The Wallace Planning and Zoning Commission (WPZ) took another step toward protecting their hillsides from development during a public hearing last week. At the conclusion of their near-two hour hearing, the board voted in favor of recommending the adoption of a mountain overlay district (MOD) to the city’s comprehensive plan.

Here's to you, Skip!

31 years is a long time to do anything, let alone to put yourself in the line of fire – but for Skip Robinett it was about the opportunity to serve his community. Robinett recently retired from law enforcement following more than three decades of service to both the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and the Pinehurst Police Department.

Legals for September, 16 2022

Fredrick "Fred" C. Harris, 77

Fredrick "Fred" C. Harris, 77, passed away on September 10, 2022, at home after struggling with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

SAVE Coalition hosts Suicide Prevention and Awareness walk

Kellogg’s City Park was filled with over 100 people to honor and observe World Suicide Prevention Day this past Friday afternoon.

Sunshine Mine kicks off drilling exploration program

Mine General Manager Tom Henderson explains this nearly two year long operation has already begun with the arrival of personnel and equipment from Boart Longyear Drilling, based out of Salt Lake City.

BOCC hears appeal in WF Pine Creek Road situation

The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard arguments for and against the validation of a section of West Fork Pine Creek Road on Thursday morning during a public hearing at Shoshone County Courthouse.

Legals for September, 13 2022

As wildfires continue to burn, air quality has quickly diminished

Both sparked by lightning in late August, little has changed on the Columbus and Bear Gulch Fires in recent days.

Fredrick Cleveland Harris, 77

Fredrick Cleveland Harris, 77, of Osburn, ID, passed away on September 10, 2022 at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, ID.

Paul Anthony Durfee Sr., 70

Paul Anthony Durfee, Sr., 70, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away September 9, 2022 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg.

Malloy: Impeachment looms if Republicans prevail

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher says that better days lie ahead if Republicans gain control of the House of Representatives after November’s mid-term elections – a prospect that appears to be quite strong with soaring gas prices, run-away inflation and President Biden’s low approval rating.

Deborah Leslie McElhinney, 71

Deborah Leslie McElhinney, 71, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg after a short illness.

KCSO SWAT responds to a barricaded subject

A Wallace man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly threw a table at a female and threatened law enforcement.

Jail bookings: Sept. 8-11

Amy Jo Elliott, 34, of Osburn, Idaho was arrested for failing to appear.

Elsie Wilhelmina Magnuson, 95

Elsie Wilhelmina Magnuson, 95, passed peacefully on September 3, 2022, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg.

Leona M. Hahn, 60

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Leona M. Hahn, 60, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away September 8, 2022 at the family home of Osburn.

BOCC approves county budget

During the public comment period, it was brought up that this year’s budget was just over $2 million higher than last year’s — a near 13% increase.

Meet your new commissioner

Tracy Casady was appointed to the position last Thursday by Gov. Brad Little, filling the seat that was vacated by Mike Fitzgerald in early August.

Jail bookings: Sept. 5-7

Jeffery Fuller Crawford, 39, of Kellogg, Idaho was arrested for obstructing or resisting an officer.

Bedke talks special session, North Idaho growth on podcast

Fresh on his mind was the recent special session, formally known as an extraordinary session, of the Idaho Legislature that was called by Governor Brad Little on Aug. 23 solely to have congress consider House Bill No. 1.

PLANT NOTES: Goldenrod

Its graceful plumes of golden yellow flowers in pyramid-shaped clusters nod in the breeze from mid-July to October.

Splash-tacular Wallace Pool Party

Celebrate the end of summer at the Wallace City Pool with a splash-tacular free pool party this Saturday afternoon.

Therapeutic Horticulture at Cascadia

Residents of Mountain Valley of Cascadia were able to experience the therapy of horticulture as the Eldergrow garden was unveiled Wednesday morning.

Legals for September, 9 2022

VIDEO: Red Flag Warning issued for Inland Northwest

Hazy & windy weather heightens fire danger today

North Idaho Now podcast Episode 163: Local headlines from 8/31 through 9/6

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 Bonners Ferry Herald, and the Shoshone News-Press from Aug. 31-Sept. 6.

Gratia Frances Hannan Griffith, 97

Gratia Frances Hannan Griffith passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022, at the Bridge at Post Falls, Idaho.

Louis Gulman, 81

Louis Gulman, age 81, passed away September 3, 2022 at Evergreen Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington from lung cancer and various other maladies.

Artist finds success in Silver Valley

If you drive around the Silver Valley as much as this reporter does, you’ve probably noticed many of the new hand-painted signs popping up all over.

BOCC approves exhaust fan for SCSO

The saga of Wallace’s fifty-year-old public safety building, which houses the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Shoshone County Jail, and driver’s license office, continues.

Legals for September, 6 2022

OBITUARY: Sherman Baue Watts, 84

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Sherman Baue Watts, 84, of Pinehurst, Idaho passed away August 31, 2022 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg. He was born March 13, 1938 in Glasgow, Montana; Sherman was the son of Henry Clay and Sylvia Edna (Baue) Watts.

Cascadia, Christian Academy continue to work together

One of the greatest joys in life is watching children play and hearing their laughter and joy while they do it. Residents at Mountain Valley of Cascadia get to experience this twice a day when the students from the neighboring Silver Valley Christian Academy (SVCA) make their way over to the small park area behind the award winning skilled nursing facility.

Jail bookings: Sept. 1-3

- Elijah Chezem, 42, of Cabot, AR.,was arrested and booked for driving without privileges, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

District 2 firefighters, commissioners agree on new labor contract

Compromised reached on wage raises

ITD: Transport of oversized windmill loads through North Idaho to begin next week

More than 80 oversized loads will depart the Port of Lewiston bound for Canada over the next 2.5 months, with the first load scheduled to leave next week.

ITD: Transport of oversized windmill loads through North Idaho to begin next week

More than 80 oversized loads will depart the Port of Lewiston bound for Canada over the next 2.5 months, with the first load scheduled to leave next week.

Legislature passes Governor-backed bill to combat inflation, fund schools

Passing in the House of Representatives, 55-15, and in the Senate, , the new bill is set to take effect Jan. 3, 2023- two days after a rival ballot initiative would if approved by voters.

SCFD No. 3 to receive ARPA money

Shoshone County Fire District No. 3 (SCFD3) will receive up to $25,000 from Shoshone County’s $2.5 million allocation of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program (CSLFRF) authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

PLANT NOTES: Wild Beebalm/Bergamot

A colorful member of the mint family, Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is widespread in much of North America.

Under the Freeway Flea Market this weekend

This weekend locals and tourists will be able to find everything under the sun (without having to actually be under the sun, ironically), under the I-90 freeway in the historic town of Wallace.

Get' R Done

Volunteers for the Lions Park Playground Community Build worked through scorching temperatures, flash lightning storms, and heavy wind but didn’t allow that to slow them down.

Legals for September, 2 2022

Jail Bookings: Aug. 29-31

No new bookings

Law enforcement warns of "Skittles" and "Rainbow" fentanyl appearing locally

Skittles resemble pieces of brightly colored candy, while rainbow fentanyl is usually chalky or in powder form.

Getting the pieces together

It’s more questions than answers for everyone involved in the concession stand project at Teeters Field. While football season is already well underway, the first home game of the season for the Kellogg Wildcats is Friday evening and many patrons are wondering what happened to the city’s promise to have the new concession stand completed by opening night.

VIDEO: One-on-one interview with WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert before 2022 season

The Cougs enter this season with a defense filled with players who earned All-Pac-12 preseason honors and a new look offense under new offensive coordinator Eric Morris and transfer quarterback Cameron Ward.

LETTER: Plastic pollution must stop

Our environment is being threatened by plastic pollution. Studies predict that by 2050 plastics will account for about 20 percent of total oil consumption, up from about 8 percent today. It is predicted that by then our magnificent oceans will contain, by weight, more plastic than fish.

Smelterville park closed indefinitely after further vandalism

Another round of costly vandalism has forced city officials to permanently close Smelterville’s City Park. It was reported on Tuesday morning that multiple children were caught on the park’s security camera system damaging the park’s expensive, fixed-set volleyball net.