Friday, January 31
SMC launching Lunch and Learn series
This is the first in a series of Lunch and Learns planned for 2025. This first, on the topic of heart health, will feature guest speaker Cardiologist Dr. Aaron Notestine. The lunch is free and the event is open to the public.
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.
What is an air stagnation advisory and why are we under one?
People checking the weather on their mobile devices were recently hit with a new and ominous warning that simply read: Air Stagnation Advisory. But what exactly is an air stagnation advisory? What causes it and who might it affect?
SCSO, BOCC talk jail staffing issues
Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey and Undersheriff Lance Stutzke went before the county commissioners on Wednesday to discuss what they’re calling a “dire” concern.
Wayne Gene Fister, 83
Wayne Gene Fister, 83, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away on January 22, 2025, in his sleep at home in Kellogg. Wayne was born on August 4, 1941, in Bremerton, Wash., to Robert Earl and Georgia Lucille Eastwood.
SCFD crew return from California
Dietrich is the chief at Shoshone County Fire District #2, one of many departments that answered the call earlier this month when several fires broke out around Los Angeles. When he received the email from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, requesting any help that could be spared, Dietrich asked his crew if anyone would be interested in a 20-day excursion to California.
Tuesday, January 28
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and jail bookings for the Shoshone County jail
Pinehurst man pleads guilty in child porn case
A Pinehurst man pleaded guilty to three child pornography charges on Monday morning.
SVC honors community servants
It was a night of celebrating the helpers on Thursday when the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Night at Noah’s Loft.
Silver Valley Sports: Jan. 20 - 26
Local teams move into conference play as winter sports moves toward the final weeks.
Friday, January 24
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.
William 'Bill' Earl Corder, 86
On January 15th, 2025, William Earl Corder, ready to be reunited with his beloved Rosemary, passed away peacefully in his Kellogg home at the age of 86. Bill was born on April 15, 1938, in Shawnee, Okla.
KCSD awarded loan for treatment facility project
Last week it was announced that the Kingston-Cataldo Sewer District had been awarded a $1.4 million loan from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ).
Smelterville man arrested after domestic dispute turns violent
According to court documents, Robert Funk, 36, was arrested after deputies responded to a call from Funk’s ex-girlfriend, who was attempting to leave their shared residence after an argument allegedly escalated into a violent altercation.
Cole Allen Tindell, 70
Cole Allen Tindell, 70, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away at his home on January 18, 2025. He was born on December 30, 1954, in Burbank, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde, and his mother, Irene (Lacey) Tindell.
Proposed Wallace ordinance goes before the public
A new law aimed at special events was up for public comment during Wallace’s January City Council meeting.
Morbeck Foundation accepting grant applications
The Frank A. Morbeck Community Foundation recently announced that they have begun accepting applications for their 2025 grant cycle.
Donald Duane Oeleis, 78
Donald Duane Oeleis, 78, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away on January 17, 2025, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Don was born on October 3, 1946, in Caldwell, Idaho, a son of the late Dewey and Hazel (Hawkins) Oeleis.
Tuesday, January 21
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and jail bookings for Shoshone County jail.
Silver Valley Sports: Jan 13 - 19
Wallace, Kellogg boys clash; Kellogg girls drop tough CIL battle to Priest; Mullan girls finish busy week; Wildcat Wrestlers compete in Lewiston
THE DIRT: Air quality monitoring
Think back to the red AQI forecast on your phone. What information was it trying to convey? The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded tool to relay air pollution threats. Starting at GREEN, for good, colors warm to MAROON, for hazardous. The AQI can represent a variety of pollutants. In North Idaho, two air pollutants are monitored—PM10 and PM2.5.
Friday, January 17
Sheriff Lindsey discusses new term
When Holly Lindsey received word that she had won the race for sheriff in the November election, her initial thoughts were of gratitude to have received the stamp of approval from the voters in Shoshone County.
North Idaho SAUSA Office a go
History was made on Tuesday afternoon when the Shoshone County Commissioners approved two agreements that will create the first Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Office in North Idaho.
Local groups donate to pest control
Local non-profit group Silver Valley CARES received $2,000 in donations earlier this week to aid those battling pests in their homes.
Barbara Evans Chambers, 76
Barbara Evans Chambers the “Original Precious”, 76, of Las Vegas, Nev., and former long-time Kellogg, Idaho, resident, passed away on January 3, 2025, at Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nev. Barbara was born on March 4, 1948, in Pitcher, Okla., the daughter of the late Mack Evans and Evadna (McBrien) Evans.
OPINION: School choice plan called a ‘government handout’
The fight over school vouchers might be the leading issue going into this legislative session, but the term “vouchers” will have selective use.
TRUMP: Morbid sense of humor?
If Donald Trump was just kidding about buying Greenland, taking back the Panama Canal, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, making Canada another state, then he has a morbid sense of humor.
VFW Patriot Pen, Voice of Democracy contests announce winners
Kellogg High School students expressed their thoughts on the theme, "My voice in America's democracy" and the question, "Is America today the forefather's vision?" as part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy competition.
Tuesday, January 14
Last minute jumper pushes Wildcats past Miners
In a matchup of Silver Valley rivals, a fadeaway jumper with a minute to go by Payton Storey is just what was needed to push the Kellogg Wildcats over the Wallace Miners 38 – 35 at Andrews Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
Idaho Gov. Little visits North Idaho to talk 'Keeping Promises' plan
Governor Brad Little's laid out his vision for education policy Monday during a press conference at the StanCraft Jet Center as part of his "Keeping promises" plan for 2025.
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.
Silver Valley Sports: Jan. 6 - 12
Wildcats win Silver Bracket at River City Duals; Wildcat boys win pair of CIL battles; Wallace and Mullan also in action in busy week.
Burglary investigation leads to drug bust
Two people were arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses following an investigation of a burglary at a Pinehurst residence.
Elected sworn in at Shoshone County Courthouse
Five elected officials were sworn in on Monday morning during an intimate ceremony inside the foyer of the Shoshone County Courthouse.
Frank Coast, 90
Frank Edward Coast, 90, of Kingston, Idaho, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away January 8, 2025, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born December 30, 1934, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Olie and Lillian (Bomar) Coast.
Charles Oliver Jenicek, 96
Charles Oliver Jenicek passed away peacefully in Kellogg, Idaho, two weeks shy of his 97th birthday on Friday, January 10, 2025. Born January 20, 1928, to Frank and Maude Jenicek (née Nederhood) in Springston, Idaho
Friday, January 10
North Idaho fire crews deploy to California wildfires
At 6 a.m. Thursday, first responders from fire departments spanning North Idaho assembled their fire engines to begin the two-day trek to relieve fire crews battling the fires in Los Angeles County.
CORRECTION
Within the story, "Wallace considering 'Special Events' law," which ran in the November 7 edition of the Press and News-Press, we incorrectly identified Julie George as Susan Berry.
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.
Helen R. Mitchell, 92
Helen Ruth Renfroe Mitchell, 92, passed away on January 4, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Born on May 13, 1932, in Pelsor, Arkansas, to Marvin and Estelle Renfroe, Helen’s family relocated to Cataldo, Idaho, in 1940.
Kellogg woman convicted of domestic battery
A Kellogg woman was found guilty of felony domestic battery earlier this week following a one-day jury trial that needed just 30 minutes to return a verdict.
County renews law enforcement contract with Smelterville
The city of Smelterville will continue to receive 730 annual patrol hours from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office after the county commissioners signed off on a new contract between the two entities on Thursday morning.
Study to be completed on old Wallace school building
For the past few years, the Wallace School District has been exploring options related to the old Wallace High School building. However, a determination on the building’s fate may be on the horizon.
Kim Elton Gittel, 71
KIM ELTON GITTEL, 71, passed away on December 9th, 2024. Kim was born June 29th, 1953, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Elton Gittel and Marie Thatcher (McEachren).
Wednesday, January 8
Bed bugs at SHES prompting closure
The kids may be sleeping tight, but they could not prevent the bed bugs’ bite – At least that’s what the Wallace School District administration is saying.
Tuesday, January 7
Wallace considering 'Special Events' law
The Wallace City Council will be hosting a public hearing on Wednesday, January 8, to discuss a proposed Special Events Ordinance that was discussed at December’s council meeting.
No place like home: Wallace Food Bank looks for new location
The Wallace Food Bank is searching for a new place to call home. Last winter, the nonprofit began looking for a new building that better fit their needs, but the clock is now ticking down on locating a new spot to base their operations. For years, the group has called the Prayer Station basement home, but the church’s lease expired at the end of 2024 and their future tenure at the 4th Street is uncertain.
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.
Peter Edward Weske, 66
Peter Edward Weske, 66, of Sweetgrass, Mont., and formerly of Kingston, Idaho, passed away on January 2, 2025, in Kingston, Idaho. Peter was born on August 7, 1958, in Moose Lake, Minn, the youngest of 4 children born to Floyd and Elizabeth (Losensky) Weske.
Silver Valley Sports: Dec. 30 - Jan. 5
Slow week following the holiday break, packed week ahead for Silver Valley teams.
Whose lane is it anyway?
A highly trafficked section of road is at the top of Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke’s to-do list, but people are going to need to be patient with the county.
THE DIRT: Understanding the work throughout Burke Pt. 2
The cleanup at the Hecla Star Complex started in 2023. The area known as Burke saw a big increase in construction work this past summer and will continue through the summer of 2026.
Friday, January 3
Shoshone County jail bookings
Arrests and jail bookings for Shoshone County Sheriff's Office.
New lights brighten up Silver Valley cemeteries
Cemeteries may not be the most hopeful of places, but at Kellogg’s Greenwood Cemetery and Shoshone Memorial Gardens in Pinehurst, the new lighted crosses have provided some much-needed light in the darkness, both literally and figuratively.
