Wood or electric, be safe with your heating systems

According to Shoshone County Fire District #1 Chief John Miller, his agency is dispatched numerous times each year during the holidays due to someone not following simple safety rules or properly maintaining their wood heating systems.

Driver identified after fatal crash, vehicle fire

After a fatal crash and vehicle fire Thursday night in Big Creek, law enforcement found themselves with a mystery on their hands when it came to the identity of the deceased man found in the vehicle.

Joseph Kenser, 68

Joseph Richard Kenser 'Joe,' 68, was the eldest son of Joseph Kenser and Carol Watts. He was born on April 18th, 1956, in Wallace, Idaho, and grew up in the Silver Valley of Idaho.

Lloyd Howard Coons, 74

Lloyd Howard Coons, 74, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away on February 23rd at Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

THE DIRT: EPA conducting waterfowl survey

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with wildlife management staff from State, Federal, and Tribal organizations, is conducting a study to develop tools for monitoring waterfowl health and exposure to lead contamination in the Lower Coeur d’Alene River Basin.

Robert 'Bob' Earl Launhardt, 92

Robert “Bob” Earl Launhardt, 92, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on November 1, 2024, at Mountain Valley of Cascadia, Kellogg, Idaho. Robert was born on December 1, 1931, in Collinsville, Ill.,

Barbara Wood Baker, 76

Barbara’s vivacious spirit left us on February 5, 2025. She died in a Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, hospice from recently discovered bone cancer. She was 76. Barbara was welcomed into the world in Missoula, Montana, on May 14, 1948, the second of five children born to Walter and Marjorie White.

THE DIRT: Air Quality Concerns

Take a deep breath. Notice anything?

Bluff Creek Complex closures to end

All closures related to the Bluff Creek Complex are expected to be rescinded by the end of this week, according to a release from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest on Monday.

WSD not moving to 4-day week

The Wallace School District will not be exploring a transition to a four-day school week for the 2024/25 school year, despite neighboring Kellogg School District’s decision to adopt the shortened week.

Permitting open for suction dredge mining

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has finalized the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) general permit for Small Suction Dredge Mining.

Superintendents discuss education scorecard results

A recent study reveals Idaho's schools ranked 30th in math recovery and 38th in reading from 2019–2024. While some local districts show progress in the post-pandemic educational landscape, others continue working to create more stable learning environments.

Pinehurst woman makes CCS Honor Roll

Mykenna Wood, of Pinehurst, ID, has earned a place on the Spokane Community College Honor Roll for Spring quarter 2024. Students on the honor roll earned a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Baker retires from Hecla

Cassie Boggs, board chair, named interim president, CEO

As contemplated by Hecla’s existing management succession plan, Ms. Boggs will be assisted in managing the affairs of the Company by a committee comprised of Russell Lawlar, Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer, Carlos Aguilar, Vice President – Operations, and Mike Clary, Senior Vice President – Chief Administrative Officer.

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.

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.

Favorite Things About the Silver Valley: The history

This is part one of a special series called “Favorite Things About the Silver Valley.” The subjects of these stories come from YOU, the people of the Silver Valley.

SCSO responds to multiple calls in southern region of Shoshone County

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office responded to two major incidents in the St. Joe region of Shoshone County over the previous couple of days.

Entrega especial

Two firefighters from Shoshone County Fire District #2 will be going on the adventure of a lifetime all in the name of goodwill.

Illness prompts school closure

Widespread illness at Silver Hills Elementary School in Osburn has prompted school administrators to close the school on February 12-13.