THE DIRT: 2025 Construction Season

Summer arrived early in the Silver Valley this year. The trees have already bloomed, and the snow has melted off the Alhambra Slide. Flowers have been planted, and preparation for summer vacation has begun. Summer also marks the beginning of the construction season, and much is planned within the Bunker Hill Superfund site.

Keep the air inside your homes safe this summer

Around this time each year, air quality becomes a major concern across North Idaho. As wildfires ignite across the U.S. and Canada, smoke drifts into the panhandle, casting a toxic haze over the region’s typically blue summer skies.

Ronald Dean McCracken, 87

Ronald Dean McCracken, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 19th at the age of 87. Born June 15, 1938, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Cecil and Inez McCracken

Dennis William Seagraves, 84

Dennis William Seagraves, 84, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at his home in Kingston. Dennis was born on September 15, 1940, in Boise, Idaho. Dennis was the son of Jack and Inez (Chapman) Seagraves.

Post Falls welcomes Silver Valley native as new city prosecutor

Casey E. Drews will be the new prosecutor for Post Falls. Drews brings nearly a decade of public service and trial experience to the city’s legal services department, according to a press release. She joins the city following her most recent role as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Kootenai County. Drews was also the designated prosecutor for the Mental Health Court Program.

John Lawrence Nelson, 76

John Lawrence Nelson, 76, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away on May 3, 2025, at his home in Mullan. John was born on April 24, 1949, in Wallace, Idaho, a son of the late John and Aurora (Marra) Nelson. John was alternatively known as “Tennessee Tuxedo” to his friends.

Shoshone County jail bookings

Arrests and bookings for Shoshone County jail.

Living water

Just over one year ago, the Silver Valley was hit hard following the loss of Real Life Ministeries’ Pastor Gene Jacobs, but over the past few weeks, the church and community came up with a wonderful way to honor Jacobs’ legacy.

Community gathers for 53rd Sunshine Mine memorial

Every year, on May 2, the Silver Valley pauses for an hour and remembers the 91 men who perished in the Sunshine Mine Disaster of 1972.

Barbara Hall Romine, 90

Barbara, the oldest of three children, was born to Evan and Verla (Hazeltine) Hall on December 5, 1934, in Moscow, Idaho. She passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 90.

Mental health clinic opens in Osburn

A familiar building has a new tenant now that WestWind Wellness Clinic has opened in the former Shoshone News-Press office.

Montana woman pleads not guilty to trafficking charges

A Montana woman pleaded not guilty to trafficking charges on Monday morning during an arraignment in Shoshone County’s District Court.

Serena Cogburn, 54

Serena Marie Cogburn was born on May 6, 1970, in Silverton, Idaho, and passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with bone cancer. She lived a life filled with love, strength, and a deep sense of adventure.

Montana man pleads guilty in fentanyl case

A Montana man pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver on Monday morning at the Shoshone County Courthouse.

THE DIRT: What you need to know about ICP Permits

Spring is in the air, and you know that means; it’s time to swap snow boots for sneakers and get back outside, residents of North Idaho are eager to get outside and work in their yards. Before heading out to work, are you confident you have everything you need? Sure, you have your shovel, your gloves, and your freshly applied sunscreen. But what about your permit?

Shooters gonna shoot

Silver Valley boy to compete at Elks Hoops Shoot National Competition

Bridger Heyn is a unique kid. He doesn’t play video games, he doesn’t watch a ton of TV, and he isn’t glued to a cell phone or tablet. He plays basketball, like, a lot of basketball. Something that is pretty easy to recognize from the second he walks into any gym.

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.,

Recent snowfall helps Silver Valley ski hills

Mid-March snowstorms have put the Silver Valley’s local ski hills in prime position to finish the winter strong.

Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb

Firefighter's fight with lymphoma fuels passion for stair climb

Dylan Browning’s Silver Valley roots go deep. After getting a job at Northern Lakes Fire Protection District last year, he still volunteers as a firefighter in Shoshone County. Joined by fellow North Idaho firefighters on Sunday, he put his body through its paces as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stair Climb on Sunday in Seattle.

Kristen Martindale, 38

Kristen D. Martindale, born March 31, 1986, in Tacoma, Wash., passed away peacefully February 22nd, 2025, in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, with her family by her side.