JOSH McDONALD
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Washington man facing aggravated DUI charge following holiday weekend crash
A Cheney man is facing multiple felony charges after an alcohol-related crash over Memorial Day weekend sent two people to the hospital.
Family completes late author’s book on schoolhouses
Not many people know that there were more than 100 schools and school buildings along the Coeur d’Alene River... But Marvin Lake was the exception to most people.
Woody appointed chief at OPD
Earlier this month, Jason Woody was officially sworn in as the new Police Chief of Osburn, bringing more than two decades of law enforcement experience to the role.
The epic career of Scott Miller
For nearly four decades, Scott Miller has been working with athletes of all ages and skill levels, but at this point, simply calling him a coach feels like a disservice. Through all of the navigating of both emotional highs and lows of high-level competition, Miller became so much more to so many.
"An incredibly personal endeavor"
Brooks Hotel to celebrate major milestone in ongoing renovation project
Ongoing work at the Brooks Hotel has reached another major milestone, according to owner Emily Nelson.
JROTC cadets prepare for Memorial Day ceremonies
Students in the Marine Corps JROTC Program at Kellogg High School have been busy over the past few days as they prepare for Memorial Day.
KHS math teacher wins school and district teacher awards
Kellogg High School teacher Megan Cline was named both KHS and Kellogg School District Teacher of the Year and was honored during a special assembly last week at KHS.
New field offers new opportunity for Silver Valley youth baseball
A special group of dads and more than a few generous businesses have given Silver Valley kids a quality place to play baseball with the “new” Pastime Park.
Navigating seasonal allergies in North Idaho
Spring has sprung, and there’s a certain feeling in the air as the sun begins to shine and things start turning green again.
Quiet reflections
Shasta Groene's childhood friend recalls life after tragedy
20 years ago, the unthinkable happened. The triple homicide and kidnapping of two young children from a home near Wolf Lodge stopped North Idaho and much of the nation in its tracks. 47 days later, 8-year-old Shasta Groene was identified and rescued at a Coeur d’Alene restaurant, and the man responsible was arrested.
Depot Day shatters registration records
It was a record-breaking year for the Inland Northwest’s longest running car show, as Depot Day brought hundreds of class cars and thousands of people to look at them.
"At the end of the day, you still have to play"
Kellogg heads to golf state for 22nd consecutive year
For more than two decades, there has been one constant in North Idaho athletics... Boys golf at Kellogg High School.
Favorite things about the Silver Valley: Old Mission State Park
At the western entrance to the Silver Valley sits the Mission of the Sacred Heart, the crown jewel of Old Mission State Park. While technically sitting in Kootenai County, Silver Valley residents have an attachment to the Mission beyond what most of their neighbors to the west experience. Mary Davis is one such resident.
Cat Wranglers celebrate successful fundraiser
The Silver Valley Cat Wranglers have a little bit of breathing room thanks to a recent fundraiser that went above and beyond for the local feline rescue group.
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.
KSD to stay on 4-day schedule next year
Board elects to continue pilot program through 2025/26 school year.
The Kellogg School District is extending its pilot four-day school week into next school year, according to Superintendent Lance Pearson.
KHS musicians show out at jazz festival
Students in Kellogg High School’s jazz choir were recently recognized as one of the best groups in the region after winning at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho.
Wyatt Earp celebration this weekend in Murray
Something unique is happening this weekend in the former seat of Shoshone County.
Go for the great
Brandon Toews took a big risk to “go for the great,” a few years ago when he founded Delvepro, a Silver Valley-based construction company that specializes in excavation construction.
Wallace photography museum changes things up
More than a few changes are coming to a popular Wallace photography museum.
Pinehurst man sentenced in child pornography case
A Pinehurst man who pleaded guilty to child pornography charges will serve at least three years in prison following a sentencing on Monday morning.
Guilty verdict returned in Shoshone County fentanyl trial
A Montana man was found guilty of numerous drug-related charges following a trial last week in Shoshone County.
Pub Crawl this weekend in Wallace
It's beers and blues this Saturday as the Wallace Chamber hosts their annual North Idaho Craft Beer Pub Crawl.
South Fork Sewer District hosting workshops to discuss rate increases
The South Fork Sewer District will be hosting three workshops to discuss upcoming rate increases for its customers.
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.
Leadman sells out during cold weekend
After five straight years of Leadman being run in near-perfect Spring conditions, Silver Mountain Marketing Manager and race organizer Gus Colburn said that the event was due for a bad weather day. Despite the tough conditions, Leadman was a muddy good time for athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike.
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.
Favorite things about the Silver Valley: Lookout Pass Free Ski School
For more than eight decades, the Lookout Pass Free Ski School has been teaching area youth the ins and outs necessary to hit the slopes.
Cat Wranglers gearing up for purr-fect fundraiser
It's that time of the year again, spring has sprung, and the Silver Valley’s feral feline population is heading toward a stray cat-astrophe.
Osburn church fire ruled an accident
A fire that broke out inside the Seventh Day Adventist Chruch during the early hours of Thursday morning has been ruled accidental, according to the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.
More work needed at Moon Pass rockslide site
Additional work is needed to stabilize a section of Moon Pass that was buried beneath a rockslide over a year ago.
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.
Lights, camera, action for local film festival
Cinephiles of the Silver Valley had better get their popcorn ready because the Idaho Panhandle Film Festival is this Saturday.
Neon sign sparks fire in Pinehurst
Idaho State Fire Marshals said a faulty neon sign resulted in a fire on Thursday evening at Jim’s Towing and Auto Repair.
Leadman just days away
The 21st annual Leadman Triathlon is this weekend, and recent weather has the racecourse looking like one for the ages.
Shoshone County to look before they LEAP
The Shoshone County Commissioners decided against entering into an agreement with LEAP Charities concerning a property in Silverton.
Idaho Supreme Court hears road validation appeal
The fate of a much-debated section of road in Shoshone County went before the Idaho Supreme Court on Wednesday at the University of Idaho.
Passionate members fuel improvements at PGC
For 97 years, the Pinehurst Gold Course has been a popular stop for casual linksters, but the course’s staff and club members are hoping that a few upgrades can make the experience even better.
One person charged, another released following domestic incident in Kellogg
A Kellogg woman has been charged with aggravated battery with traumatic injury following a strange incident last Friday night.
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.
Bridge work set to begin in Kellogg
Traffic in Kellogg is going to be a little different this year as work begins on the Bunker Ave. Bridge.
County officials hopeful for SRS
Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke met with the Shoshone County Commissioners to discuss the potential impacts if the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 is not passed.
SCSO creates new medical staff position
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is hiring for a position they officially created last week after meeting with the county commissioners.
Chamber Murder Mystery event next week in Wallace
Does an evening of mystery, murder, and fun sound like a good time? Then check out the Silver Valley Chamber’s upcoming interactive production, Murder Mystery: Future Stars of the Silver Valley.
ILED graduation highlights program's strengths
A Silver Valley woman had her charges dismissed as Shoshone County celebrated its first ILED graduate on Monday at the Shoshone County Courthouse.
House fire results in animal deaths
Officials say a heat lamp caused a house fire that resulted in the death of several animals near the Rose Lake Cutoff on Monday night.
"Fill-in" strategy working at Shoshone County Jail
The Shoshone County Commissioners met with Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey and Undersheriff Lance Stutzke last week where they updated the board on the status of their jail fill-in strategy.
Hunter Ed. class returning to Shoshone County next month
Pinehurst Elementary School will play host to a Hunter Education Course next month, but spots are limited.
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.