1. Traffic stop yields trafficking amounts of meth in Shoshone County

Two Montana men were recently arrested after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of trafficking amounts of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff's office.  

Richard Campbell, 47, and Casey Waterford, 40, both of Butte, were stopped by Shoshone County Sheriff’s deputies Saturday in Smelterville. According to deputies, both men exhibited suspicious behavior during the stop and admitted to having drugs in the vehicle before the county's K-9 unit arrived.   

Deputies recovered 5 pounds of methamphetamine, marijuana and several different devices used to ingest drugs, court records indicate.  

Sheriff Holly Lindsey said she has made stopping the flow of drugs into Shoshone County a priority during her time as sheriff.

“We are proud of the work our deputies and fellow law enforcement agencies put in every day,” Lindsey said. “It is their dedication and experience that brings about these types of results."

2. Post Falls projects 71,000 residents, 3,000 visitor capacity by 2035

Post Falls examined its growth patterns through population figures and visitor accommodation data recently.

City officials estimate the current population at 47,000 residents as of early 2024. While the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization had projected a population of 53,406 by 2025, growth has slowed, according to Community Development Director Bob Seale, noting that the KMPO's 2035 projection of 71,635 residents still appears achievable based on growth patterns.

Overnight accommodations for visitors and tourists are also expected to increase.

"We can reasonably anticipate a couple [of hotels] coming in over the next 10 years," Seale said. 

3. Lakeland High presenting 'Little Mermaid Jr.' tonight, Saturday

A production of "The Little Mermaid Jr." will be playing at 6:30 tonight and 2 p.m. Saturday in the Lakeland High School commons.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Based on a beloved Hans Christian Andersen story, "The Little Mermaid Jr." takes audiences on an adventure of love and sacrifice as mermaid Ariel wishes to leave her undersea kingdom for the world above.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and ASB card holders and $5 for elementary school students. Tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show.

Lakeland High School is at 7006 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum.