JAN NIBJ: On the Move

Michele Shain joins Kaniksu Community Health team

SANDPOINT — Kaniksu Community Health (KCH) is proud to announce the addition of Michele Shain, LCSW, to its behavioral health team. Michele will provide Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) at KCH’s Sandpoint clinic, helping meet the growing need for compassionate, evidence-based care in North Idaho.  

Michele brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to accessible healthcare. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and completed her Public Administration Masters degree in December 2025. 

Her career includes impactful roles supporting older adults in nursing homes and community-based settings, as well as serving individuals and families through community health centers and homeless shelters.  

“Michele’s expertise and patient-centered approach will strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive care for those struggling with substance use,” said Dr. Wassif, Director of Behavioral Health at Kaniksu Community Health. “Her arrival reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services for our community.”  

Michele’s approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused strategies. She also emphasizes holistic wellness, encouraging clients to prioritize sleep, physical activity, mindful eating, social connection, and creativity.  

Originally from Iowa, Michele is excited to embrace life in North Idaho. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, prayer, and meditation—and shares her home with her cat, Beatrice.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Michele Shain, LCSW, please visit kchni.org or call (208) 920-5151. 

Kaniksu Community Health is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center that provides comprehensive and affordable medical, pediatric, dental, and behavioral health care. Locations include Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Priest River. 

Matt Colwell promoted to Mountain West Bank VP

COEUR D’ALENE — Mountain West Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Colwell to Vice President, Credit Underwriting Manager at 101 Ironwood Dr., Coeur d’ Alene.   

Colwell joined Mountain West Bank in 2019 as a Customer Service Representative. He was promoted to Commercial Loan Servicing in 2020 and to Commercial Credit Analyst in 2021. Colwell earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Eastern Washington University. He is a North Idaho native with a passion for helping small businesses in our community grow and succeed.  

Founded in 1993 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Mountain West Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through 22 offices across Idaho. Mountain West Bank is a division of Montana-based Glacier Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  

    Matt Colwell
  

Chief Deputy/COO Dan McElhinney leaves ITD

With more than three decades of public service, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Chief Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney has announced he is leaving state service.  

McElhinney focused on relationships and working with local leaders and community members to improve safety on Idaho’s transportation system. A significant advocate for stakeholder partnerships, he established the work zone safety task force and strengthened the Construction Partnering program with the Idaho Associated General Contractors.

“I am so grateful for Dan’s dedication and emphasis on connecting with communities and overseeing the historic investments in construction focused on safety and mobility, which have enhanced quality of life for Idahoans,” said ITD Director Scott Stokes. 

ITD Chief Engineer Dave Kuisti has been named acting Chief Operations Officer until permanent leadership position changes are determined.

Hayes steps down from Idaho Conservation League 

BOISE — After seven successful years as Executive Director of the Idaho Conservation League (ICL), Justin Hayes has announced that he will be leaving the organization to pursue the next chapter of his career dedicated to environmental protection. 

Hayes first joined ICL nearly twenty-five years ago as a Program Director, managing a range of conservation and environmental initiatives. In 2018, following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Rick Johnson, Hayes was selected to lead the organization.  

As Executive Director, Hayes guided ICL through the adoption of two new strategic plans, launched new programs focused on wildlife and North Idaho lakes and waters, strengthened ICL’s community engagement and external relations teams, increased revenues and improved financial performance, and opened a new field office in McCall. He also cultivated an organizational culture grounded in the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. 

“Serving as Executive Director has been incredibly rewarding for me,” said Hayes. “But it has also meant spending less time personally doing the conservation work that first drew  me to this field. At 57, I’m not ready to retire—but I can see it on the horizon. As I’ve reflected on how I want to spend the final phase of my career, I’ve realized that I want to be back on the ground, as a staffer, doing work focused on the rivers and fish that have always inspired me.”

Hayes has accepted a position as the North Rockies Conservation Director for American Rivers, where he will oversee efforts to protect and restore wild, free-flowing rivers in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

ICL will begin the search for its next Executive Director in the coming months. In the interim, Conservation Director Brad Smith will serve as Interim Executive Director. 

“Justin has been an exceptional leader for ICL, and he will be deeply missed,” said Smith. “We’re grateful for all he has accomplished and wish him the very best in his next chapter. Thanks to Justin’s dedication and vision, he leaves ICL in a strong and stable position for our next executive director.” 

Founded in 1973, the Idaho Conservation League works toward solutions that protect Idaho’s air, water, lands and wildlife. ICL’s strategic priorities are protecting Idaho’s public lands, recovering wild salmon and steelhead, conserving native wildlife, confronting climate change, cleaning up the Snake River, reducing pollution and safeguarding North Idaho lakes and waters. 

Packer elected to National League of Cities directors 

Kelley Packer, Executive Director of The Association of Idaho Cities, was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors by NLC’s membership at the organization’s 2025 City Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. Packer was elected to a 2-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy, governance and membership activities.  

“Cities are the backbone of every county and state, as well as this great nation. City infrastructure is relied on by every individual, business, organization, and governmental entity. City water, sewer, streets, and first responders support all we do in every aspect of our lives,” stated Packer. “It has been my privilege to support Idaho cities for many years, and I look forward to now also lending my voice at the national level as I serve on the NLC Board of Directors for the next two years. It is my priority to help all of us understand how much we rely on our cities and all they provide for our quality of life, as I strive to encourage support for and investment in their services.”

As the largest and most representative organization for cities, their elected leaders and municipal staff, NLC advocates for local government priorities in Washington by building strong federal-local partnerships. NLC Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee and are confirmed by a vote from NLC’s membership at the organization’s annual business meeting held in November. As a member of the board, Packer will meet in March, June and November to guide NLC’s strategic direction. 

More than 3,000 mayors, councilmembers and other delegates from nearly every state, and the District of Columbia, convened in Salt Lake City, Utah, for NLC’s annual City Summit. Local leaders remain on the frontlines of the nation’s most pressing challenges and are working hard to pioneer innovative solutions that move our cities, towns and villages forward. 

    Packer
  

Lewiston lawyer appointed to US Bankruptcy Court

BOISE — The United States District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Idaho are pleased to announce the appointment of Tecla Elizabeth Druffel as the newest of the Court’s three lawyer representatives. 

Ms. Druffel will begin serving a three-year term on Jan. 1. She joins existing Lawyer Representatives Sam Angell of Idaho Falls and Elijah Watkins of Boise. Ms. Druffel fills the position previously held by Howard Belodoff of Boise. 

As a Lawyer Representative, Ms. Druffel will work to strengthen communication and collaboration between members of the bar and the judiciary, serving as a liaison between the federal bar and the U.S. Courts and assist in planning and coordinating the annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. 

Ms. Druffel maintains a solo law practice in Lewiston, where her work focuses on representing individuals and small businesses in bankruptcy, with particular emphasis on consumer matters. She is committed to assisting those facing financial difficulty and to helping debtors work toward stability and a constructive path forward. She serves on the District of Idaho Local Bankruptcy Rules Advisory Committee and is an active member of the Idaho State Bar’s Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section. She is also a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and she regularly contributes to bar programs and continuing legal education. 

A graduate of the University of South Carolina (B.A.) and the University of Idaho College of Law (J.D.), Ms. Druffel is licensed to practice in Idaho, Washington, the Eastern District of Washington, the District of Idaho, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  

Ms. Druffel lives on the Palouse with her husband, a fifth-generation farmer, and their two young daughters.

    Tecla Druffel
  

North Idaho Eye Institute to open new office in Ponderay

COEUR D’ALENE — North Idaho Eye Institute, a leading provider of comprehensive ophthalmic care in North Idaho since 1966, today announced plans to open a new satellite office in Ponderay, Idaho. The expansion will improve access to specialized eye care services for residents of Bonner County and the surrounding region. 

The new Ponderay location will offer cataract consultations, medical retina care, and a full range of ophthalmic support services. Patients can expect the same compassionate, patient-centered approach that has defined North Idaho Eye Institute for decades. 

“We are thrilled to extend our reach into Bonner County with this new satellite office in Ponderay,” said North Idaho Eye Institute ophthalmologist Dr. Sara Duke. “As the area continues to grow, access to specialized eye care has become increasingly important. This new location will allow patients to receive essential services, including cataract and medical retina consultations, closer to home, reducing the need for extended travel while maintaining continuity of care.” 

The Ponderay office is located at 30544 HWY 200, Building 300 and is scheduled to open in February 2026. Appointments will be available soon. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.northidahoeye.com or call (208) 667-2531. 

Founded in 1966, North Idaho Eye Institute provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care through a team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists. With locations in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and soon Ponderay, the institute treats a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, pediatric eye conditions, and retinal disorders.  

Cancer Care Northwest celebrates 50th anniversary 

Since its founding in 1975 as Spokane Oncology & Hematology by Dr. Turner Wood, CCNW has remained dedicated to its mission: delivering cutting-edge, patient-centered cancer care to the Inland Northwest. 

Over the past five decades, CCNW has grown from a single practice into a privately-owned, fully integrated cancer treatment center—with a track record of innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care. 

CCNW was established in 1975 by Dr. Turner Wood as Spokane Oncology & Hematology. From the beginning, the focus was on providing high-quality cancer treatment to the regional community. 

In 1999, the practice became part of U.S. Oncology, which allowed access to advanced cancer technologies, expanded research programs, and additional resources. That same year, CCNW moved into a 23,500-square-foot facility in South Spokane, bringing together lab, imaging, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and nursing in one modern center. 

In January 2008, CCNW separated from U.S. Oncology to become a physician-owned practice. This allowed for greater control over its long-term vision. 

As Cancer Care Northwest commemorates 50 years, it recommits to its foundational values: innovation, integration, compassion, and excellence. It will continue investing in emerging technologies, expanding access, advancing clinical research, and enhancing patient support services. 

“We are deeply grateful to the communities, patients, staff, and partners who have made this journey possible,” said Wayne Lamoreaux, CCNW practice president and radiation oncologist. “Our history gives us strength, and our future is focused on delivering even more accessible, high-quality cancer care—because no one should face cancer alone.”

Adams Tractor breaks ground on new Spokane facility

SPOKANE — Adams Tractor, a trusted name in Tractor Sales, Service & Parts since 1929, officially broke ground on its new Spokane facility, located at 8217 W. State Route 2 Highway, Spokane, Dec. 2. The project represents a major milestone for the nearly century-old, family-owned company as it continues to grow and invest in the local community. 

“This is a full-circle moment for our family,” said Matt Adams, General Manager of Adams Tractor. “Adams Tractor began in 1929 when the family farm was practically across the street from this new location. Nearly 100 years later, we’re returning to the same area, less than a mile from where it all started. This move is about giving Spokane the very best we can offer. It’s an investment in our customers, our employees, and our community.” 

The new 9-acre property will feature a more than 14,000 sq. ft. building, nearly 2,000 sq. ft. equipment storage and washing bay, and acres of display space with plenty of room for future growth. Construction is expected to be completed in Fall 2026. 

As Adams Tractor approaches its 100-year anniversary, the new facility symbolizes both its deep local roots and its continued commitment to growth, innovation, and service in the Eastern Washington and North Idaho community. 

“We want to give the customers a better experience, whether it’s buying equipment, servicing it, or simply getting the right parts”, said Adams. “It’s all about making our customers’ lives easier. For years, our current location has limited what we can offer. This expansion gives us the opportunity to deliver a better experience for our customers and grow in the areas where they need us most.” 

Since 1929, Adams Tractor has grown from a small family tractor operation into a leading equipment dealer for Eastern Washington and North Idaho that carries a wide range of equipment for landscaping and outdoor maintenance. The company honors its heritage through exceptional service, dependable products, and a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. 

U of I sustainability office’s conservation efforts awarded

MOSCOW — University of Idaho’s Office of Sustainability received the 2025 Palouse Basin Water Advocate Award for its leadership in conserving water and advancing long-term water security across the Palouse.   

The award, presented at the annual Palouse Basin Water Summit this fall, recognizes the university’s new Water Conservation and Management Plan — a campus-wide roadmap developed with the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC), the city of Moscow and other regional partners. The plan outlines practical steps to reduce indoor and outdoor water use, strengthen campus infrastructure and expand community education.   

“Well levels in the Palouse Basin have been declining for more than a century, and we all share responsibility for protecting this resource,” said Sarah Dawson, U of I sustainability director. “This plan helps us do our part while supporting the broader regional effort to ensure a sustainable water future.”   

PBAC Executive Director Mike Faupel, who nominated the office for the award, said the university stood out for its collaborative, research-driven approach.   

“Water touches nearly everything people do,” Faupel said. “U of I is stepping forward, taking responsibility and helping the whole region plan for a sustainable future.”   

U of I’s Sustainability Office led development of the plan in coordination with U of I Facility Services, academic experts and community partners. Key contributors included Lee Espey, associate vice president for operations, and Madison Dougherty, a doctoral student and graduate sustainability assistant in the Office of Sustainability, who were major authors of the plan. Dawson said several recommendations are already underway, including:    

• Installing WaterSense-certified fixtures in kitchens, bathrooms and other water-using spaces.  

• Adding dual-flush systems in existing restrooms to reduce indoor water use.  

• Updating pool maintenance procedures to avoid draining hundreds of thousands of gallons each year.  

• Expanding conservation outreach, including shared messaging with Moscow, Pullman, Washington State University and local businesses.  

• Launching Water Week, a new event led by the Sustainability Center to highlight conservation across the Palouse.   

The plan also calls for more native landscaping, infrastructure upgrades and a coordinated emergency water strategy.   

“We’re committed to reducing our own use and helping our neighbors do the same,” Dawson said. “Water is the foundation of life on the Palouse — and we’re focused on protecting it.”   

For more information about U of I’s sustainability efforts, visit uidaho.edu/sustainability.   

 University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant university and the state’s first Carnegie R1 research institution — a ranking reserved for the top 4% of U.S. universities. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state through centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and McCall, nine research and Extension centers, and Extension offices in 42 counties. With more than 12,000 students, U of I is a leader in student-centered experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, business and community service and global outreach. The Vandals compete as a founding member of the Big Sky Conference and as an affiliate in the Big West and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Learn more at uidaho.edu. 

    Sarah Dawson