Shoshone News-Press 2025 top headlines

2025 was an interesting year for Shoshone County. Local politics took center stage as ongoing issues at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office dominated many of the top headlines.  

That’s not to say the local law enforcement agency wasn’t busy. In fact, they routinely made significant arrests as they worked to keep our families and neighborhoods safe.  

Businesses changed hands in 2025, including a popular physical therapy clinic and a historic mine. The Silver Valley community once again rose to the occasion, this time on behalf of a young girl battling cancer.  

And just when we thought we were almost to the finish line, Mother Nature gave us a flood. 

While not necessarily the top stories, here are the top 10 headlines in online readership from the Shoshone News-Press for 2025. 

10. North Idaho Physical Therapy buys Kellogg clinic (published Feb. 21, 2025)  

By Josh McDonald  

Justin Kane and Cory Lewis have taken over Kellogg Physical Therapy, integrating it into North Idaho Physical Therapy’s BioPerformance Institute. The clinic, previously owned by A.J. Werner and Scott Hall for 25 years, will maintain its trusted care while aiming to expand services and modernize. The official transition happened on January 2, with all staff retained, including veteran therapist Rusty Wood. Lewis, a physical therapist with 20 years of experience, plans to strengthen ties with local schools and athletes. Kane, with long-standing community connections, emphasizes continuing the clinic’s legacy. 

9. Shoshone County deputies delayed medical care for man who died in jail (published April 17, 2025)  

By Kaye Thornbrugh 

Public records reveal that Logan Galloway, 44, died in Shoshone County jail on Nov. 7, 2024, from pulmonary thromboembolism after deputies delayed emergency care for six hours. Galloway, jailed for a probation violation, complained of severe leg pain and immobility. A physician assistant advised immediate hospital transport, but deputies postponed calling an ambulance until after an off-duty deputy returned from another errand. Galloway died in an ambulance outside the jail. Investigators concluded the delay likely turned a survivable event fatal, though prosecutors found no criminal liability. The case highlights Idaho’s lack of jail oversight and inconsistent medical care standards statewide. 

8. Americas Gold and Silver purchases Crescent Mine (published Dec. 9, 2025) 

By Josh McDonald 

Americas Gold and Silver Corporation has acquired Idaho’s historic Crescent Silver Mine in Big Creek for approximately $65 million, composed of $20 million in cash and 11.1 million shares. The company plans to restart operations by mid‑2026, targeting 1.4–1.6 million ounces of silver annually, along with copper and antimony—critical minerals for defense and technology. The fully permitted underground mine, first opened in 1906, holds historical resources of 3.8 million ounces of silver (measured and indicated) and 19.1 million ounces inferred. Americas will leverage existing infrastructure and invest in a $3.5 million exploration program through 2031.

7. Charges filed in Silver Valley newborn-for-trade case (published July 22, 2025) 

By Josh McDonald 

Two Silver Valley women, Bobbie Sharp, 43, and Eden Gray, 31, face felony charges for allegedly conspiring to sell or barter a child for adoption in Idaho. Authorities say Gray conceived a child with her boyfriend intending to give the baby to Sharp, who supported Gray financially during pregnancy. Investigators uncovered messages and a signed memorandum granting Sharp custody, bypassing formal adoption laws. The baby, born in April, was placed in state care. Both women remain free but face up to 14 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights legal risks of informal surrogacy and adoption arrangements. 

6. Wildcat boys rally to support local girl (published Feb. 11, 2025)  

By Josh McDonald 

The Kellogg High School boys basketball team raised $5,826.95 during its “Live for Viv” fundraiser to support two-year-old Vivian Bourgard, recently diagnosed with acute leukemia. Funds came from donations, raffles, and t-shirt sales during back-to-back home games against Grangeville and Orofino. Vivian’s parents, Eli and Lauren Bourgard, are deeply connected to the Kellogg School District as alumni, teachers, and coaches. Eli expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, calling the team “heroes.” Head Coach Mike Martin praised the effort, noting how quickly it came together and the unity shown by rival schools. 

5. Commissioners approve SCSO levy resolution (published Aug. 29, 2025) 

By Josh McDonald 

By a 2-1 vote, Shoshone County commissioners approved a resolution allowing the Sheriff’s Office to pursue a $1 million annual override levy for two years, starting in 2026. The levy would cost taxpayers $41.61 per $100,000 of assessed property value and aims to offset severe budget shortfalls. Emotions ran high as residents voiced opinions during the meeting, which was not a public hearing. Commissioners Melissa Cowles and David Dose supported letting voters decide, while Jeff Zimmerman opposed, citing fairness and tax burden concerns. The proposal follows planned cuts of nearly $2.4 million across county departments. 

4. Silver Valley pair arrested for child abuse (published June 11, 2025)

By Josh McDonald 

Two Silver Valley residents, Sage Bryant, 24, and Anthony Banker, 38, were arrested in what authorities describe as one of the most disturbing child abuse cases in recent memory. Bryant faces multiple felony and misdemeanor injury-to-child charges, while Banker faces similar counts. The case began when Bryant’s 4-year-old child was hospitalized in Spokane with brain bleeds and numerous bruises. Investigators uncovered text messages and videos showing severe abuse, including threats, restraints, and forced ingestion of feces. Both suspects allegedly tried to coordinate false statements.  

3. Floodwaters recede in Shoshone County (published Dec. 13, 2025) 

By Josh McDonald  

Historic flooding in the Silver Valley on Thursday prompted a state of emergency as rapid snowmelt and heavy rain swelled the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers. Erosion threatened Prichard Creek Road and Beaver Creek Road, leading crews to work overnight armoring banks and diverting water with help from the U.S. Forest Service. Several roads remain closed, including Elk Prairie Road and sections of Old River Road. Water levels are receding, but rain is forecast early next week. The St. Joe River crested near flood stage Friday, and Lake Coeur d’Alene remains high. Officials report significant property damage, with assessments ongoing. 

2. Shoshone County Jail Captain submits resignation (published Oct. 31, 2025)  

By Josh McDonald 

Jail Captain Eli Lopez, a decade-long veteran of the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, submitted his resignation effective December, citing “incredibly difficult” circumstances. Lopez pointed to a lack of sustained support from county commissioners and the clerk, persistent community negativity, and severe staffing shortages forcing him to work over 60-hour weeks without overtime pay as driving factors in his decision. His departure follows Sheriff Holly Lindsey’s recent resignation amid a hit-and-run investigation. Interim Sheriff Lance Stutzke praised Lopez’s commitment, warning his exit, amid mounting budget cuts and chronic staff shortages, could “pull resources off the streets” or even threaten jail operations. 

1. Stutzke resigns from SCSO (published Nov. 20, 2025)  

By Josh McDonald 

Lance Stutzke, former interim Shoshone County sheriff, resigned from the Sheriff’s Office on November 20, 2025—their third administrative departure since October 22. His resignation coincided with William Eddy’s swearing-in as the county’s new sheriff. In his letter, Stutzke accused the Board of County Commissioners of undermining the department by ignoring its recommendations and cited “personal and political agendas” working to dismantle the agency. He thanked Commissioner Dave Dose for his support but said he and Eddy had differing visions for the department’s future. Sheriff Eddy expressed regret at losing Stutzke and noted upcoming leadership challenges. 

    This section of Prichard Creek Road has much of its base layer washed out due to fast-moving floodwater crashing against it.

    The gates to the main property of the Crescent Mine in Big Creek. The mine was recently acquired for $65 million by Americas Gold and Silver who plan to reopen the complex in 2026.
  

    Eli Bourgard (standing center) and his young sons Asher and Harry received almost $6,000 from the Kellogg Boys Basketball Program last week. The money was raised during a recent fundraiser for Bourgard's daughter Vivian, who is currently battling leukemia. Vivian was diagnosed last month and has been living in and out of the hospital in Spokane ever since.
  

    Former interim Sheriff Lance Stutzke resign from the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. Stutzke's resignation comes just one after former Sheriff Holly Lindsey's resignation and is the third administrative departure since Oct. 22.
  

    Former Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey discusses the work done by her office and what could be going away with potential budget cuts during a meeting in August at the Shoshone County Courthouse.