Kellogg bridge dedicated to former mayor
Shoshone News-Press | UPDATED 9 months, 4 weeks AGO
Former Kellogg Mayor Mac Pooler has the distinction of being the first person to ever drive across the bridge named after him, following a special dedication ceremony on Wednesday.
JOSH McDONALD
KELLOGG — The Mac Pooler Bridge was formally dedicated Wednesday afternoon as city leaders, government officials, community members, and friends and family of the former Kellogg mayor gathered to celebrate the occasion.
The bridge, formerly known as the Bunker Avenue Bridge, spans the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River and connects Bunker Avenue to the northern half of Kellogg and Interstate 90. The 50-year-old bridge was fully replaced over the past seven months.
Kellogg City Superintendent Mike Fitzgerald hosted the event, which included remarks from Mayor Rod Plank, Councilman Terry Douglas, Laila Kral of the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, and David Suhr of David Evans and Associates.
Suhr, the project manager for the bridge, spoke of his fondness for the project because of his connection to Pooler.
“I’ve been on a lot of different projects throughout the years,” Suhr said. “But this one was particularly enjoyable to be on, having known Mac for so long.”
Plank spoke of Pooler’s time in public service and how he worked tirelessly to ensure rural communities, not just Kellogg, were represented at the state level.
“He poured his heart and soul into the city of Kellogg,” Plank said. “I’m just really proud and humbled to be able to honor him in this way.”
Replacing the bridge came with a $3.5 million price tag, but funding was provided through Gov. Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Bridge Program.
“Through this program, we were able to help save the taxpayers of the city on the costs of repairing or replacing this bridge,” Kral said.
Pooler, 83, served on the Kellogg City Council from 1992 to 1995, and held two separate terms as mayor — from 1995 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2024. He stepped down in early 2024 due to health concerns.
“I’ve got another battle to fight, and I’m going to fight until the very end,” Pooler said. “Thank you for this great honor.”
During his time in government, Pooler spent 16 years on the LHTAC board, championing the needs of rural communities.
He closed out the ceremony in style, becoming the first person to drive across the bridge that now bears his name.
The Mac Pooler Bridge will open for public use Friday afternoon.