WALLACE — Following the unexpected resignation of Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey on Wednesday, Interim Sheriff Lance Stutzke is asking for community support as he works to stabilize the department. 

“I hope the community can rally behind our team here at the sheriff’s office,” Stutzke said. “It would go a long way to show that our community respects and supports law and order and wishes to continue down a path of prosperity and success.” 

According to a Wednesday evening release from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Lindsey stepped down after an investigation was launched into a hit-and-run incident that occurred Tuesday in Osburn. While Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen has not yet received the official report from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, it has been confirmed that Lindsey did not strike another vehicle or pedestrian. 

Allen said Thursday that if charges are pursued, his office would request a special outside prosecutor, either from another county or the Idaho attorney general’s office, to handle the case. 

Stutzke, who served as Lindsey’s undersheriff for three years, now finds himself in a challenging position as interim sheriff. His appointment comes just days before a crucial override levy election that will determine the department’s future funding. He hopes the current situation won’t negatively affect public perception and is focused on reassuring his team during this uncertain time. 

“My primary focus is my team in this office and doing everything in my power to reassure them and keep them focused on the tasks in front of them and instill confidence in the direction we are going,” he said. “A major part of that equation is the upcoming public safety levy. If this levy isn’t approved, up to five positions within this office will have to be cut.” 

Lindsey was appointed sheriff in 2022 following the retirement of Mike Gunderson due to health concerns. She was elected to the position in 2024. Her tenure was marked by frequent clashes with county commissioners, primarily over budget issues. In July, she took a 30-day mental health leave, which drew significant attention on social media. 

Although news of Lindsey’s resignation broke Wednesday evening, the Shoshone County commissioners did not receive her formal resignation letter until Thursday morning. Due to Idaho’s open meeting laws, they are unable to address the matter until their scheduled meeting Friday morning. 

If the commissioners accept Lindsey’s resignation, a 15-day window will open for the Shoshone County Democratic Committee to submit three candidates to replace her. The commissioners then have 15 days to select one of those candidates. If they fail to do so, the decision returns to the committee for another 15 days. If no appointment is made within 45 days, Idaho Gov. Brad Little would step in to make the selection. 

Bradi Zeigler, vice chair of the Democratic committee, expressed gratitude for Lindsey’s service and confirmed that the group is already working on identifying potential successors. 

“We support the sheriff’s decision to step down,” Zeigler said. “Lindsey has been a great sheriff and dedicated to the safety of Shoshone County. We wish her the best in all her future endeavors. As for the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, it will continue to operate as normal, and we will start looking at potential candidates.” 

Stutzke, a Republican, told media outlets Thursday that he has already reached out to members of the Democratic committee to express his interest in the position. 

“There has been a lot of uncertainty in our office, especially with the funding issues, for the past few years,” Stutzke said. “Now we have more uncertainty over who will be leading the department into the future. I hope to be that person.” 

The Shoshone County commissioners are scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. Friday at the Shoshone County Courthouse to discuss Lindsey’s resignation.