WALLACE — Shoshone County commissioners accepted the resignation of former Sheriff Holly Lindsey during a special meeting Friday.

Lindsey’s resignation was announced last week via a post on the SCSO Facebook page. The post also stated that Lindsey was under investigation for an alleged hit-and-run incident the previous day in Osburn. 

With the resignation accepted, a 15-day window has opened for the Shoshone County Democratic Committee to submit a list of three qualified candidates to the commissioners. The commissioners then have 15 days to appoint one of those candidates. 

If no appointment is made within 30 days, the decision returns to the SCDC for another 15 days. Should no decision be reached within 45 days, Idaho Gov. Brad Little would have five days to make the appointment. 

Undersheriff Lance Stutzke will serve as interim sheriff during this period and has expressed interest in being considered for the appointment.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, questions arose regarding the term length of the appointee. 

Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman said he believed the appointee would serve until at least January 2027, with the position appearing on the ballot during the 2026 general election. 

That may not be the case. 

When Lindsey was appointed in 2022 to replace the late Sheriff Mike Gunderson, she served the remainder of his term and then won her first election in 2024.

Prosecuting Attorney Ben Allen told the commissioners he would seek legal guidance from the state based on similar cases.

“What I would propose doing is, once the BOCC makes the determination of who they’re going to select as a replacement, I would like, as the county’s legal counsel, to seek clarification from the election office,” Allen said. 

The commissioners were also asked if they had any comments on Lindsey’s resignation. 

“I think we’re like a lot of other people,” Melissa Cowles said. “It was just a shock. It’s unfortunate circumstances for sure.” 

After the meeting, SCSO Capt. Seth Green spoke on the challenges in the field of law enforcement.

“Most people do not know the strain that this career can have on a person, and I thank all who are willing to hold positions of public office,” Green said. “I have always said that one of the main jobs of our deputies is to walk with all members of our community through their toughest times, including those who break the law. We are asking the citizens of our county to walk with us in our hard times as well. We are going to continue to provide the best service to the public and continue to improve to be a better version of ourselves.”