WALLACE – Earlier this week, the Shoshone County commissioners approved the reinstatement of a full-time county roads position, thanks to a generous donation from a local business. 

Idaho Strategic Resources (ISR), which owns and operates the Golden Chest Mine near Murray, contributed $80,000 to the county to restore one of the full-time positions eliminated during recent budget cuts. 

During the latest county budget cycle, Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke was forced to slash $1.4 million from her department, resulting in the elimination of several full-time roles and a shift toward temporary staffing. 

Two of the cut positions were in District 1, which covers the North Fork region of Shoshone County, including the area surrounding Murray. That left just two full-time employees to manage a large and remote district, with no guarantee of additional, even temporary, support. 

Grant Brackebusch, president of ISR, contacted Stutzke after learning about the cuts. Concerned that reduced staffing could lead to hazardous road conditions, especially in winter, he offered help. 

Beyond employee safety, ore from the Golden Chest Mine is trucked to ISR’s mill outside Kellogg. Unsafe roads could delay deliveries, affecting the mine’s operations, its workforce, and the county. 

“The maintenance of roads in the Murray area, especially during winter, is critical for our mining operation at the Golden Chest Mine,” Brackebusch wrote in an email to the county. “Snow removal is pivotal for us to deliver ore to the mill in Kellogg to continue our financial growth and provide high-paying jobs for county residents and net profit taxes to Shoshone County.” 

According to Stutzke, $80,000 covers full-time wages and a complete benefits package for one employee.

Stutzke said she got emotional when she first heard from Brackebusch and realized how serious he was. Still, she wasn’t entirely surprised. ISR had previously helped cover costs for a new heating system at the District 1 shop. 

“It’s amazing,” Stutzke said. “It’s a great example of the community we live in. This leaves us in a much better position, particularly for winter operations up there.” 

Before the position was officially reinstated, Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman asked Stutzke to ensure Brackebusch and ISR received the board’s thanks. 

“It’s really neat that Mr. Brackebusch stepped up,” Zimmerman said. “Really, thank him for that, and his company.”