WALLACE — Shoshone County officials have faced public attention in recent months following budget challenges, resignations, and changes within several county departments. 

Former Shoshone County Commissioner Tracy Casady recently shared concerns on social media regarding the county’s current direction and the potential long-term effects of recent events. She also stated that disagreements and online discourse have contributed to division within the community. 

Casady was appointed by Idaho Gov. Brad Little to the District 1 commissioner seat in September 2022 after previously working in the county clerk’s office. She filled the seat vacated by Mike Fitzgerald and later ran for election, losing to Melissa Cowles in the 2024 Republican primary. 

In her recent statement, Casady said she was concerned about actions taken by members of the current board of commissioners and what she described as the consequences of those actions. 

“We're seeing personal agendas, extreme political influence, inadequate transparency, and troubling behaviors such as stalking employees who don't align with certain views,” Casady said. “There are constant threats of lawsuits, and two commissioners appear to support this negative trend, allowing placement of available positions to their personal preferences and not based on qualifications.” 

Shoshone County has recently been involved in a lawsuit with a resident who opposed the county’s 2025 decision to run an override election to fund the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, which was later settled. Separately, former Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey had photos of her home posted on social media after she displayed a sign supporting the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

Casady also stated that several longtime county employees have resigned, which she attributed to concerns about support from county leadership. According to Casady, those resignations include four members of the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office administration and Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke. 

“This situation can be directly traced back to the way county management is being influenced,” Casady said. “This will affect all of us.” 

Following Sheriff Lindsey’s resignation in October 2025, county commissioners appointed William Eddy to serve as sheriff. After that appointment, additional resignations occurred, including remaining administrative staff and several detention and patrol deputies. Lt. Jared Bilaski departed the department last week. 

In response to these developments, the police chiefs from Kellogg, Pinehurst, and Osburn wrote a 2,000-word letter expressing no confidence in Sheriff Eddy. Eddy described the letter as a “witch hunt.” The letter also raised concerns regarding the commissioners, similar to those expressed by Casady. 

Not all residents share Casady’s or the chief's perspective. Silver Valley resident Todd Hoffman wrote to the News-Press expressing support for Sheriff Eddy. 

“My sympathies are with the current sheriff who inherited an untenable financial situation, was left to clean up numerous messes of questionable employee conduct, has had the difficult and thankless job of breaking up the old boy's network of law enforcement cronyism, all while dealing with a major natural disaster and major shooting event,” Hoffman said. 

Casady stated that she hopes the county can move toward greater unity, emphasizing the importance of communication. 

“It is time to stop following the widespread negative political opinions and misinformation that are being circulated,” Casady said. “Let's return to more traditional methods of communication, engaging in real conversations, and getting involved in current events, rather than accepting everything we see on social media as the truth. Together, we can help our community rise out of this negative climate and work to rebuild what has been damaged by negativity.” 

Shoshone County Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman declined to comment on Casady’s remarks, stating that he “will not take part in any mudslinging.” 

Commissioner Dave Dose said he agreed with parts of Casady’s comments, particularly regarding the need for improved communication. 

“I do believe we can rebuild our community with some strategic planning and intentional return to gracious communications, focus on truth and a genuine desire to see the best for our fellow citizens,” Dose said. 

Commissioner Cowles could not be reached for comment.