WALLACE — The clock is ticking for the Shoshone County commissioners. 

On Saturday, the Shoshone County Democratic Central Committee submitted a list of three candidates to fill the vacant sheriff’s position, triggering a 15-day window for the commissioners to make an appointment. 

The candidates are Chris Rice, Shawn Wehr and Travis Skinner. 

One of the three will replace William Eddy, who resigned last month. Eddy was appointed sheriff last November after Holly Lindsey resigned in late October. 

All three candidates have extensive law enforcement backgrounds and meet the requirements for the position. 

Rice previously sought the appointment during the last selection process, when commissioners ultimately chose Eddy. Wehr serves as the security officer for the Shoshone County Courthouse. Skinner is the interim sheriff and was appointed undersheriff in December. 

Before being named as potential appointees, both Rice and Wehr filed to run for Shoshone County sheriff in the upcoming Republican primary. 

If the commissioners fail to make a selection within 15 days, the decision goes back to the Democratic Central Committee for an additional 15 days. If a decision remains unmade following that time period, Idaho Gov. Brad Little would make the selection. 

All three candidates received questionnaires to provide background information and detail their law enforcement experience. Their responses appear below. 

TRAVIS SKINNER 

Full Name and Age

Travis Skinner, 56 years old. 

Family Details 

I am married and have one child. 

Education  

I hold a Certificate in Leadership, Management, and Performance in Law Enforcement. In addition, I have completed more than 5,000 hours of POST-documented law enforcement training with an emphasis on leadership, supervision, and incident management. 

Political background 

I have not held any elected office and have not participated in partisan political activities. My focus throughout my career has been professional law enforcement service and supporting the mission of the agencies I have served. 

Experience in law enforcement

I have more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to joining the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, I served with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Unified Police Department in Utah. 

During that time, I worked in a variety of assignments, including patrol, corrections, tactical operations, and specialized mountain response. I later served as a Sergeant supervising the Canyon Patrol Unit and Search and Rescue Team, where I led deputies in demanding backcountry environments and coordinated multi-agency emergency responses. 

My previous assignments include Patrol Division, Motors/SWAT, Canyon Patrol Unit, Search and Rescue, Jail Transportation, Millcreek Patrol Division, and Metro Jail EMT (Medic). 

I currently serve as undersheriff for the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, where I assist in overseeing patrol, detention, and administrative operations. My responsibilities include supervising personnel, assisting with policy development, coordinating operations, and helping monitor the department’s budget and resources. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My focus has always been on maintaining a professional and stable Sheriff’s Office while supporting the deputies and staff who serve this community. I bring more than two decades of law enforcement experience across patrol operations, specialized assignments, and supervisory leadership. 

My goal is to help ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains steady, professional, and focused on serving the citizens of Shoshone County during this transition. 

Do you plan on running for election?

I do not intend to run for sheriff in the upcoming election.

SHAWN WEHR 

Full name and age 

Shawn Wehr, 55 years old 

Family details 

Married, 5 adult kids, 6 grandchildren 

Education 

Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, with a minor in History; Army: Army Basic Training, Infantry School, Airborne School, Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), EMT-I School, Ranger School, Primary Leadership Development Course (NCO School) 

Political background 

I have not previously run for elected office. My career focuses on public service through the military and nearly three decades in law enforcement. 

Experience in law enforcement 

Washington State Reserve Police Academy Graduate 

Los Angeles Police Department: Police Officer - Patrol Officer, FBI Task Force Officer, Field Training Officer, Gang Enforcement (CRASH), Sergeant I - Patrol Field Supervisor, Jail Supervisor, Sergeant II - Jail Watch Commander, Internal Affairs Investigator, Counter-Terrorism Instructor (MACTAC), Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (Active Shooter) Instructor, Metropolitan Division Tactical Supervisor, Lieutenant I - Patrol Watch Commander, Detective Commanding Officer, Lieutenant II - Bureau Gang Coordinator, Port Liaison, Bureau Task Force Supervisor, Officer In Charge of the Bureau’s Special Problems Unit  

LAPD Training: Police Academy, Supervisor School, LAPD Leadership School (West Point), POST Management/Lieutenant School, Instructor Development School, Field Training Officer School, Narcotics School, Watch Commander School, Firearms Long Rifle Instructor, Officer Safety and Tactics Instructor, Academy Instructor Course, Arrest and Control – Basic, Juvenile Investigations School, Officer Safety/Tactics School, Bike Officer School, Internal Affairs Investigator School, Watch Commander School – Update, Firearms Instructor, Incident Command School – Advanced (This list includes schools attended that were 20 hours or longer. Numerous additional courses and professional training under 20 hours have also been completed.) 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?  

What sets me apart is both my experience and my principles. I am the only true conservative Republican candidate, and I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I bring 34 years of combined military and law enforcement service, including my time as an Army Ranger and combat veteran, during which I developed leadership skills in high-risk conditions. Throughout my law enforcement career, I have served in patrol, jail operations, investigations, tactical assignments, and bureau command roles, supervising and managing hundreds of sworn officers across multiple specialized units and task forces. I bring tested leadership, operational experience, and a steady command presence during times of transition. I've built my career on integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the rule of law. 

Do you plan on running for election?  

Yes, I am seeking election this year.

ROBERT ‘CHRIS’ RICE  

Full name and age   

Robert "Chris" Rice, 52  

Family Details 

Wife, Michelle; four daughters, two sons, and nine grandchildren.  

Education  

A.A.S. Degree in Law Enforcement from North Idaho College; Graduate of Future Dealers, Chrysler Academy, Auburn Hills, MI.  

Political background  

No prior political experience, registered Republican

Experience in law enforcement   

I have served in multiple law enforcement roles across North Idaho. At the Kellogg Police Department, I worked as a Patrol Officer. With the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Department, I served as a Patrol Deputy and was part of the S.W.A.T. Tactical Team. At the Post Falls Police Department, I worked as a Patrol Officer and Motorcycle Officer (Motors) and was a member of the S.W.A.T. Tactical Team. I also served as the School Resource Officer at Post Falls High School. I am a U.S. Army and Army Reserve veteran, serving from March 23, 1990, to March 23, 1998, as a Combat Engineer. I achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist and received an Honorable Discharge.  

What sets you apart from the other candidates?  

I have extensive business and leadership experience, including supervising over 70 employees. My responsibilities included identifying and addressing issues in expenses, productivity, recruitment, and workplace culture. I successfully implemented and executed action plans to resolve these challenges, ensuring operational efficiency and team growth.  

Do you plan on running for election?   

Yes, I will be running for election after this appointment. 

    Skinner
  

    Rice
  

    Wehr