Sunshine Mine may reopen in 2008
The Sunshine Mine in North Idaho could start running again in 2008.
“We’re forecasting to start production early next year,” said Monique Hayes, marketing manager for Sterling Mining Co. “In mining terms that’s really close.”
The company is working on a 5,000-foot tunnel that will provide a second escape route and allow the silver mine to open.
Work began on the tunnel in March 2006. Hayes said crews are more than halfway through and the tunnel should be finished this fall.
The tunnel will also improve ventilation, and will make it possible to bring in more machinery, she said.
“It provides a platform within the tunnel to do more exploratory drilling and allows us to look for additional reserves,” Hayes said.
About 360 million ounces of silver have been taken out of the Sunshine Mine over the years.
Hayes says a million ounces are expected to be extracted in the first year of production when it reopens.
– Associated Press
Spirit Lake
Priest River woman hurt when SUV flips
A 39-year-old woman suffered unspecified injuries Sunday when her vehicle overturned along state Highway 41 near Spirit Lake.
The 3:29 p.m. accident trapped Sherri L. Bennett, of Priest River, the Idaho State Police said. Bennett was freed by rescue crews a short time later and taken to Kootenai Medical Center, where she was treated and released.
According to the ISP, Bennett was northbound in a silver 1998 Toyota 4Runner when it slid out of control and rolled. The cause of the accident remains under investigation but troopers noted that the highway was icy and suspect that Bennett was driving too fast.
– David Wasson
Helena
Carroll College debaters win again
The Carroll College speech and debate team has won a regional championship for the 17th year.
The Talking Saints surpassed teams from 24 schools in seven states to win the competition at Pacific University in Oregon.
“We’re very specific in how we approach an event because in the end, we feel that integrity is more important than the trophy,” said Sean Roberts, a Gonzaga Prep graduate and president of the Carroll team.
– Associated Press