Senate approves Keyes appointment

BOISE — The Idaho Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve David Keyes, publisher/editor of the Bonners Ferry Herald, to fill a seat on the Idaho Lottery Commission.

The appointment became effective on Nov. 27, 2006 and runs until Jan. 1, 2011. Keyes filled an opening on the Idaho Lottery Commission formerly held by Teresa Deshon of Sandpoint whose term expired. Keyes was nominated by former Gov. Jim Risch.

Deshon had served on the commission since the inception of the Idaho Lottery in 1989. The director and staff of the state lottery praised Deshon's dedication.

"I am honored the governor chose me to sit on this commission, " Keyes said. "I will do my best to ensure that money entrusted in the state lottery continues to flow back to this part of the state to help education."

Keyes is also the publisher/editor of the Daily Bee in Sandpoint as well as the Priest River Times.

Keyes was president of the Bonners Ferry Kiwanis Club and Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Bonners Ferry Lions Club and the Knights of Pythias.

Keyes, who now lives in Sandpoint, has served on the Idaho Community Foundation's advisory board as well as the board of directors for the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Sandpoint Rotary, the Festival at Sandpoint and the Panhandle Alliance for Education.

Keyes was also chairman of the Celebrate Sandpoint Committee in 2001 and is involved in many charitable causes. He is also a youth basketball and soccer coach.

"I'm looking forward to giving something back to our communities," Keyes said. "The Lottery has made a difference for so many schools in Idaho. I'm excited to be a part of that now."

After attending the University of Montana, Keyes started his journalism career at the Bonners Ferry Herald in 1986.

He lives in Sandpoint with his wife Marlisa and their two children, Austin and Olivia.