The County Lines

Thu., Aug. 6, 1998

WASHINGTON

ADAMS COUNTY Ritzville

Reading paid off for a number of Ritzville children this summer. Those participating in the local summer reading program had an incentive of a free book for every 10 read. According to program coordinators, 622 books were given to young bookworms as of July 23. The reading program came to a close July 31.

FERRY COUNTY Republic

The Ferry County Fair Board is asking for help from local citizens to stage a comeback after the Federal Emergency Management Agency turned down a request for disaster funding. Looking to the community to repair and rebuild the fairgrounds, which were severely damaged by flood on May 26, the board is asking for donations of cash, time, materials and equipment. Those who want to give should mail financial contributions to Ferry County Fair Repair Fund, Box 421, Republic, WA 99166. To donate labor and equipment, call the WSU Cooperative Extension at (509) 775-5235.

GRANT COUNTY Ephrata

He’s only been on the force for six years, but to K-9 Deputy Dann, that’s 42 dog years - and time to retire. Grant County Undersheriff Mike Shay says Dann is having back problems, making his job more difficult. A veteran narcotics officer, Dann has a history of successful busts to his credit. The dog will be retiring to the home of his partner, Deputy Ron Renken.

LINCOLN COUNTY Wilbur/Creston

The Wilbur-Creston Wildcats football team could be seeing the light for the first time ever this fall. Both districts are discussing the purchase of lights for Metcalfe Field in Wilbur. Although the lights will cost the schools nearly $20,000 each, they feel night football games would better serve the community and students.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

The timber industry has been very good to Pend Oreille County. According to the 1997 Forest Service Timber Sale Program Information Reporting System, $19.2 million in total income and 700 jobs were generated by timber sales from the Colville National Forest. According to the report, $1.5million was returned directly to Pend Oreille, Ferry and Stevens counties from the federal treasury. The money supports schools and roads.

SPOKANE COUNTY Medical Lake

Tennis buffs can serve and volley around the clock during a 24-hour tennis marathon, scheduled from noon to noon Aug. 19 and 20 at the Medical Lake High School tennis courts. Participants take pledges from the community, with money or nonperishable food donations going toward the Medical Lake Food Bank and its outreach programs. Sign-up and pledge sheets are available at City Hall, or call (509) 299-7712 for more information.

STEVENS COUNTY Colville

Divorce can take an enormous toll on children, and with that in mind, a “Children Cope with Divorce” workshop is scheduled for Saturday. For more information, contact the Cooperative Extension office at (509) 684-2588.

WHITMAN COUNTY Pullman

Need a place to live? The Pullman Chamber of Commerce has released a new rental housing directory for quick reference to rental agencies in the area. “We have been waiting a long time for a comprehensive guide to rental housing in Pullman,” said Todd Montgomery, chairman of the rental housing committee. “We are really excited that we finally have it available for the community to use.” To receive a directory call the Chamber of Commerce at (509) 334-3565 or (800) ENJOY IT.

IDAHO

BENEWAH COUNTY St. Maries

The Inland Northwest Blood Center will conduct a mobile blood drive today at the Eagles Lodge, 707 Main St. All eligible donors will receive an INBC T-shirt. Donations will be accepted from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information, contact INBC at (208) 667-5461.

BONNER COUNTY Sandpoint

The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute Community Food Systems Programs of Moscow will sponsor a half-day tour of small-scale organic farms Aug. 15. The tour ends with dinner made from local organic and seasonal produce. The cost for the event is $20 per person before Friday and $25 after. For registration information, call (208) 882-1444.

BOUNDARY COUNTY Bonners Ferry

The Lions Club of Boundary County will sponsor a motocross race Saturday at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. Both amateurs and professional riders are encouraged to participate. Registration will run from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with the event beginning at 7 p.m. Cost for registration is $7 for adults and $5 for youth. Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club. For more information, call (208) 267-5571.

KOOTENAI COUNTY Coeur d’Alene

The Idaho Division of Environmental Quality and the Idaho Smoke Management Advisory Board have established a hot line to record concerns from citizens regarding field burning, which is expected to begin within the next two weeks. The hot line number is (800) 421-8475, or (208) 765-7006 for local residents. An independent, professional answering service will handle the calls. The calls will be compiled and passed on to a smoke management team consisting of DEQ, ISMAB and a local farmers association who will evaluate the information to determine the effectiveness of the smoke management program.

LATAH COUNTY Moscow

Two new restaurants are expected to open in Moscow this month. The Mongolian Barbecue Express and Wingers, an American Diner are scheduled to open in the Eastside Marketplace. Another newcomer, Island Bento, a take-out Hawaiian vendor, is now selling box lunches at the corner of Sixth and Jackson streets.

SHOSHONE COUNTY Pinehurst

Police officers discovered marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia while searching for the suspect in a domestic battery last Saturday. Wesley Reese, 21, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and felony domestic battery.

Kellogg

The Kellogg High School Class of 1988 will have its 10-year reunion this weekend. A “reacquainting” event will be Friday followed by an evening of socializing on Saturday. Reunion organizers have invited all classes to participate in the reunion.

MONTANA

LINCOLN COUNTY Libby

Marillee Norvell Brown has submitted her resignation as chamber director to the executive board of the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce. Brown has been executive director of the chamber since April 1997. She had served on the board for almost two years before accepting the job. Brown cited the need to spend time with her young son and a lower than needed energy level to do the job as reasons for her resignation.

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