The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Ritzville
County commissioners approved a proposal to use liquid de-icer on icy roads instead of sand. Although early estimates showed the county would need to invest $8,000 to purchase the liquid and retrofit a spray truck to disperse it, a new estimate puts start-up costs at $12,000. At $9 per intersection, the de-icer, they say, is cheaper than sand.
Ferry County
Republic
Residents are awaiting a study of the impact of the Colville Tribe on the local economy. The “Tribal Government Contribution to State of Washington Economy Study” should be available this month. According to the Wall Street Journal, the study will say that, statewide, 27 tribes contribute $1 billion annually and provide jobs for 14,375 people.
Grant County
Warden
Children are invited to Mrs. Santa’s Village to meet with Mrs. Santa and her elves. She will take Christmas wishes and share the holiday spirit with a small gift. She holds court in her 15-foot chalet, complete with live and mechanical animals. The display is open from 5 to 9 p.m. through Wednesday. For more information, call (509) 349-8449.
Lincoln County
Fishtrap
The Sheriff’s Department and state Fish and Wildlife agents say they nabbed a poacher recently when he bagged a remote-controlled robotic deer. The Spokane man faces a $1,300 fine for shooting from a roadway without a license or valid deer tag in his possession.
Pend Oreille County
Metaline Falls
Local children will star in the Jan. 23 production of “Pinocchio” at the Cutter Theater. The Missoula Children’s Theater, which provides two adult director/actors, will audition children for nearly 50 parts. Roles include the Blue Fairy, Jiminy Cricket, Candlewick and the trouble-making fox and cat.
Spokane County
Cheney
Eastern Washington University graduate Steve Glines won a top award in the National Student Festival for Film, Video and New Media this fall for his short film, “Silent Silent Night.” Glines was one of just 12 students whose work was shown at the New York City festival.
Stevens County
Chewelah
With the support of Mayor Ron McCoy, a proposed skateboard park is one step closer to reality. The City Council approved a site behind the city pool for the skate park. The Skateboard Committee can now start fund raising for the project, which would give skateboarders, in-line skaters and bikers a safe place to enjoy Chewelah.
Whitman County
Colfax
Debbie Hoadley of Albion has been chosen the 1998 Whitman Hospital and Medical Center Employee of the Year. Hoadley is the director for quality improvement, medical records, medical staff relations, staff management and federal compliance programs.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
Howard Fawley was selected from 150 foresters and firefighters in Idaho as the Department of Lands Firefighter of the Year. Fawley has been employed by the state for 24 years, and along with fighting fires, he is an instructor of firefighting, and performs road work and forest improvement projects. The award is based on long-term performance.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
In conjunction with its New Year’s Eve Big Band Bash, the Festival at Sandpoint is holding a raffle. Prizes include two 1999 Festival season passes or 10 tickets to the concert of the winner’s choice, backstage passes for one concert, and a 1999 poster signed by all of the artists. The drawing will be held at the New Year’s Eve Big Band Bash at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Tickets are one per $5 donation or five per $20 donation. For more information, call (208) 265-4554, or stop by the Festival office, Suite 207 in the Old Power House, downtown Sandpoint.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
Boundary County residents have until the close of business Monday to pay property taxes for this year or face penalties and assessments. For more information, call the County Treasurer’s Office at (208) 267-3291.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
Kootenai County commissioners are seeking applicants for a vacancy on the county Historic Preservation Committee. Applicants should have an interest in historic preservation and some expertise in architecture, history, archaeology or other related fields. Applications may be sent to the county at 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
Latah County
Moscow
Vintage dolls, books, toy cars and trucks and warm winter clothing are featured in a Historical Society exhibit at the McConnell Mansion through January. Along with “Warm Memories of Christmas Past,” the mansion is decorated in Victorian motif with paper chains, popcorn ropes, felt banners and paper fans. The exhibit is at 110 S. Adams and open from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. During the holidays it will be closed Dec. 24-28, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1-4.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
The Kellogg School District board of trustees agreed at the Dec. 14 meeting to advertise for a possible baseball and softball program to start next season. Board members made it clear that the district would not be able to contribute money for the program. A community group led by Dr. Glen Keller, which supports the athletic programs, indicated it would help fund the programs.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
The first Winterfest will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today in the Lincoln lunchroom of the Lincoln County Campus of Flathead Valley Community College. The event is sponsored by the LCC students and the March of Dimes. Santa will make an appearance at 7 p.m. A portion of the profits from each craft table will go to the March of Dimes.