The County Lines

WASHINGTON

ADAMS COUNTY Othello

The Rock’n B Cloggers, along with instructor Toby Black, were named grand champion exhibition team at a recent competition in Arizona. Nicolle Pixton was chosen overall grand champion, with Sierra Kisler as runner-up. Black and students Grant Cox and Kenneth Pixton swept the men’s overall grand champion category. The group won first-place finishes in all women’s age categories as well as in two men’s and two mixed competitions.

FERRY COUNTY Republic

After discussion about a backup county public defender, the Ferry County commissioners have put the contract out to bid. The commissioners rejected a proposal to hire Cleve O. Ives at a rate of $300 per case in favor of open bidding. Bids will be accepted on a per-case flat-rate basis over a three-year period. In rural counties, public defenders often must decline to represent clients due to conflicts of interest; therefore, a backup is needed.

GRANT COUNTY Moses Lake

Tennis anyone? If the local Businessman’s Club has its way, people here will be playing on new tennis courts by 2000. “The club feels this is a very worthwhile project in our community,” said club manager Marina Romary. The group must raise $25,000 by next Aug. 1 to qualify for matching funds.

LINCOLN COUNTY Wilbur

Hoping to earn his Eagle Scout wings, local Boy Scout Dane Rice is helping beautify downtown Wilbur. Rice, who got some volunteer help, painted the Wilbur senior citizens building. The Wilbur Downtown Revitalization Committee supplied the paint and tools.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY Cusick

The Cusick School District is looking to voters to pass a $2.4 million bond issue to upgrade facilities. Bess Heridan Elementary School and Adam Wike Gymnasium are in need of face lifts and safety upgrades. If the bond issue passes, work will be done next year. A passing vote also will make the district eligible for state matching money. Ponderay Newsprint and other local industries have earmarked funds for the project.

SPOKANE COUNTY Medical Lake

City parks staffers are designing a series of interpretive signs for the loop trail around Medical Lake. Parks Director Timm Shepard said the signs, to be installed in the spring, will tell the story of the natural and human history of Medical Lake. The signs will be manufactured by a company on Vashon Island, Wash., and will be made of baked porcelain, which is graffiti-proof.

STEVENS COUNTY Colville

Looking for inspiration, the Colville 2000 Committee will be traveling to Newport, Wash., on Tuesday to see what is possible in downtown revitalization and traffic redirection. The Colville group has been working on traffic problems and the need for a truck route through town for the past 16 months.

IDAHO

BENEWAH COUNTY St. Maries

Benewah Community Hospital recently purchased 12 new beds and other furnishings with donations collected by BetterCare. BetterCare has raised more than $53,000 for the beds, over-bed tables, night stands and four chemotherapy chairs. The hospital auxiliary also is working to buy a surgical canopy and replace windows in the original portion of the hospital.

BONNER COUNTY Sandpoint

Afternoon Academy writing classes will be held Saturday. The first class, “The Write Stuff No. 1 - Publishing Workshop,” will be from 10 a.m. to noon at Sandpoint Community Hall. The second class, “The Write Stuff No. 2 - What’s Your Story?” will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Classes will focus on basic writing skills and how to mold stories in proper sequence and structure. Cost is $18 per session, with a $3 discount for city residents. Register at the Recreation Department, 1123 Lake, or call (208) 263-3613. Classes are limited to 15 people.

BOUNDARY COUNTY Bonners Ferry

Carol Johnson, Karen Osborn, Laurel Scott and Wendy Thurman recently graduated from the certified nursing assistant program of North Idaho College and Boundary Community Hospital. The course included hands-on experience and studies in human anatomy and physiology, body systems and common health problems. The next class will begin Dec. 8, and preregistration must be completed by Nov. 16. For information, contact the hospital’s education department at (208) 267-3141, extension 219.

KOOTENAI COUNTY Coeur d’Alene

A half-day Women’s Forum workshop, to be held Nov. 13 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, will include topics on preparing an action plan, reviewing public relations and developing a crisis plan for nonprofit organizations and others. Workshop fee is $40. For information and reservations, call (208) 773-1387.

LATAH COUNTY Moscow

Advance ticket sales for the 32nd-annual University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Feb. 24-27 will begin today. Advance ticket purchases require a $100 donation to the Jazz Festival endowment. Participants then may purchase two tickets to each of the four nightly concerts. Tickets, which range from $18 to $25, may be purchased at the UI ticket office at (208) 885-7212 or 1-88-88-UIDAHO. Advance sales of four-night series tickets will begin Nov. 16 through the UI ticket office. General ticket sales will start Dec. 5 through the UI ticket office and G&B Select-a-Seat. A donation to the Jazz Festival endowment is not required for series ticket and general ticket purchases.