The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Othello

Hoping to close gaps between ordinary citizens and law enforcement, the Othello Police Department is offering the Citizen Police Academy. “Unfortunately, for years law enforcement agencies have shrouded themselves in secrecy. As a result, much of the public doesn’t understand why police officers handle some incidents the way they do,” the OPD says. The academy will explain police guidelines and address crime and police issues. Hopefully, more volunteer reserve officers will emerge from the class.

Ferry County

Republic

Resident John L. Provencial is asking area folks to take responsibility for their animals this winter. Provencial, who lives in the high country near Curlew, says abandoned dogs and cats in the hills are an ongoing problem. “Unlike a wolf, coyote or bear, a wild dog will have no fear of man, so an attack by a wild dog is a very real possibility,” he warns.

Grant County

Grand Coulee

A vote to recall five of seven Banks Lake Golf and Country Club directors was recently defeated. The directors are under fire for a course-expansion plan that includes the financing of $300,000 from director Dan Thomas at 10 percent interest. Some are afraid the plan will fail and Thomas will become course owner. Pat Sullivan, who led the recall, conceded defeat and pledged support of expansion to 18 holes.

Lincoln County

Odessa

Odessa folks are planning their third cook book. “The Staff of Life II,” put together by the local hospital auxiliary, is nearly sold out. With requests for traditional German recipes, the group is looking at a special German edition. Recipes can be sent to P.O. Box 151, Odessa, WA 99159.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

People within the city limits will be allowed to burn yard waste until Oct. 31. With the city’s outdoor burning ban lifted, branches, lawn clippings, leaves and such can be torched subject to the Outdoor Burning Policy. Fires are not to exceed four feet square and three feet high.

Spokane County

Millwood

West Valley SCOPE will hold its monthly community meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Millwood Town Hall, E. 9103 Frederick. The public is welcome. The SCOPE office is seeking volunteers for a variety of crime-reduction programs. For more information, call (509) 921-0629.

Stevens County

Colville

Colville area residents may see their homeowners insurance rates rising soon. The Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau recently rated the town’s emergency fire services. Colville was dinged from a class 5 to a class 6 fire grade, which indicates higher risk to insurance companies. Although the volunteer department spends much time and money on training, the bureau felt severe growth was outpacing services.

Whitman County

Colfax

The Washington Rural Health Association and Whitman Hospital will hold its annual governing board education dinner Tuesday at the Hill-Ray Plaza in Colfax. Four presentations will begin at 2 p.m. and continue through 7 p.m. Registration is $30, including the meal. For more information contact Barb Schluneger at (509) 397-3435, Ext. 322.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

The 55-Alive mature driving class for motorists over 55 years of age is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the St. Maries senior center. Sponsored by AARP, the class costs $8 and will focus on how older adults can compensate for the loss of driving abilities in later life. To register, call Elinor Sowers at (208) 245-5301.

Bonner County

Sandpoint

The Sandpoint Recreation Department is offering a class for students in fourth grade and up on how to use a map and compass. The class will be held Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Farmin School cafeteria. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at City Hall, 1123 Lake St., (208) 263-3613.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

The United Methodist Church is holding its annual bazaar and dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at the church. Cost for the turkey dinner is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for preschoolers. The bazaar will feature handcrafted items and a bake sale. All are welcome.

Kootenai County

Coeur d’Alene

Idaho Wing representatives from the Coeur d’Alene Composite Squadron brought home 11 of 24 trophies from the Oct. 9-11 Rocky Mountain Region Cadet Competition. The event was held at Camp W.G. Williams near Provo, Utah. Members of the Coeur d’Alene squadron participated in competitions in color guard, drill team and ranks inspection categories.

Latah County

Moscow

Applications are available for Palouse Asian American Association scholarships. One University of Idaho undergraduate and one UI graduate student will be awarded a $300 scholarship. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average, be involved in Asian Pacific American and/or Asian activities, and demonstrate financial need. UI students should contact Lily Wai, government documents, Room 104B, UI Library, (208) 885-6344 for an application.

Shoshone County

Wallace

The Silver Valley Alternative High School is installing a computer-based instructional system called PLATO. With the program, students take an academic assessment test and then are given areas of study that meet each student’s needs. Students must pass PLATO tests with an 80 percent or better to advance. A grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Education Foundation will pay for the system.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

The third annual Breast Cancer Luncheon is set for Wednesday at the Elks Club from noon to 1 p.m. The no-host luncheon, sponsored by St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, will feature guest speaker Dr. Barbara Gutschenritter, a radiation oncologist from Kalispell, Mont. For reservations, call Connie Wood at (406) 293-6228, Lila Fields, (406) 293-5131, or Laura Sedler in Troy at (406) 295-5361.