The County Lines

WASHINGTON

ADAMS COUNTY

Othello

“There’s no way I can operate a county fair on $30,000,” Skip Hall, Adams County Fair Board president, told county commissioners recently. The event loses about $3,000 in state funds yearly. Both parties discussed fund raising, including a possible auction. Hall recommended renting “boarding shelters” to FFA and 4-H members who don’t have their own facility to keep an animal. The commissioners tabled this idea for further exploration.

FERRY COUNTY

Republic

The Ferry County commissioners were informed of a current cash flow problem. Tax revenues received to date are lower than expected, said Treasurer Kathleen Rupp. Until the second half of property taxes and government Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) are collected Oct. 31, county expenditures need to be kept to a minimum. Purchases over $500 need commissioner approval.

GRANT COUNTY

Ephrata

Gone are the days of posting yard sale signs at the end of the street.

The Ephrata City Council voted to restrict advertising signs, including yard sale notices, to specific sites, possibly an advertising kiosk. Councilman John McMahan called the ordinance too restrictive. “I think you are just making people mad, and it is unnecessary.” Issues of litter and traffic safety were also discussed.

LINCOLN COUNTY

Davenport

Wheat harvest may be over, but the Lincoln County sheriff’s pot harvest has just begun. Sheriff Dan Berry reports a number of marijuana growing operations have been raided, including one north of Reardan and another in the Hawk Creek area. Deputies have confiscated nearly 90 plants worth $180,000. Also seized was property such as guns and vehicles belonging to the suspects. William R. Portrey, 50, of Davenport has been taken into custody. Other arrests are expected.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

Newport

The Newport/Oldtown Chamber of Commerce will make its visitor center restrooms available to the public after hours. After a misunderstanding, when the facility was locked during the Fabulous Fifties car show, the Chamber agreed to give restroom access to groups or activities in Centennial Plaza with five days’ prior notice.

SPOKANE COUNTY

Deer Park

Jim Wright recently opened A-1 Communications at 104 E. Crawford in the Crawford Shopping Center in Deer Park. The new business offers cell phone and pager sales and service. Wright said his business offers the same deals as Spokane stores, but with local customer service.

STEVENS COUNTY

Colville

Something is missing from the Colville Safeway. After 24 years at the checkout line, clerk Glenda Rutledge has hung up her red, white and blue store apron. “The time went so fast. I’m going to miss everybody,” says the new retiree. Rutledge, who remembers entering prices into the register by hand, is amazed at today’s scanner technology. “I never imagined you could shop with a plastic card either,” she laughs.

IDAHO

BENEWAH COUNTY

Worley

Worley City Park is getting new playground equipment. The purchase has been made possible by contributions from the Worley Celebration Committee, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the city. Items purchased include a spiral slide, a four-seat swing set, a physical fitness center and a bench for spectators.

BONNER COUNTY

Sandpoint

The city of Sandpoint will take over dispatching duties for all of the law enforcement, fire and medical associations in Bonner County. Dispatch employees will move into clerical or jailer positions upon completion of the new Bonner County Jail.

BOUNDARY COUNTY

Bonners Ferry

Changes at the Bonners Ferry Job Service have made it easier for job seekers. The local office has a new, easier typing test that allows individuals to take as many tests as they want. More workshops and handouts also are available to help individuals find jobs or other services.

KOOTENAI COUNTY

Coeur d’Alene

Foster M. Cline, author of “Parenting with Love and Magic,” will offer parenting tips at a workshop Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lake City High School. Admission is $2 per person or $3 for couples. The workshop will explain aspects of the “love and logic” philosophy along with the rules for limits, choices and consequences.

LATAH COUNTY

Moscow

All Latah County school districts received a three-year grant for kindergarten classes. Latah County will receive a total of $284,000 in supplies and training, averaging about $232 per student. The goal of the grant is to help children get ready to read by the time they enter the first grade.

SHOSHONE COUNTY

Kellogg

Kellogg High School teacher Bob Grigg recently traveled to Tacoma as part of an educator tour of Fort Lewis sponsored by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. The tour is designed to help educators learn more about the Army so they will be able to help students understand what the Army is like and discuss the military with other teachers and counselors.

MONTANA

LINCOLN COUNTY

Libby

Nominees are needed for three openings on the Future Fisheries Improvement Program Review Panel. Members serve two-year terms on a panel of 10 Montanans. The panel reviews funding for the program that provides fishing license money for the restoration of essential habitats. For information or an application, call (406) 444-5334.