The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Lind
Postmaster Janet Rasmussen is hanging up her mail bag. After 12 years with the Postal Service, the last eight in Lind, she’s looking to retire. Rasmussen and husband Ken will stay in Lind because they find the people “fantastic.” She was given a grand sendoff by her staff, Vicki Ferderer, Curtis Meilke, Carin Slater and Sharon Englehart.
Ferry County
Republic
The Northeast Washington Fiddle Contest is a go again this year. The contest, held the first weekend in August, is a big economic boost to the area. Contest coordinators recently received $1,000 in tourism funds from the county for the event. In the past, the county has given more to the contest, but tourism revenues are down so less money is available.
Grant County
Moses Lake
Kiawa, an Alaskan Malamute sentenced to death row for killing a neighbor’s rabbit, will be spared due to a lack of evidence. Kiawa’s owner, Judy Mears, was building a fence the day her dog allegedly killed the rabbit. The dog was initially given a three-week reprieve to wean her trio of pups. She is now free to raise them as well.
Lincoln County
Odessa
Today is Odessa Pride Day. As usual, this town of Russian and German descendants will celebrate by cleaning up the streets. This is the 98th year for the cleanup. The event is held on the first Friday in April and includes city workers, students, business owners and other volunteers. Local farmers and ranchers donate trucks to haul away trash and debris.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
A new business features generators, batteries and other emergency supplies. D&S Alternative Energy owners Doug South and Steve Donald stock gas, diesel and propane generators. The business is on the Albeni Highway.
Spokane County
Deer Park
Deer Park’s 1998 “Castle of Dreams” float recently won a national award. A contest sponsored by the White Bear Lake, Minn.-based School Events Program awarded the float second place and $150. The float will also be featured in the company’s catalog.
Stevens County
Colville
At the most recent town blood drive, residents donated nearly 22 gallons of blood. More than 170 local men and women turned out.
Whitman County
Pullman
The Washington State University Board of Regents will consider approving two computer science degree programs at WSU branch campuses today. Also, regents will discuss a proposal for a new, 86,000-square-foot indoor athletic practice facility in Pullman to be located south of Bailey Field, where there’s currently a parking lot. The regents meet in Pullman’s Lewis Alumni Centre at 1:30 p.m.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Avery
Voters in Avery School District will go to the polls Tuesday to decide a $1.4 million bond. If approved, the money would be used to build a new school near milepost 37 between Calder and Avery. The bond would be paid in five years. Polls at Calder, Avery and Clarkia schools will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A 55 percent majority is required to pass the bond.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
The last winter Home Horticulture Workshop will be April 14. Bob Ward will share knowledge on composting and worm culture from 6-8 p.m. at the Bonner County Extension Office. A $5 fee covers material costs. To register, call (208) 263-8511. The summer twilight series will begin May 5 with “Bulbs from A to Z.”
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Eagles Spring Dance will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight April 10 at the Eagles Aerie in Bonners Ferry with music by the Moonlight Band. Advance tickets are $5 and available at the Eagles. Tickets are $6 at the door.
Kootenai County
Post Falls
The Urban Forestry Commission is sponsoring a forestry contest. Categories include rare and unusual trees, oldest and largest trees, commercial treescape, residential treescape and wildlife habitat. Entry forms are available at the Post Falls Parks and Recreation office and must be turned in by April 16. Winners will receive gift certificates to local garden stores and nurseries. For information, call (208) 773-0539.
Latah County
Moscow
The third annual Mad Hatters’ Auction and Ball hosted by the Sojourners’ Alliance is scheduled for Saturday.
The event at the Moscow Social Club begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and preview, followed by a fashion show featuring Wise Buys Thrift Store fashions at 6:30 p.m., a regular auction at 7:30 and a dance at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and available at the Moscow Food Co-op, Book People in Moscow and Wise Buys Thrift Store, as well as at the door.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Kellogg Middle School teacher Linda Martin was recently named 1999 Region I Middle Level Educator of the Year by the Idaho Middle Level Association. She was chosen from nearly 20 middle schools in the five counties of Region I. Martin has been teaching seventh grade language arts at KMS for three years.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
A $25,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation is providing funding for nurses to visit Libby’s three elementary schools. The St. John’s Home Health Services nurses visit the schools for a total of five half-days per week. The grant also funds things like eye and dental care and medications for children who otherwise would have limited access. Along with health screenings, the nurses are working on prevention with educational lessons on topics including hygiene, diet and exercise.