The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Othello
The Othello Outlook is now online. News, advertising and tourism information are available, as well as a year-in-review report. The site’s Internet address: www.othellooutlook.com.
Ferry County Republic
County commissioners are considering axing a law governing public dances. The law, on the books since 1951, requires organizations holding a dance to pay a license fee and notify the sheriff. The law is not enforced and since most dances are for nonprofits, the license requirement is waived, said Prosecutor Steve Graham.
Grant County Soap Lake
The school district is cracking down on truancy. School officials say they will be asking parents to help ensure children attend class. Anti-absenteeism measures include letters, conferences with parents and possible court sanctions and fines. Last year, staff members made 1,363 phone calls to track down truants.
Lincoln County Wilbur
If the community shows there’s a need, Wilbur Lutheran Church will open a day-care center. The church is conducting a survey to see if there is support for such an endeavor. The program could include infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Afterschool programs may also be provided for older kids. Surveys are available at Sandy’s Food City, Novotneys or any local church.
Pend Oreille County Newport
Two Pend Oreille County sheriff’s deputies have earned their stripes. Thad Schultz and Alan Botzheim were recently promoted to sergeant. Recently elected Sheriff Jerry Weeks says the promotions were “the first step in my attempt to bring stability and job security to this department.” Weeks said the promotions are the first the department has had in recent memory.
Spokane County Deer Park
Deer Park High School’s Nicole Smith, daughter of Dan and Linda Smith, was selected Deer Park Rotary Club Student of the Month for March. Smith is a member of the National Honor Society and Inter-High Council. She also serves as ASB vice president and coach of the junior varsity cheerleading squad.
Stevens County Colville
What did the local business district look like 75 years ago? Just ask a Colville Junior High student. A group of students chronicled the transformation of four downtown buildings, jotting down their history along the way. Their research is greatly appreciated by the local Historic Preservation Committee.
Whitman County Pullman
The Washington State University “Campus Speak-Out Against Hate,” is set for Thursday, April 8 in Webster Hall, Room 17. The event, featuring Bill Wassmuth, executive director of the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment, is part of the Week Against Hate activities that continue through Friday on campus. An afternoon discussion, “What You Can Do to Oppose Acts of Hate,” will be led by Wassmuth at 3 p.m. Thursday in the CUB. At noon Thursday, “Letters to Thien,” a discussion and video about violence against Asian Americans is planned for noon in the CUB.
Today the multicultural student center is hosting an open house from noon to 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Jim Nielson from the Koinonia House will present a program on religious tolerance in the Coman Hall’s Formal Lounge.
IDAHO
Benewah County Plummer
The Plummer/Worley School District is using $100,000 to replace lighting. The project is part of a program offered by Avista Corp. in which the company evaluates the old lighting, estimates replacement costs, arranges financing and guarantees the savings will cover the cost of the new lighting. Reduced power costs will allow the district to repay the project cost in eight years.
Bonner County Sandpoint
Bonner County tree farmers Jerry and Pat Lewis were honored as 1999 Outstanding Idaho Tree Farmers at a recent industry meeting in Moscow. The Idaho Tree Farm Association awarded the honor to the owners of the Pend Oreille Ranch for the stewardship practices on their 325-acre tree farm outside Sandpoint.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
The annual Selkirk Bowhunters 3-D shoot will be April 17 and 18 at the range on Moyie River Road. All area archers are invited to join. For information, call (208) 267-7223 or Wally Dinning at (208) 267-7289.
Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene
U.S. Sen. Larry Craig will conduct a Social Security Town Hall meeting from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Lake City High School. Themes covered will include how the current system works, why many see a need for a change and a general overview of some alternative ideas. The meeting will be held in the LCHS auditorium.
Latah County Moscow
A University of Idaho student paralyzed after falling from the third floor fire escape of the Alpha Phi sorority house will take her case to the Supreme Court Thursday. Rejena Coghlan was left paralyzed from the waste down after the Aug. 19, 1993, incident. The case appeals the dismissal of charges against UI, the Idaho Board of Education, three fraternities and the sorority.
Shoshone County Kellogg
The city of Kellogg is seeking volunteers to help with the Arbor Day celebration April 30. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with a free tree pruning seminar at Kellogg City Hall, followed by a tree planting ceremony at 4:45 p.m. Planting activities are also planned for volunteers May 1 at the Union Pacific Passenger Depot. The city has 3,500 seedlings. For information, call the Planning Department at (208) 783-7751.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
Kindergarten pre-registration for the 1999-2000 school year will be April 12 in Libby. The child’s birth certificate and immunization record can be brought to registration at Asa Wood School between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eligible children must be five years old on or before Sept. 10, 1999. Classes are held at Asa Wood, Plummer and McGrade elementary schools. For information, contact district superintendent Kirby Maki at (406) 293-8811.