The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
A bilingual Washington State trooper is suing Adams County for $250,000. Abe Ramirez claims his right to aid any person to vote was violated by Sheriff Mike Kline during last September’s primary. Ramirez was called by a citizen to a polling place to act as an interpreter. Ramirez was a supporter of Kline’s opponent, Bob Guerrero.
Ferry County
Republic
Weed spraying along county roads has begun. Residents not wanting their roadside property sprayed this year must contact the Weed Board Office and sign a no-spray agreement. After signing the paperwork, the county will make “No Spray” signs available. Those opting out of the spray program will be responsible for maintaining weeds that impede the views of motorists.
Grant County
Moses Lake
Locally made irrigation systems may be up and running soon in China. Officials from Shenyang, a city in northern China, were recently in Moses Lake to discuss possible purchase of the equipment. Armed with financial backing by World Bank and the Chinese government, the Shenyang city water officials met with Ron and Karen Gering, owners of Northwest Irrigation Inc. Shenyang is a city of 10 million residents.
Lincoln County
Almira
It’s been eight years since the town of Almira was represented by a community float. This year, local volunteers are raising $2,000 to construct a float for the local royalty. It will have a 1950s theme and feature a giant lighted jukebox and twirling dancers. The float and royalty will attend seven parades throughout the summer and fall.
Pend Oreille County
Diamond Lake
A battle against Eurasian milfoil has begun. Pioneeer colonies of the water weed will be sprayed with chemicals. This noxious weed has been choking waterways in Pend Oreille County since last year. The state Department of Ecology has approved spending $13,400 to eradicate milfoil. Last year, volunteers pulled the weeds by hand.
Spokane County
Cheney
An informational family wellness fair will be held Thursday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Cheney High School. Sponsored by the Community Substance Abuse Council, “To Your Health!” will target families with elementary school-age children and will feature food, entertainment and educational activities.
Stevens County
Colville
The county’s first lower-income apartment complex is taking applications. Central Colville Apartments opened its doors to its first tenant last week. Rents are below market price and are available to those whose family income is at, or below, 45 percent of the local median income.
Whitman County
Pullman
The YWCA of Washington State University is sponsoring a public meeting about the development of a community-commercial kitchen network Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cougar Depot. The network would encourage development of small businesses involved in local food production.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
A Project Learning Tree workshop for teachers and youth leaders will be May 7-8. The workshop will provide teachers with information needed to help children learn how to think about the environment. May 7, the workshop will be 4-9:30 p.m. at the Heyburn cafeteria, and May 8 participants will travel to Pettis Peak Tree 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, contact Jane Thornes at (208) 245-2025.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
The Bonner County Local Emergency Planning Committee will discuss the potential for flooding this spring at 11 a.m. Monday in the VFW Hall. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives will discuss forecasted lake levels and the potential for streams and creeks to swell from heavy snowmelt this spring.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Boundary County Community Action Agency is seeking a volunteer interested in traveling to Coeur d’Alene once a month to pick up commodities for the local food bank. A one-ton truck is needed for the job. To volunteer, call Christine at (208) 267-3663 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
Mothers of Preschoolers of the Lutheran Church of the Masters will hold its annual Everything For Children Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Items include new and slightly used children’s clothing, baby equipment, toys, furniture and maternity clothes. The sale will be at the church, located on the corner of Kathleen and Ramsey. For information, contact Leighanna Ward at (208) 664-1307.
Latah County
Moscow
The Moscow City Council eliminated an ordinance restricting beer advertisements Monday. The city ordinance would have prohibited window signs or banners advertising beer. The city recently adopted a billboard ordinance which will help monitor the location of larger beer advertisements. The new law states billboards must be installed at least 1,000 feet apart.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Interim chief executive officer Dan Smegelsky outlined goals for the financial future of Shoshone Medical Center to the SMC board Wednesday. Smegelsky presented objectives including refinancing the existing debt and consolidating the outstanding short-term debt, reducing the days that bills are held in accounts receivable from 105 to 80 and integrating physicians to provide unified medical staff.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Lincoln County has purchased 31 acres along Parmenter Creek through Project Impact. The $53,000 land purchase and conservation easements granted by several nearby landowners increases efforts to control flooding in the Woodway Park and Education Way areas. With the county owning the property, no houses will be built, enabling Project Impact to work on correcting problems with Parmenter Creek. A trail between Plummer Elementary and Libby High School will be constructed on the property.