The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Ritzville
Harvest is slowing down for farmers in the Lind, Ritzville and Washtucna area. Most farmers have harvested about 50 percent or more of their crops. Lind Union Elevators report yields are higher than average, but below last year. Over 200,000 bushels are being stored on the ground for lack of elevator space. Most elevators report no. 1 quality in both wheat and barley.
Ferry County Republic
Road construction throughout the county is in full swing. State Highway 20/Graves Mountain Road is being paved, so expect delays. The Highway between Keller and Republic is scheduled for construction beginning this week. As for Sherman Pass between Republic and Kettle Falls, roadwork there continues and many are taking Boulder Pass. All drivers are asked to slow down as flying rocks have smashed a few windshields during construction.
Grant County Ephrata
Wally is one lucky duck. Upon arriving to work one day last week, employees of the local post office found a duck living on the loading dock. Showing no signs of leaving, the duck was furnished with a makeshift home of chicken wire, a water dish and container of food. When an employee search for the duck’s owner came up with no takers, postal patron Scott Elliott adopted the bird, and he will join Elliott’s flock.
Lincoln County
Dean Landreth may not be famous, but his restaurant, Dean’s Drive In in Reardan, will be getting national airplay. A film crew shooting a commercial spot for Audi used Dean’s as a backdrop for its new “Father-Daughter Road Trip” campaign. Location scouts said they loved Eastern Washington’s wheat fields and small towns, and Dean’s just stuck in their minds. Other locations used are Leavenworth, downtown Waterville, Banks Lake, Almira, Coulee City and Davenport.
Pend Oreille County Newport
The Port of Pend Oreille is gearing up for the future. And part of that plan includes building and owning a woodchip loading facility at Usk. Not only would it increase railroad revenues for the Port, but serve Ponderay Valley Fibre, which currently doesn’t ship via rail. This move could help the company reach new customers. State funding will be needed to get the $800,000 project moving.
Spokane County Deer Park
Katherine D. Patterson, a 1999 Deer Park High School graduate, recently enlisted in the Army Reserve and left for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After Advanced Individual Training, she will become a member of the 659th Engineer Company (construction support) in Spokane.
Stevens County Colville
Local hoop enthusiasts are welcoming the new Colville High School boys basketball coach. Dick Trudgeon, formerly of Lewis and Clark in Spokane, was recently hired for the post. He’s coached throughout the state for 17 years. Trudgeon replaces interim coach Paul Dumas. The Colville Indians have had three coaches in three years, something Trudgeon hopes to turn around. Trudgeon says he trilled at the opportunity and that he’s always wanted to live in the area.
Whitman County Pullman
In preparation for Pullman’s National Lentil Festival Aug. 20 and 21, festival organizers are calling on local cooks to enter their lentil recipes for the “You Can Do A Lot With A Lentil!” cook off. The top six recipes will be tasted and judged by 200 attendees at the festival in Pullman’s Reaney Park. The festival is also accepting applications for arts and crafts booth space. For more information, call 1-800-ENJOY-IT or write to the Pullman Chamber of Commerce at 415 N. Grand Ave., Pullman Wash., 99163.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
The St. Maries Chamber of Commerce new member appreciation luncheon will be tomorrow at noon at the Eagles Hall. Coeur d’Alene Casino Director of Marketing Laura Stensgar will discuss the $32 million expansion of the casino, and Benewah County Extension Agent Velda Sue Steele will talk about her role as Extension Educator. Cost for the luncheon is $4.50.
Bonner County Priest River
A representative from the Community Action Agency in Sandpoint will be at the Priest River City Hall council chambers today from 10 a.m. to noon to take applications for assistance. The agency provides emergency help with heating and utilities, paying for telephone service, assistance with weatherization and limited financial assistance for crises intervention.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
The Boundary County Community Action Agency is seeking a cook and a group interested in continuing the Community Kitchen. The kitchen serves meals to seniors every Thursday. For information, call Christine at (208) 267-3663.
Kootenai County Harrison
Benewah Community Hospital is planning to open a clinic in Harrison. The hospital, which also operates a clinic in St. Maries, plans to open the clinic as part of its effort to expand and improve service in the area. Difficulty finding a suitable site has slowed the process, and the clinic may not open until next year.
Latah County Moscow
Moscow Community Theatre will open its 1999-2000 season with a play written and directed by Moscow High School senior Samuel Hunter. Hunter, who directed the Greek tragedy “Antigone” last year, will present his play “Sixth Armageddon,” about the death of culture in modern American, in the Borah Theatre at the University of Idaho Student Union Building tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Shows will continue through Aug 14, all beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special showing Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. After the Aug. 12 show, the playwright, cast and crew will answer questions about the process and production of writing and producing the play, which does contain language that may offend some viewers.
Shoshone County Kellogg
Milo Creek will be temporarily diverted by Go Pro Construction for the second phase of the Improvement Project. The creek will be redirected from the Federal Emergency Management Administration pipeline in Division Street to the subterranean system. Traffic will be rerouted while the diversion is being completed.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
More than 300 bicyclists traveled through Lincoln County last week for the seventh annual Cycle Montana, a 343-mile loop that begins and ends in Whitefish. The cyclists traveled from Thompson Falls to Libby where they stayed Wednesday night, to Eureka Thursday and back to Whitefish Friday. The ride is sponsored by the Missoula-based Adventure Cycling Association.