The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Ritzville
Waste Management is closing its Adams County office in Ritzville. The company blames “cost savings efforts” for the closure, but it is still interested in the proposed Adams County Regional Solid Waste Landfill and Recycling Center.
A decision is expected this spring.
Waste Management came to Ritzville in July 1990.
Ferry County Republic
Residents in the northern reaches are invited to rediscover the Biblical call to appreciate and protect the Earth. “Theology of Wild: A Biblical Look at Wilderness,” will be presented by Pastor Peter Illyn, founder of the Christians for Environmental Stewardship. The discussion will start tonight at 7 p.m. at the Republic Catholic church parish hall.
Grant County Moses Lake
Infrastructure improvements on the proposed Genie sites will get started soon.
The Port of Moses Lake received $1.3 million from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board for the expansion project. Four port hangars will be reworked to fit Genie Industry needs and rail and road improvements also will be made.
Lincoln County Harrington
The local U.S. Bank branch took to heart the financial need of the Harrington 2000+ Downtown Revitalization project. A check in the amount of $1,000 was recently donated to help give the turn-of-the-century brick town a face lift. Citizens here hope to jazz up the business strip with new sidewalks and vintage lamp posts.
Pend Oreille County Metaline Falls
Ore-bearing rock may be mined again at the Pend Oreille Mine. Cominco American Inc., owner of the mine, is proposing to reopen it for zinc and lead extraction. An environmental impact statement is being filed, which paves the way for opening the defunct mine.
A public hearing on the issue will be conducted tonight at 7 p.m. at the Cutter Theatre.
Stevens County Northport
This isn’t just any old maintenance and operation levy - for the Northport School District, it’s life or death. Heavily dependent on local funds, the district was nearly forced to begin shutting down in 1996. If the upcoming $85,000 levy fails, closure may become reality. Northport could be forced to consolidate with Colville or Kettle Falls, where taxation rates are much higher. Taxpayers go to the polls March 9.
Whitman County Pullman
A free parenting class will be offered on Mondays from Feb. 22 through March 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church in Pullman. The class is designed to assist parents in developing communication and problem-solving skills that can strengthen the child-parent relationship. To register or for more information about facilitators, call (509) 332-2611.
IDAHO
Benewah County Fernwood
Charges have been filed against a juvenile accused of beating a 19-year-old man Jan. 25 at a Fernwood residence. The 17-year-old was charged with aggravated battery, a felony, and could be tried as an adult. If tried as an adult and found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison. If found guilty in juvenile court, he could be detained in a juvenile facility until age 21.
Bonner County Hope
Diane Enright of the Cabinet Ranger District will discuss fire in the wild and in the community at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hope Community Center. The presentation will include protecting property from fire and safety steps to be taken at home and in the wilderness. Register for the event by calling (208) 264-5481.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
A special election Tuesday will decide whether Boundary County will get a new high school, upgraded junior high and room for the alternative school. The $9 million measure was defeated in November. The school board and the Citizens Committee for School Construction are supporting the second election.
Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene
Hospice of North Idaho will have two ceremonies today as they begin selling a commemorative stamp. The ceremonies will be at the Hayden Lake and Post Falls post offices from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Latah County Moscow
University of Idaho’s TRIO programs will honor their students and graduates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 in the first-floor lounge area of the Student Union Building. TRIO programs are designed to help disadvantaged students enter college and graduate.
Shoshone County Kellogg
After receiving an anonymous tip, Kellogg police officers arrested Robbie McGillis, 30, on Sunday in connection with the Sept. 5 strong-arm robbery of the Gondolier convenience store. McGillis is charged with battery and robbery. According to police, the robbery occurred when a suspect entered the Gondolier about 1 a.m. and brought some items to the counter. When the clerk rang up the purchase, the suspect reached into the cash register and took an undisclosed amount of money.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
Entries are being accepted for the 1999 Libby Logger Days logo design. Deadline for entries, which should include an event theme, is Feb. 22. The winning designer will receive a shirt and a Logger Days button, good for admission to the event. Designs can be submitted to Linda Beaulieu, Libby Chamber of Commerce, 905 W. Ninth St., Libby, MT 59923. For information, call the chamber at (406) 293-4167.