The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

The Chamber of Commerce has announced new quarterly business workshops. This spring, hospitality and business safety will be discussed. This fall, the chamber will host a political forum before the elections. Another workshop will give businesses marketing and promotional ideas.

Ferry County Curlew

Original music by local composer Joel Kabakov recently was performed by the Spokane Youth Symphony at the Spokane Opera House. Four local dancers took the stage, including Antonia Rojas and ballerina Debra Leeper of Malot. Members of TRIBE, a performing group of county residents, showed off their flamenco skills. Rachael and Lenya Ludwick were featured.

Grant County Moses Lake

The Wheeler Corridor is home to Moses Lake’s latest McGruff House, a safe place for kids to run if they’re in an emergency situation or scared. A special McGruff House sign hangs outside, and volunteers are inside to help kids. The Grant County Sheriff’s Department runs the program.

Lincoln County Davenport

Kenny Hall, formerly chief financial officer of Lincoln Hospital, is now officially the hospital’s top administrator. He replaces Victor Vander Does, who left for unspecified reasons after 11 months on the payroll. Hall will hand over CFO duties to Bill Dahl, the hospital controller.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The second play of the Pend Oreille Players season will be “Rashomon.” Set in feudal Japan, the play portrays the struggle for justice in samurai culture. Auditions are set for March 1 and 3. Six men and three women are needed for the cast. Technical crew members also are needed. Ted Parvin of Priest Lake will direct. For more information and a script, call (509) 447-2345.

Spokane County Cheney

The Cheney Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Washington University Theater Department will present the annual “Evening of Culture” on Thursday, beginning in the university’s Fine Arts complex at 6:30 p.m. A presentation of “Lysistrata” begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at 201 First St. in Cheney.

Stevens County Colville

The Gonzaga University Choir opens its 1999 tour at Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday. The program features several unusual works, including “Missa Encarnacion.” This Baroque mass piece was written for Jesuit missions in South America during the mid-18th century. The 3 p.m. concert is free at the church, 320 N. Maple in Colville.

Whitman County Pullman

Neill Public Library will host a party to unveil a new music CD collection made possible through memorial funds from the Ruth Warnke estate, the Friends of Neill Public Library and from gifts in memory of Ray Moree and Andy Birch. A total of $10,000 has been donated to the collection of more than 1,000 CDs. The event will be Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. From 1 to 2 p.m., there will be no staff-assisted library services. Refreshments will be served and selected music from the collection will be played by Robin Rilette from Northwest Public Radio.

IDAHO

Benewah County Tensed

The Tensed Area Business Association is sponsoring a talent show March 14 at the Tensed Community Building. Categories will be divided by age group and may include magic shows, comedy routines, poetry readings and musical performances. Participants should register by Monday by calling (208) 274-2234.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The Sandpoint City Council approved the purchase of property north of Travers Park on Wednesday. The 7.2-acre parcel will be used for athletic fields. The city purchased the land for $340,500 from First Christian Church. The money initially will come from the city’s general budget, being reimbursed with park impact fees.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The North Idaho Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is forming a support group in Boundary County. Membership is free. Meetings will be the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information, call (208) 267-2894 or Lisa at (208) 267-5992.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene will participate in Ring-In for a Drug-Free Idaho Wednesday. The effort is part of Enough is Enough, a substanceabuse prevention program. During the 30-second ring-in, people are asked to ring school bells, sirens, church bells and doorbells.

Latah County Moscow

The Moscow Skaters Association will host a punk rock concert tonight at the Moscow Community Center to raise money for the skate park to be built in Moscow. Musicians include Jimmy Flame and the Sexy Boys along with Full Monte. The Rummies, from Lewiston, Trampoline Girl, of Spokane, and the Genetics also will play. Admission is $5 and the event is open to all ages with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. For information or to chaperone, contact Monte McCully at (208) 883-3124.

Shoshone County Mullan

Lookout Pass Ski Area will host the third of five Inland Northwest Ski Association Youth Snow Challenge events Sunday. Skiers and snowboarders age 11-17 will compete in a combined half-pipe event and nine large jumps. Registration for the event will be 8-9 a.m. with racing beginning at 10 a.m. Registration fee is $15 plus a lift ticket.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Dr. Mark Heppe of Plains, Mont., has joined the staff at Prompt Care of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. Heppe, a board certified family practitioner, operated a solo practice in Plains for 16 years.