The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
The Othello High School students built the tables and sprinkler system for their new greenhouse. Last week, the beginning horticulture class began planting geraniums and other spring flowers.
Ferry County
Republic
County commissioners are considering obtaining the services of a trained court facilitator offered by Northeast Washington Rural Resources at no charge except mileage to assist folks with paperwork in domestic cases. Rural Resources says the county’s cost should be around $1,700.
Grant County
Soap Lake
The town’s sewer system needs repairs. Mayor Phil Wick recently approved a team to study funding mechanical upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility and two lift stations. Because treated effluent cannot be pumped into the spray field when neighboring Soap Lake High School is in session, the city recently purchased another 40 acres to spray treated wastewater.
Lincoln County
Wilbur
Four pieces of playground equipment at Wilbur Elementary School were deemed too dangerous for student use. A barrel slide, monkey bars, pickle bars and a tire swing were removed. Modifications to existing equipment, and addition of new items, is being discussed.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
Thirteen legal eagles have applied for the vacant district judge’s seat in Pend Oreille County. Candidates from as far away as Walla Walla posted resumes for the $60,000 part-time position. The seat became vacant in October when Judge Charles Baechler resigned after being accused of rape.
Spokane County
Cheney
Kindergarteners through eighth-graders are invited to a day of crafts, cheers and dancing during a junior cheer clinic sponsored by the Cheney High School cheerleaders. The event will be Jan. 16, but the registration deadline is Monday. Cost is $15. Call 448-2449 for more information.
Stevens County
Colville
In response to a recent string of more than a dozen burglaries, Colville police are stepping up patrols. Officers have changed shifts to provide better coverage. Plainclothes officers have been working Main Street foot patrols and reserves are saturating the area after dark. Bike patrols will also be stepped up.
Whitman County
Colfax
Opponents of new residential developments in parts of Whitman County won’t be allowed to give additional testimony at a public hearing. County commissioners voted not to hold any more hearings on the proposed changes to a comprehensive plan that allowed more residential development in some areas of the county. The issue was debated for two hours last month in a Planning Commission hearing. The commission plans to make a decision on the proposal Monday afternoon.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
Al Townsend of St. Maries won the “Best Overall” light display in the annual Chamber Residential Light Contest. John and Liz Hughes’ home was named “Best Lighted House.” Harvey and Marige Hansen’s home was named “Best Religious” and the “Best Fantasy” went to Chip and Shawna Ryle. The contest was judged by Girl Scout Troop 589.
Bonner County
Priest River
A Sandpoint man who allegedly asked restaurant workers to use their walk-in cooler to hide his children in was ordered held on $100,000 bond Monday. Kelly Pugh was arrested Sunday night at the Long Bridge Grill after telling workers he needed to hide his two 9-year-old children. Pugh allegedly entered the restaurant after firing shots in his rented Country Inn cabin in Sagle. Pugh was in possession of two rifles, four shotguns and a handgun. Pugh refused to talk to law officials, stating their were “higher powers involved.”
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The United Methodist Church of Bonners Ferry sponsors a free lunch every Thursday through May. Information: (208) 267-2343.
Kootenai County
Harrison
Some citizens want Mayor David LaPard to be recalled for a variety of reasons, including his role in the local improvement district. The citizens of Harrison sent a letter to the city clerk asking for LePard’s resignation because he has spent more money on equipment than has been spent during the past 20 years, the city payroll has increased, water and sewer problems have arisen and he has allowed a home to be built that violates city code.
Latah County
Moscow
Moscow residents Ariana Burns and Rebecca O’Rourke have created a theater company that showcases local performance artists. Theatre Outside the Bell Jar is scheduled for Jan. 22 at Laura’s Tea and Treasure coffeehouse on Main Street. Sessions for interested performers are Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 at the coffeehouse.
Shoshone County
Wardner
The Milo Creek Permanent Improvement Project is holding its own despite the flooding in the valley’s lower region. Because the second phase of the project isn’t finished, there is a higher risk of flooding in the valley. The first phase of the project is being maintained by the Bureau of Disaster Services to remove debris. Construction of the second phase is scheduled to begin in May.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Libby Middle School students placed in the top 10 in six events at the 14th annual Montana Science Olympiad in Bozeman Nov. 24. The team included Jeremy Bush, Matthew Ryan Zachreson, Mark Holt, Korrin Kenck, Jesse Milner, Jeannie Kinden, Jackson Poppen, Eric Kroeger, Brandi Higgins, Kara Reckin and Kelli Brumbauch. More than 1,000 Montana students participated in the competition.