The County Lines

Sat., Jan. 2, 1999

WASHINGTON

ADAMS COUNTY Ritzville

Commissioner-elect Jeff Stevens of Othello is chomping at the bit to get down to business. Stevens, who had owned the funeral home in Othello since 1987, is well known for his business sense. His funeral home business merged with The Hamilton Group last January, which will give him time for his new commissioner duties.

FERRY COUNTY Republic

Those fearing a big winter storm or natural disaster are being urged to plan well. The local WSU Cooperative Extension says a one- to two-week supply of food and water would be best. Canned foods, cereal, cookies and powdered drink mixes including milk are tops on the list, as well as a manual can opener. As for water, store one gallon per person, per day and avoid salty foods.

GRANT COUNTY Royal City

Despite growing the second largest apple crop ever, U.S. apple growers are not looking at a bumper paycheck. Local growers are feeling the strain of low prices and higher labor costs. Larger crops call for more labor hours. The average price for a 42-pound box of apples this year was $12.50. The same box sold for $16 in 1997. Washington apple growers supply 93 percent of all U.S. apple exports.

LINCOLN COUNTY Wilbur

Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Jimmy Blackwood will be the special guest of the Wilbur New Life Center. Blackwood, son of Dr. James Blackwood of the famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet, will sing and minister to the congregation on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Blackwood will talk about healing and his battle with cancer.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY Newport

The Newport City Council is preparing for a marked jump in legal fees. In writing the 1999 budget, the city proposed a $12,000 increase in legal fees, including public defender and prosecutor’s fees, professional services and extraordinary costs. The city is preparing to spend nearly $28,000 more than in 1997.

SPOKANE COUNTY Spokane

Everyone with an interest in needlework is invited to join the guild’s monthly meetings. Cost is $15 annually. For the location nearest you, call 459-6385.

STEVENS COUNTY Onion Creek

The Onion Creek School has announced the officers of its first ever Associated Student Body. Dawn Holmes is president, with Wily Cope as her vice president. Treasurer duties go to Ikaezia Krieger. Kate Ashworth is secretary. The Onion Creek School serves kindergarten through eighth grades.

WHITMAN COUNTY Pullman

Pullman Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers for Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. beginning Jan. 8 and 9 and Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. beginning Jan. 25. Activities include dances, talent shows, movies and pool tournaments. For more information call Megan at (509) 334-4555, ext. 225.

IDAHO

BENEWAH COUNTY Fernwood

A hydrant placed in front of Ida Seaman’s home may cost about $1,400 to remove. Seaman said the hydrant, which is part of a $1.2 million water system upgrade in the UpRiver community, restricts people from parking in front of her home. Engineers from the Fernwood water and sewage district board offered to build a walk and gate at the side of Seaman’s home, but she refused. She wants the hydrant moved to the corner of her 50-foot lot. The board has tabled the issue for several months, and will decide the issue after all the budget projects are completed.

BONNER COUNTY Sandpoint

About 15,000 current and past Northern Lights Inc. cooperative members will be getting checks this week. The checks, totaling more than $376,000, are allocated to members based on the amount of electric revenue each member provides.

BOUNDARY COUNTY Bonners Ferry

The Awana Club is available for kids in grades K-6 at the Community Fellowship Church. The club meets every Wednesday at 4 p.m. For information, call Diane at (208) 267-2755 after 4 p.m.

KOOTENAI COUNTY Moscow

The city of Moscow will offer free Christmas tree disposal through Jan. 9 at the drop-off site south of the recycling center. If trees are more than 5 feet tall they should be chopped in half. All tinsel and decorations should be removed. The trees will be chipped and turned into compost.

SHOSHONE COUNTY Pinehurst

The Idaho Division of Health has expanded its effort to find individuals who may have been exposed to high levels of lead. The agency is searching for those who lived in or around Pinehurst and Wallace, or those who worked for the Bunker Hill Co. from 1973 to 1981. Individuals exposed to the lead may be eligible for possible benefits from a proposed federally funded Bunker Hill medical monitoring service. In the spring of this year, the Division of Health will ask individuals about their opinions of the medical service, which will decide whether it will continue. For information about the service and related health problems, contact the Bunker Hill Medical Monitoring toll-free hotline at (887) 201-4264.

MONTANA

LINCOLN COUNTY Libby

The Libby Wrestling Club will pick up Christmas trees as a fund-raiser starting today at 11 a.m. Trees should be placed on the curb and crews of wrestlers will pick them up to take them to the landfill. Donations may be given to the volunteers or mailed to the Libby Wrestling Club. Information: Wayne Maahs, (406) 293-4836.

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