Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The County Lines

WASHINGTON

ADAMS COUNTY

Othello

Keeping change orders to a minimum, Othello Community Hospital is saving money and time on its renovation. However, KDF Construction, contractor for the $6.674 million hospital renovation, says it is losing money on the project. KDF chief architect Dave Franklund recently asked the hospital to renegotiate its contract and pitch in an additional $87,000 toward construction. No decision has been made.

FERRY COUNTY

Republic

The recent book sale held by the Friends of the Republic Library was a huge success. The event, which featured mostly used books, raised $700 for the library expansion project. In addition, the Coulee Dam Credit Union made a $500 donation toward the project, which came to a temporary halt while more building funds were raised.

GRANT COUNTY

Ephrata

Sheriff Bill Wiester has been elected president of the Western States Sheriffs Association. The 12-state organization helps with law enforcement training and lobbying for law enforcement issues.

LINCOLN COUNTY

Davenport

Karen Lyle’s fourth-graders raised $87 at a recent bake sale to help retired local teacher Rosemary Winkler. Winkler, in her 80s, lives by choice on less than $1,000 a year on her Sagle, Idaho, property. Without electricity or running water, Winkler’s lifestyle touched the children. They also collected a blanket, gloves, flashlight, wool socks and food, while the teachers added a $175 grocery certificate to the gift.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

Metaline Falls

North county residents are invited to The Metalines Community Library to view the local history collection. Friends of The Metalines Library has been working for two years to index the collection for easy usage. Anyone interested in helping with the continued cataloging is urged to call the library at (509) 466-3232.

SPOKANE COUNTY

Deer Park

Marine Pfc. Jonell E. Johnson, daughter of Rosell K. Power of Deer Park, recently completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. During the 12-week training period, Johnson received instruction in first aid, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training.

STEVENS COUNTY

Chewelah

Second-degree theft charges are being filed against city mechanic Don Doering. Doering, 41, was fired recently for purchasing a compressor motor for private use with city funds. Utilities Director Dave Park found the suspicious purchase order. Police Chief Michael Clements investigated and found the motor at Doering’s home.

WHITMAN COUNTY

Pullman

Storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers will soon begin at Neill Public Library. Toddler Time, offered Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for 2- to 3-year-olds accompanied by a caregiver, is a 20-minute session including stories, rhymes and songs. Preschool Storytime is Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for 3-to 5-year-olds. The winter storytime series begins the first week of February and continues until mid-March. Preregistration is requested at the children’s desk in the library or by calling (509) 334-4555, Ext. 258.

IDAHO

BENEWAH COUNTY

St. Maries

The Eagles and the Elks will unite for a membership drive this Saturday. “Hands Across the Highway” will include an Oriental dinner served by the Eagles ladies and live music by Road Runner and Four on the Floor. Members will be available to answer questions and register new members. Both groups will waive the initial membership fees to encourage enrollment and re-enrollment. For information on the event or becoming a member, call Eagles member Dale Hill at (208) 245-2270 or Elks member Jerry Sexton at (208) 245-2027.

BONNER COUNTY

Sandpoint

According to the state treasurer’s office, Bonner County federal forest fund payments over the past fiscal year increased by more than $278,000. Bonner County received about $843,900 during fiscal year 1998. The previous year, the county allotted $565,700. The increase was noted after federal officials finalized the second installment of the U.S. Forest Service’s annual forest fund plan on Jan. 5.

BOUNDARY COUNTY

Bonners Ferry

The Bonners Ferry Idaho Works Career Center will host a three-day job search workshop beginning at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20. Topics to be covered include identifying marketable skills, presenting those skills through applications and resumes, job interviews, and the best strategy to get hired. For information or reservations, call (208) 267-5581.

KOOTENAI COUNTY

Coeur d’Alene

Representatives from Boise State University will offer information about the school on Feb. 2 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The program features faculty members and school staff, and is designed for potential students and parents. For information, call (208) 426-1820.

LATAH COUNTY

Moscow

The city compost pile off state Highway 8 may be available to the public as soon as late summer. The compost pile has outgrown its original use to cover the old landfill. The pile has been growing since 1994 when the landfill was closed by Latah Sanitation Inc. Last year more than 6,000 tons of waste was composted. The city will test the compost for pesticides and sift through the pile before it is distributed to the public.

SHOSHONE COUNTY

Wallace

The second phase of the restoration at the Wallace Public Library will begin later this month and will continue until the end of February. The first work will begin Jan. 24 with preparation and painting of the east bay. Preparation and painting of the west bay will begin the week of Feb. 8. Once work begins on the main portion of the library, the facility will be closed to patrons and staff will have limited access to the building. The library board of trustees will meet Monday to make final decisions on the closures and discuss plans for other portions of the interior work.

MONTANA

LINCOLN COUNTY

Libby

Fifteen sites in southern Lincoln County failed to meet the Dec. 22 deadline to deal with underground storage tanks. Federal law required the tanks be outfitted with protection against spill, overfill and corrosion. The aim is to eliminate explosive vapors in buildings and prevent contamination of soils, ground water, surface water and drinking and irrigation wells, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.