The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

At the request of a citizens group, the City Council has approved a bicultural festival, “Fiesta la Amistad,” on Aug. 7. More than half of Othello’s population is Hispanic.

Ferry County Republic

A trio of young swimmers is going to great lengths to swim competitively. Matt and Mikey Slagle and Ned Fischer are part of the Colville Valley Sharks swim club. The youngsters have done well so far this season, marking not only personal bests, but winning medals. Their parents haul them over an hour each way to practice daily.

Grant County Moses Lake

Rural Fire District 5 is refusing to answer mutual aid responses to commercial or agricultural fires within the Moses Lake city limits. “If the city wants to annex the corridor, it can take care of it,” Fire Chief Roger Hansen says.

Lincoln County Wilbur

Jim Pope of Airway Heights has been hired by the city as the new public works director. He has been managing city streets, parks, water and sewer since June 21. Pope will also head up the maintenance crew.

Pend Oreille County Metaline

After a year of hard work, John Beacham has earned his Eagle Scout. Beacham, 14, has earned merit badges in everything from archery to sailing to woodworking. He has been in Scouting since 1992.

Spokane County Deer Park

City officials have applied for a $100,000 grant to light two softball fields at the town’s sports complex. They said lights will eliminate scheduling problems involving Little League, T-ball, youth softball, high school softball and adult softball leagues. If approved, Deer Park would provide matching funds for the project, according to Mayor Mike Wolfe.

Stevens County Colville

It’s time to register for Colville’s three-on-three basketball tournament, Hoop d’Gras, scheduled Aug. 7-8. Players as young as 8 can participate. Teams should register by July 27 to assure themselves of a spot. Late registration is possible if space remains. Registration forms are available at several businesses around town. For more information or to obtain a form through the mail, call Barb Weeman Real Estate, 509-684-8275.

Whitman County Pullman

Two department heads have been appointed in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at Washington State University. Carol Salusso is succeeding Joye Dillman as chairwoman of the Apparel, Merchandizing and Interior Design Department. Dennis Gross has become chairman of the Plant Pathology Department, succeeding Jack Rogers, who served in the post for 13 years.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The Department of Transportation has built new approach ramps at the weigh station on state Highway 3 one mile south of St. Maries. The weigh station was closed due to deterioration of the old approach ramps. State highway maintenance crews paved approaches to the scales.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The Boyer Avenue and Baldy Mountain Road intersection will be closed to through traffic until September for a reconstruction project. Beginning Monday, traffic will be detoured to U.S. Highway 95 by way of Cedar Street and the Schweitzer cut-off road. The project will add left turn lanes on Boyer and Baldy.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing July 15 to accept public comment on a Special Use Permit application. Clifford and Mary Kramer are seeking to amend the site plan of Feist Creek Resort to allow for demolition of an existing lodging facility and construction and operation of a new 16-unit guest lodge. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the main courtroom of the Boundary County Courthouse. The application is on file at the Planning and Zoning Department at the courthouse. For information, call (208) 267-7212.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

A free developmental screening clinic will be offered July 20 at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library for newborn to three-year-old children. The screening will determine if children have developmental or physical disabilities by testing speech, hearing, vision, learning and motor skills, plus social and emotional progress. The screenings will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For an appointment or information, call Romona Morris at 666-0579.

Latah County Moscow

Paradise Farm Organics in Moscow has been awarded the 1999 Founders of the New Northwest award. The award was established in 1995 to identify, recognize, document and publicize sustainable efforts in the Northwest. Paradise Farms is a farm and food manufacturing company that runs a mail-order produce business, manufactures Eco-Cuisine backpacking foods and runs Paydirt, an organic farming and marketing apprentice school.

Shoshone County Mullan

The Mullan Public Library has been awarded a grant for children’s books from the Libri Foundation. The foundation works with Friends of the Library and other groups because of community involvement and to encourage and reward local support of libraries. The foundation will match $350 on a two-to-one ratio, giving the library $1,050 worth of new children’s books.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Libby Logger Days will be this weekend at J. Neils Memorial County Park. Logger Day buttons are required for entrance to the grounds. Buttons are $6. Rob Quist will perform tonight at 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks display. Saturday and Sunday’s events will include logging events, carnival and merchant displays with a parade Saturday at 10 a.m.