The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Researchers are disappointed with results of therecent garlic field day but they’re not giving up hope. Farmers in theColumbia Basin are searching for highly marketable alternative crops that grow well in the arid region. Although the trial crops have not met expectations, scientists will keep trying.

Ferry County Republic

The Colville National Forest will remain its own entity after escaping consolidation. The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests have been merged with headquarters in Wenatchee. Up to $1.8 million will be saved in the restructuring. Grant County Quincy Public comment is sought as the state Fish and Wildlife Department plans to treat two lakes with rotenone. The chemical will kill bugs and fish in the lake for rehabilitation. Fish and Wildlife hopes to kill spiny ray species in Quincy and Burke lakes and restock the waters with trout. For information or to comment, call (509) 754-4624.

Lincoln County Odessa

Costs are mounting as the city of Odessa looks to revamp the truck route through town. State Highway 21, which sports sharp turns through downtown, has been a longtime nuisance. Locals hoping to find a more direct route have found only controversy. The city council has approved additional money for yet another study of a new route.

Pend Oreille County Davis Lake

Noxious Eurasian milfoil water weeds are being treated this week at both Davis and Sacheen lakes. The spraying of the aquatic chemical Navigate will take place through Friday. Fishing and swimming in treated areas will be suspended for about 10 days. Milfoil not only chokes waterways and beaches, but swimmers can get entangled in the weeds and drown.

Spokane County Spokane

The mayor has proclaimed July recreation and park month in Spokane. In addition, the Spokane Park Board named employee Dave Randolph the city parks employee of the year for 1998-99. He works for the maintenance division.

Stevens County Colville

Marbles may not be a popular child’s game anymore, but Colville marble maker Keith Berger still sees value in aggies and swirls. Berger says he owns more than 3,000 marbles, many made with his own hands. Owner of Round Rocks Etc., Berger has mastered the lapidary techniques for making marbles. He sells his creations nationwide.

Whitman County Colfax

The Whitman County Growers grain co-op has purchased the S&R Grain Company terminal at the Port of Almota. Almota is located on the Snake River. The acquisition will complete the company’s access to export markets as the WCG has been lacking a truck-barge facility. The co-op plans to have the facility ready for July and August harvest.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Two backpack chemical sprayers at the St. Maries and Avery ranger stations are available for public use. The sprayers were purchased by the North Idaho Weed Committee. They may be checked out from the ranger stations free of charge, but chemicals must be purchased separately.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Sandpoint Soccer Coaching Director Tom Atencio is offering summer youth camps. All camps will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Kootenai High School in Kootenai. The camp for ages 5-10 will be July 26-29; ages 10-14, Aug. 2-5; and eighth grade through high school will be Aug. 9-12. Camp cost is $39. For information or to register, call (208) 263-9116.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Help is available through the Boundary County Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence hotline. Volunteers are trained to help end the cycle of abuse. All information is kept confidential. For help, call (208) 267-5211.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Coeur d’Alene River Basin Commission will meet Friday to discuss the commission’s role in the basin clean-up. The meeting will be 9 a.m. to noon at the Idaho Department of Transportation EOC room, 600 W. Prairie.

Latah County Moscow

The parts and service department of Ambassador Auto in Moscow recently received a first-place award for customer satisfaction and sales. The award was based on a survey by Subaru. Ambassador Auto, owned by Phil and JoAnne Mack, was chosen from more than 60 dealerships in the West.

Shoshone County Wallace

The Wallace High School/Academy All-Class Reunion is scheduled for August 2000. Addresses are needed for several individuals. Information on past graduates can be directed to Betty Williams, (208) 752-3871; Susan Garnsey, (208) 753-9011; Leslee Stanley, (208) 753-2651; or Mary Hayman, (208) 752-4661.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Seven people have filed for seats on theLibby City Council. Judy Proter, George Bauer and Joe Johnston are seeking re-election for four-year terms. Jane Thom is running for the two-year remaining portion of former council member Judy Kirschenmann’s term. Dan Taasevigen, D.C. Orr and Jacqueline Wilson also have filed. The election will be Nov. 2.