The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
The local hospital is considering offering a methadone treatment program for heroin addicts. Othello Community Hospital officials have spoken with Molly Smith, a counselor at Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health about the program their facility promotes.
Ferry County
Republic
Ferry County business had a rough and rocky time in 1998. The Washington State Department of Revenue’s annual report shows a 12.2 percent decline in retail sales in the county last year. Gross taxable retail sales in the county totaled $32 million, down $3 million from 1997. Road closures due to last May’s floods were just one of the contributing factors.
Grant County
Moses Lake
Large companies located near Grant Airport have joined forces to attract new industrial neighbors there. ASPI Group and Sierra Construction have made a pact to market and develop a 435-acre industrial park in Moses Lake near the airport. The local economic development council is thrilled to have another tool in place to speed economic growth.
Lincoln County
Sprague
Craig and Joy Wilken are retiring from their volunteer public works positions. For 11 years, the Wilken clan has attended to Sprague Centennial Plaza as a nice gesture to their community. Now, due to grown children, health and finances, the Wilkens are leaving the mowing, watering, cleanup, fund-raisers and headaches to their neighbors. Joy says they’ve been unable to find other volunteers, but are officially giving others the “opportunity to help.”
Pend Oreille County
Priest Lake
It’s no fish tale - a record 41-1/2 inch Mackinaw lake trout was landed here on July 12. The prize fish, weighing in at 27.44 pounds, was reeled in by Tiffany White, 13, of Mossyrock, Wash. Tiffany was fishing with guide Gary Brookshire when she hooked the beast, and took 30 minutes to get it in the boat. She is the record holder in her age group.
Spokane County
Deer Park
A new bakery opened recently in Deer Park. The Dutch Oven Bakery, at First and Park streets, offers pastries, breads, rolls, pies, cakes, honey and jams. It also sells items at the Deer Park Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at the fairgrounds.
Stevens County
Colville
Local boaters, fishermen and water enthusiasts are still being cautioned about high stream flows. Area rivers and creeks are still swollen and running rapidly after a record snowpack.
Whitman County
Colfax
September is primary election time, and next week is the time to sign to run for public office. There are 163 offices up for grabs, including 10 mayoral posts. All cities have at least three council positions on the fall ballot, as well as several school board openings. To file for public office, stop by the county courthouse in Colfax.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Fernwood
The Fernwood Day committee will have its final planning meeting todayat 3 p.m. in the C.A.F. Building. Events this year include a Jack and Jill softball tournament, horse shoe tournament, old time fiddlers, gurney races and a logging competition. The event is set for July 31. For information, contact Sheryl Sullivan at (208) 245-2604.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
Truck traffic and hauling is restricted on Samuels Road while crews apply chip seal. The work by the Bonner County Public Works Department is expected to last until Aug. 3.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Boundary County Community Action Agency is seeking a cook and a group interested in continuing the Community Kitchen. The kitchen serves meals to seniors every Thursday. For information, call Christine at (208) 267-3663.
Kootenai County
Post Falls
Absentee ballots are available for two Post Falls Highway District commissioner positions. An application form must be completed before an absentee ballot can be mailed. Lynn Humphreys is seeking re-election in subdistrict 3 against Jim White. Subdistrict 1 commissioner Terry Werner is running against Jim Nirk. For information call (208) 765-3717.
Latah County
Moscow
A committee presented Moscow School Board trustees with proposed changes to the substance-abuse policy July 15. Under the proposed changes to the 1994 policy, students could be suspended from sports teams and other activities if they knowingly stayed anywhere where alcohol or drugs were consumed by a minor. The school board will consider the new policy at a July 27 meeting.
Shoshone County
Osburn
Former Star Mine workers and their families are invited to attend a reunion July 24. Hecla Mining Co. ceased operations at the Star Mine in 1982. The gathering will begin at noon at Gene Day Park in Osburn. For information, call (208) 753-4581 or (208) 753-0141.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Joe Chopyak has submitted his resignation as director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Council, effective Aug. 20. He has been director of the EDC for 2-1/2 years.