The County Lines
Washington
Adams County
Othello
Locals with a yen to effect change in their city are asked to run for public office this fall. The city council has four positions up for grabs, with school board seats open in two districts. Those interested in health care can run for one of three Othello Hospital District seats. The local port district and Fire District 5 both have positions up for grabs.
Ferry County
Republic
It’s never too early to look forward to the Northeast Washington Fiddle Contest. This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 14, and will feature a local blast from the past. The Fletcher Girls - Connie, Brenda, Jeannie, Kelli and Holly - will be performing their sweet harmonies at the contest. Former Republic residents, the sisters began performing here 25 years ago, and play a variety of instruments whenever they get together.
Grant County
Royal City
After nine years on the local force, Police Chief Darin Smith says his first month as the top cop has been rewarding. Smith likes being a small town officer and knows what it means for the community to have someone it can rely on in an emergency. Smith worked as a reserve deputy for Grant County before being hired by Royal City. Neighbors helping neighbors, he says, has made his job easier and more rewarding.
Lincoln County
Creston
Persistence has paid off for nurse Patti Anderson. Anderson studied for her RN certificate at Big Bend Community College for two years.
She lived in an 8-foot camper during the week and commuted home to Creston on weekends. In addition, she worked at Davenport’s Lincoln Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Anderson learned last week that she passed her state boards and is now a nurse.
Pend Oreille County
Ione
Looking for something to do today? Look no farther than Ione. The annual Down River Days celebration is on and food, fun and friends are on the agenda. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a parade, followed by hydro racing, entertainment, craft vendors and games. To wind down, “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” will be performed at the Cutter Theatre at Metaline Falls.
Stevens County
Colville
Seventy years of marriage and still counting. Retired ranchers Wes and Iva Wilson were married July 26, 1929, in Rio Linda, Calif. The couple moved to Stevens County in 1969 and have three children, 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. The two were childhood sweethearts.
Spokane County
Spokane Valley
The Town and Country Iris Society will hold its annual rhizome sale at 9 a.m. today in the center court of the Spokane Valley Mall. About 1,500 bulb varieties will be for sale. Each one costs $1.
Whitman County
Pullman
The Pullman Summer Palace production of “The Wizard of Oz” continues today and July 29-31, with all shows at 8 p.m. at the Jones Theatre within WSU’s Daggy Hall. The classic fairy tale features 35 members of the community, kids and adults alike. The director, George Caldwell, and cast and crew have been preparing since early June for the challenging production, which includes a number of special effects. Reservations can be made by calling the university theater box office at (509) 335-7236 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students and youths.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
A Spokane County bomb squad recently detonated three pipe bombs in a remote cabin near St. Maries. An Idaho Forest Industries forester preparing a timber sale notified authorities after inspecting the cabin while a road was being built. Authorities also confiscated components used to build the bombs. The cabin appeared to have been abandoned for several years.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
The 27th annual Arts and Crafts Fair, sponsored by the Pend Oreille Arts Council, will be Aug. 7-8 at Sandpoint City Beach. The event will feature work of artists and crafters from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, California, Texas and North Carolina. Arts and crafts include ceramics, glass work, wood products, furniture, paintings, jewelry, photography and metalwork. The fair will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Second Chance Animal Adoption volunteers are seeking foster families to temporarily take in puppies and adult dogs with special needs until permanent homes can be found. Dog food and vet care are provided. For information, call Alice Miller at (208) 267-2023.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
The Coeur d’Alene School of Piping and Drumming will present a series of recitals at Fort Sherman Officers’ Quarters at North Idaho College. The recitals will be Monday and Tuesday and again on Aug. 2 and 3 from 7-8 p.m. The group will perform with the U.S. Army Band pipers and drummers on Aug. 4 at Coeur d’Alene City Park.
Latah County
Moscow
Moscow residents now can watch the progress of their new city swimming pool on the Internet. Pictures of the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center will be updated weekly as construction continues. The pool camera link is listed under “news and announcements” segment of the city’s Web page at www.moscow.id.us.
Shoshone County
Wallace
The Shoshone County chapter of the North Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus will sponsor a no-host luncheon at noon Tuesday at the 1313 Club in Wallace. Women interested in learning more about current political issues and the political process are invited to join the group. For information, call (208) 752-3851.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital has donated a mammographic X-ray machine to Dakotana Fund Inc., an organization that helps underprivileged countries find medical equipment. The machine will go to Combase Hospital in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The mammogram machine was donated through fund-raising efforts of the hospital Auxiliary and Foundation.