The County Lines

Fri., July 30, 1999

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Local success story Israel Rodriguez is giving back to his hometown. Rodriguez, 35, is one of the first Hispanics born in Othello. In Othello, he said, people always believed in him. He now owns Weeping Ridge Estate Adult Family Home, models part-time, and was appointed to the Othello Community Hospital Board.

Ferry County Republic

Local musicians Dave Keeley, Michael Pickett and Rex Weilep are the talk of the town, though they hope to be the talk of the universe. The trio, aka Millennium Overdrive, has launched its latest CD. Locals can buy the disk at Carla’s Cafe and Eich’s Mercantile; the rest of the galaxy can get hold of edgy songs like Sky Me Wonder and Take Away from Amazon.com or download it from MP3 over the Web. The group’s Web site is www.moverdrive.com.

Grant County Ephrata

Grant County’s consistent unemployment numbers are wearing on economic development officials. Most recent numbers show 8.4 percent joblessness in the county, up from 7.6 percent one year ago.

Lincoln County Odessa

A Spokane developer is looking to build a senior apartment complex in Odessa, Mayor Denny McDaniel said. Ground near the local hospital has been donated by Lloyd and Mary Hornbeck. The project’s price tag is an estimated $600,000, and apartments will run from $425 to $550 monthly.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Local merchants are excited that the new business signs for Union and Washington streets are nearly finished. The signs, which give generic merchant information such as “bank” or “pharmacy,” will help direct traffic traveling the northsouth couplet to merchants not on their particular route. The signs are attractive and keep with the turnof-the-century theme.

Spokane County Airway Heights

The Airway Heights Festival will be held this weekend with a children’s parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday and a grand parade at 7 p.m. Other events include a bed race, dance and antique car show. Festivities will be at the park near City Hall on the north side of U.S. Highway 2.

Stevens County Colville

Greenbelts, open spaces and parks are the hot topic of the Aug. 10 growth management public hearing. Revisions are needed to meet state Growth Management Act requirements. The current review may be found invalid if Al Wilma of Springdale wins his lawsuit, which contends current growth designations should not be in effect during the revision period.

Whitman County Colfax Whitman County officials are studying the potential for a regional 911 system. Latah County, Asotin County, Moscow and Lewiston have all expressed an interest in looking at the feasibility of regionalization.

IDAHO

Benewah County Fernwood

Fernwood Day, the annual fundraiser for the Fernwood Fire Department, is set for Saturday. A breakfast at the C.A.F. Building will be from 6:30 to 9 a.m., with the ATV poker ride starting at 8 a.m. Pie judging begins at 10 a.m. Entertainment throughout the day will include bingo, logging events, softball tournaments and a dance.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Panhandle Health District has flagged 11 water systems for failing to do required testing for coliform bacteria and not notifying residents the work was not done.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Second Chance Animal Adoption volunteers are seeking foster families to take in puppies and 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

Camp Fire’s Camp Jus-Fer-Fun day camp will be in Coeur d’Alene Aug. 9-13. The camp provides children with opportunities to increase their self-esteem, build relationships and learn new skills such as outdoor cooking, water activities and games. The camp is open to boys and girls grades kindergarten through six. For information or to register, call (800) 386-2324.

Latah County Moscow

With the aid of a $7.5 million technology challenge grant from the Department of Education, the Lewis and Clark Trail soon will be accessible from cyberspace. For the six Idaho schools involved in the Lewis and Clark Rediscovery Project, the grant will complement technology programs funded by more than $2 million this past year from Albertson’s Corporation and state grants.

Shoshone County Wallace

The Wallace Business Community Association recently decided to install 10 pedestrian crossing signs throughout Wallace. The WBCA is also working out details for other signs that will inform people where parking is available, as well as informational signs about the community.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Kootenai Winter Sports, the group of community volunteers that manages Turner Mountain Ski Area, is seeking donations to install a used chair lift and build a new lodge. KWS purchased a 120-chair lift for $50,000 to replace the current T-bar. The group is pursuing nonprofit status to make contributions tax-deductible. Five committees have been formed to assist in planning for the installation of the chair lift and building the lodge. Installation work is expected to begin after the 1999-2000 ski season.

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