The County Lines
WASHINGTON
ADAMS COUNTY
Othello
A change in the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification - from class 3 to class 2 - will lower insurance rates for future commercial, industrial and residential properties. City officials are pleased because the new ranking will make Othello more attractive to new business and industry.
FERRY COUNTY
Republic
Thirty-three students earned Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association “distinguished scholarship” awards. The Republic High School cheer squad earned a combined GPA of 3.29, while the boys hoops squad had a 3.37 GPA. The girls basketball team earned a GPA of 3.41.
GRANT COUNTY
Ephrata
Grant County is hoping to get a third Superior Court judge. County commissioners have asked the state to help fund the position. Civil and criminal caseloads are increasing every year. Grant County judges are paid $100,994 yearly, of which half is paid from state funds.
LINCOLN COUNTY
Almira
City officials asked Sonny Vaughn about using his trailer to haul 25 junk cars at no cost to owners. Vaughn agreed, but needs a trailer hitch to complete the job. The owners of the cars will be notified soon. The city also removed 25 junk cars last year.
PEND OREILLE COUNTY
Newport
March art classes at CREATE Place include beginning watercolor and multi-media artistry.
Calligraphy and spinning are also on the agenda. To find out about upcoming art offerings, call (509) 447-0709.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Spokane
Dance and enjoy live music as Dodi and the Sunshine Boys perform every Tuesday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Southside Senior Activity Center, 2727 S. Mt. Vernon. The cost is $2.50. Call 535-0803 for more information.
STEVENS COUNTY
Colville
Stevens County Treasurer Celeste Gillispie says 1999 tax statements will be late. State law allows the statements to be mailed on Feb. 14 with collection beginning the following day. However, information on levies and tax rolls have not been certified, leaving the treasurer’s office without anything to mail. Payment of the first half of taxes is due before April 30.
WHITMAN COUNTY
Pullman
The wellness programs of Health and Wellness Services, Intramural Sports and the Community Service Learning Center are co-sponsoring the second annual Campus on the Run 3.1-mile road race March 27 at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Community Child Care Center. The run/walk is open to all WSU students, faculty, staff and their partners or spouses. The entry fee is $9 for enrolled students and $12 for others. For more information or entry forms, call 335-9355.
IDAHO
BENEWAH COUNTY
St. Maries
St. Maries Ambulance will offer a basic EMT course starting March 24. A meeting will be Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Maries Ambulance building to discuss course requirements, scheduling and class cost. For information, call Deanna Wine at (208) 245-2972 or Brian Balsiger at (208) 245-3044.
BONNER COUNTY
Sandpoint
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce executive director Bill O’Connor will be guest speaker at the general membership luncheon Thursday at the Elks Lodge. He’ll share his impressions of the community and his plan to strengthen the business climate.
BOUNDARY COUNTY
Bonners Ferry
Boundary County property taxpayers who qualify for the circuit breaker exemption have until April 15 to apply. Applicants must own the home and have used it as their primary residence in 1998. Applications and eligibility requirements are available at the Boundary County Assessor’s Office during business hours. For information, call (208) 267-3301.
KOOTENAI COUNTY
Hayden
Volunteers are needed for fair, fund-raising and parade committees for Hayden Days, July 30-31. The event, is organized by the Hayden Business Association. Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sandtrap, W. 75 Dakota Avenue. For information, call (208) 772-7991.
LATAH COUNTY
Moscow
A panel met in Moscow on Feb. 18 to discuss a bill that would end logging in the nation’s forests. The bill would end all current timber sales and prohibit new sales as well as put an end to salvage timber sales. Lands Council forest watch coordinator Mike Petersen said the timber program budget would be redirected into forest restoration projects, which would employ many of those displaced by the initiative.
SHOSHONE COUNTY
Kellogg
Kellogg Chamber of Commerce members are asking Silver Valley residents to write letters to EPA and state and federal officials about the Superfund cleanup. The campaign is in response to a report by the Silver Valley People’s Action Coalition that labeled the Bunker Hill cleanup ineffective.
MONTANA
LINCOLN COUNTY
Troy
A Troy man escaped injury March 3 when his truck was struck by a train near U.S. Highway 2. The pickup, driven by Jamie Mustard, apparently went off the highway and became high centered on the train tracks about 4 a.m. Mustard was able to get out of the vehicle when the train approached.