The County Lines

Sat., May 1, 1999

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

The overpass project for the SR 17-26 intersection is included in the state’s transportation budget. The project’s cost is estimated at $6.5 million. The intersection, known locally as “Killer Corner” because of the many fatalities each year, is controlled by an often-run traffic light.

Ferry County Republic

Hoping to cut costs, Sheriff Pete Warner is looking at using jail inmates to perform courthouse cleaning and maintenance. Warner says his department is willing to work with courthouse staff on the issue. Inmates would likely wash walls, shampoo carpets, strip floors and do yardwork. The commissioners are looking into regulations.

Grant County Moses Lake

Because ridership is increasing so fast, the Grant Transit Authority has obtained larger surplus vehicles from the Puget Sound region. Ridership in March was 15,294, up 4,000 passengers from 1998. Officials say ridership rises each month.

Lincoln County Reardan

Reardan High School’s Odyssey of the Mind team, which deals with problem solving skills, recently placed second overall at the state competition. The kids took first in the long-term presentation, and third in two other categories. Team members are Joey Addington, Aaron Falk, Michael Kane, Kim Rinker and Chris Rodkey.

Pend Oreille County Metaline Falls

Those hoping to obtain grant money for their groups are invited to a grant writing lab from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the Cutter Theatre. A step-by-step process will be followed by Bitsy Bidwell of the Washington State Arts Commission.

Spokane County Spokane

Valley Children at Keystone Elementary School will get a jump on the Lilac Festival next week with their own version of the Lilac Parade. Children are encouraged to make their own minifloats for the parade, out of shoeboxes. On Wednesday, the children will parade around the school, carrying their floats. “It was started to encourage the children to be community-minded,” said Keystone teacher Kathie Kaylor.

Stevens County Kettle Falls

The local school board has whittled the candidate list for superintendent from 16 to three. Lewis Gates of Trout Lake, Mike Blair of Deer Park and Ed Gomon of Wasilla, Alaska, recently spent time on campus. Each had a day to meet with students, faculty and citizens, and be grilled on their management styles. The board hopes to offer a contract soon. Superintendent Kurt Matter announced his resignation in January.

Whitman County Pullman

Today’s daylong California Street carnival will begin at 10 a.m. on Greek Row with activities for children 12 and under. From 1 to 5 p.m., the festival is open to collegeage students and the community in general. Music, face painting and a basketball tournament are among the activities. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be served. Those attending will get free admission to a WSU baseball game and track meet.

California Street will be closed to traffic during the festival.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Kootenai Electric and the Bonneville Power Administration have donated surplus six computers to Kootenai High School rather than sell them. This is the second year Kootenai High School has received surplus computers.

Bonner County Priest River

The Priest River City Council has decided not to vacate Maple Avenue. Although the city has never constructed the street between First and McKinley streets, the city has a sewer line running up part of the street. The matter came before the council because McKinley Street residents had requested the vacation of the right-of-way.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Idaho Department of Agriculture is offering agricultural producers, dealers and applicators in Bonners Ferry free disposal of unusable pesticides in May. Pre-registration is required by Friday for collection May 17-20. More info: Jennifer Ambrose at (208) 332-8616.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking five people to serve on its northern Idaho Resource Advisory Council. Those interested must be an Idaho resident and be knowledgeable about public land management issues. Nominations are being sought from citizens who can represent livestock grazing, mineral or energy production, commercial outdoor recreation, historical interests, Indian tribes, a state natural resource agency or the public-at-large. An opening also exists for someone who holds elected public office. Nomination forms and letters of recommendation must be submitted to BLM’s Idaho State Office in Boise by Friday. More info: any BLM office or Ted Graf at (208) 769-5004.

Shoshone County Wallace

More than 150 classic and antique automobiles will be framed by turn-of-the-century architecture at the 14th annual Wallace Depot Days and car show May 8. The festival will include a petting zoo, gunfights and a model train display at the Wallace Arts Center. More info: (208) 753-6141 or (208) 752-0111.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Libby High School vice principal George Sargent was arrested April 26 in Steamboat Springs, Colo., on four misdemeanor charges after an encounter with two other men. Sargent was charged with DUI, carrying a concealed weapon, prohibited use of a firearm and possession of marijuana. He was freed on $750 bond. Sargent was in Steamboat Springs interviewing for a vice principal position at Hayden High School.

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