The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

Residents are being warned about false fund-raisers seeking money for local law enforcement. Sheriff Mike Kline says private companies hired to raise funds use legitimate-sounding names, such as DARE, to get donations. Unfortunately, little or none of the money is for local use. Kline says before making a donation to any charity representing police or firefighters, call the local office to confirm the money is for local use.

Ferry County Republic

Attorney Cleve O. Ives has been hired by Ferry County as its new juvenile probation officer. Ives starts this week. He will be paid $27,000 annually after he completes his six-month probationary period. Ives had previously contracted with the county to provide legal services when the prosecutor’s office had a conflict of interest in Superior Court matters.

Grant County Quincy

The Sheriff’s Department recently went to Quincy looking for public input into serving communities. Residents told deputies that gangs and mailbox vandalism were getting out of hand. In addition, speed limits on the White Trail and Highway 28 routes into town were felt to be too high. The department vowed to be tough on speeders in those areas and continue regular patrols.

Lincoln County Harrington

Fast cars and smooth highways have taken their toll on Harrington’s business district. The Harrington Mercantile is closing its doors. Gordon and Billie Herron, owners of this general store for two years, say there’s just not enough local traffic to warrant keeping the store open. The storefront, along with the Mikatec antique store space next door, is up for sale or rent.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Despite a recommendation by the Park Board to put a new stage in the southeast corner of the city park, the Newport City Council has changed its mind. Citizens from the Music-in-the-Park Committee convinced the council at its most recent meeting to choose the northeast corner of the park because it would not have to compete with the playground or covered picnic area.

Spokane County Chattaroy

Former Riverside cross-country and track athlete Nicole Lamarche recently competed in her first Boston Marathon, finishing in 3 hours, 29 minutes. Lamarche, who currently attends the University of Arizona, qualified for the Boston race with her performance in the Tucson Marathon.

Stevens County Colville

The Colville Sharks swim club is marking its 25th anniversary this summer. The Sharks, 90 members strong last season, recently held registration for this summer. The swim season begins June 12 with a meet in Nelson, British Columbia.

IDAHO

Benewah County Plummer

An information center is being established in the Clark Fisk Memorial Park adjacent to Plummer City Hall. The log building that will house the center was hauled from Coeur d’Alene April 20. Funds from a GEM Community Grant from the Idaho Department of Commerce were used to buy the building. Community members will donate labor or materials to match the $10,000 grant.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Burn permits are no longer available at the U.S. Forest Service office in Sandpoint. Permits are available at the Idaho Department of Lands office at 2550 Highway 2 in Sandpoint. Residents who have held an active permit in the last four years can apply by phone. Permits must be signed and on site at all times during burning. For more information, call (208) 263-5612.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Boundary County Education Association will sponsor a school board candidates forum at 6 p.m. Friday at the Chic n’Chop Restaurant. The candidates, three for each zone, will answer questions submitted by the association and will also take informal questions at the event. The election is May 18. Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene The Coeur d’Alene School Board plans a special meeting today at noon to discuss property and playgrounds. The board will meet at noon in the district office to vote on a property exchange and talk about possible additions and improvements to the Sorensen Elementary playground.

Latah County Moscow

Farm House Fraternity will sponsor a Mother’s Day Breakfast Sunday to raise money for the Northwest Children’s Home. The breakfast will be 9 a.m. to noon at the Moscow Community Center. Cost is $5 per plate, and children under age 10 eat free.

Shoshone County Wallace

The Shoshone County Democratic Women’s Caucus will hold a no-host luncheon at noon Tuesday in the Garden Restaurant conference room of the Brooks Hotel in Wallace. The SCDWC was formed in April as a branch of the state Democratic Women’s Caucus, and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month. All Democratic women are invited to join. for information, call (208) 752-3851.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Local businesses will offer inhouse promotions May 10-15 during Wings Week to Benefit Wings Regional Cancer Support. May 13, “Wings Walkers” will go door-to-door for Dollar Day asking for donations of at least $1. The doctors at Libby Clinic will donate a dollar for every patient they see on Dollar Day. The finale for Wings Week will be a dance from 8:30 to 11 p.m. May 15 at the Eagles Club. Dance tickets are $10 per person.