The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Ritzville
An oversized stop sign or a blinking light will be placed at the intersection of SR 261 and Weber Road to help prevent accidents. Some drivers run the existing stop sign because they are looking ahead to upcoming businesses.
Ferry County
Republic
The Ferry County Hospital recently celebrated National Hospital Week and its 25th anniversary with a party and health fair. After it opened in spring 1974, its first patient was the Rev. Martin Borbeck.
Grant County
Moses Lake
The state is studying SR 17 through Grant and Adams counties. Last year, the road between Moses Lake and the Tri-Cities claimed 12 lives and logged 316 injuries. A planned interchange at the intersection of SR 26 and 17 may help alleviate deaths at that junction, known as “Killer Corner.” More traffic signals may deter accidents.
Lincoln County
Davenport
Repaving of Highway 2 has reached town, much to the chagrin of local businesses. Flaggers are keeping one lane of traffic moving, and side street parking lots are being kept open for business traffic. Local merchants remind all that they are open during the construction.
Spokane County
Cheney
The Cheney Cemetery Association is looking for help cleaning up Greenmound, New England and Fairview cemeteries Saturday and Sunday. More info: 235-4987.
Stevens County
Kettle Falls
The Kettle Falls School District has been running lock-down safety drills. Hoping to be prepared for any emergency, the district wants to practice getting kids to safe places out of the line of sight from all windows and doors. Principal Jim Hill says the district hopes to complete the drill in under three minutes once the kids get the hang of it.
Whitman County
Colfax
The Washington Education Association has honored Tom Kammerzell, head custodian at Jennings School in Colfax. He received the 1999 Education Support Employee of the Year Award at the association’s annual convention in Spokane this month. WEA leaders cited his community service, including serving on the City Council and the Colfax Planning Commission. He is also a former president of the WEA’s 11,000-member educational support personnel union.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
The Benewah Community Hospital health fair, “A Passport to Health and Wellness,” will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the hospital. Two dozen vendors and information booths will focus on a “health trip.” The first 50 visitors will receive free cholesterol checks. Children 12 and under are invited to participate in a two-mile run/walk at Cherry Bend Boater’s Park starting at 10 a.m.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
Expo on Y2K Preparedness will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sandpoint Community Hall. Cindy Santi and Tom Darrington will host the event, which will include several speakers. Vendors will provide products and information on alternative energy sources, food canning, home remedies and herbal medicines.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Community Kitchen, a service of the county Community Action Agency, is offering free lunch to seniors at noon through May.
Kootenai County
Post Falls
The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce has selected Jack Caughran and James Broncheau as Grand Marshals of the Post Falls Day Parade at 11 a.m. June 5. Caughran is valedictorian of Post Falls High School Class of 1999 and Broncheau is salutatorian. Special guests will be PFHS Teacher of the Year Russell Wright and Scholar Athletes/Students of the Year Janelle Ruen and Eli Thornley. More info: the Chamber (208) 773-5016.
Latah County
Moscow
David E. Thompson will start as the University of Idaho’s new dean of the College of Engineering July 1, if approved by the State Board of Education. He is chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico and was a professor of mechanical engineering at Louisiana State University from 1977 to 1993. He replaces Richard Jacobsen, who remains director of the UI’s Center for Applied Thermodynamic Studies.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Panhandle Health District, Head Start and Special Services Preschool will provide free developmental screening May 30 for children 4 months to 5 years. Screening will help determine if a child is doing all the tasks appropriate for his or her age. Appointments: (208) 786-7474.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
District Judge C.B. McNeil dismissed charges against former Lincoln County Commissioner Larry Dolezal on Tuesday. McNeil granted defense attorney Scott Spencer’s motion to dismiss after the state Attorney General’s Office finished presenting its case. McNeil ruled that there was not enough evidence to support the charges. Dolezal had been charged with two counts of felony theft, each with the alternative count of making false claims to government authorities, a felony.