The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Lind

Santa Claus is coming to Lind. The jolly old elf will be in town for free pictures with children at the annual holiday celebration. The fun gets started Dec. 5 with Santa’s arrival, followed by the Chamber of Commerce chili feed. The Christmas lights festival in Centennial Park will follow.

Ferry County Republic

The county commissioners admit the intersection of Deer Creek, Long Alec Creek and Boulder Creek roads is a dangerous one. Resident Paul Grimsley recently went to the board with a complaint about the intersection, saying yield signs are not enough to improve safety. Commissioners say they are looking into acceleration/deceleration lanes, but money is traditionally tight.

Grant County Quincy

Two weeks ago, gunfire was heard in the streets of Quincy. Members of a local teen gang were involved, officials say. A 17-year-old boy allegedly pulled out a .22 pistol and shot at David Stephens, 19, who was yelling at gang members from across the street. Police chief William Gonzales says the incident is not isolated, but an ongoing problem with local youth.

Lincoln County Wilbur

The town of Wilbur’s Christmas light display has been vandalized. Volunteer work crews set up the light show in the scenic city park last week, only to find them torn down shortly after. Lights strung on the wooden foot bridge were torn loose and the supporting rods bent and broken. Local police are investigating and citizens are being asked to keep an eye on the park and its decorations.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The new Veterans Memorial at the Newport Cemetery has been dedicated. The memorial stone, flanked by a trio of raised flower beds, has added a place for reflection at the cemetery. Several veterans organizations helped raise the money for the memorial. Also instrumental were community donations and volunteer work.

Spokane County Spokane

The Eastern Washington branch of the Arthritis Foundation will not hold its Jingle Bell Run this year. However, donations can still be mailed to: Arthritis Foundation, Eastern Washington Branch, P.O. Box 9674, Spokane WA 99209-9674.

Stevens County Colville

Volunteers are needed for the Adult Literacy Program. Rural Resources will provide free training to interested adults looking to help others with their reading, math and computer skills. To help, call (509) 684-8421, extension 226.

IDAHO

Benewah County

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program will make $175,000 available to county residents along the St. Joe River for erosion control. Applications for next year’s funds are due by Feb. 18. A conservation plan is needed to apply. To receive help to make a plan, call Mark Addy at the Benewah County Soil Conservation District; (208) 686-1260.

Bonner County Clark Fork

Sheldon Derby of Clark Fork took the lead in the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s 1999 Thanksgiving Challenge Derby as of late Wednesday. Derby’s 23-pound, 12-ounce rainbow trout is 39-1/2 inches long. Bruce Ahner of Sandpoint was in second place with a 20-pound, 11-ounce rainbow that is 38-1/2 inches. In the Mackinaw category, Dave Ivey was leading with a 12-pound, one-ounce, 32-inch fish. In second was Charlie Koch with a 11-pound, 11-ounce, 30-1/4-inch fish. Cash prizes will total $3,600.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Bonners Ferry post office will be open three Saturdays for the Christmas season. The new window hours will be 10 a.m to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18.

Kootenai County Rose Lake

The second drug bust on Canyon Road in six months was conducted Tuesday afternoon. Terrance (Terry) G. Clark, 40, was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance by Idaho State Police and the Kootenai County Joint Agency Drug Task Force. Methamphetamine, two handguns and $580 in cash were seized.

Latah County Moscow

The University of Idaho Business Technology Incubator has attracted two new tenants to its facility in Moscow. The companies - Idaho Immunodiagnostics Inc., and Cylant Technology LLC - are owned by UI faculty members. Idaho Immunodiagnostics Inc., is owned by Greg and Carolyn Bohach and Phil Berger, faculty members in the College of Agriculture. Cylant Technology is a software engineering company formed by UI computer science professor John Munson and his wife.

Shoshone County Enaville

Hunting and fishing season nears the end for North Fork units. Bulk elk muzzle-loading season ends today in units 4 and 7. Fishing season ends Tuesday and late deer season ends in some units Wednesday. For more details call the Fish and Game Department at 769-1414.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The fire at Montana Machine and Fabrication last Sunday is believed to have been caused by an electric heater, according to Steve Lauer, Libby Volunteer Fire Department assistant fire marshal. The fire was reported at 6:40 p.m. and the office and retail area was badly damaged. The rest of the building was damaged by smoke and heat. LeRoy Thom is the owner.