The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

A Nov. 22 house fire has left the community reeling. Three residents died when their duplex caught fire, including Elvia Silva Rodriguez, 18 months; Victoria Rodriguez Benino, 24; and Alberto Silva Peneda, age unknown. The fire is believed to have started in a couch, with smoke inhalation being the cause of death.

Ferry County Republic

Those wishing to help less fortunate neighbors are asked to visit the Sharing Tree. Covered with tags seeking a present for needy local folks, the tree is gracing the lobby of the Bank of America. There are tags for boys, girls and senior citizens. More than 150 people receive a Christmas present from the Sharing Tree each year. To sign up a needy child or senior, call (509) 775-3315.

Grant County Ephrata

The county coroner recently asked commissioners for extra money to get her office through the year. Penny Sibley says a large increase in cases requiring autopsies has drained her budget. She asked commissioners for another $8,000 to get through 1999.

Lincoln County Wilbur

A recounting by hand of ballots from the Nov. 2 City Council election put incumbent Jerry Metcalf a single vote ahead of challenger Jim Clark. Metcalf, with 20 years of service to the city, garnered 201 votes to Clark’s 200. County Auditor Shelly Johnston says the blower that ballots run through missed a loose chad during the first tally, which had shown a tie at 200-200.

Pend Oreille County Newport

A power struggle over control of 911 services continues. County commissioners have decided to leave the department under County Emergency Management Coordinator JoAnn Boggs despite claims from Sheriff Jerry Weeks that his office should control 911.

Spokane County Deer Park

Suzanne Hailey was the winner of the latest Deer Park Winter Festival logo contest. The 15-year-old Gonzaga Prep student’s artwork will be seen on T-shirts, sweat shirts and other Winter Festival items this winter.

Stevens County Chewelah

Gardner Logging and Trucking Inc., of Chewelah has won the 1999 Western Outstanding Logger award. the award was given by the Western technical Division of the American Pulpwood Association. Bob and Joy Gardner started their logging company in 1968. It has since grown to employ 21 people and become an important part of the Chewelah community.

Whitman County Pullman

The school district has announced its plan for school closures and delays in the event of adverse weather. All announcements will be communicated by 6:30 a.m. on local AM and FM radio stations. Residents may also call the information line, at (509) 332-3581, mailbox No. 7. When school is closed, all activities and events will be canceled, home or away.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Four students have been kicked out of school for drug-related offenses this year and others face the possibility. Nine students, 13-19 years old, were cited Nov. 16 during a drug investigation at St. Maries Middle School and the alternative school. Each student tested positive for marijuana use. Last year the county prosecutor’s office reviewed 64 drug cases. Already 33 cases have been investigated during the fourth quarter alone for 1999.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The county is having a hard time finding a physician to supervise the jail’s medical program. Currently Sandpoint Family Medical is doing the job but its contract has expired. Bonner General Hospital accepts the jail’s emergencies. The county has found an assistant and four nurses ready to work as soon as a doctor accepts supervision of the program.

Boundary County Ponderay

Free dental care, including an exam, X-rays, cleaning and a fluoride treatment, will be given to any child, 12 and younger, entering Dr. Bill Osmunson’s office, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 11. Osmunson owns Family Dental Care, U.S. Highway 200, near Sandpoint. He hopes to help low income families to find out about the condition of their children’s teeth.

Kootenai County Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake’s Santa Shop stock is sparse. Operated by Spirit Lake Visions, a community betterment group, the Santa Shop allows disadvantaged youth to “buy” gifts for parents or guardians by bringing a can of food to donate to the food bank. Christmas 1998 depleted the stock of donated items. Donations of potential gifts or even “regifting” unused Christmas gifts - such as the perfume you received and can’t stand, your tenth decorative coffee cup, jewelery, potholders - or any items that a child might choose to give to a parent are much needed.

Anyone wishing to donate items can call Verla at (208) 623-2275 to arrange for delivery or pickup before Dec. 21.

Shoshone County Pinehurst

Five adults were taken into custody and two children were placed into protective custody last week after a drug bust on Lewiston Street. An alleged methamphetamine lab and chemicals were found in an apartment and a vehicle parked near it. Pinehurst residents, Terry Langdon, 33 and Connie Hawkins, 25, were charged with felony injury to children, Sarah Griner, 21 was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Two other adults were released with the possibility of being charged later pending further investigation.