The County Lines

Sat., Oct. 2, 1999

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Othello

Although ticket sales were down nearly 1,600 from 1998, revenues were up at the recent county fair, for which higher ticket prices are credited. The livestock sale brought in nearly $14,000 more than last year, even though there were 50 fewer animals for sale.

Ferry County

Republic

The county Flood Committee says its booth at the recent county fair was a success. The committee is putting the final touches on its flood mitigation plan, which should be ready for first draft inspection early this month. Public comment on the flood plan will be taken Oct. 13 at the San Poil Grange, with a final draft plan to the commissioners by Nov. 1.

Grant County

Royal City

The city is seeking a grant to buy its own Breathalyzer machine since the closest one is 30 minutes away in Ephrata. Police Chief Darin Smith says the increase in local DUI arrests shows a Breathalyzer machine is needed here. The machine would be shared with the county Sheriff’s Department and the State Patrol.

Lincoln County

Creston

Residents are asked to bring Campbell’s Soup labels and General Mills cereal box tops to the school or City Hall. The Creston Support Our Schools group is trading the labels for cash through those firms’ education programs. Playground equipment, computer software and other school items can be purchased with the proofs of purchase.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

More than 20 emergency agencies worked together on a recent disaster drill. The 125 people involved will have their actions evaluated for efficiency. The scenario included a trainload of hazardous material ramming a school bus full of children.

Spokane County

Spokane

Girl Scouts are forming new troops in Davenport and Riverside. For more information call Geri Proctor at 800-827-9478, ext. 221.

Stevens County

Colville

Rangers are finding signs of a tussock moth outbreak. Field-monitoring traps in national forests indicate the moth, which feeds on Douglas fir needles, may enjoy a record year. The moth not only can kill a tree, but also cause welts and rashes on humans who touch it.

Whitman County

Pullman

A public information forum on living wills, co-sponsored by the Pullman Council on Aging, will be Monday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the senior center in Pullman City Hall. Panelists will present procedures and problems from the point of view of an attorney, an emergency medical technician, Pullman Memorial Hospital and Whitman Home Health and Hospice. Forms and a notary public will be available. For more information, contact Margaret Sherve at WSU’s Community Service Learning Center.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

Residents should keep an eye open for two men who escaped from Orofino correctional facility Sept. 25. Michael B. Wentzel, 33, and Kenneth Reynold, 34, have relatives in the St. Maries and DeSmet area. They were convicted on burglary and grand theft charges and were working in a motor pool as mechanics according to Deputy Warden Dean Allen. They escaped in a gray 1983 Datsun pickup with a Nissan tailgate. The truck may be painted partially brown now. Call the sheriff’s office or 911 if you have information relating to their location.

Bonner County

Priest River

The Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center winter hours are in effect through Memorial Day 2000. Hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays, although tours are available upon request by calling the chamber at 448-2721 or Jeannie at 263-0871. The special trains exhibit will continue and be joined by dolls and old fashion Christmas items Nov. 1. Bring items for consideration for the latter display to the museum the last week in October.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers nearly 3,000 acres of home to a variety of wildlife species, including bear, deer and coyotes, as well as large colonies of migratory birds such as Tundra swans. The refuge is an excellent area for birdwatching and photographic opportunities. It’s located five miles west of Bonners Ferry along the Kootenai River. For information, call (208) 267-3888.

Kootenai County

The sixth annual Rosary March will begin at 10:30 a.m. today at the Coeur d’Alene City Park. Anyone wishing to join may do so. Marchers will continue up the sidewalk to 7th Street, where they’ll cross the street and march back to the park.

Latah County

Moscow

The University of Idaho’s participation in the national FutureTruck 2000 competition got a jump start this week with a $200,000 gift from Ed and Mary Schweitzer of Pullman. A team of UI students has been selected as one of 15 college teams nationwide to compete in the event. In November, the students will receive a new 2000 Chevrolet Suburban. The teams will modify the existing powertrain to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. The UI team plans to use lead acid batteries and a 150-kilowatt electric motor to power the SUV. The Schweitzer gift is part of The Campaign for Idaho, a multiyear UI fund-raising campaign.

Shoshone County

Kellogg

Silver Valley literacy programs may apply for book grants from the First Book, a national nonprofit organization that distributes new books. The Shoshone County local advisory board for First Book will accept applications beginning Monday. First Book and the board’s mission is to help disadvantaged children get their first new book. Applicants must be tutoring, mentoring or in a family literacy program. Applications may be picked up at the Shoshone County Library, 16 W. Market Ave., Kellogg.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

The Lincoln County Community Foundation raised $6,000 more than required as part of a $5,000 challenge grant. The foundation needed to raise $15,000 by Sept. 30 under the terms of the 3-to-1 challenge grant from the Montana Community Foundation. The foundation raised $21,318 during the past 12 months. It is the second challenge grant the community foundation has secured to build its communities account. Earnings generated from the LCCF endowment fund this year will be returned to the communities in grants for charitable purposes next spring.

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