The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Ritzville
The recent Mennonite Country Auction and Relief Sale was a smashing success again this year. More than $100,000 was raised for world relief and missions. A symbolic loaf of bread sold nine times and raised $1,200 for the poor in Botswana. Mennonite quilts were purchased for between $2,900 and $950 each. Five poppyseed rolls made by a Kansas woman raised $1,700.
Ferry County
Republic
The north country is popular not only with in-state folks, but travelers worldwide. The local Visitor Information Center is closed for winter, but statistics show Republic is a popular destination in spring and summer. Over 75 Canadian cities were represented in the town guest book. Travelers from England, France, New Zealand, Belgium, Greece, Holland and Scotland, among others, signed in, as well as visitors from 38 American states.
Grant County
George
Has the Gorge Amphitheater been an economic boon to Grant County or a bust? Owners of the concert site say they paid $723,350 in direct taxes to the county. They also claim to have added $2.3 million in payroll to the economy. County commissioners counter that it costs them $251,209 annually to provide county services to the amphitheater, and say headaches from litter, traffic and trespassing on private property cannot be overlooked.
Lincoln County
Creston
The City Council has found good uses for criminal justice money. Money earmarked to keep at-risk children involved in positive activities was used to purchase a portable scoreboard for use by peewee baseball teams, among other things. A stainless steel fountain will be placed in the city park, and a new backstop for the town baseball field is in the works.
Pend Oreille County
Metaline
Recycling has taken on new meaning for students at Selkirk High School. The school has discovered it can get free computer software by collecting computer trash. Used laser and inkjet printer cartridges can be traded in for computer technology. The school asks all local and county residents to bring empty cartridges to the school. Any company wishing to “adopt” the school is welcome to call (509) 446-3503 for more information.
Spokane County
Spokane
Lewis and Clark High School students will be trick-or-treating tonight for canned food to donate to the Spokane Food Bank. The students are collecting the food as one of their many community service projects, and hope to make the first-ever “Trick of Treat” food collection an ongoing tradition. They will be wearing LC T-shirts and jackets.
Stevens County
Kettle Falls
Some local people are mad about fee increases in city services. Petitions have been circulating in Kettle Falls demanding the City Council revisit, among other issues, the recent fee hikes on water and sewer bills. Petition sponsor Gary Garrison says he’s upset the hikes were based on the possibility of I-695 passing. Those wishing to read or sign the petitions may do so at Kettle Exxon, McIntosh Hardware, TJ’s Tavern and the local Chevron.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Plummer
Area veterans will be honored at an assembly Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Lakeside Elementary. Members of the American Legion Post 69 will be at the school conducting an essay contest. Kindergarten and first-grade students will participate in a coloring contest. Each grade also is preparing a song for the veterans during the assembly.
Bonner County
Priest Lake
Two bridges in the Middle Fork of East River drainage are temporarily closed for replacement. Middle Fork No. 10 bridge at mile 6.7 will remained closed until Nov. 8. The bridge on Uleda Creek Road No. 101 at mile 1.2 from the junction of Road 10/103 will be closed until next summer. The wooden bridge on Road 10 will be replaced with a new, pre-stressed concrete bridge.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Boundary County Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at North Columbia Equipment, 6606 Main St., Bonners Ferry. For more information, call Margaret Mouat, (208) 267-2883.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
Tickets for the 1999 Kootenai Medical Center Foundation’s Festival of Trees Gala are available. The gala is scheduled for Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m. to midnight, and will feature dancing, dinner, an auction and an opportunity to buy a decorated Christmas tree. Tickets can be purchased at the hospital or by credit card by calling (208) 666-2345.
Latah County
Moscow
A $100,000 grant from the Idaho Council for Technology is being used in five classes at Lena Whitmore, McDonald and West Park Elementary schools. The money allows teachers to buy computers and hands-on materials to enhance fourth-grade students’ math skills.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Taco John’s will open its doors Nov. 15 in Kellogg. The fast food restaurant will be located in the old Sea of Subs space. The restaurant, near Kellogg High School, will feature specials for high school students along with regular specials.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
The formation of a support group for batterers was discussed at a Wednesday meeting of the Lincoln County Domestic Violence Task Force. Libby Mayor Tony Berget outlined the proposal. Probation officer Rick Morrow said that like alcohol and drug abusers who enter treatment, a batterer first would have to admit to having a problem and enter the group voluntarily.