The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Ritzville
The city sewer project has received a $1.6 million Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Act grant. That’s not as much as the city asked for, but the state did throw in a $525,750 loan at 4 percent interest. In anticipation of a loan, the city increased sewer rates, and has raised $325,000 toward paying that percentage rate down.
Ferry County
Republic
County commissioners have put two new policies into place. First, employees will need receipts to be reimbursed for travel expenses. Second, commissioners have forbidden county employees, except sheriff’s deputies, from carrying guns in county cars.
Grant County
Moses Lake
A new scam has arisen in the Columbia Basin. Moses Lake Police Chief Fred Haynes says a caller claiming to be a security officer for a credit card company has been dialing local numbers hoping to get credit card numbers from unsuspecting folks. Haynes says if anyone asks for a credit card number so he or she can “validate” it with the security system, decline the request and check your card statements as a backup.
Lincoln County
Wilbur
The county Weed Control Board recently ranked Wilbur as the most weed-infected town in Lincoln County. Kevin Hupp of the Weed Board recently told the City Council that his agents had spent nearly 100 hours identifying noxious weeds within city limits.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
Ground has been broken for the Quail Manor home for developmentally disabled/low income folks. The home, though a separate building, will be part of the county’s counseling services complex.
Spokane County
Spokane
Comstock Park will be filled with music and art on Labor Day. The Spokane Arts Commission is sponsoring activities from 3 to 8 p.m., including a free Pops Concert by the Spokane Symphony at 6 p.m.
Stevens County
Colville
Twelve local residents are a bit more prepared for the job market, thanks to the Work Place Basics class at the community college. The class provides support during life transitions for people looking to enter a new job field or go on to higher education.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
St. Maries School District administrative offices have moved to 602 College Avenue. The alternative school has moved to the district’s former office building at 240 11th St. The school was located at the Benewah County Fairgrounds. The existing conference room will continue to be used for community and district meetings.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
Entries in the Pend Oreille Arts Council “Seven Days in the Life of Sandpoint” contest are due Sept. 13. Entries may be dropped at the POAC Gallery in the Old Powerhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A reception for the exhibit will be Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit is open to all Bonner County residents, and is based on events happening in Sandpoint during one of the first seven days of July 1999.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Second Chance Animal Adoption volunteers are seeking foster families to temporarily take in puppies and adult dogs with special needs until permanent homes can be found. Dog food and vet care are provided. For information, call Alice Miller at (208) 267-2023.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
Lake City Playhouse will hold auditions for “Taming of the Shrew,” directed by Dan Gookin, Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the playhouse. Production dates are Nov. 5-20. Those auditioning must have 20-30 seconds of any Shakespeare play or sonnet to recite. For information, call the Lake City Playhouse at (208) 667-1323.
Latah County
Moscow
The sentencing hearing for Matthew Hohenstreet, 26, will be continued Wednesday to allow the court to investigate allegations that he might have been involved in drug activity. Hohenstreet pleaded guilty in May to perjury and the July 1997 arson of the state probation and parole office in Moscow. He faces up to 39 years in prison and could be required to pay up to $150,000.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Safety warnings have been issued for the Milo Creek Project. The fence has been removed from the perimeter of the Washington School Structure so the contractor can place fill material around it. Sections of the high-density polyethylene pipe are stored on Division Street. Residents are asked to keep children away from the heavy pipe. Visitors to the project are welcome, but prior arrangements must be made at the project office. Visitors will be issued a hard hat and orange vest and will be provided with a tour guide.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Sherry Stewart, service officer for Montana Veterans Affairs Division in Kalispell, will be in Libby and Troy Monday to assist veterans and their dependents with questions regarding benefits. Stewart will be at the Troy Senior Center from 11 a.m. to noon and at the Libby Senior Center 1:30-4 p.m. For information, call (406) 755-3795.