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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Getting a jump on possible passage of state Initiative 695 in November, the City Council has approved an ordinance that will raise water and sewer taxes in December instead of January as previously planned. One part of I-695 would require a public vote before taxes can be raised.

Ferry County Republic

The U.S. Forest Service’s Republic ranger district invites the public to the seventh-annual Fall Mountain Bike Festival at Swan Lake on Saturday and Sunday. Families are invited to try out mountain bikes and canoes. Instructors will be available. The event is free. For more information, call (509) 775-3305.

Grant County Coulee City

Most cities don’t make money on their parks, but Coulee City’s city park on the shores of Banks Lake brings in money from docks, campsites and a marina. This year, park revenues are up $10,000 over 1998. The boat launch alone has brought in $550.

Lincoln County Wilbur

School district voters recently turned down a bond proposal that would have replaced a leaky roof, built bus barns and updated technology. Superintendent Marcia Moon says the district will put together another proposal.

Pend Oreille County Newport

David Housan is missing a dock. County officials confiscated the dock on Aug. 31, claiming the structure was encroaching on public access at Davis Lake.

Spokane County Deer Park

Deer Park High School student body President Erika Martin has been named the Deer Park Rotary Club’s student of the month for September. A National Honor Society member, Martin also plays softball and volleyball and manages the wrestling team.

Stevens County Loon Lake

Champagne, chocolate and a good book - that’s what’s on the agenda at the Library of the Lakes. The library is holding its annual gently used book sale this weekend, and donations are welcome. Library association members may preview books Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and taste the treats. The public sale will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - without the treats.

Whitman County Pullman

The Parent Resource Center of Whitman County and Pullman C.A.R.E.S. is sponsoring a six-week free series titled Developing Capable People for parents of children in grades 5 through 8, as well as interested members of the community.

The workshop begins Sept. 27. For more information or to register, please call (509) 397-4966 or (509) 332-6628.

IDAHO

Benewah County Plummer

A warm water workout class and an ultimate aqua class are available at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Wellness Center. The low-impact classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The deep-water classes will be held Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 a.m. Classes are free for center members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call (208) 686-1800.

Bonner County Sandpoint

A Lake Pend Oreille School District bus driver was placed on indefinite suspension Monday after authorities said she was following too close and caused an accident last Friday. Idaho State Police cited Jeannette Langlois after the school bus she was driving struck a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, which then was pushed into a 1986 Chevrolet Corvette at the junction of U.S. Highway 95 and state Highway 200. Drivers of both cars were stopped at the intersection waiting for the traffic light to change. A 13-year-old boy riding the bus was taken to the hospital, but he was back in school Monday. State police and the school district’s insurance carrier are investigating.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Second Chance Animal Adoption volunteers are seeking foster families to temporarily take in puppies and older dogs with special needs until permanent homes can be found. For more information, call (208) 267-2023.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Idaho Board of Scaling Practices will conduct an all-species and all-products license examination Oct. 7-9 at Idaho Forest Industries Inc. in Coeur d’Alene. Cost is $25, and preregistration is required. The exam will begin at 7 a.m. on Oct. 7. For more information, call (208) 769-1445.

Latah County Moscow

Tames Alan, an actress, historian and fashion history teacher, will discuss “Women of the Ancient World” at a University of Idaho Women’s Center program on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building’s Borah Theater. Alan first will appear in classical Greek costume to discuss the freedom of women in ancient Crete compared with the virtual imprisonment of women in classical Greece. She then will change into the clothing of a Roman matron for the second part of the program, which will deal with women of position in ancient Rome. She also will give insight into another culture of the ancient world - the Celts.

Shoshone County Osburn

The North Idaho Reads! program will begin at Osburn Elementary School in November. The program pairs students who read below their grade level with senior citizen volunteers from the five North Idaho counties. Volunteers 55 years old or older are needed, and an orientation session will be held at the school on Nov. 15.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Montana Legislature’s Environmental Quality Council will discuss changes in the Montana Environmental Policy Act today and Thursday in Libby.