The County Lines

Thu., April 27, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

Senior citizens are being sought by the Ritzville Police Department and the county Sheriff’s Department to help start a crime-fighting and prevention program. There will be two meetings to discuss the program Friday at the Public Works Department meeting room. The first begins at 10 a.m., the second at 7 p.m.

Ferry County Republic

A community weed pull Friday is part of Ferry County Pride Month. The weed pull will take place at the Stonerose Fossil Site at the northern edge of town. AmeriCorps volunteers will be present to help from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments and garbage bags are provided, but workers are asked to bring gloves and wear protective shoes.

Grant County Moses Lake

The Environmental Protection Agency is recommending residents drill a new well to service the Skyline Water System. The residents discovered their water source was contaminated in 1995. The water contains unsafe levels of trichloroethylene, a nonflammable solvent used by the Air Force to clean metal parts during the World War II and Cold War eras.

Lincoln County Almira

The Almira/Coulee-Hartline drama group is planning a musical salute to the 1960s. A cast of 45 students, directed by teacher Sean Matthewson, will perform 10 songs. Students Denise Jordan and Emily Higginbotham have helped put the musical and choreographic touches on the program. Performances are set for May 4, 5 and 6, all starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Hartline Auditorium.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The county will receive $930,000 in federal money to prevent school violence. Sen. Patty Murray announced recently that the county was approved for the grant program, which could bring police and various counseling services into the Newport, Selkirk and Cusick public schools.

Spokane County Spokane

Spokane Preservation Advocates is having a rummage and collectibles sale Saturday at the Manito Masonic Temple, 2715 S. Grand, to raise money for local historic preservation projects. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Stevens County Colville

Property taxes are due by April 30. Because that date falls on a Sunday this year, taxes may be paid on Monday, May 1. Payments can be made by credit card.

Whitman County Steptoe

Steptoe County commissioners have told disputing neighbors to deal with their own pet problems. The board was asked by Joe Leinweber and Jill Suess to enforce the county’s dangerous dog law. They said their cat was tackled by a dog belonging to Ginna and Jonathan Scholz. The vet bill was $70, and the cat died. The Scholzes say their dogs, a springer spaniel and golden retriever, are not dangerous. Commissioners say they have no way to enforce the code, and hope neighbors can hash the issue out on their own.

IDAHO

Benewah County Tensed

The Tensed Days celebration is set for June 3 and will feature old logging equipment, cars and tools. Anyone who wants to display such items more than 30 years old, working or not, and in any condition, may contact Terry Doupe at (208) 245-4395. Other events will include a quilt show, cowboy poets, a benefit auction and a parade.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The GTE Foundation recently awarded the Employee Combined Humanitarian Organization $3,000 for local education and human service causes. The Festival at Sandpoint received $2,500 and the Bonner Community Food Center received $2,000. Two cash grants were awarded to GTE employees for the organizations where they serve as volunteers: Ann Kritzeck, $250, for the Sandpoint Soccer Club; and Scott Hoskins, $500, for the Festival at Sandpoint. The grants are part of $35,000 given to human service and educational organizations in North Idaho and Spokane.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The quarterly meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee will feature Richard Wolfe, an employee of the Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services. Wolfe will review the county’s emergency plan and readiness at 10 a.m. today. David Kramer and Bob Graham will discuss how Bonner County’s plan was tailored to fit Boundary County and how it affects emergency response.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce is looking for two summer interns to work part time at the chamber’s Visitor Information Center and part time with chamber staff on projects. Students will earn college credit and compensation. For details, call 664-3194.

Latah County Moscow

Junior high school students donated $2,874 to the Leukemia Society of America after a weeklong fund-raising project. Students and staff members collected loose change, including 580 pounds of pennies alone. This is the second year the junior high has donated money to the Leukemia Society.

Shoshone County Kellogg

For the second year, Kellogg was named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To celebrate Arbor Day, the city will plant a live 10 to 12 foot Christmas tree at 4 p.m. Friday at the Town Square and plant tree seedlings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Union Pacific Railroad Train Depot. To volunteer, call (208) 783-7751.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Jackie O’Brien, principal and superintendent of Trout Creek School District, has accepted the position of principal of Asa Wood Elementary School. She will retire in June. O’Brien has been recognized as a Distinguished Educator since 1994 by the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

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