The County Lines

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The chamber of commerce recently hired Valerie Havelin as manager. She’ll organize the annual Christmas in St. Maries event and work on improving downtown, among other duties. Havelin replaced Debbie Key, who was hired by the county assessor’s office. Havelin and her husband, Shane, have a 2-year-old daughter, Tayah.

Bonner County Priest River

Scores from Direct Writing and Math Assessment tests taken by fourth-, eighth- and 11th-graders in West Bonner School District were below state averages, according to Joe Malletta, district superintendent. The tests are required by the state. The district is piloting a new math program and has revised the language arts programs. Teachers will also receive more training in an attempt to raise student scores.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Adam Hall, a member of the Bonners Ferry Wrestling Club and Team Idaho, won two gold medals in the Novice 95 Pound Division at the USA Wrestling 200 Western Regional Kids/Cadets Greco and Freestyle Championships in Pocatello, Idaho, recently. Hall also has two 2000 Idaho State titles and a fourth place All-American finisher title.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers interested in sharing their skills. RSVP helps people 55 and older to find service opportunities that match their skills. They spend four to 40 hours a week with nonprofit organizations such as the hospital, juvenile justice, schools, United Way and libraries. An informational meeting about RSVP is set for 10 a.m. today at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.

Latah County Moscow

Patrick McCawley, 16, was watching television last Friday when he was warned by his neighbors’ loudly mooing cows that a field was on fire. He called 911, ran outside, grabbed some buckets, a shovel and the longest watering hose he could find and fought the fire until the fire department arrived. He saved his parents’ and a neighbor’s home and a small forest nearby. McCawley’s shoes were ruined, but he was unhurt.

Shoshone County North Fork

Camping restrictions up the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River have been tightened due to extreme fire danger, according to Milt Williams, an Idaho Department of Lands information officer. No campfires will be permitted. Cooking with camp stoves, riding motorcycles and using chain saws are permitted but should be done carefully. For more information, call the Department of Lands, the U.S. Forest Service or other fire agencies.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Nordicfest Parade committee is in need of volunteers. Nordicfest is set for Sept. 8-10, with the parade Sept. 9. The deadline for groups, organizations or individuals to register for the parade is Aug. 23. Call Karen Ross at (406) 293-2426. This year’s theme is “Nordicfest 2000: Uffda!”

WASHINGTON

Pend Oreille County Newport

The local police force now has a Rebel on the force - K-9 Officer Rebel that is. After several months of fund raising, the department has its new drug dog on active duty. Rebel arrived July 30. He and handler Rob McKaig have hit the streets as part of their 240 hours of on-the-job training. Officers felt a drug dog was needed in the area due to the large number of drug operations popping up.