The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
The stands of light green Russian olive trees in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge are finding their days numbered. The trees, National Fish and Wildlife biologist Randy Hill says, are not native to the area and need to be pulled. They have a tendency to choke other plants out, and that’s why they’re being dug up and replaced by native willows.
Ferry County
Malo
The Kettle Range Conservation Group has worked hard to reopen the Big Lick Trail. The trail’s access is about five miles east of Highway 21 and Aeneas Creek Junction, north of Malo. The trail features spectacular vistas looking west of the Kettle River Valley. Those hiking the entire trail will walk five miles each way. Camping areas are available. For more information on the trail, or the route to Profanity Peak, call (509) 775-2667.
Grant County
Ephrata
The majority of county businesses in a recent sting operation refused to sell cigarettes to minors. However, five of the 19 businesses tested sold cigarettes to a pair of underage operatives. The sting was conducted by the Tobacco Prevention Program from the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Those caught selling tobacco products to minors can be fined and have their cigarette sales licenses revoked.
Lincoln County
Davenport
Dean Anderson, a local businessman, is recruiting for a full-blown campaign to replace the city’s ailing city pool. Residents have long complained about the decrepit pool, but no full-scale plan, including funding options, has been seriously looked at. Anderson hopes to get all parties on the bandwagon by winter.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
The Pend Oreille Youth Center is hoping to purchase its new facility. The building, located at the corner of First and Scott streets, houses a youth center complete with games, study area and meeting space for weekly rallies. The group needs to raise $12,500 to make the down payment on the facility. So far, it has $590 in the bank. The group plans fund-raisers and is seeking donations of needed goods like a chest freezer, tables, a vacuum cleaner and kid-friendly snack foods.
Spokane County
County commissioners voted 2-1 to add $314,000 to the budget for the new Valley Mission Park pool project. The money, added to the previously approved $1.3 million budget, will pay for improvements to the adjacent wading pool and restrooms, as well as for improved landscaping, benches, playground equipment, picnic tables and a picnic shelter. Commissioners John Roskelley and Kate McCaslin voted to spend the additional money; Commissioner Phil Harris was opposed.
Stevens County
Colville
“The Brain Gym” is a free workshop scheduled for Aug. 22 at Colville High School. The workshop will utilize the latest research on how the brain works and how to use our brainpower to the maximum. Those interested in a good workout are urged to preregister by calling (509) 684-8421, ext. 259.
Whitman County
Pullman
The city is warning all drivers away from Airport Road, which runs from the Moscow-Pullman Highway to the Terre View intersection in town. Efforts to pave the way for an alternate route out of Pullman are under way and would be hindered by unauthorized traffic. The project should be completed by Aug. 18.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
The Benewah County Senior Citizens Center, 605 Main St., is getting refurbished. Members have been painting walls white inside, built a second staircase to improve the fire escape route and painted the outside green. Flower boxes have been added near the entrance, and members plan to remodel the basement.
Bonner County
Sagle
The Algoma Addition Subdivision violated state environmental regulations by failing to routinely monitor its water for coliform bacteria and by failing to notify its customers the sampling was not done, according to a release from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
Host homes are needed for foreign exchange students during the upcoming school year. Acceptable homes include a single parent, a childless or retired couple, or a large family. If interested, call the Pacific Intercultural Exchange at (800) 631-1818.
Kootenai County
Athol
The annual Athol Daze will be held Saturday and begins with a parade followed by events at the park at noon. An awards presentation and a benefit auction, a flag ceremony, games, food, a classic car show and live music will be included.
Latah County
Moscow
The International Friendship Association at the University of Idaho holds its annual welcome potluck picnic for international students at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Sattuck (old) Arboretum. If it rains, the picnic will be held at the Wallace Complex. Bring a large main dish (no pork), a salad or a dessert with a serving spoon. Tableware and beverages will be provided.
Shoshone County
Pinehurst
Jimmy Winebrenner was reinstated to the City Council recently. Winebrenner resigned from the council in March following a decision by several council members not to adopt a proposed ordinance. The ordinance would have put all of Winebrenner’s property inside city limits. In June, Mayor Jay Huber was presented with a petition to reinstate Winebrenner to his seat with 841 resident signatures endorsing it. The mayor and City Council decided unanimously to approved Winebrenner’s reappointment.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Substitutes for teachers, educational assistants, secretaries and custodians are needed in the Libby Public Schools. Apply at the superintendent’s office, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.