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

The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

County Public Works Director Leon Long and County Engineer Steve Lijek both tendered their resignations last week. Long, a 23-year county veteran, will leave Aug. 31 for a job with Spokane County as risk manager. Lijek will work with DOE in the Tri-Cities.

Grant County

Soap Lake

While Carol Rutherford fights cancer and shingles, her beauty shop customers are in the hands of Ginger Spice, creator of the Optimizer appearance program.

Spice was visiting friends here when she heard about Rutherford. She volunteered to keep Hair Masters open until Rutherford’s illness is over. Spice says every penny she earns will go to Rutherford, once a stranger, now a friend.

Lincoln County

Davenport

Mayor Chuck Johnston is tired of fielding complaints about the police department on his home phone. Johnston says residents with comments need to put them in writing at City Hall or discuss them in public session during a City Council meeting. All other complaints will be considered informal and will not be investigated.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

While visiting last week, Gov. Gary Locke was warned not to drink Ione’s water. Leanna Powers, a community activist, gave Locke a whiff of Ione drinking water. The strong aroma drew a sour look by Locke. Powers emphasized the need for state grants to help fund repairs for the system.

Spokane County

The Central Valley School Board has awarded a $27 million contract to Garco Construction Inc. to build the new Central Valley High School. Because Garco’s bid was lower than expected, the board approved several enhancements, including outdoor scoreboards for the baseball and softball fields, improved lighting and sound systems for the theater, and kitchen equipment. Construction should start before Sept. 1.

Stevens County

Colville

The Department of Natural Resources and Colville National Forest are asking for extreme caution. A strict burn ban is in effect, and officials ask all who think their vehicle may have sparked to check if a fire has started. Smokers are also asked to be careful with matches and cigarette butts.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

An open house at 2 p.m. Tuesday will honor Drs. Michael and Leslie Stone, who are moving to Ashland, Ore., this month to join a private practice. They have practiced seven years at St. Maries Family Medicine.

Bonner County

Sandpoint

Low-income women ages 50-64 who don’t have health insurance may get a free health checkup at the Panhandle Health District office, 1020 Michigan Ave. The Women’s Health Check provides free mammograms and low cost or free pap smears. For an appointment, call (208) 263-5159.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Boundary Community Hospital will hold a Safe Sitter Class for would-be babysitters ages 11-13 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the education room. Scholarships are available for the $30 fee. Participants must register and have signed consent forms before the class. Call (208) 267-3141.

Kootenai County

Rathdrum

The Parks and Recreation Department has opened registration for its flag football program. Two divisions are available: the Hawk Division for fifth- and sixth-graders, with games Thursdays and Saturdays; and the Tiger Division for third- and fourth-graders, with games Tuesdays and Saturdays. Registration is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 1 at City Hall. Cost is $13, $10 for Rathdrum residents. A required T-shirt is $15. Call (208) 687-2399.

Latah County

Moscow

Seniors are encouraged to attend Friendly Neighbors, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Center, at Third and Washington. An economical, nutritious meal is served. Call (208) 883-3071.

Shoshone County

Kellogg

The school board changed graduation requirements. Three years of science classes will be needed for this year’s ninth-grade class and those who follow. The board also agreed to accept student teachers from the University of Idaho and accepted the resignation of fifth-grade teacher Glenad Armstrong. Armstrong took an enrichment facilitator job in the Coeur d’Alene School District.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

Private property owners have closed access to Milnor Lake. According to the owners, extreme fire danger and unattended camp fires were reasons enough, but people also have been littering, cutting trees, shooting garbage cans and leaving waste.