The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

Todd O’Brien has been chosen as the new director of public works for Adams County. O’Brien began his county career directly after graduating from Ritzville High School in 1987 as temporary help on the road crew. He attended Spokane Falls Community College and received an associate degree in general studies with an emphasis on engineering. The former engineer tech supervisor, O’Brien replaces Leon Long, who has resigned to take a job with Spokane County.

Ferry County

Republic

Ferry County has always prided itself on the quality of its volunteer EMTs and firefighters. But a slate of retirements and moves has depleted the EMT roster. To alleviate the problem, the local EMS District is holding an orientation Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Republic Fire Hall. Anyone considering training should be there. Financial reimbursement and a retirement package are part of the program. For information, call (509) 775-3624.

Grant County

Moses Lake

Big Bend Community College’s board of directors recently approved a $9.9 million operating budget for the 2000-2001 school year. This is a 5.8 percent increase over last year. Nearly 3 percent of the increase is state-mandated salary increases, but a record number of students taking classes last year also has helped things financially.

Lincoln County

Creston

Creston residents may recover items they thought were long gone. Undersheriff Wade Magers reports that a string of residential burglaries in the rural Creston area has been solved. Magers says a citizen gave police a tip which sparked a search on Wild Turkey Lane. Stolen shotguns, clothing, furniture, fishing poles and camping gear reported missing from as long ago as 1997 were discovered. Arrests are pending.

Pend Oreille County

Usk

The popular Lions and Rotary club historic train rides may be in jeopardy. The clubs have just discovered they must carry more liability insurance to operate next spring and summer. The Lions and Rotary use these trips as fund-raisers for community projects. Because the two passenger train operators likely will be required to carry $3 million worth of liability instead of their $1 million and $2 million limits, profits would drop.

Stevens County

Kettle Falls

The Kettle Falls City Council has decided to eliminate the fifth police officer position after all. Two council members decided the city cannot afford the officer, despite a public vote in 1995 for a 6 percent excise tax to fund a fifth officer. Although most council members want the fifth officer, the council voted to give the current four employees raises to keep them from leaving.

Whitman County

Tekoa

Tiny Tekoa with its population of 900 is up to its ears with petty crimes and malicious mischief. The town’s one officer Ron Anderson is working to put a stop to vandalism.

Spokane County

Spokane

The Southside Senior Activity Center earned $4,385 from a rummage sale earlier this year. The total includes a $1,000 gift from the Southeast Lions Club. The money will go for enhancements to the center’s programs and operation.