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

The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

The Othello School Board wanted to know what taxpayers thought of building a new track, but few had shown up at meetings. After some heavy publicity, the board has heard much comment - the majority in favor of a $100,000-plus construction project. The old facility was usable only for practice, so the Huskies traveled to all their meets.

Ferry County Republic

The second annual Kiss The Pig contest is under way, with a Who’s Who of county leaders involved.

Vying for fund-raising supremacy and the right to pucker with a pig are State Patrolman Brad Miller, Assessor Kelly Leslie, Prosecutor Steve Graham and state Rep. Bob Sump. Votes are $1 and the winner gets a smooch Sept. 2.

Grant County Ephrata

After spending a second summer without a public pool, folks here have begun raising funds. And Ephrata is trying for a grant from the State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. This year, 72 cities are competing for grant money to build a pool or park. A new pool in Ephrata would cost about $2.2 million.

Lincoln County Davenport

The city needs to get a completed sewer management plan to the Department of Ecology soon. Representatives of CH2M Hill say they need more than the city has budgeted to finish the project. Councilman Mike Stormo says the city is “being squeezed.” The company has changed project personnel three times, which, council members say, has cost the city money.

Pend Oreille County Ione

The North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club does have $4million in liability insurance to operate its weekend excursion train ride. The Lions and the Newport Rotary Clubs are separate entities that both use the same train for fund raising. A recent County Lines item stated both organizations were having difficulty after being asked to increase insurance coverage. This is untrue. The Lions will take 2,000 riders from Metaline Falls to Ione and back this Labor Day weekend for the Affair on Main Street. Tickets are $5.

Spokane County Deer Park

A tribute to Deer Park’s namesake, “The Buck and Doe Show,” will be at the city’s Crawford Gallery from Nov. 6-30. The show is open to works of any media. Submissions must include slides or photos of the work; a description of the work, including medium, size and price; and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of materials. Submissions must be postmarked by Sept. 16. Call the Arts Commission at 276-8884.

Stevens County Colville

The City Council has formed a tree board to develop a plan to plant and preserve trees and remove dead or diseased trees. Three board members are needed. The city formed the board so it can qualify as a “Tree City USA” town through the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Whitman County Pullman

In addition to the Lentil Festival downtown this weekend, the city is sponsoring a fishing derby for kids 12 and under Saturday at Reaney Park. Fishing of the newly stocked trout begins at 10 a.m. Poles, bait and bags will be provided.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The St. Maries School District has changed its busing policy. Students will only be allowed to be dropped off at two locations instead of anywhere on routes. The previous system caused an organizational nightmare, said Dave Cox, the district’s superintendent.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The fourth year of New England Style Barn Dancing, also known as contra dancing, to Celtic-style music will begin Sept. 2 at the Sandpoint Community Hall.

Instruction is at 7:30 p.m. Dances are from 8 to 10 p.m. the first Saturday of every month through June. Live music will be performed by Wild Dogs in the Marsh. Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children. Call (208) 683-3912.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The County Fair board is looking for volunteer entertainers. Anyone who would like to perform music, skits, songs or any other family oriented talent may call Jim McCalmant (208) 267-2403 or Pat Dinning at (208) 267-7041 or stop by the fairgrounds.

Kootenai County Harrison

The Harrison Chamber of Commerce’s Show and Shine has changed dates from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23. Free entry is from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded in several classes. A chili cook-off will also be held. Enter yours for cash prizes or vote for the best one. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. Call (208) 689-9625 or 689-3009.

Latah County Moscow

If a woman here has a baby on Labor Day and the father’s name is John, the couple will receive a free pizza every month for a year. Papa John’s Pizza will also deliver a free pizza to parents of any baby born in September. The offer is to honor the real Papa John, who has three children.

Shoshone County Avery

Tom Nordeen, a 23-year ranger district veteran, will retire in September. Nordeen, 56, spots fires from the Middle Sister Lookout, southeast of Avery. He also relays messages from dispatchers in the Coeur d’Alene and Avery ranger stations to firefighters. This year he’s also spent much time in the Huckleberry Lookout and at the Surveyors Ridge Lookout.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The fifth annual skateboard competition will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Libby Skate Park. Warm-up starts at 11 a.m. Entry is $5 for nonmembers. Call (406) 293-5350.