The County Lines

Tue., Aug. 29, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Lawyers have been called in to negotiate the purchase of private land for an overpass at Othello’s “Killer Corner.” The four property owners the state is dealing with are unhappy with the compensation offer and access issues. The state says landowners have no access to the land because it purchased access rights in the 1950s when it built the intersection. Without access, the state argues the land is worth far less.

Ferry County Barstow

Residents concerned with cougar hunting regulations will meet tonight at 7 at the Kettle River Grange near Barstow. State Sen. Bob Morton will direct the discussion. Information gathered will be given to the state Fish and Game Commission.

Grant County Moses Lake

Big Bend Community College’s student newspaper, the Tumbleweed Times, may be on the chopping block this year. The college suspended its journalism courses for this school year due to low enrollment and financial constraints. The school isn’t sure if the Times will continue on a limited basis or be shelved until course enrollment expands.

Lincoln County Odessa

Fall sports turnout shows 31 students strapping on the football pads and about 15 on the cross country roster. Despite a state policy letting athletes in small schools play two sports in one season, the Odessa School Board voted to nix the idea locally. Football players can’t run cross country, but cheerleaders can turn out for cross country or volleyball.

Pend Oreille County Newport

City finances are fine despite a recent dip in revenues. At the halfway mark for the year, the city had collected 54 percent of the budgeted amount in fees and taxes. The city’s expenditures are significantly lower than last year at this time. The City Council hopes to look over budget breakdowns at its next meeting to be prepared for possible changes in financial climate.

Spokane County Spokane

Preregistration for fall quarter has started for Seniors Program classes at the Community Colleges of Spokane. Classes include art, fitness, computers, humanities and foreign languages. Call 533-3393.

Stevens County Colville

Residents of Swede-Anderson Road are in a dry spot. Their homes are along a county road, but their water comes from city lines. The city has told them they must incorporate due to Department of Health rules that the city can only sell water to a legal association. Swede-Anderson residents nixed the idea of annexation into the city, and have begun the incorporation process.

Whitman County Pullman

Washington State University continues to have problems with its heating and cooling system. Last week the cooler just gave out. While the system is back on line for the start of school, the university is advising people to bring additional sweaters for the coming cool fall mornings since it is unable to quickly switch from the heater to the cooler.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Benewah Community Hospital emergency room physician Mike Stone has moved to Oregon. Despite the loss, the hospital plans to operate the ER around the clock. The hospital is in the process of replacing Stone and his wife, Dr. Leslie Stone, who also worked at the hospital.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Traffic court is scheduled one evening each month for first appearances on minor criminal matters. It is at 6 p.m. the last Thursday each month. To schedule an appearance, contact the county clerk’s office.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

A free well-child developmental checkup will be Wednesday and Thursday at the Valley View Annex on August Street. It is for kids up to age 5. Vision, hearing, speech, language, gross motor, fine motor and other areas are checked. Parents need to bring immunization and birth records.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Soroptimist Women’s Forum, “Make a Connection in Life, in Business and in Community,” will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, 414 W. Appleway. An awards banquet and a workshop are covered by the $99 fee. Proceeds will benefit the Soroptimist Children’s Center, helping stop domestic violence. Call Dorothy Brotzman at (208) 623-4314.

Latah County Moscow

Skateboarders will be able to use the new skate park this fall at the Eggan Youth Center, according to City Councilwoman Peg Hamlett. Construction had been delayed due to a spongy soil problem. Construction of the 70-by-100-foot project is estimated at $89,722 and should be done in 45 days.

Shoshone County Pinehurst

A panel of city officials, residents and business owners has been working to attain Gem Community status for Pinehurst. The Gem Community program helps city leaders and residents develop tools for future prosperity. The city’s draft plan has been approved. A public workshop/meeting will be in late September. Call the city at (208) 682-3721.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Libby Food Pantry, 724 Louisiana, needs volunteers to work four-hour shifts, one day a month. Call Virginia at (406) 294-5327 or the pantry at (406) 293-3332.

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