The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

It took the effort of four fire departments to control a blaze at the Simplot plant last week. The flames originated in the venting system for a fryer line after workers sparked the outer insulation wrapping and grease buildup while welding. Employees were evacuated and damage was limited to the venting system.

Ferry County Republic

A Tree of Sharing is decorated with gift tags at the Republic branch of Bank of America. Those in need will have a Christmas present only if residents pick up tags and donate gifts. Tags are for needy youngsters and senior citizens only. There are 60 tags, but that number could increase due to need. Gifts should be wrapped, tag attached, and be at the bank by Dec. 15.

Grant County Grand Coulee

Needy children in the Grand Coulee area can receive a special present of a fishing rod, reel and filled tackle box. The annual Rod and Reel Revival is back and the local Napa Auto Parts store has 302 refurbished poles and 130 reels ready for local kids. The gift package includes a tackle box filled with line, bobbers, hooks and lures. The area Lions Club refurbishes the equipment.

Lincoln County Reardan

The Reardan Health Clinic has announced that it has flu vaccine available. Nurse practitioner Susan Eastman invites all to a special flu shot clinic on Wednesday. Patients will be seen on a walk-in basis from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shots will cost $15, with Medicare being the only insurance billed. The Reardan Health Clinic is affiliated with Lincoln Hospital and has been serving Reardan and the surrounding area since September of this year.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Pend Oreille County Clerk Fawn Opp and Wayne Smith, the husband of one of Opp’s employees, were cited by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife for possession of moose meat during a closed season. Smith said he shot the moose back in July when it was attacking his dog. He did not report the kill to the game agency out of fear he’d done something illegal. Not calling the authorities cost both Smith and Opp $500.

Spokane County Millwood

The Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has added the Millwood Historic District to the Washington Heritage Register and has recommended that the district be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Millwood Historic District includes a small group of commercial buildings along Argonne Road and the residential neighborhood to the west, where most of the homes date to the 1920s. Millwood is the first officially recognized historic district in the Spokane Valley.

Stevens County Colville

The local City Council is sweating the fallout from Initiative 722. With a budget already stretched, the city is expecting about a $75,000 hit. The initiative limits property tax increases and valuations to 2 percent annually. The council was convinced the measure would pass, and already accounted for the 2 percent limit when balancing the 2001 budget.

Whitman County Pullman

Members of the community are invited to help with the downtown holiday decorations. Most of the work will be done after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Bring family, friends, gloves and a hat. For more information, call Sharon Hart at (509) 334-4555.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The University of Idaho will send a team of admissions counselors, current UI students and financial aid advisers to North Idaho high schools over the next few weeks to discuss college life. The informational visits are meant for high school students and their parents to discuss higher education options, academic preparation for college, how to afford a college education and to provide a student’s view of college life. The university plans a one-hour program at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at St. Maries High School. For more information, contact Bruce Pitman, UI dean of students, (208) 885-6757, or Lloyd Scott, New Student Services, (208) 885-6163.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Toys for Tots contributions can be made at the Sagle Fire Station, near the corner of U.S. Highway 95 and Gun Club Road. Also, residents may see the new rescue transport vehicle. The rig is a multipurpose unit capable of moving patients, firefighters and extrication equipment and was purchased from a New Jersey fire department in November for $53,000.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Soft Flex Co., a micro stainless cable manufacturer, has begun operation in town and employs nine part-time workers in the old Re-Max building on U.S. Highway 95. The wire is used for costume jewelry, fishing tackle and crafts.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The Alumni Association’s Wild Game Feast is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at the North Idaho College Student Union Building. Chef Bill Rutherford will be making caribou with wild mushroom jus, free-range western hare, teriyaki venison spinach salad, Palouse grain chili and much more. Tickets are $35, call (208) 769-7806.

Latah County Moscow

A draft of the Renaissance Charter School’s first financial audit revealed it ended the year with $118,000 in assets and that it had paid back two loans it had borrowed to cover cash flow problems in May and July.

Shoshone County Kellogg

Five 2-month-old puppies and their mother were abandoned last week along the North Fork Road. All the dogs were taken by rescuers to Kellogg Animal Hospital, who found homes for all of the pups and is wanting to find a good home for the mother, according to employee Sara Thomas.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Green Meadow Manor once again is housing elderly people and people with disabilities. The building caught fire Oct. 20, 1999, and was rebuilt. Owners are Hampstead Partners and Northwest Montana Human Resources. The 34-unit building has improved access for wheelchairs and improved safety devices.