The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
Christmas came early for the Othello Girls and Boys Club. After a 3-3 tie on the first vote, the city council approved an $8,000 funding increase for the club on its second vote. The council was divided because of deep cuts in other departments. Also getting additional funding was the Othello Rodeo Association, and the newly formed library district, which received nearly $40,000.
Ferry County
Republic
Ferry County Public Utilities District Commissioner Fred Bremmer was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Public Utility Districts Association. Bremmer worked with the local PUD for 12 years, and touted energy issues in his 35 years as a Washington State Grange member.
He’s also been known to answer phones at the PUD office during late-night power outages and support workers in any way needed during emergencies.
Grant County
Moses Lake
Local antique dealer and columnist “Aunt Mary” Spidell recently sold her rare Quimper pottery collection. The set depicts a country village with all of its inhabitants and is dated 1922. Retired Illinois school teacher Jerome Oswald purchased the collection, one of three full sets in the world, for $10,000. The other two sets are owned by the museum in Quimper, France, and by Sandra Bonhus, author of a book on Quimper Pottery.
Lincoln County
Davenport
Superior Court Judge Phil Borst ordered Darrell Grant Byron to 22 months in prison for stealing Washington State Patrol trooper Jim Hays’ patrol car last March. Hays had arrested Byron in the Creston area, and, somehow, Byron hijacked the car by getting from the back seat to the front seat. The car was found 25 minutes later on the Miles-Creston Road. Byron will spend another 22 months in prison on a drug charge, and was fined nearly $2,000.
Pend Oreille County
Metaline
School superintendent Kim Carlson said that although drugs are not prevalent among the student population, the district is considering a policy on the use of a drug dog. In the past, parents and students requested the dog be used to sniff lockers and other school property. A recent public meeting showed wide support for such searches. Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Deputy Thad Schultz and K-9 officer Otis, gave an impressive demonstration to cap off that meeting.
Spokane County
Opportunity
Modern Electric Water Co. is seeking nominations for two seats on its board of directors. The only requirement for the job is being a Modern Electric shareholder - essentially, that’s anyone living within Modern’s service area in the Opportunity area of the Spokane Valley. Nominations are due Jan. 3; the board election will take place at the utility’s Feb. 24 annual meeting. For more information, call Modern Electric at (509) 928-4540.
Stevens County
Chewelah
The city swimming pool has fallen victim to recent budget cuts. Despite citizen concern that the pool be open during summer months, the council found it had little choice but to close the doors. “None of us want to close the pool,” councilman Greg Rolstad said. “There simply are not enough funds to keep it open.” Maintenance has cost the city more than $38,000 annually, with revenues of only $13,000.
Whitman County
Colfax
Wade Olsen has opened his own auto repair shop in the place of Wilson Auto in Colfax. The life-long mechanic took over the well-known property a month ago and now has Master’s Touch Auto Repair at the site. He will work on all kinds of cars doing major repairs as well as simpler things such as oil changes.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
Mary Rosema, Plummer, won the Hospice of Benewah County quilt raffle. Hospice raised $1,300 from the sale of the quilt, which was donated by Valley Piecemakers Quilting Club. Hospice provided refreshments and door prizes for the club in appreciation of their hard work.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
David Adler, an Idaho State University political science professor, will discuss how the Supreme Court interprets constitutional rights and how the interpretation affects American freedom. The event is set for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for Brandon Keinert’s U.S. history classes at the high school and is sponsored by the Parent/Teacher/Student Association.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The 3 Mile Corner Restaurant’s annual free Thanksgiving dinner was served to 349 people this year. Diners left $225 in gratuities, which was donated to the Toys for Tots campaign. Volunteers who helped serve and make the meal are Patsy Loros, Darvee Stevens, Desa Greenhalgh, Rachel West, Harriette Ashdown, Melaine Huddleston, Crystal McQuade, Chuck Quillan, Mary Lou Frederickson, Frank Pulido, John and Doreen Beck, and Barry, Spencer, Tyler and Emily Pauls.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
A benefit for Children’s Village, a nonprofit agency that cares for children in need, is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Everett’s on the Lake, 3401 S. Hayden Lake Road. The Christmas Party, which includes appetizers and cocktails, is a semiformal event. All proceeds will benefit the Village. Tickets are $25. Bring an unwrapped gift for the children.
Latah County
Moscow
All seniors are welcome to attend the Friendly Neighbors annual Christmas dinner set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Community Building, Third and Washington. Turkey and all the trimmings will be served, Santa will visit and entertainment will include a sing-a-long. To make reservations, call (208) 882-1562. A donation of $2.50 is suggested.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
Minor water damage in the Early Learning Center was the result of a frozen pipe. Ceiling tiles and several dozen books were damaged. Custodians found the mess Thursday in one the first-floor classrooms. Sessions were moved to the gym for the day.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Ingrid Sorensen, a junior at Libby High School, recently won an art contest sponsored by North American Van Lines. North American Van Lines employee’s children (18 and under) competed for an all-expense paid trip to Fort Wayne, Ind., and a $5,000 savings bond.