The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Ferry County Republic
The Republic Area Chamber of Commerce is campaigning for new members. Business people and other residents are welcome to join. The chamber needs opinions and ideas from those who run businesses and those who frequent them, as well as more help to put on tourism events in the community.
Grant County Coulee City
Charlotte Davis’ hard work as a reading tutor has paid off not only in brighter students, but also at the bank. Davis recently received a $1,000 NFL Community Quarterback Award. She is one of 10 outstanding community volunteers in the Seattle Seahawks’ market recognized with a grant. Davis, 80, has been helping children here learn to read for 15 years.
Lincoln County Odessa
The enthusiasm for the volunteer crosswalk program here is fading. The local senior group asked the school earlier this year if it could supply volunteer crossing guards to shepherd children across busy streets after school. The district was thrilled with the idea, and so were the seniors until the rigorous schedule got the better of them. Guards are needed three times per day. The school and city are asking folks of all ages to volunteer so duty will be lighter on all.
Pend Oreille County Newport
Pend Oreille County District Court Judge Philip Van de Veer is a closet historian. Van de Veer spends his hours off the bench in the law library looking over the past century of district court dockets. There are 28 decaying volumes of county history that Van de Veer is trying to protect and restore. They begin in 1905 and end in the 1970s, when the county began tape-recording trials.
Spokane County Spokane
Francesca Salomone of Spokane was recently selected homecoming queen at Eastern Washington University for the 2000-2001 school year, and will represent the university at various functions throughout the school year.
Stevens County Kettle Falls
Friends of the Kettle Falls School Libraries say there is no greater Christmas present than a book for a child. The Friends are holding a book drive until the end of the month. Folks wishing to beef up the school library shelves can purchase a book at The Depot from a student wish list, donate money toward a book, or purchase the book of their choice. Books of all subject matter and grade levels are needed.
Whitman County Colfax
The Whitman County Health Department is still waiting for about 1,000 flu shots that were supposed to have arrived two months ago. With prime flu season coming in January and February, the Health Department is expecting more flu cases in the county this year.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
Ginny Oakes collects household items for the St. Maries Community Relief Warehouse to give to people in emergencies, leaving an abusive situation or to those whose homes have burned. She said the warehouse was created to fill a gap for those who don’t qualify for food stamps or other aid or for those waiting for aid. To donate items, call Oakes at (208) 245-5255.
Bonner County Sandpoint
The United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association is looking for volunteers to help organize a local chapter. The organization promotes dancing competitions, social dancing and dancing in the schools and home schools. The proposed local chapter would hold monthly social dances with a one-hour lesson. A meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 6 at the East Bonner County Library for interested residents. For more information, call Luise Peyton at (208) 267-9819.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
The North Idaho Audubon Society is looking for volunteers to help count birds in a 15-mile area of the Kootenai Valley Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers of any age should bring a pair of binoculars, a bird book, warm boots and clothing. A breakfast organizational meeting will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 30 at the Chick `n’ Chop Restaurant. For more information, call Jan Rose at (208) 267-7791.
Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene
The Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Visions of Coeur d’Alene photo contest. Entries depicting the community and its lifestyle including its scenery, entertainment, culture, shopping, dining, major attractions, historical sites or community events are suggested. Winning photos will be used in publication, web sites and in the annual membership directory. The grand-prize winner will receive a “Free Vacation in Your Own Backyard” package. For details, call (208) 664-3194.
Latah County Moscow
A retirement party/open house for Moscow School District Activities Director Dave Lavender will be held from 4 to 7 tonight at the University Inn-Best Western’s Palouse Room. Lavender worked for 10 years in the local school system and for 39 years as an educator.
Shoshone County Osburn
City departments are asking residents to help out through the winter. The Police Department is asking residents to help the city snow plow crew by keeping the streets clear of cars and garbage cans. Chief Charles Angle said his department is trying make sure all vehicles, especially those not running, are off the streets. Those found impeding city plows will be towed at the owner’s expense. The county’s Fire Department is also requesting that residents keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Troy
The city-owned power company holds landlords responsible for renters’ unpaid bills. Landlord Don Pattie protested the policy to the City Council. The 1996 policy has come under frequent attack from landlords, but the city says it’s unfair to force all city residents to pay those bills.