The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
The Othello High Huskies will play at the 2A level for two more years. Although enrollment was more than the 602 student maximum at the beginning of the school year, a decline in December has kept the district below the cap. A total enrollment of 611 sophomores, junior and seniors was taken in September. It dropped to 567 by December.
Ferry County
Republic
People experiencing a loss or suffering from depression are invited to a “Blue Christmas” worship service tonight at 5:30 at the Presbyterian Church.
Grant County
Grand Coulee
Without upgrades in fire service, Grand Coulee residents and businesses could face a 25 percent insurance premium increase. The city’s aging firetrucks could cause the city to get a lower fire safety rating. Voters are being asked to pass a levy to replace the oldest trucks.
Lincoln County
Wilbur
“Christmas on the Hill,” an 11-year tradition, raised $4,100 recently for drug- and alcohol-free youth activities. The event is held at former drug counselor Jan Wigen’s historic home. Local residents volunteer to cook and serve the meal. Even Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and his wife came out to serve and eat at this year’s extravaganza.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
Registration for winter quarter at the Newport College Center is in full swing. Classes begin the week of Jan. 2, with many offerings from the Community Colleges of Spokane. For information, or to register for credit classes over the phone, call 1-800-258-3077. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, but paperwork needs to be done immediately.
Spokane County
Spokane
Maps and full text of the county’s proposed comprehensive plan, the draft capital facilities plan and the final supplemental environmental impact statement are available for review on the Internet at www.spokanecounty.org/lrp. The plans and statement are also available on CD for $1 and are on public display at the Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway, and at public libraries. For more information, call 477-2294.
Stevens County
Colville
Resident Derek Brooks says the sidewalks by the schools are a winter disaster. Brooks says passing cars spray slush and snow that freezes on the sidewalks, causing dangerous walking conditions. He hopes the city and school can work together on the problem.
Whitman County
Colfax
The city of Colfax has bought a Honda Rancher to plow sidewalks in winter and use for weed control work in the summer. The vehicle, snow blade and other equipment cost about $6,000.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Heyburn
Among Sen. Mike Crapo’s nominations to U.S. military academies is Kyle Paslay, of Heyburn.
Bonner County Sandpoint Fred and Ron Harris are requesting a variance to continue to keep a boathouse about 6-1/2 feet from a high water designation where normally a 40-foot setback is required. On Dec. 7, the county commissioners granted an appeal by the Harrises to the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Nov. 2 denial of the application. A meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. to consider the application.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Bonners Ferry Snow Sculpture Team will leave Jan. 30 for Lake Geneva, Wis., for three and a half days of national competition. The team, consisting of full-time sculptor Lee Harris, artist-construction worker Jeff Weston and clay and clothing artist Barbara Dunham, plan to carve a modern jazz figure as their entry. Businesses have been contacted for sponsorships but the team still needs about $3,000. To make a donation, call Lee Harris at (208) 267-8904 or 267-0876.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
Santa and his reindeer will fly (with help from Tidyman’s Supermarket, which is hiring a helicopter) over the Coeur d’Alene area today, Friday and Saturday. They start in Post Falls at 7:55 p.m., fly over Tubbs Hill at 8:10 p.m. and back over Post Falls at 8:20 p.m. Santa may be seen from a quarter-mile away if the weather is clear and winds are quiet.
Latah County
Moscow
Lionel Hampton and his New York Big Band, Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, the Ray Brown Trio, the Roy Hargrove Quintet and Clark Terry are among performers in the 34th annual University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. The festival will run Feb. 21-24 on the UI campus. More than 40 jazz artists are scheduled to participate. For tickets, call the UI ticket office at (208) 885-7212 or 1-88-88-U-IDAHO, and G&B Select-a-Seat outlets. Tickets range from $18 to $28.
Shoshone County
Mullan
A Christmas Day dinner will be served from 2 to 5 p.m at the Morning Club, 117 Hunter Ave. The event is organized by the Mullan Tree of Sharing and sponsors include the Salvation Army and Lutheran Ladies. This is the third annual traditional holiday-style dinner served by volunteers. About 45 people attended last year’s event. To arrange for a ride, call Karen Dunningan at (208) 744-1498 by Dec. 24.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
Two $500 scholarships are available to Montana students from the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association. The scholarships may be used at any university, college or vocational technical center in the country. For more information, call John Young at MECA (406) 761-8333.