The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

The local Chamber of Commerce received good input from a recent poll on shopping needs and trends. Residents said the biggest problem with shopping is stores aren’t open late enough for people getting off work. As for needed stores, the first choice was a second grocery store to provide better selection and competitive prices. The second choice was a clothing store, since Rummer’s closed two years ago.

Ferry County Republic

Several complaints about drivers ignoring the stop sign at the intersection of Leo Gaffney and Hesse streets were heard by the City Council. Police Chief Nick Merritt says he doesn’t have enough officers to police all stop signs. The council is considering borrowing a camera from the Washington State Patrol to put at the intersection, while Merritt looks into using reserves to patrol problem areas.

Grant County Ephrata

Criminals here are finding it hard to hide out. K-9 “officer” Cal is on patrol and his sniffer is working just fine in the snow. Most recently, Cal found a 30-year-old Moses Lake man with three outstanding warrants hiding in a garage. The man had led police on a foot chase after a routine traffic stop. Cal actually caught the man three times, but the suspect ran after Cal’s handler gave the release command. The suspect received scratches and bruises on his arm and back during the encounters.

Lincoln County Davenport

Folks looking for a unique Christmas present can call Scott Nelson. The Davenport High School special education student has been making one-of-a-kind crafts as a business project. Profits from sales, says teacher Lila Jernstrom, go into a bank account for Nelson to purchase Christmas gifts for his mom and dad. Angels, candles and soap dishes are part of his collection.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Director of Emergency Services Joann Boggs recently met with the state Committee on Terrorism. Together, they will work on a Terrorism Vulnerability Assessment. The study will show needs and capabilities of county services and staff. The state Department of Justice will pay for training and protective equipment.

Spokane County Spokane

Terri Symbol, who has professional experience in the development and management of affordable housing, has been named to the board of commissioners of the Spokane Housing Authority. Symbol will be completing the term of outgoing commissioner Kerri Simmons under an appointment by Mayor John Talbott.

Stevens County Colville

The Stevens County Sheriff’s Department is warning citizens of a pair of Level II sex offenders released in the county. Donald D. Holloway, 40, is living at the 2900 block of Bakie Road in Valley, Wash. He’s been convicted of second- and third-degree child molestation and indecent liberties. Zachery Weylin Brown, 24, convicted of second-degree rape, is living in the 2900 block of Burn Valley Road in Chewelah. For pictures of the men, contact police.

Whitman County Pullman

A pipe on Washington State University’s campus burst, causing water to be turned off for most of campus Thursday. Unfortunately, many of the people on campus this week are students taking finals … and drinking lots of coffee. By midafternoon, the school was able to tap into Pullman’s water supply.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Benewah County’s November unemployment rate dropped slightly from October’s according to the Idaho Department of Labor. October’s rate was 11.1 percent and November’s was 10.7 percent.

Bonner County Priest Lake

The Nordic Ski Center will open for cross-country skiing on Tuesday. The center is on the golf course and will have groomed trails with skate lanes, ski lessons, backcountry ski and snowshoe trails. Hours are 9 a.m. to dusk through Jan. 1. After that, it will be open Friday through Sundays and holidays through mid-March. Cost is $5 a day; season passes are available. Information: (208) 443-2525.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The Fry’s Foundation Festival of Trees was a spectacular success this year, raising $49,270. The foundation assists the Boundary Community Hospital by raising money for improvements and equipment. Festival coordinator Judy Everhart stepped down this year and will be replaced by Lilly Blackwell, who was head decorator.

Kootenai County Post Falls

The Community Partners will receive $7,000 to restore the old Community Presbyterian Church as a community center, and Pleasantview School will receive $3,000 to restore the historic building as a community meeting place. The grants will be given by the Idaho Heritage Trust, a nonprofit organization.

Latah County Moscow

The First Presbyterian Church will present a Christmas program at 4 p.m. Sunday. The program will feature the Presby Brass, directed by the Rev. Jim Fisher; the Praise Team, led by Kathy Pendergraft; the Youth Choir, directed by Kelly Caldwell; and the Chancel Choir, directed by William Payne. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Shoshone County Mullan

A Christmas Day dinner will be served to anyone who wishes to attend from 2 to 5 p.m at the Morning Club, 117 Hunter Ave. This is the third annual event, which includes a full turkey dinner and dessert. About 45 people attended last year’s event. To arrange for a ride, call Karen Dunningan at (208) 744-1498 by Sunday.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Lincoln County Campaign is close to reaching of its goal of collecting more than it did last year. As of Dec. 15, the organization had collected $40,216; last year it raised $52,000. Kootenai National Forest employees are the biggest single source of contributions to the fund. Donations can be made at Glacier Bank or First National Bank of Libby.