The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
The local high school surveyed students on home computer and Internet access. The results show 66 percent of students have a computer and printer at home, and 42 percent are hooked to the Web. As for e-mail, 42 percent of students have access and use it regularly.
Ferry County
Republic
With flu season here, people at highest risk are reminded that limited vaccinations are still available at the Republic Health Clinic. That includes folks over 50 or with chronic diseases, and pregnant women. Shots are $16. For the unvaccinated, medications are available with a prescription. If given within 72 hours of symptom onset, they can cut the flu down to size.
Grant County
Ephrata
The Police Department has implemented a policy to tow all apparently inoperable vehicles parked in public right of ways. Any car with a broken or missing windshield, missing wheels, tires, motors or transmissions, or lacking current registration, will be hauled away at the owner’s expense.
Lincoln County
Odessa
The City Council has balanced the 2001 budget of $3.96 million. The largest expenditure will be the street fund. Over $2.3 million is devoted to repairing streets and state highway 21 realignment through downtown. In the planning stages for several years, the project will begin in earnest this spring. It will allow large trucks a safer way to pass through town as sharp turns will be eliminated.
Pend Oreille County
Cusick
Cusick High musicians Sam Thompson and Andrea Bluff have been honored. They got to go to the Western International Band Clinic, an invitation-only workshop. Bluff, who plays the French horn, was thrilled to talk and work with conductors from all over the globe. Thompson, a tuba player, says the challenge is what he liked best.
Spokane County
Spokane
The Little Spokane River at Dartford was added to the region’s list of river locations being monitored for flooding. An official flood stage was established at 6.5 feet. In March 1997, the river reached 8.24 feet, inundating nearby homes.
Stevens County
Colville
Folks are mourning the passing of former Mayor Helen White. The 60-year resident and longtime community activist was well aware of the love folks here had for her. She was recently honored with Helen White Day, where she led a parade and was guest of honor at a citywide luncheon. White worked for the U.S. Forest Service and was one of the first women sent to fight forest fires. She owned the local Hallmark store and twice served as mayor.
Whitman County
The county Humane Society is looking for new board members for its facility and shelter committees. Applications must be in by Jan. 5. Participants will help with the annual membership drive, fund raising, and animal care and welfare.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Plummer
A short course on small-acreage farming will be offered Feb. 1 to March 22 by the Benewah County Extension office. Business planning, marketing, and how the Internet can benefit land management will be included. Registration deadline is Jan. 26, call (208) 245-2422. Cost is $65 or $80 a couple (without credits).
Bonner County
Sandpoint
The County Commission will hold public hearings at 2 and 2:15 p.m. Jan. 4 to consider requests made by Melvin and Dorothy Spraker. They seek a zone change on 80 acres and a preliminary plat approval to subdivide the land into 16 residential 5-acre lots. The hearings will be at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The county’s November unemployment rate was unchanged from October. It was up a full percentage point from November of last year, however. Idaho’s seasonally adjusted rate for November was 4.8 percent, the highest this year so far, according to statistics from the Idaho Department of Labor.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
The Public Library will be closed Christmas Eve day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and day. The Friends of the Library are offering gift-wrapping services at the Coeur d’Alene Plaza Shops through Sunday as a fund-raiser. Prices depend on the size of the package. Funds will help support library programs.
Latah County
Moscow
The Moscow Food Co-op has a holiday sharing tree to benefit the Humane Society. The tree is adorned with a list of needed items, including a new computer and dog food. Items may be left at the Co-op, 221 E. Third St. or the shelter, 2019 White Ave.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
The Boy Scout Troop is giving away trees to those in need. Eligible families may pick up a voucher at the Food Bank and get a tree from the Furniture Exchange parking lot.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
An account has been set up at the Lincoln County Credit Union to help the Robert Fox family, which lost its home and belongings in a recent fire. The family’s insurance will not replace everything. Everyday household items are needed.