The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Othello
Folks near Othello wonder if they’re getting enough of a say on the County Weed Board. The most populous area in the county, Othello has only one seat on the five-seat board. Bill Morris asked the Adams County commissioners to consider redistricting, and the matter is being considered.
Ferry County Republic
The Washington assessment of student learning test results are in, and Republic children scored above state average in nearly every area. Fourth-graders scored 20 points above average in reading, math and writing. Seventh-graders edged out the competition in listening, math and writing, and 10th-graders outscored the state in listening, writing, reading and math.
Grant County Moses Lake
Grant County is piloting aggression replacement training to teach kids right from wrong. Officials have found that when giving juvenile offenders a crime scenario and asking if it is right or wrong to commit, many feel crime is OK. Eight kids are going through special classes to deal with anger, anti-social attitudes and lack of social skills. Their teachers are already seeing a difference in attitudes.
Lincoln County Odessa
The town has recently formed a Public Development Authority, which opens doors to grants and business development opportunities worldwide for the proposed Odessa Industrial Park. Locals are excited that the park will be marketed on the Internet. The Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development Council recently announced it would feature Lincoln County on its Web site.
Pend Oreille County Newport
The local schools have lost 13 students in the last month. Newport has seen dramatic declines in student numbers over the past three years, and every lost student means lost state funds. The district has a little financial breathing room as the state will begin funding on September through December 1999 enrollments, which are higher by 21 students than currently enrolled.
Spokane County Spokane
Spokane Interstate Fair officials are recruiting young men and women to serve as ambassadors for this year’s fair. Ambassadors serve as official hosts of the fair. Applicants must be at least juniors in high school, and no more than 20 years old. Two young men and two young women will be selected. Application deadline is March 15. For information, call 477-2772.
Stevens County Colville
A local teenager is working hard to get the word out about diabetes. Kevin Kovalchik, 16, suffers from Type I diabetes, and checks his glucose levels up to six times each day. Kovalchik has become a teen advocate for the American Diabetes Association. He meets with three Spokane teen diabetes sufferers who work on programs for schools, assist school nurses and lobby for legislation.
Whitman County Colfax
County commissioners have voted to give county employees a pay increase. The shift in the salary schedule helps keep wages at approximately 87 percent of the mid-market average, which county officials and employees agreed to do back in 1998. The pay hike is expected to cost $70,000 over a course of a year, which comes out to approximately $270 per employee.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
The Panhandle’s bobcat season ended Jan. 31 and pelts must be tagged by Feb. 7. An Idaho Fish and Game representative will be at Eidnes Furs on Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. to tag and collect the lower jaws of the cats. Tags are $3 for the first cat and $2 for each additional fur. There is no limit on bobcats for licensed hunters or trappers in North Idaho.
Bonner County Sandpoint
Jake Rupley, the county’s noxious weed supervisor, resigned recently after serving two years. Rupley lead the battle against destructive Eurasian milfoil which grows in water. Rupley resigned to take care of family matters, according to county officials.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
Carson Bosworth, a former resident, is headed to Sydney, Australia in April as captain of the U.S. chopping team. Bosworth began competing in logging events when he was 12 years old with his dad, Bob. Carson is one of the smallest men competing at 5 feet 10 inches and 185 pounds, but has won many world championships in several events, according to Bob. The spring board competition is one of Carson’s favorites. Donations are needed to cover expenses for the trip. For more information call Bob at (208) 267-2725.
Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene
Military Order of Cooties, Pup Tent No. 3 of Coeur d’Alene donated more than $900 to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston for veteran’s activities. The home, close to its sixth year of operation, provides care and services largely on charitable support.
Latah County Moscow
Two key administrative positions were filled recently at Gritman Medical Center. Maureen Gray was named chief nursing officer, she had been the Emergency Department director for three years. Jeff Martin was named chief financial officer, he has 10 years health care financial management experience in Houston and Colorado.
Shoshone County Kellogg
The Silver Valley men’s basketball season begins Saturday with games Sunday mornings and early afternoons. A tournament will be at the end of the season with a trophy for first place. Registration is $150 per team. Call Dave Crawford at 784-1208 for details.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
Seven new hires were approved Tuesday by the Libby School Board. Three teachers aides were hired; Cheri Gragert for the high school, Orville Habeck for Central alternative school and Angela Koch for the middle school, all are Libby residents. Four assistant coaches who will assist in the middle school are: Joe Martineau, Terri Baker, Barb Mee and John Brumbaugh.