The County Lines

Sun., Feb. 20, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

Steelman-Duff Inc. was low bidder for the Ritzville wastewater treatment facility job. The $2.9 million price tag includes sales tax. A competing company argued that Steelman-Duff didn’t include all items required by law. City engineer Tom Haggarty told the City Council not to void the bids because as far as he could see, “all items are in order.”

Ferry County

Republic

Although today is the last day of the Republic Police Department’s 10-day crusade for seat belts, local officers will continue to stress seat belts and safety restraint seats for small children. Drivers are also reminded they are responsible for passengers under age 16.

Grant County

Coulee City

Former Gov. Mike Lowry has proposed a plantation for Coulee City. The 50-acre grove would give the city a polishing pond for wastewater while growing a salable wood product. The project is part of Enterprise Washington and gives rural communities a chance to make money to whittle down the operating costs of wastewater treatment. Capital investment would be $10,000 per acre, with estimated returns of $300,000 annually within a decade.

Lincoln County

Davenport

The local school district has expelled a 15-year-old boy for telling classmates he wanted to blow up the school. Undersheriff Wade Magers says a search of the boy’s home turned up “evidence that supported the allegations,” but refused to elaborate.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

The school board says it will likely cut up to two teaching positions for the 2000-2001 school year. One of the jobs cut will be in the music department. With decreasing enrollment, the school will receive less funding for teachers, making it financially impossible to support the full staff.

Spokane County

Airway Heights

Resident Charles Worley has collected 2,500 signatures in support of finding a cure for diabetes. In March, Worley will rally in Washington, D.C., with 1,500 other diabetes research advocates.

Stevens County

Colville

New Mayor Bob Anderson says the city should not be driven by projects like Colville 2000 revitalization. He would like to see a management plan implemented that would run the budget much differently. Anderson feels the city has been financially reactive by dealing with large, high-budget projects.

IDAHO

Benewah County

Bonners Ferry

Helmuth Redl won a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 truck in the Idaho lottery’s Bucks N’ Trucks V game. Redl bought his ticket from the Safeway grocery store in Bonners Ferry.

Bonner County

Sandpoint

Applications are being accepted through May 1 for the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s 28th annual arts and crafts fair slated for Aug. 12. The fair features booths of original, handmade creations from Northwest residents. For application details call (208) 263-6139.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Recently two Boundary County schools were vandalized. At Valley View Elementary, vandals broke doors, damaged computers and stole personal items. At the Bonners Ferry High School library, books were thrown around and tables overturned. Since Christmas almost every school in the county has been broken into and vandalized, according to Police Chief Dave Kramer.

Kootenai County

Spirit Lake

The Spirit Lake Community/Senior Center is now open but is in need of stacking dining room chairs. Since the center is owned by the city, donations of cash or chairs are tax deductible. For information call (208) 623-4221.

Latah County

Moscow

Tater’s Restaurant, in the Palouse Mall, closed this week after serving customers for more than 20 years. The restaurant was owned by Clayton Hult and employed 10-15 people seasonally.

Shoshone County

Kellogg

Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass will be open Monday in observance of Presidents Day. Silver Mountain also will be open Tuesday.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

Tom Pannell announced he is resigning as principal of Libby High School after serving two years. Pannell hasn’t said why he is resigning. Eight people have applied for his position, none of them Libby residents. A screening session by the selection committee will be held Tuesday to select candidates for interviews.

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