The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Ritzville
Workers at the Adams County Community Counseling Center have asked county commissioners for a break. With only two counselors on the job and increasing referrals, the counseling center needs to fill two open positions. The commissioners imposed a hiring freeze in light of cuts from I-695, and those two jobs have been vacant for months. Commissioners gave permission to post for applicants.
Ferry County Republic
A community group has $3,000 it doesn’t know what to do with. The group, Choices, was formed in 1995 to combat juvenile illegal drug use. Although a series of public meetings increased public awareness and decreased drug use, group members couldn’t agree on a common course, so the group has become defunct - except for its bank account. Former members will meet March 14 at 6 p.m. at Hometown Pizza to discuss where the money should go.
Grant County Grand Coulee
The local Senior Citizens Center will host its annual Cabin Fever Sale on March 4. This is one of the community’s biggest yard sales, complete with baked goods and lunch. Furniture, clothing, bedding, books, small appliances and more will be for sale. The sale starts at 9 a.m. at the senior center.
Lincoln County Reardan
If you’re looking for a pet, look to Critter Connections. Started recently by Brandi Fountain, 15, connections is a bulletin board that helps people find their lost pets, as well as families for strays and available animals. Fountain says her free service got started when her aunt worked for the local veterinarian. They received calls daily about lost and stray pets. The bulletin board is located at 120 S. Lake St. in Reardan at Country Critters grooming.
Pend Oreille County Cusick
There are a few things left to do at the county’s second Habitat for Humanity home. The group says all major construction has been completed and most of the interior is in place. Painting and kitchen cabinets are next on the list. The home is also in need of a plumber. Work days are on Saturday and anyone with a brush to paint, is invited to Second and Timber.
Spokane County Spokane
The Rockwood Neighborhood Council is trying to organize itself as a nonprofit corporation. The council’s next meeting is Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Hutton Elementary School.
Stevens County Colville
Area preschool children have a place to get free books. The Phi Theta Kappa chapter from the local community college has stocked up on educational children’s books and is making them available to all children. The book rack is directly facing the community college entrance. Children may keep the book, borrow it, or replace it with a different book. The group hopes to increase literacy and interest in reading.
Whitman County Colfax
A public hearing is scheduled for next month to discuss a proposed zoning change that would allow landowners to build gas stations restaurants and convenience stores near the crossroads of state highways and paved county roads. The change would also allow gas stations along waterways where there are Port of Whitman facilities. Land in unincorporated areas cannot be used for commercial purposes. The hearing is slated for March 27 at 7 p.m. in the County Commission chambers at the courthouse.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
Jessie Waddell, a high school senior, is attending the national Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. Waddell is one of 350 students selected on scholastic merit and leadership potential to attend a House of Representatives session and a National Press Club panel discussion among other activities. The Elks, Eagles, Kiwanis, Benewah Valley Association and Benewah Valley Home Demonstration Club funded Waddell’s trip.
Bonner County Sandpoint
The Bonner County Public Works and Road Department has released updated road restrictions: District One - includes all roads; District Two - the Eastshore Road is closed to hauling and all others have restricted hauling except the west side of the lake, Squaw Valley, Bear Paw and Peterson Road; District Three - Rapid Lightning Road is closed to hauling and all others have restricted hauling.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad recently donated two 32-channel radios to the county. One radio will be used in the Boundary County Disaster Service’s Emergency Operations Center and the other will be used in an 18-foot motorhome converted into a response unit for emergencies, disaster and search and rescue operations.
Kootenai County Post Falls
Bonnie Miles, daughter of Rick and Ruth Miles, was recently named Post Falls Rotary Club’s student of the month. Miles plans to study prephysical therapy at North Idaho College and complete her master’s degree at a four-year college to specialize in sports medicine.
Latah County Moscow
An international dinner project, Dining for Scholars, will include cuisine from Japan, Nigeria, Turkey, Kenya, Thailand, Ecuador, Palestine and India. The dinner, sponsored by the University of Idaho International Programs office, benefits the International Student Scholarship Endowment. Dinner is $20 a person and will be served at the college during spring break. Reservations must be made by March 17 by calling (208) 885-8984.
Shoshone County Kellogg
Sunnyside Elementary School is hosting a High Tech Fair all day today. Over 20 leading businesses in high-tech fields will have booths displaying their products and services. Guest speakers include Senator Gordon Crow, John C. Shovic PhD., and Mary Decker of International Business Machines. A drawing is scheduled for prizes including a personal Pentium desktop computer and a digital camera. Tickets are available at Yokes Pac `n’ Save and the three Stovern’s Auto Parts Plus stores.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
The school board recently approved the resignation of Shirley Chase, principal of Asa Wood Elementary. Of the 37 years she taught, Chase served 25 in Libby’s schools. Her resignation will become effective in June.