The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

The City Council cleared the way for a new child-care facility in Ritzville when it approved a conditional-use permit for Janell Eastman, a longtime resident, to operate a center in a residential area. Just Like Home Child Care takes infants to 12-year-olds and provides meals and a play yard. Eastman said she’ll offer a preschool in the fall for children 2 to 5 years old.

Ferry County

Republic

Snow has arrived, and many local residents are hoping it sticks around for a while. Republic is gearing up for its annual Winterfest Friday through Sunday, and snow is a crucial for the festivities. Snow-sculpture and snowman-building contests, as well as snowmobile races, are on the agenda.

Cross-country skiing, ice fishing, skating and several winter recreation clinics also are being planned. For more information, call (509) 775-3351.

Grant County

Soap Lake

A newly formed conservancy group hopes to protect Soap Lake’s mineral waters from dilution and pollution and also will focus on economic development. Nearly 60 people attended a recent meeting of the Soap Lake Conservancy to discuss the lake’s future and how best to continue attracting visitors to its healing waters while keeping the area’s natural beauty intact.

Lincoln County

Davenport

The local Police Department is looking for information on a trio of recent burglaries. The high school, Scott’s Tire Service and Edna’s Drive-In were hit, with merchandise and cash being taken from each. Police Chief Charlie Varain said he has no suspects. A cash reward is being offered, and Varain has set up a confidential tip line. To provide information, call (509) 725-2255.

Spokane County

Deer Park

Artist Melissa Swann Wagner, whose work was displayed in the Crawford Gallery in November, is holding a two-day papier-mache workshop. It will be held this Saturday and on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the senior center in the Deer Park City Hall. Cost for both days, including materials, is $27, and registration and payment must be made by Thursday. “Papier-mache is an ideal medium to make fantastic creations from materials that are available anywhere,” Wagner said. For more information, call the Deer Park Arts Commission at (509) 276-8884.

Stevens County

Colville

County commissioners have worked on the county budget to avoid laying off any Stevens County employees this year. Commissioners had feared financial fallout from state Initiative 695 would force layoffs, but they will keep all current staff members. The budget reflects $884,000 in lost revenue, but the county hopes the Legislature will reinstate at least $116,000 of those funds during its current session. Commissioners will know more in April when state funds are distributed and estimates become final.

Whitman County

Pullman

Several Spokane area students have been named to the Washington State University President’s Honor Roll for academic excellence. They are Katie M. Putman of Chattaroy; Wade W. Benton, Darrin S. Hayward, Amber D. McPhee and Juli A. Pritchard of Colbert; and Kristen L. Coles, Sara O. McCann, Lisa A. Rooney, Tera R. Rooney, Allan D. Sanders and Sara T. Skocilich of Deer Park.

IDAHO

Bonner County

Sandpoint

Helicopter logging is to begin today near Hope and East Hope as part of the Kirby’s wildlife habitat improvement project. Helicopters will be in the area for three to four weeks or until weather permits the work to be completed. The project is designed to improve winter feeding grounds for big game and to reduce forest fires.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Diana Williams has won the $600 grand prize in a national crafts contest. Williams entered a Dresden plate table topper in Crafting Traditions magazine. The item’s picture and pattern are featured on Page 56 of the January/February issue.

Kootenai County

Post Falls

Post Falls Rotary Club recently donated $150 to North Idaho Immediate Care Center for its free childhood immunization program. This is the fourth year the club has donated to that program. The club also gave $250 to the Post Falls Food Bank. Rotarians raised money to make the donations during their annual golf tournament.

Latah County

Moscow

Latah County Treasurer Les Proctor recently challenged the valuation of his home. But county commissioners, acting as the Board of Equalization, decided to let the assessor’s valuation stand. Had they approved Proctor’s request to change the value, taxes on Proctor’s new home would have been reduced by $500. Proctor worked in the assessor’s office before being appointed and then elected treasurer. Commission Chairwoman Loreca Stauber said every citizen has the right to challenge a valuation.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

Turner Mountain Ski Area will hold its annual community appreciation day on Feb. 21, when members of the community will be able to ski free all day. For more information or to sponsor the event, call (406) 293-6468.