The County Lines

Sat., Jan. 29, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

Landowners can get a free deep soil test from the Columbia Basin Ground Water Management Area. The test detects the amount of nitrates up to 10 feet down. Farms, sprayfields, parks and golf courses are welcome to sign up for the program by calling (509) 659-1553. Ferry County Republic Ferry County is taking bids for a roofing project on the carousel pavilion at the fairgrounds. Bids are due Feb. 7, and work will begin in spring.

Grant County Quincy

The city is working to fix an inadequate filing system. In a recent audit, it was found the city’s filing process for equipment and service bids is lacking. Auditors were worried when a copy machine purchased in 1998 did not go through the bid process, but was purchased after three telephone quotes.

Lincoln County Sprague

The Sprague Volunteer Fire Department says Nita Vold is a hero. She noticed a column of smoke, and upon investigation she found a two-story home with its roof engulfed in flames. She ran into the house, woke the parents and helped rescue two children from an upstairs bedroom. The department awarded Vold flowers and a plaque.

Pend Oreille County Ione

The city is hoping for a planning-only grant, but to apply a survey of the community must be done. The city needs the money to plan for water system improvements. Leanna Powers, Angi Christman and Anne Williams have volunteered their time to conduct the survey.

Spokane County Cheney

Eastern Washington University began a new occupational therapy program to help fill the growing demand for therapists, especially in community-based organizations and rural communities. Starting salaries for graduates range from $35,000 to $45,000.

Stevens County Colville

Locals are welcoming Al Kowitz to the WSU Cooperative Extension. Kowitz has been named the county’s new agent, succeeding Wayne Madson. Kowitz says he plans to emphasize the use of technology.

Whitman County Pullman

The Montessori School of Pullman is holding its annual silent auction from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Cascade Room in the Compton Union Building on the WSU campus. Proceeds from the auction go to tuition assistance, classroom equipment and staff training.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Valley Vista Care Corp. has hired Jack Safrit as purchasing manager and contract supervisor. Safrit resigned as president of the board of directors of Valley Vista on Dec. 30. Safrit owns St. Maries Sausage Co.

Bonner County Sandpoint

The chlorine feed and alarm systems failed at the Sandpoint Water Department. The failure caused chlorine not to be added to the system’s incoming water. The problem was repaired and drinking water quality was not affected, according to city officials.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Boundary County School Superintendent Reid Straabe has applied for a position with the Barker Central School District in Barker, N.Y. Straabe is one of the top three candidates for the position, according to teacher’s union President Thomas Mallon.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Mayor Steve Judy, in response to complaints by city residents, has contacted the Coeur d’Alene Police Department to take action against car owners violating Ordinance 1301. The ordinance states vehicles are not allowed to be parked on city streets more than 24 hours. Officers are putting warning stickers on cars that will be towed if not removed after 48 hours.

Latah County Moscow

Moscow school Superintendent Edward Fisk was granted a one-year contract renewal. The school board’s vote was unanimous to extend Fisk’s contract, despite concerns teachers have about district leadership. Last June, the Moscow Education Association announced a vote of no confidence in Fisk.

Shoshone County Wallace

Shoshone County commissioners are looking to fill three vacant seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Two are at-large seats and the other is in the St. Joe area. The commissioners also announced the appointment of Ken Hicks of Silverton as the planning administrator. To inquire about the vacancies call (208) 752-8891.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Efforts are being made by the Raising the Rafters committee to bring a National Public Radio signal to Libby. The committee is working with the public radio station KUFM in Missoula, which spreads the signal to most of Montana. The group must raise $18,000 for satellite equipment to receive and transmit the signal

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.