The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Ritzville
The city has been warned of potential problems with its stormwater collection system. City Engineer Tom Haggarty says the new sewer cells being built will hold a good amount of runoff, but will likely overflow during peak runoff. Haggarty is especially worried about a quick thaw during February. He advised the city to build more storm drains to reduce risk.
Ferry County
Malo
Locals will finally be able to listen to Force of Habit whenever they want. The Malo-based blues/rock band has just released its first CD, “Stranded.” The CD contains 10 songs, many made semi-famous at the Republic Blues Festival, area bars and sundry community events. Java Joy’s, Mickey’s Pub and Maggie’s Flowers have the discs for sale. The CD was recorded at College Road Recording in Spokane.
Lincoln County
Almira
The end of an era has come in Almira. The last church service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church was held June 4. Special guest Bishop Welles joined Pastor Bob Edwards in leading the final sermon. The church was formed in 1934, though members met for years in the basement of the local bank. The growing congregation was finally able to build its own church in 1951.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
The first opera to play Newport was a smashing success. Over 200 seats began to fill over one hour prior to the curtain of “Dialogues of the Carmelites.” The opera depicts the martyrdom of 15 Carmelite nuns during the French Revolution. The audience squirmed with emotion at one by one, the nuns’ songs were silenced by the sound of a guillotine. All proceeds from the event went to the United Church of Christ missions fund.
Spokane County
Spokane
Consumers who want the upper hand on legal issues can now access free legal information through a new Web site started by the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. The address is www.consumerrights.net. The site offers a wide range of legal information addressing rights under the constitution along with legal questions related to common concerns such as tenant rights and family law.
Stevens County
Colville
Northeast Rural Resources recently recognized the students and volunteers of the Adult Literacy Program. With a sharp increase in the number of foreign-born people in the county, over 50 volunteers were needed to provide one-on-one speech and reading help. Classes included English as a second language, adult basic education and family literacy.
Whitman County
Pullman
Neill Public Library will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday, but beginning Wednesday, there will be “Stories in the Parks” for the remainder of July. The storytelling will be 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Sunnyside Park, Wednesdays at McGee Park and Thursdays at Reaney Park. Picture books stories for preschool and primary age children will be shared, with different stories each day in different parks. The storyteller will be carrying a bright banner. Rain would cancel the event. For more information, call Youth Services at 334-4555 ext. 258.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
The St. Maries Christian Academy will not operate next year. The school is located at the St. Maries Foursquare Church and has been in operation for 12 years. School officials cite declining enrollment.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
A proposed communication tower on top of Gold Hills’ Sambucca Summit will be discussed during the next Bonner County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting set for 6 p.m. on July 13 at the courthouse. Jerry Lewis and Western Wireless are seeking a conditional use permit to place a 100-foot tall monopole tower near Sagle.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
Ricardo Mendez, a Bonners Ferry High School graduate, was chosen to receive the Gates Millennium Scholarship. The award will pay the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for his sophomor`e year at the University of Idaho. He’ll work this summer for the Bonners Ferry Ranger District in the Timber Standing Improvement unit. His parents are Ricardo and Cristina Mendez of Bonners Ferry.
Kootenai County
Harrison
A family fun day will include softball, volleyball, children’s games, a baked goods auction and a pie smear. The event is set for 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 4 at Kootenai High School and is sponsored by the Harrison Community Baptist Church.
Latah County
Moscow
Alocal women’s club will celebrate it 90th anniversary this year. The club started in October of 1910 with 13 members and was a sewing club. The Mokepahreka Club now has 11 members, is a social club and was named by arranging the original club member’s first letter of their first name. Members meet the second Thursday of each month. New members of any age are welcomed to visit or join. For more information, call (208) 882-1943.
Shoshone County
Smelterville
An espresso coffee drive-through opened Friday in Smelterville. The Espresso Barn, owned by Shirley Tinder and Belinda Williams, is located on Main Street. Lattes, granitas, Italian sodas and iced drinks will be sold along with muffins and snacks during business hours 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Troy
City Council members have put aside a vote on the proposed teen center awaiting further public comment. Many community members stated opinions for and against the center but the council members want to get a feel for how the majority feels. Suggestions during the June council meeting were for more research and more public meetings.