The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
For years, the five public schools here acted as separate entities within the school district. In a recent move to simplify and unify, the school board is setting new guidelines to make them operate as a single unit. “Going schoolwide will allow us to take a global perspective of needs in our district,” said Superintendent George Juarez.
Ferry County
Republic Local boy Logan Saltzman recently found a giant mushroom near Barrett Creek. Shaped like an egg, the mushroom weighed 8 pounds, 9-1/2 ounces. No one knows if the giant puffball is good eating, but it will make a good entry at the county fair.
Grant County
Ephrata
The Ephrata City Council recently cleared the way for Wal-Mart to build along Highway 282 and Southeast Boulevard. Wal-Mart has obtained the 21 acres from the city. In a related move, the council nixed the sale of city property near that site to Canfield and Associates law firm for a 10,000-square-foot office building. The council felt the Wal-Mart deal made the property more valuable and wants the property appraised after the shopping center is built.
Lincoln County
Wilbur
Attendance fell below expectations, but the enthusiasm of the 25 locals at a recent Community Action Plan picnic was strong. Folks got together to talk about the town’s strengths and weaknesses. This list will be used to develop community goals, which, when joined with the goals of neighboring Almira and Creston, will give the area a tool for growth and economic development. The final consolidated plan will give the towns access to grants and loans.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
The state Department of Labor and Industries has investigated a complaint by a former employee that security at the Pend Oreille County Hall of Justice is lax for workers. The former employee felt threatened by another employee, who brandished a weapon in the office. Although the county was not found at fault, it was advised to take steps to tighten security.
Spokane County
Cheney
The first-ever Cheney Farmers’ Market unfolds today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on College Avenue between First and Second streets. Vendors will offer fresh vegetables, fruit and bread.
Stevens County
Chewelah
An item in Saturday’s County Lines incorrectly reported the date of Chataqua! - the annual community festival in Chewelah. The festival will begin Thursday and run through Sunday, July 16. It includes one of the largest craft fairs in the region, a parade, a fun run, food and games. Entertainment will run continuously in pavilion park and include Civilized Animal, the Celtic Knots and 10-year-old country singer Jared Wagner. Organizers have added an outdoor square-dance festival and a radio-controlled aircraft show this year.
Whitman County
Colfax
The annual Concrete River Festival commences this weekend in Colfax. The festival begins with a pancake feed from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Colfax United Methodist Church. A community yard sale, vendors and food booths will be set up downtown. A parade starts at noon. The Colfax Fire Department, which recently suffered a fire at its station, will drive the surviving 1936 fire engine in the parade and offer a special thanks to agencies that loaned equipment and assisted in the wake of the fire. A silent auction at the Bank of America will follow the parade.
IDAHO
Benewah County
St. Maries
St. Maries Family Medicine will provide free physicals for high school students who plan to participate in sports next fall. All freshmen, juniors and newly enrolled students are required to take a physical before participation in sports at Kootenai High School. Physicals will be performed for eighth- and ninth-grade students from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 3 and for older students from 3-5 p.m. Forms are available at the district office.
Bonner County
Sandpoint
An old garage at the Juvenile Probation house will be converted from a conference room into a wood shop for youths. Money for the $3,000 project will come out of an existing state grant, according to County Commissioner Brian Orr.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Eagles Club donated $500 to the Boundary Community Library. The library plans to buy large-print books and books on tape for use by people who have trouble reading smaller print and those who are learning English as a second language.
Kootenai County
Post Falls
The Herborn Big Band will perform in Post Falls, the sister city of Herborn, Germany. The band will give a free performance Aug. 3 at 7 p.m., directly after the dedication of the new pavilion at Q’emiln River Park at 6:30 p.m. Host families are needed Aug. 1-4 for the 42 people traveling from Herborn. Host families mainly need to offer sleeping quarters, provide rides to and from Cavanaughs Templin’s Resort and provide a few meals. To host a band member, call Debra or Kit at Post Falls City Hall at (208) 773-3511.
Latah County
Moscow
Nine gold medals were brought home by Moscow competitors in the Idaho State Special Olympic Summer Games. Marty Anderson, Eugene Dickey, Bryden Dimmick, Richard Dusten, Mark Smith and Scott Skiles all won gold medals in the team-traditional basketball competition. Jason Phillips took first in the 50-meter freestyle swim, Robert Pope took first in the shot put and Tawny Espy took first in the 50-meter dash.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
The North Idaho Injury Prevention Coalition encourages parents to have child safety seat installations checked by a certified safety technician. Appointments are needed. The service is free. Inspections are at the Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene police departments, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and Kootenai, Hayden Lake and Shoshone fire protection districts. Donations are needed for new seats for those who can’t afford them. Safety seat classes are held monthly. Call the Panhandle Health District at 667-3481 to register.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
College for Kids offers aerospace, flight acrobatics, plants, crafts, cyberspace and more. The one-week program for kids ages 6-8 years old will be held July 17-21. Children 9-12 years old can participate July 24-28. Tuition for a week is $55. Children will be supervised. Parents must provide lunches, water and transportation. For details, call Andrea Huisentruit at (406) 293-2721.