The County Lines

Tue., July 25, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

The local Volunteer Fire Department is looking for help. The department is asking individuals and businesses alike for lists of available equipment which can be used in fire emergencies. Late July seems to be fire season here and extra tractors, dozers, and water trucks may be needed. Those with resources to help are asked to call (509) 659-1240.

Ferry County

Republic

In the high country, neighbors help neighbors in emergencies. That’s why it’s important to have a good number of trained emergency medical technicians in the area. A special EMT orientation meeting to train more emergency medical staff and first responders is on the calendar for 7 p.m. July 31 at the Republic Fire Hall. For information, call (509) 775-3862.

Grant County

Ephrata

Local emergency medical technician Torry Tarrant received his last radio call last week. Tarrant and his 7-year-old son, Garrett, were killed in a Montana car wreck on July 5. Local residents Tarrant had helped, along with fire and emergency personnel from throughout the region, turned out for a memorial service for the father and son. Former Fire District 5 Chief Bruce Holloway reminded all of Tarrant’s love of his profession, and closed the service with a last radio call to his fallen comrade.

Grant County

Grand Coulee

Local residents are curious about the contents of reserve police officer Tom Nieberding’s resignation letter. Nieberding stepped down earlier this month.

Although he had the support of the police chief and City Council, Nieberding was the subject of a 264-signature citizens petition recently. The petition claimed he is “guilty of harassing citizens for false or minimal so-called driving infractions,” and is “consumed with his authority.”

Lincoln County

Davenport

Like most towns its size, Davenport is down to one public gas station. Only Trader’s Express Cenex is servicing vehicles during the busy tourism season, after Corner Express Texaco closed its doors. Owner Marvin Bain closed the station after the Department of Ecolgy found an underground line leak. Adjustments would cost $1,500. Bain will keep the station closed. Three employees are looking for work.

Stevens County

Colville

The American Red Cross truly appreciates Carol Mugaas. The local woman was recently honored as the Anna Mae Ericksen Volunteer of the Year. Mugaas won the award for giving of her time and nursing skills to the Red Cross. Mugaas has been working with the Red Cross since she lived in Alaska in the 1960s.

Whitman County

Pullman

Members of the Pullman Swim Club will take on some different athletes at a swimathon tonight.

For the club’s annual fund-raiser, members of the WSU football team have agreed to compete in relays against the youth swim club members.

The showdown begins at 6 p.m. at Reaney Park. Proceeds from the event will help pay for equipment, training, coaching and travel to regional meets. The event is sanctioned by USA Swimming.

Pullman/Moscow

Efforts to build a joint hospital for Pullman and Moscow came to an end last week, Pullman Hospital Board president Bob Wilson told the Pullman City Council.

He said that Gritman Hospital officials in Moscow would no longer even discuss the idea of putting a shared medical center an state Route 270 between the two cities. Now the Pullman Memorial Hospital has to decide whether to expand its current site on Washington State University’s campus or relocate.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

Brenda Couture, a former St. Maries Police officer, who moved to Montana to be near her husband will have to repay the city $4,700 for training and certification. Couture agreed to work for the city for at least two years in exchange for the city and state covering her expenses to attend the Idaho Law Enforcement Academy in Meridian. Couture worked one year and then moved.

Bonner County

Sandpoint

The Kootenai-Ponderay Sewer District is seeking a permit for a wastewater treatment system which includes a 28 million gallon storage lagoon, transmission lines and pump stations. They are also seeking permission to apply treated wastewater on about 136 acres north of Kootenai City. A public meeting is set for 6:45 p.m., Aug. 3 at the Bonner County Courthouse. Written comment should be sent, faxed or taken to the Bonner County Planning Department ten days before the meeting. For details, call (208) 265-1458.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Doug Fifer, of Angel Flight West, visited the Boundary Community Hospital and explained the volunteer operation to a panel of doctors. The organization has about 700 volunteer pilots who provide free transportation for ambulatory cancer patients to hospitals or treatment centers anywhere in the United States. The organization has received the American Cancer Society’s Golden Sword Award and refuses repayment of any kind for flights. For more information about the organization call (888) 426-2643.

Kootenai County

Coeur d’Alene

Free smoothies will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Thursday by Jamba Juice Co. in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Donations will benefit St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise and the Idaho Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Cory Mecham, owner of three Jamba stores, wants to thank Idaho customers and raise money for the cancer society and the tumor institute. He received treatment from the institute while fighting cancer two different times.

Latah County

Moscow

Rendezvous for Kids includes wood working, beading, mask making, creative art, face painting and more. The art shop classes cost $3 each and will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday at East City Park. The program is part of the 18th annual Rendezvous in the Park, a three-day celebration with music and art. For more information, call Helen North at (208) 883-0998.

Shoshone County

Wallace

Construction of the city’s 1,000 foot-long bike path from the visitor’s center to the Third Street pedestrian bridge over the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River will begin this week and is expected to take 17 days to complete. The bike and pedestrian path will be handicap accessible, connect to the Rails-to-Trails path and will cost about $32,355.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

A support group for people impacted by asbestos has been organized and will begin meeting regularly. The first meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at 415 Louisiana Ave. The organization hopes to help people identify impacts of asbestos-related stress and work together to find positive solutions. For more information, call facilitator Laura Sedler at (406) 293-0180.

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