The County Lines

Sun., June 4, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

There was no explanation for Larry Riddle’s abrupt resignation as chairman of the Othello Hospital Board. Riddle opened a recent board meeting by saying, “I am resigning from the board, and turning it over to the vice chairman.” He then left the room.

The board has 90 days to replace Riddle and is in the midst of replacing longtime administrator Jerry Lane, who resigned one month ago. There have been 33 applications for his position.

Ferry County Inchelium

Bob Heath, 29-year public school teacher, and Mike Slater, who has worked with kids for 21 years, are leaving teaching. Both men took on many special projects, such as ski club and announcing football games, and will be greatly missed.

Grant County Ephrata

Ephrata recently approved zone changes to the former Saddle Club property, paving the way for a 156,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Super Center.

There is some fear among small, local retailers that Wal-Mart will swallow their businesses, but Mike Hammar of Hammarhoff’s Market urges all to “swallow their fears” and hope Wal-Mart brings new customers to the entire community.

Lincoln County Wilbur

Starting this fall, one principal will serve both the elementary and high schools. The district is without either now as elementary principal Donna Marvin resigned this spring, and high school principal George Olsen was fired.

Although Olsen is appealing the decision, the school board is continuing the hiring process.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Pend Oreille Public Utility District No.1 announced it will hire former PUD employee and commissioner Robert Geddes as general manager. He replaces Larry Weis, who resigned.

Geddes left the PUD in April to become executive director of the Oregon PUD Association. He was the only candidate for the $88,500-a-year job.

Spokane County Spokane

The Nevada/Lidgerwood neighborhood council will meet Tuesday to discuss the traffic impact of a proposed Wal-Mart grocery store near Holland Avenue and Colton Street. The public is encouraged attend the meeting at 5 p.m. at 44 E. Hawthorne.

Whitman County Pullman

Sgt. Steven Hansen will serve a one-year term as interim police chief at Washington State University while officials search for someone to replace the position vacated by William Mercier, who left for a job at Indiana State.

Hansen has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and has worked at the WSU department for 17 years.

IDAHO

Benewah County Calder

The Calder school for kindergarten through eighth grade may close due to a lack of students and funding. The school has only had five to nine students for the last five years and has had to seek state approval to stay open. If the school does close, students would be transferred to Avery, where more than 20 students attend.

Bonner County Priest River

The American Field Service foreign exchange student program needs host families for next year, according to Marsha Cork, coordinator for the AFS. Anyone interested in hosting a student should call her at (208) 448-2759.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Jean Deubel Mace received an $850 grant from the Idaho Commission of Arts to paint six waterfalls in the county. Mace has painted for more than 60 years and is the former owner of the Rex Theatre.

Kootenai County Post Falls

A Citizens Review Committee on Accessibility and Fair Housing is being formed by the city of Post Falls. The committee will review and update the city’s Self Evaluation and Transition Plan. Grievance procedures relating to disability discrimination will also be reviewed, along with preparation of a Fair Housing Plan. The committee will meet biweekly beginning in September for about four months. Those interested should call Gary Young at (208) 773-8708.

Latah County Moscow

April Hillestad is the first-grade winner in the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrator’s Contest. Hillestad received her award from Idaho Public Television recently at the Moscow Public Library.

Shoshone County Wallace

North Idaho College’s Distance Education Program will offer a three-credit class starting Monday. Sociology 102 - Social Problems in America, will be taught by Dr. C. Andresen in Room 106 every Monday and Wednesday evening from June 5 to July 27 at the Wallace High School. Registration is $250. For details, call (208) 556-1547 or (208) 769-3436.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Troy

A skateboard park at Troy’s Roosevelt Park may develop into a park, teen center and patio area. The city wants public comment on the proposal and encourages residents to join the next council meeting, June 14 at City Hall.

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