The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County
Othello
Locals concerned about the resignation of the Othello Community Hospital board chairman finally have answers. In his retirement letter, Larry Riddle said personality conflicts and stressful relations between himself and two new board members, whom he deemed “arrogant and argumentative,” were behind his decision. Administrator Jerry Lane resigned just weeks prior to Riddle stating the board wasn’t working as a team.
Ferry County
Republic
As Prospector Days winds down today, all are reminded of the rich history the local celebration brings with it. A town meeting on Feb. 7, 1957, was held to bring Atomic Energy Commission members and geologists to town to meet with local uranium miners and prospectors. Townsfolk decided to welcome AEC men with a parade and community celebration. Mining meetings ceased in 1969, but the fun has continued.
Grant County
Moses Lake
A recent drug sweep not only nabbed methamphetamine, cocaine, hashish and guns, but six suspects as well. After intensive investigation, local police served search warrants at two separate residences, though the operations were connected. One suspect was not at the home, and is still at large. In a separate case, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency made a bust near town, but it was turned over the Sheriff’s office as the amount of drugs found was too small for DEA involvement.
Lincoln County
Odessa
Shareholders of the Odessa Trading Co. and the Ritzville Warehouse Co. say they know a good thing when they see it. The two grain co-ops, with more than 80 percent approval from stockholders, will merge operations. The merger date will be July 1, and the name will be Ritzville Warehouse Co. Odessa’s implement division will continue to be called Odessa Trading Co. The combined grain storage capacity will total 18 million bushels.
Pend Oreille County
Newport
The Pend Oreille County PUD has wasted no time establishing a fiber-optic network for high-tech communications here. The Legislature gave PUDs permission to do so in March. Locals are calling it the Community Network System. Manager Joe Olney says he hopes to have the system operational by Sept. 1. There is concern by phone provider GTE that the PUD would become a supplier to an end user, rather than providing wholesale services. However, GTE may lease space on the PUD’s fiber.
Stevens County
Chewelah
More than 200 years of firefighting experience is being lost from the local volunteer force. Seven longtime members are hanging up their red hats: Chief Fred Nussbaum and firefighters Dan Hentges, John Herda, Roger Huguenin, Ted Ogilvie, Gary Skok and Bob Harrison. Nussbaum has logged 38 years on the job. The newest of this “old guard” is Harrison, with 25 years.
Whitman County
Pullman
Renewal and maintenance work is under way at the 87-year-old President’s Residence at Washington State University. This is the first renewal project since 1986, when Sam Smith began his tenure at WSU. Incoming President Lane Rawlins adn his wife, Mary Jo, will move into the home after work is completed, around Aug. 1. WSU is spending $295,500 in minor capital facilities funding money on the project.
IDAHO
Benewah County
Worley
Lakeside Elementary School staff members commended about 40 volunteers for donating their time to the school and students. Joe St. John, principal, gave the volunteers certificates of appreciation for helping students progress beyond expectations.
Bonner County
Oldtown
KMJY radio has changed hands. Helen and Jim Stargel founded and ran the station for 14 years. After being on the job day and night, they are ready to hand over the reins to the new owners, Tom Hodgins and Chris Gilbreth, of Walla Walla. Final approval of the sale by the Federal Communications Commission is pending.
Boundary County
Bonners Ferry
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Co. recently donated a $1,000 scholarship for local Idaho Drug Free Youth members who will attend the IDFY camp. At the camp, the counselors train to become peer advisers.
Kootenai County
Coeur d’Alene
The World of Safety will take visitors through educational exhibits presented by fire suppression/ rescue agencies, power companies, emergency medical service providers, emergency planning agencies, disaster preparedness agencies, law enforcement, railroad safety and search and rescue programs. The program will be held 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 24 at the Silver Lake Mall. Children may meet Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Prevention Dog, Ready Fox, Disaster Dog, the Crash Test Dummies and more.
Latah County
Moscow
Moscow High School teacher Bob Weisel was honored Sunday during a reception held in the school commons. Weisel taught social studies and coached track during his 33-year career. He graduated from MHS 50 years ago.
Shoshone County
Kellogg
The Shoshone Shriner’s Club first free children’s screening clinic tested 31 children for scoliosis and other childhood physical impairments. Once a child is diagnosed with a problem, local Shriners sponsor outpatient or hospital treatment. The club will have another clinic in November.
MONTANA
Lincoln County
Libby
The local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees received an award at the state convention in Missoula for its dedication to the Alzheimer’s Project. Sharyl Hurd, local chapter president, accepted the award.