The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

All children 3 years old through the fifth grade are invited to vacation Bible school this week. Trinity United Methodist and Emanuel Lutheran churches are sponsoring the program. Music, crafts, games and daily messages will center around VeggieTales characters. Anyone not registered but wishing to attend may call (509) 659-1239 or go to one of the churches. Bible school will begin at 9 a.m.

Ferry County Republic

The local Eagles and Eagles Auxiliary are celebrating the Eagles’ centennial. The club - formed on June 17, 1900, with 75 charter members - is one of the oldest in the state. During the weeklong celebration, the Eagles Aerie will sponsor events including poker night, a taco feed, dice tournament, potluck, stock car racing and live music. For more information, call (509) 775-3094.

Grant County Moses Lake

A gift of $900,000 will provide some nice baseball fields. The Paul Lauzier Charitable Foundation has given the city of Moses Lake the money to complete construction of the Vista community playfields. The funds will be used specifically for a concession facility, restrooms and offices as well as general maintenance. Because of the gift, the baseball complex will be renamed for Lauzier.

Lincoln County Wilbur

The local volunteer Fire Department is still without a chief. Longtime Fire Chief Larry Clark stepped down this spring, and no one has applied to take his place. County commissioners have offered to raise their portion of the chief’s salary as an incentive for applicants. The City Council also has agreed to ante up if it can. Mayor Don Reid said he will discuss the vacancy with the department at its next meeting.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Department will be able to buy gasoline for its cruisers for the rest of the year. Sheriff Jerry Weeks had predicted that excessive overtime wages would drain his department’s budget, but county commissioners have found more money for law enforcement. The first installment of state “backfill” funds will be allocated to the sheriff’s budget, with $50,000 of the $137,000 check being used to pay for fuel for police cars through December. It also will be used to pay for a full-time deputy.

Stevens County Kettle Falls

Principal Don Worley has proved he is the top man at Kettle Falls Elementary School. On the last day of school, Worley emerged from a tent on top of the school building to the applause of students. Worley had lost a bet with the children and paid his debt by sleeping on the roof. He had challenged the children to read for 400,000 minutes in just more than two months.

Whitman County Colfax

Registration for camping spaces at the Palouse Empire Fair begins today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the public service building. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, although preference will be given to those most involved in the fair or with large-animal projects. Season passes also will be available for sale when reservations are made. For more information, call (509) 397-6263.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The public library has received books, videos and literature donated by the Benewah County Human Rights Task Force. The task force bought the items using an $8,000 grant from the Idaho Health and Welfare Department.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Avista Utilities reminds residents not to post signs on utility poles. The nails and staples are a hazard to workers who climb the poles, especially at night. Commercial advertisers and repeat offenders may be billed for the signs’ removal and processing costs. For details, or to report offenders, call (509) 495-4122.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The U.S. Forest Service Bonners Ferry ranger district will assess the environmental effects of harvesting dead trees in the national forest in Boundary County. The ranger district wants comments on the proposal before July 1. Send comments to Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Route 4, Box 4860, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805, or take comments to the office. For more information, call (208) 267-5561.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Books to You is a program that takes books and books on tape to residents who can’t go to the library because of a physical disability, injuries or prolonged illness. Eight volunteers currently are helping 12 residents. For more information, call (208) 769-2315.

Latah County Moscow

Arts and Kids will award $38,000 in prizes and scholarships to winners of its annual art competition. Local students age 17 and younger must register by July 31. Students should enter original art of any style and medium and must include their name, address and age on the back. For more information, contact www.ArtsandKids.com.

Shoshone County Kellogg

Teresa and James Driskell recently opened a children’s clothing, toys and accessories secondhand store. Kidz Kloset, at 121 McKinley, is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call (208) 784-6018.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

With increased use of J. Neil’s Memorial County Park, county officials are considering plans for about a three-acre parking area in the woods on the northeast side of the access road from state Highway 37. A second overflow parking area also is being considered in the southeast area near the ball and soccer fields. The areas would be used only when needed when multiple events are being held simultaneously at the park.