The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Othello

With the summer vacation season near, local gas stations say they’re charging more this year - by 25 cents - than any year in the past 10. Although gas prices here are no higher than most anywhere else, locals are shopping around for the lowest price. Most recent numbers show a range between $1.58 to $1.61 a gallon, with most stations charging $1.60.

Ferry County

Republic

An error in the calculation of the Republic School District’s 2000 levy collection will cost the county. The error has left the school approximately $14,000 short. To correct the error, the county will be sending out new tax statements to all taxpayers. The generation of the statements, manpower and mailing will cost around $10,000.

Grant County

Moses Lake

What will city leaders do with money raised from the local hotel/ motel tax? Currently, the city is deciding between a marketing campaign to boost tourism and building a sports complex. Several local hotels are concerned that since the 2 percent tax increase was passed, they’ve seen little benefit. The increase was passed to fund a city conference center, but a private company beat the city to the punch. The money was spent on sports facilities, not increasing tourism. Nearly all local hotels are suffering from declining occupancy rates.

Lincoln County

Davenport

It appears citizens will finally be able to enjoy Pioneer Plaza. The park, situated in the center of town on Highway 2, was designed to attract tourists to stop and shop. It’s been in the works for over 10 years. Volunteers hope the park will be completed in time for the annual Pioneer Days Celebration in July.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

Don’t miss the May Bargain Days extravaganza. This year’s event features a 7-mile-long yard and business sale, among other things. The fun begins in Newport and stretches through Oldtown to Priest River. Yard sale maps are available at several locations and are printed in the Newport Miner newspaper. For information, call the Miner at (509) 447-2433.

Spokane County

Spokane

Rose Hill in Manito Park has been honored for outstanding maintenance by the All-American Rose Selections awards organization. AARS public gardens must have at least 800 rose bushes and offer special displays of new varieties.

Stevens County

Colville

Rumors of a Wal-Mart Super Center coming to town have tongues wagging. Although Wal-Mart has not formally announced plans to construct the facility, locals say the idea is being circulated. A group of concerned citizens has set up a meeting to discuss the economic ramifications to the town. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Woody’s American Grill.

Whitman County

Pullman

Two Pullman High School seniors were recognized recently for outstanding efforts in math and science by the Pullman branch of the American Association of University Women. Jennifer Wyeth will be recognized for her efforts in math, while Mychaelanne Nieman will be honored for science. Also at the organization’s spring luncheon, Esther Anne Shaw was honored as a 50-year AAUW member.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

The Mr. St. Maries High School contest, set for May 13, will include senior students participating in categories such as talent and fitness at Heyburn gym. The benefit is for freshman Kelly Smith, who was injured in a car accident March 22 and is now in recovery at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane.

Bonner County

Sandpoint

A new grant program from GTE will offer $150,000 to Northwest organizations that focus on basic literacy or computer and Web-based literacy. For details, call (425) 261-5216 or e-mail kevin.laverty@telops.gte.com.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Lara Thompson, 15, is a finalist in the 2000 Idaho National Teenager Scholarship program set for May 5-6 at the Nampa Civic Center. Other local participants include Amanda Allenberg and Holly Merrifield. Thompson’s parents are Jim and Cathy Thompson.

Kootenai County

Rathdrum

Organizers for Rathdrum Days, July 14 and 15 are looking for local family oriented performers and entertainers. Call the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce at (208) 687-2866.

Latah County

Moscow

Artist Jim Gale will unveil his sculptured water fountain of basalt and granite at 10 a.m. Saturday at East City Park main stage. The fountain, “Water Shrine,” is the result of a $2,500 donation from the Moscow Renaissance Fair Committee. Gale, who exhibits regionally and nationally and teaches at Lewis-Clark State College off and on, gathered the basalt and granite within 30 miles of Moscow.

Shoshone County

Pinehurst

Homecoming 2000 organizers have changed the committee meeting date to 7 p.m. May 11 at the Pinehurst City Hall. For details regarding the reunion or the meeting, call Jean Vosberg at (208) 682-2694.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Troy

County officials have ordered Dave Cooper of Taz Towing to remove three wrecked cars piled on top each other with the words, “Welcome to Troy, and City Limit,” spray painted on them. The cars are sitting at the south entrance to town on Cooper’s property along Iron Creek Road. Cooper has been in a yearlong dispute with the city on towing and vehicle storage.