The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County

Ritzville

The county Public Works Department will start work on Wellsandt Road from Ritzville to Hills Road this week. Also on the front burner is Paha-Packard Road from Interstate 90 south to U.S. Highway 395. This project includes bridge work. Drivers should expect detours and possible delays.

Ferry County

Republic

At a recent arts summit held here, artists, nonprofit organizations and the area business community got together to discuss “Cultural Connecting.” The plan is to create a heritage loop rich in art and history of all kinds, linking Grand Forks, Osoyoos, Tonasket and Republic. Several speakers specializing in tourism and economic development gave information on how this loop would benefit the region.

Grant County

Mattawa

Some local residents don’t want a tent camp for migrant cherry pickers in their neighborhood. The Grant County Public Utilities District received a $1 million grant from the state to house hundreds of cherry harvest workers in tent communities around Mattawa. Some residents protested before the stakes were hammered. Agencies in charge of public lands and state parks where the camps were to be placed also balked at the idea.

Lincoln County

Davenport

The county Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges in a pair of recent burglaries at the Davenport Retirement Village. Lisa L. Straine, 22, confessed to the Dec. 21 and Feb. 2 burglaries, which netted cash, jewelry and credit cards. The credit cards were used in both Washington and Idaho. Straine is being held in Thompson Falls, Mont., on an unrelated charge.

Pend Oreille County

Newport

A recent blood drive at the United Church of Christ was a success. Jeanetta Taylor was honored for donating 10 gallons of blood over several years. She has given the gift of life 80 times at local blood drives because she knows her donations help her friends and neighbors.

Spokane County

Cheney

The Cheney School District is phasing out the Macintosh computers currently in use for PC computers, against recommendations by the district technology board. School board members said that PCs are cheaper to buy and repair.

Stevens County

Springdale

Brenda Blackmer has been hired as town marshal. She recently completed her police academy training. She says community policing is her goal, starting with a set of miniclasses on safety and seat belts.

Whitman County

Garfield

The breast cancer research stamp is the first in U.S. history to have its net proceeds above the cost of postage earmarked for research organizations. More than $11 million has been raised, including $66,400 in the Spokane District. On May 20, the Garfield Post Office is joining with the Garfield Medical Clinic to provide information promoting early detection and prevention of breast cancer from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be lessons on self-examinations as well as free blood pressure checks.

IDAHO

Benewah County

St. Maries

Senior student Briana Craner nominated Martha Darter, an English honors teacher, for the Inspirational Teacher Award. Lewis-Clark State College presented Darter and four other teachers with the awards for their encouragement and influence on senior students to attain high academic achievements.

Bonner County

Blanchard

The Bonner County Road Department began its summer reconstruction project at the Spirit Lake Cut Off Road. Construction will continue for four miles. Reconstruction is expected to be completed by June 26 and sealing the road will follow immediately. For information, call 265-1497.

Boundary County

Bonners Ferry

Wanda Wilkerson was honored as the Boundary Community Hospital’s employee of the month for May, her third such honor. She is a registered nurse and works in the Emergency Department. She also enjoys volleyball, soccer and teaching aerobic classes.

Kootenai County

Post Falls

The Post Falls Park and Recreation Department is hosting Dessert Days, a baking contest. Participants 18 and older may enter four categories: fruit pies, cream pies, cakes and cookies and/or bars. Contestants ages 8 to 17 may enter in the Cookie Cook-Off. Registration is free and must be in by May 30. Participants need to bring their desserts to the Q’emiln Park Pavilion at 1 p.m. June 4. For details, call 773-0539.

Latah County

Moscow

Residents of Moscow and Pullman are urged to conserve water during Groundwater Awareness Week, which ends Saturday. Water usage on the Palouse Basin has increased every year while the ground-water level decreases by about 2 feet a year. Ground water from the Palouse Basin is the major supplier for about 50,000 residents, Washington State University and the University of Idaho.

Shoshone County

Wallace

The 15th annual Depot Day Festival and Classic Car Show is set for May 13. The festival is the major fund-raiser for the historic Union Pacific Railroad depot, which was built in 1902 and is now a museum. Along with games, food, live music, model train exhibits, gun fighter and telegraph demonstrations, new features such as railroad bumper car races, tire bowling and fan belt tossing have been added. For details, call (208) 753-6141.

MONTANA

Lincoln County

Libby

The Kootenai Valley Head Start is considering the former Libby Ranger Station to use as a classroom, kitchen and outdoor play area. The Kootenai National Forest is considering issuance of a three-year permit for Head Start. During the three years the Forest Service will decide whether a long-term permit or disposing of the property would be appropriate.