The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Othello
Residents are getting used to the idea of being home to a new Wal-Mart. The planned store will be the first Wal-Mart of its kind in the state. Called a Supercenter, the facility will include a full-service grocery store in addition to the company’s traditional retail store. Although some locals worry the Supercenter will hurt existing small businesses, others say it will bring an influx of shoppers from surrounding communities.
Ferry County Republic
While many runners and walkers getting ready for the Bloomsday road race in Spokane were worried about heat, local Bloomies were battling a much different foe. Bloomsday participants from Ferry County were fighting to get through snow on Sherman Pass en route to Spokane. Several inches of wet snow were blamed for an accident on the pass last weekend, leaving Bloomies with a time crunch in getting to the starting line.
Grant County Royal City
The medical clinic at Royal City likely will be open again this summer. Closed due to financial problems, the facility has received a $600,000 grant. Run by Country Clinics doctors Cathy Spanton and Don Sebesta, the facility is one of only seven in the nation to receive a full $600,000 grant. Staff positions, machinery and supplies will be paid for with the money. Spanton had used much of her own money to keep the doors open.
Lincoln County Wilbur
The Wilbur community float already is garnering awards. “Hidden Treasures” debuted at the recent Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival, the first parade of the season in this region. The Wilbur float won the Community Sweepstakes Award - the grand prize for five community divisions with 19 floats entered. “Hidden Treasures” can be seen next at the Lilac Festival-Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in Spokane on Saturday.
Pend Oreille County Newport
Thanks to a federal safe-schools grant, the Newport Police Department will hire an officer without spending a dime. The officer will work with an estimated 2,300 youths in the Newport, Cusick and Selkirk schools.
Spokane County Cheney
With 2,100 middle- and high-school students in town for the National Science Olympiad next weekend, Eastern Washington University will give campus tours at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday. Free parking will be provided on campus, and a barbecue will be held on the campus mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $5. More information is available at www.nso2000.org.
Stevens County Kettle Falls
Rose Creek Health Products Inc. has agreed to repay customers $375,000 in a settlement of government charges. The Federal Trade Commission says the company’s “Vitamin O” dietary supplement essentially was an overpriced placebo. A bottle of Vitamin O, which providers claimed would treat or prevent chronic or life-threatening ailments such as cancer and heart disease, sold for $25. Owner Donald L. Smyth admitted no wrongdoing.
Whitman County Pullman
Pullman firefighters will visit local elementary schools as part of National Emergency Week. They will display emergency vehicles and teach children how to use the 911 emergency system and give important information to dispatchers. About 60,000 accidents each year involve children less than 7 years old.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
County commissioners will sell items the county no longer needs at 10 a.m. Saturday in the alley south of the courthouse. Items, which will include an electric stove, doors, chairs and office machines, must be paid for in cash. For details, call (208) 245-2234.
Bonner County Sandpoint
The Idaho Department of Lands reminds that fire season is closed and will begin again on Oct. 20. Permits must be obtained or renewed before burning, and the permit must be at the site until the fire is out. For details, call the U.S. Forest Service office in Sandpoint at (208) 263-5612 or at Priest Lake at (208) 443-2516 or (208) 443-2512.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
Women’s softball league play will begin Tuesday, but several more teams are needed. Anyone interested in joining or starting a team should contact Wendy at (208) 267-5088 or Tammy at (208) 267-5452. Entry fee is $175 for a team.
Kootenai County Post Falls
Applications for participation in the Post Falls Festival Days parade, scheduled for 11 a.m. June 3, are available at the Chamber of Commerce office. Application deadline is May 27. For more information, call the chamber at (208) 773-5016.
Latah County Potlatch
Potlatch School District chairman Ivan Rounds is attempting to get a proposal to create a recreation district on the November general election ballot. The recreation district tax, which would affect the towns of Potlatch, Onaway, Princeton and Harvard, could raise a maximum of $6 per $10,000 in assessed property value. The money would be used to build new restrooms at the city park and a new softball field with lights, sponsor sports teams and possibly create a park on donated land in Princeton.
Shoshone County Wallace
Today is the last day of the annual spring cleanup. Residents are being encouraged to clean up yards, vacant lots and curb sides. Two large donated Dumpsters - one for wood and one for metal - are located at the West Wallace interchange of Interstate 90.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby/Troy
Kootenai Valley Head Start has opened enrollment for Libby and Troy children who will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 10. New at the Libby Center this year is a class for 3-year-olds in the morning and classes for 4-year-olds in the morning or afternoon. Troy classes will be the same. For details, call (406) 293-4502 or (406) 295-6508.