The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Othello
Local mint growers are staying optimistic despite a stagnant commodity market. The crop is in fine shape thanks to a mild winter, and prices have risen from $7 per pound of mint oil to $10 - the break-even mark for most growers. Competition from India and China keep prices low, even though American quality is better, says local grower Kenny Schutte.
Ferry County Republic
Wild-animal sightings, especially near inhabited areas, are on the rise. Cougars have been seen around the Stonerose Fossil Dig area. The town herd of deer is making its presence known, as are a number of moose in the northern reaches of the county. Reports of coyotes are plentiful and some have become roadkill.
Grant County Grand Coulee
Chris Christopherson has joined the City Council. The Bureau of Reclamation employee replaces Preston Van Camp. He was sworn in just before the council accepted the resignation of member Nancy Richardson, who is leaving the area.
Lincoln County Davenport
A property owner near the local airport told the City Council recently he was concerned that planes overshooting the airstrip had been landing on adjacent property. Pilot Rex Menke of Airway Heights explained that those unfamiliar with this strip may misjudge air pressure and winds. The city is looking into insurance to cover these situations.
Pend Oreille County Davis Lake
The Davis Lake Landholders Association has received a grant to exterminate milfoil, a noxious water weed. The $5,000 grant is from the Department of Ecology’s Early Infestation program. Eurasian milfoil, if left unchecked, can easily choke even a larger waterway and make swimming and diving very dangerous. The weed can be pulled or controlled with aquatic herbicides.
Spokane County Spokane
Spokane County commissioners agreed this week to preserve land the county owns between the Dishman Hills Natural Area and the new valley couplet as open space. The Dishman Hills Natural Area Association raised concerns this month about the possibility of dense development on this land. Details aren’t finalized, but commissioners are considering giving, selling or leasing the property to the Dishman Hills association.
Stevens County Chewelah
The Chewelah Honored Citizen Committee will take nominations until May 30 for the annual Citizen of the Year awards. Letters should briefly outline why the nominee is special and describe their community involvement, special projects and personal background. Letters can be dropped off at the Chewelah Independent newspaper office.
Whitman County Pullman
Pullman City Council members this week agreed to put a property tax levy before residents in September. The increases in taxes would give the city revenue to hire three firefighters, a police lieutenant and two patrol officers, plus assign a beat officer to College Hill. The levy, if approved, would raise taxes from $3.29 to $3.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
A new Christian rock band, Have You Heard, performed its first concert May 19 at St. Maries Church of the Nazarene. The group’s next concert will be June 2 at the Silverwood theme park. Band members are Shawn Kingsley, Leslie Stone, Ken and Yvonne DeVries, Darin Million, Neil Young, Scott Holmes.
Bonner County Sandpoint
Mike Praetzel resigned as president of the Panhandle Animal Shelter for personal reasons during last Tuesday’s meeting. The board accepted his resignation and named vice president Bonnie Price president. Keith Hertel was elected vice president.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
Valley View Elementary School celebrated its 50th birthday last week with a ceremony including people from the Class of 1950. The program included third-graders singing the Mickey Mouse Club song and trivia about the ‘50s. The gym and bleachers were full, with current and past students attending.
Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene
The Spokane Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is organizing a North Idaho chapter. The nonprofit organization is a support group for mothers who have lost children through alcohol-related accidents, as well as a victims’ advocate in the court system and lobbyist against repeat DUI offenders. A meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. June 15 at the Coeur d’Alene Inn for anyone interested. Call (509) 482-0405.
Latah County Troy
The city is considering improvements to the water supply, wastewater handling, and curbs, gutters and sidewalks. A portion of the proposed work would need to be done in a 100-year flood plain. Measures would be taken to minimize any harm the project might create. Send comments to Mayor John Blom, City of Troy, P.O. Box 595, Troy, ID, 83871, by Wednesday.
Shoshone County Kellogg
Work in the third phase of the Milo Creek Permanent Restoration Project will reroute drivers East Division. The work will begin on Depot Hill near the old Safeway building the first week of June and is expected to be done by October. Call (208) 783-5304.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Troy
The Troy School Board voted to pay the $2,310 registration fee for the Morrison Elementary Future Problems Solvers team to enter the international competition set for June 7-11 in Atlanta and to pay the air fare ($688) for the team’s coach and chaperone. The team won first place in April in Butte and will hold fund-raisers to cover other expenses.