The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

Those promoting construction of a new city swimming pool are answering tough questions. The parks and rec district is hoping for voter approval of a $1.7 million pool. Folks are concerned with the larger size of the new pool, along with the bigger price tag. Backers say more than 100 kids utilize the pool daily, meaning use is increasing. Plans are to incorporate a wading pool into the design, and because the foundation also needs replacement, the cost is higher than expected. The city will continue to pursue grants.

Ferry County Republic

All organizations and individuals are invited to get involved in the Kettle River Watershed Resource Inventory Area. The state Department of Ecology has awarded Ferry County an organizing grant to establish a planning board for the inventory area. Those interested in being on the board should contact the county commissioners at 350 East Delaware #5, Republic, WA, by Nov. 27.

Grant County Grand Coulee

Electric City Tavern co-owner Lori Clayton is watching her mail for a reckless driving citation. Clayton, who complained to the city that local police target tavern customers for DUIs, thus hurting her business, allegedly skidded to a stop less than one car length from two police cruisers just a few days after her initial complaint. Officer Dan Dice says she got out of her car to complain about tailgating and harassment of customers. Dice did not ticket her, but later petitioned district court to post a citation. There is no word on whether a citation has been or will be issued.

Lincoln County Odessa

The hospitality industry has received good news. The Odessa Motel will be expanding. Owners Ed and Terry Hayden have received a zoning variance to build a 10-unit RV park with three tent spaces. The motel will be enlarged to include a new laundry, laundromat for RV patrons, plus showers and restrooms. The Haydens plan to have everything finished by Deutschesfest in September.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The Newport Community Hospital boasts a growing family. The hospital recently was host for a reunion of all babies born in 1999. More than 20 toddlers, with moms, dads and siblings in tow, attended the event and enjoyed pizza and soda. The facility is looking forward to feting the 2000 babies, as soon as they have enough teeth to eat the pizza.

Stevens County Loon Lake

A hearing to see whether Stevens County is out of compliance with two state orders concerning establishment of Interim Urban Growth Areas is scheduled for Nov. 21. Citizens of Loon Lake complained to the Growth Management Hearing Board that the county is not in compliance. Citizens claim that in eight years, with $927,000 in grant money, little has been done to implement IUGAs. The hearing, which gets under way at 11 a.m. in the Stevens County Courthouse Jury Room in Colville.

Whitman County Pullman

The Palouse Hills Nursing Center will hold a Chamber After Hours program on Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to show the community its new hospice care rooms. The center has built two rooms so far, with new wall and window coverings, furniture, amenities and space for family and pets. A third room is planned. For more information, call Annie Kier, executive director, at 332-1566.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Employees at the community health department are requesting donations for Thanksgiving baskets to be given to local families in need. Food needed includes cranberries, olives, potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams, pickles and other traditional holiday foods. To make a donation or receive a basket, call Nicole Higgins at 686-1767.

Bonner County Sandpoint

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will be performed by the Sandpoint High School Mime and Masque at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 at the school’s auditorium. Performers include Marcus Kendrot as Ichabod Crane, Laura Steen as Katrin Van Tassel and Jesse Wakely as Brom Bones. Cost is $5 adults, $3 for student and $1 for students with a student ID card.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Tracy Obert Saboe was awarded a $600 scholarship at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., by the Aid Association for Lutherans through the organization’s Lutheran Campus Scholarship Program. Tracy’s parents are Robert and May Saboe.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Jack Dawson, associate professor of educational administration, was recently appointed dean of the University of Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene branch. His previous role as center director gave him primary responsibility for College of Education programs in CdA. Dawson, who received his doctorate in education at the UI, has spent the last 19 years working for his alma mater. He will be responsible for overseeing other disciplines offered at the growing facility, including environmental science, psychology and engineering.

Latah County Moscow

County officials received word the Idaho Transportation Department signed a recommendation for the county to receive a $500,000 grant to help construct the Latah Trail, a walking trail between Moscow and Troy.

Shoshone County Osburn

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have a chili feed to honor veterans from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at their hall. Chili, corn bread and dessert will be served free to veterans and their families.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking hunters at game check stations for the heads of deer and elk killed. The department is testing the animals for chronic wasting disease. Animals with the disease appear listless, salivate excessively, keep their heads lowered and in some cases are hyperexcitable and nervous. Over the last two years 1,030 elk and deer heads were tested. The only known infected elk were nine at an alternative livestock facility near Phillipsburg. They were destroyed.