The County Lines

Tue., Nov. 21, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Voters approved forming a library district for the Othello Public Library, but board members are still scrambling for ways to fund the portion of the budget usually paid by the county. The library board has asked the city of Othello if it would be willing to pick up the county’s share, and the library district would pay back the $30,000 over four years. The city said it will continue to negotiate.

Ferry County Republic

It’s budget time again and the county is looking at salaries. Elected officials, including commissioners, will receive their $750 annual raise. Other employees will get a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment.

Grant County Grand Coulee

The city is considering finishing North Dam Park’s skating rink with artificial ice, which has 80 to 95 percent of ice’s consistency and is made of polymer ethylene. It can be tinted the same color as ice and lasts up to 20 years. It can be used for ice skating, hockey and rollerskating, but is not recommended for in-line skates.

Lincoln County Odessa

Residents may face a sewer rate increase due to a shortfall in city sewer revenues. Hookup delays for a new sewer system have caused the shortfall, says Mayor Carl Ryan. Nearly 60 of the 550 homes in town have not been hooked up to the new system. The city had projected sewer revenues of $200,000, but only $65,000 in usage fees have been charged.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Organizers of a kids basketball league are putting sportsmanship in the forefront. Not only will the first- through eighth-graders have several lessons on being good sports, but classes for their parents, coaches and spectators will be given as well.

Stevens County Colville

The owners of American Home Loan Inc. of Colville didn’t federally trademark the name two years ago when they opened, and were recently told to stop using the name as it is already in use. They did register the name with the state, and were told it was not too close to American Home Loans, a California company with more than 300 offices. To enter the new-name contest, call (509) 684-1144. A dinner is the prize.

Whitman County Pullman

Pullman Transit and Dial-A-Ride have reduced their services for the Thanksgiving break. The bus and van services are canceled on Thursday and Friday. Routes will be reduced the rest of the week. Call (509) 332-6535.

IDAHO

Benewah County Plummer

Lakeside High senior Sam Michael is starting a Special Olympics program in the Plummer/ Worley area. Michael has Dr. Wayne Trottier as a mentor and Tracie Moore to help him apply for a $5,000 matching grant from the Special Olympics National Committee.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Bonner County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. Nov. 30 in the County Courthouse in courtroom 4 regarding the Fergusons’ and McLaughlins’ proposal to subdivide 37 acres into four lots. At 2:15 p.m., Richard Peterson will request a revision of standards for rental warehouses and ministorage units. At 2:30 p.m., the county is initiating ordinance amendments regarding the definitions of airports and junkyards.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Ken Maring bought the South Hill Saw Shop in October from SS&H Inc. Maring plans to add small engine repair and has increased the hourly shop rate. Frank Spalding, one of the original owners, will remain on part-time. Maring and his wife, Carol, have two children and have lived in Bonners Ferry for 13 years.

Kootenai County Post Falls

The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors annual election will be during the noon General Membership luncheon meeting today at Templins Resort. Candidates include: Jan Clevenger, Ed Collins, Marilyn Deutsch, J.D. Dickinson, Jean-Paul Dupin, Kathleen Esquibel, Bobby Frazey, Jim Hammond, Allison McArthur, Cindy Jordan, Kevin McNeal, Nora Sharp and Debra Slaney. All good-standing members may vote.

Latah County Moscow

Free flu shots will be offered to veterans from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the Latah County Fairgrounds. Bring proof of eligibility, a DD214/Discharge VA card or a veterans organization membership card.

Shoshone County Kellogg

Sunnyside Elementary Principal Steve Shepperd was named Idaho School Board Association’s Citizen of the Year. The award was presented by Bill Scudder at the recent school board meeting. Superintendent Greg Godwin said Shepperd is an outstanding teacher and very active in the community.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The 8th annual Craft Show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Asa Wood School. Donations for the Food Pantry will be accepted. Gymnasts will perform at 11:30 a.m. and a balloon man at 2:30 p.m. Food will be available. The event sponsor is the Miriah Rebekah Lodge.

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