The County Lines

Thu., Nov. 30, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

A Ritzville bus driver recently refused to cross railroad tracks on the Benge-Ralston Road when warning bells were ringing and lights flashing. The crossing arms were up, signaling a malfunction, but the driver stuck by his training. He radioed the school, and a sheriff’s deputy arrived to escort the bus across and back over the tracks.

Ferry County Republic

County commissioners hope to streamline the process of maintaining the courthouse and other county buildings. They recently voted maintenance person Keith Cruz to be his own department head. Before, Cruz could not perform maintenance tasks without getting approval from the Public Works Department.

Grant County George

County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the stabbing of Thomas L. Jones, 44. In custody is Lincoln Shane Miller, 28 on suspicion of first-degree assault.

Lincoln County Reardan

Members of the City Council consider the house at the corner of Summit and Aspen streets a safety hazard. The abandoned home is owned by Glenn Oehlschlaeger and is adjacent to the elementary school. There are broken windows, unsecured doors and a dilapidated porch. Council members have asked building inspector Dick Turner to evaluate the house.

Pend Oreille County Newport

A veteran of the Sheriff’s Department says he’s resigning before his credibility is damaged. Steve Groom cited poor management by Sheriff Jerry Weeks. Weeks says Groom’s accusations are unfounded. He says Groom has been reprimanded verbally and in writing in the past two years. Groom is scheduled for a pre-disciplinary hearing for allowing a person to carry a loaded gun in a vehicle.

Spokane County Spokane

The Shack Restaurant on W. 1301 Third is hosting a Santa breakfast Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise money for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, which helps abused or neglected children. Cost is a donation to the agency.

Stevens County Colville

The Audubon Society is looking for volunteer bird-watchers to help with its Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 16 at the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of people throughout North America take part in the count, which has been going on since 1900. Call (509) 684-4392.

Whitman County Pullman

Washington State University observes World AIDS Day on Friday with free HIV testing from noon to 1 p.m. in room 220 at the CUB. There will be a candlelight vigil on the Glen Terrell Mall at 7 p.m. to demonstrate a commitment to fight the disease and remember its victims.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Four positions on the Benewah County Fair Board are open. Commissioners will appoint new members during the Dec. 11 meeting. Russell Lowry, Sam Badgett, Larry Sotin and Dawn Weber vacated the positions. To apply, call County Clerk Kay Sather at (208) 267-3212.

Bonner County Priest Lake

Nominations for the Priest River Citizen of the Year must be in by 2 p.m. today to the Chamber of Commerce. The winner will be announced at the December chamber dinner. Call (208) 338-2721.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Students at Evergreen School will get a chance to learn cross-country skiing this winter. The school has no gym and skiing will provide exercise. Used equipment and money to buy what isn’t donated are needed to outfit the 100 or so children who attend. Alan Flory is organizing the effort. To help, call Principal Don Meeker at (208) 267-3489.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

A benefit for Nolan, a 9-month-old Athol boy who has brain cancer, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Hauser Lake Fire Station. The benefit, Shalena’s Breakfast with Santa, began 15 years ago to help families in need cover medical bills. Shalena was a volunteer firefighter’s child who later died of cancer. The breakfast includes sausage, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, coffee and orange juice. The cost is $3 or $10 a family. A raffle will also be held, with tickets available at the door.

Latah County Moscow

A benefit for the Humane Society will include Santa posing with pets for Christmas pictures. The Animal Clinic and Hospital program will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Bon Marche entrance to the Palouse Mall. Two pictures and a negative will cost $10. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.

Shoshone County Wallace

The University of Idaho will send a team of admissions counselors, UI students and financial aid advisers to North Idaho high schools over the next few weeks to discuss college life. The visits are for students and their parents to discuss higher education options, academic preparation, how to afford college and a student’s view of college life. The one-hour program will be at 7 tonight at the Wallace High School. Contact Bruce Pitman, UI dean of students, (208) 885-6757, or Lloyd Scott, New Student Services, (208) 885-6163.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

Kandis Peterson’s recipe for Cocoa Banana Bread won second place in a national diabetes magazine contest. The bread is low in carbohydrates and won her $100. Peterson has diabetes and has been creating dessert recipes for about five years.

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