The County Lines

Tue., Oct. 3, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

The state Department of Transportation can begin building a much-awaited overpass at Killer Corner. The four property owners whose land the state must use have granted usage and possession to the DOT, though issues such as property value and commercial access have yet to be worked out.

Ferry County Republic

School officials are thrilled that more than 500 kids are enrolled at Republic School, more than projected. The largest class is the sixth grade with 53 kids. The smallest is the first grade, with 29. The higher number helps the district, as the state funds schools by number of students.

Grant County Grand Coulee

Mayor Tammara Byers and the City Council are considering a public nuisance law to target junk cars, barking dogs and crumbling buildings. The council will look into exactly what it wants to include as a nuisance. Weeds and garbage piles may also be on the list.

Lincoln County Odessa

The new sewer system has been hit by vandalism. It seems someone fooled with the lift station, causing the system to back up into several residential basements.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Newport and neighboring Oldtown, Idaho, will join forces to try to bring more business opportunities in the near future. A joint marketing plan is being put into place by the Pend Oreille Economic Development Council and the Priest River Development Corporation, as well as the two cities themselves.

Spokane County Cheney

Gov. Gary Locke will be at Eastern Washington University on Thursday to host a reception for the 250 EWU Promise Scholars and their families. The scholars are students from low and middle-income families who achieved excellence in academics throughout their high school careers.

Stevens County Colville

Colville High students are pulling out all the stops for the annual carnival Saturday at 5 p.m. The event will have an island theme. The primary fund-raiser for the ASB fund, the carnival sports a host of games, booths, treats, and prizes.

Whitman County Colfax

Jennings Elementary is looking for volunteers to help the students with everything including lunchtime, recess and assisting with lessons. While some Colfax High students are helping out, their support could be boosted with that from other members of the community.

IDAHO

Benewah County Plummer

The Lakeside football field has public roads on three sides of it and spectators staying in their cars to watch football games will be charged regular admission as of Friday. The money will be benefit the athletic department.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Free confidential counseling services for business owners and entrepreneurs will be provided every Tuesday by SCORE (The Service Corps of Retired Executives) starting today. SCORE counselors will be available from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bonner Business Center, 804 Airport Way, and will try to mesh with clients’ schedules. Call (208) 263-4073.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

The RATS (Reading and Talking Society) program for fourth-sixth graders, including home schoolers, will begin Oct. 10 at the library. Games, discussion, crafts and treats are included from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every other Tuesday until Christmas.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Miracle on Wheels offers electric wheelchairs for little or no charge to those in need who meet certain qualifications.

Latah County Moscow

Bill Wassmuth, author and a founding director of the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment, will present “Human Rights and Diversity in Idaho: Is There a Future?” at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the University of Idaho Law Courtroom. A public reception and book signing will follow the talk.

Shoshone County Osburn

Safety improvements in the Silver Hills Middle School parking lot include: a 10 mph speed limit, a fire/bus lane, a drive-through lane and a drop-off zone for parents and kids. The bike racks were moved to the west side of the school so kids won’t need to walk in front of traffic. Sidewalk expansion is being planned.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The town has been invaded by more stink bugs (Western Conifer Seed bugs) than usual, according to Brian Sherry, owner of the Outdoor Book Store. Sherry says the bug boom is due to a mild winter and availability of food. To keep the bugs out of your home, seal up gaps around the doors and windows.

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