The County Lines

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Othello is served by eight emergency medical technicians, but Greg Hanoff, who heads Othello Hospital’s emergency medical services program, says the need for more EMTs is critical. He says to run safely and efficiently 16 are needed and that there are times one crew is available when two are needed. The hospital is discussing full-time EMTs and increasing the stipend program, which gives local employers financial incentive to let employees serve on the ambulance crew.

Ferry County Republic

The state Quarterly Business Review shows Ferry County dropped in taxable retail sales in the first quarter of 2000. The county totaled $4.98 million, compared to $5.34 million in the first quarter of 1999. This is a drop of 6.7 percent. Neighboring counties fared much better. Stevens County’s taxable retail sales increased 3.7 percent, and Okanogan County’s sales were up 2.3 percent.

Grant County Grand Coulee

After posting a nasty loss in July, the Coulee Community Hospital has made an amazing comeback. The hospital announced August was a record-breaking month. Revenue for August was $792,305, says Chief Financial Officer Debbie Bigelow. After bills were paid, including the recruiting fees, bonus and moving expenses of new surgeon Saul Weinstein, the facility reported a $23,823 net gain.

Lincoln County Almira

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department reported a driver picked up two hitchhikers near Sprague last week, but when he stopped for a break near Almira he was shoved into a ditch and the hitchhikers took off with his 1970 Ford Ranger. The pickup was reported at the Almira Cenex station the next day, and was stopped in Coulee City shortly after. The pair were booked into the Grant County Jail.

Pend Oreille County Newport

The Welcome to Newport sign is halfway to appearing more welcoming. The Master Gardeners from the WSU Cooperative Extension have completed phase one in the xeriscaping of the ground around the sign. Xeriscaping is landscaping that uses little or no water, and the sign is in a place where watering will be difficult. Plants will have low water demands, be low maintenance, and deer-proof. The ground has been tilled and a weed barrier put in, along with beauty bark. The project will be finished in the spring.

Stevens County Colville

Locals are being asked not to drink the water during working hours this week. The city will be flushing water mains Tuesday through Thursday of this week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The water will be cloudy, and the city is suggesting folks draw adequate drinking and cooking water. Anyone requiring the use of a kidney dialysis machine, or any other medical equipment, is asked to call the Water Department at (509)684-2244 so it can schedule flushing in that area.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Elizabeth Montgomery, a graduate of St. Maries High School and a University of Idaho student, is student teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Liz is the daughter of John and Barbara Montgomery of St. Maries.

Bonner County Ponderay

The Diamond railroad crossing was closed by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission as of Friday because it was deemed unsafe. The city is appealing the closure, arguing the road provides a vital access to businesses. Motorists seeking access to the south end now must either take U.S. 95 to Tibbetts Lane or take State Highway 200 to Eastgate Drive.

Kootenai County Hayden

Families may play as a team or individuals during the Mini-Golf Benefit Tournament set for 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Triple Play Family Fun Center in Hayden. The scramble style play of 18 holes will benefit the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Lake City Pathfinder Club. Registration is $5 a person.

Latah County Moscow

Gritman Medical Center’s Auxiliary will have its annual Fall Style Show and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at the University Inn. Reservations ($10) are required by Tuesday. Call (208) 882-2302.

Shoshone County Pinehurst

Scott Gibbs, a certified medical technologist through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, has joined the staff at Shoshone Medical Center’s Pinehurst Clinic. Gibbs’ wife, Carolyn Callahan-Gibbs, is a Kingston native and is happy to be back home with their three children.