The County Lines

Tue., Oct. 31, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

Those who use public transportation in the Columbia Basin fear Initiative 745 could put an end to bus service. Many Othello residents use the People For People bus to get to work in Warden, or make their transfer to Moses Lake. I-745 would mandate most transportation money go to roads.

Ferry County Republic

Many county residents may have already cast ballots in the Nov. 7 election. Ferry County has voted by mail for several years, so local politicians are used to starting their campaigns early. The one drawback is waiting for all ballots to arrive at the auditor’s office. They must be postmarked by Election Day, which means it can take up to a week to make sure all votes are counted.

Grant County Grand Coulee

The City Council approved a $1.85 per month water and sewer rate hike at its latest meeting. On Dec. 21, sewer rates will rise from $23.35 per month to $24.20. Water rates will jump $1 per month effective March 21. The city is preparing for major water system improvements.

Lincoln County Odessa

Odessa School District Superintendent Warren Reeves says two of the three main substitute teachers have taken long-term positions with other schools. The district is looking for emergency reserves. The law permits qualified people with college degrees, but without teaching certificates, to fill in if necessary.

Pend Oreille County Newport

County residents on the state’s Basic Health Plan will be without a doctor or hospital in the county come Jan. 1. The Washington State Health Care Authority has announced subscribers here will have access only to the Community Health Plan of Washington - which has no contract with any local doctor. In addition, Pend Oreille Community Hospital has no relationship with the plan. More than 1,000 local low-income subscribers will be forced to drive to Spokane or Ione.

Spokane County Spokane

Find out how to talk to your teen about dating and sexual assault at a free seminar titled “Educating Teens on Healthy Dating and Acquaintance Rape” on Nov. 7 from 7-9 p.m. at Glover Middle School, 2404 W. Longfellow. Adam Shipman and Kristin Erikson of the Spokane Sexual Assault Center will lead the evening. Call 473-6960 for reservations.

Whitman County St. John

Craig and Kelly Hudkins recently bought the pharmacy in St. John from Bryan Key of Pullman. Craig Hudkins is a Washington State University pharmacy school graduate and has worked in some large chain pharmacies. His wife is studying pre-pharmacy in Spokane and plans to earn her pharmacy degree at WSU.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

Shoshone County native Dave Overman, 34, replaced John LeVesque as a Fish and Game officer for Benewah County. He is a former Idaho Fish and Game enforcement technician, has a wildlife resource degree from the University of Idaho and has completed his law enforcement certification.

Bonner County Priest River

Friends of the Mainstreet Theater hope to turn that unused building into a performing arts center, movie theater and community center. A fund-raiser, Open Mic Night, is set for 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 11 at the VFW Hall, 220 Larch St. The winner will get a cash prize. Registration is requested, call Betty Gardner at (208) 448-2700 in the evening. Cost is $6 for families, $5 for couples, $3 adults and $2 for students. Kids and veterans are free.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Former resident Kim Norwood is back and is the full-time counselor at Bonners Ferry High School. She has worked the last 10 years as a clinical case worker for Western Montana Mental Health helping students who had serious emotional disorders.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Wooden boat enthusiasts have formed the Inland Empire Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. With last year’s attendance of 25,000 to the Coeur d’Alene Wooden Boat Festival, members saw the need for an organization. The group will celebrate at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Stan-Craft Boat Company, 6874 Ohio Match Rd.

Latah County Juliaetta

Clay into Christmas Presents is a four-session class for grade schoolers. It will be at 3:15 p.m. Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29 at the Juliaetta Elementary School. Linda Canary, a Moscow artist, will teach the class. Cost is $10. To register, call Ellen Magnuson at (208) 289-3941.

Shoshone County Kellogg

The volunteer Silver Mountain Ski Patrol will have its second annual Winter Swap fund-raiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. The money will help upgrade first aid facilities, buy a defibrillator. Register sale items 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at the fairgrounds. Raffle tickets for passes and gear will be $1.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Yaak

Student enrollment in Yaak School District was up significantly this year, causing the Board of Trustees to call for a budget amendment. A meeting will be at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Yaak School to discuss an increase of $5,500 to the general fund.

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