The County Lines

Sun., Sept. 3, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

The swimming pool was forced to close after an Aug. 25 inspection. Folks from the park and recreation board found the crack on the west side widening. The fence has started to drop and a brown spot in the park lawn - likely a chlorine leak - has been found. It is thought the land under the pool is being washed away.

Grant County Ephrata

The county road department has set aside $160,000 for six projects. The county Strategic Infrastructure Program has targeted projects near Quincy, the Port of Royal Slope, Port of Mattawa, George, and Ephrata. The money is from taxes the state usually retains, but has returned this year.

Lincoln County Reardan

Spokane County Fire District 5 commissioners are trying to save their relationship with Lincoln County District 4. The two districts have long had a joint operating agreement. In June, Lincoln County voted to cut ties due to large growth rates in District 5. The commissioners felt they were providing 70 percent of the tax base with only half the say in operations. Commissioners from Spokane County wish to keep the agreement and feel operations for two separate fire districts would double expenses for both.

Pend Oreille County Newport

Police Chief Bill Clark is still on paid administrative leave as the city reviews his report on his department’s policies and operations. The city hoped to have the situation cleared up by Aug. 29, but got the report Aug. 28. An investigator from the city’s insurance pool is examining the report and department operations. A draft of findings has been started, but city officials have not seen it.

Spokane County Spokane

After a two-year absence, the Spokane Symphony will play at Valleyfest at 3 p.m. Saturday. Organizers expect 20,000 people to attend Valleyfest at Terrace View Park, 24th and Blake in the Spokane Valley.

Stevens County Chewelah

The Chewelah Golf & Country Club has finished nine new holes for a total of 27. Fairways are green and the greens are coming along nicely. The “very back” nine will be ready in the spring. Officials say the links are of championship caliber. A new clubhouse will be the next step, along with more lots for homes.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The downtown revitalization project plan will be discussed at a public hearing with city representatives and engineers who will show designs that would fit the budget. The hearing is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Heyburn cafeteria. Final decisions will be made at city council and downtown property owner meetings.

Bonner County Sandpoint

Among the additions to this year’s county fair were the pond and waterfall at the wildlife building. The pond was built with volunteer labor and donated materials. The pond and wildlife building projects were organized by Ed Lehman.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry High’s four-year vocationalagriculture course has attracted 60 freshmen, making the total enrollment about 150. The course has been taught by Jim Roland for 28 years and includes a monthly trip to the University of Idaho to see how the experts in the field work.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

Hecla Mining Co.’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, John P. Stilwell, accepted a job with a coal company in the Southeast. Hecla is looking for a replacement for Stilwell.

Latah County Troy

A back-to-school carnival will benefit the junior high cheerleading squad. The carnival, set for 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at Troy Junior High, includes a cakewalk, fishing pond, bingo, and a dessert and coffee bar. The squad is raising funds for uniforms and equipment.

Shoshone County Wallace

The city of Wallace received a $10,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Commerce as part of its Gem Community Action Grants Program. The city will use the money to complete restoration of the community swimming pool, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

The annual Kiwanis Demolition Derby is 1 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Kootenai Kiwanis Park, off Kootenai River Road. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for kids 6-11.

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