The County Lines

Fri., Sept. 8, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Ritzville

The school district has hired a music teacher, Ricardo Ornelas. Ornelas most recently taught elementary school music in Spokane. His first task here is to whip the pep band into shape for the fall parade and football season.

Grant County Moses Lake

The Columbia Basin is on redalert status over blood supplies.

The American Red Cross says the Pacific Northwest blood supply is fluctuating. It tries to keep three days’ worth of blood on the shelves, but currently has only a half-day. Basin residents are being asked to step up and donate.

Lincoln County Odessa

People wanting a low-interest loan to rehabilitate their home can pick up paperwork at City Hall. The county Housing Authority has received money to help owners of run-down and dilapidated homes spiff up the neighborhood. Participating homeowners must make a monthly payment of $25 to $50 on the loan, with a possible interest rate of zero. Odessa, once known for its proud old homes, is seeing pockets of decay in some neighborhoods.

Pend Oreille County Metaline Falls

Although the school district has not filled the safe-schools police officer job yet, the coalition involved with a safe-school grant has hired a full-time intervention specialist. Selkirk alumna Renee Iida has come home to help kids on the edge. Of great interest to her will be the results of the parentsponsored drug survey the school recently handed out to students. The responses are currently being tabulated.

Spokane County Newman Lake

Newman Lake Fire District 13 Fire Chief Bob Kolva is urging area residents to recheck any slash piles after a previously burned pile reignited during August’s hot weather. “A lot of landowners have neighbors who have been logging. I want people to be aware that slash piles aren’t as safe as they thought they were,” he said. Kolva suggested digging up the ground to feel for hot spots.

Stevens County Kettle Falls

Mold is again a problem for the school district. The old walls in the library are being replaced after mold was discovered recently. The growth is being blamed on leaks in the windows and snow seepage. The library walls were not replaced in 1990 when the school was forced to close during a mold crisis. An air quality check will be made later this month.

Whitman County Pullman

A grand opening of the Pullman Aquatic Center is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today.

IDAHO

Benewah County St. Maries

The annual Paul Bunyan Day Run was won by Gerald Conelly with a time of 19:57 and Karen Thurston with a time of 21:57. Proceeds from the race are given in the form of scholarships to high school seniors.

Bonner County Sandpoint

County commissioners decided against using an experimental chemical, triclopyr, to treat milfoil in area lakes. Last year the Environmental Protection Agency approved the county’s proposed use of the herbicide but residents were anxious about the potential harm and effectiveness. Dive teams may be hired to pull and remove the milfoil. Leftover money from Bonner and Kootenai County grants plus private donations may be used to pay the divers.

Boundary County Bonners Ferry

During a Bonners Ferry City Council executive session Aug. 22, it was decided the city would hire Boundary County Clerk-Auditor Kris Larson as city clerk-treasurer. Larson will replace the late Richard Rexford who died May 26. The Democratic Central Committee must recommend three people to the Boundary County commissioners for Larson’s vacant position prior to her resignation. The commissioners will then appoint one of the three recommended. Larson will begin as city clerk-treasurer Sept. 18.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

The volunteer litter pickup program, Adopt-A-Street, has been up and running for about six weeks and has two families and several businesses involved. Program organizers hope to get results in rural streets where the litter problem is more severe. Volunteers who adopt a street segment will get a sign with the group’s name or family name posted in the area they clean. The city is encouraging community groups to get involved as well. For details, call 769-2233.

Latah County Moscow

Go for the Gold on God’s Team will be a fun event for families interested in educational opportunities and other activities at the First Presbyterian Church in Moscow. The event features an Olympic theme and is open to the community from 6-8 tonight at 405 S. Van Buren. Popcorn, pop, snow cones, ice cream and entertainment for children will be available.

MONTANA

Shoshone County Lookout Pass

The main access road just over Lookout Pass to the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail was reopened recently. Fire danger has dropped enough for officials to reopen the forest and the road to the trail. Phil Edholm, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation president, said it’s a great time of year to ride because fall colors are appearing. The cooler weather makes riding more comfortable, too.

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