The County Lines

Sun., Sept. 24, 2000

WASHINGTON

Adams County Othello

If the state implemented its upcoming graduation requirements today, only five Othello High School 10th-graders would receive diplomas. Students here find Washington Assessment of Student Learning tests too hard, and in turn don’t try to do well, they say. “It was pointless, long and boring,” Michelle Davis said. Of the OHS class of 2001, only 23 would graduate if upcoming standards existed today. The state will make passage of the test a graduation requirement by 2008.

Ferry County Swan Lake

Ballet is out and mountain biking is definitely in at Swan Lake. The Republic Ranger Station has set the date for its annual Fall Mountain Bike Fest. The fun is set for Saturday and Oct. 1. During the festival, folks will have access to free use of mountain bikes and canoes. Clinics on riding and taking care of bikes will be punctuated by contests, races and obstacle courses. For information, call (509) 775-3305.

Grant County Electric City

The Electric City town council has passed a resolution to tell the Seattle City Council to do its fair share to save salmon runs. The Seattle City Council officially supports breaching Snake River dams to save salmon runs but remains silent on its own dams and water projects. Electric City joins Moses Lake, Whitman County and others in asking for the breaching of the Ballard Locks and other Seattle-owned dams to save salmon.

Lincoln County Odessa

Numbers may have been slightly down, but organizers of the annual Deutsches Fest celebration say the event was a success. Most food booths sold out by Saturday afternoon, and all say they hit their financial goals.

Pend Oreille County Newport

A new gas competitor is coming to town. The local Safeway store has announced it will open a six-island gas station in 2001.

Spokane County Spokane

Spokane police are recruiting for the department’s volunteer Police Reserves program and will host an informational meeting at City Hall Wednesday at 7 p.m. For information, call (509) 625-4083.

Stevens County Chewelah

Anyone coming across tools engraved with the name “Erdman” should be warned the tools are stolen property. Last week, a burglar took $10,000 in tools from North Country Rental and Supply. Among the items were many tools belonging to Mike and Pat Erdman. If you have information on the theft, call (509) 935-6555.

Whitman County St. John

On Monday, the St. John branch of the Whitman County library will hold an open house to celebrate a Libri Foundation grant and the arrival of more than 70 new children’s books. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Cookies and punch will be served.

IDAHO

Bonner County Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake Appreciation Day will thank everyone who donated materials to the Spirit Lake Garden Club. The club used the donations to decorate the city’s parks. The event includes a ceremony, music, speakers and refreshments, and will begin at 1 p.m. today at the park on Main Street.

Boundary County Bonner’s Ferry

The school district’s board of trustees approved an annual $1,000 college scholarship created by the Bonner’s Ferry High School class of 1970.

Kootenai County Coeur d’Alene

National 4-H Week is Oct. 1-7. To join or volunteer as a leader, call the Kootenai County Extension Office at (208) 667-6426.

Latah County Potlatch

Formation of a recreation district in the Potlatch area will be discussed from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at city hall. Ivan Rounds will discuss the benefits of having a recreation district, and Steve Fiscus will explain what it would cost taxpayers.

Shoshone County Wallace

Wallace High’s Holly Gans was named Homecoming Queen and Shawn Stutzke was named King on Sept. 15.

MONTANA

Lincoln County Libby

A team from the Lincoln County Economic Developmental Council will visit Spokane on Oct. 3 to talk with investors and entrepreneurs interested in expanding or starting a business in the Libby, Eureka or Troy areas. An appointment may be set by calling (406) 293-8406.

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