Newsbriefs

Recent fires investigated

Colville Tribal Police Chief Dustin Best told The Star Monday that the agency has “looked into” recent fires in empty buldings in the Lone Pine area near Elmer City, but he couldn’t disclose any details.

Hospital awarded opioid response grant

Coulee Medical Center is one of seven regional entities this month to be awarded a grant for efforts to deal with opioid addiction.

The The North Central Accountable Community of Health (NCACH) awarded $58,540 in Rapid Cycle Opioid Project funding to support local opioid response efforts to partners throughout Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties this month.

CMC got $10,000 to support take-home naloxone (opioid overdose reversal medication) efforts for at-risk clients, NCACH said.

No matter the substance, it’s still a DUI

You can’t drive safely if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal, the Washington State Patrol says, and they have extra patrols on to watch over the holiday.

It’s illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug–prescribed or over the counter.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana use, including stories that marijuana can’t impair you or that marijuana use can actually make you a safer driver. Several scientific studies indicate these assertions are false. Driving while impaired by any substance—legal or illegal—puts you and others in harm’s way, the WSP says.

Extra patrols will include specially trained troopers to help identify and detect drug impaired drivers.

Planning fireworks?

If you are, and you find a legal spot to light them off (most towns here don’t allow it), the state Fire Marshal’s Office offers some stats and advice.

In 2018, when fireworks caused 209 injuries and 92 fires, five of those injuries happened around New Year’s, so:

• Have a water supply and water bucket available at all times.

• Keep all pets indoors and protected from the sights and sounds of the holiday.

• Read and follow all safety labels and instructions.

• Always have adults light fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework.

• Never throw fireworks or light fireworks in your hands.

• Never pick up or try to re-ignite a firework that fails to light.

• Never carry fireworks in your pockets or shoot them from a container.