In brief: Washington bans ‘bath salt’ substance
A ban on “bath salts” approved Wednesday by the Washington state Board of Pharmacy is the latest attempt to curb the use of the products, which have been substituted for cocaine and methamphetamine.
The bath salts, typically sold in smoke shops, head shops and online, are marketed under brand names such as Ivory Wave, Red Dove and Zoom.
Dozens of people have ended up in hospital emergency rooms after using the stimulants, according to the Washington Poison Center.
The ban occurred after the pharmacy board filed emergency rules to classify the salts as Schedule 1 narcotics, which makes it illegal to make, sell, deliver or possess them.
Idaho and Oregon have also banned bath salts.
WSU student hurt in one-car rollover
MOSCOW, Idaho – A 22-year-old Washington State University student who was injured in a one-vehicle rollover early Tuesday is suspected of causing damage to the WSU campus and golf course prior to the rollover.
Patrick Lipsker, of Spokane, was transported by helicopter to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center on Tuesday, where he remained in satisfactory condition Wednesday.
WSU police Lt. Steve Hansen alleged tread marks from Lipsker’s 1998 Jeep Cherokee can be seen throughout campus where he crashed through at least two fences, drove off a road by the Student Recreation Center and through the golf course. Hansen said WSU police may forward charges of malicious mischief, criminal trespass and reckless driving to the county prosecutor, and more charges may be added once the state patrol completes its investigation.
After driving through College Hill, Lipsker headed north, where his car slid on ice as he approached Colfax, jumped a curb and hit a retaining wall before it rolled one or two times, Colfax police said.
Idaho trustees OK tuition increases
BOISE – Trustees who govern Idaho’s public universities have approved up to 8.4 percent in tuition and fees increases for next year.
The state Board of Education voted on the proposals Wednesday.
Boise State University requested the lowest tuition increase at 5 percent, while the University of Idaho recommended the largest increase at 8.4 percent. Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College each asked for a 7 percent tuition hike to help offset losses in state funding.
The costs will increase $266 to $454 per year for full-time undergraduate students.
Pony rides to start in Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park will begin offering pony rides Saturday and each weekend through Labor Day, park managers said Wednesday.
Corral rides on Story Book Farm Ponies will be offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, the release said.
Riverfront Park Assistant Manager Debby Dodson said pony rides were offered in August to test their popularity; they were a hit, so they’ll be offered all summer this year.
The corral is located across the river from the Looff Carrousel, and rides cost $6 each. There is an 80-pound limit.
Man arrested in rape of young girl
A Spokane man is accused of raping a young girl.
Richard Lee Syers, 40, was arrested Tuesday on charges of first-degree child molestation and first-degree child rape and is being held in the Spokane County Jail.
He’s accused of assaulting the girl last month. Syers is a friend of the alleged victim’s mother.
He’s expected in Superior Court today after refusing to appear on Wednesday.