In brief: Bill could force patient treatment

OLYMPIA – Doctors could order a patient to receive addiction treatment under a proposal that now has the support of both chambers in the Legislature.

The Senate voted almost unanimously Wednesday to combine the state’s systems for treating substance abuse and mental illness. Supporters said the integrated system would be more efficient and more accessible to people with substance abuse disorders.

Under the state’s Involuntary Treatment Act, someone who presents a physical threat or is “gravely disabled” by mental illness can be detained for treatment without the person’s consent. There’s a similar system in state law for people who are incapacitated by substance abuse, but it’s rarely used due to a shortage of involuntary rehab services.

The proposal would enable doctors and nurses to petition a court for a patient’s involuntary substance abuse treatment. Petitions would have to be signed by two health care professionals.

The plan is expected to cost about $261,000 over the next two years. With some amendments the bill is headed back to the House, where it passed on a 63-35 vote last month.

Bales catch fire at Inland Empire Paper

Spokane Valley firefighters responded to a fire at the Inland Empire Paper Co. Wednesday afternoon.

The department tweeted they were headed to the location shortly after 2:30 p.m. A total of 11 units responded, according to the department’s website.

KHQ reported light smoke was coming from a building that houses recycled paper, which started when two large bales began smoldering.

Fire crews pulled the bales out and soaked them with water.

Inland Empire Paper Co. is owned by the Cowles Co., which publishes The Spokesman-Review.

Overpass work will close part of I-90

Portions of Interstate 90 in Post Falls will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights for overpass construction work east of the Seltice Way interchange. Traffic will be detoured off the freeway during nine-hour closures both nights as workers place bridge girders for the new Greensferry Road overpass.

The eastbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at Exit 5, Spokane Street, and routed along Seltice Way and back onto I-90 at Exit 7, state Highway 41.

The westbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, with traffic detoured along the same route – Exit 7 to Exit 5 via Seltice.

In addition, Greensferry Road between Seltice and Schneidmiller Avenue – a one-way street for northbound traffic – will be closed for girder placement, as will the eastern portion of Schneidmiller, from 6 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday.

The new overpass will have two lanes in each direction, a center turn lane, bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides connecting to the Centennial Trail.

Preservation group dinner Saturday

The Spokane Preservation Advocates organization is seeking additional guests to join its main annual fundraiser Saturday evening.

The SPAtacular: Power to Preservation event is 6:30 p.m. at the Spokane Club. So far, about 100 people have signed up to attend.

Proceeds go for historic preservation activities in the Spokane area.

Entertainment will feature live piano music and fun games. A silent auction also is planned.

To sign up, go to spokanepreservation.org or call the SPA office at (509) 344-1065. Tickets are $50 per person.