In brief: 19 legal weed stores, 1 in Spokane, fail minor sales test
OLYMPIA – Nineteen of Washington’s legal marijuana stores, including one in Spokane, failed recent state checks to see if they would sell to minors.
The Liquor Control Board reported Thursday it sent underage investigative aides to all of the state’s 157 licensed recreational marijuana stores, which cannot sell to anyone under 21. Most passed, but 19, including Royal Cannabis, 7115 N. Division, either failed to ask for identification or didn’t properly check the ID and determine the purchaser was too young.
The tests were conducted between mid-May and the end of June and were the first for the state-licensed recreational marijuana stores, which started opening one year ago. The stores that received citations have the choice of a 10-day suspension or a $2,500 fine. A second violation is an automatic 30-day suspension and the third can result in the loss of license. The individuals who sold marijuana will be referred to the county prosecutor, the board said in news release.
DOE accepts grants for drought relief
With a $16 million appropriation from the Legislature, the Washington Department of Ecology is accepting grant applications for public projects to help relieve hardships arising from the drought. These funds can be used over the next two years to help protect public health and safety and reduce economic or environmental impacts from water shortages.
The grant money is available to entities such as cities, public utilities and irrigation districts. It can be used for projects that ensure reliable public water supplies, getting water to farmers and providing extra flows for fish. Some examples include deepening wells, developing alternative water sources, purchasing water, repairing leaks or other conservation programs.
Application forms and information for qualifying are available on the Ecology Department website: http://www.ecy. wa.gov/drought/ index.html.
Oil train derails, leaks in Montana
CULBERTSON, Mont. – Authorities say an oil train derailed in rural northeastern Montana, prompting the evacuation of some homes and leaving at least two of the cars leaking oil.
Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick said there are no reports of injury or fire, but of the 21 cars that derailed only two remained upright.
BNSF spokesman Michael Trevino said the train was pulling 106 loaded crude oil cars when it derailed near Culbertson near the North Dakota border just after 6 p.m. Thursday.
Police and fire crews are at the site of the derailment, which has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 2, the region’s main artery.