Risch announces new drug offensive

Idaho Gov. Jim Risch on Thursday announced a new push against substance abuse, including establishing a permanent state office of drug policy and drug czar; developing changes to Idaho laws to allow children found at drug labs to be immediately medically evaluated; development of a new drug-free workplace policy for state employees to include testing, prevention and treatment; and authorizing a new task force to come up with ways to fight prescription drug abuse, which Risch called “the new meth.”

He noted that his drug czar, Jim Tibbs, whom he appointed in July, has identified 133 state programs that deal with substance abuse, and said they need to be coordinated.

“I think the appropriate way to do that is through the office of the chief executive,” Risch said.

However, Risch said when his stint as governor ends in January, if he’s elected to another term as lieutenant governor he’ll continue to work on the program. “There is a limited number of things for the lieutenant governor to do. … You can see the commitment and the passion that I have for this. I’m not going to walk away from it.”

Risch’s Democratic opponent, former Congressman Larry LaRocco, who has been pushing his own plan to use the lieutenant governor’s office to lead a statewide fight against methamphetamine, called Risch a “copycat” and said Risch never raised the issue during his previous years as lieutenant governor.

– Betsy Z. Russell

Post Falls

Cemetery requests decoration removal

Post Falls is preparing Evergreen Cemetery for winter and is asking lot owners to remove all seasonal decorations or items by Nov. 12.

The day after Veterans Day, crews will begin winter preparations and discard any temporary displays that may constitute a problem during winter weather.

Evergreen Cemetery, 2834 N. Spokane St., is open around the clock to accommodate those needing to remove decorations.

For more information, call the Post Falls Parks and Recreation Department at (208) 773-0539.

– Erica Curless

Hauser

Candidate forum slated for District 5

Candidates seeking seats in the Idaho Legislature to represent District 5, which includes Post Falls, are scheduled to speak at a forum Wednesday at the Hauser Fire Station.

Candidates for the House and Senate will take questions from the audience.

The 7 p.m. event is at 10728 N. Hauser Lake Road.

For more information, call (208) 773-4196.

– Erica Curless