News briefs

Guns and Hoses hockey game April 30

The sixth annual Guns and Hoses hockey game will take place at Eagles Ice-A-Rena on Saturday, April 30, with the puck dropping at 5 p.m. 

The game features local law enforcement taking on local firefighters to raise money for the American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping children with cancer. The organization helps families rebuild their lives during and after a childhood cancer diagnosis, and serves families from Eastern Washington and those traveling to Spokane for treatment from Northern Idaho and Western Montana.

Saturday’s game will feature silent auction items, a 50/50 drawing, chuck-a-puck, T-shirt sales, and more. Tickets are only $5 at the door, and kids 12 and under are free.

County Clerk’s Office now accepting debit and credit cards

The Spokane County Clerk’s Office is now accepting debit and credit cards for payments. According to County Clerk Tim Fitzgerald, the change provides greater convenience for the public.

Cash, cashier’s check, and money orders will continue to be accepted. However, when choosing to pay using a debit or credit card, a 3.5 percent vendor’s convenience fee will be added to the total. Transactions will be handled via counter payments in the Clerk’s office.

Simple precautions to avoid black fly bites

The Spokane Regional Health District recently experienced an uptick in calls pertaining to black flies in Spokane County. Black fly bites can cause bleeding, pain and itching. To avoid these nuisances, the health district is urging people to take steps that reduce their chances of being bitten.

Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are small, biting insects that irritate people and animals living, working, or playing near running rivers and streams. They are sensitive to weather conditions and are most active on cloudy, humid days with low wind.

Bites can be avoided by staying away from areas where black flies are active during the day, especially at dusk and dawn and wearing clothing such as light-colored long pants and long sleeves, especially whites and tans. Wearing a light-colored hat can also help, and consider using insect repellent.

If an individual is bitten, they should clean the bite and apply topical products to reduce itching. Avoid scratching to reduce chances of infection.