Opioid statistics disturbing
The Snohomish Health District reported this week that from July 17-23 there were 37 opioid overdoses that week, including three deaths.
Four cases were in Arlington, five in Marysville.
“This entire process was eye-opening,” said Jefferson Ketchel, interim administrator for the district. “From the tremendous support and willingness by our partners to participate in the data collection, to the sobering numbers that just one week uncovered.”
Key takeaways:
•Overdoses were predominantly related to heroin.
•18 women and 19 men.
•Youngest was 16, oldest 52, half 21-30 years old.
•73 percent white.
•Naloxone was administered to 70 percent, saving 24 lives.
•Nearly half occurred between noon and 6 p.m.
•38 percent did not have 911 called.
The district reached out to first responders, medical providers, community leaders and local partners to collect the data.
‘Districted’ education under way
The Washington State Patrol is focusing the next six months on educating the public on the Distracted While Under the Influence of Electronics law that took effect July 23.
But that “grace” period doesn’t mean you won’t get a ticket. If troopers observe distracted driving coupled with other dangerous driving, or if you’ve already received a warning, you run the risk of getting a ticket.
The first week of the law, troopers contacted 337 drivers, cited 27, gave four written warnings and gave 306 oral warnings.
WSP communications director Kyle Moore said in a news release that fatalities statewide caused by distracted driving increased 32 percent from 2014-2015.
Electric stretcher bought
ARLINGTON – Snohomish County Fire District 21 in rural Arlington recently bought a $30,250 electrical stretcher. The stretcher can be lowered or raised next to a patient, many of whom are in bed or on the ground.
“The biggest problem for firefighters and paramedics is back injuries,” Fire Chief Chad Schmidt said. “That’s one of the main things that shuts down a career.”
The cost was covered by the nonprofit Cascade Valley Health Foundation. It was the last grant of about $2.1 million in donations the foundation received in connection with the deadly Oso slide in 2014, said Jim Rankin, board president.
200 3-on-3 teams compete
ARLINGTON – More than 200 teams will compete in the 12th Annual Arlington Airport 3 on 3 X-travaganza Basketball Tournament Aug. 12-13.
Boys and girls divisions from third- through- 10th grades are set up, along with high school, men’s, women’s, senior and coed teams. Each team of three or four members plays at least three games of 25 minutes each.
The teams will play at the north end of the airport where numerous baskets will be put up. Food vendors will be on hand, along with music. Overnight camping is available. Snohomish County Officials Association members referee the games. Hundreds of others volunteer.
Proceeds support youth basketball and the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life Arlington Chapter.
Skin care shop opens
ARLINGTON – A local longtime resident has opened a new shop called Rebecca Gabbard Skin Care.
Born and raised in Arlington, her family, the Langsjoens, is one of the original pioneers of Silvana.
She offers many skin care services, from facials to waxing to tinting. She offers an Ultra-sonic facial utilizing BT Micro. “I will be offering my own private label skin care products very soon,” she added.
Her business is located at 3210 Smokey Point Dr. Suite 103. It is located inside Sacred Path Day Spa. Appointments are from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Phone: 360-657-4509. Email: rebeccaleegabbard@gmail.com. website: sacredpathspa.com
Astronomy event today
ARLINGTON – The Arlington Library is having an astronomy event today, librarian Abby Bormann said in an email Monday.
Veteran astronomer Kevin Manning is leading the event. It is Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Stillaguamish conference room at Haller Park. Manning’s program is called, “Look up to the Stars.”
Bormann said she will be distributing a limited number of eclipse glasses to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
She also said the Kennedys will not be putting on an event there. A previous brief in the Times was incorrect.
Run to end child trafficking
ARLINGTON – Families from Arlington, Marysville and elsewhere showed their support of ending childhood trafficking by volunteering and running in the Rescue Our Children 5K charity run last weekend.
The goal was to raise funds and awareness. The run was put on by the Arlington Runners Club and the Stillaguamish Athletic Club.
Volunteers included Megan LaPlante, Miss Montana High School America, who lives in Monroe, and 12-year-old Makenna Kimble, the Miss Washington Regal Magesty. Anna Hiatt, Ms. Northern States World, and Shiloh Basetti, Regal Majesty Jr. High Point, helped coordinate the event.
