Holidays, Hospitals, and Grants - News briefs for week of Dec. 7

Because of higher volumes seeking care in emergency departments, patients are experiencing longer wait times, according to a statement from Confluence.

Emergency departments across the state are experiencing longer wait times as they navigate through high volumes of patients with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other respiratory infections which have surged the within the last few months, particularly in recent weeks.

While these conditions can sometimes develop into illness that requires immediate medical care, mild cases can be treated at home with bedrest and over-the-counter medications, according to Confluence Health.

“With the sharp increase in the number of patients seeking care in our emergency departments, patients with less severe illness sometimes are asked to wait significantly longer than normal while priority is given first to patients with life-threatening conditions,” said Jason Lake, chief medical officer for Confluence Health. “We want to keep patients informed about these longer-than-usual wait times and thank them for their understanding as our staff and providers work tirelessly to care for patients with the most severe illness first.”

Christmas tree safety tips offered

OLYMPIA — The state Fire Marshal’s Office reminds families to be cautious this holiday season. Christmas trees have been known to start fires that can grow quickly. In order to increase fire safety, make sure fresh Christmas trees are chosen, and all heat sources are at least three feet away from trees, so chances of a fire are limited.

Additionally, keeping trees hydrated aids in preventing the tree from drying out, making the tree less likely to catch on fire.

The agency reminds residents that any worn cords, wires, and bulbs should be replaced. This will help to limit the danger of an electrical fire. Cords should not be placed under rugs or doorways, as they can become damaged, and dangerous. Before sleeping or leaving home, all Christmas tree lights should be turned off. For more information about fire safety, contact the state Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.

12 Tribes gives back for the holidays

OMAK — 12 Tribes Casinos are set to contribute to holiday meals to local families in Omak, Chelan and Coulee Dam communities.

The casino’s food and beverage team produced Thanksgiving meals to local schools and nonprofit organizations within the communities and will continue to do so through December.

“The holiday season is the perfect time to lend a helping hand, especially with rising food prices in our communities,” said Tony Posey, interim COO of Colville Gaming. “I am grateful to work for such a caring company that allows my team to come together and give back to the community in a time of need.”

For more information, see www.colvillecasinos.com.

OCCAC announces food shortage

OKANOGAN — The Okanogan County Community Action Council (OCCAC) announced that all food deliveries coming from distributor 2nd Harvest will be unavailable to Okanogan County in the coming months due to higher prices and low crop yields.

The OCCAC and their efforts depend on these deliveries in order to receive food for all nine food pantries and banks in the area.

Residents may drop off shelf-stable foods at Okanogan’s IGA and Safeway.

The OCCAC is asking residents and businesses for help navigating this crisis. With the holiday season underway, food donations can help these organizations to provide food for families in need. For more information on food donation and locations, see https://occac.com/donate.

Grant applications now open

OMAK — The Economic Alliance announced applications for the Okanogan County Small Business Support Grant are available through Dec. 31.

Small businesses that are continuously battling the impacts of COVID-19 can apply for this local grant which is funded by the Okanogan County American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Restaurants, retail, tourism and hospitality-related businesses are eligible to apply.

For more information, call 509-826-5107.

Caso’s hosts three giving trees

OKANOGAN – Caso’s Country Foods, 2406 Elmway, is hosting three giving trees which support local nonprofits.

N.O. Paws Left Behind Rescue, Oroville, Okanogan County Child Development Association (OCCDA) and Animal Foster Care Cat Shelter will all benefit from donations this year.

For more information, visit the Caso’s Country Foods Facebook page.

FYRE hosts youth present tree

OMAK – The Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement (FYRE), 23 S. Ash St., will host a youth present tree through 6 p.m. on Dec. 19.

Gifts will be given to young people who FYRE serves and are ineligible for gift-giving programs.

“We want to recognize the hard work they have accomplished with us this year through our advocate series and recreation program,” the organization said.

Tags may be taken from the tree in the FYRE lobby and must be returned with the purchased gift.

For more information, call 509-557-6457.

Bank hosts food drive

OKANOGAN – North Cascades Bank, 188 Pine St., is hosting a holiday food. All proceeds will be distributed through Okanogan County Community Action Council (OCCAC).

Canned and dried foods must be donated by Dec. 19. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Claus are set to visit the branch on Wednesday, Dec. 14, and will be available for photos with a donation.

Holiday music concert planned

OMAK — East Omak Elementary School is set to hold their Snowflakes and Bells music concert at the Omak Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Third grade will begin at 5:15 p.m., fourth grade at 6 p.m., and fifth grade at 6:45 p.m. Line up is five minutes prior to their show time.

Loup Loup benefit gala set

LOUP LOUP — Loup Loup Ski Bowl will host a Snow Ball Benefit Gala from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Day Lodge.

Food and wine from Lone Point Cellars will be served at the event, along with music and a raffle fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation. Prize packages will be available to raffle winners.

Each ticket holder will be entered to win a one-night stay and dinner for two at the Cottages and Tasting Room at Lone Point Cellars. Reservations for the event can be made at https://lonepointcellars.orderport.net/wines/Events.

Merc to present Nutcracker

TWISP — The Merc Playhouse will present The Nutcracker through Dec. 11.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Doors will open one hour prior to each show to accommodate for a silent auction, which will also be available during intermissions.

Admission will be charged.

Republic school concerts set

REPUBLIC — Republic School District has several winter music concerts planned for grades pre-kindergarten through high school.

Pre-kindergarten through fourth grade classes will perform a mini-musical on ‘How the Penguins Saved Christmas’ tomorrow, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in the elementary school gym.

The fifth grade beginning band will perform their winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in the elementary school gym.

Lastly, the middle school and high school bands and choir will perform their seasonal concert on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., also in the elementary school gym.

Pesticide license class planned

OKANOGAN — The Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board will host its fall pesticide license recertification class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Omak Theater, 108 North Main St.

For more information, call 509-422-7165, email noxiousweeds@co.okanogan.wa.us, or see okanogancounty.org/government/noxious_weed_control.