Sports Briefs

Sen. Schoesler top hunting lawmaker

Ritzville – Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, has been honored by the Hunters Heritage Council.

The group named the 9th Legislative District senator as its Legislator of the Year for 2021.

Schoesler represents Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Whitman and southern Spokane Counties.

“As some of you know, I’m an avid hunter,” Schoesler said in an email to constituents. “Each fall, I go on a few hunting trips with friends. I know that many of you also are hunters.

“As a legislator, I’ve always made it a high priority to support hunters and hunting in Washington.”

Toxic algae subsides in Scooteney

BASIN CITY – Recreational activities can resume on Scooteney Reservoir as a toxic algal bloom has subsided.

The reservoir was closed Aug. 13 after water tests showed a high level of toxins, the Benton-Franklin Health District said.

The water has since been tested regularly and toxins have subsided and the water is now considered safe for swimming and fishing, among other water activities, officials said.

The water is not safe to consume or drink, officials said, noting children should not put their mouths in the water or swallow the water.