News bites for Aug. 3, 2023

RITZVILLE — The newest deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office swapped his blue uniform for a green one. Deputy Mark Cameron, who was sworn in Wednesday, comes to ACSO after 16 ½ years with the Ritzville Police Department, according to an announcement from the ASCO.

“We want to wish Mark great success in this new adventure in his career with the Adams County team,” the ACSO wrote in the announcement.

OTHELLO — A black bear has been reported in the corn fields north of Othello, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.

The OPD wrote in the statement that it has received reports from more than one citizen, and one report came with a photo, which lends credibility to the reports. Citizens are advised to be aware and alert when walking in the area north of town.

The statement included advice from the National Parks Experience regarding black bear encounters:

• Make noise while walking or when you first see the animal

• Pay attention to your surroundings

• Always keep pets on a leash

• Walk on established roads and paths and avoid walking at night

Black bear attacks are very rare, according to the NPE. In the event of a black bear encounter, the NPE recommends people face the bear directly and try to appear as large as possible.

• Spread or wave your arms, ideally holding a sweater or coat.

• Pick up small children.

• Talk to the bear in a calm, low and monotone voice. This allows you to keep your calm and does not appear threatening to the bear. This way, the animal can identify you as a human.

• Never scream or yell at a bear. Don’t make sudden movements. This may trigger an attack.

• If the bear does not approach you, back away slowly, preferably at an oblique angle. Bears consider sideways movements non-threatening.

PULLMAN — An Idaho woman died Wednesday morning in a head-on collision about 2 miles north of Pullman, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

Elizabeth R. Kahn, 28, of Moscow, Idaho, was traveling north on SR 195 in a 2017 Nissan Sentra, according to the statement. At about 8:47 a.m., Kahn pulled into the southbound lane to pass other vehicles and collided with a 2021 Volvo semi-truck driven by Cemil Cinarlik, 51, of Suffolk, New York.

Neither Cinarlik nor his passenger, Fahri Colak, 52, of Hauppauge, New York, was injured. All parties were wearing seat belts, according to the statement. It was unknown whether drugs or alcohol played any part in the incident.