Biker killed after striking deer

A Puyallup, Wash., man was killed Friday night when his motorcycle struck a deer in Lincoln County.

State troopers said Gary A. Askalakson, 54, was southbound on Williams Lake Road, about four miles southeast of Sprague, when the accident occurred about 9:15 p.m.

Askalakson was wearing a helmet, but it came off when he was thrown from his bike, according to the Washington State Patrol. He was fatally injured when his head struck the pavement.

John Craig

SPOKANE

Dye will help track creek flow

This week researchers at the Washington Department of Ecology will begin studying how fast Latah Creek flows by adding a benign, reddish dye to the water.

Researchers will track the dye with a fluorometer, an instrument that detects small amounts of dye in the creek. Flow data will be used in computer models to help scientists understand Latah Creek’s water quality problems.

Parts of the creek and several of its tributaries violate dissolved oxygen and pH water quality standards, creating problems for fish and other aquatic life. The flow study will help determine what’s causing the problems.

Staff reports

Forum will address HIV/AIDS

State health officials are worried about what they call a second wave of HIV/AIDS victims. Infections, particularly among young gay men, are rising after years of awareness campaigns had slowed the rates of people contracting the disease.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS will discuss the trends and hear from high-risk youth at a Tuesday forum at the Spokane Regional Health District, West 1101 College Ave. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m.

The public is welcome to discuss current HIV prevention strategies and whether those already infected are receiving appropriate services.

While new drugs prolong the lives of people infected with HIV, it remains a life-threatening condition.

John Stucke

Stevens County

Man injured in SR 291 crash

A Nine Mile Falls man was in satisfactory condition Saturday at a Spokane hospital after rolling his car on State Route 291.

The Washington State Patrol said Reza Abghari, 25, was driving recklessly when the accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Friday just inside Stevens County.

Troopers said Abghari’s northbound 1997 Dodge Avenger struck rocks on the north side of the road, then the guardrail on the south side of the road before coming to rest upside down in the southbound lane.

John Craig