Murray

Regional News Briefs

Olympian staff and wire

ELMA

Police chief on leave after arrest

Elma police chief Gregory Adams, 48, was placed on administrative leave by Elma's mayor after Adams was charged with driving under the influence Thursday.

Mason County sheriff's deputies responded to a call that an unmarked police car had driven through a construction zone, nearly hitting a highway flagger, when Adams was arrested Wednesday.

In an interview with The Daily World in Aberdeen, Adams said he took pain medication Tuesday night for a back injury but used only over-the-counter pain relievers Wednesday morning. He denied the medication affected his driving.

Adams said he injured his back in December while lifting the body of an accident victim out of a ditch.

The State Patrol thinks Adams' erratic driving likely was due to the painkillers, Sgt. Wes Stockwell said.

On the Web:

- Elma School District

OLYMPIA

Volunteer project at Tolmie park

The Conservation Committee of the Olympia Mountaineers is sponsoring a volunteer service project at Tolmie State Park from 9 a.m. to noon today.

The Mountaineers' program is an opportunity to learn about the state park system and potential closures resulting from budget reductions.

Despite budget cuts, Tolmie is expected to remain open. But operation and maintenance budgets are limited, and public support helps, the group says.

For more information, call Jim French at 360-754-6551, or stop by Tolmie State Park today.

Murray to receive advocacy award

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., will be in Olympia on Wednesday to receive an award.

Murray will be honored for her advocacy for homeless students by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

Murray will take a tour of Madison Elementary School in Olympia, visiting the resource room that provides special attention for homeless children.

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