BRIEFS

DIXIE GROCERY CLOSES

DIXIE - The only grocery store in Dixie, which has a population of fewer than 200, has closed.

The town's postmaster said the Dixie Grocery Store, owned by Kim and James Joseph, closed more than two weeks ago and its absence has been the talk of the tiny un- incorporated community halfway between Walla Walla and Waitsburg.

"They're going to miss the store," Sarah Putnam said about Dixie's residents. "They won't have any place to go for their last-minute groceries."

The store's owners could not be reached for comment.

COLUMBIA COUNTY FAIR PREMIUM CHECKS READY

DAYTON - Columbia County Fair premium checks can be picked up at the Extension Office, 202 S. 2nd, Dayton, Monday through Thursday 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:30. Thank you for participating in the 2012 Fair and hope to see you at the 2013 Fair.

EXCHANGE STUDENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

WAITSBURG - An unforgettable experience awaits. Qualified high school students are offered the opportunity to spend 4 or 6 weeks during the summer holiday in Europe, Asia, South America or Australia. Strengthen a language you have been studying or begin learning a new one. Lan- guage knowledge - very helpful but not required to qualify. Programs for students ages 15 to 18 years old. Apply with ASSE Student Exchange Programs at asse.com to experience an opportunity of a lifetime. If you are unable to go abroad, please consider hosting a foreign exchange student. For more information, visit www.assehosts.com, call 800-733-2773 or email: AsseUSAwest@asse.com.

TEN TIPS TO REDUCE RISK OF SILENT KILLER "CARBON MONOXIDE"

SAN FRANCISCO - January 22, 2013 - Carbon monoxide is winter's "silent killer." Trying to keep warm kills more than 500 Americans each year and sickens many oth- ers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas undetectable to the human senses, so people often don't know that they are being exposed. Products that are typically involved in poisonings include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable gen- erators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

Symptoms range from headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness to confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen slowly or swiftly onset depending on circumstances. California Poison Control, in an effort to raise public awareness, offers 10 tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Have all heating equipment installed properly, and have your home's heating system inspected by a professional prior to turning the heat on when cold weather begins.

2. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in all homes and in apartments. When a detector goes off, assume that a real danger is present, and get all people and pets out of the structure immediately. Do not re-enter until a heating professional, gas company or fire department has declared the area safe.

3. During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

4. Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce carbon monoxide.

5. Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instruc- tions for safe use in such an area.

6. In climates with snow, make sure that chimneys and vents do not become blocked with snowfall.

7. Never operate a portable generator or any other gaso- line engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house or other building, or outside of an open window. Keep the generator as far from the house as possible.

8. Do not use charcoal or hibachi grills indoors to cook with or for heat under any circumstances.

9. Do not attempt to heat your home by turning on the oven or clothes dryer and leaving the door open.

10. Never let a car engine run inside a closed space such as a garage. Drive out promptly after starting the car, and turn the car engine off as soon as you drive into an enclosed space. Never have a garage door closed with a running vehicle in- side, even for a few seconds.