The U.S. Government is using competition to get America's youth interested in math and science.

Several middle school students from around our area are participating in a regional competition for the 23rd Annual National Science Bowl, put on by the Department of Energy.

In the regional competitions, teams of four are asked "tough mathematical problems and tested on their knowledge of a vast number of areas including astronomy, biology, Earth science and physics."

Middle school students from Centennial, Chase, All Saints, Kettle Falls, Creston, Lincoln and Moscow will all be part of the competition.

For the past 23 years, more than 225,000 students have participated in what has become one of the nation's largest science competitions. For 2013, about 9,500 more high school students and 4,500 middle school students are expected to participate.

How did you spend your New Year's Day? Napping away a hangover on the couch, pretending to watch football?

That kind of afternoon sounds foolish to the group of rafters who floated the Spokane River on Tuesday. The Northwest Whitewater Association celebrated the 20th Annual Only Fools Float the River on the First the only way they knew how – by eschewing a day at home and getting onto the water despite the air being only 22 degrees when they launched.

“If you're a boater, you take every chance to get on the water,” Bruce Bernhardt said.

More than 30 people attended the event with more than 20 boats on the water.

“This is more exciting” than watching football, said Pat Keegan before launching.

Warm and extremely dry conditions are a dangerous combination in the Inland Northwest; so much so, that the Washington Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide burn ban.

The ban effects through the end of September for all DNR-protected lands. It includes all forest lands in Washington except for federal lands, which have their own published restrictions.

Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire.

• Campfires are only authorized in approved camp grounds with approved fire rings. 

• Never leave a campfire unattended, and be sure it is completely dead out and cold to the touch before leaving the camp site.

• Be aware that common recreational activities can cause fires, such as target shooting, cigarette butts, and trailer chains dragging on concrete.

• Do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas, as the heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.

For tips on protecting your home and family before a wildfire, visit www.firewise.org. Check for fire danger levels by county: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx