Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2003
Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY)
Copyright: 2003 Messenger-Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.messenger-inquirer.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285
Author: Justin Willis

RESIDENT TAKES STAND ON METH

Newman Man Battling Rise in Drug Activity

A resident of the quiet rural community of Newman posted signs along his 
street this week that are intended to send an unmistakable message to 
residents and visitors.

Six white signs with red lettering are posted along Steamboat Road and 
read: "Attention meth users. We will take our community back. Leave while 
you have the chance!"

The signs were posted Tuesday on telephone poles and a tree by resident 
Mike Hardesty, who lives with his wife and two children, ages 11 and 16, on 
the same property that his father once owned. Hardesty said he wants his 
children and others along the street to feel as safe as he did while 
growing up.

"The problem is not getting (any) better," Hardesty said Thursday. "I know 
I ain't going to solve the problem. I just want this place to be like it 
was when I was a kid."

Hardesty said he has concerns for his safety since posting the signs, but 
felt it was necessary because of a gradual increase in drug activity in the 
area. Some farmers are worried to get close to their anhydrous ammonia 
tanks in the morning for fear they have been tampered with, Hardesty said. 
Some parents are worried for their children, he said.

So far, some of the neighbors have driven by Hardesty's home and waved at 
him with a thumbs up, he said.

Court records indicate that one resident of the road was indicted this 
month on felony drug charges.

Some residents along the street, including Joseph and Delores Wathen, said 
they try to mind their own business but understood why Hardesty posted the 
signs.

"It's fine with me," Joseph Wathen said.

Wathen said he was unaware whether any residents are making 
methamphetamine, but attributed the problems to one group in the area. He 
said he was concerned about Hardesty's safety.

"I just try to mind my own business and stay out of it," Wathen said. "You 
mess with things like that and you might end up getting killed."

Other residents were interviewed, but did not want their names used for 
fear of retribution. Some said the signs are warranted. Others said they 
did not notice any drug problem in the area.

Hardesty spoke with Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain before the signs were 
posted to make sure it was legal, Cain said.

The sheriff's department has tried extensively to educate the community 
about the problem of methamphetamine and how to notice a possible lab or 
suspicious activity.

"I certainly agree with the notion of doing everything in a positive manner 
to educate and inform the public of the problem," Cain said.

However, Cain said he was unsure whether Hardesty's signs will result in 
the positive impact that Hardesty is seeking.

The Newman and Stanley areas are no worse than any other rural and secluded 
area in the county, but Cain said he understood why the issue was an 
important one for Hardesty.

"From the perspective of a homeowner who is raising his family right there, 
that is his concern," Cain said.
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