Recovery Programs Crucial To Winning Drug War Think about the families fractured this holiday because of drug abuse. Some missing family members are in prison; some are dead. Some may be around the house, but not really present. No one thinks drug abuse is OK. The question is how best to fight it. There are signs that the answer is shifting toward fighting drug abuse one person at a time, helping users recover, preventing others from getting hooked. It's slow, it's personal, it's expensive. But without it, history and economics say, we are doomed to failure. [continues 601 words]
NEWPORT - The Newport Independent School District will have to wait until 2010 if it wants to consider drug testing any of its teachers because of a collective bargaining agreement passed in June that does not call for the tests. "It is against our contract to drug test teachers," Newport High School teacher Carol Dunn said. Dunn serves as co-president of the Newport Teacher's Association, the union that put together the collective bargaining agreement. She said because the four year contract was just approved in June, the board will have to wait until June 2010 to ask for changes and additions to the next contract. [continues 519 words]
The Herald-Leader's Nov. 25 article about using helicopters to eradicate marijuana left me with a few questions. How many millions of dollars in tax money are being spent on these weed-pulling missions? Helicopters are expensive, and so is manpower. How many schools have to do without proper books, computers and teachers to finance these commando-style plant-eradication junkets? How many terrorists, illegal aliens and bales of cocaine come across our borders while our police are wasting time pulling weeds? Protecting our borders is a much better use of scarce resources than trying to arrest rural Kentucky gardeners. To all those who claim to be for balanced budgets, smaller government and less spending: Why can't you see that the war on marijuana is a failed effort that is merely used as pork spending? [continues 71 words]
Methamphetamine use is not just a drug problem. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Hydee Hawkins, it's a "national epidemic," affecting otherwise law-abiding Americans and their children, and is the number one drug that law enforcement battles today. This was the focus of an hour-long symposium last night in the Small Ballroom of the Student Center for National Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The day was created after President George W. Bush issued a proclamation earlier in November. "On National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, we underscore the dangers of methamphetamine and reaffirm our collective responsibility to combat all forms of drug abuse," Bush wrote in a statement. [continues 436 words]
Spotters Spent More Time in Air Extra time in the air by spotters helped authorities destroy more marijuana growing outdoors in Kentucky this year than in more than a decade. Police cut and burned 557,276 plants this year, up nearly 50,000 from 2005 and the most since 1995. Arrests also were up: 475 in 2006 compared with 452 in 2005. If each destroyed plant had produced one pound of pot with an estimated worth of $2,000, that would mean $1 billion was prevented from entering the illegal drug market. [continues 544 words]
Police destroyed more marijuana growing outdoors in Kentucky this year than they had in more than a decade, according to numbers compiled by state police. One factor in the increase was that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration brought in several helicopters and an airplane for six weeks during the summer, creating more opportunity for airborne spotters to find pot patches, said Lt. Ed Shemelya, head of the marijuana-eradication program for the Kentucky State Police. "Anybody in this business will tell you the more eyes you get in the sky, the more dope you'll find," Shemelya said. [continues 1288 words]
The Pike County Board of Education is drug testing more students more often, but there are still some problems with the policy. Vice-Chairman J.C. Chaney asked Board of Education members to revamp the district's random student drug-testing policy after one child, who is not in the random drug testing pool, was tested because officials suspected illegal drug use. The student, whose parents weren't notified by the Board of Education or the school, passed the test, Chaney said. [continues 568 words]
In reaction to an underage drinking scandal that police said included a school board member, two teachers and high school students, the Newport school board took steps Wednesday to tighten the district's drug and alcohol policies. At the recommendation of Superintendent Michael Brandt, the board authorized him to: Research drug-testing policies in other districts. Form a task force to study a random drug-testing policy for students. Create a code of conduct for students who want to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities. [continues 506 words]
It's encouraging to read "Students meet for marijuana reform" (Nov. 3), and I hope it leads to the end of cannabis prohibition. Another reason to stop caging people for using cannabis that isn't mentioned is because the Bible indicates God created all the seed-bearing plants, saying they are all good, on literally the very first page (see Genesis 1:11-12 and 29-30). The only Biblical restriction place on cannabis is that it be accepted with thankfulness (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Stan White Dillon, Colo. [end]
Stuffing a brownie in his mouth in front of the Classroom Building yesterday, Andy Barnes realized the message on his shirt contradicted his cause. The undecided freshman, who openly admits to smoking marijuana, was wearing an old D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) t-shirt. "I guess I didn't think about this (event) before I put it on," he said. Barnes and about 30 students advocating the legalization of marijuana gathered in front of the Classroom Building yesterday to promote UK's chapter of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). The group, which was established at UK two years ago, handed out information pamphlets about marijuana laws and brownies. [continues 308 words]
Kentuckians' civil liberties are a little safer today thanks to a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling handed down last week. In March 2003, Paducah residents Frederick Carl "Fritz" Krause III and Joe Yamada pleaded guilty to cocaine and marijuana charges after Kentucky State Police Detective Jason Manar came to their house in the middle of the night and found drug paraphernalia. Manar told Krause a young girl had been raped inside the house, and that he needed to see if furniture matched the girl's descriptions. But there was no rape and no young girl - the officer was lying. [continues 124 words]
Red Ribbon Week Works to Prevent Substance Abuse Thousands of schools nationwide this week are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, reminding students about the dangers of drugs. The significance, though, may be a little more here at Holmes Alternative School. The roughly 40 students in grades 7-12 are here because of behavior problems they had while at Holmes Junior/Senior High School. For some, those problems included drug use. This is the first year the alternative school has made a big splash about this week. Administrators hope it has an impact. [continues 268 words]
RICHMOND -- Slobber flew from Bari's jowls as he raced through the warm grass Friday and sunk his teeth into his favorite toy. A drool-soaked tennis ball. His 80 pounds of fur and muscle slid into his handler just long enough to get to his paws again and chase another ball across Irvine McDowell Park. "That's what he works for," said Richmond Police K-9 Handler Kurtis Heatherton. "That's his paycheck." But don't let the playful demeanor fool you, RPD K-9 Bari's mission to protect and serve is not something he takes lightly. [continues 720 words]
To the Editor: I'm writing about: "K. S. P. nab 7 in 672 pot bust" (Times Leader, Saturday, Sept. 25). I'm sure that many marijuana growers and sellers are thankful to the Kentucky State Police for this latest marijuana bust and others like it. Without operations like this, marijuana would be worth what other easy-to-grow weeds are worth -- very little. Thanks to the Drug Enforcement Administration and other so-called "drug warriors," the easy-to-grow weed is worth more than pure gold -- and completely tax free. Any marijuana growers, sellers or traffickers arrested will soon be replaced. They always are. Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. [end]
Pastor Ted Beam's letter (Medical Field Against Legalized Marijuana, Sept. 3, 2006) could more accurately be titled: Pastor Against Legalized Marijuana. Biblically, clergy supporting cannabis prohibition isn't new and is referred to as the "Sin of the Priests" as subtitled in the New American Standard Bible (see Malachi 1:6-14). While dishonorable priests claim "the table of the Lord is to be despised," "the table of the Lord is defiled" and "as for its fruit, its food is to be despised," Our Heavenly Father, says otherwise and does so starting on the first page of the Bible. [continues 84 words]
INDEPENDENCE -- Linda Gutapfel thinks that her son might still be alive if he had fully known the dangers of what he was doing. That's why she's set out to make sure it doesn't happen again. Gutapfel's 22-year old son, Johnny, was found motionless in the foyer of their Independence home on August 27, dead of an apparent heroin overdose. Linda says her son was not a drug-user, and was likely just experimenting. "I just want people to know that this can happen the first time you try this," said Linda. "You don't have to be an addict. I don't know for sure if it would have saved his life, but I'm about 99 percent sure he wouldn't have done this if he had known more about it." [continues 784 words]
SUV Flees During Attempted Drug Sting One man died after an alleged undercover drug deal with police led to a chase yesterday. The incident began about 2 p.m. near West Manslick and Mount Holly roads when undercover Metro Narcotics officers were attempting to make a drug buy from three people in a white Chevrolet Suburban, said Officer Dwight Mitchell, a Louisville Metro Police spokesman. Metro Narcotics includes officers from metro police and other agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, Mitchell said. [continues 197 words]
Concerning the Rev. Dr. Ted Beams' view on the legalization/regulation of marijuana, I would like to say that during Prohibition, when we tried to legislate away alcohol, we instead created huge criminal organizations which benefited from huge profits. Today, we have created a similar situation wherein similar organizations have affected the world even our grandchildren will inherit. Now, we should embark on a strategy against drug prohibition and strengthen education, which proved successful in reducing tobacco use. If we wish to protect our children - a goal that God would certainly support - then we should invest in policies that remove criminals from the equation, something that prohibition has always failed to do. Malcolm Kyle The Hague, Holland [end]
Senior Pastor Dr. Ted Beam should study his Bible more diligently because his denunciation of drug plants made by the Creator insults God. Denying the usefulness of plants such as marijuana, coca, peyote cactus and psilocybe mushrooms shows extreme ignorance and a lack of faith in God. The only prohibition of any plant found in the Bible is at Genesis 2:16: The Lord God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; (17) but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." [continues 440 words]
Incumbent Cites Old Writings; Democrat's Defense Is Offense LOUISVILLE -- Rep. Anne M. Northup looked pleasant and motherly in her honeydew-green blazer, her smile as sweet as iced tea. "It's good to see all my friends here," the Kentucky Republican said in greeting the handful of reporters who braved strong wind and rain for an early-morning news conference. Dead silence. Then it was down to business. Friday's business for Northup was the attempted disembowelment of Democratic challenger John Yarmuth. Her weapon was Yarmuth's own words, preserved in a stack of newspaper columns that Northup brandished at the podium. [continues 1092 words]
The Pike County School district is working on ways to keep students from falling by the wayside. Pike County Schools superintendent Roger Wagner has taken the district's theme, "Nothing But the Kids," to a higher level this month by implementing a drug task force. The task force aims to curb drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse problems in schools by educating educators, its members and community leaders about how to spot a student or family that has a problem. Several central office staff members, community, religious and business partners, students, parents, teachers, counselors, members of the media, law enforcement officials, UNITE partners, and family resource and youth services members are partnering to make the program a success. [continues 431 words]
We all agree drug abuse is a problem. Reformers say there is a better way to handle it. Our politicians play on our fears to make us more accepting of their waste of our precious lives and resources. Drug abuse, including alcohol, is a medical problem and we'll do a better job of keeping kids drug free and inebriated folks off the road with compassionate policy offering helpful treatment War creates a booming economy for some on the suffering of many. Drug warriors are so befuddled by the noble idea of preventing drug abuse, they ignore the lessons of history. [continues 227 words]
It seems to me Dr. Ted Beam, senior pastor, should pay a little more attention to the actual wording of scripture. The verses that are being referred to in his letter, "Medical Against legalized Marijuana, Sun. Sept. 3, 2006," are Gen: 1 verses 29-31. It states "GREEN, SEED bearing HERBS," depending on what version of the Bible you are reading. I didn't know poison ivy and many other poisonous plants were seed bearing "herbs." I don't know of an herb that is greener or produces more seeds than the cannabis hemp plant (also known as marijuana). I am surprised that Beam condemns God-created mind-altering substances that he doesn't understand, and condones man created synthetics. Like it or not, God created pot. [continues 329 words]
Methamphetamine doesn't just harm its users - it also puts their children's lives in danger, two UK professors said in a television appearance. Two UK professors were scheduled to appear on the A&E Classroom channel to discuss the issue in a two-part series called "A Question of Life or Meth." Part one aired yesterday morning, and part two aired this morning at 4. Dr. Susan Pollack, a pediatrician and professor in UK's pediatrics department, and Dr. Jim Cecil, a dentist and professor in the College of Dentistry, were both featured in the series. [continues 325 words]
Even with my busy schedule, I usually make the monthly meetings for the Campbellsville-Taylor County Anti-Drug Coalition held at Taylor Regional Hospital. It matters. Removing illegal drugs from the community will help us reach many goals. We want health, prosperity and hope for our community, not despair, hopelessness and poverty. I laughed to myself when I read the recent letter from Colorado stating that marijuana could and would be used in a responsible way by responsible adults if made legal. I just don't believe that. I grew up in the 60s and 70s. I watched nickel and dime bags being passed around at concerts and festivals as the police just watched. I helped friends get home safely after they had indulged themselves in smoking the weed. And then I read that "responsible adults" would handle it properly. [continues 458 words]
In March 2003, Kentucky State Police Detective Jason Manar knocked on the door of then-Paducah resident Frederick Carl "Fritz" Krause III and his roommate, Joe Yamada in the middle of the night. The Louisville Courier-Journal reported Manar told the occupants that a young girl claimed to have been sexually assaulted inside the house, and he wanted to see if furniture matched her descriptions. The problem is there was no young girl. Another man Manar had arrested on drug charges said he bought cocaine from Krause's house. Knowing he didn't have probable cause to obtain a warrant, Manar made up the sexual assault story in order to get inside to search for drugs. [continues 465 words]
Karen Hayes (Letter: "Marijuana is a bigger problem than some think" Aug. 13, 2006), does a disservice to responsible adults who wish to use cannabis (marijuana) instead of alcohol. It does a disservice to truth and rational thinking. And a disservice to Christ God Our Father who indicated he created all the seed-bearing plants saying they are all good on literally the very first page of the Bible (see Genesis 1:11-12 and 29-30). It is commendable helping youth resist cannabis, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, sex and coffee until they are older and responsible for themselves, but caging adults for using cannabis is the wrong way to do it. [continues 55 words]
I applaud Karen Hayes and the Campbellsville/Taylor County Anti-Drug Coalition for its efforts in alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention in the community. Karen's recent article regarding marijuana was very appropriate. Yes, it is true, a person probably won't die from smoking a joint. However, marijuana remains a gateway drug for many of our young people. Teens don't usually begin their drug use by using cocaine, methamphetamine or ecstasy. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are the drugs of choice for our young people. [continues 216 words]
It sounds so good -- a drug-free, alcohol-free school system. Perhaps drug dealers would be the only ones who would say wait a minute, and it is doubtful anyone other than their cohorts would agree. While Grayson County Schools aren't saying wait a minute, they are a bit concerned about exactly how the drug-free, alcohol-free school will happen. The school board is expected to discuss this and other policy changes at its September meeting. The policy administrators are talking about is random testing of students in extracurricular activities and students who drive to school. For drivers, it would be the same test bus drivers take now. [continues 941 words]
In response to a letter to the editor on Monday, Aug. 14, stating: "I have seen the destructive effects of marijuana on the lives of young people. Marijuana use by teens can lead to a host of health, social, learning and behavioral problems." This is the point of drug reform. Ask any high school kid, "Can you get drugs at your school?" "Yes." "Can you get alcohol?" "No, you have to be 21 to buy alcohol." A light bulb comes on above their head, and they get it. I only wish adults had as much common sense. E. Jay Fleming Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Mohave Valley, Ariz. [end]
I'm puzzled by a recent letter from Karen Hayes, Campbellsville Taylor County Anti-Drug Coalition co-chair and Central Kentucky ASAP Local Board coordinator, (Marijuana is a Bigger Problem Than Some Think, Aug. 13). If marijuana use by teenagers is as dangerous as she alleges - and I'm not saying otherwise - why does she want to leave its manufacture, distribution and sales in the hands of criminal gangs? By any objective measure, alcohol and tobacco are the two most dangerous drugs in our society. Combined they kill more than 500,000 Americans every single year. We don't cede control over those dangerous drugs to criminals. Instead, we demand they be distributed only by licensed, legitimate businesses that check ID. Why does Ms. Hayes want to leave marijuana completely unregulated, untaxed and uncontrolled? Tell me again, just how is that supposed to keep children safe? 'Cause it sure isn't working so far. Regulate, tax, control. There is a better way. Greg Francisco Educators for Sensible Drug Policies Paw Paw, Mich. [end]
The things Karen Hayes of the Anti-Drug Coalition says about the dangers of marijuana are not true. They do a good job of keeping people afraid of pot, but they are false. Yes, some people will not tolerate the effects of cannabis well, but most people do. The truth is, cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol, and no one should be caged for choosing the safest alternative. We parents would be glad to teach our children about the harmful substances they will encounter, but we must have honest information before we can. After spending seven years researching cannabis prohibition, I do not appreciate the fact that we are paying $23 million a day to educate falsely and punish millions who have no victims. If you really want to help kids save their brains from destruction, please focus on activities that will actually harm them, such as inhaling household chemicals. I believe we can tell the truth and still teach them how to say no. Melanie Marshall Bellevue, Neb. [end]
Unmentioned in the letter "Marijuana is a Bigger Problem than Some Think" was my reference to the destructive effects of marijuana prohibition; increased potency and availability of illicit drugs, along with windfall pay and profits for gun toting thugs on both sides of the law. Certainly, the neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and palliative effects of pot's active ingredients are not in dispute. Yet no one reasonably prescribed armed home invasions, asset forfeiture and prison time as "treatment" for beer drinkers and cigarette smokers. Indeed, transcripts from Congressional testimony to date on the comparative safety and efficacy of marijuana consistently include false claims and outright perjury. The real problem to solve is: Why should Americans accept a war waged on us? Jose Melendez Communications Director Concerned Citizens Coalition to Criminalize Prohibition DeLand, Fla. [end]
With all the news about the devastating effects of drugs such as ecstasy, heroin and cocaine, it's easy to understand why some kids and even parents believe that marijuana is harmless. I have seen the destructive effects of marijuana on the lives of young people. Marijuana use by teens can lead to a host of health, social, learning and behavioral problems. Parents must take action to help decrease marijuana use by kids in our community. Many parents and adults, based on their own experiences with the drug, still believe that marijuana is benign and not as serious as other drugs such as ecstasy. Some adults may feel there is nothing they can do to stop their kids from experimenting. Research shows that parents are the most powerful influence on children when it comes to drugs. [continues 122 words]
Note: The Harrison Drug Court will hold its first graduation next Tuesday. This is the first of two stories on the court, with the second featuring the court's first graduate and her story of overcoming addiction. If it weren't for the drug court program run through Harrison Circuit Court, 36-year-old John Bales doesn't know where he would be today. Bales made headlines in October 2004 after being arrested on methamphetamine-related charges. In late September that year, he was driving toward town on Ky. 36 West not knowing there was an off-duty Harrison County Sheriff's deputy behind him. [continues 1299 words]
PIKEVILLE, Ky.- Williamson Fire Department Chief Jerry Mounts has obtained a new attorney. Charles Stanford (Butch) West, the Williamson attorney that had represented Mounts since the charges of tampering with physical evidence first surfaced, has filed a motion in Pike County Circuit Court to withdrawal as his counsel. The order, signed Aug. 3, 2006, by Circuit Judge Steve Combs, was filed by West July 31. The grounds for withdrawal, states that Mounts has retained other counsel for this case, and lists Attorney W. Thomas Ward, of Ward and Associates, also of Williamson, as his choice for new representation. [continues 503 words]
FORT MITCHELL --Kentucky's longest-serving D.A.R.E. officer has worked for the program nearly as long as he's been a police officer -- 18 years. Fort Mitchell Police Officer Roy Taylor kept teaching the anti-drug and alcohol program because he loves working with kids. "It took over my life. It's just something that I really enjoy doing," he said. "Working with kids is great." He was a little reluctant at first, after a co-worker volunteered him for the program in 1988. [continues 370 words]
Despite some concern among Webster County Board of Education members regarding the protection of confidentiality for those who might test positive for drugs, members at their meeting Thursday night, July 20, approved on a 4-0 vote a new policy that includes mandatory random drug testing for employees, students who participate in extracurricular activities, drive a personal vehicle on school property, or students who operate heavy machinery in the Area Technology Center's workshops. Board member Tim McCormick expressed concern that the superintendent might have to tell certain staff members if a student tests positive for drug use. [continues 930 words]
Laws Limited Sale Of Drug Ingredient Seizures of methamphetamine labs have dropped significantly in Kentucky and Indiana in the year after both states restricted the sale of products used to make the highly addictive drug. In Kentucky, meth-lab seizures fell nearly 57 percent, according to the state's Office of Drug Control Policy. "When we worked on the legislation, we talked about and we prayed and hoped for 50 percent, and we far exceeded that," said Van Ingram, branch manager of the agency's compliance section. [continues 754 words]
Frankfort Girl's Parents Held On Murder Charges A Frankfort couple face murder charges for allegedly killing their infant daughter with second-hand crack cocaine smoke. A Franklin County grand jury indictment accuses Jaime Jockers and Michael McIntyre of smoking crack in the presence of 5-month-old Brooklyn P. McIntyre, who died on March 3 in her apartment at the Stivers Apartments complex, 505 Owenton Avenue, in Frankfort. Toxicology results from the Kentucky State Police crime laboratory revealed the baby girl died from acute cocaine intoxication, Commonwealth's Attorney Larry Cleveland said yesterday afternoon. [continues 248 words]
Plan Applies To Students In Any Extracurricular Oldham County students involved in any extracurricular activity will be subject to random drug testing beginning next year, under a policy change the school board adopted unanimously last night. It applies to students involved in clubs, academic teams and other activities approved by the district but not necessary to graduate. "It's a societal issue we have to deal with," Board Chairwoman Linda Theiss said. Random drug testing has been controversial in Oldham schools since the district began testing student athletes in 1998, but this latest change brought no public dissent. [continues 371 words]
Student Activities Could Join Athletics Oldham County's student athletes have been tested randomly for drug use since 1998, but the school board is considering whether to expand the policy to include students who participate in any extracurricular activity. The board is scheduled to vote tonight on the proposed policy change, which could mean random testing for students involved in anything from the debate team to the pep club. If approved, Oldham's revised policy would go into effect next school year. [continues 672 words]
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- As the new U.S. attorney in Eastern Kentucky, Amul Thapar will likely oversee high-profile cases against political officials, child molesters, drug rings and employers who circumvent immigration laws. But his main priority, he said, is to ensure "people feel like they're getting a fair shake at every level of government, period." A son of Indian immigrants, Thapar grew up in Ohio with a strong sense of patriotism, which inspired his ambition to study and eventually enforce the laws of the United States. [continues 566 words]
Sheriff Gene Starks asked the Franklin City Commission Monday night to consider providing funding to help cover the cost of a school resource officer in the Simpson County School System. A school resource officer works with the school system in handling situations with students, including those that may involve criminal offenses. The officer also works with students on other matters, such as drugs and alcohol and other problems they may be having. In the local school system, the school resource officer is available for all five schools but works mainly with the older children at the middle and high schools. The position is separate from the DARE anti-drug use program currently conducted in the local school system by two members of the Franklin Police Department. [continues 369 words]
Methamphetamine didn't always come with such a bad name. Versions of meth have been used for medicinal purposes as far back as the early 1900s, according to Drug-Rehabs.org. Drug-Rehabs.org is a Web site that helps people find rehabilitation centers throughout the United States. The Web site stated methamphetamine was once available as Benzedrine, an over-the-counter inhalant. Methamphetamine was also used to keep soldiers alert during World War II, the Web site reported. Eric Gregory, a certified prevention specialist for Lifeskills Inc. of Bowling Green, said meth was issued in soldier rations. Gregory said it kept soldiers awake for extended periods, up to 72 hours. [continues 235 words]
Wayne Hoffman flipped vodka bottles, mixed exotic drinks and talked with many patrons perched on stools at a tavern in Texas where he bartended. One night, one of his colleagues slipped Hoffman, then 25, a "new" drug called "crank." Hoffman, already accustomed to snorting cocaine, said the homemade drug seemed "innocent" to him. Only small physical changes to his muscular physique occurred, so no one could tell that Hoffman got hooked on methamphetamine. Months later, he began bleeding internally - and praying that he would not die. [continues 1133 words]
Hockey players are often stereotyped as having a few teeth missing, but meth users are more likely to have this dental problem. "Meth mouth" results in serious destruction caused by the harsh components in methamphetamine and users quickly abandoning oral hygiene. Some of the main ingredients used in the production of meth, such as lithium and muriatic and sulfuric acids, are extremely corrosive. Meth awareness and prevention Web sites report that when a person smokes meth, those substances heat up because of vaporization and the skin inside the mouth gets irritated and burned. This creates sores. A meth user's lack of attention to personal hygiene allows for infections in these sores. [continues 340 words]
Erlanger Board Approves Project Transitions Inc. has cleared a major hurdle in its quest to build a residential drug/alcohol rehabilitation center in Erlanger. The Erlanger Board of Adjustment Monday night granted the Covington non-profit a permit to build the 100-bed facility on Pleasure Isle Drive. Transitions Executive Director Mac McArthur said Transitions planned today to close the deal to buy the property, which is just off Madison Pike. "I'm relieved. I'm delighted that this part of the struggle is over," he said Monday night. [continues 803 words]
Event Intentionally Held On 4 Marijuana. Mary Jane, Pot, Weed, Chronic, the good ol' green stuff - people know what it is. The question is whether or not it should be legal. The Campus Activities Board will be hosting "Heads vs. Feds, The Great Debate - Marijuana Legalization" at 7 tonight in DUC Theater. Steven Hager, editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, will represent the "Heads" advocating the legalization of marijuana. Bob Stutman, a retired DEA agent, will represent the "Feds" advocating the criminalization of marijuana. [continues 490 words]
Other Driver Has Previous Marijuana Charge, Open Alcohol In His Car Alcohol and drugs may have been a factor in a head-on collision yesterday that injured the wife of Lexington Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon, police said. A Lexus sport utility vehicle driven by Margaret "Missy" Scanlon collided with a Toyota Camry about 3 p.m. yesterday on Walnut Grove Lane, just off Winchester Road in rural Fayette County, Lexington police officer Todd Kleinjan said. Kleinjan did not identify the driver of the Camry, but said he had been charged with possession of marijuana. An open alcohol container also was found in the man's car, but police were still trying to determine whether the force of the accident could have opened the container. [continues 155 words]
Inside Kentucky
