Central Wisconsin political observers say the vote to legalize marijuana in two states could eventually affect Wisconsin. Lawmakers will be watching to see what happens in Colorado and Washington, where residents voted to lift long-standing bans on recreational marijuana use, said state Rep. Scott Krug, R-Rome, who represents Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District, and changes in this state might be possible. Krug, who previously served as the Wood County Drug Court administrator, said Wisconsin should put more of a focus on drug addiction treatment than the current legal system does. [continues 490 words]
WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- The majority of people arrested in connection with what was called Wood County's largest drug bust served time in jail, according to an analysis of the almost 150 cases involved. With all but one of the cases concluded from the bust that happened more than 18 months ago, the numbers tell part of the story. Of a list of 141 defendants related to the drug investigation, seven received prison sentences and 90 received jail time. Two defendants had their charges dismissed at their preliminary hearing and one was found not guilty by a jury. [continues 201 words]
Sheriff Expects To Nab 158 People WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- The biggest drug bust in the Wood County's history should put a dent in the illegal drugs available in the area, law enforcement officials say. The Wood County Sheriff's Department, with help from other agencies, started making arrests Monday. As of Wednesday, 17 defendants had made their initial appearances in court on a wide range of drug charges. Sheriff Thomas Reichert expects the department will finish with the arrests next week and 158 people will be charged in connection with the case. [continues 657 words]
A law that makes simulated drugs illegal has reduced problems in some communities, but not others, local law enforcement officials say. The Marshfield Police Department has received numerous complaints of "fake weed," Marshfield Police Officer Derek Iverson said. Manufacturers spray a plant material with a chemical designed to give the same effect as canabanoid, which is found in marijuana. "We've received reports from emergency rooms and EMS in our city," Iverson said. "People are experiencing overdose effects from using it." [continues 414 words]
The Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force has created a pamphlet to teach every area parent about drugs their children already know too much about. Methamphetamine and so-called "club drugs" such as ecstasy are becoming more popular in the region, and parents should know where they come from and what damage they can cause, say police on the task force. Kathy Scholze was surprised by the information in the pamphlet, which soon will be distributed in seven counties. She's a customer service representative for Fey Publishing Co. of Wisconsin Rapids, the firm that designed the pamphlet. [continues 419 words]
WISCONSIN RAPIDS - Members of Crime Stoppers groups from across the state got an education Friday on the parties attended and the drugs used by area young people. Raves, all-night dance parties usually advertised as alcohol-free, and the drug ecstasy usually associated with the parties, have lured sexual predators to the scene, said Glen Stanley, an 18-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Stanley was Friday's keynote speaker at the Wisconsin State Crime Stoppers Annual Training Conference held in Wisconsin Rapids this weekend. [continues 500 words]
WISCONSIN RAPIDS - Judge Edward Zappen Jr. has a message for drug dealers in Milwaukee, Rockford, Ill., and Madison. "One thing you can tell them is 'don't come to Wisconsin Rapids,'" Zappen said. "What I really get mad about is when people come up here and commit crimes." Zappen gave the message to Michael L. English, 23, of Milwaukee during his plea hearing and sentencing in Wood County Circuit Court Friday. Zappen sentenced English to 13 years' imprisonment with six years in prison followed by seven years of extended supervision for conspiracy to deliver in excess of 40 grams of cocaine. The charge was reduced from a charge of conspiracy to deliver in excess of 100 grams of cocaine as a subsequent offender. A second identical charge was dismissed. If convicted of the original charges, English would have received a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment. [continues 393 words]
The number of prescription-drug fraud arrests in central Wisconsin has more than tripled in a year, largely because of increased awareness among pharmacists and doctors. The Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force had 48 pharmaceutical-related arrests in 2001 compared with 14 in 2000. Out of the state's 32 task forces, the central Wisconsin group had the most pharmaceutical-related arrests by far, said Sterling Dewitt, Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance. Wisconsin Rapids Police Det. Phyllis Wesener said several factors are behind the number. Doctors are alert for suspicious activities, pharmacists question unusual prescriptions and both groups are reporting illegal activities. District attorneys also are willing to prosecute prescription-drug offenses, Wesener said. [continues 439 words]
