DRUG TASK FORCE MAY STAY AFLOAT

The future is looking hopeful as the North Texas Regional Drug Task
Force goes into the final days of its efforts to stay afloat.

The task force, which works drug cases in a 13-county area, lost much
of its funding when national and state money was rerouted to other
purposes.

This week Cooke County and Throckmorton County voted to continue with
the program, according to John Spragins, an officer with the unit.

Bowie City Council members voted last week to send a strong message of
support and more than doubled its contribution, allocating $25,000 to
the task force.

Councilman Tracy Clower said not to participate would be "stupid," and
go against all the citizens who have said how important fighting drugs
is in the city.

Montague County commissioners voted to go with an $11,000
contribution, which was above the $5,000 it had budgeted.

Wichita County commissioners and Wichita Falls City Council members
are due to vote on funding for the task force next week, ending the
money quest.

The goal has been to secure enough money to operate for six more
months in hopes the state will reinstitute funding at that time.