Copyright: 2005 Battle Creek Enquirer
Contact: http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1359
Author: Trace Christenson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

STATE ATTORNEY GIVES METH WARNING AT AWARD CEREMONY

As 16 awards were presented Friday for work in preventing substance
abuse, a United States attorney said new drug problems are coming.

Margaret Chiara, United States Attorney for the Western District of
Michigan, told the Substance Abuse Council of Greater Battle Creek
that methamphetamine is a growing problem.

"We must be conscious of the methamphetamine problem," she said
during the awards breakfast at Calhoun Area Technology Center. "It is
in many cases a death sentence."

Chiara said the drug especially is a problem among Native Americans
in west Michigan, and across the state, meth use places children at
risk for emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

She said a new program to protect children whose family members are
using methamphetamine will be launched later this year.

But Chiara said the meth problem is one that will take efforts from
public health, social services, schools and others, in addition to
law enforcement.

"We can't arrest our way out of the meth menace," she said. "It's a
public health menace."

Those receiving awards during the 19th community recognition breakfast were:

Reggie LaGrand, director of the Calhoun County Juvenile Home, for
making substance abuse prevention an important component in his programs.

Dana Berkes, substance abuse facilitator for The Advocates Juvenile
Diversion Program, for her time with youth who are first-time
criminal offenders.

Teri Christ, a senior at Lakeview High School and teen presenter for
Teen HEART (Health Education Affirming Positive Teens), who serves as
a member of the area Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership and
Lakeview's Reproductive Health Board. She presents educational
programs to junior high youth that promote a healthy lifestyle and
encourage kids to abstain from sexual activity, drugs and alcohol.

Calhoun County District Judge Samuel I. Durham Jr., who has been
instrumental in the formation and continuation of the county's drug court.

Calhoun County Circuit Judge Conrad Sindt, who through his career has
focused his efforts on preventing substance abuse and prosecuting
those who deal drugs in the community. He now presides over the
Calhoun County Men's Drug Court.

Nuala Wilmanski and Tammy Newman, parents who have devoted many hours
to educating youth about the consequences of tobacco use as part of
the social marketing project of Lakeview Schools.

The Rev. Elmer R. Hess Sr., pastor at First Pentecostal Church, who
broadcasts a message of healthy lifestyles and substance abuse
prevention through his gospel radio ministry on WFPM 99.5.

Deirdre Ford, an assistant Calhoun County prosecuting attorney who
has been working with the drug court since 2003 and serves as the
liaison between law enforcement and the prosecutor's office.

Calhoun County Sheriff Department Sgt. Todd Miller, for work in the
Under Age Drinking Forum conducting compliance checks in area stores.

Mary Ann Skidmore, who works in the Life Recovery Program at The
Haven and encourages men to overcome addictions and establish
drug-free lives for themselves.

Ethan Stout, a student at Tekonsha Middle School, who organized the
"Kids Into Taking Action" (KITA) tobacco prevention after-school
program and was active in the Kick Butts Week.

Grace A. Cowens, owner and executive director of Gracious Homes Inc.,
a Transitional House in Battle Creek that provides long-term
residential placement opportunities and supervised treatment for the
homeless and recovering substance-abusing individuals.

The Violence Prevention Partnership, which has helped Calhoun County
become safer and healthier by establishing prevention measures for
citizens and law enforcement that will increase safety and awareness.

Vince Munoz, a Battle Creek police officer and the police liaison
officer at Battle Creek Central High School. He has built positive
relationships with the staff, students and families to create bridges
between Battle Creek Public Schools, the police department and the community.

The Rev. Chris Yaw, associate rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church,
for his work organizing the Battle Creek Prostitution Roundtable,
which educates the public about the direct link between substance
abuse and prostitution.