WAUSHARA COUNTY COMBATING METH

A coalition of Waushara County officials is coming together to combat
methamphetamine use and production before the drug becomes a bigger
problem.

The county recently organized its Meth Task Force. Members of the
group represent law enforcement, human services, and the schools.
Local clergy might also become involved. Waushara County Sheriff David
Peterson said their goal was to include all the groups that would be
affected by the drug.

"We have information that its here, but we haven't actually seen it,"
Peterson said. "We have had some anhydrous ammonia thefts."

Anhydrous ammonia is one of a number of toxic ingredients used to make
the drug in home labs. Producers use over-the-counter medications and
several common household chemicals like paint thinner and battery acid.

The highly addictive stimulant has a variety of negative consequences
for users.

Long-term use slows tissue reproduction, leaving symptoms including
gum disease. Meth also attacks the brain, leaving users with
short-term memory loss, and often, extreme paranoia.

While Wisconsin's problems with methamphetamine hasn't been as great
as other Midwestern states, use and production of the drug has grown,
officials said. Beginning in October, cold remedies used in the
production of methamphetamine will be kept behind pharmacy counters by
law in attempt to combat the drug.

Peterson said one key mission of the Waushara County task force is to
educate the community about the signs of meth production, so residents
can report suspicious activity. Warning signs might include frequent
visitors and chemical odors coming from a home. The occupants might
appear to be unemployed, but still seem to have money.

"We want to educate as many people as we can," Peterson said. "We need
people to be the eyes and ears of the community."

Signs of meth production:

The home may have extensive security or signs that indicate "Private
Property" or "Beware of Dog", or fences, large shrubs, bushes and trees.

Windows are blackened or curtains are always drawn.

Residents may notice coffee filters, bed sheets or other material
stained from filtering red phosphorous or other chemicals.

Occupants of a home may set their garbage for pick-up in another
neighbor's collection area.

There may be evidence of chemical or waste dumping like burn pits or
dead spots in the lawn

Source: Waushara County Sheriff's Department