KIDS & DRUGS - PARENTS, OFFICIALS PONDER WHAT TO DO

Drug use and kids is an issue that affects communities across the
state and nation.

From alcohol and marijuana to methamphetamines -- parents, kids and
teens need to be aware of and understand these drugs and learn how to
deal with them, said a panel of officials on the front line of this
fight in Lincoln County.

A forum held in Lincoln City on Sunday, Oct. 22, gave the community a
better idea of this issue and what agencies and organizations are
doing to help young people in areas of prevention, enforcement and
treatment.

Those who spoke included Lincoln County District Attorney Bernice
Barnett, Lincoln City Police Chief Steven Bechard, and Assistant
County Counsel Rob Bovett.

The forum at the Oceanlake Elks Lodge was organized by Sue Ryan,
chairperson of "drug awareness" with the Oceanlake Elks. She is also
municipal court clerk for the city of Lincoln City and has seen
first-hand -- personally and through work -- how drugs can affect
children and families. As the municipal clerk in town for 20 years,
Ryan said she has already seen three generations of families cited for
alcohol-related offenses, such as driving under the influence. To her,
it's vital to inform all family members and the community about the
consequences of alcohol abuse and how it affects not just yourself but
your family and community.

On a personal note, Ryan said she and her husband raised their three
now-grown grandchildren from the time they were little, because of the
drug addiction of both of their parents. She said she knows only too
well how drugs can affect families and children.

Topics covered include the effects of meth on families and the
community, how alcohol use is a serious problem among teens and how
local agencies can work together to combat drugs.

While the event was sparsely attended, it seemed to have a profound
influence on five teens in attendance.

The teens are all participants in Lincoln County Teen Court and were
required to be there. Nick Blake, 15, of Rose Lodge, a Taft High
student, said what the panel spoke about -- especially the part about
what meth does to people -- was an eye-opener.

"I admit it, I was forced to come," he said, but he admitted he was
glad he did. "They gave us good information I did not know about with
meth. It's scary what it can do. ... I didn't know the mental things
it can do to you."

Before, Blake said he felt neutral about meth -- now he says he is
staunchly again the drug and does not want it near his school or his
friends.

Sam Seed, 17, of Lincoln City, a student at Taft, said he would love
it if they could do a panel presentation like the one on Sunday during
a large assembly, for all the students at Taft Middle and High.

To Seed, the information given on drugs and alcohol and the problems
that occur is something all teens in town need to know.

"More people need to hear what we did" he said.

Teen Court gives first-time teen offenders with citations -- such as
minor in possession of alcohol, trespass and criminal mischief -- a
chance to be judged by peers and not have the offense on their
permanent record. The teens go through a court of their peers, which
includes teen attorneys and a teen jury, who listen to their case. As
part of the program, the teens are required to be on a jury and learn
of other teens' experiences.

Mindy Baxter, Teen Court Coordinator, said the court is a valuable
tool to hold teens accountable and at the same time do something that
can help curb repeat offenses.

Having them be tried by fellow teens is something teens seem to
respond well to.

She said it shows "the power of youth talking to youth."

Baxter said it is vital for local agencies to continue to work
together on these issues.

"We are one of the few counties that have such a united front on this
issue," she said.

Barnett agreed with these sentiments and said the more they work
together "the more we can accomplish."

She added that while the district attorney's office is working closely
on prevention issues, teens need to realize if they are caught with
drugs and alcohol -- especially continued use -- they will be held
accountable for their actions.

Hopefully, Barnett said, those teens that experience the court system
"don't like it and won't repeat the behavior."

Bovett, one of the key players in the county and state on meth
prevention, spoke about a group of television commercials on meth that
students from schools throughout the county have created during the
last few years.

This school year, Bovett is in the beginning stages of having students
from the county charter schools, including Career Tech in Lincoln
City, work on meth awareness commercials.

He is also working to start commercials made by students at the county
high schools, including Taft High, on underage drinking.

Ryan said she hopes to hold another forum, hopefully sometime next
year.