RED RIBBON WEEK BEGINS OCT. 22

CLERMONT COUNTY -- The Clermont County commissioners proclaimed the
week of Oct. 22 as Red Ribbon Week in Clermont County. The week, part
of a nationwide observance, is designed to increase awareness about drug abuse.

"On Thursday, Oct. 19, there will be a Red Ribbon Week kick off at
the Red Barn Market in Batavia," said Commissioner Bob Proud, who
also serves as a member of the Clermont County Drug-Free Coalition.
"We invite everyone to come to the kick-off at 6:30 p.m. to support
our youth and encourage them to make positive choices in their lives."

The Red Ribbon Week kick-off is sponsored by the Clermont Drug-Free
Coalition and will include a presentation from Staff Sgt. Paul
Brondhaver, a local Purple Heart recipient. A puppet show, various
demonstrations, informational booths and free pizza also will be
available. Additional information about the event is available by
calling the Mental Health and Recovery Board at 732-5400.

"We want to collectively support a drug free initiative for all of
our students so they can lead a productive life in our community,"
said John Kies, associate director of the Clermont County Mental
Health and Recovery Board.

The Red Ribbon campaign was launched nationwide, after drug
traffickers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, an agent with the
Drug Enforcement Agency in 1985. This began the continuing tradition
of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use
of drugs. The mission of the campaign is to present a unified and
visible commitment toward the creation of a drug free America.