Meth fight, trade push, reading projects going well

TWIN FALLS -- Wednesday, Gov. Dirk Kempthorne wrapped up a series of
meetings with law enforcement officials around the state on his strategy to
fight methamphetamine producers.

The state plans to coordinate local, state and federal officers' efforts,
creating a seamless attack of the problem.

These meetings, held in Idaho Falls, Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston and
Twin Falls, gave Kempthorne and his staff a chance to hear the concerns of
local police and sheriffs' departments.

Rural officers say they don't have the resources to go after crank labs.
Kempthorne says his plan should put the personnel and know-how where police
officers need it.

So far this year, police have busted 145 meth labs in Idaho, and the Idaho
State Police estimates another 24 labs will be busted by the end of the year.

Later Wednesday, Kempthorne met with The Times-News' editorial board.