POLICE LOOK TO GET DRUG DOG, OFFER FREE URINALYSIS TESTS

PHILOMATH — In four days, Kime Scott will have been free of
methamphetamine for two years, free of the grip of the drug that made
her twitchy, skinny as a skeleton and hurtful to everyone in her path
if she couldn't get meth.

But hers isn't some isolated cautionary tale, even in a small town
such as Philomath.

Meth is everywhere" and easier to get than alcohol or marijuana for
teens, Scott said.

Philomath police and Benton County health workers talked about the
drug, which is highly addictive, cheap and widely available, during a
forum that more than 100 attended at Philomath Middle School on Thursday night.

Jim Gouveia, program manager for alcohol and drug treatment for the
county, said he has seen people who have lost their families, jobs
and health because of the drug.

And the associated behaviors with the methamphetamine are very risky,
such as teen prostitution, said Cindy Ertle, a county public health nurse.

The majority of your violent crime, I'll tell you right now, is meth
related," said officer Tommy Yenchik.

I deal with it in some way, shape or form every day or every night I
come to work," said officer Dave Gurski.

And Philomath police are busting more and more people for the drug,
he added. Gurski said parents should look for paraphernalia such as
plastic bags about the size of a quarter or straws, which are used to
carry meth.

Philomath Police Department has a new Parent Aid Program, where a
parent can bring their child to get a confidential urinalysis test
for drugs, with results back in minutes.

If you suspect your child is using narcotics, they probably are,"
Yenchik said. And teens will lie through their teeth if a parent
confronts them.

They need intervention," Yenchik said, and he urged people to contact
law enforcement for help.

We're not going to throw your child in jail. We're going to try and
get your child the help they need," he added.

Philomath police also are seeking to get a dog to sniff out illegal
drugs, and that matter will be before the City Council on Monday
night, said Chief Ken Elwer.

Right now, donations are at $7,000, and the department is looking for $50,000.

Audience member Amy Lev, 60 of Kings Valley, said she was heartened
by the large turnout for the event. "It's such a rampant problem.
People want to know how to protect their kids."

Any doubt that it's a big issue here? Lev said some people refer to
the town as "Full-of-meth" instead of Philomath.