DESPITE RECENT VIOLENCE, AREA IS STILL A SAFE PLACE

Never before, at least in recent memory, has there been a more violent
weekend than the one that just past. Three apparent murders-two victims
found in 19th Street apartment after fire officials were summoned to a
blaze at the residence, and another, also burned, found in a field in
Mineral Wells occurred within hours of each other.

Police are investigating whether there is a connection between the three
victims.

In addition there also was a separate shooting incident Saturday that sent
two people to the hospital, one in critical condition.

Two Columbus residents have been arrested in this incident, which
apparently took place during a party. This violence has left residents
feeling shaken, concerned, apprehensive, and possibly even angry.

While no reason is yet known-or has been given-for any of the incidents,
many feel drugs played a major role. And this has many people here pointing
the finger at a perceived influx of troublemakers from larger cities.

This may or may not be true. What cannot be denied is we have enough
homegrown drug dealers, and users, especially those involved in
methamphetamines, or meth. This is an extremely volatile drug, both in its
production and in its effect on users.

For many years, Wood County has been known to be a hotbed of meth activity,
so much that law enforcement officials have lobbied the Legislature for
special laws dealing with this problem.

The alleged murders have shaken residents.

This is understandable, especially given the level of violence which
apparently occurred during their commission. However, this is still one of
the safest communities in which to live and raise a family.

The crime rate is one of the lowest in West Virginia and the majority of
crimes are solved and alleged perpetrators eventually prosecuted. It was
probably too much to hope the type of big-city crime would never reach our
borders.

Today's world is a much smaller world made even smaller by television and
the Internet. It should be no surprise that this type of violent behavior
can happen here.

However, what should be a surprise, in our opinion, is it is so uncommon
here. One of the reasons violent crime has not taken root here is the
attitude of the residents.

Parkersburg resident Joe Bello grew up in New York City and he knows the
difference. "I don't think this area is dangerous," he told the newspaper.
"Eventually the bad will be rooted out because there is more good. It's a
matter of making it more difficult for crime to happen."

What happened Saturday morning was shocking.

Our sympathies go out to the families of these three victims and it is our
hope that those responsible will face justice in the near future.

However, it must be remembered, this is an isolated incident, it is not the
norm. The Mid-Ohio Valley residents make this type of incident too
difficult to be normal.