LOCAL YOUTH GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT OF NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK

At the age of 17, Alissa Fraley is making some grown-up
decisions.

When confronted by fellow classmates who like to party and drink,
Fraley chose the road less traveled. She closed her circle of friends
while shutting out those who drink and do drugs.

"I just told them I don't think it's a good idea and I don't respect
that choice," said the Huntington High School senior. "It was easy
because I knew I had other friends who would do things that were more
responsible. You can have fun other ways."

It is always the kind of message local law enforcement wants to hear
from the mouths of teenagers. And the perfect kind of message to kick
off Red Ribbon Week in Ross County.

Red Ribbon Week runs now through Sunday and is a national campaign
focusing on educating kids about why they should steer clear of
illegal drugs and alcohol.

"The decisions you make at the spur of the moment could have rippling
consequences that could affect your life and the lives of others,"
said Sgt. Greg McKeever, of the Chillicothe post of the State Highway
Patrol. "I'm not trying to preach to you, but you must know the
magnitude of your decision today."

Fraley said she has chosen to stay drug- and alcohol-free and wants
friends who will do the same.

"It kind of upsets me when people are careless to the point of
drinking or doing drugs and driving, because I don't want my friends
to be hurt," she said. "I want them to be safe."

Capt. Thomas Hewitt, of the Chillicothe Police Department, commended
the students from Huntington and Chillicothe high schools for their
commitment.

"You are the first line of defense against the war on drugs," he said.
"By taking away the demand by saying you will not use drugs, you will
take away the need to supply drugs in your communities."