COMMUNITIES MUST UNITE IN LOCAL WAR

During the past several months there have been some cases involving deaths
of Mercer County residents from drugs shared by friends.

During such a case in Mercer County Circuit Court before Judge John R.
Frazier earlier this week, an area woman was sentenced for giving a victim
methadone, which officials said led to his death. There was another case
recently involving sharing of drugs by a defendant with a man who died as
result of combination of substances.

These recent cases introduced a different result of drug abuse to area
courts.

We know there is a growing problem in Four Seasons Country involving the
illegal use of drugs and we are also aware that there is an ongoing effort
by our law enforcement agencies and task forces to control the crime.

Judge Frazier denied a motion for probation by the defendant. He said he
realizes the death of the victim was not an intentional act - but it was
illegal conduct.

"This is a drug case with the ultimate consequence for using drugs," the
judge said. He also commented the drug abuse problem in Mercer County has
"never been any worse than it is now."

That is a disturbing fact acknowledged by the court.

Not ignoring the human cost of drug abuse, we also recognize the cost of
crime investigation and related law and court activities is costly to
taxpayers. County governments in West Virginia are burdened with large bills
for prisoners from the regional jails and prisons. A large portion of the
docket for courts is now taken with drug or drug-related crimes that were
not a major factor in judicial processes 10 years ago.

As a nation we face many problems that usually capture the headline spaces
in newspapers - war, government, natural disasters, etc. Simply, drugs are
eroding life in our area, the country and the world.

Law enforcement - with limited staffs and funds - and the courts are doing
their best. We as citizens must join the war. Report drug incidents. Make
sure your children understand the dangers of using drugs and they say "no."
Join community groups and encourage united efforts to remove drug traffic
and use from local neighborhoods.

It's only when we as a united people stand tall against a destructive
element in our community that it is removed. We can't afford to let it
spiral more out of control - for the sake of people and tax dollars.