CITY POLICE, EDUCATORS BATTLE METH

Oklahoma City police are hoping key chains, videotapes and radio
personalities can help teachers keep students away from methamphetamine.
Aided by more than $90,000 in federal grant money, police and educators
have put together a package of materials designed to warn students about drugs.

The initiative -- year two of the "Life or Meth" campaign -- will be taught
in 62 schools before classes end for the summer, Oklahoma City police Maj.
Johnny Kuhlman said. About 32,000 students will participate, he said.

The program includes anti-meth videos hosted by WILD- FM 97.9 radio
personalities Joey and Heather, who will also make appearances at schools,
Kuhlman said. Since early March, radio spots warning about methamphetamine
have aired on the station.

"The first time around, we wanted to reach the public and business owners,"
Kuhlman said. "This time we're hoping to get school-age children. WILD 97.9
is the No. 1 rated station in that age group."

The goal, he said, is to have people whom students respect talk with them
about making the right choices.

Viewers will see local celebrities and athletes, and legal experts who
explain consequences of being caught with drugs or precursors, Kuhlman said.

Participants at the schools in Oklahoma City, Putnam City, Western Heights,
Millwood and Westmoore High School will receive key chains and brochures
that have numbers to call for help with drug addiction.

"Education is the key," Kuhlman said. "The more we tell them the bare facts
about drugs, the more likely it is that they will make good decisions ...
in the future. There's more to this program than enforcement."