COUNCIL SET TO DECIDE DRUG-FREE ZONE ISSUE

HOUMA -- Terrebonne Parish Council members may take action Monday on a
proposal to create Drug-Free Zones near religious buildings.

Member Wayne Thibodeaux has been championing the cause since he asked the
council to create one such zone near Morning Star Baptist Church in
Schriever in early October.

Deacons from the church's board asked the council to approve the measure.

A Drug-Free Zone would establish tougher penalties for anyone convicted of
drug offenses within 1,000 feet of the church, at 108 Livas Lane.

Parish attorneys told the council that state law does not include churches
in the list of areas local officials can establish as Drug-Free Zones.
Thibodeaux disagreed with that opinion and with the council's vote to ask
for a state attorney general's opinion on the matter.

The church does have the ability to post signs and establish its grounds as
a Drug-Free Zone on its own. The deacons' letter says activity near the
church includes illegal use and sale of drugs and is "negatively impacting
the quality of life for the senior citizens and youths in the community."

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