BARBOUR BOE ASKS MEMBER TO RESIGN OVER DRUG CHARGE

PHILIPPI (AP) -- A member of the Barbour County Board of Education has been
asked to resign following his conviction on a drug charge.

The board voted unanimously Monday to ask for the resignation of member
Jeff Byrne, 39, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of crack
cocaine earlier this month.

Byrne received a 90-day suspended sentence and was placed on probation for
six months.

"This was something that had to be done," said Barbour County
Superintendent John Hager after the vote.

Byrne was elected to the Board of Education in 1996.

If he resigns, board members have 45 days to name a replacement. His term
ends in 2003.