Pubdate: Sat, 15 Jul 2000
Source: Hawk Eye, The (IA)
Copyright: 2000 The Hawk Eye
Contact:  attn: Letters, P.O. Box 10, Burlington IA 52601-0010
Fax: 319-754-6824
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Website: http://www.thehawkeye.com/
Author: Jim Rudisill

DRUG TASK FORCE FUNDED DESPITE CONCERNS

COLUMBUS JUNCTION --Despite concerns that a local area drug task force
seems to be concentrating its activities outside of Louisa County and
failing to communicate with local governments, Columbus Junction
officials say they plan to continue supporting the group.

Mayor Earlene Lekwa told the council Wednesday that IBP had recently
agreed to donate $500 to the Washington and Louisa Narcotics
Enforcement Team.

The team, which was formed last year, handles drug cases in Washington
and Louisa counties. IBP donated $5,000 last year to help provide
matching funds for a federal grant that was used to form the group.

Other funding support comes from Columbus Junction, Fredonia, Columbus
City, Louisa County, Washington and Washington County.

Despite the good news from IBP, several council members said a recent
newspaper article raised concerns over the benefits the team was
providing to Columbus Junction and communications between WALNET and
local government officials.

Councilman Tom Sands said the June 22 article in the Washington
Journal indicated the team had handled 53 cases since being formed,
but only two were from Louisa County.

"I want to know, are we subsidizing Washington County?" he
asked.

Councilman Steve Mohror agreed the numbers were a concern.

"I find it a little surprising because when (Louisa County Sheriff)
Herb (Eutsler) and (Columbus Junction Police Chief) Marlin (O'Donnell)
were here, they made it sound like this town needed (the task force)
more than anyone else," he said.

"It's always possible they may be working on something they can't tell
anyone about," councilman Merlin Miller said.

Councilman Mark Huston acknowledged that could be happening but
suggested the team could still provide updates to the local
governments that are helping to support the team.

"It would be nice to have more information," he said.

Lekwa said she was told some of the communities involved have taken a
more hands-off approach and that may account for the lack of
information being provided to other communities.

Huston said regardless of what information other communities want
about the team's activities, he favors getting more reports.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens