Pubdate: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: David Blackburn FIGHTING DRUGS CANDIDATES' TOP PRIORITY Candidate Profiles: Muhlenberg Co. Sheriff The two men seeking the Democratic nod for Muhlenberg County sheriff agree that getting rid of drugs is the top priority for the office. Jerry Mayhugh of Central City, who has been sheriff since 1993, and Jeffery Keeton of Greenville, a former deputy sheriff, say they want to tackle the county's problem with drugs, particularly methamphetamine. Mayhugh is seeking his third term. "This time, I don't mind telling you I'm running on my record," he said. Mayhugh said his office has stepped up such efforts and has increased meth- and marijuana-eradication training for deputies. Those efforts have also had an indirect benefit for the office. Mayhugh said he bought three laptop computers and three digital cameras with confiscated drug money. "We've got to turn to technology to keep up with the times," said Mayhugh, who noted that patrol cars had no blue lights and few handcuffs when he took office. Mayhugh hopes to use computers to improve efficiency by linking his office with the Muhlenberg County Central Dispatch and the circuit and district courts. Mayhugh also wants to get more training in using computers for the office's court service duties. Keeton, 38, said Muhlenberg County ranks among the state's worst in terms of drugs. "I'd like to change that," he said. Keeton wants to have a deputy in various schools three or four times a week and wants to use a drug-sniffing dog to do weekly inspections in the high and middle schools. The reason for the emphasis on schools is because parents have said their children are offered drugs there, said Keeton, who has a daughter about to start high school. Keeton said there needs to be more cooperation between the sheriff's department and other agencies, such as the Kentucky State Police. "Everybody's got to work together," he said. "Getting drugs is the main thing." Keeton, a former policeman in Pioneer Village near Shepherdsville in the late 1980s, was a sheriff's deputy for about 31/2 years, all but the first under Mayhugh. Keeton, who owns Hidden Valley Auto Sales & Body Shop in Luzerne, left the sheriff's department in 1995. Keeton said he left because he and Mayhugh "just couldn't see eye to eye"; Mayhugh said Keeton wanted to pursue business efforts. - --- Name: Jerry Mayhugh Address: 101 Mayhugh Lane, Central City Age: 56 Family: Wife, Carol Ann; daughters, Kim Oliver and Kelli Rose Previous office: Sheriff since 1993 - --- Name: Jeffery Keeton Address: 132 Raymer Massey Lane, Greenville Age: 38 Family: Wife Terry; daughter Bridget Previous office: None - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens