Pubdate: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Copyright: 2004 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Contact: http://www.jsonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265 Author: Jennie Tunkieicz Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) DARE, DEPUTY FRIENDLY SAVED Cut To Horticultural Agent's Job Protested At Budget Hearing Racine - County Officials Took A D.A.R.E., But Then Gave It Back Again. An overflow crowd, many wearing red or black T-shirts supporting the Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Deputy Friendly programs, and another group dressed in green to support the University of Wisconsin Extension horticulture agent, attended the public hearing Thursday night on the proposed 2005 county budget. Rather than protest the planned elimination of DARE and Deputy Friendly, people instead thanked County Executive William McReynolds and Sheriff Robert Carlson for finding the money to keep the programs one more year. Wide support Jackie Strelow, president of the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, which led the effort to save the programs, said there was overwhelming support from people on the east and west ends of the county. Strelow gave the board petitions signed by 2,200 people in support of DARE and Deputy Friendly. The programs are being saved with money from several sources, including a planned donation from Spiegelhoff's Pick 'n Save in Burlington. McReynolds has said the community would have to find the money to keep the programs beyond 2005. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin