Pubdate: Thu, 10 Feb 2005
Source: Parkersburg News, The (WV)
Copyright: 2005, The Parkersburg News
Contact:  http://www.newsandsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1648
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DESPITE RECENT VIOLENCE, AREA IS STILL A SAFE PLACE

Never before, at least in recent memory, has there been a more violent 
weekend than the one that just past. Three apparent murders-two victims 
found in 19th Street apartment after fire officials were summoned to a 
blaze at the residence, and another, also burned, found in a field in 
Mineral Wells occurred within hours of each other.

Police are investigating whether there is a connection between the three 
victims.

In addition there also was a separate shooting incident Saturday that sent 
two people to the hospital, one in critical condition.

Two Columbus residents have been arrested in this incident, which 
apparently took place during a party. This violence has left residents 
feeling shaken, concerned, apprehensive, and possibly even angry.

While no reason is yet known-or has been given-for any of the incidents, 
many feel drugs played a major role. And this has many people here pointing 
the finger at a perceived influx of troublemakers from larger cities.

This may or may not be true. What cannot be denied is we have enough 
homegrown drug dealers, and users, especially those involved in 
methamphetamines, or meth. This is an extremely volatile drug, both in its 
production and in its effect on users.

For many years, Wood County has been known to be a hotbed of meth activity, 
so much that law enforcement officials have lobbied the Legislature for 
special laws dealing with this problem.

The alleged murders have shaken residents.

This is understandable, especially given the level of violence which 
apparently occurred during their commission. However, this is still one of 
the safest communities in which to live and raise a family.

The crime rate is one of the lowest in West Virginia and the majority of 
crimes are solved and alleged perpetrators eventually prosecuted. It was 
probably too much to hope the type of big-city crime would never reach our 
borders.

Today's world is a much smaller world made even smaller by television and 
the Internet. It should be no surprise that this type of violent behavior 
can happen here.

However, what should be a surprise, in our opinion, is it is so uncommon 
here. One of the reasons violent crime has not taken root here is the 
attitude of the residents.

Parkersburg resident Joe Bello grew up in New York City and he knows the 
difference. "I don't think this area is dangerous," he told the newspaper. 
"Eventually the bad will be rooted out because there is more good. It's a 
matter of making it more difficult for crime to happen."

What happened Saturday morning was shocking.

Our sympathies go out to the families of these three victims and it is our 
hope that those responsible will face justice in the near future.

However, it must be remembered, this is an isolated incident, it is not the 
norm. The Mid-Ohio Valley residents make this type of incident too 
difficult to be normal.
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MAP posted-by: Beth