Perhaps a little bit of common sense is finally beginning to seep into our national drug policy. Some states allow medical marijuana, but those who followed their state laws strictly could still be busted thanks to the conflicting federal drug laws. But President Barack Obama has loosened guidelines, essentially telling medical marijuana suppliers that the feds will look the other way as long as the pot people follow their own state laws. This is a baby step in the right direction, but there's a long way to go before we really begin to free ourselves of the clutch of "Reefer Madness"-style hysteria about pot smoking. [continues 553 words]
MASON CITY - Counseling and law enforcement professionals visited with small groups of Illini Central High School students during lunch periods this week to warn them of the dangers of substance abuse. Like many schools across the nation, the IC middle and high school observed Red Ribbon Week to educate and motivate students against the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Mason County Coroner Jerry Hurley gave a Power Point presentation of scenes from local accidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. [continues 290 words]
Strohl Gets Probation For Mom's Botched Meth Scheme The daughter of a former Lincoln police officer pleaded guilty today to charges she conspired with her mother, former Lincoln police Cpl. Diana Short, to manufacture methamphetamine to raise bond money for Short's release. Logan County Circuit Judge David Coogan sentenced Brianna D. Strohl, 24, of the 100 block of Grand Avenue to 48 months probation and 180 days in jail after she admitted to the botched drug scheme. Strohl pleaded guilty to unlawful criminal drug conspiracy, a Class II felony, which allows for up to seven years in prison. [continues 240 words]
Former Lincoln Police Cpl. Diana R. Short pleaded guilty Thursday, formally admitting she grew marijuana in the basement of her home and conspired with her daughter to manufacture methamphetamine. Short, 46, faces at least nine and up to 37 years in prison. She will be sentenced at 11 a.m. Oct. 6. According to the plea agreement reached between Logan County State's Attorney Tim Huyett and her defense attorneys, assistant public defender Joel Diers of Lincoln and her hired attorney Fredrick Schlosser of Springfield, Short pleaded guilty to specific charges in exchange for others being dismissed. [continues 366 words]
