NAUVOO, Ill. -- Methamphetamine isn't just a dangerous drug. It's a dangerous chemical. Firefighters, ambulance crew members and township road commissioners got a lesson in the illegal stimulant's dangers Thursday through a class aimed at showing the drug's risks to those outside law enforcement. "We have to share information with you to keep you from becoming victims," said Illinois State Police Sgt. Mike Inman, a certified meth lab safety officer and lead investigator with the West Central Illinois Task Force. [continues 1417 words]
NAUVOO, Ill. -- Hancock County's involvement in the anti-drug West Central Illinois Task Force came just in time, authorities said. The county joined the Macomb, Ill.-based, multi-agency group after the election of Sheriff John Jefferson in 1998. It was a campaign issue for Jefferson, said Chief Deputy Bill Ferrill. And it was a step that needed to be taken before methamphetamine production became rooted in the county. "We've seen a big increase," he said. "Three years ago, we didn't have meth labs." [continues 875 words]
FORT MADISON -- It has been nearly a year since pharmacist Steven Helling was arrested. To date, however, federal authorities still haven't filed charges against the man alleged to have handed out drugs like Percodan, Demerol and Ritalin with copied or altered prescriptions. "I think it was just some overzealous guy," said Helling, the 45-year-old owner of a Fort Madison pharmacy that bears his name. Helling was charged in North Lee County District Court with 15 counts of delivering a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Bond was set at $375,000, and Helling was taken to the Lee County jail after being arrested on the felony charges. [continues 445 words]
Henry County candidates dispute number of convictions. MOUNT PLEASANT -- A challenger is accusing Henry County Sheriff Ken Krabill of "reckless disregard of facts" in statements about his drug enforcement record. Meanwhile, the incumbent Republican is refuting the claim of Democratic candidate Lyle Parriott, and has a claim of his own about his opponent's use of a sample ballot in a recent advertising campaign. "They can whistle 'Dixie' all they want," Krabill said. Parriott has scheduled a news conference for 8 a.m. today at the Henry County Courthouse. A statement by the challenger dated today says Krabill is misrepresenting his record to get votes. [continues 668 words]
