HUNTINGTON -- While police and FBI continue to focus on a Detroit connection with the slayings of four local teens, and Fairfield West families rally support to slow the Detroit crack cocaine trade on their neighborhood streets, counselors and support groups battle drugs in a different way. One by one, they help the victims of drug abuse move through the process of detoxification and fighting their addictions. Federal surveys estimate that 3.6 percent of the over-12 population in the U.S. has tried crack cocaine. In a community the size of the Tri-State, that could mean almost 10,000 people. But counselors say it's difficult to gauge the scope of the problem here. [continues 1052 words]
Area Residents Get Chance To Meet Candidates At Two Regional Forums HUNTINGTON -- Safety and drug prevention were top concerns for Fairfield residents who attended a Meet the Candidates Forum Tuesday at the A.D. Lewis Community Center. The Huntington Chapter of the NAACP hosted the forum, where Mayoral candidates Dave Felinton (incumbent), Rick Houvouras, Tom McCallister, Larry Patterson and Charlie Thompson, all Democrats, and Republican Leonard Samworth discussed ways to stop drug crime, along with issues such as improving city streets and communication between the City Council and administration. [continues 837 words]
Events Across Tri-State Encourage Youths To Keep Away From Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco Teresa Frieson grinned as her two daughters battled it out in a hula hoop contest Tuesday at Huntington's Northcott Court. While other children awkwardly wiggled their hips, Frieson's girls stood with their arms folded, effortlessly keeping their hoops in motion. The older sister won, but they both got T-shirts for talent. "This is good for the kids," Frieson said as hoops clattered around her. "It's a day that they don't have to see drugs." [continues 523 words]
