Manteno police are holding back on enforcing the village's new local cannabis ordinance that offers the choice of paying a civil fine rather than facing criminal action for those caught with a small amount of marijuana or drug paraphernalia.

"After we passed this ordinance on June 7, several trustees -- Annette LaMore and Diane Dole -- and Police Chief Bernie Thompson, said that they had some concerns about allowing those charged only two hours to come up with a $200 fine," said Mayor Tim Nugent.

"At this time Manteno will not be enforcing this ordinance until it is discussed further at the Public Safety committee meeting," LaMore said. That committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. July 28 at the Village Board Room, 211 N. Main St.

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