Most users of illegal drugs know about their dangers hypothetically, but they don't think they themselves will ever get hurt. The fact is, though, that people do get hurt and some people even die from misusing drugs, including right here in Athens County. Last year, according to local officials, around 10-12 people died from drug or alcohol overdoses in Athens County, in addition to others who may have died while driving under the influence or who had drugs or alcohol in their system when they officially died from other causes. [continues 856 words]
Alexander High School officials explained the school's new drug-testing policy to affected parents last Thursday evening, while outside the school some parents passed around a petition opposing the drug testing. The meeting was intended for parents and students involved with athletics, and was a regular session that the school district holds before the beginning of every school year. The school also holds meetings with parents and students before the winter sports season. Larry Herges, athletic director for Alexander High School, led the meeting and explained the philosophies and rules behind the school's athletic program. Drug testing was part of the discussion, but Herges stressed that he was only there to discuss the policy the school board put into place, not to discuss whether people agreed or disagreed with the policy. [continues 780 words]
Drug and alcohol testing may be coming soon to Alexander High School, but it already has been a way of life at the Nelsonville-York City School District for the last two years. The Alexander Local School Board is expected to vote at its meeting next month on a new policy to test Alexander High School students for drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Dave Kasler, president of the Alexander Local School Board, said Wednesday that students in athletics and all students who drive to school will be subjected to mandatory and random testing if the policy is approved. [continues 1478 words]
The Alexander Local School District is moving forward on a new student drug-testing policy. The proposed policy calls for testing for all athletes and cheerleaders, as well as all students who drive to school, said school Supt. Bob Bray. The board held its first reading on the issue at the Thursday meeting, and it will be up for a vote at the next board meeting. "This would be a first for Alexander," Bray acknowledged. If the drug-testing policy is approved, student athletes will be tested because they represent the school and because the district does not want them to be hurt while they're involved in practices or games, Bray said. [continues 261 words]
The two Democratic candidates for Athens County Sheriff have different views on how they can best serve the county, and what the sheriff should do to protect the people. Incumbent Vern Castle is squaring off against challenger Glenn Burchfield in the March 2 Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican former sheriff David Redecker and possibly independent Pat Kelly, though Kelly has not announced yet if he is running for sheriff. Burchfield has been running his campaign on the idea of running the sheriff's office with a no-nonsense approach, being more pro-active than Castle, and making more of an effort to stop drug crimes in the county. [continues 849 words]
Nearly 100 high school and junior high students in Nelsonville-York District were tested last week for drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and more will be tested throughout the school year. But while school officials in Nelsonville are pleased with their new drug testing program, and are considering expanding it to include more students, there are no plans to do any drug testing in either the Alexander or Athens school districts. Carl Martin, superintendent of the Athens City School District, said last week that the school does not do any drug testing of students and the school board has not even discussed the issue. [continues 1270 words]
A local government agency that works on drug treatment and drug prevention programs is trying to become a non-profit corporation separate from the Athens County government. And while the agency tries to evolve, at least two Athens County Commissioners have some questions about how the agency is being organized and whether it's the best way to fight the drug war. The agency in question is the Athens/Hocking/Vinton Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes (TASC). Charles Walker, director of operations for TASC, discussed the changes that TASC wants to undertake with the commissioners last week. [continues 408 words]
The criminal case against an Athens man accused of possessing more than 21 pounds of marijuana in his home was put in jeopardy last Thursday when questions about how the man was arrested were raised in a court hearing. According to sheriff's reports, Keith Hineerliter was arrested at his West Wilson Road residence in Athens County on Jan. 17 after law enforcement officers were alerted to a package filled with marijuana that was set to be delivered to Hineerliter's home. Athens County Sheriff's deputies and Athens Police officers delivered the package to Hineerliter's home, and then searched his home and arrested him 20 minutes after the delivery. [continues 617 words]
