LUDLOW - Voters at Monday's annual Town Meeting approved a bylaw which prohibits the consumption of marijuana in public places. The new law, which was approved by a majority vote of those at the Town Meeting, is enforceable by a $300 fine. Police Sgt. Louis E. Tulik advocated for passage of the law on the Town Meeting floor. Tulik said the law will prevent groups of people from having "the audacity to smoke" in public places with the state decriminalization of possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. [continues 242 words]
WILBRAHAM - The Board of Selectmen has given permission to Police Chief Allen M. Stratton to fill the position of DARE officer for the town's elementary and middle schools. The position has been vacant since DARE officer Dennis J. LaPlante went out on sick leave. He retired in October. Town Administrator William J. Fogarty told Stratton Tuesday he must check with the town accountant to determine when the funds for the position are available. The funding for the position is included in the budget for the current fiscal year, Stratton said. [continues 161 words]
WILBRAHAM - The Board of Selectmen will decide in January whether to replace the Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer in the elementary and middle schools. Police Officer Dennis LaPlante, who has been on sick leave, anticipates retiring in January. Selectman Patrick Brady said studies have shown there is no statistical difference in drug use depending on whether students have had a DARE program or not. School Superintendent Paul C. Gagliarducci said it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of a DARE program. [continues 208 words]
WILBRAHAM - Drug Abuse Resistance Education programs are effective if they are given repeatedly throughout a child's education, DARE officer Dennis LaPlante tells parents. They are ineffective if they are taught only in one grade, according to LaPlante. Wilbraham has a strong DARE program, backed by the regional school district, the town's selectmen and police chief, and students here receive DARE education in grades three, five, seven and again in high school. In addition, LaPlante runs five-week programs for adults. [continues 202 words]
