LAPORTE -- At Kesling Middle School Thursday, Red Ribbon Week's anti-drug message came through via the story of a father's loss of his only child to heroin. Mann Spitler of Valparaiso, who lost his 20-year-old daughter Manda in March 2002, spoke to Kesling students as the highlight of the school's anti-drugs week. As Spitler wove a tapestry of tragedy, describing his daughter's happy childhood through her devastating final hours, sixth- and eighth-grade students listened in silent awe. [continues 394 words]
State Police Launch New 'Watch Kits' For Retailers LAPORTE COUNTY -- Indiana State Police are recruiting retailers as cornerstones in the fight against methamphetamine. State police have launched a voluntary educational program called Meth Watch, and are distributing Meth Watch Kits to local retailers. "Retailers across Indiana welcome Meth Watch so we can continue to educate our employees, customers and communities about meth abuse," Grant Monahan, president of the Indiana Retail Council, said in a state police press release. Indiana Meth Watch is a statewide campaign aimed at slowing the spread of methamphetamine sales and use in Indiana communities. The program is administered by the Meth Free Indiana Coalition, comprised of more than 15 state government agencies working with retailers, groceries, pharmacies, gas stations and convenience stores. [continues 425 words]
