February 26, 2005

EDITORIAL

RVMP Moves on with Plan

Members of the River Valley Meth Project (RVMP) gathered at their monthly meeting Wednesday as they continue to inform, educate and implement plans to fight the epidemic of methamphetamine in the River Valley.

Legislation is on the governor's desk that would make it law for cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in the manufacturing of meth, to be taken off of the shelf and put behind the counter.   Consumers wanting to buy such medicines would have to sign their name and provide identification.

"I think this would have a major impact on what we (River Valley Meth Project) are doing," said David Gibbons, prosecuting attorney for the Fifth Judicial District.

We couldn't agree more.

Before the legislators dug in their heels, we outlined many issues we were concerned with.  One of those on the top of our minds was passing this bill.  We have to make it more difficult to obtain pseudoephedrine if we can effectively reduce the meth in the valley.

Another topic of concern on the agenda was presented by Pope County Sheriff Jay Winters who reiterated that funding for drug task forces has been cut and the federal government's focus was on terrorism.

"Next to terrorism, this (methamphetamine) is the biggest problem this country faces," Circuit Judge Dennis Sutterfield of Russellville said.

Once again, we couldn't agree more.

Judge Sutterfield was a guest speaker at the meeting and shared some of his experiences with drug court.

"Drug court is like throwing someone a life preserver," Sutterfield said.  "They have to reach for it. There are a lot of people drowning in this sea of drug addiction."

Sutterfield said he has learned a lot from drug court and that "we must turn this thing around."

He publically recognized Carrie Williams, a probation office and coordinator of drug court, and Glenda Hubbard, counselor of drug court, for their effort in making it work.

The first graduate of drug court will have a commencement ceremony April 12 at the Pope County Courthouse.  We look forward to covering the event and helping this person celebrate success.

Look for a feature on the drug court's progress in next week's Courier.

Fighting meth is something we should all agree on.