The magistrates were not only pleased with over $27,000 in grants Gregory has obtained for local law enforcement efforts, but they also like what he's doing in getting out the word about the dangers and prevalence of drugs in Logan County, especially methamphetamine.
"Drugs are the number one problem we've got in Logan County," Magistrate Dickie Carter said. "I've heard that it's on the Internet how easy it is to buy and sell drugs in Logan County, especially the anhydrous ammonia (that's used in meth). It's an an epidemic level and has touched every family."
Gregory has prepared a program which he takes to schools, churches, clubs... anywhere people are willing to listen. The day before the meeting, he had talked with 180 Auburn School students-- 60 at a time. Presentations last from 30 minutes to an hour, and then often question-and-answer periods extend much longer.
Gregory is quick to give credit to new Sheriff Wallace Whittaker for keeping a campaign promise to help educate people on the dangers of drugs.
Carter asked Whittaker if the county has a drug detective. Whittaker answered yes, that Deputy Stephen Stratton has moved into that position. "When we had such a shortage of deputies, we needed him on the road. Now we've been able to move him to drug detective," Whittaker said.
"If you need the court to provide money for another detective or to do something else to fight drugs, I think we ought to do it," Carter said.
Whittaker said, "We're making progress and we have a drug detective now, but there's no way he can do it all by himself. We get good cooperation from the Russellville Police Department's drug enforcement efforts, but there still is a lot more to be done."
Gregory said plans are being formed to create a multi-county drug enforcement group for Logan, Simpson and Butler counties.
One of the grants he has obtained is from the Pennyrile Meth Task Force. It's for $5,000, as is a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. The largest is $14,500 in the former of a Governor's Highway Safety Grant.
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